Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

March 2nd, 1992 – 6:00 AM

The early morning light seeped through the windows of Kamogawa Gym, casting long shadows across the training mats. The gym was quiet, save for the occasional hum of activity.

In the center of the ring, Alex Makunouchi lay face-down on the mat, receiving a deep tissue massage from a professional therapist. His body was visibly relaxed, though his eyes remained half-open, looking at the mat with a calm expression.

Coach Kamogawa sat nearby on a wooden bench, thoughtfully watching over Alex. He had personally hired the expert to help with Alex's muscle recovery, knowing that proper maintenance was crucial for his upcoming fight .

Meanwhile, outside the gym, the roar of a bicycle echoed through the street. A delivery worker pedaled past, tossing a freshly printed newspaper toward the entrance. The folded stack landed with a soft thud just in front of the doors.

Aoki, who had been stretching near the entrance, glanced at it before cracking his knuckles.

"The newspapers are out. Let me see that!"

He jogged outside, scooping up the paper while flipping it open.

Kimura leaned against the ropes, looking around the gym before turning to Kamogawa.

"Coach, where's Takamura and Yagi-san?"

Kamogawa sighed, rubbing his temple.

"They're out looking for Takamura's next opponent."

Kimura nodded. "I see. What about Coach Shinoda?"

"It's his day off," Kamogawa replied.

Just then, Aoki swung the door open, stepping inside with the newspaper in hand. He was grinning, clearly eager to share the news.

Alex, still lying on the mat, tilted his head slightlytoward Aoki.

"Read it out loud," he ordered lazily.

Aoki cleared his throat and began reading.

"The long-awaited title match for the WBC Lightweight Championship is finally official!

On April 12th, 1992, at the Mahi Temple Shrine Auditorium in Miami, reigning WBC Champion Marcus Rosario will face off against WBA Champion Juan Nazario to unify the lightweight division!"

Alex's expression remained neutral, but his fingers tapped lightly against the mat.

Aoki continued reading.

"The co-main event will feature IBF Lightweight Champion Pernell Whitaker, who will defend his title against the number one contender, Jorge Páez. Sources close to Whitaker suggest that this may be his final fight at lightweight before he officially moves up to junior welterweight."

Hearing this, Alex closed his eyes momentarily, processing the information.

"So Pernell is finally making the jump to junior welterweight, huh?"

Aoki's eyes moved to the bottom of the article, and suddenly, his voice rose in excitement.

"Hey, check this out! Ichiro Miyata, Japan's featherweight super rookie, just won his match in Thailand against Jimmy!"

Alex opened one eye at the mention of Miyata's name.

Aoki grinned and raised both hands in the air, pointing at the newspaper.

"Ippo's gonna be happy when he hears this!"

Kimura, now curious, glanced around.

"Speaking of Ippo… where is he?"

Alex smirked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"Don't bother looking. He's at the bakery store again, hoping to see Kumi there."

Kimura blinked before realization struck.

"Wait… isn't that Mashiba's sister?"

Aoki raised an eyebrow. "Didn't she already quit that job?"

Alex exhaled. "Yeah, but Ippo keeps going back, hoping she'll return."

Kimura shook his head. "That's kinda depressing."

Alex sighed. "Let's change the topic. This is getting weird."

Aoki grinned, flipping the newspaper closed.

"So, Alex, what about Marcus Rosario's fight? Will you go watch it in person again?"

Alex shook his head.

"No, I don't have time for that."

Aoki raised a brow. "Oh? But you'll still watch it on TV, right?"

Alex smirked slightly. "Of course."

Hours passed

The atmosphere inside the Makunouchi household was relaxed. The faint sound of the television hummed in the background as Alex Makunouchi lay stretched out on the sofa, lazily flipping through channels with the TV remote in one hand.

Across from him, Ippo sat upright on the floor, leaning against the couch with his arms crossed. He frowned slightly, watching Alex switch between programs without any real focus.

"Alex, stop flipping through random channels. Just put it on the news," Ippo suggested, his tone somewhere between a request and a complaint.

Alex barely acknowledged him, his half-lidded eyes still fixed on the screen. Then, without warning, he tossed the remote in Ippo's direction.

"Catch."

Caught off guard, Ippo fumbled as the remote nearly slipped through his fingers. He barely managed to catch it before it hit the floor.

"You could've just handed it to me nicely," he grumbled, adjusting his grip.

Alex simply shrugged, unfazed. "Too lazy to move."

Standing in the doorway, Hiroko Makunouchiobserved the interaction with a small, knowing smile. Her two boys, despite their differences, were still just cousins being cousins.

"You boys lock the door when you're done, okay?" she reminded them, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm going to bed."

Alex glanced up at the wall clock—it was only 7:00 PM. He furrowed his brows.

"It's still early, Aunt. You sure?"

Hiroko nodded, stretching lightly. "I was busy with my plants in the greenhouse today. It wore me out more than I expected."

Ippo gave her a warm smile. "Take a good rest, Mom. Goodnight."

Alex nodded as well. "Goodnight, Aunt."

As she headed toward the staircase, Hiroko turned back one last time, pointing toward the door.

"And don't forget to lock up, alright?"

Alex immediately pointed at Ippo. "Ippo can do it."

Ippo shot him a look. "You can do it!"

But Hiroko was already on her way upstairs, too tired to pay attention to their half-hearted bickering.

Now in control of the remote, Ippo switched the channel to Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai (NHK), Japan's national broadcasting network. The NHK Newsevening segment was currently airing.

On the screen, Tetsuya Chikushi, a distinguished news anchor in his 50s, sat with his usual authoritative presence. His sharp facial features, neatly combed short black hair, and well-tailored suit gave him a refined look, fitting of a respected journalist.

Beside him, his co-host, Keiko Ijūin, appeared just as composed. In her late 20s, she had medium-length dark hair, styled either in soft waves or a professional bob cut—a common trend for women in early '90s Japan. She carried an air of grace and warmth, making her both approachable and professional.

Dressed in a stylish yet conservative blazer over a pastel-toned blouse, Keiko smiled at the camera, signaling an upcoming announcement.

"People of Japan, we have exciting news to share!" Tetsuya said, his voice carrying a slight dramatic pause, keeping viewers in suspense.

Keiko clasped her hands together. "This is especially good news for boxing fans out there!"

Tetsuya leaned forward slightly, his tone deliberately stretched out to build anticipation.

"The big news is…"

A brief silence—then he announced:

"Alex Makunouchi is officially set to face the number three-ranked contender, Tracy Spann!"

Keiko clapped her hands lightly, excitement clear in her expression. "And that's not all!"

Tetsuya continued. "This fight will be for the vacant WBO Lightweight World Title—set for June 5th, 1992!" at the Pennsylvania Hall, Philadelphia USA

As soon as the announcement was made, both hosts clapped enthusiastically, their excitement mirrored by the studio audience watching from home.

Ippo, still holding the remote, stared at the screen in mild surprise before turning to his cousin.

"They finally announced your fight, Alex."

From his spot on the couch, Alex barely reacted. Still lying on his back, he lazily shifted his eyes toward the TV, his expression indifferent.

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, completely unfazed, as if the fight had been a mere formality.

Ippo, on the other hand, continued watching the screen, his grip on the remote tightening slightly.

"A world title shot…"

Even though he had just won his own match, the gap between him and Alex felt wider than ever.