High☆Speed!: Free! Starting Days (2015) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Haruka Starts Middle School

Haruka Nanase begins his first year at Iwatobi Middle School. He remains dedicated to swimming freestyle, carrying with him the legacy of his childhood days in the Iwatobi Swim Club.

Where

Iwatobi Middle School

Asahi Urges the Boys to Join

Asahi Shiina discovers that Haruka and his childhood friend Makoto Tachibana were once part of the Iwatobi Swim Club and eagerly urges them to join the swim team. Meanwhile, Kisumi Shigino tries to convince the boys to join the basketball team instead, creating a friendly tug-of-war over their athletic futures.

Where

Iwatobi Middle School

Natsuya Recruits the Team

Natsuya Kirishima, the captain of the swim team, visits their class and successfully convinces Haruka, Makoto, Asahi, and his younger brother Ikuya to join. This moment unites the four boys who will form the core of the middle school swim team.

Where

Iwatobi Middle School

First Practice Race Against Natsuya

At the first swim practice, Haruka ties Natsuya in a race for the right to swim only freestyle. The impressive result shocks the team and cements Haruka's reputation as an exceptional swimmer.

Doubts and Individual Struggles Emerge

Asahi loses confidence in his swimming, while Ikuya, frustrated by Natsuya's admiration of Haruka's skill, begins to imitate Haruka in hopes of regaining his brother's attention. Meanwhile, vice captain Nao Serizawa asks Makoto whether he truly enjoys swimming or is only in the club to be with Haruka, leaving Makoto confused and putting distance between the best friends.

Struggles Affect Team Performance

The individual struggles of each team member begin to take a toll on their collective performance. Their lack of unity becomes especially apparent during their team medley races, which suffer as a result.

Haruka's Mother Leaves

Haruka's mother leaves town for a week, leaving Haruka on his own at home. This period of solitude creates the circumstances for his friends to rally around him later in the story.

Where

Haruka's house

Joint Practice with Sano Middle School

During a joint practice with Sano Middle School, Sosuke Yamazaki challenges Haruka to a match race, having heard about him from Rin Matsuoka, Haruka's rival. The encounter introduces a formidable new character who is curious about Haruka's legendary talent.

Defeat in the Team Medley

Iwatobi loses the team medley against Sano Middle School, leaving everyone disappointed. Sosuke hands Haruka a letter from Rin, adding another emotional weight to the team's setback.

Makoto and Haruka Restore Their Bond

As the team mulls over their defeat, Haruka confronts Makoto about his uncharacteristic behavior. Makoto ultimately realizes that he loves both swimming and Haruka equally, restoring the close bond between the two childhood friends.

Ikuya Threatens to Quit

Ikuya threatens to quit the team, but then confides in Haruka, Makoto, and Asahi about feeling lonely and abandoned by his brother Natsuya. After the group affirms their friendship, Ikuya makes amends with Natsuya and mends their fractured relationship.

Visiting Nao Before His Surgery

The four friends visit Nao, who is preparing to undergo surgery for a detached retina. He offers them valuable advice about their strengths as individuals and as a team, giving them hope for the future.

Where

Hospital

Haruka Faints on the Way Home

On the way home from visiting Nao, Haruka suddenly faints. Makoto, Asahi, and Ikuya stay at his house, taking care of him until his mother returns from her trip, showing how far their friendship has come.

Where

Haruka's house

Victory at the Prefectural Tournament

Haruka, Makoto, Asahi, and Ikuya compete at the prefectural tournament and place first in the team medley. Their victory proves that they have overcome their individual struggles and grown stronger together as a unified team.

Rin's Letter and Haruka's New Resolve

Sosuke tells Haruka that while Rin's letter was addressed to him, it was probably meant for Haruka instead. The letter details the setbacks Rin has faced in Australia and his desire to swim like Haruka. With this new understanding, Haruka becomes determined to become a better swimmer alongside his team.