The shouts ripple, scatter, and then, unexpectedly, begin to converge. Ryoma's name rises in rhythm. Not the whole hall, not even half, but enough to turn his arrival into something grand.
It's far louder than any rookie bout should deserve. Yet, where the crowd sees a hero, Ryoma only feels each chant weigh heavier, pressing down on his chest.
He lowers his gaze, the hood of his robe casting his face into shadow, hiding the truth. To them, he is promise. To himself, he is doubt.
As the chant rolls through Korakuen, he walks on, not like a conquering star, but like a soldier bound for execution.
"Beat him, Ryoma!"
"Show him who's the boss!"
From the east entrance hallway, Kaede steps inside with three coworkers in tow, and is struck at once by the atmosphere. The crowd's energy swells around her.
