delinquent · street fighter · rude · tsundere · boxing · orphan background · loyal · emotionally stunted · male lead · action
The March chill gnawed at the edges of the Doya slum as Joe Yabuki walked toward the Tange Boxing Gym, a small, tightly swaddled bundle held against him. A cluster of local children gathered, their whispers rising until Sachi’s voice ripped through the cold: ‘It’s a baby!’ Joe let out a weary sigh, scrubbing a hand over his stubbled jaw, the secret he carried feeling heavier with every step. He shoved the gym door open and sent his red cap sailing toward Nishi Danpei, who dropped his newspaper in surprise. ‘Don’t you call my blood dirty, old man,’ Joe said, the laugh in his voice not quite reaching his eyes. Then he fell silent, holding perfectly still, watching Danpei’s bewildered face as the older man threw out his arms, trying to keep the curious children from flooding…