IPPO : The Ultimate Counter

The next day, the Kamogawa Gym was a place where the tension was palpable. As each fight approached, each boxer intensified their preparations.

Takamura, more confident than ever, chained the trainings with a fierce determination. Even if he seemed arrogant, he did not take his fight lightly. His body was already ready, but his mind seemed even sharper. The room echoed with the sounds of his powerful punches.

Takamura: (while hitting a punching bag) "I'm already at the top. This tournament is just a formality. But a champion never lets his guard down. I'll show them all what it means to be the best."

Ippo, meanwhile, focused on applying the strategy seen with Kamogawa and his management of the rhythm.

Ippo: "I'll give everything I have. to go all the way."

Finally, Ryuu, relentless and self-assured, seemed to approach the preparation in an almost casual manner. He rehearsed his punches, but his mind was already on his next fight, which he considered a mere formality. He saw victory as a destination already reached.

----

On the day of the weigh-in and press conference, excitement was at its peak. The journalists were eager to see the two boxers face off before the fight. On one side, Ryuu, with overflowing confidence, and on the other, Shigeru Tetsuya, the national number two, a solid and determined boxer.

On the stage, the two men faced each other, surrounded by flashes and curious glances. Tetsuya, much calmer and more serious, displayed a determined expression. On the other hand, Ryuu smiled, relaxed and relentless, as if this fight was just one more step towards his total domination.

Reporter: "Ryuu, you have been very vocal about your confidence in victory. What do you think of your opponent, Shigeru Tetsuya?"

Ryuu: (with a smirk) "Tetsuya? Well, he's number two, which proves he's capable... but he's not in my league. This is just another fight for me. I'll defeat him gracefully, like always."

The reporters exchanged surprised glances. Ryuu seemed completely disconnected from reality, as if his victory was a formality.

Tetsuya: (in a calm but firm tone) "Don't underestimate your opponents, Ryuu. This isn't the first time an overconfident boxer has fallen from a great height."

Ryuu: (laughing softly) "Oh! , I don't underestimate anyone, Tetsuya. I look at them all, but I have no doubts. It's not a matter of underestimation, it's a matter of superiority."

As the press continued to flash, Ryuu turned his gaze to the camera and said:

Ryuu: (looking at the camera with a confident look) "I have a message for our dear champion Kurogami… Get ready. When this Match is over, I will be there to take your place. So, enjoy your last moments as champion. The war begins soon."

Tetsuya : "You're not even a champion and you dare to disrespect? I'll bring you back down to earth."

Ryuu: "They've always said that, but so far no one has succeeded. Maybe this time you can make things more interesting."

The silence in the room was heavy. Tetsuya seemed annoyed with a tight face, but Ryuu was relentless, as if he already knew he was going to crush everything in his path.

Kamogawa (exasperated): "This kid... is worse than Takamura"

Yagi (smiling): "At least it will bring in some audience"

----

The next morning, Ippo was out jogging. The cool air and the rhythm of his steps helped him focus. As he was running through a park, he caught sight of a familiar figure. Miyata, his rival and friend, was also running.

Ippo: "Miyata-kun!"

Miyata: (stopping and smiling) "Ippo, you're still as diligent as ever. I see you're ready for this tournament."

Ippo: "I must be. I really want to make it to the finals, and fight you."

Miyata: (with a determined smile) "This tournament will be a test for everyone, but I plan on meeting you in the finals. That'll be where we'll see who's really the best."

Ippo: (nodding) "We'll meet there. That'll be our final fight, that's a promise."

Miyata(Smiling): "Okay! But don't lose before"

The two boxers exchanged a deep look, a silent promise between them. The final was going to be the moment where they would measure themselves once and for all.

----

After a day of intense training, the team members met up in the Kamogawa Gym. The atmosphere was more relaxed, and laughter began to resonate in the room. Aoki and Kimura didn't miss the opportunity to tease Ryuu, who was always so full of himself.

Aoki: (with a mocking smile) "So, Ryuu, do you feel like a champion yet? Maybe Tetsuya will defeat you since you pissed him off?"

Kimura: (laughing) "I bet he'll win in the 3rd round!"

Takamura: (laughing and putting a hand on Ryuu's shoulder) "You guys don't understand anything. Don't worry Ryuu his larvae don't understand what people like us can feel"

Ryuu: (smiling, relaxed) "Tetsuya will defeat me? Against him I didn't feel anything so it will be easy as usual"

Aoki: "You're talking, Ryuu! It's not the same as talking into a microphone, you know. The ring is something else."

Kimura: "Yeah, if you want to become a champion, you're going to have to prove more than just talking. A defeat can happen quickly"

Ryuu: (shrugging) "Each to their own. I've never tasted defeat, it's up to you to tell me how to lose"

Aoki: "Tchh.. you pretentious bastard. I'll pray that you lose"

The teasing continued as everyone burst out laughing. Even Ryuu, who was usually relentless, couldn't help but smile at his comrades' humor. For a moment he thought back to the loneliness of his old life, and for the first time in a long time he felt that warmth again.

Ryuu (thoughts): "This feeling... isn't so bad"

Takamura having seen Ryuu's expression didn't miss this opportunity to tease him.

Takamura (smiling): "Oh, so Ryuu you can make that kind of expression?"

Aoki:, "Maybe he's thinking about a woman?"

Kimura "Yeah maybe the girls on the beach called him back?"

Takamura (smiling and looking at Ippo): "or maybe seeing Kumi he fell for her charm"

Ippo (shouting): "Takamura-san stop that! It's impossible"

Takamura (smiling): "oh! But you know girls like handsome and confident boys like Ryuu, did you see what happened at the beach"

Ippo (standing up): "No it's impossible.... Kumi-Chan said I was cute"

The others burst out laughing. and the day ended on a light note, before the upcoming fights.

[To be continued...]