Chapter 4: First Spar

Kamogawa Gym was unusually lively when Ippo and I arrived for training the next day. The air buzzed with energy, and several of the gym's regulars were gathered around the ring, their voices raised in excitement.

"What's going on?" I asked, nudging Ippo as we stood by the entrance.

Before he could respond, Kamogawa's sharp voice cut through the noise. "Alright, quiet down, all of you! We've got some sparring today. Let's see if you've learned anything useful."

The crowd parted as Kamogawa approached, his presence commanding respect. He glanced at Ippo and me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You two, get changed. Today, you're stepping into the ring."

My heart skipped a beat. Sparring? Already?

Ippo looked like he was about to faint. "T-Takashi," he whispered. "I'm not ready for this!"

"Neither am I," I muttered, though I tried to sound braver than I felt. "But we've got no choice. Let's give it everything we've got."

---

After changing into our gym gear, we stood nervously by the ring as Kamogawa explained the rules.

"Three rounds. Two minutes each," he said, his voice firm. "No headshots, just body blows. The goal is to work on your form and footwork, not to knock each other out. Got it?"

We both nodded, though Ippo's face was pale.

"Good," Kamogawa said, then pointed to me. "Takashi, you're up first. You'll spar with Yamada."

Yamada was a tall, lanky boxer with a smug grin that made my stomach churn. He climbed into the ring, bouncing lightly on his feet, clearly confident.

I gulped and climbed in after him, my hands trembling slightly as I tightened my gloves.

"Relax," the system chimed in my mind. "You've trained for this. Trust your skills."

Easier said than done.

---

The bell rang, and Yamada came at me immediately, throwing a quick jab that grazed my shoulder. I stumbled back, my heart racing.

"Keep your guard up, Takashi!" Kamogawa barked from the sidelines.

I raised my gloves, focusing on Yamada's movements. He came at me again, throwing another jab followed by a straight. This time, I managed to sidestep, his punches missing by inches.

"Good," Kamogawa said, his voice approving. "Now fight back!"

I took a deep breath and threw a jab of my own. It connected with Yamada's chest, the impact sending a small shock up my arm.

Yamada grinned, clearly unfazed. "Not bad, rookie," he said, then came at me with a flurry of punches.

My body moved on instinct, my training kicking in. I ducked under his hooks, sidestepping his straights, and countered with quick jabs to his midsection.

---

Skill Activated: Jab Lv. 1

---

Each punch felt more precise, more controlled. The system's influence was subtle but noticeable, guiding my movements and sharpening my reactions.

By the end of the first round, I was breathing hard but still standing. Yamada, on the other hand, looked slightly winded.

"Not bad," Kamogawa said as I returned to my corner. "But you're still hesitating. Stop second-guessing yourself and commit to your punches."

"Yes, sir," I said, wiping sweat from my face.

The second round began, and I focused on Kamogawa's advice. This time, I threw punches with more confidence, mixing in straights and hooks alongside my jabs.

---

Skill Activated: Straight Lv. 1

Skill Activated: Hook Lv. 1

---

Yamada's smug grin faltered as my punches found their mark, each one landing with a satisfying thud.

"Alright, that's enough," Kamogawa called out, stopping the round early. "Good work, Takashi. You're improving."

I stepped out of the ring, my chest heaving with exertion but my heart swelling with pride.

"Your turn, Ippo," Kamogawa said, motioning for him to step into the ring.

Ippo's face was pale, but he nodded and climbed in, his hands trembling slightly.

---

Ippo's opponent was a shorter, stockier boxer named Tanaka. Unlike Yamada, Tanaka didn't waste time with jabs or feints. He charged at Ippo immediately, throwing wild punches that sent him scrambling.

"Move your feet, Ippo!" I shouted from the sidelines.

Ippo tried to dodge, but his movements were slow and uncoordinated. Tanaka's punches found their mark, each one landing with a heavy thud.

Kamogawa frowned. "Ippo, keep your guard up and counter when you see an opening!"

Ippo nodded, his face set with determination. He raised his gloves and focused on Tanaka's movements.

Then, something incredible happened.

As Tanaka threw another wild hook, Ippo stepped forward instead of retreating. His fist shot out, landing a clean jab to Tanaka's stomach.

Tanaka stumbled back, winded, and the gym erupted in cheers.

"That's it, Ippo!" I shouted, my voice filled with pride.

Ippo's face lit up with a mix of surprise and joy, but he didn't let his guard down. He pressed forward, throwing another jab followed by a straight, each punch landing with surprising force.

Kamogawa called the round shortly after, his expression unreadable.

As Ippo climbed out of the ring, I clapped him on the back. "That was amazing, Ippo. You're a natural!"

"Really?" he said, his voice full of disbelief. "I didn't think I could do it…"

"You didn't just do it—you killed it!" I said, grinning.

Kamogawa approached, his arms crossed. "Not bad for your first sparring session," he said, his tone grudgingly approving. "You've both got potential, but don't let it go to your heads. This is just the beginning."

"Yes, sir!" we said in unison, bowing deeply.

As we left the gym that evening, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what lay ahead. For the first time in both my lives, I felt like I was truly fighting for something.

The road to the top would be long and difficult, but with Ippo by my side and the system guiding me, I knew we could take on anything.