An ordinary morning at Kamogawa Gym. The sound of gloves hitting heavy bags echoes through the air. Ryuu, true to himself, trains nonchalantly, stringing together series of jabs with almost mechanical precision. Takamura, sitting on a nearby bench, looks at Ryuu with a smirk.
Takamura: "You're hitting well, but you know your first real test is coming up, right? Fighting amateurs and training is one thing. In the ring, everything changes."
Ryuu shrugs, his eternal smirk on his lips.
Ryuu: "A test, huh? I prefer to call it a formality."
That's when the gym phone rings. Kamogawa, busy advising Ippo, interrupts to respond. A quick chat ensues, then he hangs up and turns to the team, his expression solemn.
Kamogawa : "Ryuu, it's official. Your first professional fight has been scheduled."
The whole gym stops. All eyes turn to Ryuu, who, far from being impressed, wears an even wider smile.
Ryuu: "Finally! So, old master, who is my first victim?"
Kamogawa shakes his head.
Kamogawa: "Don't take it lightly. You will face Tetsuya Kubo, a boxer with 7 wins and 2 losses. He is known for his physical strength and his powerful hooks. He likes to impose his pace and exhaust his opponents."
Takamura bursts out laughing. "A puncher against you? This guy doesn't know what he's gotten himself into. But watch out, kid, he's not an amateur. Even one well-placed blow could knock you down."
Ryuu stands up, wrapping the band around his hands.
Ryuu: "If he's a hitter, it makes things more interesting. "
The announcement of Ryuu's first fight causes excitement at Kamogawa Gym. Ippo, although focused on his own training, can't help but worry about Ryuu.
Ippo: "Ryuu, you are confident, but you know that every fight can be unpredictable. Kubo has experience. You must be ready for anything."
Ryuu, skipping rope, responds casually.
Ryuu: "Don't worry, Ippo. The only unpredictable thing is how long he lasts before I knock him out."
Miyata, observing from a distance, intervenes:
Miyata: "Ryuu, you better listen to Makunouchi. Professionals don't make mistakes as gross as amateurs. If you underestimate Kubo, you might just be surprised."
Ryuu bursts out laughing.
Ryuu: "It's cute to see how much you worry about me. But you'll see, I'm going to turn this fight into a spectacle."
In the days that follow, Kamogawa intensifies Ryuu's training.
Kamogawa: "Your opponent likes to use his hooks to pin you in the corners. If you want to neutralize him, you'll need to keep the center of the ring and exploit your speed."
Ryuu, focused for once, listens attentively.
Ryuu: "Understood, old master. I'll show him that his power is no match for my technique."
The sparring with the other gym members intensifies. Miyata serves as the main partner, testing Ryuu's ability to counter under pressure. During a particularly quick exchange, Ryuu dodges a hook from Miyata with millimeter precision before landing a powerful jab. Takamura, watching from the ropes, shakes his head, impressed.
Takamura: "This kid…he really is a monster."
Ryuu's fight is officially announced. Posters are starting to appear in boxing gyms and specialized forums:
"Ryuu Kaidou, Kamogawa Gym prodigy, will make his professional debut against Tetsuya Kubo, an experienced puncher."
At the gym, members discuss the announcement with excitement. Aoki and Kimura joke:
Aoki: "How many rounds do you think he'll last before Kubo hits him?"
Kimura: "None. Ryuu will probably dance around him like usual."
Takamura intervenes with a smile.
Takamura: "No matter what happens, it's going to be entertaining. This kid doesn't know any other way."
Two days before the fight, Ryuu decides to lighten the mood and invites the entire gym to dinner at a local restaurant. Takamura, obviously delighted, rushes to order the most expensive dishes.
Takamura: "You know, Ryuu, you're going to regret this invitation when you see the bill."
Ryuu, imperturbable, responds:
Ryuu: "If I can handle a bruiser in the ring, I can handle your insatiable hunger."
The evening is filled with laughter and lively discussions. Even the usually reserved Miyata joins in on the conversation, although he maintains a silent rivalry with Ryuu. Kamogawa, seated at the head of the table, observes the scene with satisfaction.
Kamogawa: "This boy has talent, but also an energy that brings others together. With a little discipline, he could really make history."