Summer for high school seniors
is a special time.
It seems brighter than other summers.
It goes by faster than other summers.
And soon it will be time to leave.
Summer 2004
Our summer began when he transferred.
Ouch!
I'm sorry.
Excuse me. Sorry.
Hello, grandpa. I just arrived.
I'm sorry I couldn't come last night.
My luggage should arrive by the end of the day.
I'll go to school first and then head over there.
Ok, see ya.
What's up with this map?
The main places aren't even marked.
I'm trying to get to Himeno High School.
Students use that road to go to and from school. You can just follow them as they go.
Got it. Thanks.
Sorry about that.
Himeno High School
A new one has arrived.
Clarinet 399,000 yen
Wait up!
I'm not a suspicious guy.
I'm just trying to get to Himeno High.
You should have told me that!
My bad.
Otome-sensei, good morning!
It's NOT Otome. It's Saotome!
Nope, sounds like Otome to us!
Good morning.
I have a favor to ask...
I want to start a boy's sports club.
Boy's basketball, eh?
Well, you tried to start a baseball, soccer and volleyball club but nobody came...
But...
If you want to start a club, get enough guys together and then turn this in.
Then how about a swimming club?
Swimming?
In swimming even if it is just one person then they can still practice and compete.
Are you kidding me?!
We don't need a bunch of naked guys running around the school.
Just thinking about it gives me the creeps!
Our school's pool is closed anyways.
And we don't have a coach for that.
If that's the case then I'll do it.
Saotome-sensei??
You might not believe me but I was on a swimming team.
Well, but it was more like this though.
That reminds me. Our new transfer student is from a school that is famous for its swimming team.
Just as I thought.
He's from Aoba High in Tokyo.
Are you serious, principal?
Oh! And he WAS on the swimming team.
So you're a transfer student.
Why transfer now?
Oh.. that.. I don't wanna talk about it.
Switch! Your bike. I'll take it!
My bike, please.
Wa-wait a sec!
Ah, this sucks.
Saotome-sensei!
Gan-chan! Good morning!
Here is the selection of Heine poems you let me borrow.
Thank you.
What are you doing?
Well, we are starting a swimming team.
A swimmer from Aoba High in Tokyo is transferring here today.
Aoba High School?
If I remember right, they are a top academic school that sends many students to Todai.
-That's right -Really?
So not only are they strong swimmers but smart too!
Looks like it's all girls, huh?
Don't walk alongside me.
Up until 3 years ago it was an all-girl's school.
So 90 percent of the students are female.
Oh, is that so...
I think you'd better not get too excited.
A transfer student from Tokyo?
That's cool, isn't it??
What's so cool about it?
No one is as cool as you are though, Sano.
You even go to Tokyo once a month to hang out.
Twice.
Why is a guy like him coming to our school at a time like this?
Haven't thought about that. I wonder...
Hey! Hey! Check it out!
Those two badasses from the tech school are covered in mud and all beat up!
Man, whoever dropped those punks must be some kind of a guy!
-Are you sure, Senichi? -Of course I'm sure!
That's probably the new transfer student.
Transfer student?
Ah, so he was too much trouble for a prep school like Aoba and had to transfer here.
That's probably it. That's why.
A great student and swimmer... and to top it all off he even kicks some butt!
Hey! Wait up a minute!
What am I supposed to do with this?
Your bike! What about it? Hey! What about it?!
Hey, who is that guy?
That's him.
Cool...
Hello.
That was a summer we would never forget.
Translated by Kinzaru with the help of Yuko, without whom neither this sub nor my life would be complete.
Sappy, ain't it??
Many thanks to tianj, seeders, original timers, rippers and anyone who had anything to do with the ep before it got to me.
Our new transfer student from Tokyo's Aoba High School has arrived. This is Eikichi Mizushima.
Even his name sounds manly.
Now then, your appearance...
At my old school we wore regular clothes.
Tomorrow I'll dress correctly.
Ok, that's fine.
Well, there are some open seats over there.
Yes, ma'am.
I am sure many things will be confusing at first, so everyone please show him the ropes.
Yes, ma'am.
Ok, that's it for morning homeroom.
Nice to meet you. I'm Kozue Kitagawa.
If you want, you can use this.
Thanks.
Um, nevermind.
A distinguished prep school, right? Which one was it?
I don't really want to talk about my old school.
He must have caused a lot of trouble.
Um, I am known as Yosuke Yamamoto.
If there is anything at all that you don't understand then please come and talk to me.
Also, if it pleases you, you may have anything you like here.
What's with the formality?
No, um, it's just that what happened to you earlier...
Ah, don't mind him.
This guy is just a natural-born follower.
He's right.
Anyways, what happened to you?
Well...
Yowasuke!
You are worrying about this transfer student more than my cutlet sandwich...
I brought it.
This is a croquette sandwich.
Why the hell are you like this, Yowasuke?
Come back with the right one.
I said come back with the right one.
If you are going to talk like that, you should just go buy it yourself.
Huh?
It's yours. You should go buy it.
What?
Did I say something strange...
Ok, everyone take your seat.
Let's start class.
-Begin. -Stand up.
You are some kind of guy for standing up to Bakayo.
Bakayo?
Ohba Kayo or "Bakayo."
She's school president and captain of female athletics.
Make an enemy out of her and you make an enemy out of all the girls.
So that's how it is?
I am so sorry to interrupt your conversation.
I was really moved by what happened earlier.
You see someone in trouble and you rush to help them.
Eikichi, you are truly a savior!
Well, first of all, could you stop the formality?
Eh, is that ok, Eikichi-san??
Oh, I mean, Eikichi.
Well, shall we go then?
No, I mean, let's go. Let's go.
Isn't this going too far?
You should definitely talk to him.
What is this place?
This used to be the observatory. Now it's "Boy's Town."
Come on.
Eat this, Eikichi.
It's from my parent's bakery.
Thank you.
You don't have to eat in a humid place like this though.
We have no choice. The classrooms, rooftop and lawn are all spots for the girls.
But what about that guy?
Ah, Gan-chan, your bracelet is so cute!
Is it a beads handicraft?
Yes, shall I make you one next time?
Yeah, make me one!
Gan-chan is a special case.
He's student council secretary and one of Bakayo's underlings.
So he is treated like a girl.
It's the student-council president!
Hey, Mizushima...
I need to talk to you a minute, ok?
Me?
Since you have just transferred and don't know any better, let me give you a piece of advice...
He'll be okay, right?
Someone's being hit?
Got it.
Check it out.
Nasty!
Bakayo is bowing to him.
Just as I thought, Eikichi's our saviour!
The clubs are only for girls too, huh?
It's ok, it's ok. We'll definitely start up the swim team.
Cause you were a freestyle swimmer on the Aoba swim team, right?
What are you talking about?
Ah, it's fine. Come on.
What's up with this pool?
It's been closed ever since we guys started coming to this school.
This pool must have been waiting for you, Eikichi.
No thanks.
It can't be helped.
No Aoba swimmer would want to join after seeing this pool.
We should clean it up first.
Yeah, you're right.
Even though he really wants to do this,
he can't because he came to this school.
Eikichi must be really disappointed.
I heard that, Yosuke!
If that's the deal then you should have come to me.
But your help is never free of charge, Sennichi.
Don't talk like that. You are going to ruin my reputation.
Let that 3000 yen I borrowed slide and it will be for free.
Really?
Free sounds good!
It's not free, Yosuke. You're giving him 3000 yen.
Racoon.
This is it.
What?
What do you mean "what?"
I mean, why are you here??
-Hold up. -What do you want?!
I can't believe you are following me...
What are you talking about? You are the one spying on people's houses!
People's houses?
Oh, you've arrived, Eikichi.
Grandpa!
Grandpa?
With Shiori?
Shiori?
You know her?
Yeah, I know her and a lot more too. We live together.
Come on in.
This will be your room from now on.
We're living in the second house.
I didn't tell you?
I rented the main house to the Yazawa family, friends of your fathers,
and in exchange they take care of my meals and baths.
This isn't funny!
What am I suppose to tell them if they find out I am living with a boy student?
I just found out from Grandpa Kame this morning.
Can't we ask them to move?
Don't be absurd.
You think this is your house because you have been living here since you were born.
But this has always been Grandpa Kamekichi's house.
We are the ones renting here.
But...
Won't it be nice to have it more lively around here?
Take it up with your father if you want to complain.
I don't think so. I don't want to talk to him.
Eat up, Eikichi.
Ah, let me go get the pickled vegetables.
I can't believe I didn't realize you were Eitarou's son earlier.
It's been since your mother's funeral, hasn't it?
Speaking of Eitarou, he's off starting some new venture in New York now.
That's great.
I'm finished.
You've had enough, Shiori?
You haven't been talking to Eikichi, Shiori.
He's my grandson from the prestigious Aoba High School and I'm proud of him!
Then he should have stayed in Tokyo.
I wonder why anyone would deliberately come to the countryside.
That's a good point.
Why did you?
Yeah, why?
Well, for different reasons...
The squash is delicious.
I wonder if I should have come.
Confidential?
A swimming club is being started with Mizushima Eikichi as captain.
Many bonus perks...
The club members will meet secretly
and form a strategy to surprise Ei-chan.
I can't wait to see his face.
No kiddin'.
Good morning, Eikichi.
I was the astronomy club president in junior high school.
And if I hadn't had diarrhea on the day of the entrance exam then I would be in a better high school now.
I don't know any hot high school girls
but there are many working at the supermarket my family owns.
I don't envy you at all.
It's like a hot girl convention.
It sure is.
Who was that?
Hideki Sano from the 1st year's class.
He's the richest guy in school.
Looks like he is jealous of you.
Of me?
Alright, come into class now.
Today is going to be fun. We have a pop test!
I'm so dead.
It's ok, cause you're the savior.
Hey, the exit's this way.
I have some business to attend to.
Business?
No, I mean, um...
See ya tomorrow!
You are going to kindly be our leader, aren't you?
It's just that I think this is finally my chance to be a man.
See? Look at perk number 2 written here.
Perk number 2?
Gan-chan.
What are you doing?
Um, nothing.
You're tending to the business of this flyer.
The student council considers it is a problem, doesn't it?
Yes, yes, that's right.
That's because the council was not notified,
and therefore it is breaking the rules.
Wow, this is great! 5 people came.
Isn't it though? My fine piece of prose touched everyone's heart.
Right, 1st and 2nd years?
Ok, let's hand out the equipment now. This way, everyone.
What are these?
We can't practice if we don't clean, right?
Eikichi is going to be so excited to see a clean pool.
This.
Do you guys do this?
Damnit, he found out.
We wanted to surprise you later.
Trying to have things your own way,
it pisses me off.
But don't you want to swim, Eikichi?
We are going to practice real hard.
They are going to approve of our club soon.
Well, you keep saying us this and us that but when fall starts
those of us who are third years won't be able enter into any swim meet.
It's not about going to a meet.
Believe it or not, we really want to start a boy's sports club.
Let's all make this something to remember.
If you want fond memories,
then go on a trip or something.
I'm asking you to stop.
What was that? That didn't quite go as expected.
Welp, I'm goin' home. Later!
Senichi's fooled us again.
They tricked us using Eikichi's name.
Let's go play videogames.
Saotome-sensei, please come to the teacher's room at once.
Sensei, you have been here since around April so you should be well aware of this,
but in the consideration of upholding discipline,
the pool has been closed since male students were allowed into the school 3 years ago.
That's only a problem if the girls use the pool.
There will be no problem if only the boy's swim club uses it.
What are you talking about?!
Just now boys were running around the hall in their underwear!
It's because of this! Bonus perk number 5??
Meet beautiful girls from other schools?!
It's completely destroying the discipline around here!
Don't you think that approving of a club that's partly just for fun
will be a rude opposition to the many achievements the girl clubs have earned for themselves?
Um, can it be approved if we are able to make some achievements as well?
Yowasuke, what kind of achievements could you possibly be talking about?
Well no, it's impossible for me. But there's Eikichi.
But earlier Eikichi...
I will talk him into it.
Eikichi will seriously come through for us if he is allowed to enter the swim meet.
Because he's from Aoba High School's swim team.
And he is Himeno High's savior.
He will definitely win if he enters the meet.
Then everyone will approve of the swim club if he does.
Is he really that good?
Well, in that case, should I talk to the swimming league?
Principal...
I believe that our school taking the co-ed plunge is an opportunity
for the boys and girls to cultivate character and understand each other.
I think the girls can also learn from this.
Finally the chance has come.
Right, student-council president?
Yes, ma'am.
Thank you!
Eikichi,
your father called.
New York... it sounds wonderful.
It's ready.
Ok, I'll go wash my hands then.
It'd be good if you go too.
I've decided to stay here.
Giving up living in Tokyo and going to New York to choose here, I don't understand it at all.
There's nothing good in a town like this.
I'm just trying to live a normal life. That is enough for me.
How old are you?
Why are you talking like your retired grandfather?
Choose your words carefully, Shiori.
Grandpa Kame is sulking now.
What are you doing?
I got Eikichi's address from school and it led me here.
But enough about me, why are you here, Shiori?
He's the landlord's grandson and I'm the renter's daughter.
And that is all?
Other than that we have no connection whatsoever.
That's a relief.
Why are you so happy about that?
I'm not...
Anyways, this is an absolute secret.
Ok, then you and I can cooperate now.
What are you doing reading a letter so calmly?
Don't come in without permission.
Your friend is here.
What are you doing at my house?
Sorry.
But I've got some good news.
There is one open slot for the 100 meter freestlye in tomorrow's meet.
Can you do it?
Give it a rest.
But we're doing it for you, Eikichi.
But it isn't for me, is it?
It's to start your own swim club, isn't it?
But the principal asked the swimming league even though it seemed impossible.
And I've already been advertising it to everyone.
I'll be in trouble if you don't do it.
You're not the kind of guy to leave someone in trouble are you?
If they will allow it, you can do it by yourself, right?
If it is something that you decided,
then you need to figure out a way to do it yourself.
I feel bad for Yosuke.
He really believed in you.
I don't associate with that kind of guy.
That may be so...but he works hard.
That's better than you at least.
I know you have your pride to worry about but can't you go anyways?
Everyone will keep teasing him if you don't go.
Excuse me, has Eikichi Mizushima from Himeno High arrived yet?
No, he hasn't. We are waiting for him.
I'm sorry.
Yosuke.
It looks like he isn't coming.
Let's wait out front.
You're late.
Sorry.
It's a wonderful view, isn't it?
Oh, hello!
Shiori would disagree but,
I love this town.
I'm rather happy you chose to come here.
Hey! Look, look!
Man, I really love this scenery.
I always come here in the morning on my days off.
What happened to your pants?
Ah, over there a high school student was drowning.
He was practicing for the swim meet even though he couldn't swim.
It was the first time I saved someone's life.
Your father wants you to take over his business.
To tell you the truth,
he wants me to try and persuade you to go to America.
But I am not very good at that.
Well, it's your life.
You should decide for yourself.
What are we going to do? The principal went through so much and we are going to end up forfeiting.
I will compete.
H-h-hold up, can you swim?
I can dog paddle.
Dog paddle?
But any swimming style is ok in freestyle, right?
Yeah, but I don't know about that...
But this was my decision.
Eikichi!!
You came!
Wait, it's not like that.. Hold up...I've been meaning to tell you...
You're the swimmer from Himeno High School, Eikichi Mizushima, right?
That's right. He's going to swim.
I can't do it. I am not prepared.
It's ok. I already got everything ready for you.
Ok, let's hurry. Fast.
Go get 'em!
Hurry up.
Go for it, Eikichi!
He actually came.
On the 6th lane, from Himeno High, Eikichi Mizushima.
Ei-chan! I am counting on you!
What's with the weird pants?
I heard that he was from Aoba.
That reminds me, he's prolly been to an Eastern Japan meet.
Look out for number one!
He's gonna win for sure!
Take your positions.
He's behind!
He'll catch up.
I think his leg has cramped up!
No way!
His pants came off.
They came off.
Eikichi!
I remember now!
That guy is the Aoba turtle!
Turtle?
Pull his head up. Up!
Hurry!
What's the deal?
Eikichi, are you ok?
Thank goodness.
Due to the disqualification of Lane 6 Himeno High's Eikichi Mizushima, the race will now be restarted.
God, that sucked.
Kayo-san!
Well, we only came for that. Let's go.
It's over.
Today was just not your day.
Just when I said "he'll catch up," your leg cramped.
You'll do your best next time.
Didn't you see my swimming?
You wouldn't say that if you had.
Swimming is only about who is fast or slow.
That only makes us miserable.
It doesn't matter whether you win or lose.
I just want to do this with you.
Who do you think I am?
Yeah I went to Aoba but I was the slowest one, a substitute for a substitute.
Even the 1st years made fun of me and called me turtle.
On top of that, I couldn't keep with my studies and had to transfer because I was about to fail.
Even my dad gave up on me.
I've let everyone down.
That's not true. I respect you.
To be able to talk about your weaknesses like that.
You really are great.
Quit saying that.
It'd be great to just change clothes in silence.
What are you following me around for? It's annoying.
But I can't do it by myself.
If you want to do something like this then wait til college or something.
You don't have to do it now.
See ya.
5 6 7 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
So that's what you meant.
If you don't want to swim, how about synchro?
We can't even swim. How are we going to do synchro?
You can do it.
If I can do it then you can definitely do it.
In synchro it is not about speed.
Everyone comes alive together.
You'll definitely be glad you did it.
It was that way for me.
It's an exciting once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Let's do this together.
This is your last summer in high school.
I'm leaving.
To Eikichi
Are you just running away from things?
If at anytime you change your mind, use this ticket and come to America.
Eitarou
What savior? More like an idiot.
I saw the turtle's butt.
He's here.
The turtle's here.
Just looking at him reminds me of it.
What saviour?
It's disgusting just hearing about it.
The slow turtle from Aoba.
I couldn't come back to school if it were me.
Ow...
Don't toss your trash over here! That's why I'm cleaning!
The swimming club is closed, right?
I've decided to do synchro.
Check this out.
It's a video of what Saotome-sensei was talking about from Yuino High's school festival.
I got excited just watching it.
I really want to do something like this.
You'll definitely want to do it too after you watch that.
If we get a group together to practice...
Who would get together from this school?
They will come!
If you've decided to do something,
you have to follow through with it.
Just like what you said.
After I graduate I have to take over work at home.
But it's pathetic to spend high school life like this.
Just once I want to leave this all behind.
This is it for me.
Now is my only chance.
Eikichi, your father just called and is on the phone.
Hurry, hurry.
It's your father.
Here, Eikichi.
Hello.
It's me.
Earlier I was contacted by your school about the incident.
When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter where you are, you're never going to change are you?
I'll be leaving now.
If you are going to be this much of a shameful disappointment then you will leave tomorrow morning to come join me in America.
I'm sorry, grandpa.
It seems I am going to America afterall.
Is that so?
You are going?
Yeah.
If you change your mind, come back and have some watermelon.
What are you doing, Eikichi?
You don't need to miss getting on that 5 o'clock train.
Yes, ma'am.
This is yours, isn't it?
So you're leaving, huh?
I'm jealous.
It's my dream to be free of this town.
You say you came here on your own decision but now you are running away.
I...
hate guys like you.
Take care.
You're in my way.
If you've decided to do something,
you have to follow through with it.
Just like you said.
Just once I want to leave this all behind.
This is it for me.
Now is my only chance.
We will be departing soon.
Ready.. Set..
What are you doing, Eikichi?
You're not the only one hurting, Yosuke!
It hurts!
Let's go. Grab that.
Lift!
Grab the next one.
My back hurts.
-This one. -This?
How are you doing?
I'm doing great!
Dig in!
Ok!
Watch out!
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!
You're cheating!
You are a savior afterall, Eikichi.
Stop talking like an idiot.
You are the one who is great.
Water!
LET'S GO!
This is what the students want to do.
Please!
What is male synchronized swimming?
I've never heard of this kind of club activity at a school festival. Goodbye.
Why? Why are you so opposed to this?
I heard that three years ago you were the one to propose closing the pool to help enforce discpline.
I am only saying that I don't recognize club activities with no actual results.
Well, then how about we give them a chance to make some?
Transfer again?
He hasn't even been here for a week though.
But how did you find out about that?
In the pool..
there are naked guys!
Hey, hey, hey!
They have approved the boy's synchro club!
Really?
We did it!
But there is one condition.
Before the end of the term, you have to give a synchro performance in front of all of the students to show the results of your practice.
But that's soon, isn't it?