Free! (English Dubbed) Season 1 Episode 9 Hesitant Loosen Up!
- TV-14
- September 5, 2013
- 23 min
-
(43)
Haruka is in the weight room when he sees Rin and Sousuke walk in. Rin invites Haru to eat lunch with them, and Sousuke suggests they go to Samezuka Academy's outdoor pool. Haru is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees to go.
When they arrive at the pool, they run into some of Rin's friends from Samezuka, including Nitori and Seijuro. Rin challenges Haru to a race, but Haru declines, saying he's not there to swim. Sousuke suggests they play a water polo match instead.
The group splits up into two teams, with Rin and Haru as the captains. Haru's team has trouble keeping up with Rin's, but they manage to score a goal with Rin's help. Haru starts to loosen up and become more competitive, impressing Sousuke.
As they continue to play, Haru becomes more and more passionate about the game, even going so far as to grab the ball from Rin and score the winning goal. Sousuke is proud of Haru's growth, while Rin is upset he lost.
After the game, they all go to a nearby restaurant to eat. Sousuke talks about how he used to swim with Rin back when they were kids, and how he's always wanted to beat him. Rin acknowledges Sousuke's skill, saying he's the only person who's ever beaten him in a race.
Haru reflects on his own passion for swimming and how he wants to continue to improve. The group parts ways, with Haru and Rin agreeing to have a rematch in the future.
Overall, episode 9 of Free! (Original Japanese Version) showcases the characters continuing to bond over their love for swimming and competition. Haru's growth as a swimmer and willingness to become more competitive is a key focus of the episode, as well as the relationships between the characters.