Aiichiro Nitori/Relationships

Relationships
Samezuka Academy=

Aiichiro says that he's known Rin Matsuoka since elementary school. Initially, Aiichiro and Rin were not on the same team, however, once Rin joined the Samezuka Academy swim team, the two became teammates. Aiichiro thinks of Rin as a role model and is faithfully loyal to Rin, even after being yelled at or brushed aside by him. Throughout the series he continues to cheer him on and support him. He cares about Rin and earnestly respects him.

It is shown that Aiichiro is somewhat jealous of Haruka Nanase because Rin calls Haruka 'Haru', but keeps calling him 'Nitori'. However, when Rin called him 'Ai', he states that it makes him happy that he recognizes him as a fully-fledged athlete. According to the Drama CD, Aiichiro keeps a diary in which Rin gets mentioned on every page. He decides to buy Rin a diary as a Christmas present, as well.

Aiichiro greatly admires Sosuke Yamazaki, be it because he is a high class swimmer (being in the top ten national butterfly swimmers), or because of his long relationship with Rin. At first, Sosuke seemed to dislike Aiichiro, giving him a cold look when he tried to approach him, but then he quickly smiled and ever since then, they're on good terms. While Aiichiro is training to gain a place in the regionals, Sosuke offers to train him. Alongside Rin and Momotaro Mikoshiba, Sosuke and Aiichiro compete against the Iwatobi High School Swim Club, losing at the end.

Seijuro Mikoshiba and Aiichiro are both on the Samezuka Academy swim team. They appear to be good friends, with a respectful senpai-kohai relationship. Iwatobi High School=

Aiichiro's relationship with Haruka is not deeply explored in the first season; however, early on in the series, Aiichiro is shown to be jealous of Haruka because Rin calls him "Haru". Nevertheless, it seems the two become better acquainted as time goes on and develop a friendship by the end of the series.