Earthworms, come on earthworms.
If I give this to Sekoma-san maybe he'll let me use the rink again.
I want to skate. I want to be a skater.
Look there! That girl's really digging up worms!
You're right!
She's always collecting worms. What's does she even do with them all?
Doesn't she eat them?
That's crazy!
They're not food. They're so I can skate.
We can't do anything about it?
Yeah, I already said there was a troubled girl in our class.
It's been so long since I had that dream.
Non-chaaaaan
Ahh! A hair ghost!
Is that the reaction you wanted? Big sister.
Aw, it didn't work.
You get good sleep?
Yup, soundly.
But why're you suddenly here?
I just happened to be in the area.
And so I had to come and see you.
Oh... is that?
Your free skating uniform.
Mom was up all night fixing it since it wasn't to her liking.
Sis.
Have I... changed?
I was wondering if maybe I've changed a bit since I started skating.
You sorta have.
It feels like you've changed a bit, but at the same time feels like you haven't.
Before when I used to look at you, Non-chan.
You felt kinda, "I've gotta try harder!"
But now you're more like, "I'll do my best!"
I don't really get it.
Of course~
I don't really get it either.
But there's one thing I can say for certain.
And it's that for now and in the past,
Non-chan hasn't stopped giving it her best.
Mom and your friends, all of them have realized that.
So Non-chan, you can keep giving it your best like you've always been.
Everyone will keep watching you.
Yup.
What's this intense floral scent?
Mornin'
Sorry. Even though I was supposed to prepare breakfast...
It's fine I can do this much no problem.
Weren't you working late yesterday? You'd do better to try and cut down on it.
Nah, I'm fine with this much.
Aren't you going to a different skating place today?
Ah, that's right.
It's for the test of a girl I'm teaching.
Inori-chan?
Yup, her important level 6 test.
Level 6 huh, isn't that difficult?
It sure is. If she passes, then with regards to the All-Japan Novices,
she'll be allowed to partake in the qualifying tournaments.
-Novices... -Yes.
Ah! I've heard of that before.
I'm pretty sure Meiko talked about it before.
It's all young kids.
From this young age,
they're all giving their whole lives to practice.
Just to shine in these few minutes.
They shine in this Novice.
So that they can face the ever narrowing gate of Juniors and Seniors.
I'm headed off.
The place I took my first badge test last year.
Where I met Hikaru-chan.
Maybe I came here a bit too early...
Inori-chan?
Hikaru...chan.
It really is you, Inori-chan!
I felt like you'd be coming so I staid around.
You're small.
Eh? How tall have you grown Hikaru-chan?
150cm.
Ehhh!
I though I'd grown so much...
Is today your badge test?
Oh? Yeah, level 6.
Really? Then...
That's right. Now I'll finally take you on, Hikaru-chan!
Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm coming over now.
Let's meet at the competition!
Yeah! The All-Japan's!
It's a promise!
Inori-san should've already gone in but...
Oh?
To say this girl can beat Hikaru.
Means you're saying you could beat me.
Before talking about our dreams, we check their viability numerous times.
We look at the path taken towards one's dreams that our leaders have taken.
And ask if we've strayed off it.
If we can really walk that same path.
Then we think.
Of the greatness of those who first created the path.
Of the courage it took to carve out that path with no way of checking what others had done.
Even still.
Even still I want to show I can win.
With the Inori-san you rejected.
Good morning.
Morning.
I'm going to go over today's plans one more time.
First off, elements.
Then the solo double axel test.
And after that, the short program test.
Then after you change, you'll finish with the free skating test.
Let's take them down one by one.
-Yes. Coach Akeuraji.
Rioh-san!
Good to see you again.
Your test is today too, right Rioh-san?
My success rate's up so I thought that since it's right before the competition...
Coach Akeuraji!
Once again, I am sincerely grateful for your help last month.
P-Please stop! Not with so many people around!
Hm? No, I must act properly for this.
Ahh! Please don't be absurd!
Certainly not, Rioh was in your care so I must.
No way! For someone like me!
No, no. It was all thanks to you.
This area...
Ah., no no. INot me!
When I took my first badge test.
Where Coach had me do the finger thing.
They're not shaking today.
Then, next. Yuitsuka-san, would you please.
Yes!
She landed the double axel!
I landed it.
You're all good. Take care.
I'm so glad you passed.
He's more exhausted than I am.
Inori.
Here, your next outfit.
Thanks.
I passed my elements test.
Next is the short program!
Put my fingers in the ballet pose!
Great! She didn't fall!
Keep calm and remember your practice.
Alright.
This is the 6th time. If I fail here, I really am lame.
But. I'll take it on calmly.
Conversely why are you so pessimistic, Rioh-san?
I'm the son of a silver medalist in the best position and yet this is where I'm at.
I've already got everything so there's nobody else to blame.
That's who I am.
Could you say you'd not be a pessimist in my position, Coach?
Though Coach Tsukasa started late,
he never gave up on improving his ability.
He was told he had no talent, yet persisted.
Truly a skater who overcame the odds.
I'll be just like Coach!
He did it!
Elements, the short program.
Inori-san and Rioh-san both passed.
All that's left is the free.
There's no announcer or applause.
Once one finishes they quickly move to the next.
The parents and coaches praying for success.
The judges carefully evaluating them.
And the nerves of everyone betting it all on today.
It's so quiet and heavy...
Inori-san.
It's about time you get ready.
Ah, yeah.
-Inori -Ah, mom.
You alright? A bit nervous?
Yeah, a bit... but I'm fine.
That so?
Thanks, mom.
For saying "It's ok for you to skate."
Because you gave me permission then.
I can say now, "I'm doing what I love!"
"I can do it well"
"I'm not embarrassed"
Likewise, thank you.
For making me realize just how strong a girl you are, Inori.
I'm off.
Inori-san. You need this?
Coach, do you remember?
About my skating at the very beginning before I met you.
At that time you tied yourself to me.
My detestable self with the skating I loved.
Saying stuff like "I'm sorry" or "I'll be no good at this rate."
The various scattered feelings I had, you tightly tied them up.
You made me whole.
So I'm fine.
There's no going back to the drawing board now.
After this test, all we've got left is moving forwards.
Be confident in the skills you accumulated!
Yes!
First is the double axel.
After that comes 6 jumps and 3 spins.
If she misses one, she fails.
But it'll be fine.
-It's fine -It's fine
She landed!
Dance! From now to the end!
One by one, step by step.
Goodbye.
I won't forget you.
Because you were there.
I can skate like this now.
So I'll never give up.
So I'll believe.
That your thoughts.
That your love.
Wasn't a mistake!
Thank you.
Now then, we'll announce who passed.
Those who took the level 6 free skating test, please gather.
What do I do?
I'm feeling super anxious right now.
If I fail I can't battle Hikaru-chan.
I can't keep my promise.
Then we'll be announcing. Akiyama Kana-san, you pass.
You've certainly improved your jumps, good job.
I want to pass. I want to pass.
Endou Rina-san.
I want to pass. I want to pass!
What we pointed out to you last time...
Hakamada Kokoa-san.
There's no need to be that way.
Your combination turns,
Eh?
were lacking, try again.
It's fine, you should be glad.
Yamazaki Arika-san.
Likewise when it came to your combination.
What it is?
Nothing. Thanks.
Sakita Ikki-san.
The miss in your step sequence stood out.
Next time be careful.
Sonidori Rioh-san. You pass.
That you've been practicing is clear.
It was very clean skating.
Yuitsuka Inori-san.
There was width in your jump.
You diligently picked up the on the sound and gave a good performance.
You pass.
Give it your best at the block competition.
Yeah. I will!
So dazzling hands can't reach.
The sense I lack and the piled up experience.
Each of their dreams shines beautifully.
And on this world of ice, they stake everything.
Those skaters who bet their all on this sport.
The battle for the medal of victory begins now.
In this sea of dazzling stars.
I wok to prove that my light shines the brightest.