Shuichiro Shibata

**Shuichiro Shibata** (柴 (**しば**) 田 (**た**) 周 (**しゅう**) 一 (**いち**) 朗 (**ろう**) , *Shibata Shūichirō*) is a 1st year student at Kanaudai High School, and is a member of its Boys' Gymnastics Club.

## Background

Shu started gymnastics at Sumida Gymnastics Club earlier than Mitsu did. There, the two formed a close friendship and trained together until before they started high school.

## Plot

### Introduction

    At a gymnastics club, **Shuichiro** calls out Mitsu who he notes has been coming every day before inviting him inside and asking if he doesn't get bored of watching. Mitsuki however answers that it's fun, which baffles Shu as he claims they do the same thing over again during practice. Mitsu counters him and remarks that some days, the gymnasts are worse than they were even though they practice, which irks Shu who answers that a lot of factors affect one's performance. He adds that Mitsuki would not understand, having not tried what they do. Shu invites Mitsuki inside to try gymnastics, promising to talk to the instructor for him. Seeing Mitsu's hesitation, Shu quotes his instructor that some people can do it, and some can't, then adds that what matters is one's determination. Shu further adds that the one who can move one's body is the owner himself. He states that he works hard since he wants to get better. Shu then asks Mitsu what he wants to do.

Six years after, Shu, now in his third year of middle school exhibits his composition, to the instructor's and young club members' praises. He calls out to Mitsuki to switch, but the latter appears to be in his own zone. Shu tries again before Mitsu hops off the parallel bars. Mitsu appears to actually still not have heard Shu as he already prepares to get back on the parallel bars, to Shu's annoyance. Shu calls out to Mitsuki again, causing the latter to fall off the bars. After falling, Mitsu tells Shu not to shout out of nowhere, irritating Shu who retorts it wasn't out of nowhere. Mitsu remarks that his handstand felt different from usual. Shu notes that it may be due to something in his neck and tells him to not mind it and instead practice something else. Mitsuki answers that it might be but it still bothers him. Shu insists on the switch and the two bicker. Sumida calls out the two and tells them to focus on training. Shu angrily walks away but not before hearing Sumida ask Mitsu about his routine for an upcoming competition. This shocks Shu and he asks Mitsu if he really is finally competing. Sumida reveals he has actually signed the two up for a competition.

   On the way home, Mitsu is confused why Sumida will enter him to a competition after long years of his just training alone. Shu answers it is because they already are in their last year of junior club. He says that Sumida wants to see Mitsu shine after six years under his tutelage. Shu asks what Mitsu has been doing in the past years, as he notes Shu only ever does basic training and appears to not have a goal. Mitsu however notes that the foundation is very important. Shu retorts he knows this and clarifies he's talking about Mitsu's motivation as, normally, gymnasts set winning a competition as their goal. Mitsu states that he does have a goal. The two wish each other to do their best on their upcoming competition. Shu jokingly tells Shu not to be nervous just because he's competing before they finally go their own way.
Two weeks later, Mitsu and Shu participate in the competition. Shu is visibly nervous while Mitsu appears to be very calm. Asked if he's nervous, Shu frantically denies. Mitsu remarks Shu does not have to be so tense and tells him to just perform the way he does in practice and it wouldn't be hard. Shu however just asks if Mitsu's supposed to be encouraging him before stating that if it were that easy, he wouldn't be struggling. He adds that gymnastics is a battle against oneself. Mitsu asks if he means it is for himself. Shu counters that it is for everyone but stops himself from elaborating. A group of relaxed gymnasts talk near them and Shu notes how they don't seem to care about the competition at all. Mitsu asks if he knows the gymnasts. Shu explains that they are in the same competition group as them and that they are from the strongest club in the city, producing national-tier athletes. Shu is visibly frustrated being grouped with them. Mitsuki carelessly remarks that being a strong club does not necessarily mean every member of the club are good, to Shu's panicked disbelief.

   A member of said club, Sakura, passed by behind them and joins the members of the other club. Sakura, who apparently heard Mitsu's remark, tells his clubmates to not slack off and show the others how strong their club is, before glaring at Mitsu and Shu. Sakura adds that they don't know the grueling process their representatives underwent. He further adds that since the two are in the same group as their club, they have the perfect chance to show them off. A member, Yoshino, calls them members of a puny club which irritates Shu who angrily calls out to him. Yoshino further adds that Sakura need not worry as they don't stand a chance against him who aims for nationals. Mitsu notes that it is the same goal as Shu who, embarrassed, tells Mitsu to not tell them that. Yoshino only laughs at him. Sakura, however, states that it's natural for an athlete to aim for victory, baffling Shu. He further angrily adds that people not taking pride on their goals are trash and tells Shu to be serious before going away. Mitsuki muses how he can say that when he doesn't know them and wonders if Sakura were really good. Shu explains that good doesn't even describe Sakura, being an elite and a junior national athlete. He adds that Sakura competes in the same category as high school students. Shu wonders to himself that while Sakura is strong, he himself is, too.

    At the first event, Floor Exercises, Yoshino takes his turn. Shu notes that he really is good, having a solid routine composed of high-difficulty skills, earning a high score. Shu mentally states that he is taking the competition seriously before taking his turn at the event. In his routine, Shu performs a double twist, and later lands cleanly. Sakura muses how Shu has improved from the past year, being able to perform a high-difficulty routine. Shu shouts his support for Mitsu before his turn.

3 events after, Shu leads by a few decimal points ahead of Yoshino. Shu notes of Yoshino's panic and muses that he just has to keep his performance up for the remaining events. In his desire to win, Shu slips, losing himself points, to his frustration. On their way to the next event, Mitsu states that Shu was right and that competitions are different from practicing. Mitsu further adds that in the big gym venue, jumping feels exhilarating, confounding Shu. Shu remarks how Mitsu is in a good condition. Mitsu, however, states he feels the same as usual and asks about him. Shu claims he is in perfect shape but his hand slip freaked him out a bit. Shu states he'll just make up for it. Mitsu, however, says he doesn't think so and points out what he think Shu's mistake was. Shu remembers how he thought he's got victory then. Mitsu further adds how it's strange as Shu never commits such mistakes in practice. Upset, Shu tells Mitsu he would not understand. Mitsu is visibly taken aback by Shu's response, who further tells Mitsu to not interfere where he doesn't belong. Shu adds that their gymnastics are not the same before going ahead.

At the Parallel Bars, Shu's rhythm is off, too worked up to calm down. Shu earns a low score of 7.85 as a result. While Shu is visibly frustrated, Mitsuki remembers how Shu's advices helped him out when he was still starting. In their earlier days, Shu remarks how gymnastics is fun.

Shu and Mitsu hear Yoshino and Sakura's conversation, in which Sakura makes a few snide remarks on Shu's performance. Sakura adds that none is more miserable than losing because of one's own mistake, sending Shu to tremble in frustration. Before going back to his seat, Sakura declares that failing means all of one's efforts will go to waste. Mitsu stands up for him and retorts at Sakura. The two argue and ends with Mitsu pronouncing he'll win the competition.

While getting ready, Shu asks Mitsu if he's serious. Mitsu, who is obviously angry, insists Sakura is mistaken, in response. He adds that since they trained together, he knows how hard Shu worked for the competition.

Shu asks a worried Yoshino if he paid any attention to Mitsu's performance. He explains that even though he didn't add any points, he barely lost any. Yoshino counters that it isn't a big deal with the score Mitsu needs to take the lead. But Shu states he's never seen Mitsu at full-strength yet. Mitsu signals for his start. Shu wishes him good luck.

Shu accompanies Mitsu as the latter talks with Sakura again. Sakura invites them to watch his gymnastics. Shu states that watching Sakura kills one's confidence and remarks that so long as they do gymnastics, they will forever be watching Sakura from behind. Mitsu voices he is glad to have participated in the competition. Shu answers he'll be but cuts himself off after noticing Mitsu is focused on watching Sakura.