IPPO : The Ultimate Counter

The Kamogawa Gym is in full swing. With Ryuu's spectacular victory, the energy is palpable, but everyone is focused on their own challenges ahead. Everyone has their own battle to prepare for, their own path to trace.

Kamogawa passes between the boxers, observing and correcting their movements. He knows that each member of his gym carries unique potential, but that each victory or defeat will depend on their ability to overcome their personal limitations.

In a corner of the gym, Takamura trains with an intensity that far exceeds that of the others. He is about to face a foreign challenger to defend his world title.

Kamogawa : "Takamura!"

Kamogawa shouts.

Kamogawa : "Don't relax. This guy has a precise jab and great endurance. If you give him even the slightest opening, he could wear you out."

Takamura laughed as he continued to hit the bag hard.

Takamura : " This guy won't last five rounds with me. I'm going to show him what a true champion is."

Kimura and Aoki, sitting nearby, joke with each other.

Aoki : "Takamura is still so arrogant."

Kimura : "Yeah, but that's what makes him so good. If he wins again, how many defenses will that be in a row?"

Aoki: "I think it's the seventh."

Takamura interrupts them.

Takamura : "Hey, clowns! Instead of chatting, go work on your technique. Maybe one day you'll be worthy of carrying my towels for me."

----

On the other side of the gym, Ippo practices his sets of body hooks on a training dummy. His next fight is crucial: he faces a boxer known for his speed and footwork. Kamogawa approaches him.

Kamogawa : "Ippo, remember. This guy will try to keep you at bay and score points. But once you're in range, use your power. Work that Liver Blow again. That's your key to defeating him. "

Ippo, sweaty but focused, nods.

Ippo: "Yes, master. I will. I can't lose now."

Ryuu, who is watching from a corner of the room, smiles.

Ryuu: "Ippo, I bet you'll finish this guy off with one body shot."

Ippo, surprised by the remark, smiled shyly.

Ippo: "I'll do my best. But you, Ryuu, have set the bar really high. I'm going to have to train even harder to be at your level."

----

Not far away, Miyagi trains tirelessly. Ever since his training battle against Ryuu, he has been obsessed with catching him.

Miyata : "Again! Faster!"

Miyagi shouts at his sparring partner, dodging and counterattacking with precision. Kamogawa stops to look at him, arms crossed.

Kamogawa : "You've made a lot of progress, Miyagi. But remember, raw power isn't enough. You also need a cool head in the ring."

Miyagi, out of breath, responds with determination.

Miyagi : "I know that, master. But one day, I will surpass Everyone with my counter, and beat Ryuu even if his talented "

Ryuu, who passes by, can't help but throw a spade.

Ryuu: "Keep that mind, Miyagi. Maybe in another life you can beat me."

Miyagi, stung, smiled.

Miyagi : "He who laughs last laughs best, Kaidou.

----

Back at the gym, Kamogawa talks with Yagi.

Yagi : "With Takamura, Ippo, Miyagi and now Ryuu, our gym is filled with incredible talent,"

Yagi said, a proud smile on his face.

Yagi : "But it also means that the pressure will be even greater for them."

Kamogawa nods.

Kamogawa: "That's true. But it's our job to guide them. Each of them has the potential to make boxing history. Ryuu, in particular, could change the rules of the game. But he will have to learn to channel his arrogance."

Yagi smiled.

Yagi: "And the others? Miyagi is more motivated than ever, and Ippo continues to progress at an incredible pace."

Kamogawa stares at the empty ring, imagining the fights to come.

Kamogawa : "Everyone will face their own demons, but together they will form a new generation of champions. I can't wait to see what the future holds for them."

----

The spirit of Kamogawa Gym The episode ends with a view of everyone in the gym, working out in near-perfect synchronization. Takamura hits a bag with frightening power, Ippo perfects his Liver Blow, Miyagi works on his speed, and Ryuu, as confident as ever, practices alone with a determined look.

Kamogawa : "The Kamogawa Gym is not just a place... ,"

Kamogawa thinks while observing them.

Kamogawa: "It's a forge. And these young men, each in their own way, are becoming pure steel."