01x10 - Howling at Night

[bunniefuu]

It's been a year

since my first competition,

and now I'm at my second Meikoh Cup.

Yes! A double flip, double toe loop,

and double loop.

It's like she was born

with that combo in her!

Inori Yuitsuka's score is 58.19.

She is currently in first place.

Awesome!

Right on!

We will now commence

the award ceremony

for the Level Five Women's Free Skate.

In first place, from Lux Higashiyama FSC,

Inori Yuitsuka.

Thank you.

I entered the sixth grade

and I passed my fifth Badge Test.

Only one more level to go

and then I can compete against Hikaru.

Inori's really amazing, isn't she?

That as*h*le.

Hey, get out of Nagoya,

you sh*t-for-brains.

Leave Hikaru alone.

You know Hikaru doesn't even need you,

to become an Olympian, right?

How dare you call yourself a coach!

You don't even come to meets.

So what's your deal?

What are you getting out of coaching?

It's obvious that you don't

even wanna be here.

You don't even love skating

like my dad does.

Hey! Don't ignore me!

You're in Hikaru's way, you b*stard!

After you all but ran from skating!

Do you need me to spell it out for you?

You're reading Hikaru entirely wrong,

which makes you

the biggest thing in her way.

HOWLING AT NIGH

A triple combo

and a flying camel spin.

It took a lot of intense training to jam

all that in the last half of her program,

but she really pushed herself.

I'm honored to have gotten a front-row

seat to all of Inori's progress this year.

I can't wait to see it all

again in the documentary!

THE ROAD TO BECOMING A MEDALIS

She only has one Badge Test to go.

Once she reaches level six, she'll be able

to compete in Novice A at the All-Japans.

But getting to that next level

is gonna be one heck of a challenge.

Even athletes who started

at the right time hit a wall at level six,

and a lot of them give up.

That wall is the Axel.

Toe loop. Salchow. Loop. Flip. Lutz.

Those are hard enough,

but the final boss of jumps is the Axel.

Lots of skaters quit

because they can't master the double.

I don't understand

why I'm still not landing it.

The first five jumps start backwards,

but the Axel requires you

to be facing forward at takeoff,

meaning you have to add

an extra half rotation

to the spins you're already doing

in order to land it.

- You wanna take a little break?

- Yes.

For the athlete, though,

the extra half rotation takes about

the same power as a full rotation.

Something occurred to me

while I was practicing just now.

About the double Axel?

Instead of two-and-a-half rotations,

it's more like three minus some.

Sounds about right.

Which is why an Axel will always feel

so much harder than other jumps.

Even when they all count as doubles.

And I do feel like my approach

is faster than it was before.

It is.

But the higher your speed,

the greater your centrifugal force.

What's that mean?

Let's see. You know how

when you get going on a teacup ride

and it feels like you're getting pushed

to the outside of the cup?

- Oh, yeah.

- And yet, if you stay in the center

Then you don't get pushed anywhere!

Bingo! Sharp as always!

To execute faster rotations,

it's more important to focus on your axis

rather than your velocity.

Okay! I wanna try that!

Look at her. She's so strong.

- Tsukasa!

- Uh, whatcha need?

- Nothing! It's lunch time! Let's go!

- Okay

Nice to meet you.

Shinichiro Sonidori.

And this here is my son Rioh.

Surprise!

He asked to meet,

so I wanted to bring you along too,

'cause I know you were a huge fan.

The Olympian. The silver medalist.

Yes.

Though I'm here today

as a parent, not a skater,

and I hope that you can understand.

Yes, sir! Of course, sir! I'm so sorry!

Let me properly introduce you.

This is our assistant coach, Mr. Aki

Aka

- Oh I'm Tsukasa Akeuraji.

- That's it.

All these years and she still can't

figure out how to say my last name.

So, uh, what is it

that brings you out here today?

Right. My son has been concerned

with his progress at Meikoh

so he's interested in training

with you at Lux Higashiyama.

I told him he could for a week or two.

What I actually want is to transfer there

permanently. But Dad says I can't.

Sounds like there's a story in there.

Why is it that you wanna come to Lux?

Mostly just 'cause Sota's there.

- Oh, are you buddies then?

- Yay!

You haven't gotten to skate together

since you were beginners,

so I'm sure you miss him these days!

I guess, but it doesn't really matter

what club I join.

Long as I can get away from

that crabby old fart at Meikoh.

Rioh!

"Old fart"?

He's obviously not talking about his dad.

Does he mean Jun Yodaka?

I remember seeing that

Sonidori is listed as Hikaru's coach,

so something's definitely weird here.

Currently, all the other boys

in my club are seniors.

There's no one Rioh's age.

So for the sake of his motivation,

I thought it would be best if he skate

with you for a while, Coach Takamine.

Well, that's not a problem at all,

we would love to have him.

But would you mind if he works

with Tsukasa instead?

- Huh?

- He's a little green.

It's only his first year coaching.

But he's already proven himself

a great asset to the club.

During his probation period,

he took his very first student from Prelim

all the way up to level five like that.

If you want to see

Rioh transform even a little,

Coach Tsukasa is the man for the job.

- Right?

- Hey

That's all right by me.

If he comes with your recommendation,

Coach, I couldn't ask for more.

So if you're on board

Oh, gosh! It would be my honor.

Not him.

Uh?

I only want to be trained

by the head coach. 'Kay?

Rioh! Don't be rude!

Hmm, well, if he doesn't want Tsukasa,

that's that!

I don't actually care. Do whatever.

It's not like I have Dad's

or Hikaru's talent anyway.

- Coach Akeuraji.

- Oh, yes, sir.

No, no. Please.

I apologize that my failings as

an instructor now fall to you to remedy.

Forgive me. I hope

Rioh will flourish under you.

An Olympic silver medalist

is bowing to me.

ICE SKATING RINK

So starting today, we'll be doing

group lessons for a little while!

Say hello to Rioh Sonidori.

He

I wasn't talking to you, you ugly shrimp!

He'll be at training camp

with you next week, too!

Sota!

Rioh! What's up? Why are you here?

I got sick of Meikoh so I'm gonna be

practicing with you guys for a while.

What? That's awesome!

Hey, you got your Switch?

I do, but let's hurry up

and get out on the ice!

Sota, this is great!

You'll definitely jump better if you keep

your hands closer to your chest.

His dad's right, he does look happy

to be skating with another boy his age.

He's having fun.

You know, Rioh said

he's in level five, too.

Is he really?

FRIEND RADAR

You slow yourself down, otherwise.

Yeah, I'll give it a shot.

- So, Rioh.

- Hey, Inori.

A little birdie told me

we're both in level five.

- We should be friend--

- Uh, who are you?

Inori Yuitsuka.

Wow!

A beautiful double Axel

with a smooth extension on the landing.

The elegance of that check pose

makes me think

he definitely got

his dad's flexible ankles.

How can you tell?

Well, I watched him a lot.

I was kinda obsessed with him

in middle school.

DISTANCE - HEIGH

But they are different. Coach Sonidori's

rotations rely on a higher jump

with a super precise axis,

whereas Rioh's all about range.

Either way, that was clean,

though I bet Rioh could get a tighter spin

if he works on establishing his axis

just a little earlier.

That was amazing, Rioh.

You can do a double Axel.

It's whatever.

Huh?

If I can't do a triple at this point,

I'm wasting my time.

What? Why do you need a triple?

Part of the men's level six Badge Test

is doing a triple-double combination,

and if you can't do it,

they don't pass you.

Really? Is that true?

Don't act like we're the same just because

we're both in level five right now.

Men's skating is harder than women's,

and we're allowed to compete

in Novice A from level four.

I see. I didn't know.

Well, in that case, I take it the next big

milestone for you is passing level six.

Hmm?

Then we still have the same goal.

Rioh! That really was

a beautiful jump earlier.

Yeah, yeah. "It's just like

Shinichiro Sonidori's," I know.

- I've heard that a million times

- No,

it's a totally different jump

from your dad's!

Wha--

HEIGH

When it comes to your dad, he's got

a high jump with a really tall vertical.

But you luxuriate in a long jump

and cover a ton of distance,

which is awesome.

I was also really impressed how smoothly

you can adjust your stance in midair.

That must have taken a lot

of trial and error to figure out,

and it really paid off!

And on top of that, all the angles

in your check pose are great!

That commitment to detail is a beaut.

It's not enough to explain your skills

in terms that are purely physical!

I just know you're gonna become

an incredible athlete!

This grown-a*s adult is

complimenting me so much.

I'm so happy.

But I don't feel like

I can fully accept any of this.

- Like what if someone sees

- It takes a lot of effort

how it's affecting me?

You're reading Hikaru entirely wrong.

You're the biggest thing in her way.

- "Incredible athlete"

- What?

Do you realize how many boys my age

have already blown way past level six?

With my pedigree, I should

have managed it a long time ago.

Oh. I don't think--

Yeah, obviously you didn't think

that one through!

Don't get all excited

just 'cause he praised you a little.

It's not like it means anything.

The only reason he can act that positive

is because he doesn't know what I know.

Hikaru?

See?

Yes, sir.

Then learn it.

Yes, sir!

Jun Yodaka. Hikaru Kamisaki.

Once I had seen

that kind of inhuman talent,

I knew I'd never be optimistic

about my future again.

I'm not gonna be pleased with myself

just because I learned

- a couple of tricks.

- Rioh?

Rioh!

What's the matter?

Nothing. My lesson's over

so I'm going home.

Now?

So, your coach. Who is that guy? Spill it.

Oh! He's, uh Coach Aki I mean Ake

That's Coach Tsukasa!

What all has he done?

Uh, he used to ice dance.

Wow, that's it?

Awful.

So this random dude with no real career

is gonna teach me a bunch of bad habits?

He won't!

Maybe I don't get what you mean,

but don't worry!

I've been working with him for a while

and his skating's really pretty.

- Coach Tsuk--

- Yeah, well, I bet any coach

would look that way

to someone as crappy as you are, so

You don't know what you're talking about.

Okay, so fill me in.

Have you seen him jump? Can he do an Axel?

I'm not sure, but

That's what I thought.

You only get one athletic career.

Putting your fate in the hands of someone

with no achievements is a huge gamble.

Seriously. If you're going for the top,

you should switch coaches now.

See ya.

I'm gonna win!

I will. Just wait.

Great! Then just try us!

I can win just fine! I'm gonna beat Hikaru

whether Jun Yodaka is teaching her or not!

What?

We'll show you all!

Congratulations on passing

level seven, Hikaru.

Is it true you passed them all

on your first try?

What? You're a genius!

FAIL

You don't stand a chance!

- Yes, I do!

- You're gonna fail!

I'm gonna win!

I'm gonna land that double Axel

and compete at the All-Japans in Novice A.

You hear me?

And I'll beat Hikaru!

What the hell?

You're crazy. You obviously don't know

what you're up against.

Being level six or landing a double Axel

is the bare minimum you--

I can do it!

What is wrong with her?

Has she never seen Hikaru perform?

It's not like you can win

with determination alone.

She's deluding herself!

I just don't get it.

How can she talk like that?

And how does she actually believe it?

I wish

I could be that confident.

Hmm? Inori? What's going on?

Your dad is your coach, right?

And he was on the podium with Mr. Yodaka

a whole lot back in the day,

- in the Olympics

- Yeah. What's your point?

My point is that

even if you do have Coach Sonidori,

I'm gonna land a triple-double

combination before you!

I'm gonna prove to you

just how great Coach Tsukasa is!

That's not good.

Hey, hey! You two better not be fighting!

Coach Tsukasa.

What's the problem here?

I, um It's nothing! Don't worry about it!

It's none of your business, okay?

I heard my name a little too much

for that to be the case!

I said

it's none of your business!

Inori, wait!

Not the changing room.

Rioh.

Oh. This is so awkward.

What do you want?

Nothing. Let's just talk

for a second before you leave.

Is this about the argument?

'Cause if it is

Well, that too, I guess.

But, mostly,

I just want to get to know you better.

For starters, why don't you tell me

why it is you started skating?

Huh? My dad is an Olympian, so

he literally forced me to start, why else?

Can I go? 'Cause talking to you

is, like, super irritating.

I'll still come to practice,

but for real, leave me alone.

Coach Tsukasa!

Listen! I wanna pass level six

this summer no matter what!

And I wanna learn a triple-double combo

so I can compete

at the All-Japans in Novice A!

So, please help me make that happen!

Goodbye!

W-wait, Inori! Your books!

Oof, I'm sorry.

Now let's talk about

what you were saying earlier

Do you think

that'll be too difficult?

Well, considering

our current pace,

nailing the double Axel for your next exam

is gonna be work enough.

I'm not so sure it would be wise to try

to cram a triple double in there too.

And what if I start

practicing even harder?

I understand how you feel, I do.

But you're already at max capacity

when it comes to training.

If you push it any further,

you'll risk shin splints again.

Yeah, I don't want that.

Now, we could change up

our practice methods,

maybe speed up your progression

a little bit that way.

But, I gotta tell ya, you're already

progressing at an incredibly fast rate.

Prelims to level five

in a single year is pretty insane.

RATE OF GROWTH

Will you tell me what

you and Rioh were fighting about?

'Cause if he said something

that hurt your feelings, Inori,

we can figure it out together.

Tensions are rising on the rink

as people gear up for nationals.

Maybe it's just the atmosphere

that's getting to her.

But I mean She's obviously got

something bottled up in there.

What! What were they talking about?

- Um I Well, I

- Hmm?

I'm taller than I was last year!

I grew four whole centimeters!

Not only that, but I passed my endurance

test at school with flying colors.

And they said that for stuff

like running and mat exercises,

I'm in the top five of all the kids

in my entire grade level!

I went from the girl who can't do anything

to the girl who's good at sports!

I'm a totally different person

than I was a year ago.

I'm trying to tell you I'm better at stuff

now, whether I'm on the ice or not!

Watch this!

A double Axel? Inori, you

See? I can do it on land.

And I'm gonna prove to you

that I can do a triple-double combo, too!

That was incredible!

Inori, that was a straight-up double Axel!

Two and a half rotations,

how'd you do that?

I finally got it down just the other day.

But I still can't do it on ice, obviously.

I can't believe this.

I thought she couldn't do it because

she didn't have the muscle tone yet,

but if she can do it on land,

she's more than capable.

So it's technique.

We can do so much more with this.

I take it back. Let's do

a mini-intensive at training camp.

Intensive?

Yeah. Let's do it. All-Japans Novice.

The same stage as Hikaru Kamisaki.