IPPO : The Ultimate Counter

It was now Takamura's turn to enter the arena, there he was, cocky and confident. Following the officials' call, he entered the ring for his first fight of the regional tournament in the middleweight division. His opponent was Hiroshi Kano, a solid boxer known for his quick combinations, but no one doubted that Takamura was far superior.

Takamura, dressed in his black and gold robe, entered the arena to a shower of cheers. He waved to the crowd, an arrogant smile on his face, before pointing at his opponent.

Takamura: "Hey, Hiroshi, enjoy these seconds before the bell. That's all you'll get today."

Hiroshi growled in frustration at Takamura's laid-back attitude.

Hiroshi: "I'll show you that you're not invincible, Takamura!"

Takamura laughed as he took off his robe, revealing his imposing muscles.

Takamura: "Dude, seriously? Are you sure you're in the right category? You look like a sack of flour."

Kamogawa, in the corner, raised his hand in warning:

Kamogawa: "Don't be careless, Takamura. Win quickly and cleanly."

----

[ The gong rang. ]

Takamura slowly advanced, his guard low, a defiant smile on his face. Hiroshi, frustrated, threw a series of jabs to test the distance, but Takamura dodged with ease.

Takamura: "Too slow!" Takamura sneered.

Hiroshi tried to increase the pressure with a left-right combination, but Takamura parried the blows effortlessly.

Takamura: "Come on, is that all you got?"

Takamura suddenly accelerated, throwing a devastating right straight.

" BAM! "

The punch exploded on Hiroshi's face, pushing him violently back against the ropes. The room held its breath. Hiroshi, dazed but determined, struggled to his feet. He tried a desperate left hook, but Takamura dodged with a simple head movement and countered with a monstrous uppercut.

" BOOM! "

Hiroshi collapsed heavily in the ring. The referee started counting, but it was obvious that the fight was over.

— "10! KO! The winner: Takamura Mamoru!"

Takamura raised his arms in triumph before turning to the spectators:

Takamura: "Did you see that? I'm just too good!"

----

Miyata's turn had arrived, he entered the ring to face Kazuki Watanabe, an aggressive and technical boxer. This fight was expected to highlight precision and speed of punching.

In his corner, Miyata adjusted his gloves, his gaze calm but determined. Kamogawa murmured:

Kamogawa: "Stay focused. He's fast, but his attacks are predictable. Observe his movements, and as soon as he opens a gap, finish him off."

Miyata nodded, silently, before throwing a cold look full of challenges at Ryuu who smiled in return. And he turned to his opponent.

[ The gong sounded ]

Kazuki immediately rushed forward, launching a quick combination to test Miyata's defense. But Miyata backed away elegantly, dodging each blow with millimeter precision. Kazuki growled.

Kazuki "Are you planning on staying on defense all evening?"

Miyata, impassive, murmurs:

Miyata "Stop wasting time, show me your best shot."

Furious, Kazuki charged with a jab followed by a hook, putting all his power into the attack. Miyata dodged the hook with a side step, then, in a flashy move, unleashed a lightning counter, a perfectly executed right jab.

" CRACK! "

The blow hit Kazuki full in the face, and he staggered before falling backwards, completely dazed. The referee began the count:

— "1… 2… 3…"

Kazuki didn't move. At ten, the referee raised Miyata's arm. "KO! The winner: Miyata Ichiro! "

Miyata, still calm, returned to his corner without celebrating too much.

----

The entire room was in turmoil after the resounding victories of the Kamogawa gym boxers. Journalists rushed to interview Kamogawa, who remained modest despite the impressive performances of his students.

A reporter called out:

Reporter: "Coach Kamogawa, your boxers just won their fights with disconcerting ease. What's your secret?"

Kamogawa crossed his arms, a slight smile on his face.

Kamogawa: "It's not a secret. It's hours of training, sweat, and iron discipline. But the real credit goes to my boxers. They're the ones who step into the ring and give it their all."

Another reporter added:

Reporter: "Makunouchi, Miyata, Takamura, Ryuu... four clear victories. Do you think you can dominate the entire tournament?"

Kamogawa replied calmly:

Kamogawa: "Every fight is different. We respect all our opponents, but yes, my boxers are ready to go all the way."

Takamura, passing behind Kamogawa, shouts with a laugh:

Takamura: "Of course we'll dominate! With me on the team, the tournament is already won!"

The room burst into laughter as the journalists took note, impressed by the excellence of the Kamogawa gym.

----

the atmosphere in the locker room was teasing

Takamura: "i should thank my opponent for making me shine, i'm a real monster"

Ippo: "Takamura - san you had a great match, even you too Ryuu and Miyata"

Ryuu: "just a formality, it's only a regional tournament after all"

Miyata: "Tchhh... still so arrogant"

Ryuu: "It's not my fault if i'm too strong"

kamogawa: "don't rest on your laurels, the tournament has only just begun, you have to respect each of your opponents. Take some time to rest your next fights will come quickly"

----

The Tournament had just started but Kamogawa had already left his mark on this first day.