Sakamichi turns his pedals in order to fulfill his promise to battle Manami at the Inter-high. He and his team catch up to Hakone Academy, but it's not the lead pack. Ashikiba and Midousuji have gone on ahead. Due to the change in circumstances, Manami tells Sakamichi that they can't battle. Teshima orders Sakamichi to go after the lead pack. Steeling his resolve, Sakamichi and Imaizumi race their pace. Meanwhile, at the lead pack, in contrast with Hakone Academy, Kyoto Fushimi, and Kumamoto Daiichi, Naruko battles alone, believing his teammates will catch up!