It is Kaoru's first basketball game since her illness, and she is determined to win. Her playing is so great that the entire opposing team is forced to block her. Kaoru is injured during the game and blood spurts from her chest. She begs Rei to take her place in the game, and Rei does so, even though Fukiko had forbidden her from playing basketball ever again. Rei plays to her fullest, and despite losing the game, is more alive and happy then she had been in a while. Nanako realizes that Mariko is in love with Kaoru, and her envies her openness with her emotions.