01x10 - The Face of Determination

[bunniefuu]

Tomorrow's the weigh-ins, huh? Time does fly.

Senpai's training has been very fundamental.

The match is only days away, but he's done almost no sparring.

I've got a bad feeling about this match. Really bad.

Hey, boys, aren't you supposed to be training?

Yamaguchi-sensei?

Wh-Who's that nice-looking woman?

She's a massage therapist.

So this is who Ippo-kun is fighting? He looks strong.

So, where is Ippo-kun? Your coach asked me to come see him.

I guess he'd be inside.

What are you doing? He needs you this instant!

This instant? Is Senpai hurt?

That fool did something reckless behind our backs.

How is he?

I'm surprised to see that he's gotten much more muscular, since I last saw him.

He's really building up his body. I'm impressed.

He has indeed increased his physical strength. However...

He's been taking things too far,
especially at the knees and hips.

I can see the accumulated inflammation.

I think he's been doing some intense stop-and-go twisting movements on his muscles.

I don't know what training he's been up to, but any further damage to his muscles will spell trouble.

Serious injuries to the knees and hips are death sentences to an athlete.

C-Coach, what was Ippo...

What the hell's he been doing?

He's moving forward.

He created a new Dempsey Roll!

It... It's all thanks to you, Coach.

If I didn't do your training regimen,
I could've never done those moves.

It's not exactly what I had intended,

but Sawamura will now be in for a surprise.

You mean it?

That's awesome!

I can't recommend it!

He has already paid dearly for it.

It's simply too risky.

Risky? If a licensed professional says it...

It's probably too much to ask.

I know I'm risking too much!

But I also know how it's going to end if I don't do this!

I guess there's no stopping you, is there?

That's just who you are.

Very well.

If you're doing it, do it twice.

Two times, that's all.

If you do more than that, your career will be cut short.

You don't need to risk the chance of fighting future matches just to win this one.

Got it.

Two times.

If he's still standing,

then I'll...

My senses are being honed thanks to my weight management.

All that weight loss must've left you weak.

We've been waiting for this. We'll waste you along with your title run!

What's with the silent treatment?

Did this knife shut you up?

You're not so g*dd*mn tough! Hey!

That's Ryuuhei's bike. What's it doing here?

I'm thirsty...

Simply parched.

More... Let me drink more!

Don't do it, Ryuuhei!

Kawabe-sensei.

That's right, I was coming to see you.

I had tickets for you.

Thanks to you, I'm about to become the national champ.

Me, the national champ.

I know you'll come see me.

Oh, and thanks for stopping me.

I was about to get my fill of their flesh and blood.

I wish I could devour the best meat in Japan right now.

Did I make the wrong decision?

Did I err in introducing Ryuuhei to boxing in order to rescue him from his crippling isolation?

Did I just accelerate his descent into madness?

The weigh-ins are almost over.

Makunouchi-san must be famished.

Ryou! What are you doing here?!

Makunouchi called you last night behind my back.

I swear to God.

I can't believe he's pathetic enough to want to see a woman before a fight.

I hear that Sawamura guy's a real badass.

I bet Makunouchi's ba*ls shrank back during the weigh-ins.

Sh-Shrank back?

Don't think about Makunouchi's ba*ls!

God! Are you out of your mind?!

H-Hey!

Wh-What the...

The customary handshake is going longer than needed!

Sawamura's the one not letting go.

Things are looking pretty dicey.

What the hell's he trying to start?

P-Please let go.

It feels bunchy and stiff.

I thought premium meat would be much more tender.

I'm hungry. I can't wait any longer.

Since we have spectators, why don't we do it here?

What are you talking about?

The fight is tomorrow!

I told you I can't wait any longer.

Sawamura!

You cool down, kid!

Y-You don't even have to wait that long!

We’ll fight in the ring tomorrow, fair and square and within the rules, after the starting bell!

Is that really Makunouchi?

I've never seen him so tense!

Tomorrow's match is gonna be a rough one.

Will you calm down?!

The guy was ready to fight back there.

Or maybe he was trying to get into his head.

Yeah, I wonder.

Kid, time to go.

You made a date, remember?

You can't concentrate on a fight with your spirit out of sorts.

Now go clear your head!

She's waiting for you.

Oh, right.

Sorry, I'll see you!

He's been brooding and training all this time, so he needs this.

E-Excuse me!

Are you Makunouchi-san?

Um, yes, sir.

Good luck in tomorrow's match!

Uh, thank you.

Please...

beat Sawamura to a pulp!

He's such a poor soul.

Because I introduced him to boxing, he's now uncontrollable.

Are you related to Sawamura-san?

Yes. Yes I am.

That's my intention whether you asked me or not.

I will fight hard and get a KO tomorrow.

Is... Is that right?

Thanks. That's all I needed to hear.

Please, do it.

Please show him that there's someone stronger than him!

I'm not sure what's going on, but I'll do my best.

I have to go now!

Why?

I thought he was the only friend I had in the world.

Kumi-san!

Makunouchi-san!

You're late!

Wh-What is your brother doing here?

He followed me!

Don't whisper behind my back!

I-I made some lunch.

I thought you'd be hungry after managing your weight.

Oh, thanks a lot!

Let's get moving.

Wh-What's going on here?

I was doing this to get rid of the tension!

But instead, I'm practically suffocating!

There's no saving this.

This opportunity only comes once in a blue moon. Stupid Ryou.

What?

What is it?

Lookie here.

I've always wanted something like this.

A motorcycle?

Looks nice. Think I'll test drive it.

Mashiba-san!

You can't! It's not yours!

sh**t.

Woman!

Don't touch my bike!

Kumi-san!

Are you all right, Kumi-san?

I'm fine. He only grazed me.

Grazed you? He took a full swing at you!

What boxer raises his fist at a woman?

Sawamura-san!

Next time I won't miss.

You didn't miss. I dodged it.

You're dead.

You want to take me on?

Get outta my way, Makunouchi!

This man's mine.

Tomorrow I will fight him!

You said there were rules in a ring?

You'll find nothing within that square ring.

Nowhere to run, and no one to help you.

I will slowly savor you then roast you alive.

You two better scream when I do it.
It'll make perfect seasoning.

We're leaving, Kumi!

B-But...

Move it!

Kumi-san, go home and treat your injury.

O-Okay.

But, at least take the food.

Thank you.

Kumi-san.

Y-Yes?

W-Will you come to my match tomorrow?

I'll give everything I got.

We'll need more than that. You need to tear him limb from limb.

I'm not sure if I can do that, but I'll certainly...

Two times, that's all.

Please come and watch.

If you do, it will boost my spirits.

Of course, I promise.

What's with that long face?

Umezawa-kun?

Just turn things around like you usually do.

Sure.

You've faced a whole lot of tough opponents in your career.

I sure have.

I see you're still less than excited.

You know damn well the guy ain't tougher than Date-san or Sendou.

He may be tougher than you think, because he's capable of anything.

Capable of anything?

Yeah.

Boxing involves trading punches, but there are rules and you play by them.

If you ignore the rules, boxing becomes a very dangerous sport.

Sawamura-san will cross that
line without a second thought!

Wh-Whoa...

He has to pay!

He's so strong! His jabs and straights are highly advanced!

No normal boxer can replicate his counters!

Hey, simmer down.

Sawamura-san is good enough to become the champion one day.

But I hate to see him become one if he ignores the rules!

So, while I'm still the champ...

You'll flatten his a*s yourself?

Well, not exactly flatten.

I simply can't see the reason why he'd cheat if he's so good.

He was never this emotional back when we were in school.

I guess he can't stand people making a mockery of his beloved sport.

Sawamura-san is really strong.

If I can stop him, if there is even that slight possibility...

If you do more than that, your career will be cut short.

I won't limit myself!

I'll win even if I have to do that punch dozens of times!

Even if it turns out to be my last
match... he'll never take my belt!

Wow, it's been ages!

I knew you'd be coming!

I know I wouldn't be standing by quietly while
Makunouchi fights a "Master Counterpuncher."

Why're you ignoring me?

Hold it right there, Miyata!

What are you two fighting about?

Can't we all get along?

Though I do sorta get why you're both so tense.

Sawamura is one bad dude, I tell you.

Makunouchi will have his hands full with him.

I just hope he didn't bite off more than he can chew.

Yeah, same here.

What a couple of pessimists.

I know you must've figured out how to beat the Dempsey Roll.

Yes, I have.

Sawamura will make your worst fears come to life.

It'll send shivers down the spine of every spectator here.

I see.

Never thought I'd see you two so grim.

I guess it doesn't matter who wins.

Neither is leaving here unscathed.

H-Hey there, Ippo!

Umezawa-kun!

I came here thinking I'd cheer you up.

But these waiting rooms are actually making me nervous.

Look, Volg taught me a special Russian charm.

He did?

Is that it for the semifinal?

That means you're up, kid.

Come on, we're moving!

Coming!

W-Wait, I'm going to say it!

Be sure to say your part!

Right!

Udachi tebe, synok.

Spasibo, mat!

Yeah! Go get ‘em, Ippo!

I told him, Volg. Please give him strength!

Thank you, Umezawa-kun, Volg-san.

I'm now ready for anything.

Sawamura!

Hey, Sawamura!

Your match is about to start!

Aren't you going to warm up?

He couldn't stand the abuse, so he stabbed his own father!

He wanted to save his mother.

Mom, about meat...

It's tough on the outside, but soft on the inside.

He still thinks his mother will come for him.

But she's never coming back.

I remember it like it was yesterday.

It was so delicious. I want to eat more of it!

You better let me savor you, Makunouchi.

Your meat is of the highest grade.

H-Hey, look who's watching the match!

All the big g*ns have arrived!

The world champ, Takamura,

would watch since they belong to the same gym, but look over there!

Those are former national champs, Sendou Takeshi and Date Eiji.

And that's the OPBF champion, Miyata Ichirou!

There's the junior lightweight champion, Mashiba Ryou.

Everybody has their eyes on this fight.

I can feel the tension already.

Ryuuhei.

It's finally starting.

All right, we're counting on you, Makunouchi.

We will now begin the Japanese featherweight title match!