The gym feels different now, growing quieter. Every sound folds into the stillness as Ryoma climbs into the ring.
Nakahara adjusts Ryoma's headgear from outside the ropes, tightening the strap beneath his chin.
"Don't overthink it," he murmurs. "Just read, react, and breathe."
Ryoma nods once.
Around them, the crowd tightens, shoulders brushing. A few journalists raise their cameras, flashes breaking the dim air. The anticipation builds, everyone knows this spar isn't ordinary.
When Nakahara finishes, Ryoma turns, and catches Elliot's lips moving as he speaks to Sergei, who's leaning on the ropes, calm and unreadable.
Ryoma can't hear a thing, but his Vision Grid picks up the words, tracing their shape.
"Heard he uses a different style. But I hope he uses the flickers today."
A faint smile crosses Ryoma's face. So that's what you want, huh?
