While walking home with Musa, Kakeru ran into reigning champion Rikudo's Fujioka Kazuma. When Kakeru can't let go of the inconsiderate remarks made by some passers-by, Fujioka methodically and without faltering shows him the answer. Then Fujioka tells them about his shared history with Haiji, the burden Haiji has borne alone, and the response he gave to Fujioka. In Fujioka's words, Kakeru begins to sense the meaning of the "strength" Haiji once described to him. Meanwhile, Haiji is at a consultation with his doctor. His eyes are glued to the harsh reality they see.