As Inter-High day one approaches its end, Naruko aims to obtain tags for Sohoku after his teammates came up short on the previous two attempts. But for Naruko, it’s also a personal battle to defeat Midousuji and show how his shift to an all-rounder has paid off. As the two battle it out, Hakone’s Ashikiba, being escorted by Kuroda, tries to catch up to the two leaders. And he does, turning this two-way battle for the third checkpoint a three-way!
After the results, Sohoku reflects on the day’s events, but there is little time to destress, especially for first year Kaburagi. If he was somewhat humbled by day one, well, day two is ready to make him feel like an amateur. Can Sohoku attempt a repeat championship if one of its members is struggling?
I say that because the second half of the volume is centered around Kaburagi. While he is normally confident (often too confident), he attempts to hide the fact his body is not running at the same pace as his pride. His immaturity is also on display at several points — sometimes for comedy reasons, but mostly due to Kaburagi being younger and used to winning. He repeatedly struggles during Inter-high day two, but it seems his emotional development is going to be key for him to stay in the race.
That probably shouldn’t be too surprising considering while Hakone runs on finding and honing optimal talent and Kyoto-Fushimi is bossed around by Midousuji, Sohoku relies on their team bonds to get through challenges. This seems like an opportune time for the graduates to come back and give their kouhai some inspiration, right?
Well, not really. Only Kinjou appears in front of Onoda, and he tells Onoda he and the others can’t help; Sohoku needs to rely on each other, but Kinjou and company will be watching the race though. Onoda is fired up just hearing Makishima is back, and the others take this news as a sign of tough love. Personally, I found it odd since if the plan was for them to never approach their old alma mater, why talk to Onoda and deliver a message at all? And if Sohoku needs a spark of inspiration, why couldn’t they all appear and knock some sense into them? Maybe it’s just me, but I found this approach too in-the-middle. Onoda’s mom also appears and stuns everyone with her “nerves of steel”, and while she is supportive of her son, she’s also still clueless. (Bikers wear helmets in races…how do you get to your 30s, 40s+ without knowing this?? Or even asking your son??)
Still, beyond this bizarreness, Yowamushi Pedal volume 21 delivers some excellent sports drama between Naruko battling others for the day one finish line (including Midousuji debuting a new grotesque form) and Sohoku being treated — and them treating themselves — like underdogs, culminating in some disagreements about what to do about Kaburagi. I didn’t even touch on a few other developments like some secondary/minor characters having time in the spotlight or Onoda gaining a new rival, but the author does well in crafting an exciting day one finish and setting up day two’s events.