IPPO : The Ultimate Counter

The referee officially announced Takeda's knockout. Ryuu lowered his fists, his gaze still fixed on his opponent on the ground. The silence reigned in the gym, broken only by the murmurs of the impressed spectators.

Spectator 1: "He finished that in one go... That was terrifying."

Spectator 2: "Takeda has reached a new level, but this guy... he's on another planet."

Spectator 3: "For sure, no one can stop him in this tournament."

Ryuu calmly returned to his corner as the healers helped Takeda up. Despite the pain visible on his face, Takeda displayed a weak but sincere smile. He approached Ryuu, swaying slightly.

Takeda: "You're incredibly strong... But don't think that everything is that easy. I'll come back stronger."

Ryuu (with a smirk): "I'm waiting for that. You have potential."

Takeda returned to his coach, to the applause of the audience, while Ryuu got off the ring, accompanied by Kamogawa and the other members of the team.

----

In the locker room, the atmosphere was festive. Ryuu, as usual, was relaxed and impassive, and Takamura, always the first to speak, broke the silence.

Takamura (mocking): "You finally woke up, kid. But you waited too long! You really are a showman."

Ippo (hesitant): "That's true, but... there could have been an accident. Takeda almost turned the tide at one point."

Ryuu (laughing softly): "Turn the tide? Come on, Ippo. I knew exactly when and how to end this fight."

Takamura : " HAHAHA! don't be mistaken ippo Ryuu was just more serious. i know what it's like when he's all in and he's still far from it "

said Takamura while thinking back to a sparring session with Ryuu.

Miyata (staring at Ryuu seriously): "Don't be too sure of yourself. That kind of arrogance will cost you dearly."

Ryuu turned to Miyata, a smirk on his lips, but his eyes showed a glint of interest.

Ryuu: "You seem eager to test that theory again yourself, Miyata. Who knows? Maybe you could give me more challenges this time?"

Miyata (dryly): "Next time it won't be so easy."

Coach Kamogawa, who had remained silent, decided to intervene. Kamogawa: "Ryuu, Miyata that's enough! Miyata your fight is coming soon, focus."

----

Meanwhile, in a corner of the gymnasium, the reigning regional champion, Tetsuya Shiba ranked 3rd National, watched the replay of the fight with a piercing gaze. With his reputation as a tactical boxer, he was considered the man to beat, the reigning champion of the regional tournament.

Shiba (thinking): "... He's different. His power, his technique, his defense, everything seems impressive, but if he thinks he can intimidate me with that, he's sorely mistaken."

Shiba stood up from his seat, attracting the attention of the spectators around him.

Shiba (Thoughts): "See you in the finals."

----

In Takeda's locker room, his coach was giving him treatment, while Takeda stared at the ground, lost in thought.

Takeda's Coach: "You had an excellent fight. Few people could have lasted that long against him."

Takeda: "But it wasn't enough... Even when I reached what I thought was my best, he was still above me. It's like he was playing with me."

The coach places a hand on his shoulder.

Takeda's Coach: "You reached an important milestone today, that's the most important thing. This fight is not a defeat, but a lesson. Now you know what you still have to work on."

Takeda (clenching his fists): "Yes... I'll come back stronger. I want to see him in the ring again, and this time, I won't fall."

----

While Takamura and Ryuu were left alone in the locker room, Ryuu seemed pensive.

Takamura: "Are you in your thoughts?"

Ryuu: "I just feel a little frustrated...."

Takamura: "HAHA! I understand you... when you reach a certain level you can feel that... it's the loneliness that accompanies those who are at the top."

Ryuu: "So what to do...?"

Takamura: "Be patient, you'll eventually meet boxers capable of pushing you to your limits."

Ryuu: "I hope Tetsuya Shiba will give me more challenges....",

Ryuu closed his eyes while flashbacks of his past battles flashed through his mind.

----

Narrator: "The road to the top is fraught with pitfalls, and even for a prodigy, the greatest challenge is yet to come. Who will be the man capable of shattering Ryuu's illusion of invincibility?"

To be continued...