Medalist Season 2 Episode 9: It Begins

Inori Yuzuki practices a jump, suspended by a harness, her eyes wide with effort and nascent ambition. She pores over scores on a tablet, realizing the high marks other skaters achieve, particularly Miku Ahiru's impressive triple lutz. The revelation of Suzu's 100-point score, and her own blank entry, fills Inori with a silent dread. Her coach, Tsukasagi, gently suggests a quadruple jump could put her in the same league, and with a bright smile, Inori commits to the formidable challenge.

After seeing Tsukasagi off, Kouhei Uwabuchi is left to strategize for Miku Ahiru. Miku, surprisingly, delegates the entire decision of which jumps to attempt to Kouhei, explaining the competition is for all three of them. A brief, nostalgic flashback shows a younger Miku, Kouhei, and Junna Shiratori on the ice, hinting at their shared history. Despite the allure of higher scores, Kouhei ultimately decides against a quadruple jump for Miku, opting to focus on her existing strengths, a choice Miku accepts with quiet determination.

As Inori and Kouhei prepare for lunch, a familiar figure approaches, much to Kouhei's surprise and delight. It is Junna Shiratori, Kouhei's former clubmate and a renowned ice dance skater now turned coach. Junna, ever the showman, wastes no time introducing his young pupils, 'Team Ahiru.' The introduction quickly devolves into comedic chaos when one mischievous child punches Kouhei, setting a bizarre tone for the encounter.

The comedic situation escalates as Junna Shiratori appears in a giant duck costume, dramatically advertising a laundry detergent in a surreal cut-in. Inori stares in horrified recognition, realizing the celebrity 'Ahiru' from the commercials is none other than Junna. The absurdity peaks as Junna, now revealed, spreads feathery wings and proudly introduces the whole ensemble: 'Coach Kouhei, choreographer Junna, skater Miku, Team Ahiru!' Inori is left awestruck by the spectacle.

Inori can barely contain her excitement, marveling that her coach, Kouhei, was once clubmates with the famous Junna Shiratori. Kouhei, however, is deeply uncomfortable, groaning and deflecting praise. Junna continues to tease him, squeezing his face comically, much to Kouhei's annoyance and Inori's terror. Miku calmly explains that Junna often teases those he struggles to communicate with properly, further illuminating their complex, long-standing relationship, which a quick flashback of their younger selves only reinforces.

As Inori considers her rivalry with Hikaru, her conversation with Miku takes a poignant turn. Inori boldly states her goal is to beat Hikaru, while Miku hesitates. Miku eventually reveals her true ambition: not a medal, but simply to secure a high enough ranking to continue skating for one more month. The devastating reason emerges; their local ice rink is slated for closure, forcing Miku to quit altogether if she cannot extend her competitive season. Her quiet resignation is heartbreaking.

Kouhei and Tsukasagi observe Miku's graceful skating, acknowledging the strict coaching behind her beautiful posture. Tsukasagi then announces Inori's intention to attempt a quadruple salchow, surprising Kouhei. Kouhei, ever cautious, debates how to verify the jump's success rate in such a short time, proposing a test of three consecutive landings. Junna Shiratori interjects with his unconventional approach, suggesting only the final jump matters, arguing it proves the ability to land it 'at a decided time.'

Kouhei sharply dismisses Junna's method as reckless, arguing that consistent practice success is paramount, not vague hope. He emphasizes that victory at the All-Japan competition for senior skaters often comes from avoiding deductions, not attempting high-risk quad jumps. Kouhei starkly reminds Junna that neither of them, as former ice dancers, truly understands the dangers of a quadruple jump, highlighting their own limitations in advising on such a feat.

Shinozaki's arrogant words, claiming superior knowledge of what it takes to be the best, seem to steel Tsukasagi's resolve. He thanks Kouhei and Junna, stating he has learned what he needed. Tsukasagi then declares his personal challenge: he will successfully coach Inori to perform a quadruple jump. He plans to invest all remaining funds into the All-Japan competition, viewing it as an opportunity to create a reason for Hitomi-san to continue skating, smiling with renewed determination at his former rivals.

The episode concludes with a dynamic montage, showcasing various skaters preparing for the All-Japan Novice Competition. Each frame captures their intense focus, unique styles, and burning determination. Among them, Inori stands out, having committed to attempting the perilous quadruple salchow jump. Despite understanding the immense risks involved, she is driven by a deep well of aspiration, her journey now fully intertwined with the hopes and dreams of all the skaters around her.