Kakeru Kurahara sat up straight, his fists clenched so tightly from nerves that sweat beaded on the side of his face, just like Haiji's.
Did this mean their funding problem had already been solved?
Likewise, he was deeply interested in the topic of "people who chased dreams with strength" that Sakurakoji Talent was about to discuss.
"Humanity's greatest hymn is a hymn to courage. Whenever I see people staking their talent, effort, will... everything they have, and running forward without regard for anything else, I'm deeply moved and can't help wanting to do something for them."
"It makes me feel accomplished, while also fulfilling my own worth and elevating my emotions!"
"So, you don't need to feel embarrassed. This is what I enjoy. All you need to do is walk your own path properly and sprint toward your dreams."
"...Yes!" Haiji Kiyose nodded solemnly. After considering it again and again, he fully understood what the other man meant.
Humanity's greatest hymn was a hymn to courage... What an incredible line!
The way he persisted in chasing his dream, the way Prince and the others refused to surrender to comfort—did that actually hold value in other people's eyes? Was it even a little dazzling?
While they were immersed in that emotion and each came to their own realization, Sakurakoji Talent tilted his head again and dropped another bombshell.
"Also, this is your sponsorship for next month. At the end of next month, I'll transfer the same amount again. It'll be the same every month after that, until you're eliminated in the qualifiers or officially step onto the Ekiden course."
What they were currently taking part in was a qualifying record meet to earn entry into the preliminary race.
Every member had to achieve either 16 minutes and 30 seconds in the