Original subtitles

GO KURUME! The final of Rinkai League Ito Hot Spring

Bicycle Race Mikarin Cup is finally here!

Will the winner go to Kurume Tsutsuji, who won the individual sprint

at the World Championships?

Will Kurume win? Will she?

We don't know the result yet, but Tachikawa will win.

So exciting! I'm thrilled!

The bicycle race in autumn is so exciting.

Today's race must be awesome.

You bought betting tickets?

Yes, I bet about a million yen on Player Kurume and Player Tachikawa for the top two.

A million yen?

You are really the daughter of Nagoya Zaibatsu.

Even if they really get the top two, I will only win my money back.

Sounds even richer.

Here it comes.

Get ready.

Ready!

Now on the back stretch, Tachikawa takes the lead.

Kurume races up with a burst of energy!

As expected, it's a competition between the two, Tachikawa or Kurume.

Kurume!

The winner is No. 4, Mukomachi Miyako!

No way.

This is bicycle race?

This is bicycle race?

ITO HOT SPRING HOTEL Is this the address?

My home is deep in the mountains.

Once you arrive, go rest in the rooms first.

Be careful.

-We'll head out first. -See you later.

(RINKAI!)

(Episode 1: Hot Springs and Vows) Welcome!

Thanks for your kindness.

Not at all, you're welcome.

Have a good rest here today.

I've parked the car out front.

I see.

Indeed, it's fast to drive a car.

Come on in.

Izumi?

No way. You got here so fast?

You came back by bike, right?

I'm familiar here.

I went to my aunt's to get some soft drinks.

I'll put them in the fridge.

You took the shortcut through Yoshida's vegetable patch again?

Here, this one's for you.

You're quite clever!

-I knew you would love it. -You know me well.

But that's a different matter!

My friends are still here.

There are still guests around.

Don't bother the neighbors.

TACKLE CHANNEL

We got to know each other

on the Tackle Channel, a video website

for fans of Player Tachikawa and Player Kurume,

who are competing in the Cycling World Championships.

KUMAMOTO AI, 17 YEARS OLD, FROM KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE She's Kuma, a fan of Player Tachikawa,

very reliable, and in her second year of high school like me.

This tatami room is quite spacious.

NAGOYA SACHI, FROM AICHI PREFECTURE And the rich young lady, Nago.

This simple atmosphere is really nice.

Are you being sarcastic, rich?

YAHIKO MIKO, 20 YEARS OLD, FROM NIIGATA PREFECTURE She's Miko, the administrator of the Tackle Channel.

I heard she used to be an idol.

TAKAMATSU KINUSA, 26 YEARS OLD, FROM KAGAWA PREFECTURE And Takama who's more modern and mature than us.

However, this place is really nice.

ITO IZUMI, 17 YEARS OLD, FROM SHIZUOKA PREFECTURE And me, a fan of Kurume.

My name is Ito Izumi.

I'll go clean my bike.

You can have a rest before dinner.

Got it.

Today, because of the two players we support, Tachikawa and Kurume,

are both participating in the local cycling race.

So we organized the first offline meetup.

And I invited them to stay at my family's hot spring hotel.

Alright, it's done.

Izumi!

I heard today's race made the news column.

Come and take a look!

Thank you. I'm coming!

In today's Rinkai League Ito Hot Spring Bicycle Race Mikarin Cup,

the much-watched queens of the World Championships

Kurume Tsutsuji and Tachikawa Remu performed wonderfully in the final.

What a shock that they both lost!

That's really too much.

Miss Mukomachi, you won the race, yet the news didn't even mention you.

It's rare for women's bicycle race

to get on the news.

PLAYER KURUME TSUTSUJI It's all thanks to you young people.

MUKOMACHI MIYAKO, 30 YEARS OLD, L04 TERM, FROM KYOTO PREFECTURE You're getting a lot of attention.

Whether it's TV or the internet, Kurume and Tachikawa are mentioned.

TACHIKAWA REMU, 26 YEARS OLD, L04 TERM, FROM TOKYO It's amazing how much attention bicycle race gets.

It surprised me too.

We've been receiving interviews since we got back.

No wonder you're unprepared.

But that's not an excuse for losing the race.

After all, I did not quit the race.

You're still stubborn.

KURUME TSUTSUJI, 26 YEARS OLD, L07 TERM, FROM FUKUOKA PREFECTURE Sorry for the waiting.

You are amazing, Mukomachi Miyako.

I took it easy after I won the gold medal.

You are truly the strongest opponent.

Enough.

Congratulations on your victory in the World Championships.

And you've attracted a lot of new bicycle race fans.

I got shocked.

It's the first time I've seen so many young girls in the arena.

I heard sales are also off the charts.

That's a good thing.

But honestly, the attention is probably at its peak right now.

So we need to let more people know

about women's bicycle race while it's still hot.

Not just a bicycle race,

we need to make them aware that there are people like us fighting every day.

As the figures whom those girls who admire,

as the goal they strive for,

we must keep women's bicycle race moving forward.

We can't let it stop at a momentary craze.

We need to keep it alive as a sport and as a culture.

We can't let women's bicycle race be abolished again.

We have an obligation to pass it

on to our successors.

To do this, we need to step up promotion and further expand our influence.

This is our mission.

And present more intense races.

Yes. As long as we persist, someone is bound to be impressed.

All cyclists need to build that future together.

Agree?

Just hearing your passionate speech,

I felt like I've truly returned.

I almost forgot.

SCOTTISH RICE CRACKERS, GLASGOW BUNS Here's a specialty for you.

You bought them in Japan, right?

ITO HOTEL

The hot spring is so nice.

Right?

Nago, come over here.

You are closer to the spring head, which is for those who often take hot springs.

No wonder I feel so hot.

Thank you for the reminder.

Kuma, are you okay? You don't say much.

Are you enjoying the hot spring?

Today's bicycle race was really intense.

Yes, indeed!

The result, though somewhat unexpected, was truly shocking.

They can ride that fast.

Even Kurume and Tachikawa lost, which shows that she's quite amazing.

Player Mukomachi.

My betting ticket went to waste in an instant.

That's your problem.

I…

I want to be a cyclist.

What did you say?

You want to be a cyclist?

I didn't have such an idea

when I was watching the World Championships on TV.

But after actually watching the game at the scene,

I had this idea.

I wonder what it would be like

to be one of them and compete with Tachikawa.

Izumi, don't you have such ideas?

Don't you want to ride on the same race with Kurume?

You were riding your bike very fast!

That's because I took a shortcut.

Even so, it's still fast.

And it's a mountain road.

You even had time to buy drinks.

No, no. Even so, I can't be a cyclist.

Kuma, do you have experience in cycling?

Didn't you say you weren't in the cycling club?

Right.

So this is the fate.

I will join the cycling club from now on

and try to become a cyclist.

I've decided. This is a major turning point in my life.

Don't stop me, Izumi.

I won't.

But the club might find it troubled that a new member joins suddenly.

Well, I think it's quite good.

Why don't we take this as a chance

for the five of us to set a goal to become a cyclist?

Miko, you're talking nonsense again.

A special project for the Tackle Channel.

I'm actually excited

after watching the game live.

The impact of women's bicycle race is just as intense as the men's.

Well, it's like living off your body

and making money from it!

Yeah, indeed.

Right?

A job where you can earn money on your own

isn't something you can find everywhere.

So I support Kuma.

Honestly, I've been getting tired lately because I can't find any video material.

So this is the truth.

But I can accompany you.

My favorite piece of equipment in the gym is the bicycle.

I want to try it too.

Takama, Nago. Why you?

Izumi, you should join too. Your high school should have a cycling club.

I didn't even check.

To be honest, I can't do it.

Although I like cycling,

I just don't have the perseverance to become a professional.

I liked bikes at first.

I'm really sorry.

We didn't notice any other guests. Sorry to disturb you.

It's okay.

Sorry. I heard you were having a great conversation,

so I couldn't help but chime in.

Miss Kurume?

-Is that her? -No way.

My perseverance is about average.

I just want to ride a bike every day, so I see it as my goal to become a cyclist.

You can definitely do it.

Next, all you need is the courage to take that step.

Thinking back to how you felt when you learned to ride a bike, then go all out.

Hope to see you on the track.

I'm not dreaming, right?

Is that Kurume? Or someone who looks a lot like her?

Judging by those legs, it must be her.

Kurume left after soaking in my family's hot spring.

ITO HOTEL Thank you for your patronage.

I didn't expect to meet those girls here.

My efforts were all worth it.

I have to tell Remu and Muko about this.

I'll start. To become a cyclist,

the first step is to pass an exam held every October.

Then there is about ten months of training

at the training base in Izu starting in the spring of the following year.

Just get the desired results,

and one can register as an official player.

October? It just ended.

That means we can

have a year to prepare for the exam.

Perfect. It really must be fate.

I'll be out of high school next year.

Let me see.

Registration for the exam is in July.

There are skill tests for experienced cyclists

and ability tests for those with no cycling experience.

As expected, it's still impossible

to become a cyclist.

Although I didn't expect Kurume to support us,

it's another story if we can do it or not.

Is everyone serious?

Doesn't Kuma need to worry about entrance exams?

She simply decided her future like this,

doesn't she need to discuss it with her parents?

Takama and Miko were just on a whim.

At least they seem so.

And Nago…

Stare…

You want to be independent?

Exactly. Although it's a bit embarrassing to say it myself.

Nagoya family is really rich.

But after the age of 20,

we need to get away from home and live on our own for a few years.

This is our family's creed.

Why? Aren't you the family's young lady?

I think it's to let us experience the hardships of society.

Both my grandfather and father have gone through this.

My two brothers did so too.

They have come back and are now directors of cooperative enterprises.

I'm also considering how I should be independent.

Even if I want to find a job,

the name of the Nagoya family has become an obstacle instead.

I don't quite get it, but I seem to understand.

So, after hearing what Kuma said while taking a bath earlier,

I've decided on this.

You want to become a cyclist?

I don't think it's an easy thing to do.

But, as Miko said,

a job where one can truly be independent without relying on anyone

isn't something you can find everywhere.

So I want to take up the challenge

to see how far I can go.

Meeting Kurume might also be a kind of fate.

You too, Izumi.

We don't know how decisive everyone really is.

You don't have to force yourself to cooperate with us.

However,

everyone would be so happy if you could join us.

Nago, are you serious?

But it seems like after tonight, Miko might be back off.

That makes sense.

Usually, no one easily sets a goal on becoming a cyclist.

It's just a whim.

When tomorrow comes,

Kuma might calm down.

So from today on, we are sharing the goal of becoming cyclists!

In the coming year,

we shall report our practice results to each other,

encourage each other and make progress together.

She isn't back off.

You too, Izumi. Don't be shy.

I'm not being shy.

Then you lead the cheer.

"Let's become cyclists together!" Something like that.

What?

I'll work hard to catch up with you.

No, no. It's not about this.

L-Let's become cyclists together!

Go for it!

Is it really okay for me to make such a rash decision?

Hello.

Welcome.

I'll put the empty bottle here.

You're taking the entrance exam this year, aren't you?

No, it's next year.

Next April, I'll be in my third year of high school.

You're already going to be in your third year of high school.

I'm getting old.

You haven't changed at all since I was a child.

How old is she?

88 years old.

You will get scolded, Uncle Tsubo.

Don't you go to work?

It's my day off today.

RINKAI LEAGUE BICYCLE RACE MIKARIN CUP, THE QUEEN KURUME IS DEFEATED

What a pity.

What about your future plans?

Will you go to university in Tokyo?

I haven't decided yet.

It's still a year away anyway.

A year will pass soon.

Or is there something else you want to do?

Like becoming the second-generation owner?

Or third-generation?

Not really.

Are you going to take over our shop?

I'm here.

Going to university? What should I study?

Half a year later,

Kuma and the others are all working hard to become cyclists.

Kuma kept her promise and joined the cycling club,

and within three months, she had won the prefecture championship.

Takama seems to be taking up yoga and Pilates work

while borrowing her friend's gym

for special bike training with Miko.

Miko even gave up the video production,

TACKLE CHANNEL CLOSED and devoted herself to practice.

Looks like they're serious.

And so is Nago.

Should I join in?

I'm coming in.

Izumi, are you going to take after-school classes?

Make sure you decide early if you go. I need to prepare the money.

Okay.

The exam is only a year away.

You have to work hard no matter how.

Okay.

If I say I want to attend cyclist training,

she would probably be very surprised.

KURUME

If you can get into college, you have nothing to lose.

You need to think carefully about the future you want.

Don't end up with regrets like me.

Regrets? Takama, you?

I've never encountered any difficulties, whether in exams or job-seeking.

I've listened to what my parents said, and followed the rules of society,

just going with the flow.

But at some point,

I realized I didn't have anything.

I was so scared.

Scared?

But now, I am truly fulfilled.

So, no matter how it results,

I want to challenge my limits.

After watching Player Kurume and Player Tachikawa compete,

I realized that although they and I are the same age, we shine in different ways

and have different consciousness.

Therefore…

Bicycle race is a dream, and the exam is the reality.

But either way, for me now,

it is a goal that cannot be achieved without efforts.

I can't keep being indecisive like this.

I have to make the decision I would least regret.

I want to be like Kuma and Nago,

staking my fate on one thing.

Bicycle race, university.

I still can't decide.

I wish someone could decide for me.

You definitely can do it.

Hope to see you on the track.

Kurume.

No, no way.

Wow, she was on it at once.

Her legs are really strong.

My name is Ito Izumi.

We met before at the open-air bath. I am the daughter of the hotel owner.

PS: I'm the youngest daughter.

If you still remember me,

I would be so honored.

Since I can't decide for myself,

let the person I respect most decide for me.

If Kurume supports me…

But if she doesn't reply to me after a week,

I'll give up and study for the exam.

Please…

Amazing.

Nana is overwhelming.

HIRATSUKA NANA, 17 YEARS OLD, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE

Here it is.

My future is about to be settled.

AFFILIATED WITH FUKUOKA, KURUME TSUTSUJI

Do you like Dagashi?

Dagashi?

What does this mean, Kurume?

Kuma, you can get out of the bath now.

No. To become a cyclist,

I have to soak in hot water for one hour.

What kind of new form of self-discipline is this?