In Makoto's early years, he often frequented a quaint fishing harbor, drawn by the sweet melody of the waves that echoed through the shore. A kind old fisherman resided there, who often played with Makoto, sharing stories of his adventures at the sea. On a hot summer day during a port festival, Makoto yearned to catch fish, but was unsuccessful. To lift his spirits, the fisherman gifted him two golden fish that glimmered in the sun. However, later that season, a catastrophic typhoon struck the coastline, causing the fisherman's boat to sink. As a result, Makoto developed thalassophobia - a phobia of the ocean.

Nowadays, when he and the swimming club team decided to hold a training camp on the shore of the ocean, Makoto's heart raced. They did not have enough money to practice in an indoor pool, so their only option was to swim in the open ocean. Though he hid his fears and acted as if he was unbothered, he could feel the unease within him. He stood at the beach shore, gazing at the shimmering blue waves and lost in his thoughts until a familiar set of footsteps interrupted his reverie.