Chapter 36: Decisions and Calculations

The soft hum of the television filled the small rented apartment where Alex, Ippo, and Hiroko were staying. Their house was still undergoing renovations, so they had temporarily moved into the cozy space.

Ippo sat cross-legged on the floor, engrossed in a variety show on TV. Occasionally, he laughed at the antics of the comedians, the sound filling the room with a cheerful atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Alex sat at the small dining table, a stack of papers spread before him. His brow was furrowed as he flipped through the documents, each representing an opportunity that could change the trajectory of his career.

Flashback: The Gym MeetingEarlier that day at the gym, Kamogawa had handed Alex a folder filled with potential sponsorship offers.

"You've made a name for yourself, Alex,"

Kamogawa said, his voice a mix of pride and caution. "With your recent success,

companies are lining up to sponsor you. But you've got to choose wisely. These deals can shape your image and your career."

Alex nodded, taking the folder and flipping through the pages. Two offers stood out immediately:

Nike: A lucrative deal offering $35,000 (¥4,200,000) per commercial, with two commercials planned. Nike also wanted Alex to wear their apparel during his fights and public appearances, branding him as part of their athletic lineup.

Sony: A unique opportunity to promote their upcoming PlayStation prototype. Sony's offer included $25,000 (¥3,000,000) for a single commercial, positioning Alex as the face of their gaming division in its early stages.

"Big names," Alex muttered, impressed by the caliber of the offers.

"Exactly," Kamogawa said, his tone serious. "You've got to think about how these align with your goals. Nike's deal is more about building a long-term relationship, but Sony's offer could open doors in a different industry. You could even do both if you're up for the workload."

Alex nodded again, feeling the weight of the decision.

Present: The ApartmentBack at the dining table, Alex sighed, resting his chin on his hand as he stared at the papers. The logos of Nike and Sony seemed to stare back at him, each offer promising something different.

Ippo glanced over from the TV, noticing Alex's pensive expression. "Something on your mind, Alex?"

Alex looked up, a small smile on his face. "Just trying to decide on something important."

"About boxing?" Ippo asked, curious.

"Sort of," Alex replied. "It's about sponsorships. Big companies want to back me, but I've got to figure out which ones are the right fit—or if I can handle both."

Ippo tilted his head, trying to understand the weight of Alex's decision. "I guess it's not just about money, huh?"

Alex chuckled. "Exactly. It's about what aligns with who I am and where I want to go. A decision like this isn't just about today—it's about the future."

Ippo nodded, his admiration for Alex growing. "Whatever you choose, I'm sure it'll be the right call."

As the television continued its lighthearted chatter in the background, Alex returned his gaze to the papers. The weight of the decision was heavy, but so were the opportunities they represented.

Nike or Sony—or both?

Alex let out a long breath. Tomorrow, he'd need to make his choice. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of calm,

surrounded by the warmth of family and the promise of a bright future.As Alex stared at the sponsorship papers in front of him, his thoughts wandered to his bank account. The numbers ran through his mind as he leaned back, mentally tallying everything.

Before his rise in the boxing world, Alex had secured $5,400 (¥648,000) from his first major sponsorship deal with KFC. Half of that, $2,700(¥324,000), had gone to his aunt Hiroko to help with household expenses,

leaving him with just enough to get by.

But the fight with Matsuda had been a game-changer. His earnings skyrocketed to $120,000(¥14,400,000). Of course, there were deductions:

15% to Coach Kamogawa: $18,000(¥2,160,000).5% to the Promoter: $6,000 (¥720,000).After the deductions, Alex had $101,400(¥12,168,000) left—a significant amount, but he had plans for it.

The renovation for their family home was the next major expense. The total costs—including materials, workers' pay, and other expenses—added up

to $60,000 (¥7,200,000). It was a hefty sum, but Alex was determined to make it happen.

After subtracting the renovation costs, Alex was left with $41,400 (¥4,968,000).

He set his pen down, running a hand through his hair. "Not bad," he muttered. "Still got enough for emergencies and investments."

Looking back at the sponsorship offers, Alex smiled to himself. If I take both, I can make up for what I've spent and build more for the future.

The decision was clear now. He would accept both Nike and Sony's deals. Tomorrow, he would let Coach Kamogawa know about his choice.

Alex leaned back, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. His journey wasn't just about boxing anymore—it was about securing a future for his family and himself.

To be continued…