Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

The familiar smell of sweat and leather filled the gym as Alex and Ippo stood before Kamogawa. Both were eager yet slightly nervous about the day's lesson. Kamogawa's stern gaze swept over them, his arms crossed as if evaluating their worth.

"Today, we're focusing on shadow boxing," Kamogawa began, his voice gruff but commanding. "This isn't just about throwing punches. Shadow boxing is the foundation of your technique. It teaches you balance, rhythm, and how to visualize your opponent."

He stepped forward, demonstrating his stance with precision. His feet were shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and fists up in a textbook guard. "Your stance is everything. A strong foundation keeps you stable. Keep your weight balanced between both feet. Move light, but controlled."

Alex and Ippo mimicked his stance. Alex looked relaxed, his confidence showing in his smirk, while Ippo appeared stiff, concentrating hard to replicate Kamogawa's form.

"Good. Now, punches. Start with the jab," Kamogawa instructed. "Extend your lead hand straight out and snap it back. Don't just swing—punch with precision and speed."

He demonstrated a crisp jab, the air snapping audibly as his fist cut through it. Alex imitated him, his jab sharp but lacking the fluidity of a seasoned boxer. Ippo's jab, though slower, carried a surprising weight behind it.

"Don't forget to move your feet. Boxing isn't static," Kamogawa barked. "You're always adjusting your position."

The two began moving, their steps clumsy at first. Kamogawa circled them, correcting their form. "Alex, keep your guard up. Ippo, pivot with your punches."

Takamura leaned against the ropes, grinning. "Look at these rookies. Like baby deer trying to walk for the first time."

Alex shot him a smirk but stayed focused. As the session continued, both began to find a rhythm. Alex's movements became smoother, while Ippo's punches grew sharper.

"Better. Keep practicing," Kamogawa said, his tone grudgingly approving.

Later, the gym buzzed with excitement as Miyata stepped into the ring for a sparring session against a senior boxer. Alex and Ippo watched intently, their eyes fixed on the match.

The bell rang, and Miyata adopted his signature countering stance, his body relaxed but his eyes sharp. His opponent, a larger and more aggressive fighter, charged forward with a flurry of punches.

Miyata moved like a ghost, slipping past each punch with minimal effort. His counters were clinical: a jab that rocked his opponent's head back, followed by a perfectly-timed right cross.

"His timing is insane," Alex muttered, impressed.

Miyata's opponent tried to pressure him against the ropes, throwing a wild hook, but Miyata ducked under it, shifting his weight and landing a devastating uppercut that sent the man crashing to the canvas.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Takamura hollered, "Knockout!"

Ippo stared wide-eyed, his hands trembling slightly. "Amazing… He's so fast and accurate."

Alex crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly. "Not bad. I think I could do it better."

Takamura overheard and burst into laughter. "You? Better than Miyata? Oh, that's rich, rookie!"

Alex smirked but said nothing, his confidence unshaken.

The following day, Kamogawa greeted Alex and Ippo with a stern look as they entered the gym. "Today, you're working on footwork. Grab the skipping ropes."

The two grabbed their ropes, unsure of what to expect. Kamogawa demonstrated, his movements smooth and effortless as the rope flicked rhythmically under his feet.

"This is about timing and rhythm," he explained. "If you can control your feet, you can control the fight. Start slow, and don't trip over yourselves."

Alex and Ippo began jumping, their movements awkward at first. Alex caught on quickly, his athleticism showing, while Ippo struggled, tripping over the rope multiple times.

"Keep going!" Kamogawa barked. "It's not about looking pretty. It's about getting better."

Over the next week, the two dedicated themselves to their training. Shadow boxing, skipping rope, bag work—each session left them exhausted but stronger.

The week culminated in another sparring match between Miyata and Ippo. The gym gathered around the ring, the air buzzing with anticipation.

The bell rang, and the two fighters met in the center.

Ippo came out aggressive, throwing a series of jabs and hooks with raw determination. Miyata remained calm, his movements sharp and precise as he slipped past Ippo's punches.

"He's reading him like a book," Alex muttered, watching intently.

Miyata's counters were ruthless. He baited Ippo with a feint before slipping to the side and landing a clean cross to the jaw. Ippo staggered but recovered quickly, launching into another barrage of punches.

The gym roared as Ippo landed a grazing left hook, but Miyata retaliated with a brutal three-piece combination: a lead hook to distract, a body shot to sap Ippo's strength, and an uppercut that left him reeling.

"Don't give up, Ippo!" Takamura shouted, his voice booming over the crowd.

Ippo dug deep, managing to land a solid jab, but Miyata's experience shone through. He finished the round with a textbook counter that left Ippo on the ropes as the bell rang.

Though Miyata had won decisively, the crowd cheered for Ippo's progress.

"Good effort, Ippo," Kamogawa said. "You're getting better, but you're still too reckless."

As Ippo climbed out of the ring, Alex stepped forward, a smirk on his face.

"Your turn," Kamogawa said, gesturing for Alex to step in.

The gym grew quiet as Alex faced off against Ippo. The tension was palpable.

The bell rang, and Alex raised his gloves, a confident gleam in his eyes.

To Be Continued...