24. The Small Pass

It's the night of the second day of the Inter-High. Sakamichi encounters Hakone Academy alum Toudou Jinpachi on a mountain road, who says he's riding because he received a call from someone. That man is... Makishima Yuusuke! As Sakamichi experiences a mix of surprise and joy, Makishima and Toudou begin to race! They tie again and again as they race a second, then a third time... Sakamichi's emotions rise as he watches them. After their race, Makishima tells Onoda to stay true to himself, and Onoda's resolve is renewed. Meanwhile, Manami's competitive spirit also swells upon hearing Toudou's words.