Rito was certainly an active boy. From a young age, he had been the most athletic one around. He would always run, swim and work out. As soon as possible, his parents, both failed sports stars, began to encourage Rito to greater heights. At first, he didn't quite like doing any of this intense workout on his body, but he would always be promised love and acceptance from his parents in return. This motivated him to continue his rigorous daily training. By the end of middle school, he was considered number one in his area. During his time there, he would hear one voice come up often.

"I wonder how Rito would do against that girl."

"I don't know. They're both truly incredible at their craft."

Rito:"What are you guys talking about?"

"Oh, hey. Have you heard of Nakano Yotsuba?"

Rito:"Have I? Of course I have. I've always wanted to race her! But our schools don't allow boys and girls to do so."

"That's a shame. I'd love to see that."

Rito:"I'd totally beat her, though." [I wouldn't disappoint my parents over some girl.]

…

Rito's popularity continued into high school. However, in the middle of his first year…

"Rito! We want you to meet someone."

In Rito's home, an old, balding blonde man walked in.

Principal Takeda:"Nice to meet you, I've come here today to propose a transfer for you into our top of the line school."

Rito's parents had been asked by Principal Takeda to have the opportunity to meet him. In his campaign to increase marketability and bring attention to the school, the principal went around to many key figures that were known around the school area and asked for them to join. Some were failures, but some would say yes and could in turn bring more talent to Asahi High School. Rito's parents were already convinced with the prospect of money and exposure. Due to this, Rito wasted no time on accepting the offer.

…

Once there, he quickly impressed everyone with his skills. By the end of his first year, he was already doing well for himself. On the first day of his second year, he came back to impress the newbies and to advertise the different clubs. But, he noticed someone familiar, someone he had heard about more often than not.

Rito:"Excuse me, are you Nakano Yotsuba?"

Yotsuba:"Yep! I just recently transferred here! Do you need anything from me?"

Rito:[This is the girl…If I beat her, my parents will be proud! Now that we're in the same school...] "Race me! I've heard your stories from middle school! You were at the very top!"

At that moment, Yotsuba froze. Reluctantly, she began to speak.

Yotsuba:"I-I see. Was there anything else you...heard?"

Rito:"Huh? Aside from your prowess and leading your team to Nationals last year? Nothing much."

Yotsuba suddenly perked up.

Yotsuba:"Ah, okay! Then, let's race!"

Rito:"Right!" [That was weird. Did she have an accident?]

…

Rito:"H-How…?"

Rito stared in disbelief as he watched Yotsuba cross the finish line a full half lap ahead of him. It was the first time Rito had suffered such a definitive loss.

Yotsuba:"That was a great race! Great job!"

Rito:"...Yeah! You're way too good!" [What the hell? Don't patronize me. You completely gutted me back there…]

This shame was something he would keep from his parents.

…

This time, Rito and the boys' team was sent to another school to race in a televised match. The school in question was Minami Katsumi. Upon getting there, they were greeted by a couple.

Yae:"I'm Yae."

Sandy:"And I'm Sandy!"

Yae/Sandy:"And we're your hosts tonight!"

Upon finishing, the girl backed away.

Yae:"What did I say about your voice?"

Sandy:"Sorry, sorry!"

Rito:"What a pair of weirdos."

"And now for the student council president."

Takebayashi:"I'm so glad you could make it here. My name is Takebayashi Noboru."

…

Despite his initial impression, he came to quickly like them. From the two hosts practically being a comedy duo to the student council president always listening to their troubles. He began to talk with them. He was always put on a pedestal, but this was the first time he could really be himself in conversation. He would complain, argue and many other things his team nor his family had ever seen him do. After that trip, he kept in contact and eventually they began to hang out. Rito was surprised to hear that they all lived together, but he was jealous of how they acted around one another. There were times when it seemed the flamboyant boy with too much makeup would worry about his appearance a little too much, the girl with bad hearing would have to leave to calm down and the student council president would seemingly be in another world, but that didn't matter to Rito. He was just happy to have friends. Then, in his third year...

Rito:"Hey, so we're having a sports festival soon, and I'll be competing in it. You guys should come!"

Sandy:"Of course, we'll be cheering you on!"

Yae:"Quiet. Yes, I can go. I just need really strong earplugs."

Takebayashi:"Asahi High School, right?"

…

"The winner of the relay race is Class 3-4!"

…

Rito:"I'm sorry you had to see that."

Sandy:"It's fine, you were great!"

Yae:"What's wrong, Take-chan? You've been out of it for a while."

Takebayashi:"Oh, I just...saw someone familiar."

Yae:"You said something like that during the race."

Takebayashi:"Yeah, it's just been a while. In any case. Don't feel down! There's always next time!"

Rito:"Thanks..."

…

But it was a different story when he came back home.

"You failure! How dare you get fourth!? You've gone and embarrassed us!"

Rito:"It wasn't me...It was…"

"I don't care who finished last! Isn't it the job of a leader to make sure only the best are on the race!?"

Rito:"But that was out of my…!"

"That just means you were a failure of a leader! Someone like you doesn't deserve to go to college!"

Rito:"But I…"

…

Takebayashi:"Hey, your family is pretty crooked, huh? How about you join ours, then?"

Rito:"I don't...know if I can just do that."

Takebayashi:"It's fine! Our dad can pull the necessary strings! After all, it's normal to want more family members!"

…

Monogaku:"Nice to meet you...An athletic prodigy, huh? Yes, I'll make sure to help you!"

Rito:"You'd really do that for someone you barely know?"

Monogaku:"Of course! I'd never say no to someone in pain!"

...

Once Rito left his family and joined Takebayashi's, he was able to express himself far more. No longer was he the perfectly happy boy, now he could do what he wanted. This would lead to him ditching his duties for his class stall in favor of hanging out with them. Eventually, he would also express his true feelings to Yotsuba about her and Fuutarou. He was finally the man he could never be.

…

…

Rito:[For my new family! For my new father! I will beat this quintuplet!]

Yotsuba saw the gap widening between them.

Yotsuba:[I can finally catch some breath, but I won't win at this rate...That boy, he's the type to...Fuutarou-kun, give me strength!]

The fourth sister then began to cough uncontrollably.

Yotsuba:"P-Please, I beg you...stop…"

Upon hearing this, Rito developed the most devilish grin in his life. He turned to the struggling Yotsuba and slowed down to be at her pace.

Rito:"What's this? Is the little girl finally done? You couldn't beat me!?"

Rito continued to ridicule Yotsuba as they got closer to the finish line. Upon seeing that he had gone off on his own world, Yotsuba's posture suddenly got better.

Yotsuba:[Now!]

Suddenly, a plume of dust enveloped Rito as Yotsuba seemed to go at the speed of sound. Rito could only stare in disbelief as Yotsuba finished the fifth lap first. As he stopped, Yotsuba was gasping for breath. Before long, she turned and pointed towards Rito.

Yotsuba:"I really, really hate you! Now, apologize for what you said!"

Rito:"How...How did you do that? You were losing…"

Yotsuba:"Oh, that?"

She gave a peace sign and gave a hearty smile.

Yotsuba:"I was just acting, shishishi! Pretty good, huh?"

Rito:"...I failed again...I'm nothing but a failure…"

Yotsuba:"Oh, who cares about that?"

Rito:"What would you know!? You've always won at everything-"

Yotsuba:"I don't even like running!"

Rito:"Huh?"

Rito was taken aback.

Yotsuba:"And do you really think I'm perfect!? I'm a big dumb idiot! I couldn't even pass simple quizzes! I've experienced failure every day! And Iacted like a stupid child, running away from my problems, but I've had it! I got off of my ass and I'm going to start over!"

Rito couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Rito:"But...How could you start over…"

Yotsuba:"No matter how many times I fail, I'll always have my sisters and my friend to back me up! I will always try for their sake! Now give me the damn apology!"

After some though, Rito lowered his hands.

Rito:[A complete defeat...If what she's saying is true...Then, maybe even someone like me…] "I'm sorry...for everything I said."

End of Chapter 116