Rocky of Naniwa is Round 29 of the Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! anime, which is the adaptation of Jōji Morikawa's Hajime no Ippo series.
Details[]
- Characters Introduced: Kazuhiro Yanaoka
- Techniques Introduced: Smash
Summary[]
In this episode the West Japan Rookie King, Takeshi Sendō from Osaka comes to Tokyo after finding out that his match with Ippo is going to be cancelled. He is supposedly Kansai's number 1 rookie and is know as "Naniwa Rocky". The reason Sendō came all the way to Tokyo was he could convince Ippo not to forfeit the match even if his right fist is injured. He seemed to be really looking forward to their match because he's always looking for a strong opponent but the west japan featherweight competition was a let down. Hes looking for a opponent that he can test his strength with. That was when he saw Ippo's match against Mashiba, this is the guy who he could have an exciting match with. He even came up with a new finishing blow just for Ippo, the Smash. As their conversation continues, Sendō tries really hard to persuade Ippo to not forfeit the All Japan Rookie King Tournament. Ippo explains to Sendō that he can't use his right fist so won't be doing any boxing for a while. Sendō says it would take two months to recover and he would just make in time. Kimura steps in and says Ippo is in no condition to fight. Having that said it put an end to their conversation, Ippo saying he it was time for his roadwork Sendō decided to join him as he skipped his to come to Tokyo. As they sat alongside the river bank Ippo asked Sendō why he started boxing. Sendō accuses Ippo of thinking that he was a ruffian who just likes fighting and he just started naturally. Ippo denies this but with Sendō glaring at him, he fesses up and says maybe a little, Sendō pounces up and says "I hate being misunderstood". Trying to explain why he started boxing without sounding like a ruffian he states "if there's a strong guy in the ring, you would want to fight him, right?, hit and get hit by the strong man, and win. Only then, can I truly believe that I'm strong. I.......Love that moment" After saying this he decides to got back to Osaka. While taking a shower Takamura sneaks up behind him thinking he is Aoki and fondles him.This is how Sendō and Takamura first meet. As they say their farewells Sendō says he is done with Ippo and leaves only to come back a few seconds later saying he only bought a one way ticket and is completely broke. The next day when Kamogawa returns he finds Sendō hitting the sandbag without knowing that hes the enemy he gives him a couple of tips on his form. Takamura stops him and explains the situation. Understanding whats going on Kamogawa tells Sendō that there no way Ippo will take part in the all japan comp. and that he should give up. He gave Sendō money to get home and then left to find an opponent in Thailand for Takamura. Excited about finding an opponent, Takamura tries to force Aoki to spar with him. Aoki who's too scared of getting beat up by Takamura tries to convince Takamura to spar with Kimura. Aoki and Kimura argue about who is going to do it when Sendō steps in and volunteers to be Takamura's sparing partner. As the spar starts, Sendō goes full force at Takamura, while Takamura is just playing around with him. He uses various high level skills to teach Sendō a lesson. During the fight Sendō elbows Takamura and tells him its was intentional he also says something else which makes Takamura angry, who then gets serious and hits Sendō. With Sendō still in the fight he gets to try out him new finishing blow, the Smash. Having no effect on Takamura, Takamura throws a heavy straight, which knocks out Sendō. As Sendō is just about to get a the train back to Osaka he thanks Kimura and Ippo for the stay. Just about to leave he turns around and says to Ippo "I'll Be Waiting In Osaka", then got on his train. Watching Sendō's train leave Ippo thinks that he doesn't want to lose and that he really wants to fight Sendō. He is really determined to fight.