The noise inside Ryōgoku Kokugikan rises like static, a restless mix of excitement and impatience.
Aramaki leans forward, eyes wide, practically vibrating in his seat. Behind them, Okabe and Ryohei can't stay quiet, shouting over the crowd, not because they care about the fight, but because Ryoma happens to be rooting for the wrong guy.
"Don't hold back, Shinichi!" Okabe yells. "Crush him early!"
"Yeah, don't let that old man breathe!" Ryohei adds, cupping his hands. "End it before his knees give out!"
They make sure he hears them, laughing under their breath.
"You can't always win, genius."
"Guess that coin of yours landed on the wrong side this time. No way Jurobei's walking out with that belt."
But Ryoma doesn't even look back. He just sits there, calm, calculating, watching the ring like it's a chessboard instead of a boxing match.
