[playful jingle]
[uplifting music]
[crowd cheering]
[narrator] That distance is what gives power to time.
That distance determines the value of a person.
That distance is what I bet my life on.
-That distance is 100 meters. -[cheering fades]
[race starter] Set…
[bugle call]
[crowd cheering]
[silence]
[panting]
[gasping]
TOGASHI
[friend] Togashi, you could totally become the best in the whole world.
I don't know.
Running against us must not be any fun for you.
I don't think like that 'cause I normally have fun running against anyone.
You're the fastest sixth grader in all of Japan!
[friend] You're so whatever about it, Togashi.
[Togashi] You think so?
[train rattling on track]
[birds chirping]
-[boy gasping] -Huh?
[panting, groans]
[coughing]
Are…
you okay?
Yeah… I'm… okay.
[coughing softly]
But you seem like you're about to die any second now.
-[coughs] No, I'm fine. -You're not okay. You're out of breath.
[gasps, coughs]
I'm used to it. [heavy breathing] This is normal for me.
Normal?
‎[sniffs, sighs]
‎[grunts, groaning]
-Thanks a lot. [sighs] -Sure.
‎[sighs, panting]
‎Uh…
‎[panting]
-[students chattering] -[bell chiming]
‎[door opens]
Hmm? [gasps]
Alright, time to settle down, everyone.
We have a new classmate joining us today.
I know him.
You do?
He's the transfer student that I mentioned. This is Komiya.
Alright. Let's make him feel welcome.
I, um…
Huh? [chuckles]
Go on, say hi.
Um… Hi… My name's…
Nice to meet you. I'm Komiya.
[girl] I can't hear you!
Me neither. Can you repeat it louder?
[teacher sighs] Come on, guys.
What did I just say?
[boy] But how can I welcome him if I don't even know what his name is?
-[boy laughs] -[teacher] That's enough, Genta.
[students laughing]
[teacher] The interior angles in a triangle add up to 180 degrees.
Some think it's 360. That is incorrect.
Now parallelograms are a bit tricky, so pay attention.
[whistle blows]
‎[panting]
[coach] Okay, next.
Oh, man. What'll I do if I lose?
Get set…
[whistle blows]
‎[panting]
[gasping]
[whistle blows]
‎[panting]
‎[whooshing]
Wow.
-[boy 1] Bye! -[boy 2] Bye. See you tomorrow!
[sighs]
‎[clock ticking]
‎[panting in distance]
Hmm?
‎[woman speaks indistinctly]
‎[panting]
[panting]
Komiya!
[panting]
[man grunts]
[Togashi] Komiya!
Hey, wait up!
Komiya!
Hold on!
Togashi…
[gasping]
What happened? Where am I?
You're in my neighborhood right now.
I'll walk you to that riverbank we were at before.
So, do you like to run?
Not really. It's pretty hard.
Okay, then why are you always running?
'Cause it gets blurred.
What do you mean? What's blurred?
-The world. -[gentle music]
When I run, it hurts, more than reality, so it distracts me.
See you.
Okay, but…
-if that's your reason for running, -[gasps]
don't you think you're misusing it?
-Misusing it? -[music concludes]
Oh, uh… How do I explain?
Well, running's all that I have.
Huh?
I'm a loner, I'm shy, I have no friends.
I'm never really sure how to solve the problems in my life,
so I just keep running away.
I know it's only a temporary fix, though.
But running for that reason is good enough for me.
So I keep doing it,
even though I know my problems can't be solved by running.
But you're wrong about that, Komiya.
Huh?
It's true, you won't solve anything by just coming out here and running.
But I know one thing.
And what is that?
There is one simple rule that I believe in this world.
It's more than just a sport.
Running the 100-meter dash faster than anyone else
can solve almost anything.
It can solve almost anything?
How can you be so sure about that?
Well, it's because… it works for me.
[Komiya] Uh… I see.
So then… the 100 meters…
Is it possible?
For me to get faster?
You're going to have to decide that for yourself.
[pensive music]
That decision is mine.
[energetic theme music]
[theme music ends]
-[woman] Bye, everyone! -[group] Bye!
-[boy] Togashi. -[indistinct chatter]
You want to come play games at Kawano's house?
Can't. Sorry, I have somewhere to be today. Maybe next time.
[Togashi] See you tomorrow.
-Huh? -How lame. He's no fun.
[panting]
That's it! Swing your arms more!
Imagine kicking the ground as hard as you can!
[mid-tempo guitar music]
‎[laughter, chatter]
[gasps]
[Togashi] Get your knees higher.
‎-[music concludes] ‎-[chattering]
[boy] Hey, Togashi, want to game at my house today?
Uh, unfortunately, I've already got plans.
-What? You're ditching us again? -Sorry, I can't.
See you tomorrow.
I don't get why he keeps bailing on us like this.
[panting]
Don't you get tired running everyday?
You're getting better, but like, isn't it hard?
I'm okay. It's like the more I train, the lighter my legs are starting to feel,
and it's even kind of fun.
Well, Sports Day is coming up, so you should really take a day off to rest.
It seems like a waste to rest.
Besides, I need to learn more from you.
Yeah, but resting's a part of training too.
[Togashi] Oh, and you should really get some new shoes.
Oh yeah. Right.
Good thing I had arts and crafts today.
-I'll just wrap this around, then. -[tape screeching]
No, no, wait, Komiya! I don't think that's gonna…
[Komiya grunts] There, that should do it.
I don't know about that. Your shoes look pretty ugly.
They feel fine now.
They're barely holding together.
Oh, is it because your parents won't buy you a new pair?
No.
Actually, they keep telling me they want to get me a new pair of shoes.
But because I've been running in these for so long, I kinda wanna race in them.
Oh yeah. If I end up winning the 100-meter dash,
does that mean I'll get a medal?
Huh? Yeah. One from the 100-yen store.
I'd like that.
I would love to win a gold medal, just once.
That would be really nice.
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] The boys' 100-meter dash will be beginning shortly.
[spectator] You guys can do it!
-[gunshot blasts] -[crowd gasps, murmurs]
Wow, that kid's so fast.
That's Togashi, isn't it?
Everyone who's just finished, please come this way.
What was the point of racing Togashi?
Because it's Sports Day, that's why.
Wait, where is Togashi?
-[Genta] Hey, new kid. -[upbeat music]
Did all that training help you get any faster?
[scoffs] Are you seriously gonna run in those shoes?
Fine, ignore me.
[man] Hey, Togashi! Get over here!
[race starter] On your marks,
get set…
[jazzy mid-tempo music]
-[crowd cheering] -[exhilarating music]
[laughing]
Come on, Komiya! Give it everything you've got! Don't forget how fast you are!
[music intensifies]
[panting]
Yes!
[cheering]
[gasping]
[announcer] Up next will be the 100-meter dash's award ceremony.
Congratulations.
[chattering]
[anchor] Yesterday at the National Junior High School Track and Field Championships,
Takeru Nigami,
the son of the former national team member,
won the boys' 100-meter dash.
This outstanding achievement by the amazing second-year student
is making rather large waves in the sports world.
-[Togashi] Excuse me. -Hm?
Ah, Togashi.
Sorry to disrupt your lunch.
It's fine.
Here, take a look at this.
Ever heard of it?
Track and Field magazine?
[grunts]
[Komiya] That's so cool, Togashi.
Yeah, Mr. Tani told me about it. It's for Track and Field Monthly.
‎[grunting]
An interview with Takeru Nigami? Sounds awesome.
His school's nearby, and he's a few years older, right?
Yeah, I think so.
[groans] Do you think that you're faster than him?
Nah, Nigami's definitely faster than me.
[Komiya] Well, who knows?
Why don't you ask him to race for real,
instead of just pretending to do it for the photo-op?
Right. There's no way that's going to happen.
You're probably right.
[students chattering]
[indistinct chatter]
Togashi and Nigami are going to race each other.
[boy] Wait, but he's older.
[woman] Mr. Nigami's just arrived.
-[Nigami] Sorry that I'm a little late. -[gasps]
-[Nigami] Uh, no need to get up. -Uh…
[grunts]
I've heard about you, Togashi. My name's Nigami. Nice to meet you.
-Wow, it's really Nigami! -He's older. You should probably use "Mr."
Now that you've both introduced yourselves, shall we get started?
Of course, I'm ready, ma'am.
I'm ready to start too, ma'am.
Okay. Would you like to ask your first question, Togashi?
Uh, yeah, sure.
Let's see now… First, uh…
Tell me, what made you decide to run?
Well, that's easy. To win first place, of course.
How about you, Togashi?
Do you like running because you're naturally faster
and that makes it fun for you?
Yeah, I guess so.
Me too. But once you take first, it's hard to go back to just enjoying yourself.
Some part of you must realize that, Togashi.
Committing your life to that distance becomes the goal.
You have to run no matter what and never give up.
[gasps]
[Nigami] You will be controlled by your race results.
But running's ultimately a simple thing to do.
If you want to belong and stay in the game,
you have to be committed.
To win, you must have absolute devotion.
[huffing]
[helicopter whirring]
-[starting block clanks] -[panting]
Oh, wow, he's got good form. What do you think about his technique?
Look at his cadence, his balance, rhythm,
the way he shifts his weight.
It's hard to believe he's a sixth grader.
[Nigami] Fifty times.
Togashi, listen.
Any potential you think you've got, you've got 50 times more.
-[reporter] That's quite a compliment. -Uh, thank you.
That's nice of you to say.
[boy] Hey, they're about to start the race!
The photographer and I will be positioned right around the 40-meter mark.
So, no need to go all out after that.
-Got it. -Right.
Thanks again for both agreeing to take part in this.
[tense music]
[camera shutter clicking]
[reporter] On your marks…
Get set…
[dynamic energetic music]
[gasps]
Does that mean Togashi won?
Um, I don't know if it counts,
since Mr. Nigami stopped running halfway after they took the photo.
[reporter] That worked out so great!
Thanks, I appreciate it.
We were able to get some fantastic shots.
The two of you made it look like you were actually racing each other.
I was on the edge of my seat watching you both.
This article's going to be a hit thanks to you both.
[panting softly]
[Komiya] I know Nigami stopped running halfway and everything,
but I think you would've beat him if he kept going.
I don't know about that. The only reason he was running was because of the photo.
Maybe he stopped because he knew that he was gonna lose to you.
There's no way that's true.
When I was watching you guys, you both seemed to be giving it your all.
Or at least to me, it looked like you were, Togashi.
That's only because I don't know how to hold back.
Whenever I run, I can't help but try my hardest
and push myself to the finish line.
You know, I actually learned something new today.
It made me realize the real reason why I'm like this.
Do you want to know what I think?
I think you might just beat Zaitsu's record one day.
Oh, geez. That may be dreaming a little too big.
Togashi.
Is it okay if I ask you for a favor right now?
What is it?
Could we do a 100-meter dash? I want to race you.
Like now?
Mm. A real race.
[car engine revving]
The 100-meter mark is there.
Right under that tree, okay?
-[Komiya] Got it. -[Togashi] The race will begin
when the train passes that rail joint directly above us.
It's when we'll start running.
So, we'll go off that first sound, okay?
[grunts]
[suspenseful music]
[gasping]
Hey, Komiya. Are you okay?
[Komiya] Togashi, you eased off at the end… [gasping] …right?
No, I went all out. I told you I can't ease off.
[Komiya gasping] Thanks for that.
‎[groaning]
Well… goodbye, Togashi.
Yeah. See you tomorrow at school.
[gasps]
[train rumbling]
[indistinct chatter]
[teacher] Uh…
Good morning, everyone. I'm afraid I have some bad news.
Unfortunately, I was just informed that Komiya moved away yesterday,
and the move was related to some family circumstances.
[gasps]
I know we're all disappointed, since he was just settling in here.
Uh, how about we all write him a letter? I'm sure he'd appreciate that.
[uplifting music]
[commentator] What an incredible win by Togashi!
Going all out from the get-go like always, that's still his trademark.
MITO SHINKIN BANK STADIUM
[announcer] In lane three, Sakaguchi, from Nimani Daikon Junior High School.
This is the 100-meter dash finals, the junior high championships.
All eyes are on Togashi, the reigning champion of this event.
Since winning the championship two years ago as a first-year student,
he's won every single meet that he has entered so far.
He's definitely the favorite to win today.
You know, seeing Togashi on the track,
it calls to mind Zaitsu from his junior high school years,
who, as you know, is our current national record holder.
I agree with you there.
Track and field professionals are taking interest,
curious about how high Togashi's ceiling truly is.
-[race starter] On your marks… -[commentator] Here we go, folks.
The finals for the boys' 100-meter dash is about to commence.
[race starter] Set…
[horn blares]
-[gasping] -[loud rumbling]
[cheering]
[bat clanks]
[cheering]
‎[panting]
The field's full. Baseball club's hogging it.
-Isn't that Togashi over there? -Who?
Hey, Aoi!
Togashi! I knew it! Thats your name, right?
Yes.
So, did you join a club yet? Or do you not want to?
Or maybe you're training somewhere else on campus?
I'm sorry, didn't mean to catch you off guard. I mean…
I heard rumors you enrolled here.
But why did you decide to come here?
A lot of elite schools must have been scouting you.
Because it's close to home.
-That's the reason? -[Togashi] Yes.
Oh. Sorry for asking so many questions.
That's fine. Excuse me.
-[Asakusa] Wait! Can I ask you a favor? -Sorry, I can't.
But I haven't even…
I think I already know what you're gonna ask.
Oh, no. It's nothing weird, I promise.
-[Aoi] Will you join the track? -And I was right. See ya.
Wait, let's start over. My name is Aoi Asakusa.
Togashi.
[chuckles] Yeah, I know.
Why aren't you interested in the Track and Field club?
They currently have three members who are officially in it.
And no one's really interested in track and field anymore these days.
-[groans] -Excuse me.
Oh.
[girl] Aoi!
[commentator] Track and field professionals are taking interest,
curious about how high Togashi's ceiling truly is.
‎-[girl] Hey, wait up. ‎-[boy] Hey.
-[boy] Morning. -[girl] Morning.
‎[chattering]
[Shiina] Who's that?
I think it's Togashi.
Why is he sneaking around like that?
He's got a lot going on. I'm sure it's tough on him.
[Togashi] Excuse me. Do you have any of those special buns left?
Officially, they're sold out, but hold on. [chuckles]
[gasps]
-[lady] Here, this is the last one. -[gasps]
Are you serious? Thank you so much.
You're that track star. Togashi, am I right?
That's me.
[lady] I heard you were attending this school, so I--
-[Aoi] Hey. -[both shriek]
Asakusa.
You remember my name. Cool!
Oh, you got one. I love those buns.
Oh, um… Here, take it.
No, it's okay!
Actually, do you think you could please do me a favor instead?
Uh, what kind of favor?
-[Togashi] You want to see me run? -[Asakusa] Yes.
But what for?
I want to run faster.
I know there's no way I can be as fast as you,
but I might learn something by watching you.
Look, I get it. This isn't exactly a fair trade, but still…
And if I run for you, will you stop asking for favors?
You have my word. I promise.
I'll just run from a standing--
Could you actually run from a crouching start?
Sure.
Okay. You ready?
I'm ready. Go ahead.
[breathes deeply]
‎[panting]
What the… What was that?
Wow.
‎[gasps]
Amazing.
You truly are amazing.
It was silly of me to think that I could learn from you.
You're basically super human.
Anyways, thanks.
Yeah. Mm… Yeah, sure.
I'm actually really relieved.
I heard rumors that you were injured or going through something.
But I'm glad to see that's not the case.
[chuckles]
Thing is, I'm not talented.
Although I'm not sure what makes me think that way.
Still, though, I feel pretty strongly about this.
Doing track and field is a good thing.
But you, Togashi, you're different from us.
You can do anything you want.
So, for you, you can enjoy every moment,
which is good 'cause that's sports.
[chuckles]
I'm sorry.
I wasn't trying to recruit you.
[chuckles]
‎[clock ticking]
NOTICE: TRACK AND FIELD CLUB IS CLOSING
‎[indistinct chattering]
Huh?
[Shiina] I can't believe we didn't get a single person to sign up for the club.
[sighs] Well, track and field isn't that popular of a sport.
[knock on door]
[Togashi] Hello?
[gasps]
[Asakusa] Togashi!
Oh, hi.
[Asakusa] They sent us the notice a while ago,
but we just pretended we didn't know about it.
Why is it shutting down?
Well, the rules are
you need to have a minimum of five members to keep the club running.
Five, huh?
So, even if I join you, that still isn't enough.
Togashi, what'd you just say?
Hold on. I'll be right back.
[door opens, closes]
He just said, "Even if I joined," didn't he?
Uh, yeah.
-Are you actually serious? -I am.
But… I heard that you were suffering from health issues?
Right. That was just a rumor, one that I started.
-What? -Oh, uh, no, it's nothing.
The issue is each club needs at least five members to stay open.
Sir, I don't want to be presumptuous here,
but I'm nationally ranked.
Would you please make an exception just this once?
I know. I could…
But we should still follow the rules.
Is there anything I can do?
Tell you what. I'll delay the closure for now.
Go try to win some events.
That'll justify keeping the club open.
I appreciate it, sir.
No way!
Do you know when the next meet will be held?
Um, there's one soon. It's with the neighboring schools.
Well, then we'll compete in that one.
-Thing is… -What is it?
There's a mixed four by two hundred-meter relay.
But we can just skip the relay, can't we?
It's just that that specific race is like the main event of the whole competition.
I mean, they don't come out and say it,
but in reality, it's more important to win that one
than any other event.
Yeah, that's true. I participated in the relay when I was
a first-year student. It was intense.
I see. Then, that means if we win the relay, it would be huge for the club.
But we'll still need another guy to join us.
Wait a sec. Didn't you say you had three members in total?
Is this third guy a real member?
Well, he would be an ideal candidate.
-But… -I know.
So, uh… Thing is…
Yes?
Honestly, I'd be really thrilled if you decided to join our club.
It's just…
You figured it out by now, haven't you?
I, uh… I was thinking about quitting running.
The truth is, I've been feeling stuck for some time.
[Togashi] I didn't place that well in my last year of junior high.
I was scared of running and of quitting.
I was going in circles. But then, yesterday,
when you asked me to run, it reminded me of who I am.
And I am damn fast.
Because of you, I've decided to give running another shot.
For that, I am forever grateful. Thank you so much.
But… No need for all that.
I just wanted to watch you run. That's all it really was.
Would you please allow me to join the club?
Mm-hmm. Welcome to Iwani Track and Field, Togashi.
[Shiina] I really wish we could get him to do it.
So, he must be pretty good, huh?
Yeah. He hardly ever shows up to the club, though.
We shouldn't be getting our hopes up,
but we can try paying him a visit tomorrow.
Tomorrow? Why not right now?
[laidback music]
-[birds chirping] -His place is at the top of this hill.
Okay.
[doorbell rings]
-[intercom clicks] -[male voice] Yeah?
It's Asakusa.
What do you want?
I just wanted to chat.
Uh… Nigami?
Not a chance.
I figured that's what you would say to us.
Uh, how'd a famous athlete like you
end up enrolling at our high school?
Look who's talking. Seems like I could ask you the same question.
Oh, well, that's 'cause…
I pushed myself too hard, messed up my lower back doing it.
Because of that, I couldn't run track and field anymore.
So, I transferred to my local high school.
Well then, why did you join the track and field club at ours?
I'm only a member on paper because I was forced to choose something.
And Asakusa wouldn't let up, so I let her use my name.
[chuckles nervously]
You're back's still injured, or have you recovered?
Are you able to run?
Don't know. I have no idea.
You never know until you try.
I'm not interested in trying.
So, you're happy with the way things are?
You know what I've learned?
In this world, there are some who will let the 100 meters ruin their entire lives.
-[Togashi] So, um… -Huh?
Do you have any time to spare today?
Time for what? For how long?
Ten seconds.
[Shiina] Ninety-eight, 99, and 100.
[shouts] Up to here!
Okay!
This won't even be a fair race because I haven't run in half a year.
Asakusa, you give the signal.
-[Asakusa] Okay. -[scoffs]
Ignoring me?
I bet you don't even know how much faster you've become.
[Togashi] Fifty times.
-Probably about 50 times faster. -[upbeat music]
Oh, yeah? Then we already know who's gonna win.
Are the two of you ready to start?
-Uh-huh. -I'm all set.
Then let's do this.
[Asakusa] On your marks!
Get set…
[energetic rock music]
-[panting] -[music slows down]
Whoa!
-[gasping] -[music concludes]
My time?
Twelve point thirteen seconds.
[gasping] Twelve, 13?
[scoffs]
[breathes deeply]
[aircraft whirring]
[inhales deeply]
Alright, so the event's only three weeks away.
We should figure out the racing order for the relay.
That'll give us a better idea of how to train.
-[Komiya] Asakusa will go first. -Got it.
-[Komiya] Next will be Shiina. -Right.
I want you to do your best on the first half.
-And our third runner, Togashi. -Right.
Which means that leaves me as the anchor.
But shouldn't we let Togashi be the anchor?
Uh, yeah.
I understand why that may seem like the wiser choice to you.
But just trust me. I promise I'll be in top form by then.
Sounds good.
Also, I'd like for us all to use a down-sweep pass.
A down-sweep pass?
[Asakusa] It could potentially save us time compared to the push-pass,
but there are downsides.
It's hard to coordinate and make the exchange.
Yeah. Still, I think it could be worth a try.
Exactly. I know it's a gamble, but it's worth the risk.
Anything to beat Katsunishi, right?
Katsunishi?
Yeah. Nigami's old school.
Even more reason to beat them.
Yeah, they'll be worthy opponents for sure.
[panting]
[Asakusa] It's no good.
The down-sweep's harder than I thought.
[Shiina] I might have started running a little too soon.
[grunts]
So fast.
Those two are seriously on another level. Let's try our best to keep up.
-Practice makes perfect. -Mm.
[Shiina] Do you think it's okay that Nigami's still out there training?
He's really pushing himself hard.
I know, right?
[grunting]
[Togashi] He has no choice but to push himself to get back into shape.
But that doesn't change the fact that he's got a ticking bomb on his back.
That's true.
What's with you today? You seem even happier than usual.
[chuckles]
Of course I am!
After all, I'm gonna have a chance to run
with both the great Togashi and Nigami.
Suzume, we'll be running a relay race
with some pretty incredible members,
even though the club might close.
Well, now that you mention it, I guess it is pretty cool.
Though I've only ever seen Nigami be all grumpy,
and when I met Togashi, he just seemed like an ordinary guy to me.
So, it didn't really feel that special.
[Togashi] Hold on, Shiina.
What kind of guy did you think I was?
[Shiina] Uh, well… I guess you were like I imagined.
[Togashi] What does that mean?
[Shiina] Well, who cares. It's not gonna matter if they end up closing our club.
[Togashi] I won't let that happen.
[upbeat music]
‎[inaudible]
MIXED 800 M RELAY
‎[inaudible]
[Nigami panting]
Did you forget something?
I came to check on you and make sure you're not working yourself too hard.
Oh, uh… I don't mean to imply that you don't know
how to take care of yourself or anything.
But as you know…
it's easy to overtrain yourself. You have to let your body recover.
[scoffs softly]
Yeah, that's not exactly helpful.
The race is in two days, so I'll be careful.
Yeah, make sure to rest. Well then, I'll get going now.
[Nigami] Why are you here?
What made you choose this school?
I'm sure that you got offers from all over.
[chuckles]
Was it the pressure?
Before I knew it, I became dependent on it.
For me, running was easy. It was the path of least resistance. It made life simple.
The reason why I was wanted, valued,
and wasn't alone in this life
was because of these naturally fast legs I was blessed with.
That makes two of us, Togashi.
[soft pensive music]
Because my father represented Japan in the 100-meter dash,
I was put in the position where I always had to win.
What I said to you back then was something my father used to say.
If you want to belong and stay in the game,
to win, you must have absolute devotion.
The pressure became unbearable.
And even though my body was sending warning signs,
I was forced to ignore them.
On the track, what you gain in victory, you lose in defeat.
If you're afraid of failure,
you have to keep winning, even by a thousandth of a second.
[Nigami] That's the place we have to go back to.
[birds chirping]
I thought that Togashi and Nigami quit track and field.
Who knows?
It kind of feels like everyone's watching them.
Well, that was bound to happen, considering who they both are.
[Onomichi] Hey, 'sup?
-Hmm? -Oh.
It's been a while.
Look who decided to finally come out of their cave. Nigami.
Have you gotten a little faster since the last time, Onomichi?
[scoffs]
Go ahead and keep talking like that while you still can.
-[Onomichi] 'Cause the next time we race… -Who's that?
Hirokazu Onomichi.
Nigami's rival and has been losing him since grade school.
Hey, you, shut up! You know I can hear you!
I seem to remember that your excuse was always
that you were the youngest in our grade.
My birthday's in March. Yours is in April!
I'm almost a full year younger. That's a huge handicap, man!
Age doesn't determine if you have talent or not.
You were born on March 29th, I think.
Yeah, 361 days after you.
Whatever. I won't be defeated by a shut-in like you today.
-[footsteps approaching] -[man] What are you doing, Onomichi?
[gasps] Coach!
-Focus on the race. -Right. Sorry, sir!
So, you ended up at Iwani High.
Morning, sir.
[Nigami] Today is the day.
These past three weeks, we've done all the training we could.
To the other schools, this summer event is more like a practice run for them.
But for us, this competition determines our dignity.
Eight hundred meters.
Our hard work wasn't for nothing.
[crowd chattering]
He's actually pretty fast.
Way to go, rival.
Self-proclaimed.
Hey! Nigami, why don't you run the 100-meter?
When did I even mention running in the 100-meter?
Oh, I get it.
You're only focusing on the 800-meter mixed relay, huh?
Bring it on! Yes! [laughs]
-[Togashi] Someone's energetic. -[Nigami] He's just an idiot.
[announcer] The next event, the 800-meter mixed relay will be beginning shortly.
-[boy 1] Hey, look, it's Togashi. -[boy 2] Nigami's there too.
[boy 3] They're on the same team. That's dope.
[suspenseful music]
[race starter] On your marks.
Set…
[dynamic music]
Aoi!
Suzume!
Nice!
We did it!
Geez. Keep the pace. Come on!
I'm sorry!
I can still catch up!
[upbeat dynamic music]
Let's race fair and square now.
Sorry, but the one I'm racing against
-is not you! -Nigami!
[Shiina] Wait, the club's not closing?
Yeah, they were happy with how we did.
And now they want us to compete in the summer meet.
The vice principal came to tell me personally himself.
The vice principal?
So, I think he used to be a track and field athlete back in the day.
And he went to school with a coach at Katsunishi, right?
Yeah, I think I've heard that.
Well, either way, that's good news, right?
-Yeah. -That's right.
Although I'm still on the fence about this.
-[Nigami] Well, might as well run. -[loud clang]
[crowd cheering]
[man] Check it out. Togashi broke the championship record.
I bet he'll be crowned the winner at nationals too.
No doubt. It's not like he has any real competition.
[man] What about Nigami?
Nigami's not really a threat to him.
He barely qualified for nationals by placing third.
There's also Tsuneda.
The kid's a solid runner, sure,
but I still think he's no match for Togashi.
They say Togashi's been in a slump for years and yet,
look at him, he's still out here breaking all of his personal bests.
At this rate, he might beat Zaitsu's time.
-That'll make things-- -Huh?
Whoa, this can't be real! Somebody just tied Zaitsu's national record!
-Who? -It was Tsuneda, wasn't it?
No, it's some unknown first-year student.
[man] What's his name?
YEAR ONE KOMI…
[boy] Dang!
This school must be top tier. Look at this line!
‎[sighs]
Yeah, I guess.
[boy] I'm Numano from Daito Junior High.
What's your name, and which school are you from?
My name's Komiya,
but I've never been in a track and field club.
What? Wait, so you're just starting track and field?
And at such a top rank athletic school?
Yeah. But I've been training by myself because I wanna join the school's team.
Oh, wow. And where'd you say you live again?
Out by Nakatsu mountain.
So then it must be a hell of a train ride just for you to commute here.
Yeah, so I just ride my bike.
What? And how long does that take you?
Two hours.
[soft mid-tempo music]
NISHIZAWA HIGH SCHOOL
[coach] Get set…
[whistle blows]
‎[panting]
Holy cow!
Tsuneda really is the best of the best, isn't he?
[thuds softly]
Uh, hi. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm Tsuneda, the captain…
It's hard to believe he's only a second-year.
I understand that some of you may think that this entry test sounds intimidating,
but wherever you run, 100 meters is 100 meters.
[coach] Get set…
[whistle blows]
Number 23 looks promising, don't you think?
[groans] He almost had it. He had a really strong start, though.
[boy] That first-year was pretty impressive, huh?
Yeah, I guess he's the explosive type.
[gasping]
Hmm?
[Numano] Hey, Komiya!
Huh?
You were so insanely fast!
I mean, you seem to lose a little steam towards the end, but…
but your start was incredible.
Your form was a little jerky, but…
you've got amazing balance. But…
you've got so much… [muffled warping]
[suspenseful music]
[Komiya gasping]
[whistle blows]
[sighs]
Komiya always seems to lose velocity in the second half.
Yeah, he does.
[grunts]
[panting]
[girl] Captain, have you decided which questions to ask?
Questions? Oh, right. For tomorrow.
[boy] Getting to interview Zaitsu is gonna be amazing. What an opportunity.
[Tsuneda] I mean, it's actually just a Q&A.
I'm only starting us off because I'm the captain.
And then anyone can ask whatever they want.
[boy chuckles] Well, I'm too nervous to ask anything.
As I said before, your high school years are important ones.
The time that you spend here will be your foundation
and determine what path your life will follow.
On that note,
Mr. Zaitsu, who's a five-time winner of the national championships
and a proud alumnus of this school,
is giving you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Please be respectful and give him your full attention.
Without further ado, Mr. Zaitsu.
Don't think too deeply. Society's a joke.
And even if you do win,
keep attacking. That's it.
-[gasps] -Are there any questions?
Yes.
You, go ahead.
My name is Tsuneda. I'm the captain of our team.
I guess what I'd like to ask you is…
-Oh, uh, thank you. -[microphone sound]
You've had an incredible career
and have a good number of impressive records under your belt.
I mean, you're basically unbeatable.
So, what motivates you to keep pushing yourself?
I'm a living thing. I will die,
never to be born again.
That's my motivation.
[gasps softly]
Uh, th-thank you very much, sir.
May I ask another question?
How do you mentally prepare yourself
when you're competing in the big races on a national level?
Whenever I'm competing,
I can focus, since I'm not afraid of losing.
But I also fear defeat, since I desire results.
So your mood swings, since those contrasting ideas
are each taking half of your focus?
Incorrect.
I benefit from 100% of both.
And you think like that to avoid feeling nervous?
No, I think that way so I can enjoy being nervous.
Um… Uh…
I see. Thank you for your answer.
Who's next?
[Komiya] I have a question.
Sure. Go ahead.
Hello. I'm Komiya.
So, Mr. Zaitsu, how do you…
What do you do to take care of your mental health?
Uh…
You see, I'm a short-distance runner struggling with anxiety,
and it's now affecting my running.
When I was a kid, I ended up hurting my leg.
Even though it's completely healed,
whenever I reach my top speed, it always seems to slow down.
But then… uh…
Do you know of any solutions to fix that?
Well, the bottom line is, you don't have to cope with your anxiety.
This world is filled with possibilities of failure,
but the thing is, that's what gives life its charm.
Fear isn't unpleasant,
and safety isn't always pleasant.
Anxiety is a feeling one gets when one challenges themselves.
So, if one must sacrifice something for victory,
then give up your body because it's just a collection of cells. Glory is forever.
So, what goal are you trying to achieve?
Someday, I would like to be the national record holder.
[gasps, chatter]
I see. What was your name?
-It's Komiya. -[whistle blows]
[gasping]
-[whistle blows] -[gasps]
[gasping]
‎[gasps]
That new guy's one to watch out for.
Uh-huh.
[coach] Thanks for everything today, Zaitsu.
Did the students behave?
Yes.
[coach] Is coffee okay?
[Zaitsu] Yes, thank you, sir.
That one. He's fast.
Mm.
Ah.
Tsuneda, right?
He's second-year, but he's ranked first in Kyushu.
All of Japan is going to know him by this year's inter high.
I suppose they will. It's only a matter of time.
We'll see who the real gem is.
[grunts]
Well, it looks like someone's figured it out.
You've overcome your hurdles, huh?
I have.
Still, you shouldn't overtrain. You should head home for today.
Well, my legs are still feeling pretty fresh.
So, I'm gonna train some more before going home.
The very first time I saw you run,
I noticed your right leg had issues.
Zaitsu's advice helped me overcome all that.
So it seems.
I know that it really isn't my place to tell you this.
But… you should give up on your dreams of running.
Haven't you realized it yet?
That your running form is not sustainable, at all!
Yeah, sure, yes, you're getting faster.
But at what cost?
There's only one reason you're able to run like that!
It's all passion!
That's a red flag!
A runner who ignores their physical limitations
through sheer will doesn't have brakes!
Victory will never be enough!
They'll keep going until it destroys them!
Your yips must have been your body trying to want you to quit!
[seethes]
Running will be the end of you.
So what you're saying is,
even someone like me has a shot at a moment of glory.
Are you kidding me? That's what you got from that?
Thanks, Captain.
Wait, hold on!
[crowd cheering]
[spectator 1] That's insane!
[spectator 1] Who the heck is he?
[spectator 2] I'm not sure, but he just beat Tsuneda's record.
[girl] Komiya, hey!
Congrats getting the top spot in the qualifiers.
It was so insane how fast you were.
I bet you or Tsuneda will win the whole thing.
Oh man. I didn't even think about which one of them
I should be rooting for in the finals.
[girl chuckles] We should just cheer both of them on.
[boy chuckles] Oh, right.
[chuckles]
Sorry, we didn't mean to hold you up.
-It's fine. Later. -[chuckles]
Good luck in the final!
NATIONAL HS CHAMPIONSHIPS BOYS' 100M REGIONAL FINAL
[race starter] On your marks.
Set…
[crowd cheering]
KOMIYA TSUNEDA
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Nigami.
Hey.
[Nigami] Gotta make it past the prelims.
[Togashi] Sure do.
[groans]
[sighs] It's hard to believe
that my back is actually still holding up.
I'm gonna give it all I've got.
Good.
Alright. See ya.
Yeah.
[door clicks open]
[door clicks shut]
KOMIYA
[pensive music]
[race starter] On your marks.
‎[crowd cheering]
‎[groaning]
[starting block clanks]
[race starter] Set…
[clang]
[crowd cheering]
[gasping]
-[clang] -[gasps]
Nigami, nice work out there.
You almost had it.
Nah, it wasn't even close.
Great job.
Congratulations, Togashi.
You heard, right? You broke a record.
The wind really helped me.
But I felt good out there.
I'd hoped we could've raced one last time.
But regardless, I feel good too.
You were a great competitor, Nigami.
You should watch out for that Komiya guy.
He's impossibly fast.
Yeah, I saw.
If he didn't ease off toward the end, he probably could've…
Long time no see.
Likewise.
I see you kept up with track.
Hmm.
It's been a while since the last time we raced.
I'm gonna win this one too.
I see. I wish you luck.
EVACUATION ROUTE OVERVIEW
[exhilarating music]
[shutters clicking]
[announcer] In lane one, Matsuba
from Utsugikita High, Hiroshima.
In lane two, Nakanishi,
from Suzuna Chuo High, Osaka.
In lane three… [indistinct]
from Natamame High, Shizuoka.
In lane four, Komiya
from Nishizawa High, Oita.
In lane five, Togashi
from Iwashi Daini High, Tokyo.
[inaudible]
On your marks.
[dynamic music ends]
[race starter] Set…
[whirring]
‎[crowd cheering]
[whoosh]
[breathing heavily]
‎[gasping]
Togashi, your running style changed.
‎[rain thundering increasingly]
[rain thundering]
TEN YEARS LATER
[hooter honking]
[crosswalk signal beeping]
Alright, so, after taking your performance into account…
[gulps]
[man] …we've decided to renew your contract.
[sighs] Yes!
Oh, thank goodness.
I can relax now.
Yes, well, Togashi. Listen, I hate to bring this up,
but let's keep in mind that you just barely made the cut, okay?
This is a key year for you.
Right. I'll be sure to do my best, sir. Thanks.
[Togashi] Alright, then.
[sighs]
[groans softly]
-Oh. Hey, wait! -Yes, sir?
I forgot to give this to you.
It'd be great if you could join us for this next month.
Company event?
Yes. Kaido and Kabaki are also planning on attending.
Perhaps you can get some pointers and or advice from those two.
Advice about what exactly?
Oh, well, you know, you're not quite the athlete you once were.
They might be able to help you with your comeback.
Ah. Right. Yeah. [chuckles]
‎[footsteps approaching]
[Togashi] Hey, Kabaki, morning.
Hey, Togashi. Good morning to you too.
Well, I got my contract renewed.
But only just barely.
That's good to hear.
-Togashi. -Hmm?
You've changed a lot.
What?
I've been watching you run ever since I was a kid.
You're completely different now.
[chuckles] Well…
Don't remind me, man. I know I'm not who I used to be.
This could be my last year, so I'm
just doing my best.
[upbeat music]
[panting]
[grunts softly]
[dynamic music]
[clang]
[crowd cheering]
‎[panting]
It's obvious I wasn't in top form today,
but I'll remind you the season's only just started.
I'll do what I can to improve day by day.
JAPAN TRACK-AND-FIELD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
[train rumbling]
KUSASHINO CORP. TRACK AND FIELD GATHERING
The popularity of track and field has grown rapidly.
As a company, we have been supporting the athletes who are competing
at the very top of their field.
And now, it's my pleasure to invite to the stage
an athlete who is well known for his talents,
and who has been competing in major short-distance races
for the last 15 years.
Put your hands together for Mr. Kaido.
[applause]
Hi. Thanks, everyone.
Although it's true that I've been doing this for a while now,
I still think that I'm in my prime.
I've been striving to continue beating my personal best every year.
Because there's one thing that I know for sure.
Cold, hard reality won't get rewritten on its own.
So, this year, I'll deal with this reality,
where Zaitsu's been sitting on the throne for too long.
That's all I have to say.
Very well said.
Thank you for your inspirational words, Mr. Kaido.
How to deal with reality?
Yes.
There's only one way to do it.
You just have to break records.
Thought you'd say that.
But… Well… It's easier said than done, sir.
That's no excuse. I never took you for a quitter.
I'm not saying I am.
It's just… I'm not getting any younger.
Yeah, I get you.
Well, I don't have a straight answer for that, Togashi.
But I can share my story with you.
Ever since I was a kid, I knew for a fact that I was talented.
Running always came easy to me.
And short distances were my specialty.
I was the fastest in my region.
I never lost a single race to anyone.
Then I got my ass kicked for the first time at nationals,
which only made me train even harder.
It paid off. In my last year of high school,
I nearly won at nationals.
[Kaido] Then a first-year named Zaitsu showed up.
Since that day 15 years ago,
I've been forced to keep on living this new reality.
It's one where Zaitsu has always been one step ahead.
A reality where I never win.
And earned the nickname "Forever Second."
[scoffs]
A reality where I keep aging by the second,
while a new young gun named Komiya is rising to the top.
[scoffs] Though he's not that young now.
[chuckles]
I'm sick of hearing that it's a shame that I wasn't born in another era.
It's kind of funny.
I'm just drowning here in this world that won't let me win.
But it never deters me from trying to win
because I'm confident I have a real chance to win the next one.
Do you know why that is?
No.
Because you can escape from reality.
What?
If winning a race isn't possible for me here,
then I'll just do all I can to escape this reality.
And doing that means I still have hope for myself.
It means that my attitude in life is to not give up on me.
There might be other opinions out there,
insights, truths too,
even enlightenment getting thrown around.
I only recognize my own.
That's the duty I have to myself.
My meaning in life, the reason I run.
Listen, Togashi.
As long as you understand why you run,
then you can escape any reality you're in.
-Kaido, this is Sekiguchi. -[grunts]
She's one of our newest staff members.
-Hello. -[Sekiguchi] Hello, sir.
I'm Sekiguchi. I'm so honored to meet you.
[automobile revving]
‎[clock ticking]
[journalist] So does this mean you intend to keep running
for the foreseeable future?
Yes.
Though I'd love to start fresh.
I want to do my best and not be judged by who I was in the past.
Speaking of athletes your age, what are your thoughts on Komiya,
who's a rising star and considered to be the next face of track and field?
Uh, what can I say?
All I know is I'd like to compete against him again.
Well then, on that note, my last question to you is,
what's your reason you continue to run?
What's my reason?
[sighs] Good question.
Sorry, are you Mr. Togashi?
-Yes. -Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too.
It's an honor. My name is Morikawa.
Morikawa, huh?
You won the high school nationals last year, right?
That's right. You know who I am?
This is so cool!
Huge fan. You inspired me to get into track and field.
Um… Could I maybe shake your hand?
Oh. Of course.
Ah! Thank you so much!
[chuckles]
[crowd cheering]
[spectator] Come on! Go on! Go, go, go!
[Kaido] Hey, Togashi.
Oh, Mr. Kaido.
Thank you so much for your advice the other day.
How are things going with you?
I've been figuring things out. It's starting to make sense to me.
I've realized the real reason that I run isn't to win,
but for the sake of others out there.
That's my ticket to escaping reality.
You don't say.
[sighs]
That's good. Everyone should try to find their own answer.
But would you like to know what I think?
Until you understand your own reality,
there's no way you can really escape from it.
Standing with your eyes closed to reality
is totally different from running with them wide open.
Looking straight into reality can be extremely terrifying.
You have to accept the things you don't want to accept.
[pensive music]
But if you truly wanna reject any reality,
then you must face it head on, with your eyes wide open.
If your eyes are closed, you can't run anywhere.
You're just gonna stay standing still.
Watch yourself, Togashi.
I will.
[energetic up-tempo music]
-Oh, Togashi! So glad I caught you! -[gasps]
Nice job. Number two!
You pretty much tied with Kabaki.
You cleared the B-qualifying standard. Way to go!
-[laughs] -[chuckles]
I appreciate it, sir.
Frankly, it was totally unexpected.
Yeah. I agree.
I know, right?
[laughs]
Now that you're officially qualified and competing in the track
and field championships this year,
I can't wait to see your comeback. I'll be watching.
-Thank you. I'll have to do my best. -[laughs] Ha-ha! This is gonna be great!
[runner 1] Hey, Togashi.
Good to see you today.
-How's it going with you? -[runner 2] Pretty good. Can't complain.
[race starter] Get set…
[clang]
KOYAMACHO HOSPITAL
[doctor] Looks like a muscle strain.
Huh?
It'd be in your best interest not to participate in the meet this year.
Uh, but the national championships are a week away.
Togashi, you can't take a muscle strain like this lightly.
If you keep pushing it, the muscles in your leg will get completely torn,
and your career will be over.
Doctor, I have to compete this year.
I understand that, but six months of rehab is what's best for you in the long-term.
Just concentrate on a full recovery for the time being.
There's always next year…
[tense music]
What?
I'm sorry to hear about your leg injury,
but if you're unable to compete in the next meet,
we unfortunately will have to let you go.
You can't be serious.
I'm very serious.
If you look in the contract, it's all right there.
However, we recognize your efforts
and appreciate everything you've done for us so far.
Therefore, we'd like to offer you the opportunity
to continue supporting us as a track and field coach from here on out.
Take your time to read through the terms,
and if you're happy with it, then we can make it official by drafting…
[children chattering]
[boy] That form looked good.
Think we can beat class four now?
Hey, maybe we'll be better if we took bigger steps.
It might help us run faster.
-[Togashi] It's the opposite. -Huh?
Making your strides too wide will mess up your balance.
Oh… Sorry. I didn't mean to intrude.
Uh, what do you mean by strides, mister?
Right.
So, instead of extending your legs forward,
push your feet against the ground with each step.
Really try to push down.
Push my feet down?
Yeah, just like that.
Nice. Let's try it out.
Yeah. Thanks for the tips, mister.
We really appreciate it.
-It's Sports Day soon, isn't it? -[both] Yeah.
He's our anchor, and I'm running right before him.
We really want to beat class four.
I see. You've got a rival in class four, don't you?
Listen. Learning to deal with defeats in your life
is far more important than any technique.
Huh?
Sometimes, even though you give it your all,
you can still be defeated.
It's okay if you don't win.
And it's not like your whole life ends if you end up losing.
If you're prepared to lose,
sometimes it can help you perform better.
Speed isn't everything.
-Uh… -So, take it easy.
[sobbing]
Why should you sacrifice everything?
Your entire life…
[sobbing]
[groaning]
-Oh, geez. -Let's get out of here.
Yeah.
[boys panting]
‎[sobbing ends]
[car passing]
AIDA HOSPITAL
-[Nigami] Togashi! -Hm?
Hey, Nigami.
Can I give you a lift?
[Togashi] Thank you so much for introducing me to a good doctor.
Of course. I can't believe the race is only a week away.
I can do this.
All I have to do is run three more times, that's it.
You remind me of how I used to be back in high school.
I was so scared back then.
You know, I was totally ready to throw away my entire life
just for that one brief moment.
Before I even noticed, I died inside living for tomorrow.
The next race represents 25 years of my life
and where I'm now.
But I think I realized something.
If I keep living for yesterday,
I'll never be able to be in the present and give it everything I've got.
[journalist] How are you feeling, Mr. Kabaki?
Doing okay, I guess.
Today's prelim is like a warm-up
for tomorrow's finals, so I'm just…
Hey, Kabaki. Morning.
Oh, good morning.
I heard that you got injured. Is your leg alright?
[scoffs]
Not in the clear yet, but I can manage for now.
Okay, then.
Well, see you out there.
Sure.
Mr. Togashi's competing in your heat, isn't he?
How are you feeling about the upcoming final?
This completely changes everything.
It'll be a tight race.
[crowd cheering]
[commentator] Kabaki takes the win, and Togashi comes in second.
[chuckles]
I see you're always well prepared, aren't you?
Mr. Zaitsu.
I heard that you had an easy win in the prelims.
You did too.
Feels like it was so long ago
when you asked me about mental health and anxiety.
Your advice really helped me out back then.
I now have a clear goal thanks to you.
A goal, huh?
Yeah.
Stats and formulas, trends and strategy.
My goal of breaking these records is so much greater than your numbers.
I know that I'll win.
Well, that's impressive, for staking your entire life to set a record.
Are you complimenting me?
I feel sorry for you.
Over time,
I lost my fighting spirit in exchange for a title,
undisputed champion.
The faster I go, the more everyone falls behind.
When I look beside me, no one's there.
The view from that position is the same as from last place.
And nothing is more boring than that.
The thing that is a true triumph and what brings us pure joy
is neither medals nor records.
It's the person you run against.
Having others you can actually compete with,
-that's the real-- -Thanks, but…
I have my own way.
Right. Of course you do.
[suspenseful music]
Can't wait to see you out there.
[commentator] Here's the first heat of the men's 100-meter semi-final.
Kabaki is a clear favorite to win today,
but can't forget about Togashi.
And with these two competing, can the new 17-year-old Morikawa keep up with them?
[race starter] Set…
‎[crowd cheering]
[commentator] Togashi in first! Kabaki in second!
Morikawa comes in with a close third!
[woman] Zaitsu, Komiya, and Kaido?
It looks like Japan's current top three are all here.
Well, it's basically the finals.
Everyone seems to agree that Zaitsu's been kind of on the decline lately.
So, I think that Komiya's got a good chance of winning this year.
That's only 'cause Zaitsu had an unusual prime.
But I still think he's got some fire left in him.
Either way,
I'm pretty sure Zaitsu or Komiya's gonna win.
I agree. It's gotta be Zaitsu or Komiya.
Zaitsu or Komiya.
-Zaitsu or Komiya. -Zaitsu or Komiya.
Zaitsu or Komiya.
-Zaitsu or Komiya. -Zaitsu or Komiya.
Zaitsu or Komiya. Zaitsu or Komiya.
[chuckles]
Does this mean I'm not in the game?
[commentator] Heat two of the semi-finals will begin momentarily.
How will Kaido handle himself against Zaitsu and Komiya?
-Let's wait and see. -[race starter] On your marks.
[breathes deeply]
[race starter] Set…
-[clang] -[dynamic up-tempo music]
[Kaido] I see. So this is my reality.
[scoffs]
Well, then. If that's the case,
it's time to escape from reality.
[commentator] Kaido takes the win! Komiya in second!
And Zaitsu ends up in fifth.
Can you believe it?
Zaitsu's been eliminated in the semi-finals.
Kaido has finally defeated Zaitsu.
Not only that, but Kaido's time today
is the second best in Japan's entire history.
‎[crowd muttering]
[Togashi] Komiya.
It's good to see you again.
Long time no see.
It's been ten years.
We finally get the chance to run against each other again.
Yeah.
Togashi, have you ever wondered about it?
What the point is of running the same distance every day?
I've had one clear goal.
I've been thinking about nothing else but setting records.
For the last ten years, that's all I've really cared about.
Just now, though,
my record was beaten by someone who doesn't even care about records.
Without any calculations
and with no trends or strategy,
his tenacity was his sole driving force.
In the end, even if I set some new records,
I'm not sure what waits for me beyond that.
You gain nothing by being fast, lose nothing by being slow,
so maybe it's all for nothing.
And if that's the case,
then what is that brief moment for?
And why are we even competing in this race?
What is the point of it? Why do we continue to run?
It's obvious, isn't it?
For us to give it our all, no other reason.
When I reflect back on things,
I realize how stressful my life's been.
I was afraid of losing and being alone.
Then I thought I was unbeatable.
And so, I refused to face my defeats.
I had this odd faith that someone was watching over me.
But my past led me here.
Every person knows themselves the best out of anyone.
And there's no place anyone truly belongs.
Confidence, empathy, and affection are all things created by your mind.
Even anxiety, which we always feel in this life.
And ultimately, we all die in the end.
If you think about it, we're all a little messed up.
But with all that said…
none of these things matter.
Nothing takes away the joy of when we give our all.
I know that because I've witnessed it countless times in others.
And I felt it myself.
I'm sorry, but I've never experienced anything like that.
Not once in my lifetime.
The emptiness that I feel has no solution.
Komiya, you seem to have forgotten
the one simple rule I said when we were younger.
That is…
running the 100-meter dash faster than anyone can solve almost anything.
‎[groans]
You're incredibly fast,
and you found success
because you put in the hard work and invested in yourself.
Was all that pointless?
When we run and give our best,
the world sharpens, and everything starts to shine.
If you haven't experienced that feeling yet,
let's witness it together in the next 100 meters.
Mr. Zaitsu, we saw you suddenly slow down. Did you get injured out there today?
Were you in some accident?
Everyone, there's something I'd like to announce.
I'm sorry, but as of today,
I'm officially retiring.
What? Really?
Did you just say you were retiring?
But…
[grunts, groans]
[clamoring]
-Wait, this is serious. -Hey, guys!
-Zaitsu says he's retiring… -[overlapping chatter]
-Yeah, get over here! -Is this because of your loss earlier?
Or do you have an injury?
Since I'm retiring, I can speak freely now
and express how I truly feel.
The 100 meters
condenses a whole life into a single moment.
Just a couple of centimeters can be the thing that destroys you.
However,
that's the reason why we feel euphoria.
A wealth of things can be found in merely that distance.
[journalist] We're coming to you live
here with Mr. Zaitsu, who's just announced his retirement.
-[reporter] Wait, wait, Mr. Zaitsu! -[reporters clamoring]
-[clamoring] -[reporter] One more question!
Any words of wisdom to share
with those competing in the final?
Hope. Glory.
Disappointment. Setback.
Fatigue. Satisfaction.
Frustration. Achievement.
Along with every other feeling.
Stuff every one of them into the 100 meters
and savor the finest ten seconds of your life.
[reporters clamoring]
[cat purring]
[pensive music]
ALARM
OKRA HOTEL
[birds chirping]
[commentator] Day two at the national championships.
Next, the men's 100-meter final.
Zaitsu, known as the king of the 100 meters,
was eliminated in the semis
and shockingly announced his retirement yesterday.
The history of track and field is about to change.
‎[indistinct chattering]
[commentator] Get ready, folks, as we will all witness history being made tonight.
Who will be crowned as the fastest man?
The national championship men's 100-meter final starts…
now.
‎[rhythmic thumping]
PLEASE KEEP QUIET DURING THE START!
[tense music]
[race starter] On your marks.
THE FINAL RACE
WILL BE FINISHED
[race starter] Set…
IN TEN SECONDS
[clang]
[crowd cheering]
[heavy breathing]
‎[gasping]
[rapid footsteps]
[upbeat music]