The episode begins with a poetic narration about the world of figure skating, highlighting the incredible dedication and skill required to become a truly great skater. It introduces the harsh reality that pursuing this dream comes at a significant personal and financial cost for young athletes and their families.

The story centers on Inori Yuitsuka, a 10-year-old girl with a passionate desire to become a figure skater. Initially, we see her struggling to find her way, even resorting to unusual methods like collecting worms to pay for skating rink entry. Her enthusiasm is clear, but she faces significant obstacles, including her mother’s reluctance to support her skating dreams.

Tsukasa, a former ice dancer who didn’t quite make it to the top, encounters Inori at the skating rink. At first, he’s just another adult who seems skeptical of her abilities. However, something about Inori’s determination catches his attention. When he learns that she has been teaching herself skating techniques from a book and practicing on her own, he becomes intrigued.

The narrative takes a deeper turn when we learn about Inori’s family history. Her mother had an older daughter who dedicated years to figure skating, only to experience a devastating accident that ended her skating career. This traumatic experience has made Inori’s mother extremely protective and hesitant to let her daughter pursue skating.

During a trial skating lesson with Tsukasa, Inori initially struggles. She falls, becomes frustrated, and seems ready to give up. However, Tsukasa’s encouraging words and patient teaching help her start to believe in herself. He demonstrates various skating techniques, explaining the nuances of using different edges of the skating blade and the importance of practice and persistence.

The turning point comes when Inori has an emotional breakdown, expressing her deep love for skating and her feelings of inadequacy in other areas of her life. She reveals that skating is the only thing that makes her feel special and gives her hope. This raw, heartfelt moment moves Tsukasa, who sees a reflection of his own past struggles in Inori.

In a passionate moment, Tsukasa confronts Inori’s mother and the skating club representatives. He passionately argues that Inori has natural talent, dedication, and the potential to become an exceptional skater. He even makes a bold promise to make her a qualifier in the National Championship, demonstrating his belief in her abilities.

Surprisingly, his passionate plea works. Inori’s mother agrees to let her join the skating club, and Tsukasa becomes her coach. The episode ends with Inori showing up to practice with an infectious enthusiasm, her excitement and joy evident in her “gold medal smile.”

The ending is hopeful and inspiring. It suggests that with the right support, passion, and guidance, a young person can overcome significant obstacles and pursue their dreams. Tsukasa sees in Inori not just a potential skating talent, but a reflection of his own unfulfilled potential, which motivates him to become a dedicated mentor.

Thematically, the episode explores several powerful ideas: the importance of following one’s passion, the challenges of pursuing elite sports, the role of supportive mentorship, and the transformative power of finding something you truly love. It also highlights the psychological challenges young athletes face, including self-doubt, family pressures, and the high expectations of competitive sports.

The story of Inori and Tsukasa is just beginning, but the first episode sets up a compelling narrative about potential, determination, and the magic of finding one’s true calling. It leaves viewers eager to see how Inori will develop as a skater and how Tsukasa will help her navigate the challenging world of competitive figure skating.

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