Chapter 57: Chapter 57: The Grind Behind the Spotlight
The morning sun cast its glow over Tokyo as Alex Makunouchi and Haruhiko Yagi set out for a packed day of promotions. Alex adjusted his leather jacket as he leaned against his sleek 1990 Porsche 911, its glossy black paint reflecting the bustling city streets.
Yagi, Alex's general manager, walked briskly beside him, a clipboard in hand and his phone pressed to his ear. Yagi was not just a manager; he was the engine behind Alex's rapid ascent, handling everything from scheduling to securing endorsements.
"Alright, Alex," Yagi said, ending his call. "We've got two shoots lined up before lunch. First stop, the Red Bull campaign. After that, we're doing a promo for Nike. And don't forget—we're meeting a few press reps in the afternoon."
Alex nodded, slipping into the driver's seat. "Got it, boss. Let's get this done."
The first stop was an industrial-chic studio near Shibuya. Inside, a team of stylists and photographers awaited them, the walls plastered with images of daring stunts and iconic Red Bull branding. Alex stood against a graffiti-style backdrop, holding a can of Red Bull while photographers clicked away.
"Perfect, Alex! Hold that pose—now give me a serious look," the photographer directed.
Between shots, Yagi kept an eye on the schedule, his phone buzzing incessantly. "Keep it up. The next location's expecting us in thirty minutes," he said, his voice calm despite the chaotic pace.
The Nike shoot was equally fast-paced. Set in an urban gym with dim lighting and graffiti-covered walls, Alex demonstrated shadowboxing drills while wearing Nike's latest athletic wear.
"This kid's got presence," one of the Nike reps whispered to Yagi. "You've got a star on your hands."
Yagi smiled knowingly. "He's just getting started."
After wrapping up the promotional work, Alex and Yagi headed to a small, gritty gym on the outskirts of the city. Alex stayed back,
watching from a bench as Yagi met with a trainer and a promoter in a corner office. The conversation grew animated but professional, with Yagi's polished demeanor shining through.
After about twenty minutes, Yagi returned, a satisfied grin on his face.
"All set," Yagi said, handing Alex a bottled water. "Got Aoki his next fight. It's not a ranked opponent, but it'll keep him active and sharp."
Alex nodded, leaning back casually. "Good. Aoki's been itching for a match."
With business out of the way, Yagi suggested they grab a meal. Alex revved the engine of his Porsche 911, the car purring as it glided through the streets of Tokyo. The city's neon lights flickered on as dusk approached, and they pulled into the lot of a high-end restaurant.
The interior was sleek and modern, with warm lighting that cast a golden hue over the minimalist decor. They were seated at a corner table with a view of the bustling cityscape through floor-to-ceiling windows.
As the waiter approached with menus, Alex stretched, finally allowing himself to relax.
"You've earned this, kid," Yagi said, raising a glass of water. "This fight with Iga is the biggest thing to hit the lightweight division in years. You're carrying a lot of expectations, but I know you can handle it."
Alex smirked, picking up his glass. "It's not just expectations—it's an opportunity. And I don't plan on wasting it."
The waiter returned, serving them appetizers of fresh sashimi and miso soup. Alex took a bite, savoring the quality of the food.
"By the way," Yagi said, leaning forward, "I also looked into that other thing you mentioned—about charity work. You sure you want to start that now? You're still building your name."
Alex nodded, his expression firm. "Yeah. I don't want to wait until I'm at the top to give back. Even now, I can make a difference."
Yagi smiled faintly, impressed by Alex's maturity. "Alright, we'll talk more about that after the fight. For now, focus on training. January 25th is coming fast."
Alex set his chopsticks down and leaned back in his chair, his eyes reflecting the city lights.
"I'm ready," he said confidently.As Alex and Yagi savored their meal, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. The hustle of the day felt like a distant memory as they relaxed in the warm ambiance of the restaurant.
Yagi leaned back, swirling the tea in his cup. "You know, Aoki's been working hard, not just in the gym but at his job too. It's impressive how he juggles everything."
Alex smiled, setting his chopsticks down. "Yeah, he's a good guy. Did you know his birthday's in September? And Kimura's is October 10th. Even though it's still next year, I've already been thinking about what to get them."
Yagi raised an eyebrow. "Planning ahead, huh? So, what do you have in mind?"
"For Aoki," Alex said, his voice steady, "I want to buy the restaurant where he's working. He seems genuinely happy being a cook there, so owning the place could be a dream come true for him."
Yagi chuckled, shaking his head. "You don't think small, do you? Alright, I'll talk to the owner and see if they'd even consider selling. But it might cost a pretty penny."
Alex shrugged. "Money's not the issue. It's about giving back to the people who've been there for me. Aoki's been like a big brother in his own goofy way."
Yagi nodded, clearly impressed. "And Kimura?"
Alex's eyes lit up. "For him, I'm thinking of a 1990 Honda NSR250 racing motorcycle. He's always talking about bikes, so I know he'd love it."
Yagi let out a low whistle. "You're setting the bar pretty high, Alex. What about Takamura? You planning on getting him anything?"
Alex burst out laughing, nearly spilling his tea. "Takamura? That guy's already rich rich. He doesn't need a gift! Besides, anything I give him would probably end up as a prank on me somehow."
Yagi laughed along, shaking his head. "Fair point. But seriously, Alex, this is generous of you. Not everyone thinks about their friends like this."
Alex leaned back in his chair, his expression softening. "These guys are more than friends—they're family. They've been there for me and Ippo since day one. If I can make their lives even a little better, why wouldn't I?"
Yagi smiled, raising his glass. "To family, then."
Alex clinked his glass against Yagi's, a warm sense of camaraderie settling over them.
To be continued…