Gao and his friends are informed by Noboru's parents that they and Noboru will leave the country soon. Then, the first semifinal match of the ABC Cup commences with Gao facing Noboru. While fighting, in addition to recalling their pasts, Gao is infuriated that Noboru did not tell anyone about his departure, while Noboru expresses his frustration over how Gao always seems to be in the spotlight. Despite Noboru following advice from the teammates (Maihama and Niitani) he ignored, Gao emerges victorious. Afterwards, at an airport, Gao and his friends bid farewell to Noboru, who sheds tears and subsequently leaves Japan.