Line is Round 1079 of Jōji Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo manga series.
Details[]
- Misc. Introduced: Line of Non-Humans
- Title Page Character(s): Mamoru Takamura, Ippo Makunouchi
Summary[]
Ippo asks Takamura why Kamogawa was hurt by him not making any excuses. Takamura guesses that Kamogawa wanted him make an excuse in order to get mad and scold him, but he wasn't given the chance to. Takamura notes that once he accepts it, he is done, as even making a small gripe about how he lost would make Kamogawa angry, but it would also make him happy. Takamura explains that no matter how unsightly, arrogant, lame, or pathetic it may seem, the feeling that he hasn't truly lost yet is what keeps him struggling and fighting. As Ippo believes he can't make excuses since Alfredo was just stronger, Takamura claims that if he admits it, it is over, noting that for a man to stand up again, he needs to make excuses. He adds that not making excuses is a sign he has had enough and ready to hang it up. He thinks that boxers who keep it up even if they seem like a joke still has that fire inside them, and someone who has done it as long as Kamogawa would know. Takamura believes Ippo has done well so far, as he couldn't believe that the kid who he saw grab ten leaves would become the JBC champion, however, he also believes he shouldn't force himself to keep going. Takamura claims he can still box as a hobby, as he knows Ippo wanted to become strong, and becoming the JBC champion is plenty strong, however, he tells Ippo that he can't handle what comes next. He notes that he did good pushing himself to his limit, and suggests that if his motivation was to see how far he can go, he should stop while he is ahead. Takamura draws the line between himself and Ippo, telling him that past that line is the world, and to not cross it. As Takamura runs away on the other side of the line, he suggests that Ippo should be satisfied being the JBC champion while treating boxing as a hobby, however, he shouldn't cross the line with a half-hearted attitude and give him false hope. As Ippo tries chasing Takamura to find out what he means, Takamura yells at him to stay back and do not cross the line, as he would be dead, since past the line, only people who are not human can survive, suggesting for him to not cross the line if he wants to stay human. Takamura leaves, and Ippo tries to follow, but stops himself as he can't bring himself to cross the line.