The gym was quieter than usual the next morning. After yesterday's intense sparring session between Ippo and Miyata, the atmosphere felt heavy, almost contemplative. Ippo and I arrived early, determined to make the most of the day.
"I still can't believe I got to spar with Miyata," Ippo said, his voice a mix of awe and exhaustion. His face was still bruised, but he wore the marks proudly, like a badge of honor.
"You earned it," I said, patting him on the back. "But don't let it get to your head. Miyata's on a whole different level."
Ippo nodded solemnly. "Yeah. I need to get better. A lot better."
I couldn't help but smile at his determination. Ippo was growing before my eyes—not just as a boxer, but as a person.
As we started our warm-ups, the system's familiar chime echoed in my mind.
---
New Feature Unlocked: Opponent Analysis
You can now view the status windows of individuals within a 10-meter radius. Use this ability to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and potential.
---
My heart skipped a beat. "Opponent Analysis? That's new."
I glanced around the gym, curious to test the feature. Focusing on Ippo, I willed the system to show me his status.
---
Status Window: Makunouchi Ippo
Name: Makunouchi Ippo
Age: 16
Height: 164 cm
Weight: 60 kg
Wingspan: 165 cm
Class: In-Fighter
Rank: F+
Division: Featherweight
Title: None
Fighting Style: None
Stats:
Strength: F+
Agility: F
Flexibility: F
Awareness: F
Potential: S
Endurance: E-
Skills:
Jab Lv. 2
Straight Lv. 1
---
I stared at the window, my eyes widening. "Potential: S? No wonder he's a natural…"
"What's wrong, Takashi?" Ippo asked, noticing my expression.
"Nothing," I said quickly, dismissing the screen. "Just thinking about today's training."
Next, I turned my attention to Miyata, who was shadowboxing in the corner. The system immediately displayed his stats.
---
Status Window: Miyata Ichirou
Name: Miyata Ichirou
Age: 17
Height: 172 cm
Weight: 61 kg
Wingspan: 173 cm
Class: Out-Boxer
Rank: D
Division: Featherweight
Title: None
Fighting Style: Counterpunching
Stats:
Strength: E+
Agility: D-
Flexibility: D
Awareness: C-
Potential: A+
Endurance: E+
Skills:
Counter Lv. 3
Straight Lv. 2
Hook Lv. 1
---
I swallowed hard. "D-rank already? No wonder he made Ippo look like an amateur."
The gap between us and Miyata was staggering, but it only fueled my determination. If I wanted to keep up, I needed to train harder.
---
The day's training began with a brutal endurance circuit. Kamogawa had us running laps with weighted vests, followed by a series of bodyweight exercises that left my arms and legs shaking.
"Boxing isn't just about throwing punches," Kamogawa said, his voice sharp. "You need to build a body that can endure the pain and keep going. Weakness has no place in the ring."
"Yes, sir!" we shouted in unison, though my voice was strained from exhaustion.
After the endurance circuit, we moved on to mitt work. Kamogawa held the pads as I threw a series of jabs, straights, and hooks, each punch echoing in the empty gym.
"Faster, Takashi!" he barked. "Don't give him time to think—overwhelm him with speed and precision!"
I gritted my teeth and focused, my punches growing sharper and more fluid. The system's voice chimed in my head as I completed another set.
---
Skill Upgrade: Jab Lv. 2 → Jab Lv. 3
---
A surge of energy coursed through me, and I immediately felt the difference. My jabs were faster, more explosive, and they hit with greater force.
"Good," Kamogawa said, his tone approving. "Now keep that up."
---
As the day went on, I couldn't help but glance at the other boxers in the gym, curious to see their stats.
When I focused on Takamura, the system displayed a window so staggering it left me speechless.
---
Status Window: Takamura Mamoru
Name: Takamura Mamoru
Age: 23
Height: 185 cm
Weight: 98 kg (Off-season)
Wingspan: 188 cm
Class: Hybrid
Rank: A+
Division: Middleweight
Title: None (World Title Contender)
Fighting Style: All-Rounder
Stats:
Strength: S-
Agility: A
Flexibility: A
Awareness: A-
Potential: S+
Endurance: A+
Skills:
Hook Lv. 5
Straight Lv. 5
Uppercut Lv. 4
---
I nearly dropped my water bottle. "S-rank strength? No wonder he's unstoppable…"
Takamura caught me staring and raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong, glasses? See something interesting?"
"N-No," I stammered, quickly looking away.
---
By the end of the day, my body felt like it was falling apart, but my resolve was stronger than ever. With the ability to analyze my opponents' strengths and weaknesses, I had a new edge—one that could make all the difference in the ring.
As I walked home with Ippo, I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye. His potential was incredible, but he didn't realize it yet.
"Ippo," I said, breaking the silence. "You're going to be amazing. Just keep working hard."
He looked at me, his expression full of curiosity. "Thanks, Takashi. I'll do my best."
I nodded, clenching my fists. Together, we would climb to the top.