The Teacher (Japanese: 恩師 Onshi) is the fortieth chapter of the Medalist manga.
Characters[]
(mentioned)
(cameo)
Story[]
Yutaka Kyoboku recalls one of Jun Yodaka's stunning performances during his career, likening it to magic. He highlights a unique ability of Jun's, the "hawk eyes," which granted him an almost supernatural awareness of his movements, as if he viewed himself from above, eliminating the need for video recordings to refine his timing and stances. Jun's broad perspective also extended beyond skating, allowing him to accurately assess his own progress and how he could improve, to the point where a coach was hardly necessary. Yutaka notes that Jun frequently changed coaches, moving between the world's best clubs throughout his career. Though Yukata knew that bouncing around wasn't good for him, he felt powerless to intervene, burdened by guilt for not being able to help.
Shinichiro Sonidori expresses a similar sentiment about Hikaru — if she ever decided to leave, he wouldn't be able to stop her. Tsukasa, however, passionately urges Shinichiro to have more confidence. Tsukasa also finds it difficult to believe that Jun mastered all of his techniques alone, speculating that perhaps a family member guided him, but the other coaches dismiss the idea. Yutaka admits that he, too, would like to believe that skating cannot be mastered alone, acknowledging that a truly exceptional coach might have benefited Jun.
Back in the present, having just landed the Double Lutz, Tsukasa finds that he was acutely aware of his movements, prompting him to wonder if this is how Jun's "hawk eyes" worked and whether he truly let his talents go to waste due to his inferiority complex as an athlete. Suddenly, a voice calls out, asking why he's practicing with the younger skaters. To his shock, the voice belongs to his own coach and Hitomi's father, Shou Takamine.
Later, Tsukasa, Hitomi, Shou, and Shinichiro have lunch together. Shou reveals that he was not invited by Shinichiro but rather by Jun Yodaka. As Hitomi is brought up to speed on the Jun situation, she shares that Shou took over Lux Higashiyama from a friend, which is how he met Tsukasa. However, Shou eventually decided to stop coaching, leading Hitomi to take over as head coach. Despite this decision, he's here today as a coach, though Shou clarifies that he's only taking care of unfinished business.
The training camp continues. Tsukasa notices Hikaru's landings becoming even lighter despite her growth. With Coach Shou now instructing her on Step Sequences, the one area where Inori had an advantage, their edge is steadily vanishing. The next day includes an interview session with the skaters, which Inori has forgotten about. She is completely unprepared, having never taken interview classes like the other girls, but Hikaru unexpectedly sits down next to her and offers to help her practice.
The air grows tense as Hikaru questions Inori, culminating in a pointed inquiry about what justifies her belief in winning gold at her first international event. To this, Inori admits that there is no basis — she simply cannot forgive herself for anything less than gold and continues to strive for it, because it serves as proof that she belongs on the ice. She states that she can become her strongest on the ice, and if she can't be the best in the place she wants to be the most, then there's no meaning to her life.
Her final words send chills down Hikaru's spine, overlapping entirely with something Jun once said. Hikaru recalls Rioh comparing Tsukasa to Jun Yodaka and realizes he was mistaken — the one who truly resembles Jun is none other than Inori. Holding Inori's hand, Hikaru makes her promise to win the Junior Grand Prix final.
Inori is then called to her interview, and Iruka Okazaki calls for Hikaru to come with her. Witnessing the exchange, Ako wonders what she's missing while Suzu consoles her. In the locker room, Iruka lends Hikaru a back supporter, having noticed her discomfort during practice. Learning that Hikaru is suddenly having back pains, her clubmate Yuna is left wondering why.
The training camp comes to an end. Back at the Ohsu rink, Tsukasa is overwhelmed with the sheer amount of tasks ahead as the Junior Grand Prix approaches. Mika arrives with a package containing the official Team Japan jersey, which Inori eagerly tries on. Moved to tears, Tsukasa resolves to protect this badge of honor by teaching Inori the "hawk eyes."