He turns back toward the office, leaving the sound of gloves resuming their rhythm, steady and sharp, like the prelude to something bigger.
But not long after Nakahara closes his office door, the entrance door swings open, and Aki steps into the gym, greeting with her usual cheer.
"Morning everyone! Smells like ambition in here."
Ryoma glances over from the heavy bag and manages a small nod. Aramaki just grunts mid-combo.
Okabe, ever the eager informant, wipes his hands on a towel and blurts, "You heard the news yet? Ryoma and Aramaki got their A-License promotion bouts!"
Aki's eyes go wide. "Wait… seriously? Already? Who are the opponents."
"Ryoma will fight Ayano. And Aramaki will fight Junpei," Okabe says, smirking confidently.
Aki's eyes widen. She'd seen this coming in theory, the kind of rumor that floats until it turns real. But she hadn't expected reality to arrive quite this fast.
