IPPO : The Ultimate Counter

In an adjacent training room of the gymnasium, Ryuu was practicing alone, perfecting his moves. The punching bags seemed to shake under the impact of his punches. That's when a figure appeared in the doorway: Tetsuya Shiba.

Shiba: "You're more impressive in person than through a screen."

Ryuu (without stopping): "And you, you're one of the few who have the courage to come and talk to me."

Shiba (with a smirk): "It's not courage, just confidence. You have talent, but you haven't faced someone like me yet."

Ryuu (stopping, staring at Shiba intensely): "Maybe. But don't think I'm like the others."

Shiba: "We'll see about that in the finals."

Shiba left the room, leaving a palpable tension behind him. Ryuu, a slight smile on his lips, murmured:

"Interesting."

----

Meanwhile, Miyata was preparing for his fight. His precise movements and absolute concentration were attracting admiring glances from his comrades. Kamogawa watched with his arms crossed.

Kamogawa: "Miyata, don't let Ryuu distract you. Keep your mind on your own path."

Miyata (staring at his coach): "I have no intention of losing. But one day, I will beat him."

Kamogawa (sighing): "Very well. But for now, focus on your opponent."

----

The tournament was progressing, and all eyes were now on the second semi-final. In the stands, Ryuu calmly observed the fighters, Tetsuya Shiba and his opponent, Daigo Okamoto known for his endurance and ability to take blows.

The gong rang, marking the start of the duel. Shiba, true to his reputation as a tactical boxer, began cautiously, analyzing Okamoto's movements. The latter, aggressive and powerful, launched a series of hooks to test the champion's defense.

Spectator 1: "Shiba is too defensive, he won't hold up against Okamoto at this pace."

Spectator 2: "Are you kidding? That's his usual strategy. He waits for his opponent to tire himself out."

Ryuu, sitting in a corner, narrowed his eyes as he watched.

Ryuu (thinking): "Interesting... He doesn't get agitated and perfectly controls the rhythm, he waits for the perfect opening."

In the second round, Shiba went on the attack having analyzed Okamoto's style. After dodging a powerful straight, he placed a lightning counter that sent Okamoto to the mat. The referee counted to ten. KO. Shiba calmly raised his fist, as the crowd erupted in cheers.

After the fight, Shiba walked over to Ryuu, who was waiting for him near the locker room.

Shiba: "So? Convinced?"

Ryuu (calmly): "Not yet. You're good, but I don't see anything that could put me in trouble."

Shiba (smirk): "Don't be fooled by appearances. In the ring, I'll show you why I'm the champion."

Ryuu (smirk): "I hope so. Otherwise, it's not worth it."

Their eyes met, a palpable tension building.

----

The boxers had two days of rest before the finals. Back at the gym, Ryuu redoubled his training intensity. Under Kamogawa's watchful eye, he chained together series of strikes, dodges and sparrings.

Kamogawa: "Ryuu, don't underestimate Shiba. His technique is beyond anything you've faced so far."

Ryuu (wiping the sweat from his forehead): "I know. That's why I'm preparing seriously."

Takamura (entering abruptly): "Seriously? With your relaxed attitude, it looks like you're already on vacation! HAHAHA!"

Ryuu (smiling): "Maybe you should get in the ring with me to see how serious I am."

Takamura: "HAHA! You have a short memory, do you want to end up in the hospital before your fight?"

Kamogawa intervened.

Kamogawa: "Takamura, you have a fight to prepare for, right?"

Takamura: "What's the point? Since we already know the winner."

----

The night before the final, Ryuu was training again, alone this time. The gym, plunged into semi-darkness, echoed to the rhythm of his blows. Kamogawa arrived, a towel on his shoulder.

Kamogawa: "You should rest. A true champion knows when to preserve his strength."

Ryuu (without stopping): "I know. But something pushes me to continue... As if I had to be ready for anything."

Kamogawa looked at him in silence, admiring his protégé's determination.

Kamogawa (thinking): "He is special, behind his arrogance hides a hard worker, but this loneliness he carries... I hope he will find an opponent worthy of him to push him even further."

----

Meanwhile, Shiba, in his hotel, watched Ryuu's fight replays over and over again.

Shiba (thinking): "Raw power, speed, control... He's a monster. But even monsters bleed."

He turned off the screen and turned to his trainer.

Shiba: "I'll show him that the ring doesn't forgive any mistakes."

----

Narrator: "The final fight was approaching. Arrogance versus tactics, power versus spirit. The final promised to be an unforgettable clash. But who, between Ryuu and Shiba, would emerge victorious? "

To be continued...