Although this game does let you buffer a charge attack input through pausing, you only get one shot at the perfect timing since there's no pause delay anyway so it doesn't actually make it easier, I was just doing some timing tests and happened to PB.

Based on the tests, it seems like the "Ready > Start" text fade lasts for 2.98sec IGT each round so this attempt can still save 0.01 off the 1st round for a potential 9.64 IL ... I think? That number is less than a frame of time so I'm very confused by how this math lines up with the intervals of the game actually registering your inputs; especially since I've seen a round 1 charge kick from 2.98 in successfully ending at 3:21 by the end of the first round before. Centiseconds are weird, man.

So yeah, there's maaaaaybe some potential there for a 9.64 without needing new strats but goodluck. For now, I think my IL grind is over.