Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

Chapter 66: Chapter 66:The Battle of Styles



The arena buzzed with anticipation, the energy of the crowd building as the tunnel lights illuminated. The booming bass line of Kimiwa 1000% erupted from the speakers, sending a jolt of excitement through the audience. Alex Makunouchi emerged from the tunnel, his white robe gleaming under the spotlights, the hood draped over his head.

Swinging his arms loosely with the swagger of a showman, he exuded confidence, reminiscent of Conor McGregor. Each step was calculated, his gaze sharp and focused, as if he was already visualizing victory.

The crowd roared, fans on their feet as Alex made his way to the ring, pausing briefly to wave to them. The chants of "Alex! Alex!" reverberated throughout the arena. He climbed the steps with ease, slipping through the ropes and into the ring. Once inside, he shadowboxed for a moment, showing off his precision and speed before retreating to his corner, where his team was waiting.

Moments later, the lights dimmed again, and a slower, more intense track began to play, signaling the arrival of Shinobu Iga. The crowd's reaction shifted to a mix of cheers and jeers as the champion emerged from his tunnel, flanked by his coach and team. Iga walked with purpose, his stoic expression unwavering as his coach hoisted the Japan Lightweight Championship belt high into the air. The gold glinted under the lights, a symbol of his dominance in the division.

Iga climbed into the ring, unshaken by the spectacle of Alex's entrance, and went to his corner. His calm, methodical preparation contrasted sharply with Alex's flamboyant energy, a dichotomy that added to the tension in the arena.

The announcer stepped into the center of the ring, microphone in hand, and the crowd quieted just enough to hear his booming voice.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the main event of the evening! This bout is scheduled for 10 rounds of action for the Japan Lightweight Championship!"

The spotlight turned to Alex's corner as the announcer continued.

"Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner! An impressive knockout artist holding a professional record of 4 wins, 0 losses, with all 4 victories coming by way of knockout! He stands 5 feet and 9 inches tall and weighed in at 135 pounds. Presenting the fastest rising rookie of Japan and the number 3-ranked lightweight contender... ALEX 'THE GREAT' MAKUNOUCHI!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, Alex raising his arms confidently as his name echoed through the arena.

The announcer turned to the red corner.

"And now, introducing his opponent, fighting out of the red corner! Holding a professional record of 10 wins, 1 loss, with 6 wins by way of knockout! He stands 5 feet and 7 inches tall and weighed in at 135 pounds. Presenting the reigning, defending Japan Lightweight Champion… SHINOBU IGA!"

The crowd's reaction was mixed, with Iga's fans chanting his name while others roared their support for Alex. Iga remained calm, his gaze locked on Alex as he raised his gloves in acknowledgment.

The referee stepped forward, gesturing for both fighters to meet in the center of the ring. Alex and Iga approached, their intense stares meeting as the referee outlined the rules.

"This is a championship fight. Protect yourselves at all times, follow my instructions, and fight clean. Touch gloves if you wish."

Alex extended his glove confidently, and Iga met it, their gloves tapping lightly—a brief moment of sportsmanship before the storm.

The fighters returned to their corners as the crowd roared louder than ever. The tension was electric, the air thick with anticipation.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the fight.Alex Makunouchi took an immediate step forward, slipping into his signature Hitman Style. His left hand dangled low, swaying rhythmically, while his right hand stayed near his chin, coiled like a spring. His movements were smooth, his footwork precise, gliding effortlessly to the center of the ring.

Shinobu Iga, in stark contrast, adopted the classic Peekaboo Style. His gloves were raised high, tightly guarding his face, and his head bobbed and weaved from side to side. His compact stature made him a smaller target, and his forward momentum radiated an aura of unyielding aggression.

The two fighters squared off in the middle of the ring, and Alex was the first to engage. A series of rapid flicker jabs snapped out from his low lead hand, darting toward Iga like a whip. The audience gasped at the speed, the punches barely visible to the naked eye.

Iga weaved left, then right, dodging the first few jabs with subtle head movement. But Alex's unrelenting speed and precision overwhelmed the champion's rhythm, and a few of the jabs began to find their mark. The sharp snaps of leather meeting skin echoed through the arena as Iga's nose began to bleed, a testament to Alex's relentless accuracy.

Unfazed, Iga pressed forward, his high guard absorbing some of the jabs. With a sudden burst of energy, he threw a powerful left hook aimed at Alex's head, followed instantly by a crushing uppercut to the body.

Alex leaned back just enough for the hook to glance harmlessly off his shoulder, his Philly Shelldefense proving effective. As the uppercut came, his lead hand dropped instinctively, intercepting the punch before it could reach his ribs.

The crowd roared in approval of the defensive display, but Alex wasn't done. He pivoted slightly, creating an angle, and unleashed a swift hook of his own. Iga ducked low, evading the counter, and retaliated with a ferocious overhand right.

Alex danced backward with impeccable timing, the punch missing by mere centimeters. His footwork remained flawless as he continued to pepper Iga with flicker jabs. Iga kept advancing, his determination evident, but the barrage of jabs broke through his guard time and again, forcing him to reset.

Blood now trickled freely from Iga's nose, and the champion's movements became slightly less crisp. The crowd cheered wildly as Alex maintained control of the pace, his precision and speed dazzling to watch.

The round ended with Iga still pressing forward, but Alex's dominance was undeniable. The referee stepped between them, signaling the end of the first round.

The audience erupted into applause as both fighters returned to their corners.

In Alex's corner, his coach handed him a water bottle while offering calm, measured advice. "Good work, Alex. Keep using that jab to control the distance. He's starting to open up—look for those counters in the next round."

Alex nodded, his breathing steady, his eyes locked onto Iga across the ring.

In Iga's corner, his team worked quickly to stop the bleeding from his nose. "Stay patient, Shinobu," his coach urged. "Close the distance and make him fight inside. Don't let him keep you at the end of that jab."

The crowd buzzed with anticipation, knowing the fight had only just begun. The energy in the arena was electric as the fighters prepared for the second round.The bell rang for Round 2, and the atmosphere in the arena was electric.

In Shinobu Iga's corner, his coach leaned in close. "You can do this, Iga. Time it right. Slip inside like we practiced," he said, his voice firm yet encouraging. Iga, his face bruised but his spirit unshaken, nodded resolutely.

Across the ring, Coach Kamogawa spoke to Alex Makunouchi with a steady voice. "Good job, Alex. Keep using that flicker jab to create distance. Add an uppercut when the moment's right."

Alex nodded calmly, his breathing steady, his eyes sharp and focused on his opponent.

The commentator set the stage. "Iga had a tough first round, struggling to close the gap against Alex's speed and precision. Let's see if he can bounce back in this round."

As the bell rang, Iga wasted no time, charging forward with determination. Alex maintained his composure, backing up slightly and peppering Iga with flicker jabs. The punches snapped out with lightning speed, forcing Iga to weave and bob as he closed the distance.

Suddenly, Alex threw a sharp right cross that caught Iga clean on the temple, wobbling the champion. The crowd erupted in cheers as Alex immediately followed with a flicker jab.

But Iga, showcasing his grit and timing, slipped past the jab with precision and stepped into range. He feinted a lead hand to the body, causing Alex to drop his guard slightly, and then launched his best shot—a devastating right overhand packed with all his power.

Alex saw the punch a fraction too late. In a split second, he instinctively moved his head to the right, reducing the impact of the blow. The punch grazed his cheek, its force diminished.

Iga, sensing an opportunity, followed up with a lead-hand uppercut. Alex tilted his head to the left, narrowly avoiding the blow. Then, without hesitation, Alex countered with a lightning-fast lead-hand overhand of his own, catching Iga flush.

Iga stumbled back, trying to reset, but Alex didn't let up. He stepped in and delivered a sharp right hook to the champion's chin, sending Iga crumpling to the canvas.

The crowd erupted as the referee stepped in, counting loudly over the fallen champion.

"One! Two! Three!"

Iga stirred, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs. At the count of eight, he rose to his feet, steadying himself against the ropes. The referee asked if he could continue, and Iga nodded determinedly.

Alex took the center of the ring, his movements fluid and composed. He resumed his flicker jabs, using them as a bait to draw Iga in. Iga, still dazed but driven, pressed forward, determined to land a decisive blow.

He attempted the same combination—body hook to right overhand—hoping to catch Alex off-guard. But Alex was prepared this time.

As Iga launched the body hook, Alex blocked it with his forearm near the elbow. Iga,

undeterred, unleashed another powerful right overhand, putting everything he had into the punch.

But Alex, with impeccable timing, threw a precise right hook to Iga's chin mid-swing. The impact was devastating. Iga's head snapped to the side, his legs buckled, and his body collapsed to the canvas in a heap.

The referee immediately stepped in, waving his arms to signal the end of the fight.

"It's over! It's over! Alex Makunouchi is the new Japan Lightweight Champion!" the commentator shouted, his voice barely audible over the roaring crowd.

Alex stood in the center of the ring as the referee raised his hand in victory. The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner by knockout at 2 minutes and 36 seconds of Round 2, and the new Japan Lightweight Champion… Alex 'The Great'Makunouchi!"

The crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers as Alex was handed the championship belt. He held it high above his head, his face breaking into a wide smile. The camera captured his triumphant expression as flashes illuminated the moment.

In the backstage area, Aoki had just returned from his own fight, joining Ippo, Kimura, and Takamura. They stood before a TV screen, watching Alex's victory unfold.

"He did it!" Ippo exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy.

Kimura nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Man, that was a clean finish. Alex has ice in his veins."

Takamura smirked, crossing his arms. "That kid's got it. Dominance, pure and simple."

Aoki, still riding the adrenaline from his own win, pumped his fist in the air. "We're taking over this division!"

The group erupted into cheers and laughter, their camaraderie stronger than ever as they celebrated Alex's monumental achievement.

Shinobu Iga sat slumped in his corner, his breathing labored and his face a canvas of confusion and frustration. His coach leaned in, speaking softly but firmly. "Iga, it was the right move. You timed it well, but he… he was just faster. That counter was almost inhuman."

Iga shook his head, wiping the sweat and blood from his brow. "I didn't even see it. One moment, I thought I had him, and the next… I'm on the canvas."

Before the conversation could continue, Alex Makunouchi approached, his championship belt slung over his shoulder. He extended a hand toward Iga, his expression respectful.

"That was a good fight," Alex said sincerely, his voice steady but warm. "You've got serious skill. You pushed me hard in there."

Iga looked at Alex, momentarily silent, before shaking his hand firmly. "You're the real deal," he admitted, nodding slightly. "Congratulations."

As Alex turned to leave, an interviewer with a microphone rushed into the ring, cutting through the celebratory noise of the crowd.

"Alex Makunouchi, you're now the new Japan Lightweight Champion! How does it feel?"

Alex smiled broadly, holding the belt high for the fans to see. "Honestly, it feels good!" he said, his voice filled with genuine excitement. The crowd roared in approval.

He glanced at the camera and continued, "Now the Kamogawa Gym has two belts—mine and Takamura's. And trust me, we're just getting started. There'll be more belts coming to our gym in the future!"

The crowd erupted again as Alex handed the mic back and waved, basking in the adoration before leaving the ring.

Alex walked down the tunnel with Coach Kamogawa and the assistant coach by his side, the belt still draped over his shoulder. As they entered the backstage area, they were met with cheers from Ippo, Takamura, Kimura, and Aoki, who had been waiting eagerly.

"Alex! You killed it out there!" Ippo said excitedly, clapping Alex on the shoulder.

Kimura grinned. "Man, that counter in Round 2? Beautiful. Iga didn't know what hit him!"

Aoki, with his usual flair, grabbed the belt from Alex's hands, lifting it high above his head. "Man, this feels good! I could get used to this!" he exclaimed, striking a victorious pose.

Alex chuckled, crossing his arms. "Don't get too attached. You won't have it unless I decide to retireas champ."

The group burst into laughter.

Still holding the belt, Aoki smirked. "You better watch out, Alex. I might just challenge you and take this off you myself."

Alex chuckled, playing along. "Good luck with that, Aoki. Just don't blink, or you might miss your shot."

The room erupted in laughter, with Takamura slapping Aoki on the back. "Careful what you wish for, Aoki. You're better off sticking to your own league."

Aoki handed the belt back to Alex with an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, fine. But don't forget, I had my hands on it first. Maybe that's a sign."

Alex smirked as he took the belt, holding it up proudly. "Don't worry, though. I'll get another belt soon. Maybe then, you can fight for this one."

Kimura laughed, shaking his head. "You're already planning your next belt? Give us a break, champ."

Coach Kamogawa cut in, his voice stern but proud. "Alright, enough jokes. Alex, you did great, but this is just the beginning. You've got a target on your back now. Every lightweight in Japan is going to be gunning for you."

Alex nodded, his expression serious. "I know, Coach. I'll keep training harder. This belt isn't leaving the Kamogawa Gym."

Takamura smirked, crossing his arms. "Good answer, champ. Now let's celebrate before Coach decides to put you through another training session right here."

The group burst into laughter again, the camaraderie and pride in the air unmistakable. The Kamogawa Gym had another champion, and the night was far from over.

To be continued…


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