Unlike the end of second round, it isn't just fatigue on his face. Kanzaki's spirit is cracking wide open. He no longer sees a way to win.
Tsuchida leans close as the cutman works, trying to inject life back into his boxer.
"You did good that round," he says, voice rough but urgent. "You finally landed those body shots. Keep at it. They'll wear him down, kill his legs. Just keep grinding and you'll see it pay off."
But Kanzaki doesn't answer. His breathing slows, but his eyes… they are flat, blank and cold.
Tsuchida freezes. He's seen this look before, and he knows, the boxer in front of him has broken inside.
Meanwhile, in the red corner, there isn't much for Hiroshi to do. Ryoma's face is clean, no swelling, no blood, no real damage to wipe away.
The corner feels calm, almost too calm. And still, Nakahara doesn't look satisfied. Arms folded, his scowl lingers, not at Ryoma's body, but at the way he's handling the fight.
