章節 38: Chapter 38:"A Knockout Night: Ippo’s Blush and Miyata’s Thunderous Victory"
The morning sunlight glinted off the streets as Takamura, Alex, and Ippo strolled toward the arena. The city buzzed with life, and the trio's presence didn't go unnoticed.
Takamura, towering above the average pedestrian, exuded his usual mix of charisma and intimidation. His broad frame and confident stride made him a magnet for attention.
"Isn't that Takamura Mamoru?" a man whispered to his friend.
"He's huge! He looks even scarier in person."
"Think I should ask for an autograph?"
One bold fan approached, clutching a small notebook. "Takamura-san! Can you sign this?"
Takamura smirked, always ready to bask in the limelight. "Of course, kid! Behold, the autograph of a future world champion!" He signed the notebook dramatically, adding a sketch of himself flexing.
Alex walked slightly behind, dressed sharply in the vibrant style of the 1990s. His baggy stretch pants and tucked-in Nike T-shirt, secured with a sleek belt, turned heads. The Nike sneakers on his feet completed his look, a blend of cool and confidence that stood out in the crowd.
"Look, it's Alex Makunouchi!" a teenage girl exclaimed, her voice full of excitement.
"Yeah, the Super Rookie!" her friend added. "He's already on TV everywhere!"
"Alex-san, over here!" another fan called out, holding up a notebook.
Alex, used to the attention but still humble, waved politely. "Thank you for the support," he said, his voice calm but warm.
In contrast, Ippo wore a simple tracksuit, his shy demeanor making him an odd fit among his more extroverted companions. He avoided eye contact, but whispers about him began to circulate too.
"That's Ippo Makunouchi, Alex's cousin, right?"
"Yeah, he just beat Osma! That was a crazy fight!"
The attention made Ippo's ears redden. He glanced at Alex for reassurance, who gave him a slight nudge and a smile as if to say, Enjoy it—you've earned it.
Entering the ArenaThe trio arrived at the arena, where the buzz of excitement was palpable. Fans lined the entrance, some clutching signs and merchandise, others chatting animatedly about the upcoming matches.
Takamura flashed his VIP pass at the security checkpoint, leading Alex and Ippo through with an air of superiority. "See that? Perks of being a star."
Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The hum of conversation filled the air, mingling with the distant sounds of the ring announcer preparing for the day's events. Vendors hawked drinks and snacks, while fans clamored for merchandise.
"This place is alive," Alex remarked, his eyes scanning the crowd.
Takamura chuckled. "Just wait until the fights start. This is nothing."
Ippo nodded silently, taking it all in. The arena's energy felt different than what he was used to—larger, louder, and brimming with excitement.
As they walked further, fans started to notice them and react.
"It's Alex Makunouchi! And Takamura Mamoru!"
"No way! The Super Rookie and The Beast together?!"
"They're even cooler in person!"
Alex gave a polite wave, his calm demeanor contrasting with Takamura's larger-than-life swagger.The three settled into their seats in the VIP section, enjoying an unobstructed view of the ring. The crowd buzzed with excitement, and the announcer's voice echoed throughout the arena, hyping up the fighters.
As they waited, a soft voice interrupted.
"Um, excuse me... is this seat taken?"
The trio turned to see a cute girl about Ippo's age standing in the aisle, clutching her ticket nervously.
Ippo's face immediately turned red. "N-no! Please, go ahead!"
Takamura leaned over with a teasing smirk. "Well, look at you, Romeo," he said, nudging Ippo.
"Takamura-san!" Ippo protested, flustered, as the girl giggled and took the seat next to him.
The fight began shortly after, and the atmosphere shifted. Miyata's opponent, a muscular slugger with a reputation for power punches, charged forward aggressively, looking to overwhelm Miyata with brute force.
Miyata, however, remained calm. His razor-sharp reflexes and impeccable timing were on full display as he sidestepped the wild attacks with ease. Every missed punch left his opponent more frustrated, while Miyata carefully measured the distance.
Then, with a single, flawless movement, Miyata unleashed his cross. The punch landed square on his opponent's jaw with a thunderous crack, and the man crumpled to the canvas, completely out cold. His mouthpiece flew from his mouth, skidding across the ring.
The referee knelt beside the downed fighter and waved his arms. The fight was over—Miyata had claimed a first-round knockout.
The arena erupted in cheers, but Ippo sat wide-eyed, stunned. "He's gotten even faster... How is that possible?" he muttered to himself, still processing what he had just witnessed.
He turned to glance at the girl sitting beside him and noticed her hands trembling slightly. Before he could say anything, she abruptly dropped her ticket and stood up.
"Excuse me," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the roaring crowd. She quickly left the arena, leaving Ippo confused.
Is she not a fan of Miyata? he wondered, still watching the spot where she had disappeared.
Leaning back in his seat, he murmured absentmindedly, "She smelled really nice..."
Takamura's sharp ears caught it, and his grin widened. "What was that, lover boy?" he said, punching Ippo lightly on the head.
"Ow! Takamura-san, cut it out!" Ippo yelped, rubbing his head.
"Don't let perfume distract you from boxing, you fool!" Takamura barked, laughing.
Alex shook his head, chuckling at their antics. "This is why I can't take you two anywhere."After the electrifying finish to Miyata's match, Takamura, Alex, and Ippo stepped out of the arena, their spirits high.
Takamura stretched his arms over his head and grinned. "Well, that was quick. Miyata's making it look too easy. Let's grab some food—I'm starving."
The trio found themselves at a bustling family restaurant nearby. Seated at a corner booth, the conversation naturally turned to Miyata's fight.
"That counter of his…" Alex said, swirling his glass of iced tea. "The timing was perfect. It's like he's reading his opponent's mind."
Ippo nodded, still replaying the fight in his head. "Yeah, and he's gotten even faster than before. I didn't think that was possible."
Takamura smirked, tearing into a piece of fried chicken. "That's what happens when you focus on your strengths. The guy's obsessed with perfecting that counter. But speed alone won't make him unbeatable.
There's always someone faster—or smarter."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "You think you could take him, Takamura-san?"
Takamura laughed loudly, nearly choking on his food. "Of course! But I'd feel bad—he's just a lightweight. Wouldn't want to break the kid."
The group burst into laughter, and the mood remained light throughout the meal. Alex, as always, kept an eye on the bill. When it arrived, he grabbed it before anyone could argue.
"You sure, Alex?" Ippo asked, his tone hesitant.
Alex waved him off. "Don't worry about it. Besides, I'm the one with the sponsors, right? Consider it my treat."
Takamura smirked. "Big shot, huh? Better enjoy it while it lasts."
After paying, they stepped out into the crisp night air, joking as they walked down the quiet street. Takamura, ever the instigator, glanced at Alex and Ippo with a sly grin. "You know, in a few months, you two will be 18. Got any big plans for your birthdays?"
"Not really," Ippo admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe just spend it with family and friends."
Alex, hands in his pockets, gave it a moment's thought. "I might get my driver's license. Been thinking about buying a car if I do."
Takamura whistled. "A car, huh? Look at you, Mr. Big Shot again. What's next, a mansion?"
Alex laughed. "Hey, if the sponsors keep rolling in, why not? Gotta dream big, right?"
Ippo chuckled, imagining Alex behind the wheel of a sleek sports car. Takamura couldn't resist adding, "Just make sure you don't crash it on the first day, rookie."
Their laughter echoed down the street as they continued walking, the bond between them growing stronger with every shared meal, joke, and moment. For Alex and Ippo, the future felt full of promise
To be continued…
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