9 Sakazuki Kuzan
After the victory of Kenshin, everybody in the gym was happy. Kenshin went to the waiting room and changed his clothes then went out with his friends who were waiting for him. As they were just out of Korakuen hall, Yagi chan was waiting for them there.
"Congratulations Ippo Kun and Kenshin Kun. Kenshin kun you are the most amazing boxer I have ever seen, you became 5th rank just after your 1st match. It won't take long for you to take over your senpai's", said Yagi chan.
Everybody was just enjoying but after what Yagi chan said, Takamura, Kimura, and Aoki went silent. They knew that Kenshin was a rare monster but they never thought that Kenshin would catch up to them so soon.
"We all are 2nd ranked in our weight categories and we aren't that far from being a champion, so we have to train even harder to increase our strength such as we will at least become champion before Kenshin to at least maintain our dignity as Kenshin's senior", said Takamura to Kimura and Aoki.
"Yagi chan please arrange a match for all of us in the coming months", the three of them said at the same time. Yagi chan was hesitating on what to reply.
"Yagi chan do as they say. It is time for our gym to shine", Coach Kamogawa who has said not a single line till now said this and went away. The coach was happy for Kenshin's victory but was happier when he saw the fire in Takamura, Kimura and Aoki's eyes to prove their strength. Coach Kamogawa then thought about the boy who changed the face of their gym in a mere 7 months of joining.
"That's a bit harsh. How come Coach Kamogawa didn't congratulate Ippo and Kenshin", said Aoki.
"Yeah, they worked hard for the victory", said Kimura.
"That's not true, the happiest is Boss Kamogawa it's just that he doesn't want to show it. He also gave us these to enjoy ourselves", said Yagi chan while showing them a bundle of money.
"Yayy Celebrations", Takamura, Kimura, and Aoki enjoyed while Kenshin just smiled looking at them.
"But isn't drinking alcohol against boxing", as usual Ippo became the party pooper.
"How can you say such things. You are supposed to enjoy and drink at times like this", said Takamura while looking angrily at Ippo.
"Even if they say alcohol, I just want you to take a sip of it for the sake of victory, then you can drink juice if you like", explained Yagi chan. After which Ippo made a look as if he understood.
Together with Yagi chan, they went to a place where they celebrate normally, 'Sugar Ray'. As soon as they entered a few waitresses saw them and went near them.
"Welcome, Yagi san. Takamura san long time no sees", said the two waitresses who were in the front. Takamura went ahead and picked up a girl, Aoki and Kimura started chasing after few girls. Seeing this yagi chan was embarrassed so he went near the boss and apologize her for his companions.
"Sorry Boss, they are a bit energetic as two boys of our gym won in their debut matches", said Yagi chan to the boss of the place.
After all of the gang sat and drank. All the girls congratulated Ippo a bit then turned towards Kenshin. They tried to talk with Kenshin, tried to tempt him with their beautiful looks and did many things but Kenshin cool as always just smiled and replied calmly.
After taking about a bit they discussed how Oda Yuuske was stronger than expected and how the fight turned and they also talked about Ichijou who was finished within minutes. As the girls heard this they were excited. They tried to flirt with Kenshin but he didn't pay much attention but Ippo who was new to this turned red. Seeing him embarrassed the girls teased him a bit more.
Takamura who was previously enjoying was now frowning as they were not even talking about him, they were talking with only Kenshin and Ippo. He couldn't do anything about Kenshin but for Ippo, he tried to prank with him a little bit. Then like in the manga, Takamura slid Ippo's pants showing his huge little brother to the girls after which Ippo was very embarrassed. This continued for a few hours after which they went home.
Kenshin home late in the night. He then went to his parent's room and saw that they were sleeping. Seeing this Kenshin turned around and went to his room where he changed his clothes and went to bed. Kenshin was very happy as today was the first step for reaching his dream. He was also happy as his parents were there to watch him win. He was always training hard but never could show the result to his parents, but today he could show that all the training was for nothing and want to make them proud.
The next day Kenshin woke up at 4 AM and did his training up to 8 AM. When he reached his house, his mother was in the Kitchen and father was reading the newspaper as usual but there was an additional smile on their face.
"Good morning dad, good morning mom. What happened why are you so happy", asked Kenshin after greeting Kenshin.
"We are happy for you my darling son. You were amazing in the ring and the way the crowd cheered you. We were so happy", said his mother.
"Hmmm...and you are in the front cover of the newspaper. They are saying you have the chance to win World Champion by the age of 23", said his father happily.
"23...huh. Okay now I am going to the train for a bit, you take care for yourself", said Kenshin. After that Kenshin went to the Gym. While on the way Kenshin thought, 'World Champion by 23, it's good but not the best. I will definitely win it by the end of next year'.
As soon as Kenshin reached the gym, he noticed that there was something strange about the atmosphere. As he and Ippo won yesterday, so the atmosphere should be at least normal if not celebration. But everybody was gloomy.
"What happened, why are you all so gloomy", asked Kenshin to Aoki.
"Sakazuki Kuzan challenged you and your fight is in 2 months", said Yagi chan.
"Then whats the problem. Isn't is good that Sakazuki Kuzan is challenging me so soon, then what's the problem", said Kenshin.
"This is not the problem, the problem is after his brother's defeat he said in an interview that he will challenge Japan Champion next month, then he will destroy you the month after that", said Yagi chan. To which Kenshin only muttered 'destroy me...huh'.
"That's not it, some of the newspaper has also written that he has not fought a single match in a year and it is said that he has been planning to take on the world", said Aoki san.
"Coach Kamogawa is also mad as Sakazuki Kuzan has insulted you and also our gym", said Kimura-san.
"Okay don't worry. After the next fight, Sakazuki Kuzan will not be able to fight in the ring ever again", saying that Kenshin went ahead to train to leave everyone stunned. They knew that Sakazuki Kuzan has written his death warrant by angering this rare monster.
Like this a month went by and this was the day for Kuzan's match with the Japan Champ in the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan and Ippo's match as the curtain-raiser.
Soon the match began, Ippo's opponent thought that they would take the chance of Ippo's weak guard and finish the match quickly but Ippo who have learned peekaboo style in the last month and after gaining confidence from his last match win, he started to show more improvement in his techniques as well as strength.
SO within the 1st round itself, Ippo quickly defeated his opponent. Now it was time for the main event of the day, the match between Japan Super Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Daiki Atsuki versus the challenger Sakazuki Kuzan.
The match was very interesting to watch, it seemed like an equal match but those with a good pair of eyes could see that it was as if Kuzan was playing with the champion. Kenshin was a little surprised but that's all as he could still crush Kuzan but others from the gym have grave look on their faces but they calmed down when they saw the calm look on Kenshin's face.
Then the match continued for the next few rounds after which Kuzan started attacking Atsuki and within a minute Atsuki fell on the floor unconsciously. The whole stadium started cheering as everybody was happy to see a new boxing champion.
