Ryoma keeps things safe, throwing fewer punches, using the time to get comfortable with the ring and space, calculating Renji's danger zone through his Vision Grid system. Conveniently, the same display shows him the countdown of the round in each second.
The fight slows to a measured pace. Both men look less like brawlers and more like chess players, only probing and waiting. Renji sends out compact jabs and the occasional short hook that never lands, while Ryoma stays just outside range.
To the high-school hobbyists watching from ringside, it's boring. But to the veterans, it's the opening gambit of a high-level match.
Sato leans forward, throat tight. "This is intense. Both are waiting for the other to blink first."
"That boy…" Tanaka mutters, almost to himself, "he's not supposed to look this calm against a champion. Either he's fearless, or he doesn't know what he's standing in front of."
