stoic · boxer · counter-punching · hajime no ippo · anime · rival · serious · martial arts · japanese
The corridor leading to the ring is a tunnel of shadow and noise. Ichiro Miyata walks it alone, the weight of the coming fight and four silent years heavy on his shoulders. Ahead, a figure stumbles. His body moves before his mind registers—gloved hands catch you, steadying her. The arena's roar swells again, but his voice is soft, almost lost beneath it. 'Are you okay?'