An announcement that changes everything A peaceful morning at Kamogawa Gym is interrupted by a bombshell announcement.
Kamogawa arrives with a newspaper under his arm, his serious expression attracting the attention of all the boxers.
Kamogawa : "Listen to me carefully,"
he said, slamming the newspaper on the table.
Kamogawa : " before your respective matches we will first participate in a tournament , a new regional professional tournament will be held in Tokyo, bringing together the best Japanese boxers. Each of you has an opportunity to shine, but only those who train hard will have their place."
The boxers look at each other, adrenaline pumping at the idea of facing the best in their category.
"Ryuu, Ippo, Takamura, Miyagi… You are my main candidates. Get ready, because the competition will be fierce."
Ryuu, as usual, takes the news with confidence.
Ryuu: "A tournament? Easy. I just hope the others don't shame the gym."
Miyagi, hearing this, clenches his fists.
Miyagi: "Ryuu, do you think everything is a given because you won a fight? Wait until you see what I'm going to do in this tournament. I'm going to surpass you, whether you like it or not."
Ryuu gives a provocative smile.
Ryuu: "Good luck with that. But don't get your hopes up, Miyagi. This kind of tournament is my stage."
Kamogawa intervenes before the tension escalates.
Kamogawa: "That's enough, you two. If you want to prove something, do it in the ring, not here."
----
In the gym office, Kamogawa and Yagi discuss their boxers' chances in the tournament.
Yagi : "Takamura is going to dominate his class, as always, But Ippo and Miyagi? They're still improving. And Ryuu... he's excellent, but he's young."
Kamogawa nods.
Kamogawa: "Ryuu has the talent, but he lacks experience. This tournament could be the springboard he needs… or his first lesson in humility."
Yagi looks at Kamogawa, worried.
Yagi : "What if Ryuu loses? Do you think he can bounce back?"
Kamogawa stares at the wall, thoughtful.
Kamogawa : "This kid is special. If he loses, he'll come out stronger. But I doubt anyone can stop him yet."
----
At the end of the day, Ryuu decides to relax by walking through the busy streets of Tokyo. As he passes near a park, he comes across a group of young people training in amateur combat. One of them, seeing Ryuu, approaches.
Kid 1 : "Aren't you the guy who knocked out Kubo in one round? That was impressive!"
Ryuu, amused, responds.
Ryuu: "Yeah, it's me. What are you guys training for?"
The young man smiles.
Kid 1 : "For fun. But one day I want to be like you."
Ryuu laughs.
Ryuu: "So, work hard and remember to believe in yourself. Boxing is as much mental as it is physical."
This interaction reminds Ryuu why he got into boxing: to become an inspiration and prove that he is the best.
----
Back at the gym, the atmosphere becomes electric. All the boxers intensify their training, motivated by the tournament. Ippo perfects his Liver Blow, his face marked with concentration. Miyagi works on his speed with jump rope exercises, his eyes burning with determination. Ryuu, for his part, tirelessly repeats his counter moves under Kamogawa's advice. In the corner, Takamura watches silently, proud to see the next generation fighting to prove themselves.
----
The storm is approaching The episode ends with a view of the battle board, where the names of the participants begin to appear.
"The regional tournament is fast approaching,"
announces a television commentator.
"With participants like Makunouchi Ippo, Ryuu Kaidou, and of course, Miyagi , expectations are high. Kamogawa Gym is ready to make history."
"Let the storm begin."