Chapter 22: Chapter 22: A Fighter’s Resolve
The fishing port was alive with the familiar rhythm of work. The sound of waves lapping against the dock, the cries of seagulls
overhead, and the steady hum of engines formed the backdrop as Alex and Ippo assisted Ippo's mother with the day's haul.
Alex hoisted a heavy basket filled with freshly caught fish, his muscles taut with effort.
Despite the labor, he worked with a focused intensity, a faint furrow etched into his brow. Ippo, a few steps behind, struggled slightly with his load, but his determined grin showed he was glad to help his mother.
"Thank you, boys," Mrs. Makunouchi said, her kind smile lined with years of hard work. "You're both a big help."
"No problem, Auntie," Alex replied, setting the basket down gently. "You shouldn't be doing this much heavy lifting at your age, though."
Ippo nodded in agreement. "Mom, you've done enough for us. You should take it easy."
Mrs. Makunouchi chuckled softly. "This is nothing, Ippo. Besides, if I don't do it, who will? Fish don't wait for anyone."
Her words were lighthearted, but Alex could see the exhaustion in her eyes and the slight strain in her movements. It wasn't right. She'd sacrificed so much for them, and now it was their turn to take care of her.
A Plan in MotionAs they continued working, Alex's mind raced with possibilities. How can I make things better for her?he thought.
Being a professional boxer was a dream, but it wasn't a guaranteed ticket to financial stability—at least not yet.
He considered taking up a part-time job, even though it would mean juggling more responsibilities alongside his intense training schedule. But the idea of watching Mrs.
Makunouchi finally retire, living a peaceful life free from the burden of work, pushed him to entertain the thought seriously.
"I could get a job," Alex thought, glancing at Ippo, who was chatting cheerfully with their mother. "Something small, just enough to help out. But that's not enough. I need to think bigger."
His thoughts shifted to his next fight. The boxing world loved drama, and Alex knew how to play the game. If he could create enough buzz—trash-talking his opponents, dominating in the ring, and putting on a show—he could attract sponsors. Sponsors meant money, and money meant a better life for the Makunouchi family.
It's not just about winning, Alex murmured under his breath. It's about making noise. I'll be the guy everyone talks about—love me or hate me. I'll use the spotlight to give us the life we deserve.
A Run to Clear the MindAs the day wound down, Alex and Ippo laced up their running shoes and hit the trail near their home. The cool evening air was a welcome relief from the day's labor.
They ran side by side, their breaths syncing with the rhythmic thuds of their footsteps. Occasionally, Alex shadowboxed, throwing sharp jabs and crisp hooks at imaginary opponents. He stopped near a large tree, his fists cutting through the air as if battling the doubts and fears lingering in his mind.
"You're working extra hard today," Ippo said, pausing to stretch. "Something on your mind?"
Alex leaned against the tree, his breathing steadying as he looked at Ippo. "Yeah... I've been thinking about Auntie. She's done so much for us, and I hate seeing her work so hard. I want to do something—anything—to make her life easier."
Ippo's face softened. "I feel the same way. She's always been there for us. But we'll get there, Alex. We're working hard too. Boxing will help us change things."
Alex nodded, his expression serious. "It's more than that, Ippo. I want to build something real, something solid. I don't want her to worry about bills or her health ever again. That's my goal—to give her the peace she deserves."
Ippo smiled warmly. "You're a good person,
Alex chuckled. "Hey, don't get too sappy on me. What about you? What's your goal, Ippo? Why do you fight?"
Ippo's gaze turned distant, thoughtful. "I fight because... I want to know what it means to be strong. When I was younger, I didn't understand it. But now, I feel like boxing is helping me find that answer. And, yeah, I want to make my mom proud too. She's sacrificed so much for us. I owe her that."
Alex placed a hand on Ippo's shoulder, his expression warm. "You'll figure it out, Ippo. And when you do, you'll be unstoppable. Just remember, we're in this together."
Ippo nodded firmly, a newfound determination shining in his eyes.
The Path ForwardAs they jogged back home, Alex's mind returned to his plan. He envisioned the cheers of the crowd, the flash of cameras, and the headlines that would follow his next victory. He saw himself standing tall in the spotlight, not for the fame but for the opportunity it would bring—to lift up the people he cared about most.
For Alex Makunouchi, boxing wasn't just a sport. It was a means to protect, to provide, and to honor the sacrifices of those who had given him everything.
To Be Continued...