IPPO : The Ultimate Counter

The bell rings one last time. The blinding lights of the gym illuminate the ring, where Ryuu Kaidou effortlessly dominates his opponent. His casual smile contrasts with the sweat running down the other boxer's forehead.

Ryuu : "We're getting back up, right? The fight has barely begun."

His tone is mocking, but his movements are serious. The young prodigy follows a fluid dodge, letting a powerful hook pass a few millimeters from his face, before placing a perfect counter: an uppercut to the chin which mows down his opponent. The referee starts the count. Ten seconds later, the fight is over. Ryuu raises his arms, but his thoughts wander.

Ryuu : "Another easy fight... Where are the real monsters?"

--- A night of change Sitting in an empty locker room, Ryuu contemplates his reflection in the mirror. His bandaged hands rest on his knees, and his smile has faded. He whispers:

Ryuu : "I'm too strong, or are they not good enough? Is there anyone, anywhere who can beat me?"

That night, walking alone through the neon-lit streets, he passes an old arcade. A worn poster catches his eye: "Hajime no Ippo: The Champion's Journey." Intrigued, he enters and sits at a terminal. He selects Takamura as his character and starts a match.

Ryuu: "Takamura, huh? This guy might have been able to give me a hard time...if only he was real."

At that moment, a flash of light blinds him. A mysterious force pulls him into the screen, and his mind shuts down.

--- A surprising awakening Ryuu wakes up lying on a dusty tatami mat. Shouts of boxers in full training echo around him. Confused, he sits up and rubs his eyes. In front of him, a poster on the wall shows Takamura, Ippo, and Miyata.

Ryuu: "What... Am I in a dream? Or am I dead, and this is my hell?"

Suddenly, a deep voice rang out:

Kamogawa : "Hey, you! Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to move your ass?"

Ryuu turns his head and meets Kamogawa Genji's piercing gaze.

Kamogawa : "You don't look like an amateur. What are you doing here?"

asks the old coach. Ryuu hesitates, but he plays along.

Ryuu: "I was passing by. I saw your gym, and I thought I could show you what a real boxer is."

Kamogawa raises an eyebrow, annoyed by the young man's arrogance.

Kamogawa : "Alright, smart guy. Put on some gloves and get in the ring. We'll see if your big mouth is up to it."