Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

The living room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the television illuminating Alex as he lounged on the couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table. He held a cold drink in one hand, lazily swirling it as he flipped through channels. Ippo sat beside him, munching on a handful of peanuts, their dinner dishes still on the table.

Suddenly, a promotional segment for Alex's upcoming fight appeared on the screen, grabbing their attention.

"And now," the announcer's voice boomed, "a preview of the highly anticipated lightweight title fight between Shinobu Iga and Alex Makunouchi!"

The segment opened with highlights from a day in Alex's life. The screen showed him at breakfast, eating three eggs with a steak, before transitioning to him at the grocery store. Then came a clip of his impassioned

speech:

"I've lost my mind in this game," Alex began, his voice carrying a blend of melancholy and defiance. "Like Vincent van Gogh. He dedicated his life to his art and lost his mind in the process. That's what happened to me."

He paused, his eyes narrowing, as if speaking directly to his future self. "But you know what? Fuck it. When that green belt is around my waist, when Aunt Hiroko has a big mansion, when my future girlfriend has a different car for every day of the week, and when my kids' kids have anything they could ever want…"

He smiled—a smile filled with determination, defiance, and a touch of madness. "Then it'll all be worth it. I'll die a crazy old man, but damn, I'll have lived."

The screen cut to footage of his sparring session with Mari, a moment that stunned Alex. The camera lingered on Mari's chest, and Alex, unable to help himself, had a noticeable nosebleed.

"Look at that," Alex chuckled. "They really included that part? Talk about drama."

Ippo grinned. "Well, it does show you're human... sometimes."

The footage transitioned to Shinobu Iga. He was in his gym, throwing rapid combinations on the pads with his coach. The crisp sound of gloves hitting the mitts echoed as sweat dripped from Iga's face. His intensity was palpable. The segment switched to Iga running through the streets, the neon lights of the city reflecting vibrantly on the wet pavement.

The camera cut to a reporter interviewing Iga mid-run.

"Iga, what do you think about Alex Makunouchi? Is he different from your past opponents, or more challenging?"

Iga paused briefly, catching his breath before responding. "I don't underestimate any of my opponents—past or future. I'll take this fight seriously."

The promo cut back to the gym, where Iga sparred with one of his training partners. A heavy exchange ended with Iga landing a sharp hook that floored his opponent. The sound of the thud was followed by murmurs of approval from those watching in the background.

As the segment ended, Ippo turned to Alex, an analytical look on his face.

"He looks confident," Ippo said, popping another peanut into his mouth. "But honestly, he seems slower than you. I mean, his punches have power, but the speed... it's just not there."

Alex nodded, his gaze still fixed on the blank screen after the promo ended. "You're right. His movements are good, but I'm a level above him. Still, I won't underestimate him. Every fight deserves respect. That's how you stay sharp."

Ippo nodded, satisfied with Alex's answer.

The two continued their light banter until the clock signaled it was time to call it a night.

The day press conference

The sun broke over the horizon, bathing the city in a warm glow. Alex woke early, his mind sharp and clear. The anticipation for the day ahead was tangible. He did his morning workout—a quick jog and some shadowboxing—before heading home to prepare.

Ippo, having completed his own early drills, grabbed the keys to his Nissan GTR and headed out to pick up Takamura. Meanwhile, Alex made his way to Aoki's place, where the usually comedic boxer was surprisingly on time, waiting outside his ramen shop.

"Wow, you're actually ready," Alex teased as Aoki hopped into the passenger seat.

"Hey, I know when to take things seriously," Aoki replied with a grin. "By the way, do you think this press conference is going to be fireworks, or are we playing it cool?"

Alex smirked, eyes focused on the road ahead. "We'll see. I have some ideas... but I'll figure it out when we get there."

With everything set in motion, the team converged at the venue for the much-anticipated press conference, the excitement of fight night just a day away.

The morning sunlight reflected off the sleek surface of Alex's brand-new Porsche 911 as he pulled up to the venue. The striking black car with polished rims exuded sophistication and confidence, catching the attention of reporters and fans who had already gathered outside. Camera flashes erupted as Alex stepped out, dressed impeccably in a white coat, a red sweater, black slacks,

and polished black shoes. Beside him, Aoki emerged, his outfit as bold as his personality: a yellow jacket, brown pants, and white sneakers.

Moments later, the distinct roar of a Nissan GTR Skyline announced Ippo's arrival. The glossy silver finish of the car shimmered under the bright sky, a testament to its pristine condition. Ippo, casually dressed in a simple shirt and jeans, stepped out alongside Takamura, whose rugged leather jacket and sunglasses added a sense of edgy flair. More flashes exploded as the crowd shifted their focus.

Finally, a Honda SUV pulled in, carrying Coach Kamogawa, Yagi, and Kimura. The trio exited the vehicle, each dressed in business casual attire, with Coach leading the group with his usual stoic demeanor. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the team gathered.

Inside, the venue was bustling with activity. Reporters, photographers, and officials moved around, preparing for the press conference and weigh-ins. The room was set up with two long tables facing the crowd. On the right, Shinobu Iga and his team sat with Iga's Japan Lightweight Championship belt prominently displayed in front of him—a symbol of his dominance. On the left, Alex and his group settled in.

Alex and Kimura took their seats, exchanging light banter before the event began. Across the room, Miyata sat composed on the far-left table, his sharp gaze scanning the room. On the far-right, Mashiba leaned back, his intense presence unmistakable.

As Alex scanned the room, his eyes briefly met Miyata's. Both nodded subtly—a quiet acknowledgment of mutual respect.

The room quieted as the host stepped up to the podium, welcoming everyone. The first reporter directed their question at Iga.

"Shinobu Iga, this is a monumental moment in your career. Defending your title against the fastest rising star in Japan, Alex Makunouchi—how does it feel?"

Iga adjusted the microphone and spoke with calm confidence.

"This is just another step toward greatness for me," he said, his voice measured. "I'll show all of Japan tomorrow night why I'm the champion. That belt is a reflection of my hard work and dedication, and I plan to keep it."

The crowd murmured in approval, impressed by his composed response.

Another reporter, Minoru Fujii, turned to Alex.

"Alex, you've seen the champion now, up close. What's your take on Iga? Are you intimidated by his presence or his record?"

Alex leaned forward, his expression unflinching.

"To be honest, the only reason he has that belt is because he hasn't fought me yet," Alex said, his tone steady yet cutting. "Tomorrow night, that belt won't belong to him anymore—it'll be on display in my house. And about being afraid of Iga?" He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "I fear no man. If you breathe oxygen, you're fair game."

The room erupted with gasps and murmurs, cameras flashing as reporters jotted down his bold statement.

Next, Aoki was asked about his fight. True to form, he kept things lighthearted.

"I'm ready to go, no doubt," Aoki said with a grin. "My opponent's gonna have to bring his A-game, or he'll be looking up at the lights before he knows it."

The crowd chuckled at his confidence.

When asked about their match, both Miyata and Mashiba maintained their serious demeanor. Miyata responded with quiet conviction.

"My preparation speaks for itself. I'm ready to prove myself in the ring."

Mashiba, on the other hand, gave a cold, piercing stare before stating, "I'm not here to talk. I'll let my fists do the talking tomorrow."

The fighters were called up to the stage one by one for the weigh-ins.

Aoki: 130 lbsAoki's opponent: 130 lbsBoth men shook hands respectfully before stepping aside.

Miyata: 126 lbsMashiba: 126 lbsThe tension was palpable as the two locked eyes. Neither spoke a word, their intense stare-down saying everything that needed to be said.

Finally, it was time for the main event participants.

Alex Makunouchi: 135 lbs (61.2 kg)Shinobu Iga: 135 lbs (61.2 kg)The two stepped forward for their face-off. Alex extended his hand, and after a brief pause, Iga accepted it. The handshake was firm but respectful, a gesture of sportsmanship that drew applause from the crowd.

They turned to face the cameras, standing shoulder to shoulder as flashbulbs exploded in a flurry of light. The energy in the room was electric, the anticipation for tomorrow's fight reaching its peak.

As the event concluded, the fighters left the stage, the tension between them simmering beneath the surface. Outside, the crowd had grown larger, eager to catch another glimpse of their favorite fighters.

Alex and his team regrouped, their focus shifting entirely to the final preparations for the fight. The countdown to fight night had begun.

To be continued…