Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

The mall was alive with the festive hustle and bustle of Christmas shoppers. Strings of twinkling lights hung overhead, carols played softly in the background, and a faint aroma of cinnamon and roasted nuts filled the air. Alex Makunouchi maneuvered through the crowd, arms laden with shopping bags. He had just purchased a Christmas tree and fireworks for New Year's Eve, ensuring the house would be ready to ring in 1991 in style.

Meanwhile, Ippo stood patiently in line at the nearby KFC. The line snaked around the counter, with families and friends all waiting for their holiday feasts. But Ippo had a secret weapon—a lifetime KFC card. Alex had received it when KFC sponsored him last year, and Ippo quickly bypassed the long line, walking away with bags of fried chicken in record time.

By the time they returned to Alex's SUV—a sleek Nissan model that Alex had proudly purchased earlier in the year—the two cousins were loaded with Christmas supplies. Alex carefully placed the tree and fireworks into the back while Ippo slid into the front seat, holding the bags of chicken.

As Alex started the engine, he glanced at Ippo and asked, "Ippo, did you call Takamura, Aoki, Kimura, Coach, and Assistant Coach Yagi?"

"I did," Ippo replied with a nod. "Called them all this morning. They said they'll come over later tonight."

"Good." Alex smirked, eyes on the road as the car glided through the city streets. "By the way, you ready to wear this?" He reached over, pulling out a Santa suit complete with a fluffy white beard.

Ippo groaned, holding up the outfit as if it were cursed. "Are we seriously wearing these?"

"Of course!" Alex laughed. "It's Christmas! We'll spread some cheer, even if we look ridiculous."

Back home, the Makunouchi house was bustling with activity. The cousins worked together to decorate the tree, stringing lights and hanging ornaments until it sparkled. They wrapped the gifts they'd purchased for everyone, stacking them neatly under the tree. Aunt Hiroko, ever the heart of the home, was busy in the kitchen, preparing a feast. The table was soon adorned with KFC chicken, sushi rolls, a beautifully frosted strawberry cake, and other holiday treats.

Just as the final touches were added, a knock at the door echoed through the house.

Alex opened it to find Takamura, Aoki, Kimura, Coach Kamogawa, and Assistant Coach Yagi standing outside, each carrying wrapped presents.

"You're here!" Alex greeted them warmly. "Come on in!"

Ippo joined Alex in welcoming their guests, and Aunt Hiroko appeared from the kitchen to greet everyone with a warm smile. The house quickly filled with laughter and chatter as everyone settled in.

The group gathered around the table, where the food was laid out like a feast. Takamura wasted no time digging into the chicken, while Aoki cracked jokes that had everyone in stitches. Coach Kamogawa and Yagi sipped on tea, their expressions softened by the holiday cheer. Hiroko joined in, her presence bringing warmth to the celebration.

After the meal, it was time to exchange gifts. Alex took charge, handing out presents one by one.

Alex presented his aunt with a small velvet box. When she opened it, her eyes widened in surprise—a delicate diamond necklace sparkled inside. She gasped, her hands covering her mouth. "Alex, this is beautiful. Thank you!"

: Aoki's package contained a folded piece of paper. Confused, he unfolded it and froze, his eyes scanning the text. "Property deed...?"

he whispered. It was for the ramen shop where he'd been working. Tears welled up in his eyes. "Alex... is this real?"

Alex grinned. "I thought about saving it for your birthday, but why wait? It's yours now."

Aoki couldn't hold back his emotions, crying openly as everyone clapped.

Kimura unwrapped a sleek, expensive watch. "Whoa, this is incredible!" he said, grinning ear to ear.

Takamura received a watch as well, though his response was less sentimental. "It's not booze, but I'll take it!"

: The old coach opened a small box to reveal a car key. His eyes narrowed in disbelief. "A car?"

Alex nodded. "You've been riding that old motorbike forever. Now you'll have something more comfortable—a Honda SUV."

Coach Kamogawa chuckled, shaking his head. "You didn't have to, but... thank you, Alex."

Yagi's package contained a gold bracelet, its craftsmanship impeccable. He adjusted his glasses, clearly moved. "This is... stunning. Thank you, Alex."

Ippo unwrapped his present to reveal a car key. His mouth fell open. "A car?"

Alex smirked. "It's the Nissan Skyline. I bought it a while ago but never used it. Now it's yours. Once we sort out your driver's license, you'll be driving it yourself."

Ippo's eyes glistened with gratitude. "Thank you, Alex. Really."

When it was Alex's turn to open his presents, he found himself surrounded by thoughtful gifts—new shoes, stylish clothes, and a high-end wallet. Each item spoke to the care his friends had put into selecting them.

Ippo received similar gifts, and when Hiroko opened her present from Ippo—a beautiful bracelet—she hugged her son tightly, her pride evident.

The night ended with laughter and camaraderie. Takamura's jokes kept everyone entertained, while Aoki's emotional outburst over the ramen shop became a running gag. The Christmas tree glowed softly in the background, casting a warm light over the happy gathering.

As they sat together, full from the feast and surrounded by the spirit of giving, Alex looked around at his friends and family.

"Merry Christmas, everyone," he said, raising a glass.

The others raised theirs in return, their voices uniting in a cheerful, "Merry Christmas!"

And as the night wore on, the Makunouchi household became a beacon of warmth, love, and the true spirit of the holidays.