High☆Speed!: Free! Starting Days (2015) Plot Summary Explained

As Haruka Nanase begins his first year at Iwatobi Middle School, he is reluctantly drawn back into the world of competitive swimming. Despite his lack of interest, he is encouraged by Asahi Shiina and eventually convinced by the swim team captain, Natsuya Kirishima, to join the club alongside his childhood friend Makoto Tachibana and Ikuya Kirishima.

The team faces various internal conflicts early on. Haruka earns the right to swim only freestyle after tying Natsuya in a race, but others struggle; Asahi loses his confidence, while Ikuya begins imitating Haruka to regain his brother's attention. Meanwhile, vice-captain Nao Serizawa creates tension between Makoto and Haruka by questioning Makoto's true motivations for swimming. These personal struggles lead to poor performance during their team medley events.

External pressure mounts when Sosuke Yamazaki challenges Haruka to a race after hearing about him from Haruka's rival, Rin Matsuoka. Following a disappointing loss to Sano Middle School, Haruka and Makoto confront their feelings and restore their bond. Similarly, Ikuya opens up about his loneliness and reconciles with Natsuya. After receiving guidance from Nao during his recovery from eye surgery, the group finds a new sense of hope and unity.

At the prefectural tournament, the combined efforts of Haruka, Makoto, Asahi, and Ikuya lead them to a first-place victory in the team medley. The story concludes with a revealing letter from Rin, describing his struggles in Australia and his admiration for Haruka's style. Inspired by these words, Haruka becomes fully determined to improve himself and grow alongside his teammates.