Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

The gym was alive with the sound of boxing. Heavy bags thudded under relentless

punches, speed bags echoed rhythmic taps, and the faint shuffle of footwork filled the air.

In one corner, Alex was shadowboxing with intense focus, his fists darting in fluid combinations as he visualized his next opponent. In another, Ippo was at the punching bag, his usual sharpness dulled by a noticeable unease.

Takamura, always observant despite his carefree attitude, caught sight of Ippo's distracted punches. With a playful smirk, he walked over and flicked Ippo on the forehead. "Oi, rookie, what's with the daze? You're hitting that bag like it owes you money but forgot your name."

Ippo blinked, shaking himself out of his thoughts. "Ah, sorry, Takamura-san. I was just... thinking about something."

"Thinking?" Takamura leaned on the bag, crossing his arms. "Care to share with the class, or are you planning to keep it all bottled up like some melodramatic anime protagonist?"

Ippo scratched the back of his head, hesitant. But eventually, he spoke up. "It's about Mashiba-san... His style is terrifying. His jabs are like whips, and he uses that long reach to control everything. We're in the same weight class, so I can't help but think… What if I have to face him someday?"

Takamura raised an eyebrow, then gave Ippo a reassuring slap on the back. "So that's what's got you all tied up in knots. Alright, how about we do something about it? My place tonight—bring Alex, Aoki, and Kimura. We'll study Mashiba's fights and figure out what makes him tick. Sound good?"

Ippo nodded, grateful for Takamura's support.

That evening, the squad gathered at Takamura's place. They crammed into the living room, Takamura sitting smugly in his favorite chair while the others squeezed onto the couch. Alex lounged comfortably, already munching on snacks as Takamura loaded up a recording of one of Mashiba's fights.

"Alright, rookies," Takamura began, pointing at the screen like a professor addressing his students. "Pay attention. This is Mashiba, the so-called 'Hitman.' Watch and learn."

The video started, and Mashiba's towering figure entered the ring, his lead hand swinging in small arcs as if taunting his opponent. The moment the fight began, Mashiba unleashed his whip-like jab,

snapping it out with a speed and ferocity that left his opponent stunned.

"Damn," Aoki muttered, leaning forward. "That jab's like a freakin' weapon."

"It's not just fast," Kimura added. "The way he uses his reach—it's like he owns the whole ring."

Ippo sat in tense silence, his eyes glued to the screen. Every snap of Mashiba's jab seemed to hammer his worries deeper.

Alex, however, was unimpressed. He smirked, holding up his own fist. "His jab might be like a whip, but mine's like a bullet. Wanna compare?"

Takamura snorted, clearly enjoying the banter. "A whip versus a bullet, huh? That's some cowboy nonsense right there. I'll say this, though: if Mashiba's jab is like a whip, then Alex's is like someone loading a shotgun and firing point-blank."

Everyone burst into laughter at the mental image, except Ippo, who still looked worried.

Sensing this, Alex leaned forward. "Hey, if it bothers you that much, I can imitate his style when we spar. I'm not as tall, but I can mimic the hitman stance and that jab of his. Might help you get used to it."

Takamura raised a hand. "Hold up, Mr. Bullet. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Ippo's got a long way to go before crossing paths with Mashiba. No need to rush into it. For now, just focus on getting better, one step at a time."

Ippo nodded, feeling a bit more at ease thanks to his friends' support and humor.

The next morning at the gym, Coach Kamogawa called Alex and Ippo into his office. His stern expression made both of them straighten up.

"I have news for both of you," the coach began, holding up two pieces of paper. "These are the details for your pro debut matches."

Ippo's eyes widened in surprise, his heart racing. Alex, on the other hand, grinned confidently, his excitement barely contained.

"This is your chance to show what you've got," Kamogawa continued. "But don't let it go to your head. You'll need to train harder than ever before. These opponents won't be pushovers."

"Yes, Coach!" they both said in unison, determination shining in their eyes.

As they left the office, Takamura intercepted them with his trademark smirk. "So, rookies, ready to taste the real world? Or are you planning to wet your pants in the ring?"

"Not a chance!" Alex shot back, grinning.

Ippo, still a bit nervous, nodded firmly. "I'll give it everything I've got."

"Good." Takamura clapped them both on the back. "Now get your asses in gear. The road to glory starts here."

 To be continued...