Battle of the Beasts Arc

Battle of the Beasts Arc
Information
Volumes	109-113, (5 Volumes)
Manga Rounds	1073-1121, (49 Chapters)
Chronology
Previous	Go to the World Arc
Next	Seeking Heights Arc

The Battle of the Beasts Arc, is the forty-fourth story arc in the series and the fifth in the World Contender Saga.

After Ippo's second loss, he tells Kumi his desire to continue boxing, however, so he doesn't worry his mother, he decides that the next time he loses he will retire with no regrets, never to fight in the ring again. After having no excuses as to why he lost, it is decided by Kamogawa that he will start over as a regular boxer. Takamura, having seen Ippo making no excuses, shocks Ippo with his words that questions Ippo's way of thinking, and creates the line that separates humans from the non-human territory called "the world". The next event is the unification title match between WBC middleweight world champion Takamura and the WBA middleweight world champion Richard Bison, who uses the Detroit Style and Flicker Jabs. For the semi-finals, Mashiba defends his OPBF lightweight title against the OPBF first ranker, Romeo, and Sendō, ranked fourth in the WBA, fights against José Nargo, who is the Mexican featherweight champion, ranked fifth in the WBA, and is the one who sparred with Ricardo the most.

Summary

Realisation

Ippo thinking about his loss against Alfredo.

The morning after Ippo and Itagaki's loss against Alfredo and Imai respectively, Umezawa helps with the work at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat. Afterwards, Umezawa eats breakfast with Itagaki, Aoki, and Kimura. Umezawa asks if Aoki and Kimura stayed with Ippo all night long. They answer that they are experts at dealing with losses, and that it is easy for accidents to happen after a match like Ippo had. Umezawa expresses his shock when he watched the match and expected Ippo to win and then go to the world title match, wondering if Ippo is going to give up. Kimura tells him that Ippo claimed that he would go back to the ring one day, which relieves Umezawa. Itagaki reminds everyone that he had a match as well, but Aoki and Kimura comments that it was over so fast and it isn't like Itagaki is hurt badly or tired. Aoki and Kimura realise that Ippo is not home, asking Umezawa what happened. Umezawa explains that Ippo woke up and went to go walk to sort out his feelings. Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki rushes out the door when they realise that Takamura is most likely doing roadwork, so he might run into Ippo and make fun of the fact he lost. Outside, Ippo is walking on his usual roadwork path, which Ippo wanted to run on, however, his head is spinning and his body hurts all over. Sitting down, Ippo can only remember flashes of what happened in the match, and thinks it is easy to see the reason why he lost: he wasn't determined enough to win nor had the drive to pull it off as he just wanted to see how effective his boxing would be. He realises that he doesn't train to see how well he can do, he has to build up the desire to win, so he spent the entire time leading up to the fight the wrong way. He dislikes the fact that he made the same mistake as to when he lost against Date and disappointed the people around him, not wanting to lose again.

Ippo realising he lost.

Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki sees Ippo from afar, relieved that they made it in time, however, they realise they didn't as Takamura is running towards Ippo. The three are surprised when all Takamura did was greet him as he ran past him. Ippo stops Takamura to apologise to him since he feels bad for losing as Takamura did commentary on his match. Takamura claims that Ippo shouldn't even be moving and Kamogawa would be angry if he knew he was doing so, telling him to go home and rest as he fought hard last night. As Ippo asks if that is all, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki fears what Takamura will say next. Takamura simply tells him to not let it depress him so much before continuing his roadwork. Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki approach Ippo, glad that Takamura didn't rub it in that he lost. Ippo tells him that his hearing is off because of the match and didn't catch everything he said but he claims Takamura tried to cheer him up and to not be depressed. Kumi arrives on a bicycle, and explains how she heard from Mashiba that Ippo's match against Alfredo had the best knockout, causing her to assume that Ippo won until she read the newspaper. As she brought the paper with her, she shows Ippo, and Ippo comes to the realisation that he really did lose. As Kumi takes Ippo back home so he can rest, Aoki and Kimura are surprised that Kumi was the one to rub it in. Aoki and Kimura note how one doesn't really realise they lost until they see the newspaper or see a recording of their match on TV, since they may not remember things that happen during the match. Itagaki notices that he didn't get much coverage for his match against Imai so he can't even tell he lost. Kimura thinks that Itagaki doesn't want to admit he lost, and tells him that he has to accept his defeats to move on.

Ippo telling Kumi he will retire the next time he loses.

Itagaki tells Kimura that he will bring the abandoned bicycle and newspaper back to Kumi. However, Kimura thinks that Kumi is done with the paper. Itagaki asks if Kimura thinks Kumi brought it on purpose to show Ippo, doubting that Kumi is mean enough to rub it in that he lost. Kimura thinks if that is the case, it would have bothered Ippo less than what is on Kumi's mind. As Ippo and Kumi walk home, Kumi tells Ippo how anyone who cares for him would worry after seeing his swollen face, and asks why he can't just stop boxing. Ippo tells her that he knows that it is dangerous to keep fighting in matches where he ends up forgetting things whether he wins or loses. Kumi points out that he is no longer the JBC featherweight champion, so he doesn't have anything to protect or any duty to keep fighting anymore. Ippo responds that he is still going back, as he made the same mistake of not entering the ring with the desire to win, not wanting to quit after betraying their expectations again. Kumi questions him if the reason he gets into the ring to box to fight to live up to others expectations, asking if it is worth it to become the world champion for something like that. Ippo knows he doesn't want to worry his mother so much, so it will be his final challenge, and the next time he loses, he will retire without regrets, never to fight in the ring again. Later, as Ippo helps at the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, he thanks the customers as they tell him that they will still root for him. Hiroko tells Ippo to not mind, her as she knows he won't quit even if she asks him to, since he is a man after all.

Lines of Unease

Ippo's uneven lines.

Later, Ippo visits Umezawa to help with his manga. When he gets there, Umezawa is shocked by Ippo's swollen face, which Ippo notes how it has been three days since the match and it keeps swelling up. Ippo begins helping by inking spots Umezawa marked with a brush pen. Ippo thinks being a mangaka is hard, as even though Umezawa is a good artist, his one-shot still got rejected the other day. Ippo accidentally inked over the lines, so he is told to use white out to fix it. Umezawa expresses his shock that he lost by knockout, thinking that Alfredo's punches must have been crazy. Ippo claims that it doesn't matter how strong someone's punches are if he can dodge them, but admits he is terrible at that. After Ippo messes up with the white out, he is told to do the next page, but quits as he thinks he is having a hard time with helping today. Umezawa suggests to just fill in the big background in one of the pages. Ippo tells Umezawa how Kumi asked if he really wanted to become the world champion, but he couldn't answer her, which disappoints Umezawa, but he claims that he will still root for him. Ippo apologises for messing up filling the background, and when Umezawa looks how unusually bad he did, he has Ippo draw straight lines on a paper with a brush pen. However, much to Ippo's shock, all six of his lines were not straight. Umezawa decides to end his help with the manga for the day, thinking that after the match he had, it is no surprise his hands are messed up. Ippo claims he will come back when he is feeling better, before repeating himself again and leaving. When he goes back home, Ippo thinks that it has to be temporary while he is recovering. He knows that one day he will have to inherit his family's fishing boat company, but even though he loves boxing, he questions himself about keeping going.

The Return to the Gym

Kamogawa asking Ippo why he lost to Alfredo.

After a week has passed since his fight with Alfredo, the swelling on Ippo's face has been healed, and he can run again. As he runs, he thinks about how the doctors said his brain is fine, so the thing he worried about must have been temporary, planning to start things over from scratch, beginning anew. He goes back to the Kamogawa gym and apologises to Kamogawa, Yagi, and Shinoda that he lost after they set up the match for him, and wishes to continue boxing. As Yagi asks how Ippo's exam go, Kamogawa thinks of how Miguel claimed that Ippo's strength will be his downfall. Ippo answers that the doctors said he looked good after the exam, and Kamogawa asks why did he lose. Ippo answers that he tried his best, but in the end, Alfredo was just stronger and he just wasn't good enough, not wanting to make any excuses. Kamogawa claims that he will go back to square one, starting back to a regular boxer as he is no longer the JBC champion. Ippo wants to spar immediately, but Kamogawa scolds him, as he needs to heal first, instructing him to follow Takamura on his training. Takamura comments that if Ippo is following him, to not get in his way. Kamogawa reveals that Takamura's next title match is a unification title match with his WBC title and his opponent's WBA title, surprising Ippo, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki. Yagi explains how the WBA champion wanted to fight in the United States of America, however, Takamura refuses to fight outside Japan so he had to negotiate with him, and make sure the cards would sell out the venue. Yagi reveals that the semi-final is the world flyweight title, which the Japanese boxer, Tsuchiya, who is the second ranker is fighting the champion. Before that, is the OPBF lightweight title match and a match with a world ranked featherweight. The OPBF lightweight champion, Mashiba, and the one fighting the world ranked featherweight, Sendō were fighting on who would go first. As Itagaki notices how the only one from their gym fighting is Takamura, Takamura mocks him, Ippo, Aoki, and Kimura, while calling them losers.

Kamogawa thinking of his last two students.

In the gym's office, Yagi notes how Takamura's six weight class conquest is hard to imagine, but with the condition Kamogawa gave him in order to move up to the super middleweight - the unification match, when he wins, his third world title match will be waiting for him. Kamogawa notes he should say "if", but Yagi thinks with Takamura, he can see it happening. Kamogawa claims that they are in uncharted territory with Takamura, as no Japanese has accomplished what Takamura is doing, and if he keeps winning, he doesn't know what he will run up against, and the new problems that will pop up. Yagi is happy to imagine the WBA and WBC middleweight belts sitting on their table. Yagi is sure he will bring even more belts, and wants to see with Kamogawa he fruits of their labour and Takamura's hard work. Kamogawa knows by experience that nothing lasts forever, thinking how Ippo and Takamura may be his last students he will ever have, wishing to see where the two will go next.

Line of Non-Humans

Takamura creates the line.

Later, Ippo follows Takamura on his roadwork. During a break, Ippo asks Takamura if, during his match with Alfredo as he heard Takamura's commentary, he knew the reason why he lost, and asks if he thinks he has gotten weaker. Takamura claims that he should know that answer better than anyone else, and points out that he made no excuses to Kamogawa about why he lost, which hurt Kamogawa. 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 hand what comes next. He notes that he did good pushing himself to his limit, and suggest 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.

Takamura explaining what the line means.

As Takamura runs away on the other side of the line, he suggest 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 bring himself to cross the line. Later, Ippo follows Takamura on his roadwork again, and is surprised by how he can't catch up to him despite Takamura's harsh weight control. Ippo thinks it is because he isn't good enough, but Takamura also seems inhuman. During a break, Ippo suggests for him to drink some water, however, Takamura suggests for him to stay out of his way. Ippo remembers Itagaki saying that Takamura seems to be in a rush to get all the belts, which Ippo asks Takamura about. Takamura asks him how many years in his life does he think he can box, and how many matches can he do in that time. Takamura notes he has two weight classes down and four to go, however, he thinks matches like the unification match is a waste of time and wonders how long it will take to get to the heavyweight class. As he adds that that is why he is in a rush, he begins continuing his roadwork while Ippo can't keep up with him.

A Bison, a Hawk, a Tiger, and a Grim Reaper

Takamura and Bison at the press conference.

The day before the matches, a conference is being held at the Roigal Hotel. The WBA middleweight champion Richard Bison gives his comment to the press that he thought that he would have a unification match against David Eagle, but the eagle was taken down by Japan's hawk, but he respects Takamura for that and has trained hard and plans to get his hands on Takamura's belt. Takamura tells the reporters he has nothing to say and just wants to get it over with. Bison taunts him and Takamura gets angry, but is stopped by Kamogawa. Nearby, Ippo meets Sendō and Mashiba. Sendō claims he is honoured to fight before Takamura and wants to rile up the crowd. As Sendō tells Mashiba that he has to do the same before his match, Mashiba gets angry and tries to fight him, but Ippo reminds them they have a match tomorrow.

Undercard - OPBF Lightweight Title Match - Champion Ryō Mashiba (First Defence) VS. Challenger Romeo (OPBF Rank 1)

Mashiba walking to the ring.

On the night of the matches, in the Kamogawa gym's room, Takamura is sleeping while waiting for his match to start. While Ippo, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki head to the audience seats, they overhear Mashiba and Sendō arguing. Mashiba and Sendō's faces are bruised and beaten due to them fighting each other because Mashiba doesn't want to be called an opening act for Sendō. Yanaoka and the Tōhō coach tries to stop them, but Mashiba trips Sendō and kicks his face. Sendō asks him what kind of boxer kicks, but Mashiba points out they are not in a ring. Sendō claims that anything can happen then, grabbing a folded chair and slamming it against Mashiba's back. Mashiba knees the chair onto Sendō's face. Yanaoka and Tōhō coach watch as the chaos continues, wondering if they will make it to their matches. Yagi hears the noise from their room, glad that the rivals are pumping each other up. As the OPBF lightweight title match is being announced, Mashiba's cheering squad called the "Hell Society" begin cheering. Ippo explains to Aoki and Kimura that the Hell Society are his co-workers from his job. As Mashiba gets ready to leave for the ring, Sendō complains about him not leaving fast enough, but Mashiba argues that he is the reason he is late. Mashiba walks to the door, and Sendō attempts to trip him, but Mashiba knew he would do that and tells him his legs are too short. When Mashiba arrives to the ring, everyone is shocked that he already looks like he got beaten up. Mashiba is agitated and wants the match to be over with already so he can go back to his waiting room to Sendō. His opponent, Romeo, is confused on why he is already beaten up and angry, but his coach thinks he might just be tense. In the waiting room, Yanaoka claims that it is the first time he had to use ice before a match. Yanaoka wants Sendō to focus on his match, but Sendō is only focused on settling the score with Mashiba.

Romeo countering Mashiba's Chopping Right.

When the match begins, Romeo enters an orthodox stance while Mashiba charges forward, confusing the audience as Mashiba hardly ever charges forward. Ippo notices that Romeo has predicted Mashiba's charge. When Mashiba gets close, he throws a Chopping Right, but Romeo dodges it and steps back. Mashiba gets close to Romeo again, and throws another Chopping Right. This time, Romeo blocks it and steps back again. Mashiba gets into close range once more and throws a Chopping Right again, but this time, Romeo counters it with a left hook hitting his jaw, causing Mashiba legs to shake. Kimura notices how Romeo was aiming for it since the first time Mashiba threw it, but only hesitated since it came from an unusual angle, then blocked the second to figure out the angle. Ippo knows the Chopping Right has a long of openings, but it is so intimidating that people freeze up, not knowing many people who would try countering it and succeeding. The Tōhō coach is worried about Mashiba getting hit in the jaw since he isn't durable enough and tends to carry damage over between rounds. As Romeo rushes toward Mashiba to not let him rest, Mashiba enters the Hitman Style and throws Flicker Jabs. Romeo starts deflecting them as he presses forward. Ippo, Kimura, and Itagaki think his Flicker Jabs aren't as sharp because he is hurt. When Romeo gets in close range, Mashiba starts throwing a Chopping Right. Romeo knocks Mashiba's right hand away before he could throw it and throws a right hook. Mashiba blocks the right hook, but he is pushed to the ropes. Mashiba throws another Chopping Right, but Romeo ducks and dodges it. Romeo begins throwing a barrage of body blows on Mashiba. In the waiting room, Sendō complains that Mashiba should win the match if he is making his opening act that hype. Yanaoka tells him how Romeo has never lost by KO before, and he weakens his opponents and finishes them in the second half. He notes it will be hard to turn the match around, and if Mashiba loses, it is Sendō's fault.

Mashiba finishing Romeo off with a Chopping Right and left uppercut combination.

The match enters the fifth round, and, after Mashiba misses another Chopping Right, he is hit by another barrage of body blows. As Romeo sees that Mashiba is throwing another Chopping Right, he plans to make the match end with a body blow knockout. However, he notices it too late that the Chopping Right isn't coming, as Mashiba has lowered his right arm to throw a right uppercut, hitting Romeo. After Mashiba lands a left body blow, Romeo begins defending his body, however, Mashiba throws a Chopping Right that lands on Romeo's open face. Mashiba begins landing combinations of left uppercuts and Chopping Rights until the referee steps in to stop the match, resulting in Mashiba's victory, defending his OPBF title for the first time. As Mashiba grins, Aoki thinks that the nickname "Grim Reaper" fits him, and feels like he isn't human. As his fans shout out for him to go for the world title, Mashiba raises his fist up high. Kimura thinks Mashiba seems more personable as he sees him responding to the crowd, and Itagaki believes Kumi must be proud.

Undercard - Takeshi Sendō (WBA Rank 4) VS. José Nargo (WBA Rank 5)

Sendō walking to the ring.

Mashiba runs back to his waiting room, where Sendō claims he did a good job warming everyone up by having a lot of trouble. Mashiba claims he better not cool it off with a terrible match then. Sendō retaliates with a body blow, however, he hurts his fist due to it hitting his OPBF champion belt. Mashiba raises his fist for a Chopping Right, however, when Sendō prepares to avoid it, Mashiba turned it into a right uppercut, hitting Sendō. Yanaoka grabs Sendō to get him out of the room to go to his match. The Tōhō coach scolds Mashiba, but feels like it is their way to encourage each other. As Sendō's match against the WBA fifth ranker and Mexican featherweight champion José Nargo is about to begin, Hoshi leads Sendō's fans to cheer for him. When Sendō walks to the ring, the audience notices that Sendō, like Mashiba, has his face already damaged. In the ring, Sendō swings his arm around in excitement for the match against the Mexican Stallion. Nargo remembers how Sendō has knocked out four Mexican boxers in a row, and people call him the "Mexican Killer", but he believes that it just means he has defeated other people weaker than him, and thanks to Sendō fighting so many Mexicans, he already knows his weakness.

Trapped in a Wild Animal's Cage

Nargo feeling like he is trapped in a cage with a tiger.

As soon as the match begins, Nargo advances, but stops when Sendō made his stance and glares at him. Nargo feels pressured already, feeling like he is trapped in a cage with a tiger. Sendō makes small predatory steps like a tiger closing on his prey. Once in his range, Sendō launches a Smash that makes Nargo's one-handed block fly, followed by a right Smash that also makes Nargo's two-handed block fly. The right Smash made Nargo fly back and causes his arms to go numb, surprised by the power. Nargo's chief second, Bill Stewart, thinks that Sendō is a saber-toothed tiger, which had fearsome fangs that ruled the land, and he sees that Sendō is strong. Ippo notices in the audience that Nargo's chief second is Ricardo's trainer, and thinks something is going to come since Bill is one of the smartest tacticians in the world. Bill wishes for Nargo to show Sendō why the saber-toothed tiger became extinct.

The Saber-toothed Tiger's Hunt: Chasing the Shadow Beyond the Prey

Nargo using the hit-and-run tactic on Sendō.

Both Sendō and Nargo step-in. Nargo lands a few left jabs, and Sendō then throws a Smash, however, Nargo backs away before it was fully thrown. Nargo approaches Sendō, and, after ducking under a left jab, Nargo lands a few lefts before backing away again when Sendō throws a Smash. As Nargo's tactic works repeatedly, Itagaki notes that many boxers have tried the same tactic of hitting and running, but everyone else cracked under the pressure of Sendō's punches, as all the tension made them desperate, which led to their defeat. Nargo's hit-and-run tactic continues working on Sendō, and the match enters the eighth round. At the start of the eighth round, Nargo's hit-and-run tactic continues, and Yanaoka notes how everyone had made a mistake by now, making Nargo a special case. Nargo thinks one theory as to why the saber-toothed tiger went extinct was because their fangs were too big for hunting, making them unable to catch agile prey, and eventually dying out. Sendō thinks that the reason he is pulling this off while others couldn't is because he fought someone stronger than him before, predicting that it is Ricardo. Bill knew that beating Sendō one-sidedly without getting caught was the only way to win against him, and Nargo has skill, courage, and the confidence to pull it off, as he has sparred against Ricardo for a long time and survived. As the Naniwa coach wonders why Sendō isn't chasing Nargo, Yanaoka claims that Mashiba got him good in the waiting room, and he can feel it in his legs. Aoki and Kimura notices that Sendō's swings are all over the place now and he is punching so hard it is making him off balanced.

Sendō naming his new technique the "Clenched Fist".

Bill notices Sendō's stance has his weak points exposes while fighting head-on, which requires pressure, pride, determination, and confidence, however, the punches thrown from that stance is completely telegraphed, which is why it is rarely seen in modern boxing, and is a from that embodies conceit. Mashiba is annoyed that ever since Sendō took that stance, Nargo has been having a hard time dodging, as Sendō has something natural a lot of brawlers have: instinct and intuition about where to punch. When Sendō throws a left, and Nargo dashes to the right to dodge, Sendō hits Nargo's guard with a right without changing his position from throwing the left. As Sendō throws a Smash, Nargo clinches. However, Nargo screams in agony as Sendō clenches his fists and turns it into Nargo's side. Sendō just thought of the move, calling it the "Clenched Fist". Nargo sees a Smash coming for him, ducking to avoid. However, Sendō stops the throw mid-way, and uses his right to perform a Chopping Right that he calls the "Knuckle Drop". Nargo blocks in time, and Sendō's punch lands on the canvas, shaking the ring.

Sendō defeating Nargo.

Nargo steps back, and Sendō tries to go after him, but he has trouble moving due to his legs hurting. Sendō widens his stance further, which Bill thinks that style of exposes his weak points and attacking head on has gone extinct. Ippo thinks Sendō will be okay, as when he uses his own style is when he is at his strongest, and when Ippo gets the most nervous and excited. Nargo sees that Sendō looks really hurt and he can't seem to clench his right fist. He is confident he can keep away from Sendō, but doesn't know why the ring feels so small, like a cage. Sendō slowly backed Nargo into a corner without Nargo realising it. Nargo predicts that Sendō will want to finish him with a Smash, so he will throw a left hook and rotate to escape, and then he will be in the corner instead. As Nargo landed the left hook and began escaping, Sendō stops him by stretching out his right hand. Sendō begins throwing a big right, but Nargo notices that the motion is huge and obvious. Ippo realises that Sendō and Nargo are in the same position as he was with Alfredo just before losing, knowing that Sendō will get hit. Sendō gets hit by Nargo's counter, but his punch also landed. While Nargo thinks that a broken fist won't hurt him, Sendō thinks knuckles with a broken spirit won't hurt him either. As Nargo tries to escape to a safe distance, his legs begin to hurt, causing him to be unable to move. Sendō throws a Smash, hitting Nargo's face. The punch leaves Nargo leaning on the ropes, and Sendō turns away with his fists up in celebration. The referee steps in and immediately ends the match, resulting in Sendō's victory. Bill observes that Sendō is the only survivor of the extinct saber-toothed tiger, wondering if he is coming after his champion Ricardo with those fangs.

Sendō telling Bill his request to fight Alfredo.

With the seconds of both sides in the ring, Bill plans to tell Ricardo about Sendō, the last surviving tiger in japan. Bill asks Nargo if he is okay. Nargo screams out in relief "I'm alive!", something Bill plans to tell Ricardo about, as he wonders what it must have felt for Nargo to take that punch. Sendō walks over to Nargo's seconds, telling Bill that when he goes back to Mexico and see him, he wants Bill to tell him that he will be seeing him soon. Bill tells him he didn't have to ask, as he already planned on it. Sendō thanks him, and tells him to pass that message along to Alfredo. Bill is shocked, as he thought he was talking about Ricardo, finding him more interesting than he thought. Sendō walks out of the ring with his fist in the air, responding to his cheers.

Semi-Final - World Flyweight Title Match - World Champion VS. Challenger Tsuchiya

Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki claiming that they make excuses.

Itagaki thinks that Sendō and Mashiba had great knockouts, but they both had a hard time. Kimura believes it is obvious that the two fought in the waiting room, but feels that they would still have had trouble if they didn't. Itagaki claims that fighting in the world stage is hard work, as even the boxers with a decent world ranking are strong, thinking that someone is more likely to lose than win at that level. Aoki and Kimura think that if Sendō is the "Naniwa Tiger" then Ippo, Itagaki, and them are the "badgers in the same hole" or the "super losing bros." Ippo remembers what Takamura told him about making excuses, and asks Itagaki, Aoki, and Kimura if they make excuses when they lose. The three claim that they do. Itagaki thought Imai was being cheap, as he trapped him in the corner as soon as the bell rang and before he could turn around. Kimura thinks Itagaki is just whining, but Itagaki claims that his whining is his excuse. Kimura believes the reason he lost his close split decision was because he ran out of stamina at the last round, so if he was able to move around still, he would have won. Aoki thinks his reason is legit: if Iga had been weaker than him, he would have won.

Ippo describing Mashiba and Sendō as "inhuman."

Ippo explains how he was taught the word "determination" from Miyata, and after that, he learned to go into matches with the intent of winning them. However, when he learned he might get a world title shot, he began to think how far he could go and if he could make it that far, wanting to know how effective his boxing would be. He realised it after looking at Sendō and Mashiba's eyes, as they looked inhuman and had confidence in their victory. He believes it has to do with how one spends their time before the fight: the same way they get into physical shape, they also have to get into mental shape in order to win. He also believes if he had done all of that, he would have withstood Alfredo's counter. As Tsuchiya's world flyweight title match begins, Ippo sees how he looks prepared and bets that he isn't thinking about losing, knowing that one can't go into the ring just wanting to see how well they can do. After Tsuchiya loses by knockout, Aoki notes that sometimes it doesn't matter how confident one is, and Kimura adds that if he can make excuses, he can start over again.

Main Event - WBA/WBC World Middleweight Unification Title Match - WBA Champion Richard Bison VS. WBC Champion Mamoru Takamura

Bison walking to the ring in his match against Takamura.

In Sendō and Mashiba's room, the two argue about Sendō copying Mashiba's Chopping Right, but Sendō claims he was copying "Tommy". The two continue arguing about the form of Sendō's Chopping Right and the form of Mashiba's uppercut until they hear the sounds of Takamura hitting Kamogawa's mitts, which sound like they inspire confidence. As the match between Takamura, the WBC middleweight champion, and Bison, the WBA world middleweight champion is about to begin, Ippo, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki are allowed to stand outside of Takamura's ringside to watch. When Bison makes his entrance, the venue's lights go out, and an explosion happens at Bison's entryway. The audience is surprised by the non-human Bison appearance until Bison lets out a roar before walking to the ring while shadow boxing.

Bison walking to the ring in his match against Takamura.

Another explosion happens, this time, at Takamura's entryway. The non-human hawk appearance excites the audience, but Takamura left foot is caught on fire accidentally by the explosion, having to run to the ring to put it out. With both boxers in the ring, the audience is amazed by how they don't even look human, Sendō and Mashiba wonder if this has turned into a zoo, since there was a tiger, now there is a bird and a cow. They think that Takamura and Bison's appearance makes Sendō look like a house cat, and Mashiba a terrible looking skeleton. In the ring, Takamura asks Kamogawa if he wants the WBA belt Bison is wearing, planning to tear it off of him.

Beyond the Limits of Humanity, In Pursuit of Glory

Takamura's arm getting blown back by Bison's Flicker Jab.

When the match begins, and both champions touch gloves at the centre of the ring, Bison steps back to keep a distance from Takamura. Bison enters the Detroit Style, which Mashiba quickly recognises as his Hitman Style, and Sendō recognises it as the style "Tommy" uses. Mashiba, wanting to know who "Tommy" is, Yanaoka explains he is Thomas Hearns, who some sees Bison as his successor. Mashiba claims he didn't copy off anyone, so Sendō thinks that since Bison was taught, it means he is using the old school Hitman Style. Ippo, Itagaki, and Aoki don't know how to deal with the style's use of Flicker Jabs in a heavier weigh class, but is certain Takamura has his own unique way of dealing with them. Takamura slow walks towards Bison without a guard. Bison begins throwing Flicker Jabs at Takamura. Takamura parries them for a while while closing in on Bison until one makes Takamura's right arm fly back. As the Flicker Jabs continue, Takamura dodges and blocks them, but he still gets pushed back. Sendō and Mashiba are amazed by how strong Bison is, and Sendō believes that if Mashiba's Flicker Jabs are a scythe, then Bison is using nunchaku with heavy sticks at the ends. Aoki is surprised that Takamura stopped in his tracks to think and asks Ippo, Itagaki, and Kimura to yell out advice on how to deal with Flicker Jabs since they dealt with them before, however, the three point out the methods they use worked for them but not against Bison, as he is on another level. Takamura decides to use footwork to get around the Flicker Jabs and the two boxers enter a high level exchange, which lasts until the end of the first round without landing a clean hit. As they walk to their corners, Takamura is irritated that he couldn't get to where he needed to be, and Bison claims that Takamura is a thief.

Bison calling Takamura a thief.

At Takamura's corner, Takamura comments how Bison has a bad attitude, but Kamogawa points out that he does too. Takamura claims that he has a plan on how to deal with the Flicker Jabs: he will get used to them. Kamogawa scolds his plan, as the match will be over by then. Kamogawa tells Takamura the two problems he has: the Flicker Jab's range is long, and Bison being great at swaying, explaining that if he gets past Bison's left, he will just slip away. Takamura guesses he will just step-in twice as far then, but Kamogawa notes he will just get countered by a right straight, making Takamura irritated. At Bison's corner, Bison's second notices how lively Takamura's strategy meeting is, making Bison remember how noisy it is back at home. Bison recalls how the new looking buildings back at home mask how dangerous everything is, and how he learned boxing as a way to protect himself. He was shocked to discover that he could beat anyone and climb higher than the top of the highest skyscraper, but one day, he lost for the first time ever by David Eagle, then a second time by Eagle again in the Olympics qualifiers. He watched the Olympics at home and saw Eagle shine, describing how his nickname "Golden Eagle" suited him as it was like he was soaring above the skyscrapers. Bison remembers that when Eagle turned to pro boxing, it was like Eagle flown too far for him to reach him, and was so dazzling it blinded his eyes, while he felt like he had an inferiority complex from growing up at the foot of the skyscrapers. Bison kept reaching out as far as he could, but just when he felt he could finally reach Eagle, Takamura showed up, deeming him a thief, and plans to take his treasure back. As the second round is about to begin, Takamura and Kamogawa argue as they both don't know what to do.

Bison throwing Flicker Jabs at Takamura.

As the second round begins, Takamura dashes toward Bison, planning to go faster than the first round so Bison can't hit him, but Bison increases the speed of his Flicker Jabs, hitting Takamura. Takamura gets blown back after blocking a Flicker Jab. Bison steps forward, and Kimura observes that Bison is keeping himself in his firing range. Kamogawa notices Bison's stance has him facing forward, like he wishes to end the match by knockout, seeing him as a man who is concerned about the way he wins, which is natural for a proud world champion. Bison sees that Takamura has quieted down, and decides that he should take the initiative, but has to be careful, since Takamura defeated Eagle. As Takamura wonders what he should do, he remembers Kamogawa suggesting that he should go ask Bison how to deal with Flicker Jabs, and begins assuming the Detroit Style. Sendō wonders if Takamura can do it, but Mashiba points out that the Flicker Jab isn't that special, as even Miyata and Itagaki used similar punches. Sendō remembers that while he has the Smash, Ippo also used a three-quarter uppercut as well that is similar, noting that one can't trademark their speciality punches. Mashiba and Sendō wonder if Takamura actually knows how to use it and if it will suit his build, as a cheap imitation won't work.

Takamura throwing Flicker Jabs at Bison.

Takamura thinks he can pull it off because he can do anything. Bison knows by watching videos of Takamura's matches that he is dedicated to boxing and his training, but has never seen him use the Detroit Style, wondering why he is doing it now. Takamura begins throwing Flicker Jabs, and, when one passes by Bison, he is shocked to hear it slice through air. Bison dodges while pressing forward, as Flicker Jabs are a popular punch in America, so he has the experience against them, planning to parry them. However, his attempt to parry one causes his arm to fly back, so Bison decides to dodge instead. When he sways to dodge, he barely gets hit, realising that he is putting his shoulder into it too, not just his elbow and wrist. Mashiba tells Sendō if he claims Bison is throw nunchaku with heavy sticks at the end, then Takamura is flailing a big chain mace. As Takamura throws more Flicker Jabs, Bison steps back to keep his distance. Yagi thinks Bison is mad, and it could give Takamura the momentum, but Kamogawa is not so sure, as Bison is a world champion as well, wondering if it will be enough to throw him off balance.

Bison and Takamura throwing Flicker Jabs at each other.

Takamura and Bison begin throwing Flicker Jabs at each other at the same time while moving in a circle, with both boxers dodging each other's attacks. Mashiba thinks it won't last long since Takamura is at a disadvantage, explaining to Sendō that Takamura having more power makes him get pulled along by the technique's momentum, making reeling it back a bigger pain. Once a Flicker Jab hits Takamura's face and sends him back to the ropes, Takamura asks Aoki what everyone knows he can do. Aoki answers that everyone knows he can be a dick. Takamura tells him that he is dead meat after the match, and moves away from the ropes to exchange more Flicker Jabs. Once Takamura gets pushed back to the ropes by another Flicker Jab, he asks Kimura what he can do. Kimura answers that he can win. Takamura tells him he is dead as well, and moves away from the ropes. Yagi thinks Takamura must not be in too much trouble if he is talking to them, but Kamogawa knows he is, as he is trying to buff himself up by fooling around like he always does in these situations.

Bison hitting Takamura with a Flicker Counter.

Getting hit by more Flicker Jabs, Takamura wonders what the difference between each other's Flicker Jabs are. Takamura changes the way he throws his Flicker Jabs, and begins to successfully hit Bison. Mashiba explains to Sendō that Takamura loosened up his shoulders and released some tension by not clenching his fist as tightly, raising the speed and reach of the Flicker Jab. After getting hit by multiple Flicker Jabs, Bison stops using his Detroit Style and puts his guard up. As Flicker Jabs hit his guard, Bison stops a Flicker Jab by slamming his left fist down on Takamura's extended left, and then lands a right straight, countering the Flicker Jab. As Bison heads toward Takamura, whose knees buckled from the counter, Takamura starts wildly swinging, making Bison's approach stop until the second round ends.

At Takamura's corner, Kamogawa explains to Takamura that the tip of the Flicker Counter penetrates deep, so if he blocks it normally, then the impact keeps one from following up in time. He adds that Bison batted away at the point past the tip where it is weaker and not as much force, then with Takamura wide open, Bison landed a right. Takamura starts going to sleep, complaining about Kamogawa's long boring rant. Before heading out for the third round, Takamura asks what everyone knows he can do. Ippo yells out for him to do his best. Takamura likes the answer, much to Ippo, Aoki, and Kimura's confusion. Kamogawa thinks Ippo had a good choice of words.

Takamura hitting Bison with a Flicker Counter.

When the third round begins, Bison enters his Detroit Style, while Takamura approaches and then stops, unable to do the Detroit Style as his Flicker Jabs got shut down last round from the counter. Yagi thought that Takamura was acting like he wasn't hurt. Kamogawa explains that Takamura was unconscious while sitting at his corner, but Ippo's cheering snapped him out of it. Kamogawa adds that Takamura saw everyone worried about him, so he decided to put up false bravado, forcing himself and basically dragging his body with sheer will. Yagi believes Takamura needs to find a way to recover by keeping away or going in to clinch. Kamogawa points out that there is no where to hid to keep away, and he can't get past the Flicker Jabs to close in and clinch. Kamogawa knows that Takamura has been punching with his fists clenched, fully understanding how strong Bison is and trying to force him away with power punches, talking to his gym mates to build himself up. Takamura gets hit by some Flicker Jabs and gets pushed to the ropes. Takamura moves his left arm around, which Bison thinks he is trying to start using Flicker Jabs again, but knows he can't because he has the Flicker Counter. Takamura puts hit guard up, and, when Bison throws a Flicker Jab, Takamura asks Bison if he knows what he can do. As Takamura thinks he can do anything, Takamura slams his left down on Bison's extended left, and lands a right straight, hitting Bison with the Flicker Counter he got hit with by him. Bison goes down from the counter, and Yagi realises that Kamogawa already knew something like that would happen, remembering when Kamogawa told Takamura to go ask Bison what to do about Flicker Jabs. Bison begins getting up, as Kamogawa notes that Bison saw the wind up for the counter, spinning his neck to reduce the impact of the punch. Takamura realises he got greedy and threw too wide of a punch when he saw the chance. Bison gets up, and his legs are shaky, making it hard for him to move. Takamura walks out from a neutral corner, then turns around to walk to his corner as the third round ends.

At Takamura's corner, Takamura drinks water, and tells his seconds that his calves are fine, however, Yagi sees that Takamura is in danger of getting a charlie horse due to his weight control not letting him get enough minerals, thinking it was a good choice to not run and end it when Bison got up. Takamura stands up, telling Kamogawa he doesn't need to recover, only to rehydrate. While Kamogawa is worried, Takamura claims to not sweat it, as he will just pop over and bring the belt to him. At Bison's corner, Bison is angry that Takamura has stolen his Detroit Style and Flicker Counter, deeming him a thief. Bison stands up, telling his second that he is fine, as the only probably he has is Takamura, thinking how everything he does is to mock him, wondering why he doesn't feel embarrassed stealing the WBC belt.

Takamura and Bison having a close range exchange.

As the fourth round begins, Bison enters his Detroit Style while Takamura walks over to him. When Bison was about to send out a Flicker Jab, he sees Takamura getting ready to use the Flicker Counter, making Bison stop and step back, as his Flicker Jabs has been cut off. Takamura tells Bison to stop hiding at a distance and get close to him so they can stop picking at each other from a distance. Takamura realises that Bison doesn't understand him, so he stomps his foot and tells Bison to fight it out where he is at. Takamura is irritated that Bison still doesn't understand, yelling for him to study a foreign language. The referee orders Takamura to stop talking, but Takamura doesn't understand the referee's English. Bison decides to accept Takamura's request to fight in the middle of the ring, rushing towards him. The two world champions have a close range exchange, where body blows and the opening shots to the face were blocked, and the rest of the punches were dodged by sways and ducks. Kamogawa notices that Bison's feints are dangerous, as they make Takamura react slower than usual. Takamura and Bison both land a punch on each other's guarded face that causes them to get blown back a little, and Takamura blocks another right that leaves Takamura shocked by how strong it is.

Takamura and Bison hitting each other in a dual exchange.

Kamogawa is impressed by how much variation there is to Bison's offence, plus he is using his wits to try and put his combos to good use. Takamura sees that Bison can do anything as well, admitting that he scores a solid hundred, however, he sees himself rating a million. Bison thinks Takamura is amazing, ignoring all the obvious feints while reacting to anything that seems like a real punch, and throws his punch as soon as he finishes throwing his own. Bison thinks Takamura's reflexes are inhuman, and never has seen anything like it before. however, Bison is starting to get used to Takamura's habits, realising when he feints a left, Takamura will always duck right, and then throw a punch. After Takamura ducks down to dodge a left, Takamura throws an uppercut as he rises back up, however, Bison was throwing a Chopping Right as well, and both boxers get hit by their punch. While Takamura looked like he won the exchange as he stood still, he was hurt badly as well, only being able to stare Bison down to ward off any attacks until the fourth round ends. Takamura tells Bison that he will be back in one minute, then he will take him down.

At Takamura's corner, Takamura tells his seconds that he is about to get a charlie horse on his right leg if they don't massage it. As Shinoda massages Takamura's right leg, Kamogawa is worried, as Takamura hardly ever complains about anything, so it shows how bad this is, believing that Takamura wants to recover as quickly as possible to keep the match from going on any longer than it has to. At Bison's corner, Bison tells his seconds how he mistook Takamura for a thief, as he now respects him, understanding how Eagle and Bryan Hawk lost to that monster and someone who can do anything like him. Bison decides that he will take Takamura down, as he is a threat to the United States of America. As Takamura walks out of his corner, he thanks Shinoda for the massage, and tells his seconds that it is time for him to hunt down a bison.

Bison lands a long left hook on Takamura.

As the fifth round begins, Bison charges toward Takamura, getting ready to attack. Bison throws a variety of punches at Takamura, but Takamura dodges them all. Kamogawa thinks Takamura wants to end the match with one shot, which Yagi wonders if Takamura is waiting for a counter opportunity, doubting it can work on another world champion. Kamogawa doesn't approve of it, as if Takamura is too obvious, then it could leave him vulnerable, and he has already noticed that Takamura hasn't thrown a punch yet. Kamogawa thinks how the only thing Takamura is earnest about is boxing, so if he is doing that, it isn't because he thinks it will lead to an easy win, he must have a reason to not attacking, thinking that Takamura's right leg must hurt that bad. Bison throws out a combination of punches that Takamura dodges, and when Bison thinks he has Takamura where he wants him, Takamura lands a right straight on Bison's one-handed block near his face, causing blood to appear from his nose due to the impact. As Takamura rushes towards Bison, Bison doesn't know what to do, as he has used all his weapons so now Takamura knows what to expect, believing that the Japanese hawk soars higher than the golden eagle. Bison realises that there is one punch Takamura hasn't seen him use, throwing a long left hook. The long left hook lands cleanly on Takamura's face, causing Takamura to barely stay standing, much to everyone's, including Bison's shock. Much to everyone's shock, Takamura dodges and throws punches as Bison continues attacking him, making everyone wonder why Takamura took the most obvious throw. Bison lands another long left hook, making Kamogawa wonder if Takamura can't see them. Thinking that Takamura is starting to get slow on reacting to his lefts now, he enters the Detroit Style and sends out Flicker Jabs. However, Takamura parries and counters one of them. Bison stumbles, but Takamura is unable to follow up due to the damage to his right leg. Yagi sees that it isn't that Takamura can't see the lefts, wondering if there is some trick to the long left hook such as the angle or timing that makes it hard to dodge. Just as Bison was about to throw another long left hook, the fifth round ends.

Kamogawa using his Kamogawa style magic on Takamura's right leg.

At Takamura's corner, Takamura wonders what kind of punches he kept getting hit by were. Kamogawa holds up three fingers, which Takamura notices, telling Kamogawa he can see them fine. Kamogawa asks Takamura if he right leg can move, as he noticed when he stood his ground the first time he got hit by the long left hook, he aggravated his right leg more, and the pain kept him from losing consciousness. Shinoda plans to massage it, suggesting for Kamogawa to get in position so the other side doesn't see, however, Kamogawa believes it is too late, as Bison already knows Takamura's right leg is damaged. In Bison's corner, Bison realises that Takamura's leg is hurt, causing him to not be able to dodged his long left hooks, deciding to focus on hitting him with those. Kamogawa claims he has seen a Japanese world champion sprain his leg and won the match with on one foot once, but thinks that there is something he can do to help. Kamogawa holds to bags of ice in the air, then shouts as he places them down on Takamura's right leg. Takamura is irritated, telling Kamogawa to not pull an embarrassing stunt on him as he isn't Ippo, so he doesn't need rituals and occult stuff. However, Takamura feels like he can do anything again now as he heads out for round six. Ippo, Aoki, and Kimura notices that Takamura is dragging his right leg as he is walking.

Bison charging towards Takamura.

In the sixth round, Bison charges toward Takamura. Bison realises that Takamura is so focused on not getting hit by his right that he ends up missing a simple left. Bison feints a right, and gets hit by Takamura's left jab. Bison hangs on and throws a long left hook, cleanly hitting Takamura's face. Takamura throws some combinations, however, Bison is prepared to take some hits in order to get into position, as with Takamura's right leg being damaged, his punches won't work on him. Bison gets close to Takamura and throws a combination of punches that hits Takamura's face and then his guard, pushing Takamura back. Kamogawa notes in an in-fight, one uses their legs to throw powerful punches, making it a fight Takamura can't win. bison lands another long left hook, and then throws a right that Takamura blocks, but pushes him to a corner. Yagi thinks him and Kamogawa needs to come up with a way to deal with the long left hook, but Kamogawa believes that there is not enough time, as Takamura's body won't last much longer.

Bison pushing Takamura in a corner.

Takamura is hit by multiple punches at the corner, and when he tries to attack, his punches don't have much of an effect as his damaged leg decreases his power. When Bison steps back to deliver a big punch, Takamura and Bison hit each other in a dual exchange. Takamura barely hangs on as his back sinks into the corner. Ippo tells his gym mates they have to cheer Takamura on, as Takamura losing is not possible, however, Itagaki believes anyone can lose, as Takamura is also only human, remembering watching, hoping, and praying the other day for a certain someone who he was sure would win, but lost. Bison throws another long left hook, but this time, it hits Takamura one-handed block. Kamogawa realises that Bison feints a right before throwing the long left hook and was about to yell out to Takamura about it, however, Takamura's right eardrum erupted from the impact of the long left hook despite the block. As Takamura gets hit by multiple punches at the corner, his seconds and gym mates yell out to him to not lose. Takamura looks at Kamogawa and thinks he looks terrible, then he realises that it is his fault that Kamogawa looks worried. Takamura remembers that Kamogawa is the reason why he is in the place where he belongs; boxing, and wishes to not let Kamogawa look so worried.

Takamura defeating Bison.

Takamura starts throwing more punches, and when one lands, he tries to get out of the corner, but his hurt right leg makes him move slow, letting Bison hit his guard to make him stay in the corner. After receiving multiple bad hits, and the referee tries to step in to stop the match, Takamura lands a light body blow to keep the referee from stopping it. Kamogawa, thinking that everyone loses eventually, starts throwing the towel to stop the match. Aoki, with the help of Kimura, grabs the towel, telling Kamogawa that Takamura wants to fight to the end like a real man. Kamogawa yells out to Takamura asking what he is doing, as he thought he said everything was going to be fine, stating that he can hardly watch because he looks so sorry. Takamura hears Ippo cheering for him, making him remember when he told Ippo during their first training camp that his weakness is about his big toe. As Bison throws out a long left hook, Takamura pivots with his left foot using the help of his big toe, landing his punch on the inner elbow of Bison's left, knocking the long left hook away. Itagaki is surprised Takamura put all his weight onto his left leg as he pivoted and spun like a top like how Ippo fights. Ippo claims that of course Takamura can do it, since he was the one who taught him, and they both learned from the same person. Bison knows he still has his right, so he throws it, thinking that Takamura's can't do anything, while Takamura pivots on his left leg and throws a right hook, thinking that he can do anything. Takamura's right hook lands, making Bison face plant into the corner post. Bison thinks that Takamura couldn't have escaped the corner too far, but Takamura decides to not go anywhere, and they both throw a right. Takamura's pivoting makes his punch get thrown faster, making his right hook hit Bison again, this time, sending him down. The referee ends the match immediately, resulting in Takamura's victory, making him both the WBA and WBC middleweight champion.

The Almighty Hawk

Takamura wearing his three world champion belts.

In the ring, Takamura wears his WBC junior middleweight, WBC middleweight, and his new WBA middleweight belts, shouting in celebration. While everyone cheers in celebration of Takamura's victory, Bison and his seconds walk out of the ring as Bison tells his chief second that the comment he can give to the press will be that "Mamoru Takamura is Japanese for 'Almighty"". The interviewer begins telling Takamura to give a word to the audience. Takamura argues with her about whether he should say one word or more words, making the audience yell at him to say something already. Takamura gets angry, telling the audience that they can't talk to the king like that, ordering them to bow down before him. The audience starts throwing trash at him and in the ring, jeering at his attitude. Takamura's seconds and gym mates begin running away, with Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki carrying Takamura. Takamura claims that they are lucky to be carrying the pride of Japan. However, Kamogawa calls him the shame of Japan.

Takamura heading to his next destination.

As Ippo carries the three world champion belts down the venue's hall, he meets Mashiba and Sendō. Sendō expresses how he wants to try on one of the belts, which causes Mashiba to remark that Ippo should let him do it, since it isn't like Sendō will get one himself. As the the three decide that maybe they should all three try one on, they see Takamura running away, as he doesn't feel like listening to Kamogawa's lecture. Seeing Takamura makes Mashiba and Sendō decline on trying the world title belts on, as they plan to get their own. Ippo sees that those two are even shaken up, thinking that Takamura is way past the line he made, as even when he is hurt he is moving, wondering where he is headed next, and how far he will go.