Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

February 17th, 1991 – Yokohama Arena, 5 PM

The air in Yokohama Arena was electric, buzzing with anticipation. The preliminary bouts had wrapped up, and now the co-main event was about to begin. The announcer's voice echoed through the packed venue, his enthusiasm igniting the crowd even further.

"Ladies and gentlemen! The co-main event of the evening is about to begin!"

The arena's lights dimmed, casting the audience in shadow. Suddenly, a spotlight illuminated one of the tunnels, and the sound of Boku wa Konome de Uso o Tsuku filled the air. A ripple of excitement swept through the crowd as Ippo Makunouchiemerged, flanked by Coach Kamogawa and Assistant Coach Yagi.

Dressed in a simple red robe with "Kamogawa Gym" embroidered on the back, Ippo kept his head low, his expression serious and focused. The weight of the moment was clear, but so was his resolve. A few cheers from fans in the crowd called out his name, giving him a small burst of encouragement as he approached the ring.

Ippo climbed through the ropes and into the ring, bouncing lightly on his feet as he scanned the arena. The vast space, the sea of faces, the roaring crowd—it was unlike anything he had experienced before. His heart raced, but he steadied himself, knowing this was the culmination of all his hard work.

Then, the lights dimmed again.

The crowd erupted into wild cheers as another spotlight illuminated the opposite tunnel. The unmistakable sound of rock music blasted through the speakers, a fitting anthem for the fighter who now strode into view: Takeshi Sendo.

The Western Rookie King marched down the aisle with his coach at his side, his presence commanding the entire arena. Wearing a blue robe with white trim, Sendo raised both fists high into the air, igniting chants of "Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!" from his legion of fans.

Sendo's grin was wide and infectious, his confidence radiating like a beacon. He paused briefly near the ring, acknowledging the thunderous support with a wave before climbing into the squared circle.

Both fighters now stood on opposite sides of the ring, their eyes locking for the first time. The contrast between them was stark—Sendo's bold grin and brash aura against Ippo's quiet intensity and unwavering determination.

The announcer stepped into the ring, his booming voice cutting through the chaos.

"Ladies and gentlemen! This is the co-main event of the evening!"

The crowd roared, their energy climbing higher with each passing second.

"In the red corner! Weighing in at 124 pounds! Fighting out of Kamogawa Gym, he is the Eastern Rookie King! With a record of 6 wins, all by knockout, introducing… Makunouchi Ippo!"

A section of the crowd erupted in cheers for Ippo, their support growing louder as they waved banners and signs bearing his name. Ippo bowed respectfully, his calm demeanor unchanged.

"And in the blue corner! Weighing in at 124 pounds! Fighting out of Kento-kai Gym, he is the Western Rookie King! With a record of 6 wins, all by knockout, introducing… Takeshi Sendo!"

The crowd erupted into a frenzy. Camera flashes lit up the arena like fireworks as Sendo raised his arm, basking in the adoration. His fans chanted his name louder and louder: "Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!"

As the introductions concluded, the referee stepped forward, motioning both fighters to the center of the ring. Ippo and Sendo approached, their gloves dangling by their sides as they faced each other.

The referee's voice was firm but calm, carrying authority.

"Alright, gentlemen. We've been over the rules in the locker room. Protect yourselves at all times and follow my instructions. We're gonna keep this clean. Touch gloves now if you wish to."

Ippo extended his gloves, his eyes meeting Sendo's for the briefest of moments. Sendo smirked and tapped his gloves against Ippo's, the gesture more confident than cordial.

They stepped back to their corners, their expressions now laser-focused. The atmosphere in the arena was at its peak, every fan on the edge of their seat.

The battle of the Rookie Kings was about to begin.The bell rang, signaling the start of the bout.

Ippo and Sendo met immediately in the center of the ring, their footsteps purposeful and their eyes locked. No feeling-out process, no hesitation—just raw intensity. Sendo struck first, snapping a sharp jab toward Ippo's face.

Smack!

Ippo blocked it cleanly with his guard but felt the force reverberate through his forearms. Sendo's power was undeniable. It wasn't just the strength behind the punch—it was the weight of a fighter who was born to dominate.

Sendo grinned, sensing Ippo's momentary pause. He pressed forward, quickening the pace with a left hook aimed for Ippo's chin, followed by a vicious right uppercut. Ippo tightened his high guard, absorbing the blows, but the sting traveled through his arms, causing them to ache slightly.

In the backroom, Alex, Takamura, Kimura, and Aoki were glued to the screen.

Alex shot up from his chair, his voice carrying over the rest. "Ippo! What are you doing?! Weave around those punches!"

Aoki shook his head, trying to calm him down. "Oi, Alex, yelling won't do anything! He can't hear you through the TV."

Kimura smirked and chimed in, "Sit down, man. You're up next. Keep your head straight. Losing your cool here won't help."

Takamura, leaning casually against the wall, added with a grin, "Yeah, save that energy for your fight. When it's your turn, explode. Right now, it's Ippo's stage, not yours."

Back in the ring, Ippo endured the onslaught. He winced at the sting in his arms but refused to back down. He had to take the fight to Sendo.

Steeling himself, Ippo surged forward, meeting Sendo head-on. He stepped into the Western Rookie King's range, closing the distance to get inside his opponent's power zone—his danger zone.

Sendo smirked, unfazed by the pressure. He swung a sharp left hook aimed at Ippo's temple, but Ippo answered in kind with a blistering right uppercut. Their punches collided in a fierce exchange. The sound of leather smashing against leather echoed through the arena as the two rookies traded blow for blow, their intensity igniting the crowd.

"They're exchanging like madmen!" the commentator exclaimed. "Neither fighter is giving an inch!"

Despite Sendo's relentless barrage, Ippo found his rhythm. Ducking low, he avoided a wild hook and unleashed a straight right aimed directly at Sendo's face.

BAM!

The punch connected flush, snapping Sendo's head back and sending him stumbling a few steps. The crowd gasped collectively, momentarily stunned into silence.

Ippo saw his chance and pounced. His legs pumped like pistons as he charged forward, unloading a furious combination.

A right hook to Sendo's ribs—CRACK!—followed by a sharp left uppercut that grazed Sendo's jaw. Ippo didn't let up. He drove a brutal right hook into Sendo's temple, forcing his opponent into a turtle-like shell.

"Makunouchi is pouring it on! Sendo is in trouble!" the commentator shouted over the roar of the crowd.

Sendo kept his guard tight, weathering the storm as Ippo's punches rained down. The Western Rookie King's confidence remained, but his fans were on edge. Could their champion be in danger?

Just as Ippo prepared to break through Sendo's defense with another volley, the bell rang.

DING DING DING!

The referee quickly stepped in, pushing Ippo back and signaling the end of the round.

"He's saved by the bell!" the commentator announced, his voice tinged with awe. "Sendo was cornered, but that's why he's called the Wild Tiger. Can he bounce back in Round 2?"

Ippo stepped back to his corner, breathing heavily but satisfied with his performance. The cheers from the crowd mixed with murmurs of concern for Sendo. As Ippo sat down on his stool, Kamogawa patted him on the back, a faint smile on his face.

"You did well, Ippo. Stay sharp. Sendo's no pushover. He'll come at you harder in the next round."

Across the ring, Sendo returned to his corner, his coach furiously wiping sweat off his face and speaking in hushed tones. Despite the pressure he had endured, Sendo smiled.

Round 2"Sendo sat on his stool, his breathing steady despite the wild exchange in the first round. His coach leaned in, frustration etched across his face.

"What are you doing, Sendo? Why are you letting him hit you like that?" he demanded. "This isn't like you. You should be breaking him down, not letting him push you back!"

Sendo tilted his head back, a grin spreading across his face. "I wanted to feel it—the thrill of going toe-to-toe with someone who can hit like that. This fight's fun, coach."

His coach sighed, shaking his head. "Fun's over. Take him out, Sendo. If you let him hang around, it'll get dangerous."

Sendo's grin faded, and his eyes narrowed. "Got it."

The bell rang for Round 2.

DING DING!

The fighters met in the center again, but this time, Sendo's demeanor had shifted. Gone was the playful grin. His eyes were sharp, focused, and deadly serious.

Sendo made the first move, stepping in with a left hook aimed at Ippo's head. Ippo raised his guard just in time, blocking the punch, but the impact shattered his defense. Sendo's raw power split through the block, forcing Ippo to stagger back a step.

"His guard broke!" the commentator shouted.

Not letting up, Sendo leaned back slightly, coiling his body like a spring. With a sudden burst, he unleashed a brutal right uppercut.

CRACK!

It was a Smash, and it landed square on Ippo's chin. His head snapped upward, and his mouthguard nearly flew out, dangling precariously between his lips. The crowd erupted as Ippo stumbled backward, the ropes saving him from falling.

"Makunouchi is in trouble!" the commentator exclaimed. "That Smash was devastating!"

Sendo smelled blood and pressed the attack. He leaned to the left, feinting, before throwing another Smash—this time with his left hand. The punch rocketed toward Ippo, but at the last moment, Ippo pivoted to the right, narrowly avoiding the blow.

"Makunouchi's footwork saved him there!" the commentator said, his tone relieved.

Undeterred, Sendo followed up with a thunderous right cross. Ippo blocked it, but the force of the punch drove him back into the ropes again.

"Damn it," Ippo muttered under his breath.

Sendo didn't waste time. He dashed in, closing the gap, and launched a left hook to Ippo's body. The punch was followed by another right Smash aimed at his face.

THUD!

Ippo managed to block the body hook with his elbow and raised his gloves to intercept the Smash, but the punch crashed through his guard. Even blocked, the impact sent shockwaves through Ippo's head, causing him to stumble once more.

DING DING!

The bell rang, and the referee stepped in, separating the fighters. Ippo staggered back to his corner, his arms heavy and his vision slightly blurred.

"The power went straight through his gloves!" the commentator said. "Even when blocked, Sendo's punches are breaking Ippo down!"

In Sendo's corner, his coach couldn't hide his excitement. "That's it, Sendo! He's breaking. His chin won't hold up much longer. Finish him next round!"

But Sendo shook his head, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "Nah, I doubt it. he's tougher than you think."

Meanwhile, in Ippo's corner, Kamogawa leaned in close, his voice calm but firm. "Listen, kid. Remember the drills we practiced. You've seen his Smash. You know how to counter it. Time it well, and we'll take this fight."

Ippo nodded, his breathing heavy but steady. His arms ached, and his legs felt like lead, but his spirit remained unbroken.

"Yes, coach," he said, determination burning in his eyes.

Kamogawa smirked, giving Ippo a firm pat on the shoulder. "Good. Next round, we'll turn the tables."

Round 3"DING DING!

Round 3 began with an explosion of energy as both fighters met in the center of the ring. Ippo, determined to seize the momentum, stepped in aggressively, throwing a sharp left cross. Sendo, his instincts razor-sharp, tilted his head just enough to avoid the punch, making it miss by mere inches.

"Nice try," Sendo muttered under his breath, immediately winding up for another Smash. His body coiled like a spring, and his right hand rocketed upward, aiming to end the fight in spectacular fashion.

But this time, Ippo was ready.

As Sendo's devastating right uppercut came hurtling toward him, Ippo stepped in close, cutting off the arc of the punch. In the same motion, he unleashed a short, compact left uppercut of his own. The counter landed square on Sendo's chin with an audible CRACK.

The impact was staggering.

Sendo's feet left the canvas as his body recoiled backward, crashing to the ground with a loud thud. The arena erupted in a mix of gasps and cheers.

"He's down!" the commentator exclaimed. "Makunouchi's counter lands perfectly! Sendo is down for the first time in his career!"

The referee immediately stepped in, waving Ippo to a neutral corner before beginning the count.

"ONE!"

The crowd screamed, "Sendo! Sendo!" urging their fighter to rise.

"TWO! THREE!"

Sendo's eyes fluttered as he tried to shake off the cobwebs. His vision swam, and the sound of the referee's voice seemed distant.

"FOUR! FIVE!"

He groaned, gritting his teeth as he pushed himself onto one knee.

"SIX! SEVEN!"

The referee continued counting, but Sendo's determination was unmatched. He clenched his fists and forced himself upright, swaying slightly.

"EIGHT!"

The referee gave him a close look and wiped his gloves. "Can you continue?"

Sendo nodded, blinking hard to steady his focus. "Yeah… let's go."

"The fight's back on!" the commentator roared.

Ippo, sensing the moment to finish the fight, charged forward. His punches came in furious succession—a left uppercut, a right hook, and a left to the body.

Sendo responded with his own barrage, exchanging blow for blow with Ippo. Blood began to stain the canvas as both fighters absorbed punishing shots. Sendo landed a brutal right hook followed by a straight to the body, making Ippo wince, but Ippo countered with a left uppercut and a sharp right cross that snapped Sendo's head back.

"They're trading everything they have!" the commentator said, his voice filled with awe. "Neither man is backing down!"

Despite their battered states, both fighters pressed on. Sendo attempted another Smash, his right hand arcing toward Ippo's head. But Ippo ducked low, pivoting outside of Sendo's punch. In one fluid motion, Ippo launched a devastating right overhand, the punch crashing into Sendo's temple with a sickening THUD.

Sendo stumbled, his legs buckling, but he refused to fall. His body wavered as the crowd roared, stunned by his sheer willpower.

DING DING!

The bell rang, signaling the end of the round. The referee stepped in to separate the fighters as both men staggered to their corners. Ippo collapsed onto his stool, chest heaving, sweat and blood dripping from his face.

In the opposite corner, Sendo's coach frantically tried to assess his fighter.

"Can you go, Sendo? You've gotta tell me!" he said, gripping Sendo's shoulders.

Sendo didn't respond. His head lolled slightly, and his eyes stared unfocused at the mat.

The bell for Round 4 rang. Ippo stood, his legs shaky but steady. He walked toward the center of the ring, ready for more.

But Sendo remained seated.

The referee walked over, checking on Sendo, then waved his arms to signal the end of the fight.

"It's over!" the commentator shouted. "Takeshi Sendo is unable to answer the bell! Makunouchi Ippo wins by TKO!"

The arena was stunned, puzzled murmurs rippling through the crowd. Sendo was sitting upright, his chest rising and falling, but he wasn't moving. Slowly, his body slumped, and his head tilted to the side.

"He's unconscious!" the commentator exclaimed. "What happened?"

The medical staff rushed into the ring as Sendo's coach frantically waved them over.

In his corner, Ippo stood frozen, his gloved hands trembling. He glanced at Coach Kamogawa, who nodded reassuringly.

"You did it, kid," Kamogawa said. "But Sendo's tough. He'll be okay."

The crowd remained silent, the fight ending in a way no one had expected. Though victorious, Ippo couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in his chest. This was the hardest battle of his career.

To be continued…