In 2021, right after the lockdowns, a boy named Luis returned to the Philippines. He had a dull life in Japan, filled with mischief as a call for help. Now, he was starting fresh in the Philippines.
-Three months later-
Nothing has changed. It's still boring, but now it's noisy in Manila. Luis wonders when he'll find something exciting to do.
While walking in the hallway of "Roxas Academy," he hears a group of boys talking.
Guy with black hair and glasses: "Coach has been so tough lately. Can you believe what he's making us do? I doubt he even boxed. Maybe he just wants the money from our parents, lol. I've never seen anyone else do what he's asking."
Guy with green hair: "I know, right? He's so dumb."
Suddenly, a tall guy in a white tracksuit approaches them. Luis sees "Storm's Gym" on the back of his jacket.
Rick: "What the hell did you guys say? If you don't want to train at our gym, then leave! We don't need you. You're not talented anyway!" He shouts.
The two boys look shocked and whisper: "Oh no, it's Rick, the coach's son. One of the 10 forces. Let's get out of here."
Rick: "This is why I said he should stop taking anyone, just because we need money. I'm going to be famous anyway."
Luis, curious, follows Rick.
As they turn into an alley, Luis gets caught and mistaken for a stalker.
Rick: "So, you're still following me? Didn't I say to leave me alone?"
Luis: "Uh, I think you—" Before he can finish, Rick punches him in the face, sending Luis crashing against the wall.
Luis: "Hey, stop! You got the wrong idea!"
Rick: "Wrong idea? Now that you're getting beaten up, you talk nonsense!"
Luis: "I just wanted to know about boxing. Please stop!"
Rick: "Oh, why didn't you say so?"
Luis: "I tried, but you started hitting me!" He laughs awkwardly.
Rick: "Is that so? Well, we need another member, but I won't let weaklings in. Want to be tested?"
Luis: "Fine, but go easy on me."
Rick: "Don't worry; you won't face me. You won't last a round!" He laughs.
Luis: "Okay, this should be easy. Lead the way!"
-They arrive at an old, run-down building with a musty yet nostalgic smell.-
Luis: "What is this junk?"
Rick: "Shut up, or I'll kick your ass, dipshit!"
???: "Rick, is that you swearing again? How many times do I have to beat you to stop?"
Rick: "Shut up, old man! You started recruiting more idiots, right? How many times do I have to tell you to stop wasting time on wimps?"
Old man: "And who did you bring this time?"
Rick: "Hey, dipshit, introduce yourself to my dad!"
Old man: "Is that any way to talk to customers? I ought to teach you a lesson!"
Rick: "Whatever, I'm going to hit the bags."
Luis: "Hi, sir. My name is Luis Soma."
Old man: "Soma, huh? Are you Japanese?"
Luis: "Uh, yes, sir. I'm half Filipino too."
Old man: "Exciting! Feels like my youth again. Why are you here today?"
Rick: "He's here to take the test."
Luis: "Oh, yes, sir, I want to take the test."
Old man: "What test? We don't have a test." He looks confused.
Luis: "Here you are again, letting anyone join our gym. That's why people underestimate us."
Old man: "When will you learn we don't need to worry about our gym's image?" He looks at Luis. "If you want to join, it's only 500 pesos per month."
Luis: "Sir, I want to take the test!"
Old man: "Are you sure? It's not really required, but okay."
Luis looks at the old man, filled with determination.
Rick: "Looks like you're not like those guys who just talk."
Old man: "Since you're new, you'll face the weakest in our gym. Don't worry; he knows what he's doing."
"Are you ready?"