The day of the tournament's first round had finally arrived. Ippo stood in the locker room of Kōrakuen Hall, methodically wrapping his hands while his mind wandered to the intense training that had brought him to this moment.
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FLASHBACK - THREE WEEKS EARLIER
The special training camp for Ozuma had been unlike anything Ippo had experienced before. While his defensive skills against hooks were already exceptional for an in-fighter, Kamogawa and Takamura had pushed him far beyond his natural abilities.
"Your defensive instincts are already monster-level," Takamura had said during one of their grueling sessions. "But Ozuma's hook isn't just powerful—it's lightning fast. We need to sharpen your reflexes to the point where you can slip bullets."
Day after day, Takamura threw hooks from every conceivable angle while Ippo practiced his evasion. The improvement was dramatic—where once he might have been hit occasionally, now he moved like smoke, always just out of reach.
But the real breakthrough came when Ippo's rapid development allowed them to work on expanding his offensive arsenal.
"With your power and technique foundation, you're ready for more advanced techniques," Kamogawa had explained. "An uppercut alone won't be enough against the level of competition you'll face."
The first new weapon they developed was inspired by Joe Frazier's devastating left hook. Kamogawa called it the "Frazier Torque."
"Watch carefully," the coach had demonstrated. "You take a heavy step with your lead foot—STOMP—then wind up your torso like a spring." He showed the coiling motion, his entire midsection rotating. "Then you shift your weight back just before release and unleash the hook like a whip."
When Ippo first attempted the technique, the results were explosive. The hook carried devastating power, but there was a crucial weakness.
"The windup telegraphs if you make it too big," Kamogawa warned after Ippo's attempt. "Against experienced fighters, you'll need to disguise the setup better."
The second technique came from combining Yuto's vast experience with inspiration from other boxing legends. Through the template's memories, Ippo could access knowledge of swarming techniques used by fighters like Henry Armstrong.
"This one's dangerous," Kamogawa had said when Ippo first demonstrated the concept. "It's a 15-plus punch combination while staying chest to chest with your opponent."
The technique was like watching a storm unleashed. Ippo would press his body against his opponent's, preventing them from resetting or catching their breath, then unleash a barrage of short, devastating punches that came from every angle.
"It looks like a hurricane from the outside," Aoki had observed during practice. "But the weakness is obvious—it'll drain your stamina like crazy."
"Use it to finish fights," Kamogawa advised. "Not to start them."
Through three weeks of intensive training, Ippo had transformed from a powerful but limited fighter into someone with a complete arsenal. His defensive skills were now practically supernatural, and his offensive capabilities had expanded dramatically.
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PRESENT - KŌRAKUEN HALL
Ippo finished wrapping his hands and looked up to see his mother in the doorway of the locker room.
"Ippo," Hiroko said softly, "I know you asked if I would come to watch, but..."
"It's okay, Mom," Ippo interrupted gently. "I understand. You don't want to see me get hurt."
"It's not that I don't believe in you," she said, tears forming in her eyes. "I just... I can't bear to watch my son in pain."
Ippo stood and hugged his mother. "I know. And that's why I fight—to protect the people I love from ever having to worry about me being helpless again."
After she left, Ippo completed his pre-fight routine, including the hanging bar training that had become second nature. His defensive reflexes were sharp, his new techniques felt natural, and most importantly, his mind was clear.
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"This is what I've trained for," he thought as he made his way toward the ring. "Time to show them what 'Ippo the Hero' can do."
The atmosphere in Kōrakuen Hall was electric as both fighters made their entrances. Jason Ozuma moved with the confident swagger of someone who had dominated every opponent he'd faced, while Ippo carried himself with quiet determination.
At the weigh-in earlier that day, the two fighters had met for the first time.
"You seem like a nice kid," Ozuma had said with a friendly smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Hope there's no hard feelings about what's going to happen in there."
"None at all," Ippo had replied politely. "May the best fighter win."
The exchange had been cordial, but both fighters understood what was really being said. This wasn't just a boxing match—it was a collision between two knockout artists who had never faced someone of equal destructive capability.
Kamogawa had seemed embarrassed by how polite the interaction was, having expected more tension between two dangerous fighters.
Now, as they stood in opposite corners of the ring, the friendly facades dropped away. Jason Ozuma looked every inch the dangerous American boxer—lean, powerful, and carrying himself with the confidence of someone who had never lost.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer's voice boomed through the arena, "this is the first round of the Eastern Japan Rookie Championship Tournament!"
"In the red corner, with a record of 2 wins, 2 knockouts, from Tokyo, Japan... 'IPPO THE HERO' MAKUNOUCHI!"
The crowd erupted at the dramatic ring name, and Ippo felt a surge of pride. He wasn't just representing himself anymore—he was carrying the hopes of everyone who believed in the idea that strength should be used to protect others.
"And in the blue corner, with a record of 3 wins, 3 knockouts, from the United States of America... JASON OZUMA!"
The American boxer raised his gloved hands to acknowledge the crowd, but his eyes never left Ippo. This was business.
The referee called both fighters to the center for final instructions. As they touched gloves, Ozuma's respectful demeanor continued.
"I hope we can put on a great show for these fans," he said earnestly. "Thank you for this opportunity to test my skills."
Ippo was genuinely moved by the American's sportsmanship. "Thank you too, Ozuma-san. Let's give them a fight to remember."
They returned to their corners as the final preparations were made. In the Kamogawa corner, the coach's instructions were simple and direct.
"Remember everything we've worked on," Kamogawa said. "His hook is dangerous, but you're ready for it. Use your new techniques when you see the openings, and most importantly—"
"Fight like a hero," Ippo finished.
"Exactly."
Across the ring, Ozuma was receiving his own final instructions from his corner, but his eyes remained fixed on Ippo with predatory intensity.
The referee checked with both corners, then raised his hand.
"Fighters ready?"
Both boxers nodded.
"Box!"
DING!