On the day before regionals, Haruka, who is in deep thought about being scouted, shares a hotel elevator with Sousuke and confirms the shoulder injury for himself. At the tournament, Rin passes his heat in the 100m freestyle, but Haruka becomes overwhelmed by the pressure of performing in front of scouts and stops swimming mid-race. When Rin angrily confronts him about it, Haruka snaps, telling him he resents being told what to do. Rei, Makoto and Nagisa overhear their fight, but Haruka assures them that he will still swim in the relay.