Ryōsuke knew about Riko's "Scan" eyes and thought he might learn from her expertise about maintaining his physical condition before heading to Blue Lock.
Riko pondered for a moment, then nodded.
"I'll be honest with you, Kira-senpai. Your physical condition is impressive, and you've maintained your figure well. You're clearly more disciplined than most athletes, but there's room for improvement. Your core strength is lacking, which affects your explosive power and balance. And your stamina — oh! Please don't misunderstand! Your condition is far better than most I've seen! I'm just pointing out areas for improvement!"
"It's fine, your observations are very helpful!" Ryōsuke considered her words carefully, finding himself impressed by her insight.
According to his original memories, he did indeed have these weaknesses.
Just then, a noticeable ache shot through his right leg, as if he'd finished a long sprint. He had to shift his weight to his left leg to ease the pressure.
"Um, Kira-senpai, is your right leg bothering you?" Riko noticed his subtle movement.
"It's nothing, just a bit sore."
"Athletes can't take risks with their bodies like that! Senpai, please sit down." Riko guided him to sit and extend his right leg, "This looks like overtraining soreness. Some stretching and rest should help. Here's a sports drink to replenish your electrolytes."
She handed him the bottle.
"Thank you, Aida-san."
"Just call me Riko." She smiled before her expression turned serious, "From what I can see, you've been training intensively. While training is essential, you must not overdo it — it can damage your body. An athlete's body is their most valuable asset!"
Having worked alongside her father as an athletic trainer since childhood, Riko took athletes' health seriously, even with someone she'd just met like Ryōsuke.
"Yes, I'll be more careful." He nodded, looking down at his right leg.
This shouldn't have happened — he'd only done some warm-up exercises and taken two shots. He'd been full of energy before practice began.
Ryōsuke analyzed his recent practice. While using Thunderclap and Flash alone caused no discomfort, the soreness emerged after executing the First Form in the Total Concentration Breathing state with his right foot.
His conversation with Riko had distracted him from noticing it immediately, but soon the sensation spread throughout his right leg.
'How strange... this intense soreness and fatigue. Regular Thunderclap and Flash barely affects me, but combining it with the Breathing Technique for powerful shots demands more stamina and strength than I possess. Even this treasured technique can't overcome my physical limitations.'
Ryōsuke followed Riko's stretching routine to ease the soreness.
The Breathing Technique unleashed the move's true potential, but his body couldn't sustain repeated use. Just one attempt left his legs aching, and multiple uses in quick succession could risk muscle damage.
'My stamina and strength need serious work. This soreness shows my body can't handle the technique yet. Plus, the increased power has thrown off my shooting accuracy.'
'While Thunderclap and Flash with Total Concentration Breathing might secure a goal in regular matches, I can't use it multiple times without risking injury. One guaranteed goal per match won't be enough at Blue Lock.'
'To score more, I need to build my strength to use the First Form more frequently. I should also develop my left foot's shooting technique — being able to shoot with both feet could double my opportunities to use Thunderclap and Flash.'
After completing the stretches and resting briefly, Ryōsuke's right leg still ached, though less severely than before.
"Kira-senpai, you're quite the training enthusiast, but remember — proper rest is crucial. An athlete's career depends on maintaining good physical condition!"
Riko spoke with conviction, thoughtfully stroking her chin as her eyes lit up while studying Ryōsuke.
"I'll remember that, and please, call me Ryōsuke." He smiled, grateful for her kindness and tremendous help.
At the same time, an idea formed in his mind.
'Her father runs a gym — they might be able to help me develop a specialized training program.'
As Ryōsuke prepared to voice his thoughts, Riko also opened her mouth to speak.
"May I ask if you could help me create a training plan?"
"I might be able to help you create a specialized training plan."
They spoke simultaneously, followed by a moment of awkward silence.
"Well, I'd be very happy to!"
Riko's surprise quickly melted into a warm smile.
"Welcome to train at our family's gym!"
❖❖❖
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