Western Powerhouses (Part Two) (Japanese: 西の強豪（後） Nishi no Kyougou (Ato)) is the ninth episode of the Medalist anime.
Synopsis[]
Characters[]
(flashback)
Story[]
Inori begins her program. After her earlier burst of speed, she realizes that shifting her center of gravity toward her skating leg increases her velocity, though it is more physically demanding. As she skates, she begins to gain a better understanding of balancing speed and beauty through manipulating her center.
Following her jump elements, Inori reaches her new Step Sequence, a crucial component of the "Taiyaki" strategy. Despite running low on stamina, Inori collects herself and dances gracefully, mirroring Tsukasa's movements from before. Afterward, she ends her program on the Flying Sit Spin into Broken Leg, marking a flawless performance.
| Order | Element | Base Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1A1A | 1.10 |
| 2 | 2S2S | 1.30 |
| 3 | 2Lo2Lo | 1.70 |
| 4 | 1Lz1Lz + 1A1A | 1.70 |
| 5 | StSqBStSqB | 1.50 |
| 6 | FSSp3FSSp3 | 2.60 |
As Inori returns rinkside, however, she trips and falls on the ice. Tsukasa carries her to the nurse's office while her score of 24.32 is announced, putting her in first place. The nurse treats Inori, who has sprained her ankle, and suggests a visit to the hospital. Tsukasa opts to skip the podium ceremony, but Inori asks to at least watch Ema's performance.
Inori reports a recent soreness that subsides with exercise, and the nurse concludes she may be having shin splints. Tsukasa decides to explain later, and they join the audience just in time for Ema's turn.
As Ema steps on the ice, Yudai recalls when Head Coach Kamegaya of the highly competitive Rengecha FSC suggested to have Ema switch clubs, due to her years of stagnation in Prelim and concerned that she'll come to hate skating. When Yudai approached Ema to talk about it, he found her refusing to eat her lunch, saying eating makes her grow too tall and causes her legs to hurt. If eating meant she couldn't skate, she reasoned, she would simply stop eating.
Seeing this, Yudai crumpled the slip containing the contacts for the other clubs, handed her an onigiri, and encouraged her to keep her head up, vowing to help her become a great skater no matter how tall she grew.
Back in the present, as expected by Yudai, Ema delivers an impressive performance. Advanced elements for her level are woven between elegant and controlled dances, executed with ease and composure. Ema's years of hard work become evident to Inori, who now realizes the significant gap between them. Ema ends her program with a Flying Camel Spin, and as she shares a joyous embrace with Yudai, her score of 25.57 is announced, placing her ahead of Inori for first place.
| Order | Element | Base Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2Lz2Lz | 2.10 |
| 2 | 2Lo2Lo | 1.70 |
| 3 | 1A1A | 1.10 |
| 4 | 2F2F + 2T2T | 3.10 |
| 5 | StSqBStSqB | 1.50 |
| 6 | FCSpBFCSpB | 1.60 |
As Tsukasa and Inori leave the venue, the podium ceremony is held with Ema and Seira. Ritsuki Koguma is frustrated about missing the podium and becomes the target of her brother's teasing. To her further dismay, her coach introduces her to Seira and Miihi, who will soon transfer to her club to focus on figure skating rather than speed skating. Seira, having already forgotten their earlier fight, enthusiastically tries to befriend Ritsuki.
The Novice B competition begins next, and Suzu Kamoto declares to Coach Kamegaya that this year she intends to finally surpass Hikaru.
Boarding the train home, Tsukasa tells Inori that they will need to take a break from practice until the end of summer break. He explains to her about shin splints, a result of overworking one's muscles, which will cause a stress fracture if ignored. Tsukasa apologizes, admitting that the day has taught him his shortcomings as a coach, particularly in preventing injuries.
Inori, too, shares what she learned today — that there are many more children out there working hard toward a figure skating dream just like her. Though she can't hope to gain back the time she lost by starting late, she refuses to let it be an excuse to give up and is determined to keep believing in herself to win.
Glad to hear this, Tsukasa proceeds to hold an impromptu "award ceremony" for Inori, placing the silver medal around her neck. He congratulates Inori for her first medal, but suggests they try for a gold next time, which Inori gladly agrees.
Five days later, Tsukasa travels all the way to Kyoto with a box of cookies to meet Yudai. He updates him on Inori, explaining that they have decided to forgo the winter competition to focus on advancing in the Badge Test. He also expresses gratitude to Yudai for sharing Ema's story, which has strengthened his resolve. Hearing this, Yudai tells him a box of cookies won't suffice — he expects to see Inori's results a year from now at the All-Japans.
Some time later, Hikaru lands a Triple Axel at the All-Japans, securing first place while Suzu falls in second once again. Inori watches the event on TV while doing at-home exercises. The episode ends with Rioh Sonidori watching from the audience, muttering a curse.
Trivia[]
Deviations from Source Material[]
- In the manga, Tsukasa explains shin splints to Inori and informs her of the plan to pause practice while they are in the nurse's office, rather than on the train ride home.[1]
- The episode features an anime-original scene where Seira and Miihi board a vehicle with Ritsuki.
- The passersby's reaction to Tsukasa bowing to offer his gift to Yudai is an anime-original detail.
- In the manga, Yudai shares Ema's story with Tsukasa when they meet up 5 days after the competition. In the anime, this part of their conversation was moved to the previous episode.[1]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chapter 10: The Powers of the West (Part 3)
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