Keith Dragon Arc

Keith Dragon Arc
Information
Volumes	130-133, (4 Volumes)
Manga Rounds	1317-1349, (33 Chapters)
Chronology
Previous	Ippo in Mexico Arc
Next	Grim Reaper to the World Arc

The Keith Dragon Arc is the fifty-first story arc in the series and the fifth in the Bold Retirement Saga.

Takamura advances to the super middleweight class to continue his six weight class conquest. He faces the WBC super middleweight champion, Keith Dragon, who is beloved by the goddess of good fortune.

Summary

Keith Dragon the Manhattan Demon King, the Man Blessed by the Goddess of Good Fortune

Kamogawa gym members looking over Dragon's profile.

Another day at the Kamogawa gym, as they train for their upcoming matches, Ippo focused with his two students, Taihei and Kintarō, while Shinoda with Kimura in the ring training. Upon Kimura's wig falling off, Shinoda gets distracted and Kimura accidentally hits him. Takamura is finally moving up to the super middleweight after being stuck with the middleweight for some time. Yagi comes with a poster with the face of the champion. He is challenging the WBC champion Keith Dragon. Everyone gets very excited upon hearing this, especially Ippo. When Ippo asks if the match will be overseas, Yagi states that the match will be a domestic bout because Takamura demanded it to be in Japan. As they try to read English off the poster which is mostly about his boxing information, they notice that his hobby is mahjong which they have a hard time figuring out what that might be. Kintarō explains it to them. Dragon is very much a natural mahjong player, he is so good at the game that he earned the nickname "Manhattan Demon King". At Mahjong, Dragon wins a game, explaining to his opponents that he is blessed by the Goddess of Good Fortune, he takes off as someone mentions who he is to one of his opponents.

Takamura's explanation on the terms of being of world champion.

At the Kamogawa gym, Aoki and Kimura believes that one can't succeed with only luck, however, Takamura admits Dragon is strong. Aoki and Kimura mentions that it comes down to skill in boxing and that luck can't make up the difference. Takamura asks them who are the certain people who will never become a world champion. The Kamogawa gym members do not know the answer to Takamura's question on who the certain people are who will never become a world champion. Takamura points to Aoki, claiming that it is him. Aoki becomes saddened by the answer, as he already believes that he won't get the JBC title he is aiming for. Takamura tells everyone that if they put what he says more broadly, even Aoki can be a world champion, but the one who will never be a world champion are those that never challenge for it. Takamura also states how as long as one stays in the ring, their chance for a world title fight may come, and if one keeps fighting for what they are dreaming for, anyone can keep dreaming, but if they can't even dream, they should stay out of the ring. Kamogawa adds that there is a bit of luck involved as well, as other circumstances can prevent one with the power to take on the world to not do so. Kamogawa states that one can look at those who have world champion belts are those who are blessed with everything, but if one keeps polishing, they can advance with time. As Kamogawa concludes that good fortune one is blessed with can be also a condition to become world champion, Ippo remembers that the world champion, Dragon is known for being beloved by the goddess of good fortune, making him a dangerous opponent for Takamura. Takamura confirms that he is, as one would need to have more good fortune than anyone in history to defeat him, however, he believes that anyone facing him already has the worst luck in history.

Kamogawa thinking about his dream of having one of his boxers fight at the Tokyo Dome.

When Ippo went to Kamogawa's office, Shinoda asks him how Kintarō and Taihei's training has been going, as Yagi informs Ippo that they have been talking about letting them do their pro test and debut, requesting to know their weight classes. Ippo replies that they are not old enough to debut yet, but will be soon, and he will think of what weight class to put them in. Ippo mentions how lucky the gym is to have Yagi negotiate with Dragon on coming to Japan, however, Yagi notes that Dragon was happy to be able to play mahjong with the Japanese, making there to be no negotiations to be had. Yagi expresses how he wished he could put Takamura in America, as he feels that he would be a sensation in Las Vegas. Yagi explains to Ippo how Takamura could debut in America, or any other country due to his popularity. Shinoda adds that Japan is too small to hold Takamura's talent and doesn't know why Takamura is being so stubborn about having an overseas debut. Yagi points out that he wants the Kamogawa gym to have a match held at the Tokyo Dome. Kamogawa agrees, as it would be a dream come true for him. Ippo believes that it would be his dream too as a second to see his boxer make it to the biggest venue there is while bringing his hopes and expectations with them. Yagi suggests to book Takamura and Dragon's match with Sendō and Ricardo's match to possibly make the Tokyo Dome sell out, however, Yagi had his doubts that they could make them sell out, and Shinoda notes that Sendō's rehabilitation for his fist will take a while. Ippo asks them how long Ricardo will stay as a featherweight and why he chooses to stay, since he has defended it many times and it has been said that Ricardo has no competition left at featherweight. Kamogawa answers that the only one who probably knows is Ricardo himself. Yagi offers Ippo to come with him, Shinoda, and Kamogawa to eat dinner as fellow staff members, however, Ippo declines, as his mother is most likely waiting for him with dinner already.

Ippo and Takamura aiming for the Tokyo Dome.

Walking away from the gym and reflecting how his current dream is for Taihei and Kintarō to debut and win, Ippo approaches the line that Takamura made, contemplating how he has never understood Takamura, wondering why he wouldn't fulfil Kamogawa's dream of debuting overseas. Later, while Ippo is doing roadwork with Taihei and Kintarō early in the morning, he informs the duo that they will take their pro test when their birthdays pass. Ippo spots Takamura and mentions how he must be full of spirit now that his match is set up. Takamura notes that it is only the super middleweight class, grumbling that he can't afford to waste any more time since he is behind schedule. Wanting to know why Takamura is in such a rush, Ippo wonders if he should ask him now. Ippo watches Takamura shadowbox while realising that he doesn't know much about Takamura's personal life at all, planning to ask Takamura about it now. Ippo stops himself, as he believes Takamura's back is saying to watch him, and that what he wants to know is something that can't be put into words. As Takamura wanted to know if Ippo needed to say anything to him, Ippo reveals that Kamogawa and Yagi has a dream of having a fight at the Tokyo Dome. Learning of Kamogawa's dream, Takamura becomes motivated for Ippo and him to take Kamogawa to the Tokyo Dome no matter what. As Ippo and Takamura ran, Taihei and Kintarō realise that they were forgotten, but Taihei believes that Ippo and Takamura can take them to the Tokyo Dome.

Mamoru Takamura, the Man Not So Blessed by the Goddess of Good Fortune

Takamura pulling a worse luck Omikuji.

Later, while Ippo was out on the fishing boat, he remembered something that Takamura likes which would motivate him for his match if his prayers are answered. At the Yamaguchi Chiropractic, Yamaguchi throws Takamura out through the window after being asked to "do it" to give him motivation. As Takamura leaves the area, a crow defecated onto his head, he locked eyes with a black cat, and Tomiko called out to him. After Takamura informed his gym mates of the bad omens he had at the Yamaguchi Chiropractic, Ippo suggests for him to go get an Omikuji at the shrine he goes to. Takamura declines at first before going with Ippo and Itagaki to the shrine to get an Omikuji. While Itagaki was worried that Takamura may pull an Omikuji that isn't good luck, Ippo reassures him that the bad luck ones are one in a billion. After Ippo pulls a future luck and Itagaki pulls a medium luck, Takamura pulls a worse luck Omikuji. As Takamura runs away, Itagaki wonders if it is one of "those", to which Ippo asks what he means by that.

Ippo shows gym members the good luck items to place at the lucky corners of the gym.

Itagaki explains to Ippo that while he isn't superstitious, he feels as if there is a cause for Takamura having bad luck. Ippo suggests to have Takamura do virtuous deeds to undo a curse if he has been cursed, since his match is already decided and he needs things to get better for him. Itagaki mentions that him having his match decided against Dragon may have shown that his luck has reached it's limit if the cause for his bad luck isn't due to a curse or grudge. Itagaki adds that Dragon, who is called a man beloved by the goddess of luck, may be affecting Takamura's luck, making his luck go down. As Itagaki leaves, he tells Ippo how he wonders if Takamura will get affected more directly as the match continues to get closer, with things such as a traffic accident, however, when he sees Ippo get worried, he claims that it was just a joke. Later, while fishing with his customers, Ippo asks Miyazaki if there is anything that can improve one's fortune. Miyazaki informs Ippo of a thing that was popular with his students at the college of athletics. Later, at the Kamogawa gym's rooftop, after Itagaki tells Aoki and Kimura how Ippo reacted when he mentioned how Takamura's luck may have reached it's limit, Aoki gets excited that his curses and spirits of vengeance has finally reached Takamura. When Ippo arrives to the group at the rooftop, he shows them his collection of objects of good luck that he got to put in the lucky corners of the gym to purify the evil around them. Kimura suggests to believe in Takamura's strength, however, Ippo wants to do what ever he can to ease the anxiety, as that is one of his responsibilities as one of the gym's staff. As the gym members grabbed the good luck items, Aoki asks Ippo how he should give Takamura the voodoo doll since he will not accept it as he isn't superstitious. Ippo reveals that he already slipped one in his pocket a few days ago, which Kimura hopes that it didn't make things worse. In the gym's office, Yagi wonders who is calling as the phone rings.

Takamura saving a boy from getting hit by a vehicle.

While walking outside, Takamura came across a boy whose ball goes out into the middle of the road. As the boy ran to go get it, Takamura noticed an incoming vehicle coming towards him. Takamura ran in front of the vehicle to grab the boy, jumped off the hood of the vehicle and landed safely. However, since Takamura accidentally cracked the boy's ribs while holding him, he took him to the hospital. At the Kamogawa gym, Yagi gets a phone call that Takamura is in an ambulance due to a traffic accident. Ippo learns of this and goes with Yagi to the hospital. There, they are relieved to discover that Takamura didn't get injured and that he is there because the boy he saved is having his injuries treated. Ippo informs Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki of the event and wonders if the bad things that keep happening to Takamura are really just a coincidence.

Takamura defeating his sparring partner.

Later, Takamura spars at the Kamogawa gym and gets hit when he uses his right foot, resulting in Kamogawa scolding him. After defeating the sparring partner, Takamura runs water on his right foot. Ippo approaches Takamura and figures that his right foot must be injured from jumping off the hood of the vehicle, which Takamura requests for him to not tell Kamogawa about it. Ippo mentions to Takamura that he has noticed that the weight control is still affecting him despite moving up a weight class, and his movements are dull, advising him to focus on recovering. Takamura reassures him to it will heal by the time the match arrives and shows him some shredded material that he found in his pocket after the accident. Ippo realises that it is the remains of the voodoo doll that he put into Takamura's pocket, thankful that it protected him. Ippo wraps Takamura's leg with a bandage with sutra writing on it.

Takamura telling Ippo his desire to bring the next belt to the gym.

Later, Ippo waits outside Takamura's house in order to be Takamura's chaperone. When Ippo was about to walk with Takamura, he notices a falling potted plant that is about to hit Takamura's head. Ippo punches the falling potted plant that was about to hit Takamura's head, however, since Takamura thought that Ippo was trying to attack him, he hit him with an uppercut before realising that Ippo saved him. Ippo soon falls down a pit in the road where construction was being done. Later, Ippo follows Takamura in his roadwork in high wind. When Ippo notices a sign is about to hit Takamura, he pushes Takamura and gets hit by the sign. Ippo expresses his worry about Takamura's leg, suggesting for him to consider postponing the match. Takamura replies that he doesn't have time to postpone it, and compared to "that", his leg pain is a barely a mosquito bite. Ippo figures that Takamura must be talking about the child he injured while saving him.

Dragon's arrival to Japan.

At the Makunouchi Fishing Boat, Ippo tells Hiroko about how the strong wind is bad luck. Hiroko mentions that it just means that a typhoon is coming. Ippo remembers that Dragon is also coming to Japan soon. At the Kamogawa gym, while Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki were talking about how Ippo's occult obsession is only hurting himself and that it won't matter in the match, Kintarō points out how sports players pray to God or have superstitions, believing that they should at least try if it could help any. Aoki claims that the practise and effort one puts in is what matters, Kimura thinks that if both sides prayed, it would cancel each other out, and Itagaki comments that it is likely a placebo effect that helps them. As Kintarō and Taihei wonder if they suggest that there is no God, Kamogawa tells the group that it is irrelevant whether there is one or not, as one only has their own two fists in the ring to believe in and that good luck and miracles will only appear when they believe in their fists and never betray them. Ippo overhears Kamogawa's statement and agrees, but is still uneasy about it. Ippo realises that it would take a miracle for Dragon to arrive in Japan due to the typhoon, making the bad luck he would bring be delayed for a couple of days. However, Dragon arrives to Japan the next day as the typhoon blew over.

Ayagi: Yami ni Oritatta Tensai

Ippo, Aoki, and Kimura praying for Takamura's victory against Dragon.

Fujii and Mari arrives to the Narita Terminal 1 to witness Dragon's arrival. Dragon is asked by reporters if he was nervous about having to reschedule his flight to Japan because of the typhoon that hit the country. Dragon answers that he was not nervous, as he asked for a quick arrival to Japan, explaining that lady luck loves him since everything is always granted and goes his way. Dragon immediately requests for his staff to show him the way to a gym for training. Fujii and Mari follows Dragon to the Kawahara gym, where they are amazed by Dragon's power as he punches the sandbag. Miyata's father is grateful to see a super middleweight boxer train without having to leave Japan. When Mari mentions how Dragon's right is dangerous, Miyata becomes interested in his right. While Ippo is at the shrine, he sees that Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki have arrived as well to pray despite their comments earlier where they looked down on praying. Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki claims to have changed their mind when Dragon seemed to caused the weather to bend for him, so they can only rely on God now. The four continuously prays, throwing their coins in the slots.

Yagi's appearance as the "King of the Underworld", going to play mahjong.

When Ippo goes home, he begins to watch videos of Dragon's matches to try and find something he may be overlooking, as his record of 25 matches with no losses can't be from just luck. Ippo is amazed to see Dragon's not just about luck as he sees his calm left leading to his strong right despite the right being a huge swing. Later at the Kamogawa gym, Kamogawa has Ippo to accompany Yagi to Shibuya in Tokyo so that Dragon can play mahjong since it was a condition that Dragon set that he has to play mahjong if he comes to Japan. Kamogawa reveals to Ippo that Yagi was known as the "King of the Underworld" in the mahjong world, being undefeated for twenty years. Fired up from his blood boiling for the first time in a long time, Yagi changes his manager look to a black suit, shades, and slicks his hair back as he leaves the gym with Ippo to the Otakugon. On the Kamogawa gym rooftop, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki watches Ippo and Yagi leave and is surprised to learn that Yagi was a mahjong player. Aoki notes that there are "No Yagi's Allowed" signs at every mahjong parlour, and Itagaki adds that they call Yagi "Yami" (Darkness). Itagaki wonders why Ippo is being brought with Yagi, which Aoki and Kimura answer that Ippo is his bodyguard since Yagi is so good that other players try to start a fight because they think he is cheating. At the Pension Yoshio, Nekota plays a dog variant of mahjong with Hachi and his other five dogs. Nekota ends up getting mad when one gets an inusangen (daisangen), and remembers that dogs can cheat at mahjong by marking their tiles by scent, however, he knows that Yagi would be able to defeat the cheating dogs.

A mahjong match Yagi, Dragon, Ōi, and Murakami begins.

Upon arrival at the Otakugon, Ippo is surprised to see how bright the parlour is, having expected it would be gloomy. The owner introduces to Yagi and Ippo the two other mahjong players Jen Murakami and Takachan Ōi, who are Yagi's pupils. With Murakami and Ōi pleased to be able to play with Yagi again, but warns him that they aren't the same as they were before, Ippo is excited to see a mahjong match with professionals. When Dragon arrives to the Otakugon, the mahjong match begins. Murakami and Ōi are more interested in taking down Yagi than Dragon in order to get pay back on Yagi since he defeated them badly when they were younger. Dealing first, Dragon is pleased to announce that he has won, having a winning hand of seven pairs, a Heavenly Hand. Dragon continues to get winning hands until the first match ends.

Yagi telling Dragon that they will wager their pride.

Dragon asks how much is at stake, however, the owner of Otakugon and Yagi informs him that gambling is illegal in Japan. While Dragon was unimpressed, Yagi tells him that pride will be the thing that is at stake, as everything of themselves is laid out on the table, something that money pales in comparison. The owner was moved by Yagi's words, and advises Ippo to give Dragon a whack if he mentions money again, since his business would be shut down if gambling occurs, however, Ippo claims that he can't do that. When the next mahjong match begins, Dragon gets multiple winning hands, proclaiming "ron" and "tsumo". Ippo is amazed by Dragon's handspeed as he moves tiles, not being able to keep track. Yagi observes Ōi dealing more tiles constantly and Murakami keeps losing points, coming to an conclusion that the two are useless, making it a one-on-one against Dragon. After a ron, Yagi uses yamiten (damaten), waiting for his chance. Having thirteen out of fourteen tiles, Yagi draws and lays down the fourteenth tile in hopes to get the hand he seeks.

Dragon laughing after defeating Yagi and other mahjong players.

Placing his mahjong tile down, Yagi completes his hand with an atomic. He prepares his next hand, and is one tile away from another winning hand, however, he discarded a tile, as he saw it wouldn't give him enough points to be satisfied. After strategic placements of his tiles, Yagi completes his hand once again, with a pure chūren pōtō. However, Dragon reveals that he also has a winning hand, the kokushi musō. Seeing Dragon as a formidable opponent, Yagi suggests that they start betting one yen per point starting next hand. Yagi receives a hit on the head by the Otakugon owner for trying to gamble in his place which could get him shut down. Yagi throws the thirty-two thousand worth of scoring sticks at Dragon, who catches it with his left hand, and leaves, due to getting banned. As Yagi and Ippo, Yagi is depressed that he left empty handed and banned again, however, Ippo thinks otherwise, since he came to a realisation that Dragon is a southpaw since he quickly caught the scoring sticks with his left hand.

Angel and Demon

Takamura asking Ippo if he ever thought he should give it another try.

While Ippo was watching footage of Dragon's matches and notices how Dragon's lefts have excellent timing and angles, Hiroko tells Ippo that he has a phone call. After talking to Takamura on the phone, he runs to the shrine and is surprised to find out that Takamura is at the shrine waiting for him. When Ippo arrives, Takamura asks him if it is the shrine that gives good results, which Ippo confirms. Takamura asks Ippo if using the shrine actually works. Ippo doesn't know how to answer that, worrying about what Takamura will do if he says it does and then what he requests doesn't happen since he has been coming to the shrine since he was a child. Takamura is curious how many prayers would come true if one did one hundred prayers, however, Ippo explained that the shrine isn't defined by probabilities, and added that praying can help reduce feelings of unease, but having any doubts will just waste the offering. Takamura gives an offering to the shrine, claiming that if it can cause a miracle like making Kimura win, he figured that he could give it a try. When Ippo mentions to Takamura that he must is anxious about fighting Dragon, Takamura states that he is excited about the match and that Dragon is strong and a genius, believing that nobody pulled out his full potential. Ippo wonders if Takamura noticed that Dragon used to be a southpaw, but Takamura points out the possibility that he is ambidextrous and is hiding something, however, he plans to just fight and see who is the strongest as always. As Takamura was about to pull the shrine's string, Ippo asks what he is praying for if he isn't worried about the match. Takamura claims that there things he can't control on his on and his strength isn't enough for, he wants to ask for the Gods to help for some peace of mind. Takamura accidentally pulls the string to hard and breaks it. Before leaving, Takamura asks Ippo if he ever thinks that he should give something another try, as he has his boxing and natural talent, asking what is more valuable than those. Without hesitation, Ippo answers with his mother, leaving Takamura to realise that he has to do it on his own.

Takamura and Dragon at their press conference.

Later, Takamura and Dragon arrive to their press conference, where Dragon wants Takamura to see the match as him fighting an angel, since the goddess of good fortune is his second, while Takamura wants Dragon to view him as the devil, since he is divine punishment itself. While walking to the Kamogawa gym after Takamura's weigh-in and eating at the Hirosue, Taihei and Kintarō comments on how fearsome Takamura is while he was eating. Ippo tells them how he was more calm that he was on his previous weight controls. Taihei and Kintarō are curious about how hard the weigh control is, which Ippo explains that it varies person to person. Ippo mentions to his students how harsh Takamura's weight control is, unable to think about how his mental state is currently, however, his students point out how relaxed Takamura looks. Ippo realises how there has been less problems recently and that Takamura may be able to relax since he is at his best weight class. Before running off, Takamura requests for Ippo, Taihei, and Kintarō to meet him at the Chūka Soba after they drop off his champion belts at the gym. At a hotel, Dragon's staff asks of his impression of Takamura during the face-off at the weigh-in. Dragon claims that Takamura's eyes looked great and believes that he will no longer be alone, predicting that both of them will read each other ten to twenty moves ahead.

Takamura arriving at the Chūka Soba after Yamaguchi threw him out.

That night at the Chūka Soba, Ippo, Taihei, and Kintarō, Itagaki, and Kimura arrive, however, Takamura is late. When Taihei and Kintarō mentions how they don't want Takamura to lose against someone who plays around with mahjong, Kimura notes how Dragon has been practising as the match loomed closer, criticising the belief that boxers have to quit their hobbies when a match is nearby, pointing out how frightening it is that someone like Dragon is able to switch his stress on and off easily. As everyone gets worried, Ippo remembers that Takamura even recognises how strong Dragon is, revealing to everyone how he prayed at a shrine. Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki wonder what Takamura prayed for, knowing that he wouldn't pray for his victory, planning to ask Takamura when he arrives to the Chūka Soba. When Taihei and Kintarō point out how late Takamura is being, they were not worried about it, as Ippo gave him a voodoo doll. However, Ippo checks his pocket and finds the voodoo doll, causing himself and everyone else to start worrying. Everyone became unimpressed of Takamura as he showed up looking in bad shape, claiming that Yamaguchi threw him out again.

Takamura being visited by his family.

The next day, at his house, Takamura was visited by Kyōka and Wataru, who gave him food. Wataru announces his proposal to Takamura, that he is going to handle the production of sportswear for Suguru's apparel division in the Takamura Enterprises, with the job being his first step as a producer and designer. As Wataru brought the ring costume he designed for Takamura to wear for his match against Dragon, Takamura promises to make his entrance flashy. Kyōka asks Takamura about Yamaguchi, not wanting her brother to do a dogeza like Yamaguchi wants him to do. Learning that Yamaguchi threw Takamura again yesterday, Kyōka wants to speak to her, planning to use money, however, Wataru mentions that the problem can't be solved with money. Takamura asks Wataru what happened with the bell he broke at the shrine. Wataru reveals that he gave the owner money for a bell made out of gold, however, Takamura explains that he already made reparations, causing the shrine to have two bells. As Kyōka and Wataru head outside to their vehicle, the driver, Suguru did not want to see Takamura, as he would only lecture him about his pointless brawls. Suguru, however, deems it unforgivable for a Takamura family member to lose, telling Kyōka and Wataru that he has prepared something against the judges, where if his match against Dragon comes to a decision, they will make it Takamura's win. Eavesdropping on his family, Takamura yells at them, advising them to not worry about it. Ippo, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki head to the shrine for one more prayer for victory, however, they discover that the shrine has two bells, and that someone messed with bells and string in a suggestive way.

WBC Super Middleweight Title Match - Champion Keith Dragon VS. Challenger Mamoru Takamura

Ippo meeting Daisuke and Oguchi.

Later that day, Takamura and Dragon arrive to the Ryōgoku Kokugikan for their match. Ippo has his students, Taihei and Kintarō gather ice for him in preparations for Takamura's match against Dragon. Ippo explains to Taihei and Kintarō how, aside from the Kōrakuen Hall, the coaches from various gyms have to go around and collect ice for their boxers, and that since Takamura is having a twelve round match, it is good to have extra. When Taihei and Kintarō sees a trainer putting ice in a bin, they try to make them give some of their ice to them, however, Ippo gets the two to stop and apologise, recognising the trainer as Oguchi, and his boxer, Daisuke Watanabe from the Nabe gym. After Ippo apologises to Daisuke, the latter wonders how Ippo knows him, which Ippo answers that it is because he is in the same weight class as he used to be, telling him what he knows about him. While Oguchi assumes that Ippo knows too much about him in case Itagaki has to fight him, Daisuke is happy that Ippo is interested about him, having started boxing because of Ippo and has wanted to fight him as well. As Daisuke and his seconds leave for the ring, Ippo tells him that he will cheer for him. After Taihei claims that it is incredible when Ippo mentions how Daisuke would usually be the main event due to how strong he is, Kintarō states that Ippo is the incredible one for influencing so many people. Ippo, Taihei, and Kintarō watches and cheers for Daisuke as he wins his match by knockout. Taihei and Kintarō become excited as they can not wait for the day when they celebrate with Ippo after they win. Ippo remembers when he used to be in the ring and did the best he could. He ponders that he has no regrets, but if there was one, it would be that he couldn't fulfil his promise to Miyata.

Ippo and Miyata meet before Takamura's match against Dragon.

Walking away from the audience area, Ippo comes across Miyata. Ippo notices Miyata nearby and stops himself from yelling out, puzzled by how Miyata knew he was going to. As Miyata continues to read what Ippo is thinking in his head, Ippo realises that he always yells out when he suddenly sees Miyata. Miyata explains that he came to watch his former gym mate, Takamura, fight. When Miyata reveals to Ippo how he is almost certain that Dragon's dominant arm is his left, Ippo also confirms that he noticed it too while watching Dragon play mahjong. Miyata becomes surprised that Ippo was able to notice something like that outside of boxing training, noting how Ippo has an unbelievable level of insight and observation, and wondering what would Ippo be able to do if they fight with his experience in the ring and knowledge and perspective he gained outside of it. Ippo goes back to Takamura's dressing room to help prepare for the match. There Taihei and Kintarō needs Ippo to help them figure out how to build Takamura's costume made by Wataru. Takamura entrusts Ippo to build his costume as he does mitt practise with Kamogawa. At the audience area, Miyata tries to avoid going to his seat, as he shares the same spot as Aoki, Kimura and Itagaki, however, he gets dragged into sitting with them. Itagaki asks Miyata of his opinion on the match, to which Miyata claims that he has no opinion since Takamura hasn't fought in the super middleweight class before, and won't be able to determine if he can deal with the weight class barrier that stands in his way until the early rounds.

The wings for Takamura's costume opens.

As the match is about to begin, Takamura enters the ring. Takamura's wings are closed and controlled by a device to open them, however, the operator, Ippo, doesn't know the timing for him to press the button. As Takamura and everyone else waits for his costume to activate, Ippo frantically presses the button many times. Takamura decides that he will break out of his costume, telling his seconds, who are carrying his three previously won world champion belts, to take cover on the count of three. However, the device Ippo is holding broke as Takamura forced the costume's four wings to open, making parts of the costume to hit the canvas and his seconds fly as he opened them early. As the audience laughs, Takamura wants Kamogawa to laugh as he claims that laughing is good for one's immune system and physical health. Dragon, already near the ring with his seconds, laughs and mentions how he came early since it looked like something fun was happening at the ring. Dragon enters the ring and both boxers remove their costumes as their match is about to begin.

Takamura and Dragon's opening punch exchange.

As Takamura and Dragon's match begins, the two boxers dash towards each other before being stopped by the referee since they are supposed to touch gloves first. Takamura and Dragon connect gloves while also being in position to attack immediately. With fists in the air, Dragon sends a left downwards at Takamura, who also sends an upwards left from below. Both boxers miss their punches, which caused Dragon to believe that the goddess of good fortune is protecting him. Takamura asks Dragon where God is, however, Dragon could not translate what he said. Takamura and Dragon begin exchanging punches. After dodging and blocking each other's jabs, Takamura sends a right hook at Dragon. Dragon blocks, however, the impact stuns him and causes him to go to the ropes. Takamura throws left jabs clockwise as Dragon dodges to Takamura right. After Dragon misses a left uppercut, Takamura and Dragon send a barrage of punches at each other, which gets blocked, however, one of their rights causes damage at the same time in a dual exchange despite their block. Dragon sends a quick Flicker Jab afterwards, which gets knocked down, and Dragon gets grazed by a left hook as a counter. As Takamura throws a right straight, Dragon dodges while hitting him with a long left hook. Takamura retaliates with a left and right hook combination that gets dodged and blocked. After the two hit each other's block with a left straight that causes damage through the guard, the first round ends.

Takamura telling Kamogawa that he is stronger than Dragon.

As the audience is excited to see a super middleweight match, Kimura asks of Miyata's opinion. Miyata feels as if the super middleweight class is the ideal fusion point of speed and power after watching Takamura and Dragon fight, as he notes that seeing someone move as fast as they do at their size with powerful punches can take one's breath away. Kimura asks Miyata what he thinks will happen in the later rounds, however, Miyata doesn't know, but he senses something odd about the match. At Takamura's corner, Kamogawa asks Takamura about the condition of Dragon. Takamura answers that Dragon is strong, but believes that he can get stronger if he gets serious. As Kamogawa assumes that Takamura means that Dragon has higher gears to shift to, Takamura reassures him that all that matters is that he is stronger than Dragon. At Dragon's corner, he is asked of his thoughts on Takamura by his coach. Dragon expresses how he did not anticipate that Takamura would be so strong and that coming up with a strategy against him was pointless. While his coach points out that Takamura loses stamina in the later rounds as seen in the videos they watched and advises to do as plan and defeat him later, Dragon reassures him that it is fine. As he gets ready to leave the corner, Dragon acknowledges how Takamura is a rough, but solid boxer, and that he has him mostly figured out, while Takamura considers on just knocking Dragon out in the second round. Aoki and Kimura asks Miyata what he means about him saying that something is odd. Miyata thought that they would know since they are always with Takamura. Now knowing that Miyata was talking about Takamura, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki plans to keep an eye on Takamura. Miyata can't tell where the source of his odd feeling is coming from, but believes that Ippo also has the same feeling as well. At Takamura's corner, Ippo feels like there is something different about the match since the beginning, but can not figure out what it is.

Takamura and Dragon throwing punches at each other.

As the second round begins, Takamura and Dragon approach each other at the centre of the ring. Takamura dodges Dragon's left and throws a Liver Blow that gets blocked, however, Dragon winces from the pain through the block. Both boxers throw a huge right that grazes each other's arms. Takamura notices that Dragon likes to do dual exchanges since he knows that he has God on his side. Both boxers throw multiple punches in a close range exchange. Kamogawa, seeing that Yagi and Shinoda aren't noticing anything, asks Ippo if he notices anything. Ippo realises that Kamogawa has the same uncomfortable feeling as him, and claims that he too has noticed that something is off. Yagi and Shinoda theorise that there must by something wrong with Takamura since both Ippo and Kamogawa feel that something is off about him.

Kamogawa claiming that Takamura has been freed from the shackles of weight control.

Takamura blocks Dragon's one-two as he pushes forward to him. Takamura lowers his stance while weaving his head side-to-side, however, Dragon lands an uppercut on his guard, making him raise his stance again. Dragon throws a fully powered right, which gets knocked away by Takamura's left. Takamura advances to try to get in close range. Dragon throws a barrage of lefts to keep him away, however, Takamura dodges them and gets into close range. Takamura throws a left uppercut that breaks Dragon's guard and barely misses his follow-up left. Dragon tries to create a distance between him and Takamura as Takamura gives chase. Outside the ring, Yagi and Shinoda think that Takamura's leg might still be injured from the traffic accident and is the cause of Ippo and Kamogawa's uncomfortable feeling. Kamogawa refutes their theory, claiming that his condition is great and that he may be too strong. He adds that the two minute limit of his Speed Hell is gone and he is able to use both his speed and power since he moved up to the super middleweight class, proclaiming that Takamura has finally been free from the shackles of weight control. As Ippo agrees, Yagi and Shinoda realise that that was the source of their uncomfortable feeling.

Takamura scoring the first down of the match.

As Dragon's left hits Takamura's guard, Dragon believes that Takamura is the same as him and that his frame and weight may be even greater than his, however, he doesn't consider him as an equal. Dragon throws a left uppercut that Takamura twists his neck to avoid, making it hit his shoulder instead. Dragon creates some distance from Takamura. Takamura begins to beat his chest as he suddenly feels the overflowing power throughout his body. Dragon, seeing that Takamura is leaving himself open for an attack since he is facing away from him, launches a left towards his face. However, Takamura slips pass the punch and throws a counter, which goes through the top of Dragon's hair as Dragon ducked and barely touches his scalp. The glancing blow does enough damage to make Dragon's knee touch the canvas, making the referee declare a slip as he did not notice Takamura's punch barely touching his scalp. Miyata tells Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki how Takamura's punch grazed Dragon's scalp, but was impossible to notice due to Dragon's thick hair. Noting how amazing Takamura's counter was, Miyata realises that he was just over worrying, since everyone was worried about a "weight class barrier", so he thought that tonight would be where Takamura would hit a wall, and when everything went fine, he got the off-putting feeling which turned out to be unnecessary. Miyata adds how everything has increased for Takamura and, instead of giving everyone a reason to worry about him moving up to another weight class, he is showing his incredible potential. Kimura recalls how his weight control made it seem like he was forcing himself into a cage that was too small, but now he is free and can use his full power. Itagaki compares it to like a hawk being freed into the open sky. As Dragon gets up, the match continues. Takamura beats his chest as he gets closer to Dragon. Dragon, frustrated, goes toward Takamura as well and the two commence an exchange. Takamura punches land as he forces Dragon to keep his guard up while making him go to the ropes. Takamura lands a clean left through his guard, causing Dragon's knees to buckle. As Dragon is still trying to recover from the direct hit, Takamura was about to throw a right overhand before being stopped by the referee as the second round has ended. The two boxers walk to their corners, with Dragon visibly damaged from the attacks, and Takamura grinning.

Takamura announcing that he will take Kamogawa to the Tokyo Dome.

Takamura takes a moment to beat his chest while acknowledging how strong he has become before walking to his corner. Takamura expresses how powerful he feels to Kamogawa and gets hit by the coach after making a perverted comment. Dragon and his coach notices how worked up Takamura's side is and Dragon comments how Takamura did not look like a beast while fighting him, rather, he looked like a demon. Dragon's coach asks if he is scared, to which Dragon answered that he can't run away and that since Takamura is a demon, he requests God to lend him strength. As the third round is about to begin, Takamura asks Kamogawa if it would make him happy to be a second at the Tokyo Dome, where there has never been a Japanese that starred in a main event. Before Kamogawa could fully answer, Takamura announces that he will take him there. Kamogawa, surprised that Takamura is aiming even higher after dominating three weight classes responds that he better not regret talking big and to take him there.

Takamura down after dodging and throwing a punch.

When round three begins, Takamura rushes toward Dragon and starts hitting his guard with Dragon's back at the ropes. When Takamura breaks Dragon's guard, he begins to throw a right as Dragon suddenly throws a left. Dragon throws a counter at the charging Takamura. Takamura ducks down, buckling his thighs, causing Dragon's counter to graze the top of his thick hair, while Takamura continues to throw a right at the low position. Dragon slightly sways, causing his punch to miss, however, as Takamura was swinging, his legs were not in the position to support him, making him fall on the canvas. As the Kamogawa gym boxers comment about the attack, Miyata notes how the counter Takamura dodged couldn't have been dodged with just reflexes, but Takamura was able to do it since he always goes forward expecting a counter. Everyone becomes shocked when the referee begins counting, counting Takamura's fall as a down. As Kamogawa yells at the referee, protesting that it didn't hit Takamura's head, Miyata recalls Dragon's fall where the same thing happened was ruled a slip, thinking that the referee made the wrong call for Takamura. Takamura gets up at the count of eight, and requests the referee's attendance at his waiting room after the match, threatening the referee for counting his fall as a down

Takamura getting hit with a left hook.

As the match continues, Dragon is glad to have time to recover and plans to attack Takamura with punches he discovered worked on him in round one. Ippo feels as if Takamura is having bad luck due to the referee declaring a down and the champion having time to recover. He also notices how Takamura is dragging his right foot that got injured during the accident prior to the match. Takamura suddenly gets hit by a left hook. Takamura tries to hit back, however, Dragon dodges and he is repeatedly hit with left hooks. Takamura backs away as his knees buckle. Aoki and Kimura believe that Takamura's right leg must be the cause, while Itagaki points out that Dragon is a natural southpaw, making the left hooks more damaging. Itagaki wonders why Takamura is taking such obvious punches while dodging the others. Miyata remembers seeing the same scenario before, thinking that it is something Takamura is just bad against. Dragon notes how he saw that Takamura has a late reaction to left swings in the first round, but he is hesitant to use it against him since it leaves him open, and courage and resolve is what it takes for it to land. Both Dragon and Takamura land a left hook in an exchange, and Takamura is the one to lose out due to his right leg's injury causing him to be unable to brace for impact. Dragon hits Takamura with a left swing that sends him to the ropes. Takamura, thinking that Dragon has brought someone else in the ring with him, decides to use his trump card. With Takamura at the ropes, he heavily guards himself as Dragon pounds the guard, something Miyata and Ippo recognise as the Turtle Strategy. Remembering when Takamura taught him the strategy, Ippo thinks that Takamura is wanting to come back for Kamogawa's instructions. Takamura becomes impatient, as he doesn't want anyone to think he can only defend, and opens his guard. When he opens his guard, however, he immediately gets hit by a right, and the third round ends.

Takamura's trump card - Secret Move - Two Hearts, One Fist.

In Dragon's corner, his coach instructs him to throw a left hook at Takamura's right temple, followed by uppercuts to his body, since he noticed that when Takamura was guarding, his right guard slightly drops and leaves both of his sides open. The coach requests for Dragon to remember what happen on the day that God began protecting him, and that the fact he had the worst luck in the world is why the world's best luck went to his hands. Dragon's coach tells him to not be spoiled by his good luck and aim higher with his fists clenched with confidence. Dragon gives an affirmative response to him and God. In Takamura's corner, Kamogawa scolds Takamura for taking an unnecessary punch, while Takamura complains that his body is itchy all over. Ippo is worried about Takamura, but he is too inexperienced to say anything. When Takamura asks what e should use, Kamogawa advises to Takamura that he should use spirit, resulting in the two arguing. As Takamura tells Kamogawa how Dragon has someone else in the ring with him and asks Kamogawa to come into the ring with him, Kamogawa gives a smack on Takamura's back that leaves a hand print mark. Ippo thinks that Kamogawa and Takamura were just arguing, but feels that the two are turning the match around. Takamura heads out of the corner while beating his chest and plans to show his trump card as the fourth round begins.

Takamura hitting Dragon with a right hook.

Intending to change the pace, Takamura throws a one-two. Dragon dodges the first hit and counters the second hit with a left hook, hitting Takamura, who nullifies the power by slipping back. However, when Takamura stomps his right foot down to prevent him from skidding back too much, he loses his footing while doing so and bumps into the referee, causing him to put more pressure on his injured right foot as he prevents himself from falling. In visible pain, Takamura hops on his left foot away from Dragon. Noticing Takamura's bad luck, Dragon remembers how his bad luck turned into good luck when he was younger. He recalls covering his ears when the media surrounded his home as his drug addicted father committed suicide, and when his mother hung herself. He wanted to follow his mother, but decided to spend his last coin before doing so. However, when he spent his coin gambling, he won, and kept winning even though he wanted to lose all of it. He felt as if someone was telling him to not die, thinking that it was God. As Dragon attacks the gaps at the sides of Takamura's guard at the ropes while at a distance to throw a counter if Takamura attacks, the Kamogawa gym members and Miyata acknowledges how strong Dragon is. When Takamura's guard opens up in the middle, Dragon throws a right uppercut, hitting Takamura. Dragon throws a left hook as Takamura bounces back at the ropes, however, Takamura blocks it. Before Dragon can pull back his fist, Takamura moves forward and throws a right inside Dragon's left hook. Takamura lands a right hook counter on Dragon. Ippo realises that Kamogawa did give him advice before the round began, as he told him to just let it slide.

Takamura defeating Dragon.

Dragon goes down from the counter and the count begins. Miyata points out to the Kamogawa gym boxers that Dragon was focused on Takamura's left as he feinted a left when he guarded and did not expected the guarding right arm to slide through and hit him. As everyone believed that Takamura won, Dragon gets up. Takamura psychs himself up by pounding his chests and shouting. Takamura and Dragon approach each other at the centre of the ring and hit each other in a dual exchange with Takamura landing a left jab and Dragon landing a right jab. Takamura, Ippo, Kamogawa, and Miyata notice that Dragon has entered the southpaw stance. Dragon's coach deems Dragon's use of his left when is in his orthodox stance as the protecting "God left" and when he has his left in the back in his southpaw stance, it is a destructive "demon left". Dragon throws a wide left hook towards Takamura. As Dragon's left hook grazes Takamura's forehead, cutting a area of skin that was grazed off, Takamura hits him with a right overhand before Dragon could do anything. The attack sends Dragon to his knees and elbows. Takamura remembers making an offer at a shrine for Dragon to introduce him to his God, however, he sees no point to it anymore, acknowledging that the only thing that can bring victory is in his fist. The referee immediately ends the match, resulting in Takamura's victory and him becoming Japan's first super middleweight champion.

After the Historic Match

Takamura with his new WBC super middleweight belt.

Kamogawa goes into the ring to congratulate and have him lean on him. Ippo's legs gives out causing him to fall as he is amazed by Takamura. Yagi and Shinoda goes in the ring with Takamura's previous world title belts and the new WBC super middleweight belt. Yagi mentions to Takamura how stunned by what the Gods were doing for Dragon, however, Takamura claims that it wasn't the Gods or luck, but Dragon's fists and techniques. As Dragon is helped out of the ring by his seconds, Shinoda wraps towel around Takamura's forehead where skin was torn and Takamura wears his new belt. Takamura raises his right fist as he and his seconds celebrate with the audience cheering, and Ippo noting how he changed history and how both Takamura and Kamogawa are proud and incredible. The Takamura family begin to leave the Ryōgoku Kokugikan, with Suguru noting that the family name's reputation remains undamaged.

Miyata explaining Dragon's use of the long left hook.

Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki begins to leave the seating area. Aoki expresses his confusion about how Takamura was getting hit by Dragon's wide left swings, but then suddenly counters one. Miyata asks the three if they think that Takamura can see out of his right eye. Miyata demonstrates how the wide left swing seemingly disappears briefly, and Kimura realises that the punch then comes out from a blind spot, making it hard to counter, but then notices something when he blocks a wide left swing thrown by Itagaki. Miyata confirms that Takamura, with the help Kamogawa, relied on the impact against his guard as the swing was hard to see. As Aoki was still confused about the final counter Takamura threw, Miyata believes it is due to the stubbornness of Dragon, since the wide left swing leaves the one throwing it open, however, since Dragon thought Takamura was weak against them, Dragon threw it with his dominant arm, intending to end the match. Since Takamura saw the entire telegraph punch and dodged it, Miyata is confident that Takamura can see out of his right eye despite his suspicions. After Aoki and Itagaki hugged Miyata, thanking him for the explanation, and Miyata asks for them to stop touching him, Kimura backs Miyata up, leading Miyata to be grateful that he doesn't get carried away like the other two. However, when Aoki grabs Kimura's hat, Miyata takes his comment back due to Kimura's kappa hairstyle. Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki run to Takamura's room in the venue and invites Miyata to join them, but Miyata declines, as he is not part of the Kamogawa gym.

Kamogawa telling Yagi how boxing is great.

In Takamura's room, Takamura wants to party, while Kamogawa wants him to rest due to his right leg injury. Kamogawa requests for Ippo to force him into a taxi and take him home. While Takamura argues, Ippo carries him out of the room. When Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki arrive to Takamura's room, they are shocked to learn that Ippo is carrying Takamura home. Kamogawa tells Yagi that it was a great night, as Aoki, Kimura, Itagaki, Taihei, and Kintarō cheerfully discuss the world title match. Kamogawa expresses to Yagi how great boxing is.

Ippo's dream of the light.

In a taxi, Takamura wants to party, however, Ippo explains that Kamogawa wants him to rest, and mentions how his leg injury may have lingering effects, which he doesn't know if he could balance a boxer's life over his next victory. Thinking that Kamogawa must have been agonised to make such a decision, as he had a pained face, Takamura asks if Kamogawa was in pain, but Ippo believes that the two have great trust in each other since Kamogawa told him to go for it. Takamura asks if Kamogawa made any other faces, which Ippo answers that he was energetic at the end, flying into the ring like a monkey as if he was being rejuvenated throughout the match. Takamura tells Ippo that if one has something to accomplish with the rest of their life, the one who's going to grant the wishes isn't the Gods, but one's self, as the one who can do what they want to do is one's self. Ippo asks what Takamura means by that, however, the latter fell asleep. Upon arrival to Takamura's home, Ippo carries Takamura and encounters Yamaguchi outside. Yamaguchi explains to Ippo that she watched the match and asked Kamogawa for his address to help Takamura afterwards since she saw that it was a hard match. After going inside, Yamaguchi notices that Ippo stills has his wrist weights on, believing that they must have become part of his daily life, wondering how much stored-up power he would have if he returned to the ring. With Takamura passed out on a futon, Yamaguchi wraps his injured leg up and tells Ippo to have him come in for a thorough exam in a couple days, however, she sees that Ippo has passed out as well. Yamaguchi realises that Takamura has already started swelling and replaces bandage on his forehead as it was bleeding through before leaving. Ippo dreams of himself covered in arrows as he comes home after skirting death, reaching and hugging the light, being congratulated for doing his best. The next morning, Ippo and Takamura wakes up to themselves hugging each other, shocked, thinking that the world title match was just a dream. Ippo congratulates Takamura after he picks up a newspaper about his super middleweight world title match victory, realising it wasn't a dream and gets excited.