Ep 4. Naruko Shoukichi

In Yowamushi Pedal's season 1 episode 4, titled "Naruko Shoukichi", the story finally focuses on the eccentric yet talented freshman member of the Sohoku High School cycling club, Naruko Shoukichi.

The episode opens with the Sohoku High School team getting ready for their first official race against their rival school, Hakone Academy. As they train and prepare, Naruko shares his own unique training regimen with his teammates – practicing his sprinting skills by trying to catch the train that passes by the road they often ride on.

Despite his quirks, Naruko proves himself to be an invaluable member of the team with his quick reflexes and ability to gauge the strength of his opponents. This is exemplified during a training ride when they encounter a group of older cyclists who challenge them to a race. Naruko, being the overconfident and daring individual that he is, accepts the challenge and proceeds to outwit and outride his opponents, making the team proud of him.

The episode also delves into Naruko's backstory, revealing his love for cycling that stems from a chance encounter with a professional cyclist as a young boy. This encounter not only inspired him to pursue cycling but also instilled in him a desire to be the best, leading to his unique and grueling training methods.

As the day of the race approaches, Naruko and his teammates face various challenges, from a difficult climb to the pressure of racing against their strong rivals. Naruko's expertise in sprinting and his quick thinking on the road, however, prove to be essential to the team's success.

Overall, "Naruko Shoukichi" is an entertaining and engaging episode that highlights one of Yowamushi Pedal's most charming and intriguing characters. The episode's focus on Naruko's backstory and his unique approach to training adds depth to his character and makes him even more endearing to the viewers. Additionally, the episode also marks a significant step forward for the team as a whole, showcasing the progress they've made since the beginning of the series.