Kojiro Nanjo/Relationships

### Kaoru Sakurayashiki

Kojiro and Kaoru are childhood friends; being by each others sides since kindergarten they have a strong bond. They later in life travel the world together. They became 'S' rivals and Kojiro likes to get under Kaoru's skin by referring to him as "Kaoru" at 'S', since he goes strictly by Cherry Blossom there, and by teasing him for his odd bond with his AI Carla. Kaoru does reciprocate this too, often teasing Kojiro back and calling him a gorilla, which usually ends up with the two bickering endless insults at each other. While they definitely have their differences and love to bug each other, they seem to enjoy each other's company and trust in each other despite their differences.

Kaoru is frequently seen at Kojiro's restaurant, sometimes even without his permission or prior knowledge. In episode 5, Kaoru takes Reki, Langa, Miya, and Hiromi there to talk about facing Adam; showing that he does enjoy Kojiro's food and company and trusts him as another advisor for the younger skaters. Even outside the restaurant they're often seen together, such as when they arrived 'S' at the same time and took a different route to everyone else during their lighthearted beef to the hot springs. The two have been shown to be very comfortable with the other's prescience, even bathing together once they'd arrived at said hot springs.

It's of note that, after Kaoru was knocked down following his beef with Adam in episode 9, Kojiro was the one person who immediately ran over to Kaoru to check he was alright. Kaoru also snuck out of hospital later in the episode just so he could visit Kojiro's restaurant, which shows that the two have a deep bond of trust and care for each other, and even see each other as the one person the other can rely on in times of need.

Kojiro and Kaoru have complete confidence in each other's abilities, knowing each other's every move. This can be seen in episode 8 during the tournament qualifiers, when Joe realizes that Cherry wanted to beat Adam's record, and when Joe makes a move that would break any normal person's leg, but Cherry knows it'll work for him because of his build.

Their relationship with one another, while lightheartedly passive aggressive, is incredibly deep, reaching quite far into their pasts as both friends and as the founding members of 'S'. Their troubling past connection to Adam is one of the most likely reason to why they're the way they are now.

### Ainosuke Shindo

It was hinted in Episode 5 that they were friends in the past along with Kaoru. It's been confirmed that Kaoru, Kojiro, and Ainosuke were friends when they were young. Ainosuke had a falling out with the other two when he began skating in a ruthless manner in search of an "Eve" after feeling betrayed by Tadashi, with Joe and Cherry personally witnessing a young man get injured during a high speed race with Ainosuke. In episode 8 it shows Kojiro and Kaoru confronting Ainosuke after harming a skater. At some point Ainosuke had to stop skating with them and leave for America. Joe wants to face Ainosuke in the tournament to punch him in the face, figuratively and probably literally, though he would not get the chance to race Ainosuke after losing to Langa. After the qualifiers, Joe spoke to Kaoru in his diner that he thinks Ainosuke is totally isolated and alone, a point he repeated again to Kaoru when the other snuck out of the hospital to visit Joe, and added on that he doesn't think Ainosuke is happy right now. During Reki's race with Ainosuke, Kojiro joined in laughing with Kaoru when Ainosuke slipped and fell during the rain. During Ainosuke's beef with Langa, Kojiro cheered on Ainosuke to be taken down by Langa.

### Reki Kyan

Appears as a big brother figure to Reki. They match similar energies and Kojiro shows concern for him, warning that he shouldn't go against ADAM. He seems to understand how Reki feels referring to his fear of falling behind others, listening to him, and saying being better is a good thing and telling him how to pull off the tricks he did before. It appears they have a mutual understanding of each other.

In episode 8, he speaks to Reki about how isolating himself is not going to make him any better, and tried to help Langa and Reki rekindle their relationship. He gave Reki the advice to go to S that night and Langa confirmed that Reki was there a peaceful smile appeared on Kojiro's face. He deeply cares for the young boy.

### Langa Hasegawa

Langa and Kojiro do not interact that much but, Kojiro sees the skill and potential of Langa. He isn't seen to be as close to Langa as he is to Reki. They have mutual understanding of each others skills and impress each other. In episode 8, Joe offers Langa advice on how to fix the relationship with Reki, and just advice on life prior to their race. During qualifier rounds Kojiro was ready to slowdown and help Langa if needed when the gang of skaters tried to elimate him.

After Kojiro's loss in episode 9, he is seen to not be distraught about the loss but concerned about Langa who is upset about breaking the board Reki made him. He gave the advice to go after Reki which Langa did, showing that Langa trusts and accepts Kojiro's advice.

### Miya Chinen

Miya refers to Kojiro as 'Dad' during Episode 6, to get him to stop talking to girls. He played into the role of a young son and jumps on him to exaggerate their "father-son relationship". Miya has taken a liking to mess with Kojiro's love life by directing him towards Kaoru and causing confusion for the women he was flirting to.

Miya became concerned for Joe in Episode 8 when he was going at dangerous speed against Langa and was shocked when he was left unharmed after he made a move that should break his leg.

### Hiromi Higa

Hiromi shows jealousy in Kojiro's love life and the ease of him getting girls. They aren't seen usually having conversations together but Kojiro and Hiromi are friends.