The crowd buzzes in restless confusion, their murmurs clashing with the rhythmic clapping from Ryoma's fans.
As for Ayano's supporters, most are frozen in disbelief. The first knockdown, they brushed off as a fluke. But now, after the second one, they can't deny what they're seeing.
The so-called coward, the boxer they mocked for "running away" from the East Block Rookie King final, is now toying with their All-Japan Rookie MVP.
But not everyone shares their confusion. Down at the journalists' row, those who have followed Ryoma's career from the start don't look surprised at all.
If anything, their eyes gleam with realization.
During the first round, they had wondered what Ryoma was doing, why he looked so passive, so uncharacteristically quiet.
Now they understand.
"What do you think, Tanaka?" Sato leans over, eyes still on the ring. "That first round… was he really adjusting to the lightweight division, or was he holding back?"
