Compare text

Find the difference between two text files

Display

Layout

Real-time editorHide whitespace changesHide unchanged linesDisable line wrap

Diff precision

Syntax

Process

Diffchecker Desktop The most secure way to run Diffchecker. Get the Diffchecker Desktop app: your diffs never leave your computer!Get Desktop

Medalist (2025) - S01E01 - GeeYuSubs vs Salchow

Created 9 months agoDiff never expires

380 removals

Lines
Total
Removed

Characters
Total
Removed

To continue using this feature, upgrade to Diffchecker Pro View Pricing

330 lines

410 additions

Lines
Total
Added

Characters
Total
Added

To continue using this feature, upgrade to Diffchecker Pro View Pricing

361 lines

GeeYuSubs

Salchow

Out on the ice,

On the glimmering ice,

even the best skaters struggle to land their dream moves flawlessly every time.

even the world's greatest skaters struggle.

Those who manage to land moves skaters everywhere struggle with,

No matter how many hours they spend perfecting their jumps,

those who skate so freely, so beautifully, that you forget they're even on ice—

they can't land them every time.

they are the true champions of figure skating.

But if you can pull off moves that others never could—

To reach that beautiful icy stage,

if you can grab everyone's attention with your grace—

we little dreamers jumped right in, not realizing what it would cost us.

if you can show the beauty and freedom of your skating—

Along the way, we gave up more than we could ever count.

then you're the true champion of figure skating.

It's 4:00 already.

To get a chance on that beautiful icy stage,

No wonder there are more kids around.

we little dreamers dove in headfirst, not realizing the price we'd have to pay.

Pursuing our dreams...

cost us everything.

Oh, it's four o'clock already. No wonder there's so many kids around.

Ow!

You could at least apologize...

She's probably around five.

If I had started as young as her, who knows where I'd be now...

You're 14? And you're a total beginner?

You're 14? And a total beginner?

Just forget it.

I'm going home...!

I'm going home...

I came all the way from Yokohama because I heard there was a skating job,

but they said they're busy today and to come back tomorrow...

Guess I'll stay at an internet café.

Why is a kid coming out from the skate rental counter...?

Why's a kid coming out from behind the rental counter?

Helloooo thereeee.

Hey there!

Sorry to bother you, but I need to check something.

Sorry to bother you, but I'd like to ask you a couple questions.

Did you come here alone today? Can I see your ticket?

Did you come here alone today?

Did you pay the fee?

Would you mind showing me your ticket?

Hey, wait!

You did pay, right?

I'm busting my ass working part-time just to scrape together practice fees,

Get back here!

I'm busting my ass working part-time to scrape together enough to practice,

and this little brat thinks she can skate for free? No way!

Stop right there!

Wait, hold up! That kid is—

Wait, hold up! She's—

Eh?

Huh?

Wha...?

Seriously?

Damn it!

She couldn't have gotten very far.

She can't have gotten very far.

I must be hearing things.

Wh-What are you climbing for?!

Wh-What are you climbing up there for?!

Get down from—!

Get down before—

Please don't die...

Hey, don't cry. I'm fine—

Hey, don't cry.

You're giving the old guy at the reception worms for his pet bird,

I'm fin—

and in exchange, he lets you into the rink. So you're not skating for free...

So to get this straight, you're technically not skating for free

I'm not lying!

because in exchange for worms for his birds, the receptionist guy is letting you into the rink?

I-I... I'm not lying!

I-It's true, I swear!

With these—

Look, I've got them here!

A-Alright, I get it! Just put them away, please!

That old man used that as an excuse to let her in?

Really, old man? Using that as an excuse to let her in?

How has he managed to get away with it for so long?

But I'm more surprised by the fact that they managed to get away with it.

Hey, uh, you're trembling.

Hey, um... you're trembling.

Are you okay?

I really can't stand snakes or anything like them, so seriously, don't show them again.

I hate snakes and things like 'em, so please keep those abominations away from me.

Okay.

Okay...

Anyhow...

The fact that you ran away means you knew you were doing something wrong, right?

You running away means you knew you were doing something wrong, right?

You have to stop doing that.

If others start doing the same, the rink will go bankrupt.

If others started doing the same thing, the rink would go bankrupt.

Okay...

She's surprisingly cooperative...

That book...

How nostalgic! It's a figure skating guidebook, right?

What a blast from the past! It's such a great guidebook!

I used to read it too.

I used to read this all the time.

These are...

These notes...

I really want to do figure skating, but my mom says I can't because I'll get hurt.

I always dreamed of being a figure skater.

But I thought if I practiced a lot and worked really hard...

But my mom says I can't because I'll get hurt.

Did you tell her that?

So I started practicing on my own, hoping that one day...

Have you told your mom that?

Huh?

Did you tell your mom how much you want to do it?

Have you told her that skating's your dream?

Here's a list of contact information for figure skating clubs in Nagoya.

Here's a list of figure skating clubs in Nagoya and their contact details.

Talk to your mom and have her reach out to one that's right for you.

Go over it with your mom and have her reach out to ones that seem like a good fit.

Which club do you coach at, Sensei?

Would you mind telling me which club you coach at?

Who, me?

I'm not really a coach or anything...

Hmm?

It's already 6:00?!

I'm not really a coach or anything like that...

Well then, no more worms, alright?

It's already six?!

No more worm business, alright?

Y-Yes!

What grade are you in?

I-I'm in fifth grade.

F-Fifth.

So you're about 11 years old...

So you're about 11 years old.

If you're serious about going pro, this is your last chance to start.

Huh?

When you get home, tell your mom right away, okay?

Talk to your mom as soon as you get home, okay?

See ya.

I'm home.

Welcome back. You're late.

Welcome back.

You're late today.

Yeah...

Listen, Mom, I—

Hey, Mom, I—

You've got homework to do, right? You should get it done before you forget.

You've got homework to do, don't you?

You should get it done before you forget.

O-Okay.

S-Sorry, what should I be doing?

S-Sorry, but, um, what should I be doing?

Huh?

You don't have to do anything.

You wouldn't be able to do it anyway.

You wouldn't be able to help anyway.

It's fine. We'll take care of everything.

You can just wait, Inori-chan.

Just wait until we're done, Inori.

Okay.

Okay...

Did you draw it well?

You guys happy with your drawings?

I think I did pretty good.

I think mine's looking pretty good!

I just want to go skate...

I really... want to skate...

If I give Sekoma-san more worms, I can go to the skating rink…

If I just give Mr. Sekoma more worms, I can go to the rink and...

You knew you were doing something wrong, right?

You have to stop doing that.

If you're serious about going pro, this is your last chance to start.

An assistant coach?

That's right.

You've got a good track record in ice dancing at the national level with me.

You went to the ice dancing nationals with me, so you have a really solid track record.

If I recommend you to the club, I think they'd approve right away.

If I recommend you to the club, I'm sure they'd hire you on the spot.

Coaching, huh...

I'm not really sure...

What? You don't want to?

Huh? You don't want to?

Everyone thinks it was your skill that got us to the Japan National Championships.

The thing is...

Ice dancing is a two-person competition, isn't it?

Everyone thinks it was your skill that got us to nationals.

I just can't see it that way.

Ice dancing is a two-person sport, isn't it?

So, are you planning to keep working part-time until you pass an audition?

But... I don't feel like I contributed anything.

Tsukasa-kun, you're already 26, right? And you barely have any income...

So is the plan just to keep working part-time until you pass an audition?

I'm not saying you should give up on working in ice shows,

Tsukasa, you're 26 now, right?

but being an assistant coach is a respectable career in skating too.

And you still don't have a steady income?

Excuse me. Are you Takamine-sensei from Lux Higashiyama?

I'm not saying you should give up on ice shows,

I'm Yuitsuka. I called you earlier.

but being an assistant coach is a respectable skating career, too.

Ah, hello!

Excuse me.

I've been expecting you.

Are you Coach Takamine from Lux Higashiyama?

Sorry to bother you while you're busy...

I'm Ms. Yuitsuka. I called you earlier.

Oh, hello!

I've been expecting you!

Sorry to bother you while you're busy.

Inori.

Wait, do you know her?

Uh, yeah, kind of.

Well, why don't you join us then? It'll give you a bit of insight into coaching.

Why don't you sit in with us then?

It'll help you get a feel for what coaching is like.

Here, have a snack.

You finally told your mom, didn't you?

For beginners, I usually recommend this school first.

For beginners, we usually recommend this school first.

If it's once a week, the lesson fees are reasonable too.

And if it's just once a week, the fees are quite affordable.

But it would take two years to graduate, right?

But wouldn't it take her two years to graduate?

Oh, you're quite knowledgeable!

Yes. My eldest also used to do figure skating.

Yes. My eldest used to figure skate.

Oh, is that so?

Is that so?

Yes, she started when she was five.

Yes.

A lot happened, and in the end,

She started when she was five.

I ended up putting her through some tough times.

A lot happened, and ultimately,

That's why I'm determined not to let my other child face the same fate.

it just brought her pain.

Also, her grades at school aren't great. Even the teachers are concerned.

That's why I'm determined not to let Inori face the same fate.

Balancing skating with her studies would be way too much.

Not to mention, her grades at school aren't great.

Then why are you...?

Even the teachers are concerned.

She's been very insistent about it, so I'm taking her around to different clubs.

Balancing skating with her studies would be too much.

I figured if the coaches tell her "no," she might finally give up.

Then, why did you come?

She's been very insistent about it.

I figured if I took her around to a few clubs and had the coaches tell her "no" directly,

she might finally give up.

Th-This is just a theory, but if she joins a club and starts private lessons—

It's pointless.

Since my eldest did figure skating, I have a pretty good idea of what that world is like.

Since her sister used to figure skate,

She won't be able catch up to kids who started when they were five.

I think I have a pretty good idea of what the figure skating world is like.

Inori, look over there.

There's no way she can catch up to the kids who started when they were five, right?

Everyone's so skilled. Even the small ones are already practicing jumps.

Inori, look out there.

If you were to join them now, you'd just end up feeling miserable.

See how amazing they all are?

Even the little kids are already landing jumps.

If you were to join them this late,

you'd just end up feeling miserable.

Let's not jump to conclusions without seeing her skate first.

B-But...

I'll decide whether it's truly pointless or not.

I'll be the one to judge if it's really pointless for her to start now.

Tsukasa-kun, a word.

Tsukasa, a word.

I-I'm sorry.

I couldn't just sit there and listen to—

Nice idea punch!

You're planning to praise her and let her join, aren't you?

You're planning to praise her so she'll join our club, aren't you?

Good thinking! Looks like you really are suited for this, assistant coach.

Good thinking! Looks like you really are suited to be an assistant coach.

N-No, my mouth just started moving on its own and—

Huh? No, my mouth just started moving on its own and—

But! Be careful how you compliment her!

There are other parents here.

The eyes of the ice moms are ever watchful.

If it looks like you're playing favorites, it could cause real trouble.

If it looks like you're playing favorites, we could be in a serious pickle.

I know you can get quite loud, so be mindful of that.

I know you can get quite loud, so be mindful of that!

O-Okay.

Also, figure skating gets really expensive if you get serious about it.

And don't forget—figure skating gets really expensive if you get serious about it.

If she quits halfway, it'll be tough on the family, not just on her.

If she quits halfway, her parents' efforts will also be for nothing.

Keep that in mind.

Yeah...

Right...

Are you sure size 22 is okay, not 21?

Are you sure you're okay with a size 22 instead of a 21?

Uh-huh.

That's not a happy face...!

That's not a happy face...

I wish I could cheer her up, but I have to remember what Hitomi-san said.

I wish I could do something to cheer her up, but Hitomi made a really good point earlier.

I'm really sorry.

Huh?

If I'd just told my mom earlier, I could've avoided all the cheating to get in,

If I hadn't cheated to get in,

and maybe I would actually have a chance.

and just said I wanted to do it earlier, maybe I could've started skating sooner…

If only I'd started earlier...

If only I had started earlier...

Here, put your feet in.

Here, put your foot in.

O-Okay.

I might have sounded confident, but I couldn't bring myself to tell my parents.

I might've sounded confident earlier, but I also couldn't bring myself to tell my parents.

Huh?

You are very brave.

You're brave.

Way more than you realize.

Are you ready?

Yep!

Wait! What about her helmet?

Ugh, Wait a—!

Wait a—!

She's fast.

She's fast!

She's just gliding, but it looks like she's leaving a trail of stars behind her.

She's just gliding on the ice, but it looks like she's leaving a trail of stars behind her.

Saved diffs

Original text

Open file

GeeYuSubs
Out on the ice,
even the best skaters struggle to land their dream moves flawlessly every time.
Those who manage to land moves skaters everywhere struggle with,
those who skate so freely, so beautifully, that you forget they're even on ice—
they are the true champions of figure skating.
To reach that beautiful icy stage,
we little dreamers jumped right in, not realizing what it would cost us.
Along the way, we gave up more than we could ever count.
It's 4:00 already.
No wonder there are more kids around.
Ow!
You could at least apologize...
She's probably around five.
If I had started as young as her, who knows where I'd be now...
You're 14? And you're a total beginner?
Just forget it.
I'm going home...!
I came all the way from Yokohama because I heard there was a skating job,
but they said they're busy today and to come back tomorrow...
Guess I'll stay at an internet café.
Why is a kid coming out from the skate rental counter...?
Helloooo thereeee.
Sorry to bother you, but I need to check something.
Did you come here alone today? Can I see your ticket?
Did you pay the fee?
Hey, wait!
I'm busting my ass working part-time just to scrape together practice fees,
and this little brat thinks she can skate for free? No way!
Stop right there!
Wait, hold up! That kid is—
Eh?
Wha...?
Damn it!
She couldn't have gotten very far.
I must be hearing things.
Wh-What are you climbing for?!
Get down from—!
Please don't die...
Hey, don't cry. I'm fine—
You're giving the old guy at the reception worms for his pet bird,
and in exchange, he lets you into the rink. So you're not skating for free...
I'm not lying!
I-It's true, I swear!
With these—
A-Alright, I get it! Just put them away, please!
That old man used that as an excuse to let her in?
How has he managed to get away with it for so long?
Hey, uh, you're trembling.
Are you okay?
I really can't stand snakes or anything like them, so seriously, don't show them again.
Okay.
Anyhow...
The fact that you ran away means you knew you were doing something wrong, right?
You have to stop doing that.
If others start doing the same, the rink will go bankrupt.
Okay...
She's surprisingly cooperative...
That book...
How nostalgic! It's a figure skating guidebook, right?
I used to read it too.
These are...
I really want to do figure skating, but my mom says I can't because I'll get hurt.
But I thought if I practiced a lot and worked really hard...
Did you tell her that?
Huh?
Did you tell your mom how much you want to do it?
Here's a list of contact information for figure skating clubs in Nagoya.
Talk to your mom and have her reach out to one that's right for you.
Which club do you coach at, Sensei?
Who, me?
I'm not really a coach or anything...
It's already 6:00?!
Well then, no more worms, alright?
Y-Yes!
What grade are you in?
I-I'm in fifth grade.
So you're about 11 years old...
If you're serious about going pro, this is your last chance to start.
Huh?
When you get home, tell your mom right away, okay?
See ya.
I'm home.
Welcome back. You're late.
Yeah...
Listen, Mom, I—
You've got homework to do, right? You should get it done before you forget.
O-Okay.
S-Sorry, what should I be doing?
Huh?
You don't have to do anything.
You wouldn't be able to do it anyway.
It's fine. We'll take care of everything.
You can just wait, Inori-chan.
Okay.
Did you draw it well?
I think I did pretty good.
I just want to go skate...
If I give Sekoma-san more worms, I can go to the skating rink…
You knew you were doing something wrong, right?
You have to stop doing that.
If you're serious about going pro, this is your last chance to start.
An assistant coach?
That's right.
You've got a good track record in ice dancing at the national level with me.
If I recommend you to the club, I think they'd approve right away.
Coaching, huh...
What? You don't want to?
Everyone thinks it was your skill that got us to the Japan National Championships.
Ice dancing is a two-person competition, isn't it?
I just can't see it that way.
So, are you planning to keep working part-time until you pass an audition?
Tsukasa-kun, you're already 26, right? And you barely have any income...
I'm not saying you should give up on working in ice shows,
but being an assistant coach is a respectable career in skating too.
Excuse me. Are you Takamine-sensei from Lux Higashiyama?
I'm Yuitsuka. I called you earlier.
Ah, hello!
I've been expecting you.
Sorry to bother you while you're busy...
Inori.
Wait, do you know her?
Uh, yeah, kind of.
Well, why don't you join us then? It'll give you a bit of insight into coaching.
Here, have a snack.
You finally told your mom, didn't you?
For beginners, I usually recommend this school first.
If it's once a week, the lesson fees are reasonable too.
But it would take two years to graduate, right?
Oh, you're quite knowledgeable!
Yes. My eldest also used to do figure skating.
Oh, is that so?
Yes, she started when she was five.
A lot happened, and in the end,
I ended up putting her through some tough times.
That's why I'm determined not to let my other child face the same fate.
Also, her grades at school aren't great. Even the teachers are concerned.
Balancing skating with her studies would be way too much.
Then why are you...?
She's been very insistent about it, so I'm taking her around to different clubs.
I figured if the coaches tell her "no," she might finally give up.
Th-This is just a theory, but if she joins a club and starts private lessons—
It's pointless.
Since my eldest did figure skating, I have a pretty good idea of what that world is like.
She won't be able catch up to kids who started when they were five.
Inori, look over there.
Everyone's so skilled. Even the small ones are already practicing jumps.
If you were to join them now, you'd just end up feeling miserable.
Let's not jump to conclusions without seeing her skate first.
B-But...
I'll decide whether it's truly pointless or not.
Tsukasa-kun, a word.
I-I'm sorry.
I couldn't just sit there and listen to—
Nice idea punch!
You're planning to praise her and let her join, aren't you?
Good thinking! Looks like you really are suited for this, assistant coach.
N-No, my mouth just started moving on its own and—
But! Be careful how you compliment her!
There are other parents here.
If it looks like you're playing favorites, it could cause real trouble.
I know you can get quite loud, so be mindful of that.
O-Okay.
Also, figure skating gets really expensive if you get serious about it.
If she quits halfway, it'll be tough on the family, not just on her.
Keep that in mind.
Yeah...
Are you sure size 22 is okay, not 21?
Uh-huh.
That's not a happy face...!
I wish I could cheer her up, but I have to remember what Hitomi-san said.
I'm really sorry.
Huh?
If I hadn't cheated to get in,
and just said I wanted to do it earlier, maybe I could've started skating sooner…
If only I had started earlier...
Here, put your foot in.
O-Okay.
I might have sounded confident, but I couldn't bring myself to tell my parents.
Huh?
You are very brave.
Are you ready?
Yep!
Wait! What about her helmet?
Ugh, Wait a—!
She's fast.
She's just gliding, but it looks like she's leaving a trail of stars behind her.
Who is this girl?
She's a completely different person on the ice!
She's... she's talented...
Are you just saying that to flatter her and get her into the club?
Of course not!
Tsukasa-kun, choose your words wisely!
Well then, let's try some basic skating exercises.
Do you know how to do a figure eight?
Yep!
Single forward swizzle.
Backward swizzle.
T-stop.
She doesn't even need school! Let's admit her to the club right now!
Hey! Keep it down!
I'm honestly impressed. Just when did she learn all that...?
Two-foot slalom.
Forward crossover.
She's a genius! A true genius!
I told you to keep it down!
I see, she has no fear of falling.
She probably practiced alone, falling over and over, and naturally overcame that fear.
Alright, how about we try skating?
Skating...?
You mean like this...?
That's not it. I'm talking about the graceful glide of a true figure skater.
Watch closely. Skating is all about gliding on the two edges of the skate blade:
The inside edge and the outside edge.
The first step in skating is learning how to use these two edges.
Start by positioning your feet at about a 45 degree angle.
Firmly bend your knees, and bring your arms to shoulder height.
Tilt your ankles inward, toward your big toes, to engage the inside edge,
and press the whole blade against the ice to push off.
At this point, it would look really cool if you raised your free leg—the one not on the ice.
But don't push yourself at first.
His legs are so long...
As you start moving, straighten your bent supporting leg and pull your free leg in.
Once it's in, tilt the supporting leg to the inside edge and push outward.
Finally, turn the pushed leg into your new supporting leg and press against the ice again.
Just keep repeating that.
Uh, so I move my feet like this...
H-Huh? I'm not moving forward at all…
Leaning forward will cause you to slow down. You need to keep your head up.
My head—
H-Hey! Are you okay?
Maybe I really am hopeless…
This girl's moods are kind of extreme.
Skating isn't something you can master in just a day or two.
You need to find your center of balance, practice regularly, and keep refining it.
Let's try again.
Okay!
Like this… and then...
Can you straighten your leg more?
Y-Yes!
She's picking it up so fast.
This is fun!
Inori, you're doing amazing!
Mom, did you just compliment me?!
You're incredible, Inori.
I'm blown away by how well you're doing.
So, can I do ska—?
Absolutely not.
What?!
I have no intention of letting her do figure skating.
But—
Watching my eldest, I realized something:
She gave up her childhood at the age of five to focus solely on skating,
only to face failure and eventually give it up.
Seeing her quit was truly heartbreaking.
Inori just hasn't found a dream outside of skating yet.
I don't want her to waste her time and money on something I know won't work out.
Is that so wrong of me to think as her parent?
She's right.
Starting figure skating at 11 is incredibly hard.
I should know, since I started late myself.
I...
I hate the way things are right now!
Inori...?
I-I've always wanted to skate, no matter what.
I-I know skating is hard, so hard that even my sister gave up.
And I know that I'm constantly causing trouble for you, Mom.
I always feel like I have to apologize.
I keep telling myself I shouldn't make things harder...
That I shouldn't be selfish...
But... I've always wanted to do this!
Skating is my safe haven!
Just thinking about it made me forget all the bad things at school.
It made me feel like I have a unique talent that sets me apart from everyone else.
But the truth is, I was just pretending.
I... don't have anything!
I want to have something I'm proud of, something I'll love and be better at than others.
Something that I'm actually good at...
I want to feel like I'm not worthless!
Yuitsuka-san.
Huh?
Just let her skate already.
Just…
...let her skate already?!
Of course, there's no guarantee she'll become an Olympic athlete.
But she has one absolutely essential quality for skating:
A relentless passion for the rink!
Figure skating takes a lot of time and money, far more than any other activity.
But to succeed, a skater needs more— strong will and determination are essential.
But other kids started at five—
You keep saying “five years old,” but come on!
Most kids that age can't seriously practice a damn thing!
Tsukasa-kun, keep it down!
Am I stupid?
Why did I hesitate?
If there's anyone who understands how this kid feels, it's me!
It never mattered how old or how insecure I was.
I wasn't going to give up!
What was I waiting for back then?!
What was I hoping for?!
I'll be her coach! I'll teach her skating!
This girl has come this far just from teaching herself!
She can still catch up!
She's got talent, and I know she'll only get better.
She's not afraid of falling, has good core strength, listens, and has the ambition.
As long as you can just bring her to practice, I'm confident she'll unlock her full potential!
No, I'm more than confident.
I will turn her into a skater who can compete in the Japan National Championships!
Please let me do this!
W-Well, if you're this sure about it, Sensei...
Let's goooo!
Isn't this great?
Oh, uh, what's your name?
Inori.
I'm Yuitsuka Inori!
What a lovely name!
Stand up! Bow!
Goodbye!
Has Inori-chan always been like that?
She's been really energetic lately.
I guess she has something fun going on.
Do you have any idea what you put me through?!
The other parents have been breathing down my neck non-stop!
You can't make it sound like you're giving her preferential treatment!
I understand.
Can you stop acting like you haven't done anything wrong?
Tsukasa-sensei!
Helloooo!
Now that's a gold medal smile!
I told you to keep your voice down!

Changed text

Open file

Salchow
On the glimmering ice,
even the world's greatest skaters struggle.
No matter how many hours they spend perfecting their jumps,
they can't land them every time.
But if you can pull off moves that others never could—
if you can grab everyone's attention with your grace—
if you can show the beauty and freedom of your skating—
then you're the true champion of figure skating.
To get a chance on that beautiful icy stage,
we little dreamers dove in headfirst, not realizing the price we'd have to pay.
Pursuing our dreams...
cost us everything.
Oh, it's four o'clock already. No wonder there's so many kids around.
Ow!
You could at least apologize...
She's probably around five.
If I had started as young as her, who knows where I'd be now...
You're 14? And a total beginner?
Just forget it.
I'm going home...
I came all the way from Yokohama because I heard there was a skating job,
but they said they're busy today and to come back tomorrow...
Guess I'll stay at an internet café.
Why's a kid coming out from behind the rental counter?
Hey there!
Sorry to bother you, but I'd like to ask you a couple questions.
Did you come here alone today?
Would you mind showing me your ticket?
You did pay, right?
Get back here!
I'm busting my ass working part-time to scrape together enough to practice,
and this little brat thinks she can skate for free? No way!
Stop right there!
Wait, hold up! She's—
Huh?
Seriously?
Damn it!
She can't have gotten very far.
I must be hearing things.
Wh-What are you climbing up there for?!
Get down before—
Please don't die...
Hey, don't cry.
I'm fin—
So to get this straight, you're technically not skating for free
because in exchange for worms for his birds, the receptionist guy is letting you into the rink?
I-I... I'm not lying!
I-It's true, I swear!
Look, I've got them here!
A-Alright, I get it! Just put them away, please!
Really, old man? Using that as an excuse to let her in?
But I'm more surprised by the fact that they managed to get away with it.
Hey, um... you're trembling.
Are you okay?
I hate snakes and things like 'em, so please keep those abominations away from me.
Okay...
Anyhow...
You running away means you knew you were doing something wrong, right?
You have to stop doing that.
If others started doing the same thing, the rink would go bankrupt.
Okay...
She's surprisingly cooperative...
That book...
What a blast from the past! It's such a great guidebook!
I used to read this all the time.
These notes...
I always dreamed of being a figure skater.
But my mom says I can't because I'll get hurt.
So I started practicing on my own, hoping that one day...
Have you told your mom that?
Huh?
Have you told her that skating's your dream?
Here's a list of figure skating clubs in Nagoya and their contact details.
Go over it with your mom and have her reach out to ones that seem like a good fit.
Would you mind telling me which club you coach at?
Who, me?
Hmm?
I'm not really a coach or anything like that...
It's already six?!
No more worm business, alright?
Y-Yes!
What grade are you in?
F-Fifth.
So you're about 11 years old.
If you're serious about going pro, this is your last chance to start.
Huh?
Talk to your mom as soon as you get home, okay?
See ya.
I'm home.
Welcome back.
You're late today.
Yeah...
Hey, Mom, I—
You've got homework to do, don't you?
You should get it done before you forget.
O-Okay.
S-Sorry, but, um, what should I be doing?
Huh?
You don't have to do anything.
You wouldn't be able to help anyway.
It's fine. We'll take care of everything.
Just wait until we're done, Inori.
Okay...
You guys happy with your drawings?
I think mine's looking pretty good!
I really... want to skate...
If I just give Mr. Sekoma more worms, I can go to the rink and...
You knew you were doing something wrong, right?
You have to stop doing that.
If you're serious about going pro, this is your last chance to start.
An assistant coach?
That's right.
You went to the ice dancing nationals with me, so you have a really solid track record.
If I recommend you to the club, I'm sure they'd hire you on the spot.
I'm not really sure...
Huh? You don't want to?
The thing is...
Everyone thinks it was your skill that got us to nationals.
Ice dancing is a two-person sport, isn't it?
But... I don't feel like I contributed anything.
So is the plan just to keep working part-time until you pass an audition?
Tsukasa, you're 26 now, right?
And you still don't have a steady income?
I'm not saying you should give up on ice shows,
but being an assistant coach is a respectable skating career, too.
Excuse me.
Are you Coach Takamine from Lux Higashiyama?
I'm Ms. Yuitsuka. I called you earlier.
Oh, hello!
I've been expecting you!
Sorry to bother you while you're busy.
Inori.
Wait, do you know her?
Uh, yeah, kind of.
Why don't you sit in with us then?
It'll help you get a feel for what coaching is like.
Here, have a snack.
You finally told your mom, didn't you?
For beginners, we usually recommend this school first.
And if it's just once a week, the fees are quite affordable.
But wouldn't it take her two years to graduate?
Oh, you're quite knowledgeable!
Yes. My eldest used to figure skate.
Is that so?
Yes.
She started when she was five.
A lot happened, and ultimately,
it just brought her pain.
That's why I'm determined not to let Inori face the same fate.
Not to mention, her grades at school aren't great.
Even the teachers are concerned.
Balancing skating with her studies would be too much.
Then, why did you come?
She's been very insistent about it.
I figured if I took her around to a few clubs and had the coaches tell her "no" directly,
she might finally give up.
Th-This is just a theory, but if she joins a club and starts private lessons—
It's pointless.
Since her sister used to figure skate,
I think I have a pretty good idea of what the figure skating world is like.
There's no way she can catch up to the kids who started when they were five, right?
Inori, look out there.
See how amazing they all are?
Even the little kids are already landing jumps.
If you were to join them this late,
you'd just end up feeling miserable.
Let's not jump to conclusions without seeing her skate first.
B-But...
I'll be the one to judge if it's really pointless for her to start now.
Tsukasa, a word.
I-I'm sorry.
I couldn't just sit there and listen to—
Nice idea punch!
You're planning to praise her so she'll join our club, aren't you?
Good thinking! Looks like you really are suited to be an assistant coach.
Huh? No, my mouth just started moving on its own and—
But! Be careful how you compliment her!
The eyes of the ice moms are ever watchful.
If it looks like you're playing favorites, we could be in a serious pickle.
I know you can get quite loud, so be mindful of that!
O-Okay.
And don't forget—figure skating gets really expensive if you get serious about it.
If she quits halfway, her parents' efforts will also be for nothing.
Keep that in mind.
Right...
Are you sure you're okay with a size 22 instead of a 21?
Uh-huh.
That's not a happy face...
I wish I could do something to cheer her up, but Hitomi made a really good point earlier.
I'm really sorry.
If I'd just told my mom earlier, I could've avoided all the cheating to get in,
and maybe I would actually have a chance.
If only I'd started earlier...
Here, put your feet in.
O-Okay.
I might've sounded confident earlier, but I also couldn't bring myself to tell my parents.
Huh?
You're brave.
Way more than you realize.
Are you ready?
Yep!
Wait! What about her helmet?
Wait a—!
She's fast!
She's just gliding on the ice, but it looks like she's leaving a trail of stars behind her.
Who is this girl?
She's a completely different person on the ice!
She's... got what it takes.
Are you just buttering us up so she'll join the club?
Of course not!
Tsukasa, choose your words wisely!
Alright, let's try some of the basics.
Do you know how to do swizzles?
Yes!
Forward swizzle.
Backward swizzle.
T-stop.
She doesn't need skating school! Let's admit her to the club right away!
H-Hey! Keep it down!
I just can't believe what I'm seeing.
When did she learn all that?
Two-foot slalom.
Forward crossover.
She's a natural! A prodigy!
I told you to keep it down!
I get it now. She's not scared of falling.
She practiced by herself, falling over and over, and naturally overcame that fear.
Alright, how about we try a little skating?
Skating?
Isn't that what we've been doing?
Not quite.
I'm talking about gliding gracefully, like a true figure skater.
Look here. Skating is all about using the two edges of the skate blade.
We have the inside edge and the outside edge.
The first step in skating is learning how to use these two edges.
Start by positioning your feet at about a 45-degree angle.
Firmly bend your knees, and bring your arms to shoulder height.
Tilt your ankle inward toward your big toe to engage the inside edge,
and then push off the ice with the entire blade.
At this point, it looks really cool if you raise your free leg—the one not on the ice.
But don't push yourself at first.
His legs are so long...
As you start moving, straighten your supporting leg,
and bring your free leg in.
When your free leg gets to the inside, tilt the supporting leg to the inside and push with it.
Then bring it back under you and push off with the other leg.
Just keep repeating that.
So... I move my feet like this...
H-Huh? I'm barely moving forward at all...
Leaning forward will cause you to brake. You need to keep your head up.
Keep my head...
H-Hey! Are you okay?
I guess I'm completely useless after all...
This girl's moods are kind of extreme.
Skating isn't something you can master in a day or two.
You need to spend countless hours practicing,
and in the process, find the center of gravity that makes everything fall into place.
Let's give it another shot.
Okay!
Put my feet like this...
and push!
Can you point your feet out a little more?
Y-Yes!
She's picking it up really quickly.
This is fun!
Inori, you're doing amazing!
Mom, did you just praise me?!
You're incredible, Inori.
I had no idea you could do all that.
I'm so proud of you.
Does that mean I c—
Absolutely not.
What?!
I have no intention of letting her figure skate.
But...
Watching my eldest, I realized something.
She had to give up her childhood at the age of five to focus solely on skating.
Only to abandon it, never seeing the results she wanted.
Seeing her go through that was truly heartbreaking.
Inori just hasn't found a dream outside of skating yet.
I don't want her to pour time and money into something that I know won't pay off.
Is that so wrong of me to think as her parent?
She's not wrong.
Starting figure skating at 11 would be incredibly hard.
As someone who started way later than everyone else, I should know.
I...
I hate the way things are right now.
Inori?
I-I-I-I've always dreamed of being a figure skater.
I-I know skating is hard— so hard that even my s-sister gave up.
And I know that I'm constantly causing trouble for you, Mom.
I-I always feel like I have to apologize.
I keep telling myself I shouldn't bother you...
That I shouldn't be selfish...
But... skating is something I've always wanted to do!
It's the only thing that makes me happy!
Just remembering that I can skate helped me ignore all the bad things at school.
It made me feel like I had something that was setting me apart from other kids!
But that was just me lying to myself...
I'm... not good at anything!
I want to have something I can be proud of.
Something I'll love more than anyone else!
Something I'll be really, really good at.
I want to feel like I'm not worthless!
Ms. Yuitsuka.
Just let her join the club, damn it.
"Damn it"?
What are you saying?!
Of course, there's no guarantee she'll become an Olympic athlete.
However!
She has the one thing that is absolutely essential for skating.
A burning passion for the rink!
Skating demands a lot of time and money— far more than most other activities.
And to succeed, the skater must have fierce determination and an iron will.
But the other kids all started at five—
Oh, give me a break!
Kids that age can't seriously practice a damn thing!
Tsukasa. Keep it down.
Am I a total idiot?
Why did I hesitate?
If anyone understands how kids like Inori feel, it's me!
It never mattered how old or insecure I was.
I wasn't going to give up!
Back then...
What was it that I needed?!
What was I wishing for?!
I'll do it! I'll be her coach!
I'll teach her how to skate!
Your daughter's come this far just from teaching herself!
She can still catch up!
She's got real talent, and I know she'll only get better.
She's not afraid of falling, her core strength is solid,
she follows instructions, and she's got the hunger for more!
As long as you can just bring her to practice, I'm confident she'll unlock her full potential!
No, I'm more than confident.
I will turn her into a skater who can compete at the Japan Nationals!
Please let me coach her!
Well...
If you're this sure about it...
I'll leave her in your hands, Coach...
Let's go!
Isn't this great?
Oh, um, what's your name again?
Inori.
I'm Yuitsuka Inori!
That's a beautiful name.
Stand up! Bow!
Bye bye!
Is it me, or has Inori been acting differently?
She's been really cheerful lately.
She must have something fun going on.
Do you have any idea what you put me through?!
The other parents have been breathing down my neck nonstop!
Please keep that favoritism to yourself from now on!
Understood.
Can you wipe that "I didn't do anything wrong" look from your face before I wipe it for you?
Coach Tsukasa!
Hey!
Now that's the smile of a gold medalist!
What did we literally just talk about?!