Umemoto immediately moves toward the center with the confident of a powerful pressure fighter, his compact footwork surprisingly quick for someone built to impose himself through force.
Ryoma does not challenge him for the center. He moves along the perimeter with economical footwork, keeping his movements measured and controlled while quietly maintaining the geometry Nakahara instructed him to use.
There is no feint, no attempt to lay a trap, and no layered strategy. His only concern is staying outside his opponent's line of attack, both gloves hanging loosely at chest level as he continues circling with almost mechanical economy.
For the first ten seconds or so, Umemoto seems slightly hesitant about when to begin, before finally deciding to test Ryoma with a simple opening attack.
He slides his lead foot forward by an inch, intending to sends a jab.
Even before the jab leaves his hand, Ryoma has already reacted, lifting his right glove into position.
