[Inori] 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!
[announcer] Inori Yuitsuka's score is 58.19.
She is currently in first place.
Awesome! [laughs]
Right on!
[crowd cheering, applause]
[announcer] We will now commence the award ceremony
for the Level Five Women's Free Skate.
In first place, from Lux Higashiyama FSC, Inori Yuitsuka.
[Inori] 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?
[grunts]
[gasps]
That asshole.
Hey, get out of Nagoya, you shit-for-brains.
Leave Hikaru alone.
[inhales, exhales]
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.
[grunts] Hey! Don't ignore me!
You're in Hikaru's way, you bastard!
After you all but ran from skating!
[gasps]
[Jun] 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.
[gasping]
HOWLING AT NIGHT
[Tsukasa] 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.
[laughing] I can't wait to see it all again in the documentary!
THE ROAD TO BECOMING A MEDALIST
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.
[grunts]
- [skates land] - [Inori grunts]
[Tsukasa] 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.
[panting]
I don't understand why I'm still not landing it.
[grunts]
[Tsukasa] 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.
[Inori sighs]
- You wanna take a little break? - Yes.
For the athlete, though,
the extra half rotation takes about the same power as a full rotation.
[gasps]
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.
[chuckles] 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.
[Tsukasa] 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.
- [Hitomi] Tsukasa! - Uh, whatcha need?
- Nothing! It's lunch time! Let's go! - [stammers] Okay...
[person] Nice to meet you.
Shinichiro Sonidori.
And this here is my son Rioh.
- [stammering, breathing shakily] - [Hitomi] 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! - [huffs]
[Tsukasa] "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? - [Tsukasa] 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.
- [Shinichiro] Uh? - [Tsukasa grunts]
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! [laughs]
I don't actually care. Do whatever.
It's not like I have Dad's or Hikaru's talent anyway.
- [Shinichiro sighs] Coach Akeuraji. - [stammers] Oh, yes, sir.
[Shinichiro] 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.
[Tsukasa] An Olympic silver medalist is bowing to me.
ICE SKATING RINK
[whimpering]
So starting today, we'll be doing group lessons for a little while!
Say hello to Rioh Sonidori.
[stammering] He...
I wasn't talking to you, you ugly shrimp!
[whimpering]
He'll be at training camp with you next week, too!
[gasping]
[Rioh] 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. [giggles]
- We should be friend-- - Uh, who are you?
Inori Yuitsuka.
- [gasps] - [Tsukasa] Wow!
[Tsukasa] 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 - HEIGHT
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.
[Inori] That was amazing, Rioh. You can do a double Axel.
[blows nose, clears throat] 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.
[grunting]
[scoffs]
[Tsukasa] 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--
HEIGHT
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! - [breathing shakily]
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!
[gasping]
This grown-ass adult is complimenting me so much.
I'm so happy.
But... [gasps] ...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.
- [Rioh] "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!
[grunts]
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.
[gasps]
Hikaru?
[gasps]
[gasping]
[Jun] See?
Yes, sir.
[Jun] Then learn it.
[Hikaru] Yes, sir!
[Rioh] 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. - [Inori] Rioh?
Rioh!
- [gasps] - 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!
[Rioh] What all has he done?
[Inori] 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...
[grunts] 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.
[gasps]
- [breathing shakily] - See ya.
- I'm gonna win! - [gasps]
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!
[student 1] Congratulations on passing level seven, Hikaru.
[student 2] Is it true you passed them all on your first try?
- [student 1] What? You're a genius! - [grunts]
EXAM HISTORY: 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!
[Rioh] 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?
[breathing shakily] I wish I could be that confident.
Hmm? Inori? What's going on?
[Inori grunts] 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... [stammers] 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!
[groans] I said it's none of your business!
Inori, wait!
Not the changing room.
[sighs]
[gasps]
[stammers] Rioh.
[Rioh] Oh. This is so awkward.
What do you want?
[Tsukasa] Nothing. Let's just talk for a second before you leave.
Is this about the argument? 'Cause if it is...
[Tsukasa] Well, that too, I guess.
- [gasps] - 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?
[gasps]
Can I go? 'Cause talking to you is, like, super irritating.
[groans]
I'll still come to practice, but for real, leave me alone.
[stammers, sighs]
[Inori] 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!
- [gasps] - So, please help me make that happen!
Goodbye!
W-wait, Inori! [chuckles] Your books!
[footsteps depart]
- [Tsukasa, panting] - [Inori] Oof, I'm sorry.
[Tsukasa, sighs] Now let's talk about what you were saying earlier...
[Inori] Do you think that'll be too difficult?
[Tsukasa, sighs] 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.
[breathes shakily] 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! - [gasps]
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!
[grunting]
[gasps] 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!
[shrieks] 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.
[gasps, chuckles]