The match had ended, and the crowd slowly began dispersing, their cheers and chatter still echoing through the arena. Ippo and Alex, exhilarated from witnessing Takamura's dominant performance, were making their way toward the exit.
"That was incredible!" Ippo exclaimed, clenching his fist in excitement. "Takamura-san is really on another level! And he is not the new middleweight JBC champion."
Alex, walking beside him with his hands in his pockets, he's the first JBC holder in our gym for now. "Yeah, it was impressive. But when I debut…"
Ippo glanced at him, curious. "When you debut?"
Alex grinned ear to ear. "I'm ending my debut fight in a minute, tops. And after that, I'm going to do the McGregor walk."
"The what?" Ippo asked, tilting his head.
Alex paused for a moment, realizing his slip. Wait… there's no Conor McGregor in this world. He chuckled to himself. "Never mind. I'll call it the 'Alex Walk'—pure swagger, all eyes on me. It's going to be different than anyone has ever seen before."
Ippo blinked at him in confusion, then burst into laughter.
"You're always thinking of something funny, Alex."
While Ippo was walking forward, Alex was looking at Ippo's back and thought to himself, laugh for now—when I did it, you will all admire me. As they neared the exit, Ippo suddenly stopped in his tracks, his eyes locking onto a familiar figure standing by the hallway. It was Miyata, wearing dark shades, leaning casually against the wall.
"Miyata-san!" Ippo called out, waving.Miyata turned his head slightly, acknowledging Ippo with a nod. Alex stayed a few steps behind, his hands still in his pockets, watching the interaction with mild interest. He glanced at both of them, then thought to himself, Ippo's true love is really Miyata, huh? I bet he's wet thinking of Miyata… isshhh, thinking about it makes me want to puke.
"Miyata-san, you were here for Takamura-san's match too?" Ippo asked, his tone filled with genuine curiosity.
Miyata nodded again, his expression as cool as ever. "I came to see what the hype was about. He's as strong as they say."
The two exchanged a few words about boxing and their training, with Ippo animatedly sharing his admiration for Takamura. Alex, meanwhile, stood by, lost in his thoughts.
One minute. I'll end my debut in one minute. After that, the crowd won't know what they've witnessed, followed up with the Alex Walk. He smirked to himself, already imagining the audience's reaction. They'll chant my name.
Their conversation was interrupted by a blur of motion. A man appeared out of nowhere, stepping in front of Miyata with such speed that both Alex and Ippo barely caught it.
The man was tall and lean, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement as he stared directly into Miyata's face. After a tense moment, he chuckled darkly, the sound echoing in the hallway. Without a word, he turned and walked away, his laughter fading as he disappeared into the distance.
"What the…" Ippo muttered, his eyes wide.A nearby spectator whispered to his companion, loud enough for the group to hear, "Isn't that Mashiba Ryo? One of the best rookies in the western part of Japan?"Miyata's jaw tightened, his usual calm demeanor cracking for a split second before he regained his composure.
Alex raised an eyebrow, watching Mashiba's retreating figure. "Well, he's got the speed and the style. Definitely knows how to make an entrance and an exit."
Ippo nodded, still processing what had just happened. "Mashiba-san… he seems really strong."
Miyata didn't respond, but his clenched fists spoke volumes.
By the time Alex and Ippo arrived back home, the sun had set, and the comforting aroma of dinner wafted through the air.
Hiroko Makunouchi, Ippo's mother, was bustling around the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared the evening meal.
"Welcome home, boys!" she called out warmly. "Dinner will be ready soon. Wash up and take a seat."
"Yes, Mom!" Ippo replied cheerfully, heading to the sink.
Alex lingered for a moment, watching Hiroko with a strange mix of gratitude and melancholy. After being isekai'd into this world, I adjusted quicker than I thought, he mused. But it's not just the gym or boxing that's made it easier—it's her.
Hiroko had taken Alex in without hesitation, treating him like her own son. She cooked for him, cared for him, and even covered his living expenses without complaint.
He thought to himself, "Aunt Hiroko."In my past life, I was in my mid-thirties, fully independent. But here… I'm experiencing a kind of care I didn't even know I needed. She didn't have to do this for me, but she did. I'll repay you in the future.
Alex snapped out of his daze,and he washed his hands and sat at the table. Alex silently made a promise to himself. One day, when I become a pro boxer and climb up the rankings, I'll repay her kindness. I'll make sure she never has to worry about anything again.
Over dinner, Alex's thoughts solidified further. His first goal was clear: prepare for his amateur debut. And earn tons of money—and an image of a guy with curly hair popped in his mind. A guy that is a future problem.Marcus Rosario.
The reigning WBC champion, a boxer so dominant that even thinking about facing him felt like staring up at an insurmountable mountain. But Alex loves the challenge.
Especially knowing that he has Gaolang Wongsawat's template, lightweight is just a stepping stone for him.Alex put his hands on his face, sighed. It's a long road ahead, but I'll get there. I have to.
Picking up the chopsticks and looking at Ippo, who's happily eating, and Aunt Hiroko happily watching Ippo eat, I guess this is my life now.