 During the national championships, the relationship between Ayako and Ryota develops to the point where he can confide in her about his uncertainties about the upcoming Sannoh match when he was alone with her, and during the match Ayako motivates him by writing the words "Number 1 Guard" on his hand to keep him focused and determined.In the anime she is voiced by Eriko Hara.has won the Kanagawa Interhigh Tournament for 17 years running and are known as the .