Drama • Sports
Kaboku Kotani is starting high school, and he plans to do what he’s always done: go along with his friends, keep quiet, and not draw too much attention to himself. After all, it’s hard enough to get by with a stutter like his— why make things worse by standing out from the crowd? But then he sees another first-year, Hikari Wanda, dancing like no one is watching—or like she doesn’t care who sees her. It makes Kaboku wonder: Could he reach that same freedom? To find his way to Wanda, he does something he never thought he could: He joins the dance club. After all, every routine begins with a single step, right? Join Kaboku and Wanda as they freestyle their way to life and love! (Source: Kodansha USA)
Kabo, a high school freshman struggling with a stutter, meets Wanda, who dances alone without concern for others. Feeling stifled by what other people think of him, Kabo is captivated by Wanda's free-spirited moves. He begins to take an interest in dance as a form of self-expression.
During a trial session with the dance club, Kabo learns the basic moves and the importance of truly listening to the music from the club president, On. Though awkward at first, Kabo gradually settles into the club and begins practicing one-on-one with Wanda after school.
To prepare for a high school dance contest in June, the dance club holds a freestyle audition. Drawn in by Wanda's dancing, Kabo begins to grasp how to let his body be moved by the music. On the way home, he learns about On's hopes for this year's contest.
Kabo, Wanda, and Aoi are chosen to take part in the contest. Meanwhile, Yura, who was not selected, struggles to accept the decision. Kabo happens to run into another male club member Iori, who performed in last year's contest.
During a battle, Kabo is overwhelmed when he sees Ioris dancing house for the first time. He begins to see the connection between the times he speaks without stuttering and the times he dances and begins to consider a career as a dancer.
At last, the day of the dance contest arrives for Ichirin High School. With all the unique rival schools gathered, the tension at the venue peaks. Encouraged by Iori and Wanda, Kabo steps onto the stage. Everything hangs on whether the dancers can bring passion to their performance.
The results of the high school dance contest are out. Though they are dancing together, Kabo feels distance from Wanda, and recalls how she used to dance alone when they first met. Before entering high school, Wanda worked part-time at a convenience store while practicing dance entirely on her own.
Right after the contest, On and Iori face off in a dance battle. Kabo and Wanda are both in awe of how the pair challenges each other's technique and style as they reach new heights. After the club members judge, Iori selects Kabo as On's next battle opponent.
Kabo starts training with Iori during lunch and begins to discover the thrill of dance battles. Iori mentions a skilled dancer called Gaku Kabeya, or Kabe, who specializes in breakdancing. Iori invites Kabo and Wanda to join the B-BOY's practice at the park, where Kabe is also training.
The solo division of the Inter-High Dance Battle begins, and On, Iori, and Wanda advance smoothly through the prelims. Shaken by Wanda's absence and the unfamiliar environment, Kabo messes up his timing. Confused, he finishes the prelims without showing his true strengths.
In the second match of round one in the Inter-High Dance Battle, On faces Usen Takumi, a dancer with a unique style. Kabo is moved by the fierce performances of On and Wanda, unlike anything he has seen in practice. But Kabe thinks battles are meaningless unless you win.
Kabo faces Kabe in the semifinals. Taking the first turn, Kabe blindfolds himself with a mask, and finishes the first song as if to say Kabo's dance is not even worth watching. Confronting Kabe's raw emotion head-on, Kabo's own feelings begin to break free.
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