During the spring of my 2nd year in highschool,
I received a peculiar letter.
This letter was sent by
me?!
Noda Yui.
Here.
Okay.
Nobuchi Takahono.
- Here. - Okay.
Hagita Saku.
Here.
'Kay.
- Nobuhata Nozomi. - Present.
To the 16 year old me, how are you?
I am writing this letter to you from 10 years in the future.
10 years in the future?!
That's everyone, right?
Congratulations on finishing your first year of high school.
I'm gonna be your homeroom teacher for this year.
Name's Nakano. Pleasure to meet y'all.
Nice to meet you.
The opening ceremony is after this class.
You must be wondering why I'm sending you this letter.
Well, it's because there's one thing that I need you to do no matter what.
Wait, what is this?
Is this a prank?
There is someone I would like to introduce to you all.
I'll go get him.
So that you don't make the same mistake I did.
I'm going to tell you when what happens next.
Until then, I want you to choose whichever path you want to go down.
Sorry for making you wait.
Let's go.
Okay.
April 6. Morning.
After admiring the cherry blossoms, I thought I was already going to be late on the first day.
How does she know?
That same day is when a new students transfers in from Tokyo.
We have a new student from Tokyo.
His name is Naruse Kakeru.
Meet Naruse Kakeru.
He moved here from Tokyo last month, and this is his first time living in Matsumoto.
Well then, introduce yourself.
I'm Naruse Kakeru.
Pleased to meet you all.
Welcome.
Well then, your seat is going to be the one next to Takamiya.
Okay.
He's going to sit next to me.
We still have some time left, so let's put it to good use.
This is purely a coincidence.
This has got to be a coincidence, right?
Naho?
Let's go buy some bread. Yeah!
A'ight then, I'ma get a different flavor today.
You ain't gettin' nothin'!
The hell, man? You eat way too much. Get some healthy bread.
For real?
Yo, Kakeru, you should come with!
Yeah, definitely, our bread is delicious!
I want curry flavor!
I didn't invite you.
Didn't the letter say something about this?
You invite Kakeru to walk home together, but he delinces.
I've, uh, kind of got something...
Aw, come on, we want to get to know you!
Yo, we should give you a tour of Matsumoto.
Right,
don't let this half-day go to waste.
She's right, and our bakery's bread is so good!
All right, just for a bit.
Yay, let's go!
Please don't ask Kakeru out that day.
Please don't ask Kakeru out that day. Definitely don't.
Definitely don't.
Huh, I wonder why we shouldn't do it.
Naho!
A'ight, let's start with some introductions. This is Murasaka Azusa.
Call me Azu!
Next, Chino Takako.
Pleased to meet ya.
Hagita Saku.
Takamiya Naho.
And I'm Suwa Hiroto! I'm fine with Suwa.
Suwa.
Suwa!
Suwa? Suwa!
He actually said it.
The trees here look amazing.
Don't they? This is Agata Forest Park's Path of Time.
The pine cones here are decades old, and the buildings are from pre-war Matsumot—
Yeah, yeah, we get it.
Matsumoto has a ton of beautiful places you can visit.
Yeah, true.
I can't wait until the cherry blossoms bloom!
Yo, let's go see the cherry blossoms!
Yeah! Koboyama is the best place for cherry blossoms.
It's amazing seeing them bloom all over the place right under you!
Cherry blossoms! Cherry blossoms! Cherry blossoms everywhere!
What was that?
Cherry blossoms! Cherry blossoms! Cherry blossoms—
Are you doing the Shige Dance?
Huh, what's that?
You don't know it? It goes like this.
Hey, I know that one! Isn't that kinda old fashioned?
Shut up!
He smiled.
Yo, which part was funny?
Yeah, tell us!
Cherry blossoms... Aren't they above you, not under you?
Nice one, Kakeru! You really were listening! The cherry blossoms at Koboyama...
What am I worried about?
I'm glad we invited him.
Here's the bread, everyone!
Two for one, okay?
So, Kakeru, what do you want?
Anything's fine.
No, you have to choose! Everything here is delicious.
Then
I'll take the Koike.
The nozowana one? That one's great.
What 'bout you, Naho?
Anything's fine with me.
Really? You're not holding back?
Well then... For Naho, I have...
You like sweets, so here's a melon bread and an apple cinnamon, too.
Thanks.
Kakeru, you're gonna get curry.
Then, I'll take the other curry flavored one.
But, I want to eat it, too!
You can have it any time you want.
- No, I want it! - You're getting the cream one.
Thank god I didn't say anything.
Everyone sure likes the curry flavor, huh?
Well, you've already had enough curry.
Want to trade my curry...
I'd much rather get this one.
...for your melon bread?
Oh, sure, go ahead.
Thanks.
Hey,
do you mind if we call you Kakeru?
Not at all. I actually prefer that.
Kakeru.
Kakeru!
April 6th.
A boy named Naruse Kakeru transfered in,
and was seated next to me in class.
This letter...
Was this really me?
No.
It's scaring me...
What happened to Kakeru?
How many days has it been?
At least ten. Sure is long as hell, huh?
We haven't heard from him since then, right?
Yup, not a peep.
Should have asked him for his number.
We didn't even get to go see the cherry blossoms with him.
Maybe the letter says what happened.
April 20.
The big game.
Two weeks after meeting Kakeru,
at a softball match, I was asked to bat.
At that time, I really regretted that I'd declined.
I fell in love with Kakeru that same day.
Yo, it's Kakeru!
Yeah, it's him!
Yo, where've you been?
I was ditching.
What, just ditchin'?
Well, we're glad to see you're all right.
What were you up to this whole time?
Well, a lot.
What's that supposed to mean?
Go! Steal it!
Hagita!
Ooh, go! Go! Go! Go! Go!
Why're you on the bench,
Shouldn't you be playing, too?
I'm only a temporary member.
Why?
Well, I haven't been attending classes,
and I haven't been practicing, either.
Suwa really is good.
Strike!
Please, Naho...
Could you bat for us?
It really did happen.
At that time, I really regretted that I'd declined.
Did you get it?
You want anything else?
Yo, look, they're losing.
After this next hit, they'll win.
They're gonna win? Seriously?
I just can't do it. I definitely can't hit that pitch.
Holy smokes.
Sorry.
I'm not good enough.
Please, Naho!
You played softball in middle school, right?
Yeah, that's right! Naho, you can do it! Go.
Pretty please.
Your foot...
Isn't it injured?
Naho, you're hurt?
Are you okay?
Where? Let me see. Just let us take a peek!
No, I'm fine! Really, nothing's wrong!
Then... I'll do it!
I'll hit it!
In the letter, it says that, after Azusa plays for me, we lose the game.
Can you even do it? You don't know how to batter.
It said that I regretted letting them down.
Is it really all right if I decline?
Running away from it
just isn't right!
Wait, I can do it!
Me.
Strike!
Two more balls to go. Two more!
I hope you won't refuse this time around and accept their request
Naho! Naho! Start running! Run!
I did it! I actually did it!
Naho!
To my weak and cowardly self, I didn't run away!
Are you fine?
Let me see your foot.
Sit over there.
It's fine.
Just sit down.
Hurry.
Ouch.
You should've said something if the size was wrong.
But...
If it's just PE, then it's fine.
It's too late to say anything now.
I'll just endure it.
If you keep it in forever,
you're gonna miss out, y'know?
That just suits me better.
As long as everyone else is okay...
Nobody noticed, after all.
I was
watching you.
I was interested.
All right, done.
Later.
Thanks.
You, too, Kakeru!
If you want to play soccer,
you should say something about it, too!
I've kept an eye on you, too.
Kakeru,
I'm watching you, too!
That hit earlier was awesome.
I'm also gonna join the soccer team next year, so
I'll show you something much better than Suwa, so watch me!
Definitely!
What the letter said...
It's actually happening to me.
I fell in love with Kakeru that same day.
When he said, "I'm watching you", it made me happy.
Parco?
Sorry, Kakeru and I are leaving after this.
What? You ditchin' us?
To the future me, 10 years from now,
have one of your regrets
disappeared?
Naho,
look at this flower. Isn't it beautiful?
Who's this for?
I'm giving it to Kakeru.
Kakeru won't want it, though.
It's fine.
Naho, Suwa!
- It's been a while! - Long time no see!
Yuka!
Hagita, how you doing?
How cute...
He really has your eyes, Naho.
Thank god he didn't get Suwa's.
Yup!
Shut up!
Really?
I know. You had poor results on the last test.
Okay. Let's go.
Let's fulfill our promise to Kakeru.
At the age of 26 years old,
I still have a lot of regrets.
Today, ten years from where you are now,
Kakeru is no longer with us.
He passed away?
Kakeru?
Lunch time! What's on the menu today?
Nothing for you.
Oh, right. I heard what you said about me, Kakeru.
You said that I'm good soccer?
Right, Naho?
Naho...
Sorry.
Don't tell people.
He called me Naho, for the first time.
What was that? The Kakeru we saw just now was so... Right?!
"Naho, don't tell people." Just like that, right?
"Don't say that", and poke! Oh, my...
My heart's pounding like crazy!
I know. You're aiming for Tokyo, right?
Hell no.
You didn't bring any lunch today?
Oh, uh, my mom doesn't cook.
Look! It looks so delicious. Naho made this lunch all by herself.
Then, could you make me one, too, next time?
Yeah, sure. I'll make you some tomorrow.
Just kidding, I'm good.
Let's go.
Sure, let's go.
I'm starving.
I ended up not making any lunch for Kakeru.
If I'd made him some back then, would I still have these regrets?
Please make him some lunch.
Eggs.
I wonder if Kakeru's gonna like it.
Is this really all right?
Morning.
Good morning.
Morning.
Yo.
What's that?
This? Modern research about some unexplained phenomenons.
Is it interesting?
Sure is.
Thank you very much.
Okay, come here!
Hey, what're you waiting on? Come on already, stupid.
You comin' with?
Sure.
A'ight, let's go.
What's up?
I'm waiting for Azu and Taka.
Gotcha.
You've been holding onto that bag all day.
What's inside?
Sorry.
Nice!
I still have a lot of regrets. Today, ten years rom where you are now, Kakeru is no longer with us
Like, what's with that guy? Half-assing his game.
I'm so exhaust.
Wanna get something to eat?
Sure; same place as last time?
Hell yeah.
Kakeru?
Sorry for earlier.
Naho!
Let's go home together.
Well, then. I'll be on my way.
See ya tomorrow!
The letter didn't say anything about this.
Naho,
what kinda stuff do you do at home?
Let's see...
I help my mother make dinner.
Admirable.
How about you? What do you do at home?
Video games.
So, the other day,
when you didn't go to school for weeks,
were you just playing games?
But, you also play soccer, right?
I was watching you earlier and you looked like you were having fun!
I'm not joining any clubs.
My mother died
during the entrance ceremony.
And back at home
I wasn't there for the funeral.
I'd promised my mom that I wouldn't participate in any clubs.
Sorry, that was inappropriate.
No, it's fine.
I feel the same.
I'm sorry for asking.
The day of the entrance ceremony,
when the letter said we shouldn't invite him,
could it be...
Let's go home.
Again... I'm gonna do this same thing all over again.
Kakeru!
I made
you some food.
I actually wanted to give this to you during lunch, but...
I'll make you some again tomorrow!
Tomorrow... The day after that... Every day!
I didn't actually expect
that you'd do this,
so I'm incredibly grateful.
Thank you, Naho.
He almost cried.
I honestly didn't expect that the lunch would make him this happy.
Things I'm good at...
Making omelettes I guess?
Omelettes?
Kakeru will keep smiling.
Even ten years from now.
Forever.
Do come in.
He's so cute.
To be completely honest,
we'd planned on coming here a lot earlier.
But,
after what happened,
we just couldn't get a hold of each other.
Suwa and I would just fight all the time,
and with Hagita... We never managed to get anywhere.
That happened before then, too, though.
But,
when Naho gave birth to her child,
we wanted to meet up again.
We hadn't done so up until now,
and we wanted to talk to Kakeru, too.
Back then,
Kakeru
was very troubled, then suddenly died.
Please tell us.
Was it really
just an accident?
I think
It's time I told them the truth, Kakeru.
That same year, in the fall, Kakeru
died during an accident.
We all tried to keep our promises,
but we were all filled with regret because
we hadn't saved Kakeru.
May 1.
A whole week had passed since he last played soccer.
Kakeru had quit the soccer club he had just joined.
I wanted Kakeru to join a club no matter what.
I think he really wanted to be a part of the soccer club.
I will save him.
Kakeru,
I will save you.
Good morning, Naho!
Hey.
Morning.
Kakeru...
Good morning!
Listen up, everyone.
As of today, our Kakeru is finally a member of the soccer club!
Really? Oh my god, congratulations!
I'm so happy for you!
What?
Being persistent won't make you popular!
How?
Did the future change again?
Go, go go!
Oh, Kakeru! Kakeru! Kakeru!
Sorry!
Excuse us.
You're so good at soccer.
You're from Tokyo, right?
Yup.
Me, too.
For real?
Hey, what's going on over there?
Isn't that Ueda?
May 2.
During recess, Ueda confesses to Kakeru,
and the two of them start dating.
"I... About you, Naruse..."
- I saw it! I saw it! - How'd he forget about that?
Here.
This one's good.
Yeah, thanks.
Did she confess?
That's so cool!
Seriously?
That's awesome.
So, you really do have it in ya.
Okay, so, what're gonna do?
I'm gonna give her my answer after the break.
Nice! You're doing well so far!
- Yeah. - Damn it, why does it have to be you?
Even I at least could make contact—
You're cool, too, Hagita. Right, guys?
How much is it, Kakeru?
No, it's fine. You always make me lunch. Take it as a gift.
Thank you.
So, you guys gonna go out?
What?
What're you gonna do?
Right.
Well, I still don't know.
If you don't know now, then you'll never know!
I'm sure that in the letter...
Good morning, Ms. Sato.
4th period.
I lent my pencil and eraser to Kakeru who'd forgotten his at home.
When you get it back, I want you to look inside it.
That way, my true feelings
might finally come to light.
Thanks a bunch.
We have to clean, Naho!
- Already? - Hurry!
Come on!
Sorry, can you guys handle the rest?
Sure, see ya!
Hagita, come help for once.
Hagita!
Is it cool if I go out with Ueda?
If you see it, it'll probably change the future.
Ah, this is so exciting!
I know, right?
Naho, check this out!
What is it?
It's Kakeru...
Ueda called him. We think she wants an answer.
Kakeru! How'd it go?
Congrats!
Hey, what's wrong?
Hagita, you were a great help, huh?
You still have me, though, right?
Shut up!
No.
I'm sorry, my future self.
I wasn't able to erase my regret.
I'm sorry.
Morning.
Hey—
Oh, right!
I didn't make you lunch today.
It would've been rude to Ueda if I'd made you one.
Kakeru!
Good morning! Did you get my email?
Email?
I sent you an email, but you didn't reply, so I was worried about you.
Sorry, I didn't see it.
Take a look at it later!
Morning.
Yo.
What's wrong?
Please. When Kakeru asks you, give him an honest answer.
Don't just wait around.
Express your feelings using your own voice.
When it comes to spikes, take it slowly at first.
Got it.
Hey, Kakeru!
Guess what! My friend from Tokyo is coming over.
So, you wanna come hang out at my place after school?
Yeah, sure.
Really, you don't have anything else to do?
Not really, why?
I just want you to come with me.
Are you okay with this?
I do have an umbrella, so...
It's fine, right? You see, there's also this one, too.
Naho,
I need to talk to you.
Bye-bye.
Express your feelings using your own voice.
Kakeru!
That hurt.
Naho?
Hey, Kakeru!
Are you okay? Are you hurt?
Hey, I was the one she bumped into!
Why don't you watch where you're going?
You don't have to talk to her like that.
What are you getting mad at me for?
She was the one who bumped into me.
I'm so sorry.
Please forgive me.
Naho!
Don't run away.
If you ran away now, there's no way you can talk to Kakeru, right?
But,
Kakeru already has Ueda.
I think it'd be good if you talked to him.
You're friends, right?
This is kinda problematic.
That guy rarely comes to practice.
He can't even manage to find the time to come to practice.
He did want to talk to you, but
he wasn't able to communicate with you properly.
Really?
I was watching Kakeru this whole time.
Ten years from now,
this would've been another of my regrets.
I should've just talked to him.
He should be over there right now.
I should be able to make my voice reach him.
Kakeru!
The other day...
When you called for me... I'm sorry for running away.
What did you want to tell me?
Tell me anything! I'll listen to you.
I
was thinking about breaking up with her.
Ueda...
When we first started talking, she seemed like a great person.
I just thought something was off.
But,
you guys have been going out for quite a while now.
I think you should just try to get to know her bet—
"No".
Didn't you say so yourself?
And also,
I...
There's someone else I'm interested in.
Do you love her?
It's a secret.
Later!
He ran away!
What do you think would happen if time travel ever became possible?
During Chemistry, Mr. Nakano told us about something.
He told us about time travel.
For example,
if you travel back in time and kill your own parents,
what would happen?
Wait... If your parents are dead, you can't be born, right?
But, if you're gone, isn't the person who killed your parents gone, too?
Yeah, right.
This is so confusing.
Use your head and try to find more answers.
As of now, we still can't say whether time travel is possible.
However, there is a theory based on a few improbabilities.
If
time passes,
and at some point, something changes,
at that exact spot,
a new dimension is created.
The first world fades and a new one is born.
This is what we call "Parallel World."
"Parallel World"...
In this new world where the alteration happened,
nothing will ever change from the original route.
So, if time travel exists, there should be evidence of parallel worlds.
Mr. Nakano.
Yes?
So, if you are able to travel through time,
no matter how much you change and how many worlds you create,
in the end, you still can't change the current situation?
Right.
Then,
even if I do save Kakeru,
the me who sent the letter's world will never change.
The me in the future's regrets
will never disappear.
The Cultural Festival...
The last time I watched the fireworks
was when it was just me and Kakeru at the pool, looking at the sky above.
That memory... Please let it remain.
Naho,
if you got to choose between the future and the past,
where would you want to go?
The future I guess.
I wonder about the future
that I can still change right now.
What 'bout you?
The past.
I wanna erase my regrets.
Your regrets?
What happened?
What class is next?
Kakeru.
Wait.
This coming school festival,
at the end,
the fireworks...
At the end of the day, there's gonna be fireworks.
Want to watch 'em together?
Sure, let's all watch 'em together.
No!
Just the two of us.
Stop! You're ganging up on me!
July 1. Azalea Festival.
Today, we all went out together.
Tonight,
I'm going to watch the fireworks with Naho. Just the two of us.
That cool with you?
Why're you asking me?
You should do it.
Naho'll be delighted.
It's getting late.
A'ight then,
should we announce who's going to become Ms. Tsutsuji?
Totally! Let's go.
Ready?
Ready!
Are you ready?
- Yes! - A'ight.
A senior from class two, it's Rio Ueda!
Give her a round of applause!
She deserved it.
She is cute.
Here, your Ms. Tsutsuji.
Rio!
More towards the middle.
Well then, Ueda, got anything to say?
Yes! I'm Rio Ueda. Thank you so much for voting for me!
Give it up for our winner!
So, where should we watch the fireworks?
The pool!
I was thinking the same thing.
The fireworks should start any moment now.
Let's all watch the fireworks and have a wonderful evening together.
There, a junior.
Great timing. Could you bring this to class two of the seniors?
We just don't have enough time.
Um, I'm sorry. I actually—
We'll let you handle it, okay?
We'll leave it to you. See ya.
The last time I watched the fireworks was when it was just me and Kakeru at the pool, looking at the sky above. That memory... please let it remain.
What now?
Naho! What are you doing?
Azu! Taka!
Hurry up and get out o' here.
You're gonna watch the fireworks with Kakeru, right?
Kakeru?
Sorry
I'm late.
It's over.
It's so pretty.
Naho,
I'm glad I got to watch the fireworks with you.
This day... I
will never ever forget it.
Today
is a beautiful day.
Those words Kakeru just said...
I will never ever forget them.
Where is everyone?
Right, Suwa and Hagita said they can't come.
Azu, too.
Did Taka say she can't come, either?
Yup.
Just the two of us is fine, too, though.
Shall we go?
You look cute.
It's so big!
Thank you so much.
Sure. Later!
Thank you so much.
This is amazing.
Did you know? Even with ice, the taiyaki around here tastes great.
Bon appétit!
This is so good.
Yeah.
Are your feet getting tired?
Well, a bit, but I'm fine.
Wanna go sit somewhere?
Aw, it's a bon dance.
I remember doing that, too, when I was young.
Kakeru, don't let go, okay?
It's fun, right?
Kakeru?
What's wrong?
Let's go.
What did you wish for?
Nothing.
When it comes to wishes...
I'd like to talk to my mom.
If God exists,
I know it'll reach my mother.
What
did you tell her?
That's a secret.
I wasn't able to change anything at all.
I want to hear him out about his mother.
Kakeru?
About your mother...
I said it's a secret.
Then,
About your regret,
is it because you weren't able to save your mother?
If I told you,
you'd end up hating me, too.
I won't! I promise.
Before the entrance ceremony,
I made a promise.
A promise?
My mom's
health hadn't been too good.
We were gonna go to a new hospital,
and I was supposed to come with her.
Mom.
Emotionally speaking, she'd been unstable.
It had become too difficult for me.
We'd get into fights for no reason.
But,
I was glad that you guys had my back.
That's why, at that time,
I thought she was being annoying.
Mom: Where are you? I thought you were coming with. I keep texting you, but you won't answer.
I'm actually gonna stay out longer. You know your way around, so you should be able to get there on your own. Stop annoying me.
I sent her a message telling her to stop bothering me.
And, just like that, she stopped.
I didn't think she'd kill herself.
I'd only I'd paid more attention to her.
If I'd noticed
what was going on,
I could have
been able to save my mother.
That's why, earlier,
I apologized to her.
"I'm sorry, it's my fault."
That's just...
Sorry.
I wasn't able to do anything.
What am I supposed to save Kakeru from?
I want you to ask him about his mother. I think he regrets not being able to save her. Save him from that regret. If you can do that, you can probably prevent the accident.
What is this "accident" supposed to be?
Grandma, I'm sorry.
If something happens to me,
tell everyone it was an accident.
I'm so sorry for going to where mom is.
Kakeru...
He alone decided this,
and rode onto the truck's path on his own.
What an idiot.
I wonder why he would do that, though.
The darkness won't pass if you just keep worrying, huh?
We heard everything about Kakeru from his grandmother;
that he didn't die due to an accident,
but instead committed suicide.
We have only one regret,
and that is letting Kakeru die.
Even if it was an accident, we still want to be able to save Kakeru.
We wish he'd been able to share his troubles with us.
We don't want him to choose death.
Please.
I want you to save Kakeru's heart.
Even when you say it's all for my sake,
why do you always decide things on your own?!
Which part of me don't you understand?!
Can you at least act like a mother for once?!
Why are you crying?!
It's my fault.
I'm sorry for yelling at you.
Kakeru?
I'm sorry, too, Kakeru.
No, it's all right.
It was my fault, okay?
I just keep bothering you, right?
That's not true!
I'm sorry.
That's not true, okay? Don't cry.
I'm sorry, Kakeru. I'm sorry.
Mom...
December 31.
We heard everything about Kakeru from his grandmother;
Suwa
Sorry for showing up so suddenly.
Kakeru hasn't been coming to practice recently.
I thought you might know something.
What's wrong?
It's about Kakeru.
I need to talk to you about something.
A letter...
You probably won't believe me.
I don't get it myself, but—
Naho.
It's fine.
Don't worry.
I got it:
The letter.
To Suwa Hiroto.
To my 16 year old self, how are you?
I am sending you this letter from the future.
To the 16 year old you, I have one important favor to ask.
Please, for the me in the future's sake, I want you to erase the regrets we carry with us.
I didn't read it until after the entrance ceremony, though,
so I couldn't do anything about it.
So, that's why Kakeru
was able to join the soccer team.
You were the one who helped him, right?
Wait, what?
Where's the rest?
Oh, it's fine, I left it at home. There wasn't anything important in it.
Let's save Kakeru.
No matter what.
This one, too. Help me with it.
September 14.
Kakeru's birthday.
He didn't say anything and nobody knew about it,
so...
Kakeru!
Kakeru, we heard your birthday's coming up.
Is there anything you want?
Anything?
Right before his birthday, ask him what kind of presents he wants.
What?
Then, what about Matsumoto's soccer team?
Matsumoto Yamaga?
That's it!
Hagita, I liked the manga you were reading, but I'm not asking you to give it to me.
What? I told you it wasn't a gift. Idiot.
Suwa, let's go to soccer practice!
Wait up!
Kakeru,
do you always use that bag?
It's fine. You don't have to get me a gift.
No, no! I'm telling you, that's not it.
Really, I'm sure. That's not it, okay?
Go to practice—
I told you I don't want anything. Seriously.
There must be something you want, right?
Come on, what do you want the most right now?
Anything.
Hmm, what do I want?
Kakeru,
Happy birthday.
Our promise about staying together
we're sorry we couldn't keep it.
September 14.
Today is Kakeru's birthday.
- I can't see. I'm scared! - Come on, keep going.
- I'm scared! Suwa! - Stop, stop!
One, two, three!
- One more step. One more! - One more? Okay.
Ready, go!
Kakeru,
Happy 17th birthday!
Congrats.
Happy birthday.
Let us begin!
17 years old...
Here, Kakeru! From the two of us.
Go ahead, go ahead!
Soccer tickets?
How'd you know?
Come on, How'd you know about it?
Thanks!
Kakeru,
here's my present.
Don't be shocked.
Is it a manga?
Thank God you knew.
Thanks, Hagita.
Back then, I—
Back then, I— I should've supported Naho and Kakeru and cheered them on.
This is from me.
It's huge!
But when Kakeru passed,
Naho was on the verge of collapsing due to her sorrow.
Why didn't I
notice what was going on between them?
I truly regret this.
- Awesome! - That is so cool!
- This is so awesome! - It looks so cool.
Try wearing it.
- Wow. - You look great!
Thank you. I'll treasure it.
Suwa?
That guy ran away, huh?
How sly!
I didn't run away.
You didn't get him anything, did you?
I actually did.
- What are you, his boyfriend? - You look stupid!
Shut up! It was his idea! Kakeru said he wanted them.
I said it was a joke.
Then, I'll give you this.
Happy birthday!
Get off me, man.
Don't you dare run away.
I forgot we have to...
Y'know, that thing...
Oh, right!
Not being able to be with the girl you like...
It may be saddening, but...
But I still
do have soccer.
Please,
for Kakeru and Naho...
I want you to notice the feelings they have for each other.
Naho,
here,
I'm giving this to you.
Why
are you giving this to me?
Why?
It's because I just wanna give you them.
Sorry if it's not something I bought myself.
But,
my feelings...
You should know about them.
An answer...
I don't need an answer.
So, please; let me see those two
smile ten years from now, and hopefully even longer.
I'll leave those two in your hands, okay?
Kakeru,
Happy birthday.
Here,
from Kakeru.
Why give it
to me?
"Why?", you ask...
Notice it already.
But, Kakeru and I...
We didn't even talk to each other much.
It was just me who—
Kakeru had always been
in love with you, Naho.
Then,
a bouquet of flowers.
A bouquet of flowers?
Are you fine with that?
Yup.
If I get that, I'll give it to Naho.
We all knew about it, though.
October 1.
During PE, everyone's times for the 100 meter dash were recorded.
This was to choose the participants for the athletic festival relay.
Six students from our class would participate.
Kakeru was the fastest, so he was chosen as the anchor.
However, on the day of the festival, during the race,
Kakeru was in the lead, when suddenly
he twisted his ankle and fell to the ground.
Kakeru felt that he was to blame for losing the race.
Anchor?
I don't really hate the idea.
Well, yeah, but the race is hard work. You don't have to force yourself.
For Kakeru's sake,
please don't let him run as a part of the relay team.
I'm telling you, it's a lot of work!
I'll be fine, okay?
There'll be a lot of pressure. It's incredibly stressful.
What do you think we should do?
Is this really okay?
Well, the future is already starting to stray away from what the letters said, right?
Little by little...
Probably.
Maybe, because of what we've already changed,
our future could be different enough by now, right?
Like, a new future?
For the us who are born in this world, there's a completely new future.
If that's the case,
then just blindly following the letter may be wrong.
What should we do?
What're you guys doing over there?
Nothing.
We were trying to figure out how to keep Kakeru from participating in the relay.
Why not just let him do it?
Kakeru did say he wanted to.
It's a bit weird that you guys were so secretive about this.
Did something happen to Kakeru?
Naho,
should we tell them?
What's this?
I got a letter
from the me ten years from now.
Kakeru...
We need to save him.
That letter...
You think it's real?
There's no way she got a letter from her future self. This ain't a manga, after all.
Just shut up, Hagita.
I was just a bit surprised, y'know?
More like you were extremely surprised!
Shut up!
But,
Naho and Suwa both had such serious looks on their faces.
I don't think it's possible to get a letter from the future,
but...
But?
Then, let's decide who's going to run in the relay race.
A'ight, we already have Naruse Kakeru as our first member.
So, what about the others?
You know Takayan? He's fast in soccer.
Akari. You're pretty fast, too, right?
You should participate.
No way.
I'll run
with Kakeru.
Yeah, Suwa is fast, too, right?
Me, too!
I want to run
with Kakeru!
Takamiya?
Mr. Nakano!
I'll participate as well.
Mr. Nakano!
Me, too!
It's kind of weird for you all to volunteer.
This is Kakeru's first athletic festival since he transferred,
so I thought it'd be fun if we did it together.
No, Hagita wouldn't.
That's impossible.
Hagita.
I don't think it's possible to get a letter from the future,
but...
But?
I believe Suwa and Takamiya.
I think.
I also
want to run with Kakeru.
I'm not that confident, but
Kakeru's the anchor,
so we'll pass off the baton until it reaches him.
For sure!
Y'all got this, I believe in you guys!
Today,
we chose a path that differed from the letter.
You remember our promise, right?
Right. I'm going to treat him to free bread at our bakery for every person he passes.
That's great! That sounds much better.
Are you guys a couple?
No way!
"No way!", he said.
You two are perfect for each other, so a kiss couldn't hurt, right?
It's fine! It can't be helped. Here.
That's a punishment, though!
A punishment?
Why don't you give Kakeru a reward, too, Naho?
During the athletic festival, Kakeru seemed pretty down.
Kakeru hid the truth about his mother and told us she was busy at work.
My folks?
I don't think they're coming.
My father left my mom when I was young,
and my mother has to work today.
Kakeru?
What's wrong?
Nothing.
The pole toppling was awesome.
Did you see Suwa there?
Sure did.
Takamiya, Naruse, you guys mind helping me out?
- Sure. - Okay.
You all right?
Yeah.
Kakeru?
Are you okay?
You don't look well.
It's nothing.
This sure is heavy. Let's put it down for a bit.
You idiot. You should've told us you where injured!
Injured?
Kakeru,
Is the athletic festival boring?
We all talked about how you don't look like you're doing well.
What happened?
If something's wrong, tell us.
Tell us about your troubles.
Sorry.
I
lied.
The truth is my mother isn't here because
she died.
I thought my mom was watching me from somewhere.
Wherever she is, she's probably sad,
so I just feel like I can't go on laughing and being happy.
That's why I couldn't tell you guys the truth.
If your mother's watching you from somewhere,
wouldn't she prefer seeing you smile?
I know your mother wants to see you smile.
Go treat your foot.
We'll do the rest.
But—
Just go!
If it's too much,
you don't have to hurt yourself trying to carry the whole thing.
We're all here for ya,
so you'll be fine.
We don't think you're a burden at all.
Thanks, guys.
Good luck!
I hope Kakeru...
Suwa!
...can laugh happily.
Ready!
The race has begun.
Number six takes the lead.
He's amazing! So cool!
Following him is number one.
Suwa!
Pass this message on to Kakeru!
Go, Takano!
Number six is leading!
Number two is passing number six!
Number six seems to be losing the lead!
You got this, Takano!
Good luck, Takano!
Go, go!
Taka!
Pass a message on to Kakeru!
Number three has passed number six!
Azu!
Now, number one has caught up to number six!
Pass a message on to Kakeru!
Number three is currently in the lead.
As expected, he's not good at this!
Hagita, give it your all!
Pass a message on to Kakeru!
Thank you, everyone!
I wouldn't be able to do this by myself.
Go, go!
Naho, good luck!
Let's change the future, guys!
Kakeru, this is from everyone!
We'll fulfill
the promise
that we'll always be together
even ten years from now!
Together with everyone,
we'll be waiting,
Kakeru!
Oh, number one's anchor is in the lead!
But, number six is catching up incredibly quickly!
I will run with Kakeru.
Me, too.
Same here.
Count me in.
And me, too! I also want to run
together with Kakeru!
If it's too much, you don't have to hurt yourself trying to carry the whole thing.
We're here for ya.
Kakeru!
Kakeru, go!
We're onto the final two laps of the race!
Number six has caught up!
Go, run! Just like that!
Finally, the last lap!
We're winning!
Is it red? Is it blue?
We did it!
Kakeru!
We did it!
I'm so happy right now!
The future will change
immensely.
Kakeru, what happened?
Back at the pole toppling.
I have bandages.
Wait a second.
Does it hurt?
No.
Okay, it's done.
I got my reward.
Thanks.
Just like that one.
- That's great. - Sounds good.
Naho,
let's go.
You comin' with?
We're buying ice cream.
I want in!
Two Years Shrine Visit?
It's called that because you visit the Shrine on New Years Eve and stay until New Years day.
Where should we go? Yohashiro Shrine?
Good question.
Also, when the time comes, we should go to Koboyama to look at the cherry blossoms.
The scenery looks incredibly beautiful from there.
You can see the cherry blossoms covering the entire city
and the sky has this kind of orange shade.
Sounds awesome.
We have to climb all the way up, though.
We could also meet at the Flower Clock Part.
That place has a ton of historical records from the last 71 years.
Kumi Yokoyama, a Japanese soccer player, is actually from around here.
Let me finish.
Sorry, Hagita.
Kakeru, you should come, too!
Just like this...
It'd be nice if we could make our future differ at least somewhat from the letter.
December 31.
We heard everything about Kakeru from his grandmother;
December 21.
I got into a fight with Kakeru.
I was never able to apologize,
because Kakeru died soon after.
You shouldn't force yourself too much.
Let's go together once I get home.
Just don't go out.
Got it.
I shouldn't get into
a fight with him.
Kakeru,
what's wrong?
It's just my grandma...
What happened to her?
She's not feeling all too well.
She has to go to the hospital.
If my grandma dies,
I'll be all alone.
I'm certain that, in the letter, we talked to his grandmother.
That means she'll still be alive in ten years.
It'll be okay.
I'm sure your grandmother will be okay, so
she won't leave you! I know it!
How would you know?
What?
I thought she was okay.
It's just like back then with my mom.
It was exactly the same back then, too!
You saying it'll be okay, even though you have a clue what's going on; you have no clue!
Sorry.
Wait!
Don't come!
Sorry.
Please go.
I failed.
Kakeru!
December 25.
Morning.
That morning, we bumped into each other at the lockers.
We still hadn't made up, but Kakeru treated me like always and greeted me.
Good morning.
Kakeru said it was cold.
It's pretty cold out, huh?
I agreed
saying I thought it was cold, too.
It sure is, isn't it?
After that,
he and I never talked again.
Kakeru!
Biology's next. Come on.
Let's go.
Sorry,
you guys go on ahead.
Kakeru noticed my shoes were the wrong size and told me I should say something about it.
He told me he'd been watching me.
The last time I watched the fireworks was when it was just me and Kakeru at the pool, looking at the sky above. That memory... Please let it remain.
Kakeru
Hey.
A letter...
Wanna write one?
To us in the past.
Bye-bye.
Kakeru!
Wait—
Sorry, let's talk later.
I want to talk to you right now!
I don't want
any more regrets!
About the other day,
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have said that about your grandmother.
I'm sorry.
No, I should be the one to apologize.
I hurt you.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean it.
It just made me remember that day.
Let's just forget it.
I'm leaving.
Wait!
Love...
I love you, Kakeru.
I want to always be there for you.
So, please, let me stay by your side.
If we're together,
I'm just going to hurt you again.
I don't care. I want to be with you.
But, if I hurt you,
I won't be able to forgive myself.
I'm scared you'll end up hating me.
I would never hate you.
That's why, you can tell me
everything.
What you like...
What you dislike... Everything!
It hurts.
I've lost
all reason to live.
When I'm alone,
I end up blocking everyone off;
you
and everyone else.
I just can't forgive myself.
This person I've become...
I hate him.
Now I'm just some good-for-nothing.
I wanna be strong.
I wanna be happy.
You can be happy.
'Cause I'll be there for you.
If parallel worlds exist,
these letters should be able to save the Kakeru from another world.
I hope it reaches them.
The us in the past.
I'm certain it will.
Definitely.
December 31.
Today,
I hope what happens differs from the letter.
Naho, it's from Kakeru.
Okay, I'll be looking forward to it.
Yo, sorry for the sudden text. Let's all meet up at the Flower Clock Park tonight for a shrine visit.
I'm actually gonna stay out longer. You know your way around, so you should be able to get there on your own. Stop annoying me.
Kakeru,
I'm sorry.
There are a lot of things I wasn't able to tell you.
Back when you were still young,
I got a divorce
without any explanation. I'm sorry for not involving you in my decision.
Your father would often beat you.
All I wanted was for you to not get hurt.
And so,
I got a divorce.
And also,
back when you couldn't make any friends at your school in Tokyo,
I was worried about you.
Even at your club,
you couldn't get along well with your peers.
I noticed that.
If you changed schools...
I thought I could save you.
That's why I decided to move to Matsumoto,
it was in order not to make you experience these things again.
I told you not to join any clubs.
I was worried whether you could make friends.
But, even that
was a decision I made on my own.
I wanted to tell you how I felt,
but we were never able to talk.
I regret that the most.
I
always tried to prioritize how I thought you'd feel, but
in the end,
the one who hurt you the most
was me.
Kakeru,
I
want you to be happy.
I pray for this from the bottom of my heart.
I'm sorry for being in the way.
Forgive your mom, okay?
The person you're trying to call is currently unavailable.
I can't get through to him.
He won't answer.
Let's try going over to his house.
Okay!
Uh, he went outside right after his bath.
Let's go look for him. Many thanks!
Thank you so much!
Kakeru...
Suwa!
Did you find him?
He's not here.
Hello?
Hagita, did you find him?
He's not at the intersection.
Azu!
Did you find him?
Nope.
Where is he?
Kakeru!
Sorry, but did you seen a high school student riding his bike around here just now?
Kakeru!
Hello?
I asked someone here who said he saw a guy who looked like Kakeru.
We should look further ahead.
Got it. He said he's somewhere over there.
Kakeru?
I've kept an eye on you, too. Kakeru,
I'm watching you, too!
If it's too much, you don't have to hurt yourself trying to carry the whole thing.
We're here for ya.
Kakeru!
Are you okay?
- Kakeru, are you okay?! - Are you injured?!
What the hell were you thinking?!
I had to apologize to my mom.
"It's my fault. I'm sorry."
But,
I got scared for a moment.
If I'd died,
those memories—
the time I spent with you guys—
would that've all been for nothing?
From now on,
I want to make
more memories.
Is that still possible?
I don't want to die.
With everyone...
I want to stay with all of you.
Thank God!
I don't want to lose you, either!
I want to talk to you more!
Just tell us when it's too much for you.
You'll be fine.
I'll protect you!
Don't die, you fool!
My manga...
I'll let you borrow as much as you want!
The ones that'll make you laugh,
You stupid asshole!
I can't even imagine never seeing you again.
If you die, I'll never forgive you!
I'm sorry, Kakeru.
Seriously,
don't you have something else to do?
Kakeru,
I love you!
Me, too!
I love you, Kakeru.
Me, too!
Kakeru, I love you.
I—
I— I— I—
I love you.
That sounded so weird, Hagita!
Shut up.
I love you.
I really love you!
Me, too.
I love everyone!
Thanks you for being
such amazing friends.
Thanks, Kakeru.
Thank you.
You really made us worry, idiot!
Thank you, Kakeru.
Thanks, guys.
Just a little higher!
Hagita, hurry!
Hagita, come on!
To the me in the future,
the me ten years from now,
thank you
for helping us save Kakeru.
Right now,
this very moment of our lives,
with all our lives bound together...
For teaching and guiding me,
thank you.