IPPO : The Ultimate Counter

The Kamogawa Gym lights come on early that morning. Each boxer prepares in their own way, with the electric atmosphere marking the approach to the tournament. The sounds of hitting bags and snapping ropes fill the space. On the gym board, the names of each boxer's first opponents are displayed. For Ryuu Kaidou, his opponent will be Yusuke Arata, an experienced boxer known for his powerful hooks and aggression.

Kamogawa brings together Ryuu, in a small training room.

Kamogawa: "Listen carefully. This tournament is not only an opportunity, it is also a test. Each opponent you will face has their strengths and weaknesses, but what matters is your preparation. Ryuu, Yusuke Arata is a puncher, he will not try to counter you, but to crush you with his power. Don't get caught in his game."

Ryuu, relaxed, nods. "I've seen his fights. He's a charging bull, but a bull is easy to feint."

Kamogawa stares at Ryuu intently. "Don't underestimate him. He's already knocked out boxers who thought they could dance around him. Stay focused, keep your counters ready."

Training resumes, and each boxer focuses on their upcoming challenges.

1. Ippo works on his footwork and perfects his DempseyRoll, aware that his opponent is known for avoiding power shots.

2. Miyagi, always methodical, spends hours analyzing videos of his future opponent, noting every repetitive movement he can exploit.

3. Ryuu, true to his style, focuses on the speed and precision of his counters. He practices reading the movements of Takamura, who volunteers as a sparring partner.

----

The next day, Takamura invites Ryuu for a morning run. The duo walks through the busy streets of Tokyo before stopping near a park for a break.

Takamura: "So, kid, do you feel ready for this tournament?"

Ryuu: "Ready is a weak word. This tournament is just a step. My real goal is to become a legend."

Takamura laughs. "Not bad, I like this ambition. But remember, fights are not just about talent or technique. You also have to have heart. Being able to get back up, even when everything tells you that you should stay on the ground."

Ryuu looks at him, slightly perplexed: "You never had to get up, Takamura. You destroy them all."

Takamura: "It's true, but believe me, it will happen to everyone. Even you. And that's when you see who is a real champion."

Ryuu remains silent, but you can see in his eyes that he is thinking about Takamura's words.

----

Meanwhile, Kamogawa and Yagi discuss their boxers' chances.

Yagi: "Do you really think Ryuu is ready? He's talented, but this tournament is going to be his first real set of challenges."

Kamogawa: "Ryuu is a genius, but he has never been tested. This tournament will teach him what professional boxing really means. He will have to deal with pressure, expectations... and above all, opponents who will not give in ."

Yagi: "What if he fails?"

Kamogawa smiled slightly. "Then he will learn. But I have faith. This boy is different."

----

The day of the weigh-in arrives, and all the tournament participants gather in a large room filled with reporters and cameras. Ryuu meets his opponent, Yusuke Arata, for the first time. Arata, a stocky man with bulging muscles, stares at him with a smirk.

Arata: "So, you're the kid prodigy? I hope you're ready to get a taste of real boxing, because in the ring, I won't do any favors."

Ryuu, unfazed, responds with a smirk.

Ryuu: "I can't wait. The harder you hit, the easier it is to counter."

The tension is palpable as the two boxers step on the scale, each at their fighting weight. The reporters murmur among themselves, some noting Ryuu's overwhelming confidence, others pointing out Arata's experience.

Back at the gym after the weigh-in, the team gets together for a little relaxation session. Takamura, true to himself, tries to lighten the atmosphere.

Takamura: "Listen, guys, I bet Ryuu will finish his fight in less than two rounds. Anyone want to bet against me?"

Aoki: "I bet he does it in three rounds. This Arata looks solid."

Kimura: "Are you betting on rounds? I bet he'll knock him out with a counter in the first round."

Ippo, a little nervous, remains silent, but Miyagi intervenes.

Miyagi: "Stop talking. The tournament hasn't even started yet, and you're acting like Ryuu already won."

Ryuu, sitting in a corner, observes the scene with an amused smile.