The first quarterfinal match began soon after the opening ceremonies concluded. In an ironic twist of tournament fate, the initial bout featured the two competitors Noah had encountered during his training the previous evening—Hiroshi, who had politely invited Noah to join their group practice, and Kenji, who had criticized Noah's supposed arrogance for declining their offer.
The bracket arrangement had created an immediate clash between the competitor and his more judgmental training partner, forcing them to face each other in the quarterfinals.
Hiroshi entered the ring with the same respectful composure he had shown the night before, bowing formally to both his opponent and the assembled judges.
Kenji approached the match with visible aggression, it was clear that he did not like the bracket matching.
