Ayano climbs the ladder. The ring announcer clears his throat, starting the introduction a moment later than he should have.
"And now, from the prestigious Kawahara Boxing Club!
The undefeated powerhouse, the MVP of the All-Japan Rookie Tournament!
At twenty-one years of age, standing one-hundred seventy-four centimeters tall!
Officially weighing in at sixty-one kilograms!"
"With a flawless professional record, nine fights, nine wins, all by knockout!
The pride of Chiba… Kobayashi 'The Destroyer' Ayano!"
But Ayano doesn't wave or smile. The noise around him fades as his gaze fixes on Ryoma, eyes narrow, burning with a bitterness that borders on hatred.
Then, all at once, the lights flare back to full. The entire arena glows bright again.
The referee steps forward, motioning both fighters to the center. He glances at each of them before speaking, clear and steady, his voice carrying through the mic.
