The chapter opens with a flashback to the beginning of the school year, when Nemo's mother, Asuka, was ill and unable to attend the games because of her health problems. Nemo was unable to play because he injured himself in the game and was prevented from playing by his mother. The flashback reveals that Nemo was forced to play only because of his mother's health problems, and that he has since been unable to participate in school activities because of them.