As you thought that Naomi gained enough confidence to do her defense strategy, things suddenly take a turn for the worse.
If you recall from last time, Riko tried to block her opponent. However, she sprained her ankle. perhaps from practicing Naomi’s defense. After Riko bumped into a player, she landed on Naomi. Yep, Riko sprained her ankle, and she won’t be able to play for the rest of the game, which is bad news for the team. It’s obvious that Riko isn’t happy about this result either.
Of course, it doesn’t get any better from here. The team is falling apart forgetting the techniques they practiced for. It seems that they are not on top of their A-game after that incident. The opposing team managed to score one point. Even Naomi spaces out blaming herself over what happened to Riko. Eventually, she went to the bench to clear her mind.
Eventually, she goes to the locker room to wash her face. She comes in and saw Riko crying. After realizing what happened, Naomi isn’t going to hold back and let her training with Riko go to waste.
Before Riko entered the arena again, we see some flashbacks from their childhood. In one flashback, they are making drawings. However, a bug comes in and scares Naomi. Riko tries to chase it away, but by doing so accidentally stepped on their drawings. Yep, it left footprints on their drawing. Riko was there to protect her.
In a later flashback, when Naomi decides to take up figure skating since she is struggling with ice hockey. She switched since she thinks its prettier and cuter. Of course, we know what happened. Naomi couldn’t do those spin jumps as she bumped into someone in an accident. She eventually quit as a result. Also, Riko quit ice hockey since it doesn’t feel the same without Naomi.
With that, Naomi now focused and determined to win the match. After all, she wants to play ice hockey together with Riko. With Riko watching, Naomi is motivated to stage a comeback and win. Of course, the rest of the members of Dream Monkeys got back in the game and finally won their first match. Funny enough, Yoko didn’t ask the girls to do a victory dance. I guess with Riko injured, it’s probably too much.
Either way, it’s nice to see Riko and Naomi go back to their old way. Yes, they celebrated with some ice cream. Sure, Riko must sit out another game, but it’s obvious that Naomi isn’t going to let Riko down. After all, she wants to play ice hockey with her once Riko recovers.
Meanwhile, we see Snow White won their first round thanks to Maya. Of course, trouble is brewing as the girls haven’t learned from their mistakes. Yes, the red-haired girl is becoming like Yu, but with added jealousy towards Maya for taking her spot. While she is oblivious to the situation, I don’t think this will end well. Aside from that, Manaka receives news that Mami will be playing in Nikko. I wonder what team she is one. We’ll see soon enough.
Naomi and Riko showed yet again why they’re best couple. So good!
Not too surprising after all. They are meant to be together, but hopefully Riko will make a quick recovery for the third match.