Free! The Final Stroke: The Second Volume

After his first appearance on the competitive world stage, Haruka is held captive by the swimming of the undisputed champion, Albert, and feels like he's lost his way. Adrift in this state, Haruka's swimming and what the water means to him are called into question, and he begins to sink to the bottom of some murky water as he struggles alone. Pushed on by a restless urge in his heart, Haruka puts himself through a rigorous and intensive training regimen, relentlessly devoting himself to practice. In his heart, Haruka knows that he's pushing himself beyond his limits both physically and mentally, while his friends can do nothing but watch over and have faith in him. Memories of Albert's cold, calculated swimming keep replaying in his mind. "I have to get faster; I have to be stronger. I have to compete against Albert again." Haruka unleashes his stroke to cut through the heavy, uncaring water. His friends draw closer to watch. What will Haruka find at the end of this struggle?