Determination

Before the race, Yamato receives counciling from Yasunobu, revealing that he still likes Suzuka. The appearance of Miyamoto and his recount of Kazuki then reveals to Yasunobu what Yamato keeps worrying about. Somehow, though, Yasunobu's words sparks something in Yamato, and he then resolves to becoming first. After his first spectacular performance, he is met by disappointment by his teammates, because the first race was unimportant, he was just wasting energy. When he finishes second in the entire meet, Suzuka approaches to congratulate him, but he reveals to her that he wants first.

都大会予選当日。涼風との関係も無事修復することができ、改めて涼風が好きだと再認識した大和。だが、涼風の心には、まだ津田和輝の存在がいるのではないかと思い悩む。安信にも、大和が和輝に勝てるはずがないと言われるが、逆にその言葉が大和の闘志に火をつける。覚悟を決めた大和は「オレが日本一の選手になってやるっ！！」と決意する。大和は、今回の大会で高校ナンバーワンのエメルソンを抜こうと意気込むのだった。