If Koda really did pull rank because he doesn't want Aino to lose any time soon, he's more cooked than I ever thought possible.

But Aino is almost definitely losing soon, at least during the Tokyo Princess Cup. So she doesn't need protecting. Even champs aren't protected. The only way to be protected is to not enter the tournament, like Maki every year since she won in 2021.

I'm actually surprised Miyu is in it again this year after she won both tournaments in 2023. Either she's winning again or she's back to being terrible at these and losing early to someone.