The ropes creak as Hiroshi pulls them free, one by one, widening the ring back to its full size. Beside him, Coach Nakahara steadies the post with a grunt, his old hands working with the care of a craftsman restoring his workshop.
"Bigger ring today," Nakahara says, half to himself, half to the room. "No shortcuts. Let's see what you boys can really do."
Ryoma doesn't answer. His eyes are fixed on Kobo, who's stretching casually in the corner. Every move looks loose, unbothered, as if he's here for nothing more than fun. But Ryoma's suspicion doesn't waver.
The way the boy moves stirs an old memory in Ryoma. He had seen Kobo's professional fight before, not in this time line, but years ahead in his other life. It was at Korakuen Hall, 2022, on the undercard of Toru Kanzaki's title fight.
Yes, Kanzaki actually had his title shot by the end of 2022. That's how good the man's potential is. And Kobo fought as an opener, listed under the same gym as Kanzaki.
