Chapter 1: A Falcon Is Born
The dim glow of a hospital room in Tokyo barely pushed back the darkness of early morning.
Then a newborn's cry shattered the silence.
"It's a boy," the nurse said with a gentle smile.
She carefully placed the baby into his mother's arms.
The woman's tired eyes softened as she looked down at him.
"Hayato," she whispered.
The name meant falcon. Fast. Sharp. A creature that soared high above the world.
But the newborn staring at the ceiling lights carried a secret no one could possibly imagine.
Because inside that tiny body… was not a newborn mind.
What…?
Confusion flooded his thoughts.
His vision was blurry. His limbs felt weak and uncoordinated. Even lifting a finger felt impossible.
Why can't I move properly?
Panic rose in his chest.
Something was terribly wrong.
Then memories slammed into his mind like a crashing wave.
Office cubicles.
The endless glow of computer monitors.
Late-night overtime that never seemed to end.
Cheap convenience store dinners eaten alone under harsh fluorescent lights.
A life spent chasing deadlines that never truly mattered.
Then—
The screech of tires.
Blinding headlights.
A split second of terror.
Pain.
And darkness.
I died…
The realization struck him like a punch.
If he died…
Then where was he now?
The baby's breathing grew uneven.
Outside the hospital window, neon lights flickered against the night sky.
Inside the room, a poster hung on the wall.
It showed a boxing ring surrounded by cheering spectators.
A young fighter stood in the center with determined eyes.
Below the image were bold words announcing a local boxing event.
The baby stared at it.
His tiny heart began pounding.
No way…
Memories rushed back.
Long nights watching anime.
Training arcs that pushed fighters to their limits.
Brutal matches where every punch carried the weight of a dream.
The story of a timid boy who entered the boxing world and slowly fought his way to the top.
Hajime no Ippo.
The newborn's mind reeled.
You're telling me…
I was reincarnated…
Into that world?
Another cry escaped his mouth.
But this time it wasn't fear.
It was disbelief.
---
Five years later.
The salty air of the fishing docks drifted across the quiet morning.
Two boys ran along the wooden planks.
"Hayato! Wait up!"
The boy chasing him was already out of breath.
He was short, a little chubby, and far too gentle for the rough docks.
His name was Ippo.
Hayato slowed and turned around with a grin.
"You're too slow."
"That's not fair!" Ippo protested, puffing his cheeks. "You started first!"
The waves crashed softly below them.
Fishing boats swayed with the tide.
For a moment, everything felt peaceful.
Hayato leaned against the wooden railing and looked out across the water.
Five years.
He had spent five years adjusting to this new life.
Five years confirming what he already suspected.
This was the world of Hajime no Ippo.
And the boy standing in front of him…
Was Ippo himself.
The future featherweight champion.
Right now, though, he just looked like an ordinary kid trying to catch his breath.
"Why do you always run so fast?" Ippo asked.
Hayato shrugged.
"Because I can."
The answer wasn't entirely honest.
Hayato trained whenever he could.
Running.
Balance drills.
Shadowboxing when no one was watching.
Nothing extreme. Just enough to strengthen a child's body.
The future of this world was filled with monsters inside the boxing ring.
If he wanted to survive among them, he couldn't stay weak.
A gust of sea wind rolled across the dock.
Ippo leaned against the railing beside him.
Their lives had been strangely intertwined from the start.
Both of their fathers had worked on the same fishing boat.
Both had died in the same accident when the boys were still toddlers.
The tragedy had left two struggling families behind.
So their mothers made a difficult decision.
They moved in together.
Two grieving households becoming one.
Since then, Hayato and Ippo had grown up side by side like brothers.
They shared meals.
Shared chores.
Shared the quiet weight of growing up without fathers.
Hayato glanced at Ippo.
Even as a child, Ippo was unbelievably kind.
Too kind.
He never complained about helping his mother carry heavy cargo for the fishing business.
Even when the boxes were clearly too heavy for someone his size.
Even when other kids laughed at him.
Hayato knew exactly what was coming.
The bullying starts soon.
It was one of the earliest events in the story.
The bullying.
The humiliation.
The loneliness that pushed Ippo to question his own strength.
Hayato looked down at his small hands.
This world doesn't forgive weakness.
If things followed the original timeline, Ippo would suffer for years before his life finally changed.
Before he met the man who would alter everything.
Hayato sighed.
Maybe I can change a few things.
"Hey, Hayato?"
Ippo's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"What?"
"Your mom said dinner's going to be ready soon. We should head back."
Hayato nodded.
"Yeah."
The two boys walked along the docks together.
Behind them, seagulls circled above the waves.
Ahead of them waited a small house where their mothers worked tirelessly to keep life moving forward.
That night, the house was quiet.
Hayato lay on his futon staring at the ceiling.
Beside him, Ippo was already asleep, snoring softly.
Hayato folded his arms behind his head.
Reincarnated into Hajime no Ippo…
It still felt surreal.
If the timeline remained the same, certain events were inevitable.
The bullying.
Meeting Mamoru Takamura.
The start of the boxing journey.
Hayato closed his eyes.
Maybe he could guide things slightly.
Maybe he could help Ippo earlier.
Just as sleep began to pull him under—
Something appeared in front of his eyes.
A faint glow.
Hayato's eyes snapped open.
Floating in the darkness was a transparent screen.
"What…?"
The words formed slowly.
SYSTEM ACTIVATED
Hayato sat up.
A calm mechanical voice echoed inside his mind.
BOXER TEMPLATE INITIALIZED
More text appeared.
---
User: Hayato Suzuki
Age: 5
Templates Unlocked:
Wally Template
Ginpachi Nekota Template
---
Hayato blinked.
"You've got to be kidding me."
More lines appeared.
---
Synchronization Starting
Wally Template: 3%
Nekota Template: 2%
---
A strange sensation spread through his body.
His muscles felt lighter.
Sharper.
Like something inside him had just woken up.
Another message appeared.
---
New Ability Unlocked:
Instinctive Movement
---
Hayato stared at the glowing screen.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then slowly…
A grin spread across his face.
He looked toward the sleeping Ippo.
"If this world runs on boxing…"
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"Then I guess I'll become a boxer too."
Outside, the tide rolled against the docks.
And somewhere in the distant future—
Under the blinding lights of a boxing ring—
A new fighter had just begun his story.
Chapter 2: First Steps Toward Strength
Morning came early at the Makunouchi house.
The smell of grilled fish drifted through the small kitchen while the sound of waves echoed faintly from the nearby docks.
Hayato opened his eyes before the sun had fully risen.
For a moment, he lay still on his futon, staring at the ceiling.
Then the memories returned.
System.
He sat up quickly.
"System," he whispered.
For a second, nothing happened.
Then the faint transparent screen appeared in front of him again.
---
User: Hayato Suzuki
Age: 5
Templates:
Wally Template — 3%
Ginpachi Nekota Template — 2%
Ability Unlocked: Instinctive Movement
---
Hayato rubbed his chin.
"So it wasn't a dream."
The screen vanished as quickly as it appeared.
Beside him, Ippo rolled over in his sleep and mumbled something about fish.
Hayato chuckled quietly.
Some things never change.
He slipped outside while the house was still quiet.
The early morning air was cool and filled with the smell of saltwater.
Fishing boats rocked gently against the docks.
This place had become familiar over the past five years.
Hayato stretched his arms and legs.
Even with the system, his body was still that of a child.
If he wanted to become strong, there was only one solution.
Training.
He started with a slow jog along the wooden dock.
The planks creaked beneath his feet as he ran.
One lap.
Two laps.
Three.
At first, it felt like normal running.
But then something strange happened.
His body began moving differently.
Lighter.
More natural.
Without thinking, he shifted his weight when stepping over a loose plank.
His foot landed perfectly.
Hayato blinked.
"That was… automatic."
Instinctive movement.
He tried again.
This time he ran faster.
The wind brushed against his face as he picked up speed.
When he reached a pile of fishing crates blocking part of the dock, he jumped.
His body twisted slightly in midair.
He landed smoothly without losing balance.
Hayato stopped running.
"…Okay."
That definitely wasn't normal for a five-year-old.
He looked down at his hands.
The system wasn't giving him superpowers.
It was sharpening his natural instincts.
Like his body already knew how to move.
A voice suddenly called from behind him.
"Hayato!"
He turned around.
Ippo was running toward him, still half asleep and rubbing his eyes.
"You woke up really early again," Ippo said, panting.
Hayato shrugged.
"Couldn't sleep."
Ippo looked at the empty dock.
"Were you running?"
"Yeah."
Ippo's eyes lit up.
"Can I try?"
Hayato smiled slightly.
"Sure."
The two boys lined up at one end of the dock.
"First one to the boat wins," Hayato said, pointing to a fishing boat tied near the end of the pier.
Ippo nodded seriously.
"Okay!"
"Ready…"
"Go!"
They ran.
Ippo's steps were heavy but determined.
Hayato ran beside him, matching his pace.
Even though Hayato could easily pull ahead, he held back.
He already knew something important about Ippo.
The kid hated losing.
But more importantly—
He loved improving.
If Hayato crushed him too badly, it might discourage him.
Halfway down the dock, Ippo started breathing harder.
"Almost… there…" he puffed.
Hayato slowed slightly.
Ippo reached the boat first and grabbed the rope hanging from its side.
"I win!" he said proudly.
Hayato jogged up beside him.
"Good job."
Ippo grinned.
Then his stomach growled loudly.
Both boys froze.
Hayato burst out laughing.
"You're unbelievable."
"I'm hungry!" Ippo protested.
At that moment, a voice echoed from the house behind them.
"Breakfast is ready!"
It was Ippo's mother.
The boys looked at each other.
Then they sprinted back toward the house.
Breakfast at the Makunouchi home was simple but warm.
Grilled fish.
Rice.
Miso soup.
Hayato's mother poured tea while watching the boys eat like starving wolves.
"You two were running again, weren't you?" she asked.
Ippo nodded enthusiastically.
"We raced!"
His mother smiled.
"Just don't fall into the water."
After breakfast, the boys helped carry boxes of fish to the small delivery truck.
Even at five years old, Ippo insisted on helping his mother with the family business.
He struggled with one heavy box.
Hayato stepped beside him.
"Lift from the bottom," he said.
Together they carried it onto the truck.
Ippo wiped sweat from his forehead.
"Thanks."
Hayato looked at the stacks of boxes.
This is where it starts.
In the original story, carrying heavy fish crates was what built Ippo's incredible punching power.
Without realizing it, the kid had been strength training for years.
Hayato picked up another box.
If that was the case…
Then he might as well train too.
By the time the truck was loaded, both boys were sweating.
Ippo collapsed onto the ground.
"That was hard…"
Hayato sat beside him.
"You'll get stronger."
Ippo stared at his hands.
"Do you think so?"
Hayato looked out toward the sea.
He knew exactly how strong Ippo would become one day.
But Ippo didn't need to hear that yet.
Instead, Hayato gave a simple answer.
"Yeah."
Ippo smiled.
Satisfied with that.
Later that evening, Hayato returned to the docks alone.
The sunset painted the ocean orange.
He took a deep breath.
"System."
The screen appeared again.
---
Wally Template — 3%
Ginpachi Nekota Template — 2%
Ability: Instinctive Movement
---
Hayato clenched his fists.
A small grin appeared on his face.
"If the monsters of this world are waiting inside the ring…"
He stepped forward and began shadowboxing under the fading sunlight.
His punches were clumsy.
His footwork uneven.
But something about his movements felt natural.
Like a predator slowly learning how to hunt.
Hayato exhaled slowly.
"Then I'll be ready for them."
The waves crashed gently against the dock.
And far in the future…
A boxer with the eyes of a falcon was quietly taking his first steps toward the ring.
Chapter 3: A Body That Remembers
The morning sun hung low over the docks as Hayato stood alone near the water.
The tide rolled gently beneath the wooden planks. Fishing boats creaked as ropes tightened and loosened with the waves.
Hayato lifted his hands in front of him.
Loose fists.
Elbows tucked.
Then he threw a punch.
It wasn't very fast.
It wasn't very strong.
But the motion felt… familiar.
Hayato frowned slightly and threw another.
Left.
Right.
Left again.
His shoulders turned naturally with the punch, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
He stopped.
"That's weird."
He had never boxed in his previous life.
Sure, he had watched plenty of fights. Anime, matches, highlight clips online. But watching something and doing it were completely different.
Yet somehow…
His body felt like it understood the rhythm.
He tried again.
This time he focused on his feet.
Step.
Turn.
Punch.
The movement flowed together better than it should have.
Hayato lowered his arms slowly.
"So this is the template effect…"
The Wally Template.
Even at only three percent, it was already changing how his body reacted.
It wasn't giving him knowledge like a book.
Instead, it was giving him instinct.
His muscles seemed to understand balance and timing without needing conscious thought.
Hayato exhaled slowly.
"Alright… let's test something."
He looked around the dock.
A stack of empty fishing crates sat nearby.
Hayato walked over and climbed onto one of them.
The surface was narrow.
Unstable.
Perfect.
He bent his knees slightly and raised his hands again.
Then he started shadowboxing.
Left step.
Right step.
Small pivot.
The crate wobbled beneath his feet.
Hayato adjusted automatically.
His balance shifted.
His foot slid half an inch to stabilize.
The movement was smooth.
Almost effortless.
Hayato blinked.
"Okay… that's actually impressive."
A sudden voice interrupted him.
"What are you doing?"
Hayato nearly lost his balance and hopped off the crate.
Ippo stood a few meters away holding a bag of fish.
His eyebrows were raised in confusion.
"Were you… dancing?"
Hayato coughed.
"It's not dancing."
"Then what is it?"
Hayato hesitated.
How exactly do you explain boxing to someone who hasn't even seen it yet?
He thought for a moment.
"It's like practice for fighting."
Ippo's eyes widened.
"Fighting?"
"Not the bad kind," Hayato added quickly. "More like… training your body."
Ippo walked closer.
"Can I try?"
Hayato studied him.
This was interesting.
In the original story, Ippo didn't discover boxing until much later.
But there was no reason he couldn't introduce the concept earlier.
"Alright," Hayato said. "Stand like this."
He raised his fists again.
Ippo copied him awkwardly.
His elbows stuck out too far.
His feet were too close together.
Hayato walked around him like a coach.
"Spread your feet more."
Ippo adjusted.
"Bend your knees a little."
He tried again.
Hayato nodded.
"Now punch the air."
Ippo threw a punch.
It looked more like he was swatting a mosquito.
Hayato laughed.
"That was terrible."
"Hey!"
"Try turning your shoulder."
Ippo attempted it again.
This time the punch looked slightly better.
Still clumsy.
But stronger.
Ippo blinked in surprise.
"That felt different."
Hayato crossed his arms.
"Because you used your body, not just your arm."
Ippo stared at his fist.
For a moment he looked thoughtful.
Then he suddenly started throwing punches repeatedly.
Left.
Right.
Left again.
His movements were sloppy but enthusiastic.
Hayato watched quietly.
Even now, there were hints of the power Ippo would one day possess.
The kid naturally put his weight into his punches.
That strength would become terrifying in the future.
After a minute, Ippo stopped.
He was breathing hard.
"That's tiring."
Hayato smirked.
"You threw like twenty punches."
"That's a lot!"
Hayato shook his head.
"You're hopeless."
Ippo laughed sheepishly.
They walked back toward the house together.
But halfway there, Hayato suddenly stopped.
A strange feeling ran down his spine.
He turned around slowly.
The dock was empty.
Fishing boats.
Crates.
Seagulls.
Nothing unusual.
Yet something inside him felt alert.
Sharp.
Like an animal sensing danger.
Hayato narrowed his eyes.
What was that?
Then he realized.
The sensation wasn't fear.
It was awareness.
His senses felt… heightened.
Hayato whispered quietly.
"System."
The screen appeared again.
---
User: Hayato Suzuki
Age: 5
Wally Template — 3%
Ginpachi Nekota Template — 2%
Passive Effect Detected:
Instinctive Awareness
---
Hayato stared at the words.
"So the Nekota template affects senses…"
That made sense.
Ginpachi Nekota had been famous for his wild fighting instincts.
If Hayato inherited even a fraction of that…
His reaction speed and awareness would become dangerous.
The screen vanished.
"Hayato?"
Ippo tilted his head.
"What are you looking at?"
"Nothing."
Hayato started walking again.
But inside his mind, excitement was growing.
Every day his body was adapting.
Little by little.
Instinct.
Balance.
Awareness.
These weren't flashy abilities.
But in boxing…
They were everything.
Hayato looked toward the distant horizon where the ocean met the sky.
Somewhere out there were fighters who would dominate the world.
Monsters of the ring.
Future champions.
Hayato clenched his fist.
"Let's see how far I can go."
Beside him, Ippo suddenly spoke.
"Hey, Hayato."
"What?"
"Can we do the punching practice again tomorrow?"
Hayato smiled slightly.
"Yeah."
And just like that…
Two future boxers unknowingly took another step toward the ring.
Chapter 4: The First Bullies
A few months passed quietly.
Life at the docks followed the same rhythm every day.
School in the morning.
Helping at the fishing business in the afternoon.
Training whenever Hayato could find a moment alone.
Sometimes Ippo joined him.
Most of the time, he didn't understand what they were really practicing. To him it was just another game.
Punching the air.
Running races.
Balancing on crates.
But little by little, both boys were changing.
Hayato's movements grew smoother each day.
His body reacted faster.
Lighter.
Like his muscles were learning a language his mind didn't fully understand yet.
Meanwhile, Ippo was getting stronger.
Carrying fish boxes every day had begun to show.
His arms were thicker.
His grip stronger.
He still didn't realize it, but the foundation for his future power was already forming.
Unfortunately, some other kids had started noticing him too.
---
It happened after school.
Hayato was waiting near the gate when he heard shouting from the alley behind the building.
"Hey, look at this!"
A familiar nervous voice answered.
"P-please give that back…"
Hayato's eyes narrowed.
He walked around the corner.
Three boys stood in the alley.
They were older.
Bigger.
And standing in front of them was Ippo.
One of the boys held Ippo's schoolbag above his head.
Another shoved him in the shoulder.
"Come on, fish boy," the tallest one laughed. "Jump for it."
Ippo tried reaching for the bag, but the boy lifted it higher.
The other two laughed.
"Look at him!"
"He smells like fish!"
"Of course he does," the tall one said. "His mom sells them."
They shoved Ippo again.
He stumbled backward but didn't fight back.
Hayato watched silently from the end of the alley.
So it starts.
This was exactly how it began in the original story.
Ippo had always been an easy target.
Too kind.
Too gentle.
Too unwilling to hurt anyone.
The tall boy tossed the bag to his friend.
"Maybe we should throw it in the river."
Ippo's face turned pale.
"No! Please don't!"
The bullies laughed again.
That was when Hayato stepped forward.
The sound of his footsteps echoed softly against the concrete.
All four boys turned.
The tall bully frowned.
"Who are you?"
Hayato stopped a few steps away.
His expression was calm.
Too calm for a kid his age.
"I think that bag belongs to him."
The bully looked at Ippo.
Then back at Hayato.
"And?"
Hayato held out his hand.
"Give it back."
For a moment the alley was silent.
Then the boys burst out laughing.
"Did you hear that?" one of them said.
"This little guy thinks he's tough!"
The tall one smirked.
"You want it back?"
He tossed the bag high into the air.
It landed in a dirty puddle behind them.
Ippo gasped.
"My bag!"
The bullies laughed harder.
Hayato's eyes slowly moved to the puddle.
Then back to the boys.
Something inside him shifted.
A cold feeling spread through his chest.
His instincts sharpened.
The alley suddenly felt quiet.
Too quiet.
Even the bullies noticed something change.
The tall one frowned.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Hayato took one step forward.
His movements were slow.
Relaxed.
But something about him felt… wrong.
Like a predator quietly walking closer.
The bully felt it too.
"Back off," he snapped.
Hayato didn't stop.
The boy holding the bag suddenly pushed Ippo forward.
"Fine, take him then!"
Ippo stumbled.
Hayato caught him before he fell.
"You okay?" Hayato asked quietly.
Ippo nodded nervously.
Hayato looked back at the bullies.
"Go pick up the bag."
The tall boy's face turned red.
"Who do you think you are?"
He stepped forward and grabbed Hayato's shirt.
Big mistake.
Hayato's body moved on instinct.
His foot shifted.
His shoulder turned.
His fist shot forward.
THUMP.
The punch landed square in the bully's stomach.
The boy's eyes widened.
All the air left his lungs at once.
He collapsed onto his knees, gasping.
The other two froze.
They hadn't expected that.
Neither had Ippo.
Hayato lowered his fist slowly.
The movement had been automatic.
Smooth.
Efficient.
Even he was surprised.
The two remaining bullies grabbed their friend.
"Let's go!"
They ran out of the alley as fast as they could.
Silence returned.
Ippo stared at Hayato in shock.
"You… you punched him."
Hayato shrugged.
"He grabbed my shirt."
Ippo looked amazed.
"I didn't know you could fight."
Hayato glanced down at his fist.
Neither did I.
But his body had reacted perfectly.
Like it already understood how to strike.
The system screen appeared briefly in his vision.
---
Synchronization Progress Updated
Wally Template — 4%
Ginpachi Nekota Template — 3%
New Trait Detected:
Combat Instinct (Minor)
---
The screen disappeared.
Hayato exhaled slowly.
"So that's how it works…"
Ippo picked up his wet schoolbag and brushed the dirt off it.
Then he looked at Hayato again.
His eyes were shining.
"That was amazing!"
Hayato scratched the back of his head.
"It wasn't that impressive."
To him, the fight had lasted less than a second.
But something important had just changed.
The timeline had shifted.
In the original story, Ippo had endured years of bullying before someone finally stepped in.
But now…
Things were different.
Hayato turned and started walking home.
"Come on," he said.
Ippo quickly followed him.
After a moment, he spoke quietly.
"Hey, Hayato?"
"What?"
"…Can you teach me how to punch like that?"
Hayato smiled slightly.
"Maybe."
And somewhere in the distance…
The first small ripple in fate had just begun.
Chapter 5: The First Lesson
The walk home was quieter than usual.
Ippo kept glancing at Hayato every few seconds, his eyes still wide with excitement.
Finally he couldn't hold it in anymore.
"Hayato!"
"What?"
"That punch you did earlier… how did you do that?"
Hayato kept walking.
"It was just a punch."
"No it wasn't!" Ippo protested. "It was super fast!"
Hayato scratched his cheek.
Trying to explain instinctive boxing mechanics to a five-year-old was not exactly easy.
"It's mostly about balance," he said. "And using your whole body."
Ippo blinked.
"My whole body?"
Hayato stopped walking.
"Alright. Show me how you punch."
Ippo straightened up immediately.
He clenched his fist and threw a punch through the air.
It looked exactly like before.
All arm.
No structure.
Hayato shook his head.
"That's the problem."
Ippo tilted his head.
"Huh?"
"You're punching with your arm," Hayato said. "But your arm isn't very strong."
Ippo looked slightly offended.
"It's not?"
Hayato pointed to the ground.
"Stand like this."
He placed his feet shoulder-width apart.
"Knees a little bent."
Ippo copied him carefully.
Hayato nodded.
"Good. Now twist your hips when you punch."
Ippo tried.
His punch wobbled awkwardly.
Hayato sighed.
"Okay, watch me."
He stepped forward.
Left foot.
Right foot.
His shoulders turned as his fist shot forward.
Even though the punch wasn't very strong, the movement looked smooth.
Controlled.
Ippo's eyes sparkled.
"That looked cool!"
Hayato shrugged.
"Try again."
Ippo took a deep breath and punched.
This time his body turned slightly.
The punch looked better.
"Hey!" Ippo said. "That felt stronger!"
Hayato nodded.
"Because it was."
Ippo stared at his fist like it was something new.
"Whoa…"
Hayato started walking again.
"Let's go. Your mom's waiting."
Ippo quickly followed.
But his arms kept moving as he practiced punching while walking.
Left.
Right.
Left again.
Hayato watched from the corner of his eye.
He really likes this.
That was good.
Interest was the first step toward improvement.
But Hayato knew something Ippo didn't.
The road ahead would not be easy.
The boxing world was brutal.
Every fighter in that world had clawed their way to the ring with sweat and blood.
Hayato looked down at his hand.
His instincts had saved him today.
But instinct alone wasn't enough.
He needed real training.
Real skill.
And most importantly…
A stronger body.
---
Later that evening, the house was quiet again.
Ippo had already fallen asleep.
Hayato stepped outside.
The docks were calm under the moonlight.
Perfect.
He walked to the open space near the fishing boats and raised his fists.
"System."
The screen appeared immediately.
---
User: Hayato Suzuki
Age: 5
Wally Template — 4%
Ginpachi Nekota Template — 3%
Traits:
Instinctive Movement
Instinctive Awareness
Combat Instinct (Minor)
---
Hayato studied the screen.
"Still small numbers."
But that was expected.
Progress would take time.
He lowered the screen and started shadowboxing.
Left step.
Right step.
Pivot.
Punch.
The movements flowed more naturally now.
His body adjusted automatically whenever he lost balance.
His feet slid across the wooden planks with quiet precision.
Hayato focused on his breathing.
Slow inhale.
Controlled exhale.
Punch.
Again.
And again.
After a few minutes, sweat rolled down his forehead.
But something strange happened.
His body didn't feel tired the way it normally would.
Instead, it felt… energized.
Like every movement sharpened his senses.
Hayato suddenly changed direction.
He spun and threw a quick punch into the air.
Fast.
Much faster than before.
He blinked.
"That one felt good."
The system screen flickered briefly.
---
Movement Efficiency Increased
---
Hayato laughed quietly.
"So even practice helps the templates grow."
That meant something important.
He didn't need special quests.
He didn't need magical items.
All he had to do was train.
Just like a real boxer.
Hayato lowered his fists and looked out at the ocean.
Somewhere in the future…
Inside a crowded arena…
He knew monsters like Ricardo Martinez and Takeshi Sendo would be waiting.
Champions.
Legends.
Fighters who had pushed themselves beyond human limits.
Hayato clenched his fist.
"I'll meet you someday."
Behind him, the door to the house suddenly slid open.
Ippo stepped outside rubbing his eyes.
"Hayato?"
Hayato turned.
"What are you doing up?"
"I woke up," Ippo mumbled. "You weren't there."
He walked closer and looked at Hayato's stance.
"Oh! Are you doing the punching thing again?"
Hayato hesitated.
Then he nodded.
"Yeah."
Ippo brightened instantly.
"Can I try too?"
Hayato sighed.
"You should be sleeping."
"Please?"
Hayato looked at him for a moment.
Then he smiled slightly.
"Fine."
Ippo jumped excitedly.
Hayato stepped beside him and raised his fists again.
"Alright," he said.
"Lesson two."
Under the quiet moonlight of the fishing docks…
Two small boys practiced punching the air.
Neither of them knew it yet.
But the boxing world had just gained two future fighters.
Chapter 6: Small Changes
The bullying didn't stop.
Hayato had expected that.
One punch wasn't enough to scare kids like that forever.
Bullies didn't work that way.
But something had definitely changed.
They no longer surrounded Ippo alone.
They no longer shoved him around without hesitation.
Whenever they saw Hayato nearby, they kept their distance.
For now, that was enough.
---
After school, the two boys walked toward the docks together.
Ippo carried a small crate of fish in both arms.
He was sweating, but his expression was determined.
"Careful," Hayato said. "You'll drop it."
"I'm fine," Ippo replied.
Two steps later, the crate tilted dangerously.
Hayato grabbed the side and steadied it.
"I said careful."
Ippo laughed nervously.
"Okay… maybe it's a little heavy."
They set the crate down near the delivery truck.
Ippo wiped his forehead.
"You've gotten stronger," Hayato said.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Ippo flexed his arm proudly.
The muscle was still small, but compared to other kids their age, he was already ahead.
Years of helping with the fishing business had built a surprising amount of strength.
Hayato glanced at the stacked crates.
This is basically weight training.
No gym.
No equipment.
Just raw labor.
And it worked.
Hayato grabbed another crate.
"Come on."
The two boys spent the next hour helping load the truck.
By the time they finished, both were breathing hard.
Ippo collapsed onto the wooden dock.
"That was harder than punching practice…"
Hayato sat beside him.
"You'll get used to it."
Ippo stared at the ocean.
"Hey, Hayato?"
"What?"
"Why do you train so much?"
The question hung in the air.
Hayato thought about it.
He could tell the truth.
Because I know the future.
Because monsters exist in this world.
Because the boxing ring is waiting.
But none of that would make sense to Ippo.
So Hayato gave a simpler answer.
"I want to be strong."
Ippo nodded slowly.
"Strong like the guy on that poster?"
Hayato blinked.
"What poster?"
"The one at the convenience store," Ippo said. "The boxing one."
Hayato remembered it.
A small promotional poster for a local boxing event.
It showed a fighter standing inside a ring with his gloves raised.
For most people, it was just advertising.
For Hayato…
It was a reminder of the world he now lived in.
"Yeah," Hayato said quietly.
"Strong like that."
Ippo smiled.
"Then I'll get strong too."
Hayato chuckled.
"You already are."
Ippo shook his head.
"No way. Those guys are huge."
"That doesn't matter," Hayato said. "Strength isn't just about size."
Ippo looked curious.
"Then what is it?"
Hayato tapped his chest.
"Here."
Ippo blinked.
"Your heart?"
"Yeah."
Ippo thought about that for a moment.
Then he nodded seriously.
"Okay."
Hayato couldn't help smiling.
The kid was unbelievably sincere.
---
That night, Hayato returned to the docks again.
The sky was clear.
Stars reflected faintly across the dark water.
Hayato stretched his arms and legs before starting his training.
Left step.
Right step.
Pivot.
Punch.
His movements were sharper now.
Faster.
Every day his body adapted more.
His balance had improved dramatically.
Even when the wooden planks shifted beneath his feet, his body corrected itself instantly.
Hayato stopped and breathed slowly.
"System."
The screen appeared.
---
User: Hayato Suzuki
Age: 5
Wally Template — 5%
Ginpachi Nekota Template — 3%
Traits:
Instinctive Movement
Instinctive Awareness
Combat Instinct (Minor)
---
Hayato raised an eyebrow.
"So the Wally template increased again."
That made sense.
Most of his training focused on movement.
Footwork.
Balance.
Speed.
The system seemed to reward whatever he practiced most.
Hayato closed the screen.
"Good."
He stepped forward again.
This time he practiced dodging.
Lean left.
Step right.
Slip backward.
Even without an opponent, his body reacted like it was avoiding punches.
It was subtle.
But the instincts were growing stronger.
Hayato suddenly stopped.
A quiet sound came from behind him.
Footsteps.
He turned his head slightly.
Ippo stood there again.
Half asleep.
"Hayato…"
Hayato sighed.
"You're supposed to be sleeping."
"I woke up again," Ippo mumbled.
He looked at Hayato's stance.
"Oh! Training!"
Hayato rubbed his forehead.
"You really need more sleep."
"But I want to learn too," Ippo said.
Hayato looked at him for a moment.
Then he stepped aside.
"Alright."
Ippo brightened instantly.
"Really?!"
Hayato nodded.
"Tonight we practice something different."
Ippo raised his fists excitedly.
"What is it?"
Hayato demonstrated slowly.
A small step forward.
A quick shift of his weight.
Then a short punch.
"Footwork," Hayato said.
"Foot… work?"
"Your feet control everything," Hayato explained.
"If your feet are slow, your punches will be slow too."
Ippo tried copying him.
Step.
Punch.
He nearly tripped.
Hayato grabbed his shoulder before he fell.
"Easy."
Ippo laughed.
"This is harder than it looks."
"Of course it is."
But Ippo kept trying.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Hayato watched him quietly.
The kid was clumsy.
Slow.
Uncoordinated.
But he never gave up.
That stubborn determination would one day shake the entire boxing world.
Hayato looked up at the stars.
Maybe I really can change things.
Beside him, Ippo threw another punch and nearly spun in a circle.
"Whoa!"
Hayato burst out laughing.
"Okay, that one definitely doesn't count."
Under the quiet night sky, the two boys continued practicing.
Step by step.
Punch by punch.
The road to the boxing ring had already begun.
Chapter 7: A Fighter's Balance
The next morning, Hayato woke up with sore legs.
He sat up slowly on his futon and stretched.
"Ah… that's new."
His calves burned slightly from last night's footwork practice.
Even with the system enhancing his instincts, his body still had limits.
Actually, that was a good thing.
If he improved too quickly, it would become suspicious.
Hayato glanced at the other futon.
Ippo was still asleep, wrapped in his blanket like a cocoon.
One arm hung off the side.
His mouth was slightly open.
Hayato shook his head.
"You stayed up too late."
He quietly stood and stepped outside.
The early morning air felt crisp against his skin.
Perfect weather for running.
Hayato started jogging along the docks again.
Step.
Step.
Step.
His pace was steady.
Not fast.
Not slow.
Just enough to warm his body.
As he ran, he focused on his footing.
The wooden planks beneath him were uneven.
Some were slightly loose.
Others tilted when stepped on.
Perfect training ground.
Every time the dock shifted under his weight, his body corrected automatically.
His ankle adjusted.
His hips rotated slightly.
His balance returned instantly.
Hayato smiled.
"This place is basically a natural training gym."
After a few laps, he stopped near the end of the pier.
Fishing boats rocked quietly in the water.
Hayato took a deep breath.
Then he stepped onto the edge of the wooden railing.
It was narrow.
Barely wide enough for his foot.
Most kids would immediately fall.
Hayato raised his fists.
"Let's test this."
He began moving slowly.
Step.
Step.
Tiny adjustments in his balance kept him steady.
Then he threw a punch.
The railing wobbled slightly.
His body shifted automatically to compensate.
Hayato grinned.
"Nice."
Even at only five percent synchronization, the Wally Template was making a huge difference.
Movement.
Balance.
Adaptability.
Those were Wally's greatest strengths.
And they were slowly becoming his too.
Hayato suddenly heard footsteps behind him.
"Hayato!"
He turned his head.
Ippo was running toward him again.
"Careful!" Ippo shouted. "You're going to fall!"
Hayato hopped down easily.
"I'm fine."
Ippo stopped in front of him and stared at the railing.
"You were standing on that?"
"Yeah."
"Why?"
Hayato shrugged.
"Balance practice."
Ippo looked impressed.
"That's cool."
Hayato studied him.
"Want to try?"
Ippo froze.
"…Is it safe?"
Hayato smirked.
"You won't know unless you try."
Ippo hesitated.
Then he slowly climbed onto the railing.
His arms immediately started flailing.
"Whoa—whoa—whoa!"
Hayato grabbed his shoulder before he tipped over.
"Relax."
"I am relaxed!" Ippo squeaked.
"You look like a windmill."
Ippo puffed his cheeks.
"This is scary!"
Hayato laughed.
"Focus on your feet."
Ippo looked down.
"Don't look down!" he said immediately.
Hayato sighed.
"Just step slowly."
Ippo took a tiny step.
The railing wobbled.
His arms waved again.
But somehow he stayed upright.
"Hey," Ippo said nervously. "I'm doing it."
"Yeah."
Another step.
Then another.
After three steps, Ippo jumped down quickly.
"That was terrifying."
Hayato nodded.
"You lasted longer than I expected."
Ippo grinned proudly.
"Really?"
"Most people fall immediately."
Ippo pumped his fist.
"Yes!"
Hayato chuckled.
Encouragement worked wonders on him.
The two boys sat at the edge of the dock and looked out at the ocean.
Seagulls flew overhead.
The water sparkled under the rising sun.
Ippo stretched his arms.
"Hayato?"
"What?"
"Do you think we could really become boxers someday?"
Hayato didn't answer immediately.
He already knew the answer.
At least for Ippo.
The future held championships.
Title defenses.
Legendary matches.
But Hayato himself…
His future was still unwritten.
"I think we can," Hayato finally said.
Ippo smiled.
"Then I'm going to train really hard."
Hayato looked at him.
"You already do."
Ippo tilted his head.
"Carrying fish counts?"
"Of course it does."
Ippo laughed.
"That's the weirdest training ever."
Hayato stood up.
"Come on. Let's race."
"To where?"
Hayato pointed down the long stretch of dock.
"To the lighthouse."
Ippo's eyes lit up.
"You're on!"
"Ready…"
Both boys leaned forward.
"Go!"
They sprinted down the dock.
Hayato's feet moved quickly and smoothly.
Ippo ran with heavy but powerful strides.
The wind rushed past them.
For a moment, nothing existed except the race.
Halfway down the dock, Hayato accelerated.
His body leaned forward slightly.
His feet struck the ground with perfect rhythm.
He reached the lighthouse first.
Ippo stumbled in a few seconds later and collapsed onto the ground.
"Not… fair…"
Hayato laughed.
"You're getting faster though."
Ippo rolled onto his back and stared at the sky.
"I'll beat you someday."
Hayato looked down at him.
"I'm counting on it."
Because deep down…
Hayato knew something important.
The stronger Ippo became…
The stronger he would have to become too.
The boxing world was waiting for both of them.
And this quiet dock was where it all began.
Chapter 8: The Feeling of Danger
School had just ended.
Students poured out of the front gate in noisy groups.
Hayato walked beside Ippo as usual, their bags hanging loosely over their shoulders.
Ippo was talking about lunch.
Again.
"And then Tanaka dropped his bread on the floor, but he still ate it!"
Hayato raised an eyebrow.
"That's disgusting."
"I know!" Ippo laughed. "But he said the five-second rule—"
Hayato suddenly stopped walking.
Ippo took two more steps before noticing.
"Hayato?"
Hayato didn't answer.
Something felt wrong.
It was subtle.
A faint tightening in his chest.
A prickling sensation along the back of his neck.
His instincts were reacting again.
He slowly turned his head toward the alley beside the school.
Empty.
But the feeling didn't disappear.
Hayato narrowed his eyes.
Someone's watching.
Then footsteps echoed from the other end of the alley.
Three familiar figures stepped into view.
The bullies.
But this time they weren't laughing.
And they weren't alone.
Two older boys stood behind them.
Bigger.
Much bigger.
One of them cracked his knuckles.
The tall bully from before pointed at Hayato.
"That's him."
The bigger boy looked Hayato up and down.
Then he smirked.
"So you're the kid who punched my brother."
Hayato's expression stayed calm.
Of course.
Bullies almost always returned with backup.
Ippo stepped closer to Hayato.
"Hayato…"
The fear in his voice was obvious.
Hayato glanced sideways.
"Stay behind me."
The tall boy stepped forward.
"You embarrassed him pretty badly."
Hayato shrugged.
"He grabbed my shirt."
The bigger boy laughed.
"Yeah? Well now I'm grabbing you."
He started walking closer.
Each step was heavy.
Confident.
The alley suddenly felt smaller.
Hayato's instincts sharpened.
His eyes tracked every movement.
Weight distribution.
Foot placement.
Shoulder tension.
Even at a young age, the system helped him analyze small details automatically.
He's slow.
Strong.
But slow.
Hayato exhaled quietly.
The bully reached out to grab him.
The moment his hand moved—
Hayato stepped sideways.
Smooth.
Effortless.
The bully's hand closed on empty air.
"Huh?"
Before he could react, Hayato's fist shot forward.
THUD.
The punch landed against the boy's ribs.
Not full strength.
But precise.
The bigger boy stumbled backward.
Surprise flashed across his face.
"You little—"
He swung his arm wildly.
Hayato leaned back.
The punch sliced through the air in front of his face.
Too slow.
Hayato pivoted on his foot.
Another short punch.
THUMP.
This time it landed in the boy's stomach.
The air left his lungs instantly.
He dropped to one knee, coughing.
Silence filled the alley.
The other boys stared in shock.
Even Ippo looked stunned.
Hayato lowered his fists slowly.
His heart was beating faster now.
But his breathing stayed calm.
The system screen flickered briefly.
---
Combat Instinct Improving
Nekota Template — 4%
---
Hayato glanced at the remaining boys.
They looked terrified.
"Are you done?" Hayato asked.
None of them answered.
Instead they grabbed their friend and quickly backed away.
"This isn't over!" one of them shouted before running off.
The alley grew quiet again.
Ippo stared at Hayato.
"That was amazing…"
Hayato rubbed the back of his neck.
"It wasn't that impressive."
Ippo shook his head rapidly.
"No way! That guy was huge!"
Hayato looked at his hands.
The fight had felt almost automatic.
His body reacted before his brain had time to think.
Footwork.
Timing.
Angles.
Even now, the instincts from the templates were guiding him.
But something else lingered in his chest.
That strange feeling from earlier.
The pressure that had made the bullies hesitate.
Hayato frowned slightly.
Was that… Sakki?
It was too weak to be certain.
But the reaction from the bullies suggested something unusual.
Ippo suddenly grabbed Hayato's arm.
"You're like a real fighter!"
Hayato chuckled.
"Hardly."
But inside…
A small spark of excitement burned.
If his instincts kept growing like this…
Then maybe he could truly stand inside the boxing ring someday.
Not just as a spectator.
But as a fighter.
Hayato turned toward the street.
"Let's go home."
Ippo followed immediately.
But he kept glancing at Hayato with admiration.
"Hey, Hayato?"
"What?"
"Tomorrow… can we train more?"
Hayato smiled slightly.
"Yeah."
Because the stronger they became now…
The closer they moved toward the future waiting for them.
And somewhere ahead on that path…
The boxing world was watching.
Chapter 9: A Different Kind of Strength
The news spread quickly.
By the next morning, nearly everyone at school had heard about the fight in the alley.
Kids whispered in the hallways.
Some looked curious.
Others looked impressed.
A few even looked afraid.
Hayato noticed it the moment he walked through the school gate.
Two boys who normally pushed past him quickly stepped aside.
One of them muttered, "That's him."
Hayato sighed quietly.
Great.
Attention was the last thing he wanted.
Beside him, Ippo looked confused.
"Why is everyone staring?"
"Don't worry about it," Hayato said.
But inside, he knew exactly why.
Beating up a bigger kid always caused rumors.
And rumors traveled fast in schools.
As they reached their classroom, a small group of boys blocked the doorway.
Hayato immediately recognized one of them.
The tall bully from before.
His stomach was probably still sore.
He glared at Hayato but didn't step forward.
Instead, he pointed at him.
"You got lucky yesterday."
Hayato didn't stop walking.
"Maybe."
The bully's face twitched.
"You think you're tough?"
Hayato shrugged.
"Not really."
That calm answer confused the boy even more.
Before he could respond, the teacher walked into the hallway.
"Alright, everyone inside."
The group quickly scattered.
Hayato and Ippo entered the classroom and took their seats.
Ippo leaned closer.
"You really made them mad."
Hayato opened his notebook.
"They'll get over it."
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Bullies were stubborn.
But something had definitely changed.
Before, they saw Ippo as an easy target.
Now there was uncertainty.
Fear.
Hayato glanced out the window.
That buys us time.
---
After school, the two boys returned to the docks.
The ocean breeze felt stronger than usual.
Fishing nets hung from wooden poles.
Seagulls cried overhead.
Hayato placed a small crate on the ground.
"Alright."
Ippo's eyes lit up.
"Training?"
"Training."
Ippo immediately raised his fists.
Hayato shook his head.
"Not punching today."
"Huh?"
"We're working on balance."
Ippo looked suspicious.
"…Does this involve standing on the railing again?"
"Yes."
Ippo groaned.
But he climbed onto the railing anyway.
His arms flailed immediately.
Hayato stood nearby, ready to catch him.
"Focus on your feet," Hayato said.
"I am focusing!"
"You look like you're fighting the air."
"I might fall!"
"You won't."
Ippo took a careful step.
Then another.
The railing creaked under his weight.
But this time he stayed steady longer.
Hayato nodded.
"Better."
Ippo beamed.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Encouragement always worked.
Hayato stepped onto the railing beside him.
His movements were far smoother.
Step.
Step.
Step.
He didn't even look down.
Ippo stared in amazement.
"How do you do that?"
Hayato shrugged.
"Practice."
The truth was more complicated than that.
But practice was still a big part of it.
They jumped down after a few minutes.
Ippo stretched his arms.
"That's harder than punching."
"Everything in boxing starts with balance," Hayato said.
Ippo blinked.
"Really?"
"If you can't stay balanced, you can't punch properly."
Ippo thought about that.
Then he nodded seriously.
"Okay."
Hayato smiled.
The kid absorbed advice like a sponge.
That would help him a lot in the future.
---
Later that night, Hayato returned to the docks again.
The sky was dark.
Only the moon reflected across the water.
Hayato raised his fists.
Left step.
Right step.
Pivot.
Punch.
His movements flowed naturally now.
The rhythm of boxing was slowly becoming part of his body.
Hayato suddenly slipped to the side.
Then forward.
Then back.
Shadowboxing against an imaginary opponent.
His breathing remained steady.
Controlled.
A faint glow appeared in his vision.
---
Synchronization Update
Wally Template — 6%
Ginpachi Nekota Template — 4%
---
Hayato smiled slightly.
"Slow progress… but progress."
He lowered his fists.
A cool wind rolled across the ocean.
Hayato looked out toward the horizon.
Somewhere far in the future…
The boxing ring awaited.
Crowds.
Bright lights.
World champions.
And brutal fights.
Hayato clenched his fist.
"I'll get there."
Behind him, the door to the house creaked open again.
Hayato didn't even turn around.
"You're awake again, Ippo."
Ippo walked over rubbing his eyes.
"How did you know?"
Hayato smirked.
"I heard the door."
Ippo looked impressed.
"You're like a ninja."
"Hardly."
Ippo raised his fists again.
"Can we train more?"
Hayato sighed.
"You really don't give up."
Ippo grinned.
"Nope."
Hayato chuckled.
"Alright."
Under the quiet moonlight of the fishing docks…
Two boys continued practicing.
Punch by punch.
Step by step.
Their journey toward the boxing ring had only just begun.