Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

The gym was alive with energy. The rhythmic thuds of gloves hitting heavy bags filled the air, punctuated by sharp shouts and the occasional laughter. Alex stood near the corner, still adjusting to this gritty world of boxing. His body ached from the previous day's drills, but his determination burned brighter than ever. He could already feel a difference—his movements were sharper, his stance steadier. And most importantly, he was no longer the outsider he'd felt like when he first walked through the doors.

"Ippo, Miyata," Kamogawa's voice boomed, cutting through the noise. "Get in the ring. Time to see what you're made of."

The gym fell silent as everyone turned their attention to the ring. Alex leaned against the ropes, curious. This was it. The legendary sparring match that marked the beginning of Ippo's journey in the anime. He couldn't help but feel a spark of nostalgia.

Ippo climbed into the ring, his face a mix of nervousness and determination. Across from him stood Miyata, calm and composed, exuding the aura of a seasoned fighter. Alex watched intently, analyzing every detail. Even without his system granting him any direct insights, his passion for boxing and past-life knowledge helped him appreciate the nuances of their styles.

"Ready?" Kamogawa asked, his voice gruff but expectant.

Both fighters nodded.

"Begin!"

The first round was electrifying. Ippo charged forward with his raw power and relentless spirit, while Miyata danced around him, his counters precise and devastating. The gym erupted in cheers and gasps as the two clashed. Alex found himself gripping the ropes tightly, his heart pounding with excitement.

"Incredible," he muttered under his breath. "Ippo's power and Miyata's technique... This is real boxing."

By the end of the sparring session, Ippo was exhausted but glowing with newfound determination. Miyata, on the other hand, seemed as composed as ever, though a hint of respect flickered in his eyes.

Kamogawa nodded approvingly. "Good work, both of you. Ippo, you've got potential, but you're still raw. Miyata, keep sharpening those counters."

As the two climbed out of the ring, Kamogawa's gaze fell on Alex. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce through him.

"Alright, rookie. Your turn," he said, gesturing to the ring.

Alex blinked. "Wait, me? Against Miyata?"

Takamura let out a hearty laugh. "What's the matter? Scared? You've been strutting around like you own the place. Time to back it up."

Alex rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smirk. "Fine. Let's do this."

He climbed into the ring, trying to exude confidence. But as he faced Miyata, who regarded him with a calm, almost predatory gaze, he felt a twinge of nervousness. The crowd gathered around the ring, eager to see the new guy in action.

Kamogawa leaned against the ropes. "Listen up, rookie. Don't try to win. Just focus on surviving. Got it?"

Alex nodded. He wasn't stupid. Miyata was on another level. This wasn't about proving himself; it was about learning.

"Ready?" Kamogawa called.

Both fighters nodded.

"Begin!"

Miyata moved first, his speed almost blinding. Alex barely managed to raise his guard in time to deflect the jab. The impact stung his arm, and he staggered back, his mind racing.

"He's fast," Alex thought. "Too fast."

Miyata pressed the attack, his punches precise and unrelenting. Alex dodged one, blocked another, but a sharp hook slipped through his guard, grazing his cheek. The crowd winced in unison.

"Keep your guard up, rookie!" Kamogawa barked.

Alex gritted his teeth, resetting his stance. He focused on his breathing, on the rhythm of Miyata's movements. Slowly, he began to anticipate the punches, his reactions sharpening.

"Not bad," Miyata said, his voice calm but tinged with amusement. "But you're wide open."

Before Alex could react, Miyata feinted left and landed a clean jab to his midsection, knocking the wind out of him. Alex stumbled back, gasping for air. The gym erupted in laughter, with Takamura doubling over.

"Come on, kid!" Takamura called. "You're getting schooled out there!"

Despite the sting of the hit—and his bruised ego—Alex straightened up, feigning nonchalance. He dusted off his gloves and smirked. "Just testing your reflexes," he quipped, earning more laughter from the crowd.

Miyata raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You've got guts. Let's see if you can back it up."

The sparring continued, with Alex slowly adapting. He couldn't match Miyata's speed or precision, but he began to predict the counters and even managed to land a few glancing blows. Sweat poured down his face, and his muscles screamed in protest, but he refused to give up.

Suddenly, amidst the chaos, a strange sensation washed over Alex. Time seemed to slow as he watched Miyata's movements. His body moved on its own, slipping past a jab and planting his feet firmly. A surge of clarity hit him, accompanied by a familiar chime in his mind.

System Update: Unlock Percentage Increased to 10%

Hitman Style: Unlocked

Philly Shell: Unlocked

Alex's stance shifted instinctively. He raised his lead hand high and angled his torso sideways, entering the Hitman Style. His other hand hovered near his chin, his body coiled like a spring. Gasps filled the gym as his transformation was evident.

"What's this?" Miyata's eyes narrowed as he adjusted his guard, sensing the change.

Kamogawa's eyes widened, his gruff voice barely above a whisper. "That stance..."

Alex smirked, his confidence radiating. His movements were fluid yet sharp, as if a hidden reservoir of skill had been unlocked.

For the first time, he felt truly in control.

"Let's see how you handle this," Alex said, his voice steady and calm.

The gym erupted in murmurs of surprise and intrigue as Alex lowered his hands, his heart still pounding. He stepped out of the ring, his mind racing with the possibilities.

To Be Continued...