If Sakuragi’s initial impression of Tono was that of a "pretty boy flirting with Rukawa Kaede," then barely a day after the contract was signed and Tono officially started his job, Sakuragi had already begun respectfully addressing him as "Doctor Tono"—a face-slap even faster than Sakuragi’s dribbling speed.
Tono had discussed his upcoming action plan with Sakuragi in detail. Every single point was well-reasoned and backed by solid, seasoned experience. Many angles hadn't even crossed Sakuragi’s mind as a professional athlete, yet Tono, as a doctor, had considered every last one of them.
Once they finished discussing the plan and Tono introduced his team members, Sakuragi gave Tono full authorization without a second word. This included conducting a comprehensive physical examination on Sakuragi, discussing training details with his personal trainer, and requesting Sakuragi's treatment records from the Hiroshima Hospital and the Kanagawa Sanatorium. Tono needed a thorough understanding of Sakuragi's physical condition; only after the evaluation was complete would he consult with the personal trainer to finalize a specific subsequent training regimen.
Chapter 78