Yuri!!! on Ice (ユーリ!!! on ICE)

Over the years, he has never ceased to surprise me.

From the first time I saw him skate,

till now, it's been one surprise after another.

Sure enough,

he's crushed the free skating event, as well.

This marks the fifth consecutive Grand Prix Final win

for Russian legend Victor Nikiforov.

Nikiforov is now 27 years old.

Some speculate that he might retire this season,

but his masterful performance here

may lay such rumors to rest.

Now let's talk about Yuri Katsuki,

who was here competing in his very first Grand Prix Final.

What are your thoughts, Honda?

I hate to say it,

but he didn't perform like his usual self today.

Put that down!

Looking at the news won't do you any good.

"Katsuki tumbles to last place.

Will this season be his last one? Possibly."

Yuri.

Huh?

My name is Yuri Katsuki.

At 23, I'm one of the dime-a-dozen figure skaters

certified by the JSF.

I had high hopes,

but I came in last at my first Grand Prix Final.

I'm still having a hard time accepting that.

I moved to Detroit to train at a top-notch facility

and worked hard to qualify.

But before the match, the pressure got to me,

and I started binge-eating.

Then the family dog died.

I was a complete wreck.

So my big day became a big failure.

Man. Talk about self-sabotage.

Huh? Hello? Hey, Mom.

Were you sleeping? Sorry.

Yeah. I figured you'd seen it on TV.

What? You had a viewing party?

You've gotta be kidding, Mom! I'm gonna die!

Uh... Umm...

I'm sorry... I messed up.

Sorry.

The Junior Grand Prix Final Gold Medalist--

Yuri Plisetsky.

They call him the "Russian Punk."

Why does he look like he's trying to decide whether

or not to punch me?

Hey.

I'll be competing in the senior division next year.

Maybe it's time for you to retire.

I don't think we need two Yuris in the same bracket.

Loser!

Tch!

Who would care if I did retire?

There are dozens of talented young skaters

who could take my place.

Hey, Katsuki!

Hi, Morooka.

Don't give up yet, kid, you hear me?

You're too young to retire.

It's a little early for that.

I haven't even made a decision yet.

What are your plans after you graduate from college?

Uh...

Are you staying in Detriot?

I have to talk that over with Coach Celestino.

Listen to me!

You've got some real thinking to do.

I don't want to think.

I'm sorry, Victor.

I wish I could've said goodbye.

Yuri.

You did well tonight,

but I think your step sequence could use a bit more finesse.

I won, didn't I? So who really cares?

Quit nagging me already.

Of course.

He meant the Russian Yuri.

Maybe I'll get the chance to talk to him--someday.

Hmm?

You want to get a photo?

U-Uh...

Sure thing.

Huh?

Where are you going?

Don't you want a photo with Victor?

Yuri!

I'm an idiot.

Did I seriously think I could play on the same field as him?

Of course I ended up getting humiliated.

"Easy as Pirozhki!

The Grand Prix Final of Tears."

It's been five years

since my last visit to Hasetsu.

This old station even has elevated tracks now.

Oh, god!

Yuri! Why are you skulking around like that?

Hey! What are you doing here?

Welcome home, after five long years!

That's really not necessary.

Stand straight and smile, woudja?

Why am I surprised?

I should've figured Minako would know my exact arrival time.

Hey!

Huh?!

Isn't that Yuri, the ice skater?

It sure looks like him to me.

I haven't heard much about him lately.

What's he been up to?

He lost that big competition last year, remember?

Was it the Nationals?

Hi, everyone who cheered me on

just because I'm from Hasetsu!

I can't bring myself to say this out loud,

but here's how the last year's gone for me.

The figure skating competition season generally starts

in the fall, but I lost big

in the comprehensive Grand Prix Finals early on.

I couldn't shake off the failure and lost again in the Nationals.

I didn't make it into the Four Continents

or the World Championships, so the season's over for me!

I managed to graduate college,

but I ended things with my coach, and my future's unclear.

I came home 'til I could figure things out,

and there ya have it.

Let me shake your hand, young man.

Uh, sorry, I would, but I'm in a hurry.

Hey! It doesn't cost you anything to shake hands,

does it?

Victor Nikiforov's nice to his fans, and you will be too.

Ya understand me?

Uh... I appreciate your support.

Now come on, let's see a smile.

Sorry, who are you again, dear?

All right! You're going to greet everyone in town!

Isn't there a ballet class

you need to be teaching or something?

Nope we're closed today. Anyway...

It's not like I have very many students left.

Hasetsu's losing more and more people.

Hardly any kids are skating these days.

Having you back should cheer things up, though!

Uh!

I'm sorry. I'd really just like to rest.

What? Now?

But everyone's dying to see you.

After the men's short program

of the World Figure Skating Championships,

Russia's Victor Nikiforov is in first place.

After the Grand Prix Finals,

he went on to win the Russian and European Championships.

As we've seen here, he's still on a roll.

Men's free program starts tonight at seven.

They didn't say anything about Yuri.

Isn't he competing?

No, he didn't qualify.

But fortunately for us, that means he can come home.

Well, I'm happy for ya.

I'm home.

Hiroko! You'll never guess who I have with me!

There you are, Minako!

Thank you for going to get him at the station!

Yuri! Welcome home!

Yeah, thanks, Mom.

It's been a long time.

I should've come to visit sooner, sorry.

None of that, now!

I only wish I could have made it to your graduation!

Want a pork cutlet bowl?

You know, you look like you've lost weight.

You're so sweet to an old lady!

What about you?

No matter how much you drink, you don't seem to gain a pound!

As for you. What kind of gut are you hiding underneath

that bulky coat of yours?

Ah!

All right, off with the clothes!

No! Don't! Please stop!

Aaaah!

Wow, you look just like your mom, Yuri!

Dad.

This is no laughing matter, Toshiya.

A figure skater has to maintain a certain physique,

and that isn't it!

You've gained weight easily ever since you were a boy.

But what can you do?

Now, how many pork cutlet bowls should we put you down for?

Well, before I eat...

Of course, dear. We understand.

Go pay your respects.

I'm sorry, boy.

I wish I could have seen you one last time.

So you decided to come home after all.

Mari. Hi.

Hmph.

You guys seem busy. I hope I'm not getting in the way.

Nah, don't worry. How long you staying, anyway?

You gonna help out with the hot spring?