The Powers of the West (Part 1) (Japanese: 西の強豪 前編 Nishi no Kyougou Zenpen) is the eighth chapter of the Medalist manga.
Characters[]
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Story[]
Inside, Inori is enthusiastically greeted by a spiky-haired girl, excited to meet another Level 1 skater. The girl introduces herself as Seira Shishido, cheerfully proclaiming her intention to win and telling Inori she'll have to wait until next year. She runs off but immediately crashes into another girl, who sharply expresses disdain. The two childishly argue, before Seira's clubmate arrives to stop her, feeling embarrassed by her behavior.
Meanwhile, the Rengecha FSC group are gathered nearby, including the Nedefuji triplets and Suzu Kamoto. Their Level 1 skaters, with the exception of Ema, are all kindergarteners. Deducing Rengecha's strength, Inori grows anxious before Tsukasa joins her, assuring her that that her program is strong, containing a Double Salchow and a Double Loop, which he likens to a "deluxe strawberry taiyaki."
While preparing for warmup however, Inori is horrified to realize she left her skates on the train after another passenger offered to place her suitcase on the rack. While Nozomi tries to stay calm and supportive, Tsukasa calls the railway company and soon learns that Inori's suitcase has been found. Fearing that waiting for a taxi would take too long, he decides to run to the station to retrieve it.
After Tsukasa leaves, Coach Jakuzure is informed of the situation. Inori begins beating herself up, but snaps out of it upon recalling the encounter with Jun Yodaka and begins warming up. Coach Jakuzure then reports to Nozomi that the competition is running ahead of schedule due to a withdrawal.
After some running exercises, Nozomi suggests Inori to take a break in the audience for now. Currently on the ice is Seira Shishido, who lands a Double Salchow scores 23.37 points, placing in first. She proudly boasts about her performance afterward, believing Level 1 is too low for her, while Inori runs off to continue warming up.
Outside, Inori uses a music player to rehearse her program on solid ground, determined to ensure she's in peak condition for her performance. She reflects on how much Tsukasa believed in her dream and resolves to be someone worthy of that trust. Soon, a sweat-drenched Tsukasa returns with her skates.
Inside, Inori's group is getting ready, which includes Kanna Kitora, Miihi Kurosawa, Ritsuki Koguma and Ema Yamato. Miihi and Ritsuki both vow to beat Seira, with Miihi believing Seira only switched from speed skating to figure skating to copy her, and Ritsuki growing irritated by Seira's boastfulness. Inori and Tsukasa just about make it in time to join the lineup. Yudai is astonished to see him soaked to such an extent and scolds him for his recklessness. Inori expresses her gratitude, telling Tsukasa that his support has helped her relax and left her feeling energized, moving him to tears.
Inori steps on the ice as practice time for her group begins.