From Training to Tournament

"Urghhh... my head hurts," Jamie muttered, stretching his arms as he sat up in bed.

A nurse entered the small room, holding a thick stack of papers. Clearing her throat, she announced, "Ahem. Jamie Yuki, you've been discharged from the prison hospital. Please sign these three forms."

Jamie grabbed the large sheets, flipping through them briefly. Without much thought, he scrawled his signature across the pages. "It's signed," he said calmly, handing them back.

"Thank you, sir. You may now return to your cell block," the nurse replied, offering a professional nod before leaving.

Jamie made his way back toward the cell block. As he approached, the sound of roaring voices filled the corridor. A massive crowd of inmates had gathered near the gate, screaming and shouting his name.

"JAMIE, CONGRATULATIONS!"

"HE'S BACK!"

"IT'S YOU, JAMIE!"

He glanced up at the sea of inmates, who seemed more energized than ever. Walking through the chaos, he finally spotted Kenjo at the center of the crowd.

"Finally, Jamie," Kenjo said with a grin. "I'm glad to have you back from the hospital."

Jamie shrugged, brushing off the attention. "Eh, it could've been worse. Anyway, people really don't like Shika, huh? I've been bombarded with a million comments about saving the prison."

Kenjo chuckled. "Haha, it'll calm down eventually."

Suddenly, a prisoner in the crowd yelled, "JAMIE, WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO TEACH US BOXING?"

"Boxing, huh?" Jamie mused, crossing his arms. "I guess I can teach you. Meet me by the punching bags during yard time. I'll show you some quick techniques."

Before anyone could respond, the intercom buzzed loudly.

"Attention, inmates. CELLBLOCK A: BREAKFAST IS SERVED. Today's menu: eggs and fish."

The crowd of prisoners erupted into chaos as everyone sprinted toward the cafeteria. Jamie and Kenjo arrived late but noticed two trays set aside with their names on them.

Jamie inspected the tray labeled with his name. "Eggs and fish, huh? I see. I don't mind this special treatment. Not bad, Kenjo, not bad at all."

Kenjo nodded, sitting down. "This is the most luxury I've ever experienced in this place."

After finishing their meal, they headed to the yard for the much-anticipated training session. By the time Jamie reached the punching bags, a massive crowd had already gathered, surrounding the area. Pushing through the throng of inmates, Jamie and Kenjo finally reached the center.

Jamie raised his voice. "LISTEN UP, MY STUDENTS! My left arm here—that's my jab. For southpaws, it'd be the right arm. First off, I'll show you a simple jab."

He threw a sharp, precise jab at the punching bag. The bag swayed with a satisfying "SWOOSH," cutting through the air with force. The crowd gasped in awe at the power and precision of his technique.

"Alright," Jamie said, turning to the group. "You guys try it now, one group at a time. Let's see what you've got."

The first prisoner stepped up, threw a wild jab, and stumbled, losing his balance.

The second completely missed the bag.

The third landed a weak jab, quick but lacking power.

The fourth delivered a sharp, accurate punch, his jab quick and precise.

Jamie raised an eyebrow, impressed. "What's your name?" he asked.

"Menta, the prisoner responded confidently.

"Right, Menta. That jab is solid. Have you boxed before?"

"I wouldn't say so," Menta said, shaking his head.

"I see. Well, good work. Next group, step up!" Jamie called out.

The training continued with groups practicing jabs, crosses, and hooks. Day after day, the inmates poured effort into their boxing drills, spurred on by Jamie's guidance. He felt their respect growing stronger with each session.

One night, sitting alone in his dimly lit cell, Jamie stared at the ceiling. His thoughts drifted to Dekam. Grabbing a piece of paper, he began to write:

"It's Jamie. I've decided to start boxing. If I remember correctly, I'll be out in about 30 days. The prisoners here love me and treat me like a hero. I've been teaching them some of your moves. I'm updating my visitors' list. You should come see me—you'll be allowed access. I want you to train me. "

Satisfied with his message, he folded the letter and sent it out.

Three days later, the intercom crackled again.

"Attention, inmates. Due to a growing interest in boxing, we will be holding a prison boxing tournament. All inmates are welcome to join, provided they meet the following rule: participants must fit into one of three weight classes: Lightweight, Middleweight, or Heavyweight. All fighters will wear headgear and use 12 oz gloves 3 minute, rounds 6 rounds. Matches will be refereed by the warden and an experienced boxing coach, Dekam. The schedule and fighter list will be posted in the main hall. Everything will be streamed live."

Hearing the announcement, Jamie smirked. "Huh... I see, old man. You want to test me."

Kenjo grinned. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's sign up now."

Upon entering the hall, a big poster was put up. It read:

WEIGHT CLASSES

Lightweight: Up to 61.2 kg (135 lbs)

Middleweight: Up to 75.9 kg (167 lbs)

Heavyweight: Over 91.2 kg (200 lbs)

The two made their way to the main hall, where a long line of prisoners had already gathered. After a short wait, they reached the registration table. A woman seated behind the stand greeted them.

"Names and step on the scale, please," she said.