In a small Tokyo training room, Tetsuya Kubo pounds a punching bag with frightening intensity. His coach, a robust man with a face marked by the years, watches each shot carefully.
Coach : "Faster, Kubo. If you want to neutralize this kid, you'll have to set your pace from the first minute. Don't give him time to establish his technique."
Kubo stops, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Kubo: "I'm going to crush him. These so-called prodigies, they think they're invincible until they meet a real boxer."
His coach nods.
Coach: "Don't underestimate him. This kid comes from Kamogawa Gym, and they never put anyone in the ring for no reason. But remember, a puncher like you can break any technician if he touches the good time."
Kubo clenches his fists.
Kubo: "It doesn't matter how fast he is. Once I corner him, he'll fall like the others."
At dawn, the streets of Tokyo are still calm. Ryuu and Takamura run side by side, their breathing synchronized with the rhythm of their steps.
"So, kid," Takamura begins, a mocking smile on his face,
Takamura: "how are you feeling as your first fight approaches?"
Ryuu, unfazed, shrugs his shoulders.
Ryuu: "Excited. Finally, I'll be able to show everyone what I'm made of."
Takamura laughs.
Takamura: "It's good to be confident. But listen, the first fight, it's always a unique moment. No matter how strong you are, there will always be some uncertainty. The crowd, the lights, adrenaline... Everything can surprise you."
Ryuu slowed down slightly, thinking about his elder's words.
Ryuu: "Takamura, you know what really motivates me? It's not just winning. It's crushing expectations. I want people to remember me from that first fight."
Takamura looks at him sideways, a mixture of respect and amusement in his eyes.
Takamura : "You've got quite an ego, kid. But if you keep working like that, you might just get there. Come on, speed up a little, or I'll leave you behind."
The two men increase their pace, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the empty streets.
----
At Kamogawa Gym, after a long day of training, Kamogawa and Yagi, his faithful assistant, sit in the office to chat.
Yagi : "So, do you think he's ready?"
Yagi asks, filling two cups of tea. Kamogawa nods slowly, his eyes fixed on a training chart on the wall.
Kamogawa : "Ryuu has the talent, that's undeniable. But talent alone doesn't guarantee anything in the ring. Kubo is an experienced puncher. If he lets his arrogance take over, it could end badly."
Yagi nods, looking thoughtful.
Yagi : "But he's so different from the others, isn't he? Even compared to Takamura or Ippo, he has a unique way of seeing things. This confidence... or maybe this madness."
Kamogawa smiled slightly.
Kamogawa: "That's right. This boy isn't afraid of failure. And that's both his greatest strength and his greatest danger. But that's what makes him special. If he can master this arrogance and learn to stay focused, he could become a legend."
Yagi takes a sip of tea.
Yagi: "Kubo is not an easy opponent. But if Ryuu beats him, it will be a signal for everyone. Kamogawa Gym has a new prodigy."
Kamogawa nods.
Kamogawa: "Tomorrow at the weigh-in, we'll see if this kid is really ready for what awaits him."
----
The next day, in a small, crowded conference room, journalists, cameras and fans flock to attend the official weigh-in. Ryuu arrives first, wearing a stylish black tracksuit. True to his usual demeanor, he casually smiles and waves to the crowd. A few moments later, Kubo enters. More physically imposing, he exudes an aura of raw power. He fixes Ryuu with an icy gaze, an expression of defiance clearly displayed. The two boxers step on the scale:
Kubo goes first: 63.5 kg.
Ryuu follows: 63.3 kg.
When the two men face each other for the traditional photo, the tension is palpable. Kubo, trying to intimidate his opponent, approaches slightly, almost nose to nose with Ryuu.
Kubo: "You won't last three rounds,rookie "
Kubo whispers. Ryuu, imperturbable, bursts out laughing, which slightly destabilizes Kubo.
Ryuu: "Three rounds, huh? That's ambitious. But I promise you, you'll regret every word from the first minute."
The photographers immortalize this moment, the flashes illuminating the two fighters.
----
Back at Kamogawa Gym after the weigh-in, the team meets for a final briefing. Takamura, true to form, can't help but joke.
Takamura: "That was great, kid. Did you see Kubo's face when you started laughing?."
Kamogawa interjects, his tone serious.
Kamogawa: "Enough kidding. Ryuu, tomorrow you need to stay focused from start to finish. Kubo will be looking to push you into the ropes. Don't forget your footwork and stay calm. Anything can happen in the ring."
Ryuu stands up, looking relaxed but determined.
Ryuu: "I understand, old master. But believe me, I will teach him a lesson he will never forget."
The gym team exchange looks. Behind Ryuu's arrogance lies an unshakeable confidence, but also a big unknown: how will he react under the pressure of a real fight?
The night before the fight, Ryuu sits alone in the gym ring, the lights dimmed. He looks at his gloves, thinking about how far he's come.
Ryuu: "Tomorrow is the start of something big. No matter how hard he hits, I'm ready. This ring...this is where I'm supposed to be."
In the distance, Kamogawa observes him discreetly, a mixture of pride and concern in his eyes.
Kamogawa : "This boy… he really has what it takes to go far. But tomorrow, everything will come down to his ability to keep his cool."
The countdown was on.