Importance of the Support Role Arc

Importance of the Support Role Arc
Information
Volumes	127-128, (2 Volumes)
Manga Rounds	1276-1291, (16 Chapters)
Chronology
Previous	Sendō in Mexico Arc
Next	Deathmatch in Mexico Arc

The Importance of the Support Role Arc is the forty-ninth story arc in the series and the third in the Bold Retirement Saga.

The news of Sendō's upcoming match against Alfredo hit all around Japan. Before the match, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki have matches. Ippo helps Kimura prepare for his match against Junpei Yoshimoto as he is having trouble with his weight control. With the situations he experiences as a second, Ippo is starting to understand the importance of the support role a bit more.

Summary

Ippo's Class Reunion

Ippo walking Aikawa home.

Ippo prepares to go to a class reunion per Umezawa's invitation. When he arrives to the Kemuri Izakaya, where the reunion is being held, he becomes shocked as his former classmates are excited to see him and recognises him as the hero of class-A Hearing his classmates call him the Japanese champion, Ippo informs them that he is retired. His classmates asks him questions about him retiring until Umezawa makes them stop, telling them that even if he can fight, Ippo has done enough. Umezawa then brings Ippo to Aikawa, who he has not seen in seven years. Aikawa informs to Ippo that she has seen three of his matches when her job let her and was surprised to see the meek Ippo fight in the ring. She tells Ippo that she watched him fight against Date, Alfredo, and Antonio. Umezawa, noticing that those are the only matches where Ippo lost, tells Aikawa that there are many matches where he won. As Ippo begins to leave, Umezawa tells him that he talked with Matsuda and Takemura about what they did to Ippo back in school, which Matsuda and Takemura apologises to Ippo. Ippo walks with Aikawa home, while reminiscing their memories with each other. Aikawa expresses to Ippo that she always liked him, and wanted to congratulate him after a match, but could not bring herself to when he lost. She then asks Ippo if he has a girlfriend. When Ippo did not give an answer, she apologises, saying her drinking makes her talk a lot. Aikawa wishes to see Ippo win a match, but Ippo reminds her that he is retired Knowing the reason of him being retired from Umezawa that he has no reason, asks him if there was a reason, would he fight again. Aikawa sees Ippo not answering and being indecisive, and comments how she likes him being the same as before, giving him a note and wishing to see him again before walking away. Ippo goes to the tree where he tested himself to catch ten leave before becoming a boxer and notes how the area is where he vowed to become reborn and come out a new person, but nothing changed. He remembers when he asked Takamura what it means to be strong, realising that he still does not have answer.

Sparring Tournament

Taihei losing his first spar.

Ippo decides to take Taihei and Kintarō, who have not done a serious spar yet, to the Date gym where a sparring tournament is being held for newcomers that had not have a pro debut yet. Upon arrival to the Date gym, they meet coach and owner of the gym, Date, along with the coaches Okita, Kobashi, and Oda who each have two students. Taihei is ready to show others the strength of Ippo's number one disciple while Kintarō observes the boxers around the gym to be weak looking. Ippo, who is more worked up than his inexperienced students, instructs his students. When Taihei and Kintarō's turn came up, they were quickly defeated. Itagaki points out how the boxers they fought were boxing since primary school and their coaches all lost to Ippo, possibly holding a grudge on him and using the sparring event to show Ippo up.

Date explaining the fire needed to go back to boxing.

Fujii enters the gym and informs everyone that Sendō downed Ricardo and that Sendō and Alfredo will be fighting in three months with the winner receiving the right to challenge Ricardo. The news shocks everyone, with Ippo remembering when Sendō made the match against Ippo happen in the All Japan Rookie King Tournament despite Ippo originally withdrawing from it due to fist injuries, deeming it impossible to not get swept up in his energy. Fujii asks Date, who is the first Japanese to fight Ricardo, who would win between him and Sendō. However, Date mentions that Sendō has to get through Alfredo first and asks Ippo could Sendō win against Alfredo. Okita, Oda, and Kobashi share their thoughts as Ippo hopes Sendō can earn a title match against Ricardo. Yūji asks Ippo if he is okay with Sendō stealing his chance against Ricardo. Yūji believed that Ippo would be able to avenge his father in his place, asking Ippo when he would be able to, remembering Ippo saying that it was impossible for him to fight Ricardo as he was. Date apologises for his son while Oda wants to know why Ippo retired, as Ippo was the "poster boy" of his generation, with his retirement giving them a bad name. As Ippo leaves the gym, Kobashi asks Date what it took for him to get back into boxing. Date explains that it was not thoughts, but fire to put yourself back into the ring.

Sendō's Return to Japan

Sendō and Hoshi talking about Ricardo and Alfredo.

At the airport before leaving for Japan to get Sendō ready for his upcoming match, Sendō thanks Milo, calling him by name. Milo stresses to not call him by his last name in public as he can not reveal his true identity. Hoshi asks Milo about his niceness towards the Japanese. Milo explains that during his first tour in Japan, he entered a Pachinko parlour, losing all his money, and getting separated from the people he was with, getting lost. A kind woman then guided him towards the Osaka Castle. Her act of kindness moved Milo, vowing to help those in need and to be kind to any Japanese he meets from then on. Milo recalls that Sendō's nickname is "Tigre", telling Sendō that "Tigre" is a legend and his eternal rival. When asked if "Tigre" is strong, Milo explains that he has never beaten him, something that Sendō relates to until he learns that Milo has a record of 0-130 against him, which Sendō feels as it is too many losses. Before Sendō and Hoshi leaves, Milo says his farewells to them in Spanish and does a wrestling pose. While Sendō and Hoshi had no idea what he was saying, they do a wrestling pose. In the plane, Hoshi notices Sendō in pain. Sendō explains how Ricardo's punches feel and that he would feel helpless in a real match against the world champion. Hoshi reminds Sendō that his match against Ricardo is after Alfredo, urging him to have confidence to take the world title. Sendō expresses that he does not like something and goes to sleep.

Sendō requesting Ippo's help in defeating Alfredo.

Later, at the Kamogawa gym, while Ippo is doing mitt practice with Taihei, Sendō and Hoshi enter the gym. As Aoki and Kimura ask Sendō why he is at the gym, Sendō sees Ippo and comments how the mitts does not suit him. Ippo and Sendō goes to the rooftop where Ippo tells him how shocked he is about the events in Mexico. Sendō says how he does not like how Ricardo set up his own match on his own accord, while placing a condition for the world title match, feeling as if Ricardo is looking down on him. Sendō compares how older people think they are above younger people and expect respect, with Ricardo being the same way, getting the belt before him. Sendō tells Ippo that while Alfredo may not be a champion, he respects him and his match with him has a higher priority due to having his eyes set on him because he is the man who defeat Ippo, proving that he will give Sendō an amazing bout. Sendō then requests Ippo's help to defeat Alfredo. Ippo asks Sendō how he could help him, as he can not spar nor coach him especially without going through Sendō's coach. Sendō answers that he wants Ippo to describe Alfredo's punch angles and timing, as Ippo experienced them firsthand. Ippo explains that the quality of his punches are hard and sharp and hit with pinpoint accuracy. Sendō claims that Ricardo's punches are the same way, which he finds fitting as he heard that Alfredo resembles the WBA featherweight super champion. Ippo also notes how Alfredo's personality changes once he is in the ring as soon as the gong sounds, going from a levelheaded strategic boxer, to unleashing overwhelming brutality who no one is able to restrain, comparing him to when he fought Sendō. Sendō thanks Ippo for the information, acknowledging the fact that there is another man like him, wishing to reveal the true face of Alfredo when he fights him, as he will be wide open due to his big punches, possibly being able to counter them. Wanting to better explain, Ippo goes to get boxing gloves and mitts.

Sendō's mitts getting knocked off from Ippo's punch emulating Alfredo's speed.

While waiting for Ippo to return, Sendō notices the statue of Takamura, desiring to join Takamura as a world champion. As he does that, he knocks on the arm of the statue, accidentally breaking it off and causing it to hit the ground. Sendō nervously tries to put it back on just as Ippo returns. When asked to put the gloves on, Sendō reveals that the arm broke, but Ippo is able to put it back on, commenting how it constantly falls off. Ippo has Sendō put on gloves and start a mitt training session. After the mitt training, which began with a jab accidentally hitting Ippo's face due to Ippo incorrectly blocking the punch with the mitt, Ippo decides to switch roles to show him how Alfredo's angles look. After taking off his weights, Ippo notes that he can not recreate the range, but is able to recreate the speed. Ippo informs Sendō that he will start with a hook. Sendō prepares himself to block the punch with two hands. Ippo lands a left hook, powerful enough to cause one of the mitts to be flung out of Sendō's hand. The training mitt hits the statue of Takamura, making the left arm fall off. Ippo and Sendō then discovers the head fell off as well when Ippo trips over it while running to reattach the arm. As the two makes a ruckus, the gym members come to the rooftop. They manage to reattach the arm, however the head is unable to stay on. They decide to temporarily fix it with glue as Aoki holds it in place, with Aoki permanently fixing it with cement the next day.

Sendō and Hoshi begin to leave for Osaka until Ippo stops him to ask if he was to any help. While Sendō told him he heard something good from him, Kimura comments about Sendō scoring a down on Ricardo. Sendō mentions that while the only valuable thing to him was getting a match with Alfredo, he felt ecstatic seeing Ricardo on his knees, noting that he didn't land a hit on him and that if Alfredo is similar to Ricardo, he will surely land another shot on him if he defeats Alfredo. As Sendō leaves, he tells Ippo that it is a waste not wearing gloves with him wearing the weights. Kimura comments how Sendō has not changed from the Rookie King days, with Itagaki noticing Sendō left his bag, similar to a previous occurrence when he left for Osaka back then. Later, while out fishing with Ippo, Kumi asks Ippo about his encounter with Sendō. Ippo notes how Sendō has not changed, making him jealous as Ippo thought he changed since retiring, however others at the class reunion told him he has not changed at all. Ippo then tells Kumi about his encounter with Aikawa, resulting in Kumi getting jealous until she hears that Ippo dropped the paper Aikawa gave him that had her number. Ippo claims to not care if he changed or not, but still has more to learn and enjoys spending time with Kumi, Taihei, and Kintarō. In Osaka, Sendō receives his bag from Ippo by delivery, with a note that says Ippo believes Sendō will be victorious and that when he watches boxers fight, his heart moves but ultimately he feels as if the peaceful days are also great. Sendō concludes that he will be moving forward for now.

Mathematics with Miyata

Miyata encountering Mashiba at his job.

At the Kawahara gym, Miyata and Suzuki discuss the news of Sendō challenging Alfredo. Suzuki supposes that Sendō is attempting a fight that is out of his league due to Alfredo beating Ippo, who defeated Sendō twice. Miyata dismisses Suzuki's simplicity, reminding him that Alfredo defeated Ippo with a right counter, which he deems Sendō to be the of the most dangerous opponents a counter puncher can face due to his unpredictable punches. Miyata adds that he is not saying that Sendō will win, but notes that a boxer's best weapon has it's effectiveness lessened two or three times over. Miyata is then handed homework by middle school student Nakatsuka, who needs help on it. Miyata comments how the group of boxers near him should have been enough, mentioning how boxers are already thought of as idiots. Miyata then leaves for work with the homework paper, claiming that he will give them back the next day, however Nakatsuka has to have them the next morning. At the Márquez, Miyata, who has trouble figuring out the factorisation problems, asks his manager, however she did not know the answers either. Mashiba then arrives to the Márquez and meets Miyata at the counter. After tossing ¥100 at Miyata and orders to give him the receipt, the manager, angered at Mashiba's attitude, claims that ¥100 is not enough due to sales tax. Miyata offers a deal: if Mashiba can solve the factorisation problem, he will waive the sales tax. Mashiba gives Miyata the answers before walking away commenting how boxers are already seen as idiots.

Takamura comes back to the gym after his long trip, mentioning how he heard Sendō was going to fight Alfredo, saying that it is a mere small fry event. Before that match, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki have matches, with Aoki planning on fighting Iga again after his upcoming match. Takamura laughingly comments how he wishes someone would come for his head, before noticing Aoki is holding his statue's head.

Kimura's Weight Control Problem

Ippo and Kimura at the sauna.

Four days before Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki's matches, Aoki and Itagaki can not keep up with Ippo, Taihei, and Kintarō during roadwork. Ippo informs his two students of the struggle they go through during weight control, warning Taihei and Kintarō that they will have to go through a similar process at one point. Taihei expresses his worry about Aoki being the main event, however Ippo reassures him that he does not see Aoki losing. Ippo claims to be worried about Itagaki, as he is convinced that he is in a slump, being that he may not be able to use what he did during practise in the ring and he can only get over the slump if he gathers a resolution on his own. Taihei then points out that Kimura is missing from the roadwork session. When Ippo says that Kimura is the one he is worried the most about despite his weight control schedule he made which Itagaki claims should be easy. Later, Ippo visits Kimura at the Kimura Gardening and catches him trying to drink out of his fish's water. As Kimura has trouble getting his weight down despite following Ippo's schedule, he decides to stop drinking water as he always done. Ippo then takes Kimura to a sauna. In the sauna, when Kimura tells Ippo that he is used to using saunas for weight control, Ippo claims to never needing them as he could fall below the limit with just training. As Ippo sweats, Ippo acknowledges how Takamura and Miyata has to go through a great amount of sweat and it still is not enough. After ending the session without sweating, Kimura weighed himself and barely lost weight. Ippo then ran with Kimura to his house and instructs him to eat dried shittake and to not drink water, telling him that he will come back the next day.

Bald Ippo and Kimura appears.

The next day after work, Ippo goes to Kimura's home. When Ippo arrives to check on Kimura, he meets his parents who informs him that he has been in his room and that they are thankful that Ippo is helping Kimura through his weight control. Ippo takes Kimura to the sauna after discovering that he needs to lose 12 kilograms instead of 1 kilogram as scheduled. Kimura passes out from dehydration in the sauna, causing Ippo to panic and about to call the ambulance and for Kimura to go up to the lightweight class instead before he was stopped by Kimura, who claims that he can not go up any higher. Ippo, realising that it is for Aoki's sake, understands, but decides to call an ambulance if he collapses again. Ippo calls Takamura for advice for Kimura's weight control, however, he did not give any useful information. When the morning of the weigh-in arrives, Ippo picks up Kimura, who is conscious. but can not move or speak, and puts him on the scale in his home. 400 grams over the junior lightweight limit, Ippo decides to shave Kimura's head in order to cut off some weight, while also shaving his own head.

Ippo encountering Kimura's opponent, Junpei.

At the Kōrakuen Hall, as Aoki, Itagaki, Yagi, Shinoda wait for Kimura to show up for the weigh-in, they are shocked at the appearance of a bald Ippo and a bald Kimura. Ippo reveals to Aoki, Itagaki, Shinoda, and Yagi that he did not shave just Kimura's hair on his head, but his whole body, just as he did himself. While heading to the weigh-in room, Ippo is asked if Kimura made the weight, which Ippo could only say that he tried everything he could do. At the weigh-in, Kimura's opponent, Junpei Yoshimoto, sees Kimura's state, thinking that it is an act to fool him into acting carelessly. Kimura's weight turns out to be 100 grams over the junior lightweight limit, causing Ippo to attempt to get Kimura's weight down further for the reweigh-in session in an hour. After the hour, Kimura manages to pass the check by being at the full limit, with Junpei's trainer rejoicing that Kimura's state is not an act, believing that Kimura won't be able to recover for the match the next day. Outside the Kōrakuen Hall, Kimura begins to drink to replenish himself with Ippo's well-studied methods. Kimura then panics when he realises that his body is shaved head to toe, but Ippo informs him that it was for his sake.

Ippo explaining Kimura's strategy for his match against Junpei.

At the Donaire, Kimura expresses his thanks to Ippo and that he won't forget it. Ippo wishes for Kimura's victory to be his repayment, however, he stresses that even though he should be levels higher against his unranked opponent, that would only be if Kimura is at full power. Ippo explains to Kimura that his running out of energy will be worse than before, revealing that that will be where their strategy lies at. Ippo reveals that the strategy Kimura will use is a one round knockout strategy. While the others and Ippo himself deem the strategy reckless, Ippo explains how Junpei may be thinking that Kimura has no stamina and can win in the later rounds, so Kimura has to win in the early rounds while going full power from the opening gong and use a repeated barrage of Dragonfish Blows.

Kimura, Itagaki, and Aoki's Matches

Kimura and his seconds ready for his match against Junpei.

The next day, Takamura meets Lord at the Kōrakuen Hall, wondering why Lord is sitting outside when he bought him a ticket to Kimura's match knowing he is a fan of him. Lord claims to have scalped the ticket for cash to gamble, but failed the gamble. Takamura decides to let him in using his own boxing license and, after some sweet talking, got Takamura to get him food and beer. In the waiting room, Taihei and Kintarō watches over Aoki and Itagaki as requested by Ippo as they wait to fight. As Kimura's match is about to begin, Takamura asks Lord why he is Kimura's fan. Lord answers that it is Kimura's scent of garbage emitting from him, wanting to see how far an average man can go as he is the shining hope for garbage people. At the ring, Ippo instructs Kimura to get him onto the ropes and to not let him escape while using a barrage of Dragonfish Blows. Junpei's coach tells Junpei to finish the match in the later rounds after taking points in the beginning.

Kimura trapping Junpei to the ropes.

When the match begins, Kimura traps Junpei onto the ropes as instructed after leading him with left jabs while going in a zigzag path. With Ippo's goal being for Kimura to use the Dragonfish Blow, Kimura has Junpei on the ropes and using one-twos, which Junpei blocks. Junpei escapes by knocking a punch away and having Kimura dodge an attack. Both seconds yell out instructions for their boxers, which allows Kimura to trap Junpei into a corner. After Ippo yells out another order, Kimura is able to keep Junpei at the ropes by punching Junpei's escape routes. In the audience, Takamura hits Lord in an act of reflex due to him calling Kimura a genius. Takamura tells him that the only reason for Kimura being able to do what he is doing is because he already has an image of what to do after watching and sparring with the in-fighter Ippo, and Kimura only has to do as told by the shouting Ippo. Ippo's further shouting and motioning leads the referee to warn Ippo. Shinoda informs Ippo that it is a rule that seconds are to not give instructions or signals to their fighters, and that it can lead to being dismissed or their fighter can receive a point deduction.

Kimura attacking Junpei with a barrage of Dragonfish Blows.

Appreciating that Ippo stuck with him and had no time to read the rule book, Kimura dodges Junpei's lefts as he can read Junpei's tells on his left. Kimura realises that after his match with Mashiba, he lost his motivation and, due to his challenge to defeat Takamura when he started boxing and the belt being unobtainable, he did not know what to do. Kimura wishes to chase his best friend, who is able to go after a goal, not wanting Aoki to go alone. Kimura traps Junpei in the corner again, and when Junpei uses the same tactic to get out as before, Kimura dodges the punch lands a left body blow. With Junpei's attention lowered to the body blow, Kimura begins to throw a right overhand for the Dragonfish Blow and lands his hit. When Junpei tries to escape, Kimura keeps him in a corner and batters him with Dragonfish Blows. The referee watches closely to determine whether Junpei is able to fight back. However, Junpei is able to throw punches that miss between Kimura's Dragonfish Blow barrages, leaving the referee unable to stop the match. As Kimura continues his Dragonfish Blows, Itagaki notes how it is like the Dempsey Roll. The barrage continues until the gong sounds for the end of the first round.

Ippo, Yagi, and Shinoda using the Kamogawa Revival Technique.

Ippo tells Kimura that he still has the match, however, Kimura's silence says otherwise. Itagaki mentions how the Dragonfish Blow barrage was like the Dempsey Roll in that it drained all the energy Kimura had, which is the reason why everyone does not copy the technique. An exhausted Kimura goes back to his corner where Ippo wonders what he can do for him. As Shinoda advises to give him water as he is dehydrated and to rub his legs to prevent cramps, Yagi reminds Ippo that forfeiting is an option. Thinking of what Kamogawa would do, Ippo decides to let the match continue, proceeding to put ice down Kimura's boxing trunks to reinvigorate him and, with the combined efforts of Shinoda and Yagi, uses the "Revival Ritual" passed down directly from Kamogawa. Light comes back into Kimura's eyes and Ippo encourages him to just hit him one more time to knock him down. Shinoda mistakenly instructs Kimura to use his Fish Dragon Blow as the second round begins.

Kimura defeating Junpei.

In the second round, knowing that Junpei is in a similar state as him, Kimura wonders if he can even land one blow. Ippo mentions to Shinoda that the revival method is merely giving hope, however, he was once saved by that hope. Ippo then tells Shinoda that for Kimura's one hit, he should aim for the liver. Not wanting Kimura to recover, Junpei rushes towards him while Shinoda yells out to use the "Fish Dragon". As Junpei rushes toward Kimura, who is in disbelief that Shinoda doesn't remember the name of his technique. After Kimura is hit, he recalls the regrets at the time he fought Mashiba where he was off by three centimetres, swearing after that he would bury those regrets six feet under. He then realises it is his fault he failed his weight control, as he did not pay attention everyday. As Junpei guards his body to prepare a counter for the inevitable Dragonfish Blow, Kimura mistakenly throws the right overhand first, making Junpei guard his face. Kimura then hits Junpei with a left body blow and knocks him down. The referee ends the match, and Kimura is the winner. As Kimura is applauded by the audience, the ice that was put in his boxing trunks earlier begins to leak out. The referee has Ippo wipe the puddle off the mat before the next match begins. Ippo then comes to a realisation that Kamogawa, no matter what happened, supported and protected him to the end every time.

Aoki celebrating on winning his match by knockout.

With Kimura back into the waiting room after his win, Itagaki gets ready for his match after Taihei and Kintarō puts his gloves on for him. Itagaki fights against his opponent and wins by a decision. Aoki then fights, not being able to use his Frog Punch due to a certain incident causing him unable to crouch. Aoki wins by knockout in the seventh round. Outside the Kōrakuen Hall, Taihei expresses his amazement that all three won, and may have a higher opinion of his brother. Kintarō chastises Taihei for not respecting Aoki for winning by knockout, also pointing out how boxers are the winner and that everyone supports them. Ippo surmises that it was the same for him when he was fighting. Ippo ponders how Kamogawa always took care of him, wishing to see Kamogawa to inform him of how grateful he is of him

Self-Reflection Party

Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki think about what would happen if Ippo returned to the ring with the knowledge he has now.

Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki have their victory party at the Kemuri Izakaya. However, their victory party quickly turns into a self-reflection meeting as Itagaki and Aoki comment on how Kimura won quicker than them despite his weight control battle. When asked how he did it, Kimura explains how he merely followed Ippo's orders, making Aoki wonder if Ippo has become an incredible second. Takamura arrives and harasses the self-reflecting boxers, suggesting them to retire. Kimura mentions how he noticed at the sauna that Ippo's body was not the body of a retired boxer. Kimura wonders what would happen if he took his muscles and knowledge from his extensive research and returned to the ring with it. Takamura stops the conversation, expressing how Ippo coming back is only a delusion, and that it was Ippo's decision. He continues, noting that he is not coming back unless something forces him to, but he theorises that the "something" will never come. Later on at the Kamogawa gym, Ippo meets Kamogawa. Ippo explains what he has been recently studying on about many ways of increasing power, which Kamogawa comments on Ippo's enthusiasm as he has been practising it on his own body. Just as Ippo begins to thank Kamogawa for taking care of him when he was an active boxer, Kamogawa asks if he wants to continue studying, which Ippo answers that he does. Kamogawa suggests for him to get a passport and go to the place where the best materials are: Mexico. Ippo accepts the suggestion and sets off from the gym.