IPPO : The Ultimate Counter

The return to the Kamogawa gym was marked by an atmosphere of intense preparation. Ippo, Takamura, Ryuu and the other members of the team were getting back into shape after their training on the beach.

Kamogawa: "So this training has paid off?"

Takamura: "Yes, old man, they are in great shape. HAHA!"

Kamogawa: "In great shape? Aoki and Kimura look like zombies."

Aoki: "I don't know my legs anymore."

Kimura: " Leg...? It's my life that I don't feel anymore. it was torture"

Takamura: "It's just normal training. After that I understand you, not everyone is a monster like me"

As Aoki and Kimura continued to complain, Yagi entered with documents in his hands.

Yagi: (giving a tournament bracket to Ippo) " Ippo, here is your bracket for the Eastern Conference Hopefuls Tournament. Look closely, there are some good opponents in your way. "

Ippo picked up the board with trembling hands, his eyes settling on the name of his first opponent: Jason Ozuma. The name echoed in his head like a challenge he would have to face.

Ippo: (frowning) "Jason Ozuma... An American soldier assigned to the Misawa military base, huh? Rumor has it that he's really strong..."

Yagi: (smiling slightly) "Yes, he's a real colossus. He has an overpowering right hook, capable of sending anyone to the hospital. But, like all boxers, he has weak points. You'll have to be ready for anything."

Reading the chart in more detail, Ippo got another shock: Miyata could be in his way in the finals. His heart sank at the thought.

Ippo: (thoughtful) "Miyata... I could meet him in the finals. If I make it that far, it will mean that I have overcome all obstacles, including... him."

Kamogawa (knowing Ippo's thoughts): "You don't have to worry about that, Ippo. Focus on your next fight, and let the rest take its course."

----

Ippo's training began immediately. As he put on his gloves, Kamogawa asked Takamura to be his partner for a dodging session. This wasn't just any training, but specific preparation for the threat of Jason Ozuma and his devastating right hook.

Takamura: (with a mischievous smile) "So, Ippo, do you think you can dodge my hook? Come on, show me what you've got."

At first, Ippo couldn't even keep up. Takamura's hooks flew at an impressive speed, and Ippo found himself on the ground every time.

ippo : "Tchh... that's... that's too fast."

With each blow, he felt the air vibrate and the pressure of Takamura's strength.

Ippo: (out of breath, annoyed) "How am I supposed to dodge that?!"

Takamura: (smiling) "If you want to face Ozuma, you're going to have to adapt, kid. Look closely and move fast!"

Ippo continued to get hit, struggling to find a response. Exhaustion was starting to catch up with him, but he refused to give up.

Suddenly, Ryuu entered the room, observed him silently, then approached Kamogawa.

Ryuu: (calmly) "Ippo, you try to counter brute force with speed. But you must also understand that dodging depends not only on speed but also on rhythm. You must anticipate, not just react."

Kamogawa nodded, observing carefully. Ippo was frustrated, but Ryuu's advice struck him like lightning.

Ippo: (thinking) "Rhythm... That's right. I need to know when the hook is coming before it's too late."

----

[ In another corner of Japan, in a quieter training room ]

Sesuke Kurogami, the reigning lightweight champion, was watching Ryuu's next opponent, Shigeru Tetsuya, train.

Boxer 1: "What is Sesuke Kurogami doing here?"

Boxer 2: "Are you new here or something? Kurogami-Sama is Like Tetsuya-Kun's mentor."

Boxer 1: "His mentor?"

Boxer 2: "Yes! Tetsuya-Kun started boxing because he admired Kurogami and always respected him. His goal was always to defeat him."

After another series of punches, the trainer gave Tetsuya a break, who immediately noticed Kurogami outside the ring.

Kurogami ( With a smile ) : "So ready for your next match?"

Tetsuya: "Yes I will defeat him and come challenge you after"

Kurogami: (seriously) "That's a good attitude... But Ryuu Kaidou is not like the boxers you have faced until now.... beyond his arrogance he is really strong. his power, his strength, his speed, his technique... you will have to surpass yourself if you want to win"

Tetsuya: "I know he is strong. But I will not give up and lose before defeating you. I will show it with my fists on the ring."

Kurogami: "I see. Show me how far you've come, Tetsuya. I can't wait to see this ".

----

[ Back to Ippo's training ]

As the days went by, Ippo's training became more and more intense. With Ryuu's guidance, he began to grasp the dodging technique. Little by little, he managed to anticipate Takamura's hooks, and one day after a devastating right hook from Takamura, Ippo adapted to the rhythm and anticipated perfectly, he dodged the blow and counterattacked with an explosive liver blow that made Takamura retreat.

Ippo: (with joy and relief) "I did it..."

Takamura: (impressed) "Well done, kid. You've progressed well. But don't forget, the opponent won't give you any gifts."

----

Meanwhile, Miyata was training with his father in their gym.

Miyata Senior: "His speed and accuracy have increased. It seems like his defeat has done him a lot of good."

After training, Miyata Senior gave the tournament table to Miyata, and seeing the tournament table as well, he froze when he saw Ippo's name.

Miyata: (with an enigmatic smile) "Ippo... I didn't think we'd meet so soon. I hope you'll be ready because I wouldn't go slowly."

Miyata Senior: "Prepare well, Miyata, and never underestimate your opponent."

Miyata: "That's a mistake I won't make again."

He said as he sent a lightning counter faster than ever.

----

After a long day of training, Ippo and Ryuu decided to go to the bakery where Kumi worked. Ippo, still a little embarrassed in her presence, couldn't help but blush every time she looked at him. Kumi, just as shy, smiled shyly at her.

Kumi: (smiling) "Ippo-kun, did you bring someone with you today?"

Ippo (blushing): "It's Ryuu-kun, a new boxer at our gym."

Kumi: "Hello Ryuu-kun. Did you work well today?"

Ippo: (blushing) "Um... Yes, maybe a little too much."

Ryuu, amused by Ippo's obvious embarrassment, decided to tease a little.

Ryuu: (smiling mischievously) "Ippo, why are you so red? Are you not used to talking to a pretty girl yet?"

Ippo, totally embarrassed, looked for a way to hide behind a section of the bakery door, while Kumi, too, blushed.

Kumi: (kindly) "You're too cute, Ippo-kun."

Ippo (embarrassed): "I was just saying hello, we... we're going to leave, see you later Kumi-Chan"

He grabbed Ryuu and left immediately. As they walked back, Ippo confided in Ryuu as they walked side by side.

Ippo: (clenching his fists) "Ryuu-kun, I'm stressed. This is my first big tournament, and I know I'm going to have to face someone very strong."

Ryuu: (looking at Ippo with a calm smile) "You're feeling pressured, huh? But you know, it's not fear that's going to make you move forward. It's your belief in yourself. Believe in yourself, and everything will be fine."

Ippo looked up, a slight smile on his lips.

Ippo: (determined) "You're right, Ryuu-kun. I'm going to give it my all, to prove that I can go all the way."

Their footsteps echoed on the path, the stars shining above them, witnessing Ippo's determination and the friendship that was growing between them.