The Hakone Ekiden marathon relay race is a highly-coveted event in Japan, reserved for the most talented and promising university runners. Haiji Kiyose, a senior college student, aspires to participate in the prestigious race and needs a team of nine other willing runners to join him. His rundown dorm, Chikusei-sou, serves as his base of operations.
First-year student Kakeru Kurahara's life takes an unexpected turn when he mismanages his rental payment and steals from a convenience store. While fleeing his reckless actions, he meets Haiji, who recognizes him as a former delinquent runner. Haiji offers Kakeru a place to stay in Chikusei-sou, which he reluctantly accepts.
Chikusei-sou houses a variety of students with diverse backgrounds and personalities. Haiji's ambitious plan to assemble a Hakone Ekiden-worthy team takes shape with Kakeru's addition to the group. Though Kakeru is the only one aware of Haiji's eccentric goal, the question remains: will the team join him in his mission when it is revealed to them?
