READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 56: Chapter 56: The Rising Star
Two months had passed since the explosive fights that captivated Japan. A lot had changed in that short time.
Makunouchi Ippo had returned to the ring, taking on a tough opponent, Kenta Kobashi. The match had been grueling, with Kobashi using his sharp jab and an uppercut to keep Ippo at bay. However, in the final round, Ippo secured a dramatic KO victory, showcasing his determination and adaptability.
Meanwhile, Alex Makunouchi's career reached unprecedented heights. His first title fight had been finalized, scheduled for January 25th, 1991. The boxing community buzzed with anticipation for this pivotal moment.
Outside the ring, Alex's hard work and charm paid off. He finalized the purchase of his reserved Nissan Skyline and Nissan SUV, also adding a luxurious 1990 Porsche 911 to his collection. His rising popularity brought in new sponsorships, with Red
Bull joining Nike as his main
sponsors. Sonyhad exited the scene, but Alex's estimated earnings from sponsorships alone amounted to $200,000 USD (approximately ¥28,000,000 in 1990).
Back in the present, the Makunouchi household was alive with warmth and celebration. Alex and Ippo decided to celebrate their birthdays together—Ippo's birthday on November 23rd and Alex's on November 25th.
The dining table overflowed with delicious dishes lovingly prepared by Hiroko Makunouchi, Ippo's mother. "Everyone, eat your fill! It's a special day for my boys!" she said with a proud smile.
Takamura, true to form, was devouring food like a man on a mission. Between bites, he waved a drumstick at Alex. "So, Alex, you've got three cars now. Got a spot for me to sleep in one of them if I ever get kicked out of my place?"
Aoki grinned. "That'd be an upgrade for you, Takamura! I bet those seats are comfier than your bed."
Kimura snickered. "And they don't snore, either."
"Laugh it up, losers," Takamura shot back, stuffing his face with another bite. "At least I don't need my mom to make my birthday party cool!"
Alex smirked. "You're just jealous because you'd never fit in my Porsche."
The room erupted in laughter, Takamura included, despite himself.
As the night progressed, Alex stood up, glass in hand. "To family, friends, and an amazing year ahead! Let's keep climbing higher and chasing greatness!"
The room cheered, with Hiroko smiling proudly at her boys. Takamura raised his drink. "And to me—Japan's most handsome middleweight champion!"
Ippo chuckled softly, his modest nature shining through even amidst the lighthearted chaos. The celebration carried on, filled with laughter, food, and the unbreakable bond shared by everyone present.
Japans Pov
It was a quiet evening across Japan, with people settling into their routines. Families were gathered around televisions,
businessmen relaxed in bars, and teenagers hung out in arcades. But all of this came to a halt as breaking news interrupted regular programming on nearly every major TV network.
The screen filled with the words: "BREAKING NEWS: NEW JAPAN LIGHTWEIGHT RANKINGS RELEASED". The voice of a popular sports anchor cut through the airwaves.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you exciting updates from the world of Japanese boxing! The Japan Boxing Commission has released the latest rankings for the lightweight division."
The screen transitioned to a striking graphic:
JAPAN LIGHTWEIGHT RANKINGS
Champion: Shinobu Iga (10-1-0, 6 KO)
Ryota Sakamoto (14-3-2, 9 KO)Kenta Hoshino (11-2-1, 7 KO)Alex Makunouchi (4-0-0, 4 KO)Daichi Kuroda (12-4-0, 5 KO)Riku Tanaka (8-4-0, 6 KO)Hayato Shimizu (10-4-1, 6 KO)Tetsuya Miyamoto (9-5-1, 3 KO)Hiroshi Yamamoto (8-4-2, 4 KO)Koji Nakamura (6-4-0, 2 KO)Masato Sugihara (7-5-1, 3 KO)"Incredible!" the anchor exclaimed.
"And there's more—an upcoming title match has been finalized. The reigning Japan Lightweight Champion, Shinobu Iga, will defend his belt against none other than Alex Makunouchi, the undefeated phenom, currently ranked #3 in the division!"
The screen shifted to show Alex's profile: his record, a photo of him mid-punch during a previous match, and a headline reading:
"Alex Makunouchi: The Fastest Rising Star in Japanese Boxing"
From bustling Tokyo to the quiet countryside, this announcement sparked conversations everywhere.
In a packed sports bar in Shinjuku, patrons erupted into heated discussions.
"That kid Alex is the real deal! Did you see his last fight? Knocked his opponent out cold in under three rounds!" one man shouted, slamming his beer on the counter.
"But Shinobu Iga's a beast!" another argued. "He's got experience and power. Alex is good, but this might be too much, too soon."
At a high school in Osaka, students crowded around a television in the cafeteria.
"Makunouchi? Isn't that the same family as Ippo?" a girl asked, flipping through a magazine that also featured Ippo's name.
"Yeah, they're cousins! Both of them are making waves in boxing," a boy replied, eyes glued to the screen.
In a quiet living room in Hokkaido, an elderly man adjusted his glasses as he watched the broadcast. "That boy's got fire," he muttered. "Reminds me of the old days when boxing was all about heart."
Even on the streets of Nagoya, fans debated while pointing at posters plastered across buildings.
"Look! That's him, Alex Makunouchi!"
"Do you think he can pull it off? Beating Iga?"
Across Japan, the announcement had turned the spotlight on boxing, sparking a surge of excitement and anticipation.
In the Broadcast Studio
The anchor concluded with enthusiasm: "Mark your calendars, fight fans! On January 25th, 1991, the rising star Alex Makunouchi will step into the ring to challenge Shinobu Iga for the Japan Lightweight Title. This is shaping up to be the fight of the year!"
The announcement reverberated through Japan, uniting fans in anticipation for what was sure to be an unforgettable battle. In homes, bars, and gyms, all eyes were now on Alex Makunouchi—the prodigy whose name had become synonymous with potential, power, and promise.
To be continued…