Haruka Nanase's new stage to take on the world is Sydney – a place he once visited, a place of dreams. One day, while taking a short break before his departure, Haruka coincidentally runs into a swimmer that competed at the All Japan National Championships, andi s burning for a challenge.  With the feelings of his friends whom he swam together brimming in his heart, Haruka steps forward into a brand new world. What awaits him is the world champion, Albert Volandel. The swimmers mentally prepare themselves for the competition in Syndey.  What will they fell and what will they swim for as they compete for a place at the top of the world? Their intense battle with the water begins here!

Free! the Final Stroke the First Volume

Haruka is held captive by the swimming of the unmistakable champion, Albert, and feels like he's lost his way. With the current state of things, his swimming and what the water means to him are called into question.