Step by Step

Manami reveals how he has advanced so far in races, by using nature and feeling it out. When he senses a gust of wind coming Manami uses it to propel himself ahead of Midosuji. However Miosuji is able to copy the technique and catch up. Up ahead the aces sense they will soon be caught up to. Fukutomi believes that two racers are coming- Midosuji and Manami, but Imazumi realizes that a third one is gaining ground quickly in Onoda. Toudou asks Makashima why he has such faith in Onoda, and Makashima reveals that Onoda has never once failed to obey an order that has been given to him. He thinks back to Onoda's many races- the uphill climb on his mommy bike, the first year race, the 1000km race against the second years, and even his catch-ups at the Inter-High. With roughly 7km left Onoda catches up to Midosuji and Manami. He vows to not let Midosuji catch up to the aces. Midosuji raises his speed, but Onoda surpasses Midosuji's speed and actually moves ahead of him.