SK8 the Infinity (SK∞ エスケーエイト)

When I was a kid, I loved watching

all kinds of superhero shows on TV.

They were mostly fun and pretty tame,

but once the hero asked,

"Do you know what true happiness is?"

He said he hated that his life might end

before he knew the answer to that question.

And that basically we were lost

because no one really knows the truth.

I thought, "Well, that's messed up.

You want kids to go that deep before they're even in school?"

Is happiness being rich?

Hooking up with hot girls?

Getting into the best schools?

Climbing up social ladders?

I'm sure that's what a bunch of people want in life.

But that's not what gets me goin'.

And I gotta say,

I'm glad I figured that out early.

You're late, Reki.

I'm sorry, man!

Jeez, someone's gonna get hurt.

Hey, looks like a typical night to me.

You were smart to run away the last time.

Take back what you said, Shadow!

You're gonna regret dissing me.

It's beef time!

We good?

All clear.

Ready here.

Don't let him get to you, Reki.

Might wanna start moving

if you're trying to catch up!

C'mon! Give me some fight at least!

Damn it, he thinks I suck!

Almost there. Just a little faster.

'S that so? Go on ahead.

Haemanthus Bomb!

-- --

The clown of the "S" community wins!

Something wrong?

No. It's just weird not to see snow everywhere.

Are you starting to have some second thoughts

about moving out here?

I'm fine.

Yo, Reki! Did you get in a fight?

As if.

What's your deal?

You got your butt kicked the other day, too.

That's not true!

I swear, you're always drawin' something weird.

Wanna see?

Not really.

Seems dangerous.

You've got issues, bro.

Rude.

Take your seats, class.

I'd like to introduce you to our new transfer student!

Where's he from?

He's cute!

And so tall!

Huh?

Tell them who you are.

Uh. I'm Langa Hasegawa.

Nothing else?

Huh? Like what? I'm here from Canada.

Is that all?

Is that bad?

Well I'm not gonna grade you on it, per se.

New guy seemed all freaked out today.

But he's from here originally, right?

Wonder why he was nervous.

Maybe he forgot the language?

Nah, his mom's a native so I'm sure he must

talk with her enough to stay fresh with his skills.

Is your arm getting tired? You need a break?

No, I can do this. I'm fine.

You know what sucks about the way you say "I'm fine"?

The fact that you never really are.

That's not true, man.

Okay, my bad.

So the race with Shadow was fine, too?

That's harsh.

It's my fault cuz I suck so bad.

Good afternoon!

Hey, can you go put away the stuff in the back?

Sure thing.

I apologize for not including a clause about age

in the application requirements.

Right.

What was your name again?

Langa Hasegawa, age 17.

Nationality, Canadian.

Thank you, Carla.

Who?

I do feel terrible that you came all the way out here,

but I can't hire any minors.

I understand.

That sucks. The pay was pretty good, too.

My feet are asleep.

Hey! Can you stop that skateboard?

A skateboard?

You saved my butt! Thanks, new guy!

Hello? You there?

I'm in your class, remember?

Oh. Sorry.

Do you like to skate? Try it.

What? Well, I...

You know you wanna hop on!

Oh, come on, are you doing that on purpose?

You barely moved an inch!

Yeah, so? Maybe we shouldn't be standing on it!

Just let me show you!

Stop!

Eh?

Check it.

Nice.

I work at the skate shop over there part time.

I can pick out a beginner board for you if you wanna practice.

It might be fun.

--What's the pay? --Huh?

How much do you make?

I need a good part-time job.

So you don't want a board? Cool.

We're hiring! Hi.

What the heck?

Look, I gotta make a skateboard delivery to a client

some night this week and neither one of us can do it,

so I'm desperate.

What? Yes I can!

Do you have a license yet?

I have a standard one?

That'll do. All right, let's discuss your pay.

Wait! I'll handle this!

Hey. I accept.

Can you hold on?

I can do it!

It's pretty straightforward.

Just take the client's board to this address.

Day after tomorrow at midnight.

Why can't I deliver it to them during the day?

Because the gates don't even open

'till late at night, newbie.

Gates?

Have you heard about the local skateboarding scene?

Skaters compete at an old abandoned mine.

And only the best of the best are allowed to throwdown.

The race is called "S."

Ah.

Ordinarily I'd go, but things keep piling up

and I won't be able to make it.

--"Date night"? --That's not true.

It's that daycare chick!

I wish!

It has to do with a big debt!

With what now?

I owe money.

On the shop.

I could go under.

What? Hey, you never told me that!

Oh, you think you're so freakin' funny?

Well, you're not, jerk!

If you don't like jokes, then start taking me seriously.

How can I do that when you always show up to work

later than me?

Who's my baby?

A sticker?

Yeah. First-timers can't get in without one.

"S" is so top secret, you can't ever talk about it.

Guard this with your life.

Never known an outsider who was allowed in before.

Cool.

Did you just one-word me?

"Oh cool!" would be more humane!

You're gonna see some wild stuff!

Look alive! I'm about to change your life!

Start at the top of the hill,

and skate down to the abandoned factory.

Everyone shoots fire through the mine--

we're talking 60 miles an hour, at least!

Oh, and if you wanna sabotage your opponents, you can!

Whatever you gotta do to get to the goal first!

Everyone who takes part in a duel

puts something important on the line.

Money. Friendship. Girls.

Is that a real bento box?

How is that what you're concerned about?

I make my own, you know.

Your own what?

Skateboards, of course! Try to keep up.

Oh. That's actually very impressive.

I know. Still a lot of trial and error, though.

The goal's to make the best skateboard anyone's ever seen,

then use it in a race

where I skate better than I ever have before and win!

"Then win." All right.

I'm home!

Hi, Mom. You feel like an omelet?

Of course!

It's so great to come home and find my son cooking for me!