Chapter 53: Chapter 53: The Shotgun Silenced
"The stage is set!" one commentator shouted. "The first fight of the night's main event is about to begin!"The opening bell rang and Ryūichi Hayami wasted no time establishing his jab. Each one came with precision and power, snapping forward like a shotgun blast. Ippo was forced to stay just out of range, each jab carrying enough force to disrupt his rhythm.
Hayami controlled the center of the ring, using his jab to keep Ippo at bay. Each time Ippo tried to close the distance, Hayami would snap an uppercut the moment Ippo slipped inside his jab's range.
Ippo's face remained calm, but his mind raced. He'd already been caught once by a sharp uppercut while trying to counter, and he knew he couldn't keep eating those punches.
Flashback
Back at the gym, Kamogawa rewound the tape of Hayami's fights. The screen flickered as Hayami unleashed his signature jab, followed by a swift uppercut whenever his opponent tried to close in.
"This is his bread and butter," Kamogawa said, pointing at the screen. "He uses that jab like a shotgun. It's powerful, fast, and it controls the fight. But it's his uppercut that makes him dangerous. The second you slip inside, he's ready to fire it like a trap."
Ippo studied the footage intently. "So what do I do, Coach?"
"You bait the uppercut," Kamogawa explained. "He's predictable. The moment you step in, he'll go for it. But instead of rushing in completely, take a half-step back with your rear foot. Create just enough distance to avoid it. The instant his uppercut misses, counter with your cross. Timing is key here—hesitate, and you'll miss the window."
Alex nodded in agreement. "The key is making him think you're falling into his trap.
He's overconfident with that uppercut because it works on everyone else. But if you make him miss, you've got a clean shot."
"Exactly," Kamogawa added. "It's all about rhythm. Get a feel for it, and once you've seen the timing enough, execute the plan."
End Flashback
Back in the ring, Ippo adjusted his stance. Hayami's jab fired off like clockwork, snapping into Ippo's guard. The crowd buzzed, sensing the tension as Hayami dictated the pace of the fight.
Ippo feinted forward, making it seem like he was trying to slip inside. As expected, Hayami fired his jab, followed instantly by his uppercut, aimed perfectly at Ippo's chin.
But this time, Ippo was ready.
As Hayami's uppercut shot upward, Ippo took a subtle step back with his rear foot, letting the punch graze harmlessly past his face. In that split second, Hayami was wide open.
Ippo unleashed a thunderous straight right to Hayami's exposed chin, snapping his head back violently. The crowd erupted as Hayami staggered, his legs wobbling beneath him.
Not wasting the opportunity, Ippo closed the distance and unleashed a brutal combination. A left hook slammed into Hayami's ribs, doubling him over. Ippo followed with a crushing right uppercut that lifted Hayami's head, and he finished with a devastating left hook to the temple.
Hayami crumpled to the canvas, his body collapsing in a heap as the referee began the count.
The fight was over before the count could even reach ten. The referee waved it off, and the arena erupted in cheers as Ippo raised his fist in victoryIn the preparation room, Takamura, still wrapping his hands, smirked as he heard the muffled cheers through the walls. "Good job, kid," he muttered under his breath, his focus already shifting to his own bout.
Ippo stood in the center of the ring, his hand raised in triumph, the image of a fighter who had not only executed his plan perfectly but also proven his grit under pressure.
10 Minutes Later
The crowd chanted his name, a sound that filled the arena with electric energy, setting the perfect stage for what was still to come.The lights dimmed in the arena, and the crowd erupted as the unmistakable opening notes of "Kimi wa 1000%" filled the venue. The vibrant, upbeat melody created a nostalgic yet exhilarating atmosphere, perfectly capturing Alex Makunouchi's charisma and confidence.
Blue and white spotlights swept across the packed stadium as Alex emerged from the tunnel, his hooded robe draped over his shoulders. His steps were measured but purposeful, his expression calm yet focused.
The crowd chanted his nickname, "The Great," while waving handmade signs with slogans like "Makunouchi KO King!"
Alex reached the ring steps, pausing briefly to take in the electric energy of the crowd before climbing into the ring. He moved with practiced ease, stepping through the ropes and heading to his corner. He bounced lightly on his toes, already eyeing the entrance tunnel in anticipation of his opponent's arrival.
The music shifted to an intense rock track, and the red lights bathed the tunnel as Riku Tanaka's walkout began. Emerging with a stoic expression, Riku led his team into the arena. His focus was unshakeable, his eyes locked on the ring as he moved with purpose.
The crowd greeted him with a mix of cheers and boos, but his supporters made their presence known, waving banners and chanting his name. Riku climbed into the ring and immediately moved to his corner, stealing a glance at Alex as he began his final preparations.
The announcer stepped into the spotlight, microphone in hand, as the arena's energy reached a fever pitch.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the co-main event of the evening! Scheduled for 10 rounds in the lightweight division!"
The spotlight turned to Alex.
"Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner! This man is ranked in the top 10 of Japan's lightweight division. He holds a professional record of 3 wins, 0 losses, with all 3 wins coming by way of knockout. He stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed in at 134 pounds. Presenting the challenger… Alex 'The Great' Makunouchi!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices nearly drowning out the announcer. Alex raised a single glove, acknowledging the fans, but his focus remained sharp.
"And now, his opponent, fighting out of the red corner! This man is ranked #4 in Japan's lightweight division. He holds a professional record of 8 wins, 3 losses, with 6 wins coming by way of knockout. He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed in at 134 pounds.
Presenting… Riku Tanaka!"
Riku's supporters cheered just as loudly, their energy fueling the already electric atmosphere. Riku raised both gloves and nodded confidently, his gaze locking onto Alex as the cheers roared on.
The referee motioned for both fighters to step to the center of the ring. Alex and Riku moved forward, the intensity between them palpable as they squared off just inches apart.
"You both know the rules," the referee said, his voice steady but firm. "Protect yourselves at all times. Follow my instructions. Do you want to touch gloves?"
Neither fighter moved, their eyes locked in a silent but fierce battle. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, sensing the tension building between the two.
"Alright," the referee said, stepping back. "Return to your corners and wait for the bell."
Alex smirked faintly as he turned and walked back, exuding quiet confidence. Riku, with a sneer, muttered something inaudible, shaking his head as he returned to his corner.
The crowd roared in excitement, knowing the battle ahead would be anything but ordinary.
To be continued,,,