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Aug 20, 2014 6:57 PM

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Jul 2008
109
Why these fillers? Nothing of note here, apart from being informed about Sousuke's injury like it's some major reveal. Also, as someone else said, pretty sad Gou has about the same or less dedicated sceentime total as the kids in this episode...
Aug 20, 2014 7:20 PM

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Dec 2013
82
I know a lot of people are upset that Rin was barely in this episode, but honestly, all of the Makoto scenes made me so happy. Makoto as a swim coach to the kids seriously was too much for me to handle. Maybe he'll end up becoming a full-time swim coach after graduating.

Next week's episode looks like it's going to be really serious. I'm nervous for Haru but excited to see what will happen!
Aug 20, 2014 7:51 PM
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Apr 2012
94
HAHHAHHA I love this pink haired dude already XD


aaaahhh and yes, when the background music started playing with Makoto just standing there in the hallway....it was like, ah, Makoto's MOMENT OF FUTURE PATH RESOLUTION finally unravels for him... :D

Can't wait for next episode!!
Aug 20, 2014 8:17 PM

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Jul 2012
2247
Giving back to the youth that is what made this a great episode.

Sosuke received an injury a while ago, interesting.

Great episode!!!
Aug 20, 2014 9:01 PM

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Oct 2009
627
Kisumi is hot. I think it's the hair.
Aug 21, 2014 1:39 AM

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Apr 2014
21
y123y said:
iLyddz said:
Why are people so bothered about it being a filler episode? It gave off some important details, explored characters and development and then was EXTREMELY ADORABLE!!

Plus, it shows more of what the show is really about - it's about showing the beauty in swimming and showing that there are always ways to overcome things (such as swimming backstroke to avoid fear of water).

Even if it was a filler episode, I loved it & these are the episodes that I really enjoy watching of Free! Because they are easier to relate to in the senses of things like fearing water instead of relating more to competing.


The only important information that it gave was in the final minute of the episode with the injury to Sousouke. And this is the second filler episode that they have shown (the first one being about Nagisa and his bad grades and his parents). This is 13 episodes, you cant show more than one filler episode and expect the anime not to get criticized.

But I guess its shame on us. Kyoto animation has been known for this, where they have a successful first season of an anime that does well financially, then they pick up a second season and its nothing but fillers. They did it with the second season of Chunibyo, the "second season" of Haruhi and the endless eight, and now second season of Free.

Five episodes left for the second season of Free, and knowing Kyoto animation, they probably will show one more filler episode.


I think it's a bit unfair to label this episode a 'filler' just because the plot and episode was a bit more relaxed. Looking at the overall themes of each season, season 1 gave us a clear defined structure of Rin/Haru conflict -> relay. However, season 2 in my opinion is less clear about the concrete plot, going along the lines of the group's 'future' and all that. In order to do this they HAVE to show stuff like this, have episodes like this, and develop the characters in this way. I don't understand why people are saying that Nagisa's episode was filler either, considering that he basically had no character development in season 1 (at least in comparison to the other guys, something even admitted by the director Utsumi-san).

Anyway, I loved this episode. I have such a weakness for hot guys + kids so this ep killed me so much. Kisumi is freakin cute as well and I really hope he appears at least once more before the end of the season. Makes me really eager to read High Speed 2 now as well just for Kisumi.
Aug 21, 2014 2:53 AM

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Dec 2009
3262
I would say that more important stuff got revealed this episode than the last minute.
The way Makoto worked with the kids, might hint that he would become a swimming coach for juniors.
Aug 21, 2014 3:51 AM

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May 2013
1491
Nitori is determined to get faster so Sousuke helps him while Rin provides snacks.

Awesome, Makoto's teaching children how to swim!
One of his students, Hayato, is the brother of Kisumi, another hot childhood friend.

So Sousuke injured his shoulder. That's what's wrong with him.
But it seems like an intense episode next starring Haru.
I’m always searching for something, for someone. This feeling has possessed me I think, from that day… That day when the stars came falling.
Aug 21, 2014 7:04 AM
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Jul 2018
564055
Makoto, being gorgeous as usual. And so good with little kids! So cute.

I really didn't want the Sousuke thing to be true, i suspected from ep 7, but a few people had fan theories. Dammit Sousuke, I'm gonna have to like you now aren't I?
Aug 21, 2014 7:20 AM

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Oct 2008
327
Kyoani needs to stop forcing drama just so the show can have a plot. At least Makoto was cute this episode, same thing with Hayato and "Kissme"

Sousuke probably won't swim once he graduates so he's beting all his efforts on Rin, which is kind of immature.
>User since 2008
Please god help me quit this website.

Such great community that doesn't even know how demographics work, AND gives """detailed"""" reviews after first episodes.


Aug 21, 2014 11:10 AM

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Jul 2014
36
Lol i love Haru's attitude towards Kisumi xD

Aug 21, 2014 12:13 PM

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Jun 2013
178
So Haru does have a jealous little tsundere in him after all...
"If I have time" my ass. (¬‿¬)

Betting Makoto's mom had nothing to do with that lunch. Also betting it was Haru who suggested the idea of seeing Makoto to Ren and Ran.

*shipping goggles off*

I found this episode very entertaining! Haru was acting like a brat the whole time to Kisume, poor guy. I hope we see more of this Kisume guy, but I'm thinking we probably won't...

Makoto further proving that he is the perfect husbando. What a sweetheart. <3

Sousuke's shoulder was injured? I feel stupid because I seem to be the only person who didn't suspect this... -_-

Next episode looks intense...maybe even a little TOO intense. I"m glad we finally get a Haru episode because I feel like his character has just been pushed to the backburner so far. Hyyype.
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Aug 21, 2014 2:26 PM

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Aug 2011
84
it was such a cute episode =D I enjoyed it so much ^O^

love how Kisumi seems to be naughty since he was young xDDD

it was so precious seeing that worry/possessed/jealous side of Haru toward Makoto <3

every time Haru take off Kisumi's arm I couldn't helped it but remembering how Haru didn't refuse that habit from Rin's not even once! (RinHaru <3)

felt sad for Nitori >< hope he will improve x3

about Sousuke's shoulder, could that mean he lied about being scouting?!

waiting eagerly for the next episode ^O^ all about my precious baby Haru *O* <3
Aug 21, 2014 2:51 PM
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Jan 2014
887
Not the best episode, but it had some highlights.

Makoto's character got fleshed out a bit. It was very fitting to relate himself to Hayato.

Ai-chan's determination is strong. I hope he acquires the skill to swim with Rin one day.

We also found out about Sousuke's shoulder injury.

Is Kisumi's introduction the reason why they did that obligatory Kiss me! PV at the end of episode 7? I think it sound reasonable, though it may be a coincidence.
Aug 21, 2014 3:03 PM

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Aug 2011
84
swaggahsaurus said:
So much Makoto, oh my gosh, he's an angel. I think he's very fit to be a swim instructor because he's experienced with caring for children, and he really seems to like them- note his close bond with his younger siblings, Ran and Ren. He also has an easygoing, sociable personality that makes him better suited to coaching than the other members of the team, so I was wondering if he might consider pursuing the career in the future, because he was obviously disappointed when Goro said he was going to be replaced. Makoto takes naturally to helping people. Ooh, I wish my swim coach was that nice...

One of the major things that occurred to me during this episode is how Haru keeps quietly encouraging Makoto to go his own way. This is something that Makoto has difficulty coming to terms with, seeing as he spends much of his daily life supporting others, especially Haru, and doesn't take consideration as to what will happen when he himself needs to move on and will no longer have to be at somebody's side. I'm sure he'll feel very lost without Haru's presence. We first see this in the race against Haru, where he's starting to realize that he won't be able to keep up with Haru and he needs to figure out what he's going to do with his life. Kisumi's appearance and his part-time job as coaching might be symbols of this necessary transition, the need to branch out and do other things. But even though Haru doesn't want to prevent Makoto from having an independent life, he's also scared to be apart from Makoto. After all, the two have been best friends ever since they were children. Both of them fear losing each other when that inevitable fork in the road appears and they'll each have to take a separate path. Haruka wants Makoto to live his own life, but in a sense, he also doesn't want him to because of what that might imply for their relationship in the future. That's perhaps also why they added "I Need You" from the OST of the first season. In the first season, that song played when Makoto had almost drowned and Haru revived him. As soon as I heard it playing, something clicked in my brain and it just seemed like another representation. The first time, Haru had almost lost Makoto. Now, when it played again in the second season, it reminds the viewer again that they're both at risk of losing each other. They seem distant, and I think Kisumi's appearance will quicken the pace of the change in their relationship. Haru has realized that Makoto can have friends without him- not only friends, but also a life. Makoto doesn't want to leave Haru so abruptly, though.

Ah, speaking of Kisumi! His bouncy hair and equally bouncy personality give me life. There was only time to get a few first impressions about him, but I noticed that he's very caring about his brother and about others. One of the things that was really important to me was that whenever he talked to Makoto, he made sure to include Haruka in the conversation too, even though Haru didn't really want to take part. This shows that he's sociable but also willing to include everyone. Every time Makoto or anyone else said Kisumi, I started cracking up because it does sound like "kiss me"! I think he's very nice and cheerful, and I really like his personality so far, though with his appearance there will be some inevitable contribution to the growing distance between Haru and Makoto. It's obvious that he's not going to be just a side character; he's going to have some sort of impact in the plot, and I can only guess at what it might be.

To Haruka, perhaps Kisumi represents a part of his life when he felt alienated and apart from the steadfast Makoto. He obviously wasn't very pleased to hear that Kisumi had reappeared in Makoto's life, perhaps because he fears that Makoto will be taken away from him. Again, this goes back to the idea that he wants Makoto to move on, but Haru isn't ready to let go either. But with Kisumi to be a friend to Makoto, I think this will leave some room for Haru to consider what he wants to do with his future. Now that he can worry a bit less about Makoto finding his own path and friends, Haruka will be able to think about himself. What does he really want to do? Why does he swim? I can't help but imagine that he'll end up following Rin, because Haru seems like someone, though acting cold and standoffish, needs a steadfast person to be by his side at all times.

Lastly, we got a confirmation on the theory of Sousuke's injury. I'm beginning to feel some sympathy for him now, because he's seeing people like Nitori who will be able to swim competitively and follow Rin, when he's going to be left behind in the dust. Like Makoto, he needs to find his own path, lest he be left an empty shell when Rin leaves.



such a great comprehensive comment, I've enjoyed reading it, thank you =)
Aug 21, 2014 10:03 PM

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Dec 2011
6101
So that is why they did the Kiss Me preview last time... and that explains why Sousuke acts weird.
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Aug 22, 2014 12:09 AM

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Jun 2009
552
The kids were tooo adorable. Hayato! Darn those huge googly eyes!
I could totally see Makoto being a teacher or swim coach for life.

So Sosuke's been injured eh? Ok, I get it. That's why he hates Haru's lack of drive when it comes to swimming. Still though USE YOUR WORDS. That's probably what I dislike about anime the most. I guess it's a cultural thing but open honesty would solve sooooo many problems and save so many from heartache, worry, and stress.
Aug 22, 2014 2:10 AM

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Apr 2010
3745
That was really cute episode. Who knows, maybe Makoto will decide to continue with this after graduation. And about Sosuke's shoulder... Guess it will be important for later, but I wonder how.


Aug 22, 2014 2:18 AM

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Aug 2014
2
Am I the only one who doesn't want Makoto to be a coach? It just doesn't feel right. Yeah, he's awesome and stuff (don't get me wrong, I adore Mako) but a few episodes ago they said they want to swim in a relay together, becase when apart, they're not being so fast and strong. The motivation for swimming FOR THE team is a lot bigger, than the one you feel when swimming for yourself. And he doesn't need to catch up to Haru, because there's no competition in a relay, everyone is special their own way. But unfortunately Makoto can't see that, because his mind is foggy because of all those little competitions between Rin and Haru. Well, I'd really want them to continue swimming competitvely in relays because that makes Free! - Free!.
Aug 22, 2014 5:23 AM
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Dec 2011
201
Hayato is super cute. XD OMG
Aug 22, 2014 3:58 PM

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Jun 2008
24605
Aww Mako is so cute! No wonder Haru wants him all by himself.
Obviously new guy was only there to make some background story.

And cutest relay ever.

Next episode will be intense!
Chibi-AliceAug 22, 2014 4:02 PM
Aug 22, 2014 6:54 PM

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Jul 2012
576
So, Makoto and his little kiddie group of swimmers. :3
Cute, haha. xD

And, Kisumi? o-o An old friend of Makoto, but someone that Haru doesn't really like that much. xD He's pretty cool though, and his little bro~~ Being afraid of water, but later on his fear disappears~! :3

OH! So, it seems that Sousuke had some shoulder pain? Oh boy, so it seems he won't be able to swim in the finals? o-o
Aug 23, 2014 7:43 AM

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Aug 2009
77
Elizabeth!!

Aug 23, 2014 8:37 PM

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Jul 2012
48256
Free! filler is blessed. I just did a summer job as a summer camps instructor so this episode was easy to relate to and even inspired me a bit.

Looks like next episode will be dark..
Aug 24, 2014 2:44 AM

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Jun 2014
45
Sort of stoked to see what will happen next and and know what happened to Sosuke's shoulder.

Many shipping done in this episode for yaoi/shonen ai advocates such as me.

Other than that, Makoto has such a kind and innocent heart. He's probably my favourite character in the entire anime.
Aug 24, 2014 4:15 AM

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Jul 2011
139
Anyone know how the heck that pink haired guy know Sousuke? No one even seemed surprised. Isn't he from a different school from before Rin moved to Iwatobi ?
Aug 24, 2014 4:48 AM

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Oct 2013
2984
enjoyed that thoughourly
"Urushibara Ruka. The mannerisms and voice of a woman... No... More feminine than any woman. But he's a guy. Taller than Mayuri, but so very thin... But he's a guy. Looks great in a miko outfit... But he's a guy. It's already twilight And yet, it's so hot. The cicadas are crying. But... He's a guy."
Aug 24, 2014 5:04 AM

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May 2013
14
Terium said:
Anyone know how the heck that pink haired guy know Sousuke? No one even seemed surprised. Isn't he from a different school from before Rin moved to Iwatobi ?


If I'm not wrong (I still need to finish the novel) :
Kisumi was in the same elementary school as Rin and Sousuke and then went to middle school with Makoto and Haru.
Aug 24, 2014 6:39 AM
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Jun 2012
199
iLyddz said:
Why are people so bothered about it being a filler episode? It


I don't understand what you mean by that. They're clearly using the term with the meaning 'episode I didn't like'. Why wouldn't they be bothered by it? Generally, people want things they like. And if it is a series of things, where they liked earlier parts, one bad part can be a sign that this will continue.
Aug 24, 2014 8:25 AM

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May 2010
8099
Makoto is always thinking about others, such a nice person.

Lol I can't take Kisumi's name seriously, everyone is like "Kiss-me kiss-me" Just which genius thought up that name? xD And as I thought, Mako is the one who met him, according to last week's preview.

Damn, Kisumi's hair is amazing, so soft.

Haru is such a bro, I am sure he would be a very cool parent.

I loved the kids' high-touches, so at-my-pace and realistically cute.

Coach Tachibana so happy that kids love him, that was nice.

I hope Kisumi shows up more, he has a fun personality and I like the dynamic of his relationship with Haru and Mako. So Sousuke really has some shoulder problems, makes sense.
Aug 24, 2014 1:13 PM
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Jul 2013
1539
How did Souseke hurt his shoulder?
Aug 24, 2014 4:12 PM

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Oct 2011
9128
Adorable kids <3

So happy Hayato learned to love to swim.

Kisumi knows Haru and others

Sosuke and his shoulder. Which would explain why he didn't do his best during the competition.

Makoto future is to teach kids to swim. <3333
Aug 28, 2014 12:31 AM

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Sep 2009
1660
kisumi and his brother were such cuties. i definitely wasn't expecting a filler episode out of such a short series though. ha ha i honestly thought the relay would be this episode. ):
Aug 28, 2014 10:23 AM

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Mar 2014
815
This didn't feel like filler to me, honestly there's not a whole lot of plot in this besides "a lot of guys swimming...for various reasons" and this was about makoto discovering he likes teaching others to swim, which is relevant to the whole "what to do after graduation" plot thingy.....
Aug 28, 2014 5:46 PM

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Oct 2011
704
Aww not a Makoto episode... >.< I'm sorry to everyone who likes him but he's the dullest character. He is TOO perfect so it makes him boring. I like characters with struggles and development.

p.s. Makoto, please stop your "kehe!" that's just too girly..
LuxtressAug 28, 2014 5:55 PM
Aug 29, 2014 8:44 AM

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Feb 2013
211
Makoto ♥ And those kids, it was so cute when he teached them how to swim ! He should be teacher as his job !
And Kisumi...Oh gosh, I think I found new character to love ! ~ Adorable looking, adorable voice, adorable with his brother...*.* He's adorable at all ! ~ <3
Looks like Sousuke won't swim next time...o.O Still don't care about him...

Aug 29, 2014 8:53 AM

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Jan 2014
1422
Stark700 said:
I kinda like this guy


I like him too, he's so cute, I hope he shows up again!! ^^

Erzaa said:
p.s. Makoto, please stop your "kehe!" that's just too girly..

Lolol this annoys me so much too xD I don't really like makoto, rin's my favorite
laputiaAug 29, 2014 8:57 AM
Aug 29, 2014 8:04 PM

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Jan 2013
11047
Teaching Hayato to get over his fear of swimming. How sweet.
Aug 29, 2014 10:28 PM

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Dec 2012
16144
Wow, I was smiling ear to ear this episode. I got to see my two favorite characters of the season shine. Makoto is such a great guy, he has a big heart and would probably make an awesome teacher/swimming instructor (and father to boot!). Also seeing more of Sousuke is a bonus, looking out for Ai-chan and what not. I really hope that injury doesn't resurface on him in the regionals.
Aug 30, 2014 12:18 PM

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Feb 2010
293
Makoto is an angel.
Aug 30, 2014 4:30 PM

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Oct 2011
447
Aaaah! so that "kiss me" preview was about this guy, Kisumi! haahahha
I love it. Yes, even if it is a filler. I really love it. It was so damn cute, and Makoto is my favorite character, so it's hard to don't like it! Makoto!! You would be an awesome father! Pleeease be real and marry me! (ok, time to stop dreaming) QvQ
That jealous Haru! haha
I miss Rin Q_Q
Aug 30, 2014 5:25 PM

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Dec 2012
402
Makoto's sooo sweet and such a great guy <3
And Haru's attitude towards Kisumi was hilarious~!
Aug 31, 2014 3:03 PM

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Sep 2012
19236
Why must after every time a characters speaks, utters one single fucking line, all the other characters respond by quietly repeating the name of the character who just spoke?

They especially do it after every time Haru opens his mouth, as if they are surprised that he is capable of coherent thought and speech.

"Haru-chan..."
"Haruka-sempai..."
"Makoto..."
"Kisumi..."
"Haru..."

Is this just how Japanese people speak? It's infuriating. It always seems to be a thing in anime, but this show really kicks it up a notch. Holy shit.

Other than that, this episode was really cute. That kid was adorable, and Makoto's such a sweetheart.
Sep 1, 2014 8:35 PM

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Jul 2013
909
I thought Kisumi was gonna be annoying but he turned out alright for me. Hopefully he's not two-faced or anything.
Sep 24, 2014 1:37 PM

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Dec 2008
4878
My Goddess! I want to marry Makoto and have 20 of his babies!!!

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Sep 25, 2014 5:10 PM

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Jun 2011
14139
Oh shit Sousuke. I hope he's fine.

Lol @ this show, keep bringing back "friend from the past". This episode felt filler-ish once again..
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Oct 7, 2014 4:14 AM
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May 2012
7011
Awww, those kids are adorable *^* Especially Hayato~ Makoto should be a coach after he graduates. It fits him.
Ah!! Kiss me = Kisumi :O Oh, so Sousuke has a shoulder injury :O
Let's see what will happen now.
Nov 10, 2014 1:52 PM

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Jan 2012
88
Dude, this old friend crap is getting on my nerves... We're on episode 8 and they still introducing new characters??? Geez.

Still.

It was a really adorable episode, even though the only important thing in it was the last minute. Haru-chan jealousy is really funny... He doesn't even know he's jealous.

That Hayato kid is so cute. The scene when he stops fearing the water is really beautiful.

And I didn't notice Makoto's siblings were twins til this episode lol
Dec 2, 2014 1:58 PM

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Jul 2013
2639
Awww and Makoto teaching little kids to swim and Sousuke teaching Ai-chan to swim better too!

Sousuke had a shoulder injury so was that what he was doing last episode? going to the hospital for a check up or something about it?

Awww, Kisumi was so cute! I loved him! So hot <3

Rin and Haru and Makoto and Kisumi <3

Oh ... kiss me ... Kisumi lol.
stephtastropheDec 2, 2014 2:07 PM
Dec 28, 2014 7:44 AM

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Sep 2013
144
Haaa Kisumiiiiii~~ I really like the flashback of him, Makoto & Haru. Too precious hahahaha! <3
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