Chapter 130: Serious Aoki

NOTE: This is the last 3 chapter's of this novel this is my backup chapters , i won't make anymore chapters after this and you might've noticed i put this ff on hiatus because i wont be uploading anymore chaoter until i feel like I've improved.

February 17, 1993 – 9:00 PM

Inside the Tokyo Dome Arena

The camera pans across the Tokyo Dome Arena, capturing the electrifying atmosphere of the sold-out crowd. Every seat is filled, a sea of excited fans buzzing with anticipation. The arena is illuminated by dazzling lights, casting a golden glow over the ring as the energy in the air reaches its peak.

At the commentary table, three notable figures are seated, each with a headset on.

At the center sits Takamura Mamoru, the reigning JBC Middleweight Champion, exuding his usual cocky yet authoritative demeanor. To his left, Eiji Date, the former Japanese Featherweight Champion, watches intently with his arms crossed. On Takamura's right, Sendo Takeshi, the aggressive and outspoken title challenger, leans forward with excitement.

The camera focuses on Takamura as he speaks in a serious tone.

Takamura: "We're here now, live from the legendary Tokyo Dome, and who would've believed it? The entire arena is completely packed tonight! This is history in the making!"

Eiji Date nods, his gaze shifting to the front-row seats, where several famous celebrities are in attendance.

Eiji Date: "Not just the crowd, look at the front row. There are multiple big names here tonight… such as… wait a minute—is that Tupac?"

The camera zooms in, revealing Tupac Shakur, the rising American rap star, casually dressed in a hoodie and gold chain, nodding to the beat of the entrance music.

Sendo squints in confusion.

Sendo: "Tupac? Who the hell is that? Never heard of him."

But as he scans the front row again, his eyes widen in excitement.

Sendo: "Wait… is that Rocky Balboa?! The guy from that one boxing movie?! Holy shit! Should I ask Sylvester Stallone for an autograph after the event?!"

Takamura clears his throat, giving Sendo a deadpan look.

Takamura: "Ahem."

Sendo realizes he's getting too excited and awkwardly scratches the back of his head.

Sendo: "Ehehe… sorry, lost my composure there for a second."

Date chuckles.

Eiji Date: "Don't worry about it, things happen. And to answer your earlier question—Tupac is a rapper from the U.S., at least from what I've heard."

Suddenly, the arena lights dim, signaling the beginning of the co-main event.

A melodious koto plays softly, filling the arena with a traditional Japanese ambiance. The tunnel lightsbrighten, revealing a lone figure walking forward.

Shinobu Iga steps out, wearing a loose robe, his arms raised high in the air as the crowd erupts into cheers. His coach walks beside him, wearing a black tracksuit, his face serious and focused.

Back at the commentary booth, Sendo narrows his eyes.

Sendo: "Wait a minute… doesn't this entrance seem a little too familiar?"

Takamura crosses his arms and smirks.

Takamura: "You're not wrong. This is literally Alex's entrance music from when he fought Sharmba Mitchell and Tracy Spann."

Eiji Date laughs, trying to ease the tension.

Eiji Date: "Maybe Iga just idolizes Alex… just like most people in Japan nowadays."

Sendo grins.

Sendo: "Tell me about it. No matter where I go, I see Alex's banners in the streets. His face is everywhere—from highway billboards to TV commercials. I can't escape the guy!"

Takamura bursts into laughter.

Takamura: "Especially those stupid commercials! I always see Alex smiling, promoting his 'Makunouchi Dynasty' shoes, shirts, pants—hell, name it! If it exists, Alex has his face on it!"

Eiji Date shakes his head with a nostalgic smile.

Eiji Date: "Man, I envy him. Back when I was young, I dreamed of doing those things too… but reality hit me hard."

Takamura notices the sentimental look on Date's face. Without hesitation, he pats Date's shoulderwith a teasing grin.

Takamura: "Damn, old man, you're getting all emotional now? You look like an idiot."

Date's veins bulge in annoyance as he shoves Takamura's hand off his shoulder.

Eiji Date: "Say that again, you bastard—"

Before a full-on fight can break out in the commentary booth, Sendo watches them bicker while casually munching on popcorn he seemingly pulled from nowhere.

Sendo: "Alright, alright, let's focus on the fight, guys."

The camera switches back to the ring, where Iga stands confidently, awaiting his opponent.

For the second time, the arena lights dim.

A familiar song begins playing—"KISS ME" by Kyosuke Himuro—as the audience erupts into a mix of cheers and laughter.

Masaru Aoki steps out from the tunnel, wearing a loose white robe and sunglasses, grinning from ear to ear like a rockstar.

His coach, Shinoda, follows closely behind him, proudly holding the JBC Lightweight Championship belt high.

The crowd chants Aoki's name, their energy infectious.

Fan #1: "AOKI! TEACH THIS GUY A LESSON!"

Fan #2: "SHOW HIM WHAT A CHAMPION LOOKS LIKE!"

Aoki struts toward the ring, exuding confidence despite the massive challenge ahead.

Back at the commentary booth, Sendo chuckles.

Sendo: "Looks like the champ's confidence is through the roof tonight."

Date nods, pointing at Shinoda, who is still raising the belt for the crowd to see.

Eiji Date: "That belt right there—it's giving him the confidence boost he needs."

The camera switches back to the ring, where both fighters stand in their corners, awaiting the official introductions.

In the center of the ring, legendary announcer Michael Buffer raises his microphone, his voice booming across the packed arena.

Michael Buffer: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the co-main event of the evening! Live from the Tokyo Dome Arena!"

The crowd erupts into cheers.

Michael Buffer: "Introducing first, fighting out of the red corner! Holding a professional record of 10 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws, with 6 KOs! Representing Tokugawa Boxing Gym—he is the former JBC Lightweight Champion and the current number one contender in Japan… SHINOBU IGA!"

A portion of the audience starts chanting "IGA! IGA! IGA!", while others remain silent, waiting for Aoki's introduction.

Michael Buffer: "And his opponent, fighting out of the blue corner! Holding a record of 11 wins, 6 losses, 0 draws, with 7 KOs! Representing Kamogawa Boxing Gym—he is the REIGNING, DEFENDING JBC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION… MASARU 'THE FROGMAN' AOKI!"

Aoki raises both arms, basking in the deafening chants of his supporters.

The referee steps between them, giving his final instructions.

Referee: "We've been over the rules. I expect a clean fight. Touch gloves if you wish."

Both fighters refuse to touch gloves, their eyes locked in a heated stare-down.

The bell is about to ring.

Aoki moves to the center of the ring, and Iga does the same. Aoki stands in an upright stance, keeping his left hand slightly stretched out to measure the distance, while Iga stays in his peekaboo stance, bobbing and weaving as he looks for an opening.

Iga weaves inside Aoki's extended left hand and lands a right hook! The punch connects, but Aoki absorbs it without much damage. Adjusting his strategy, Aoki starts feinting his left hand to prevent Iga from slipping inside so easily. He circles to his right, staying elusive.

Aoki flicks out a jab—then another. Iga continues bobbing and weaving but still eats a few jabs. Undeterred, he steps inside again, slipping past Aoki's jab and throwing a left hook. Aoki sees it coming, ducks, and clinches Iga before he can follow up. Iga pushes him off, and they reset.

Commentary BoothSendo: "Looks like Aoki has improved a lot compared to his last fight."

Eiji Date strokes his chin, observing closely. "Hmm... I don't see it. He looks the same to me."

Takamura smirks. "Maybe Iga's skills have declined. Who knows?"

Iga resumes his bobbing and weaving, inching forward. Aoki extends his lead hand again, measuring the distance, before throwing a jab followed by a right straight to the body.

Iga attempts to counter with a left uppercut, but Aoki pivots to his right and begins moving side to side, keeping his lead hand stretched out.

From Aoki's corner, Coach Shinoda yells, "Keep him at bay! Feint more, Aoki!"

Meanwhile, in Iga's corner, Baron Kurita shouts, "Don't let him get space, Iga! Keep pressuring him!"

Iga closes the distance once more. Aoki fires a right cross toward his chin—but Iga counters with a crushing left overhand that lands directly on Aoki's left eye!

Aoki collapses to the canvas!

Sendo: "OHHHHH!!" He grabs onto Eiji Date's arm, leaning back in shock. "The champion is down!"

Eiji Date, wide-eyed, mutters, "Is he gonna get back up?"

Takamura, his expression serious for once, stares intently. "Back up, Aoki..."

In the middle row seats, Ippo and Nekota watch with concern. Nekota's fluffy white dog whines, sensing the tension.

Ippo clenches his fists. "Please get up!"

Beside him, Aoki's girlfriend stands up, screaming, "Aoki, get up!"

The entire crowd erupts in chants:

"AOKI! AOKI! AOKI!"

Aoki's POV"Is this it? Is this the end of my career?"

I stare up at the bright lights, my vision blurring. The peak of my career has just begun... I refuse to lose.

I think of my family back home—my nine siblings and my mother, all waiting for me.

I cannot afford to lose.

With that thought, I start moving. I push myself up slowly, my body aching, until I hear the referee's voice.

"Eight!"

I raise my gloves.

The referee steps closer, inspecting me. "Are you okay?"

I nod firmly. "I'm fine."

Satisfied, the referee waves for the fight to continue.

Iga immediately charges forward, ready to finish the job—

DING!

The bell rings, signaling the end of the round. I stagger back to my corner, where Yagi-san holds a towel. A ringside doctor is already waiting for me.

I feel a hand on my left eye, and I hear the doctor's voice. "Can you see out of your left eye? It's covered in blood."

"Yes."

I lied.

The doctor eyes me suspiciously, then raises a finger. "Close your right eye and count how many fingers I'm holding up."

I obey. But I can't see.

Everything on my left side is red.

Then suddenly, I feel a tap on my back—twice.

"Two," I say.

The doctor nods. "Alright, you're fine."

I open my right eye and glance at Coach Shinoda, who is smiling. He helped me cheat the test.

I looked back at him. "This won't take long."

The bell rings, signaling the start of Round 3.

Iga charges forward—but Aoki surprises everyone by charging in as well, mirroring Iga's peekaboo stance! The two meet in the center of the ring, exchanging blow for blow.

Iga rips a left hook to the body—Aoki fires back with a right uppercut!

Both men feel the impact, but neither backs down.

Eiji Date: "This is bad. Why would Aoki go blow for blow with Iga? He'll get knocked out!"

Takamura, smirking: "I have a feeling Aoki can pull this off. Have you seen his eyes? They're half-asleep... but maybe it's just me, or I swear I see fire in them."

Sendo, eyes locked on the fight: "OH! IT'S OVER!IT'S OVER!"

Masaru Aoki has defended his JBC Lightweight Title for the first time!

Sendo stands up, clutching his head in shock.

In the crowd, fans erupt into cheers, screaming Aoki's name. Ippo and Nekota hug in pure joy,while Aoki's girlfriend jumps up and down, celebrating.

Takamura and Date, both confused, look at each other.

Takamura: "Wait… what just happened? We didn't even see the punch!"

Eiji Date, still in disbelief: "Yeah, what the hell?!"

Sendo points to the Jumbotron, where the replay begins playing.

The footage shows Iga throwing a right uppercut, aiming to end the fight. But Aoki slips to his leftand counters with a brutal left hook to the body!

Iga grunts in pain, his guard dropping for just a moment—

Aoki capitalizes instantly, following up with a devastating left hook to Iga's chin!

Iga crumbles to the ground, motionless! The referee waves off the fight!

Takamura, blinking: "Wow… that was fast. We were just talking, and next thing we know, the fight's over."

Eiji Date nods in agreement.

Aoki, still catching his breath, takes the microphone.

Aoki (in Japanese): "That was a tough fight… I give my full respect to you, Iga."

He walks over to Iga, who has just regained consciousness, and extends his hand. Iga shakes it.

The crowd erupts once more, cheering Aoki's sportsmanship.

Aoki then raises his JBC Lightweight Title high above his head and proudly declares:

"This belt isn't going anywhere!"

10 Minutes Later… BOOM. The arena darkens, leaving only the massive screens glowing.

A single spotlight shines on the tunnel entrance.

Then—Marcus Rosario walks out.

The former champion wears a white robe, his coach walking beside him. As he steps forward, the entire arena erupts in deafening boos!

Marcus raises his hands without a care in the world.

Takamura, grinning: "Heh… now he knows how Alex felt in their first fight."

Sendo, nodding: "Yeah, but Alex handled it perfectly."

Eiji Date, arms crossed: "Let's see how Marcus handles this. Will he crumble under the pressure?"

Marcus removes his robe and begins shadowboxing, ignoring the hostile crowd.

Then, suddenly—

The arena lights dim once more.

A deep, powerful sound echoes throughout the stadium—

A koto begins playing.

The spotlights focus on the tunnel entrance.

Through the tunnel, Coach Kamogawa walks out first, holding two championship belts high in the air—the WBA and WBC Lightweight Titles.

Beside him, Assistant Coach Yagi raises the WBO Title for the world to see.

And then—Alex Makunouchi steps forward.

He is dressed in full samurai armor.

The crowd shivers with goosebumps at the sight.

Then—the entire arena erupts in deafening cheers!

"THERE'S ONLY ONE ALEX MAKUNOUCHI!"

"THERE'S ONLY ONE ALEX MAKUNOUCHI!"

The entire stadium shakes as the Japanese fans chant in unison.

Commentary BoothTakamura, grinning ear to ear: "Man… Alex's entrances never disappoint!"

Eiji Date, smiling on live TV: "I'm proud I got to spar with him."

Sendo, eyes widening: "Wait—YOU sparred with Alex?!" He scoffs. "Man, what the hell? He promised to teach me some stuff, but he never did. He must've forgotten!"

Coach Kamogawa carefully removes Alex's samurai armor and helmet.

Then—Michael Buffer steps forward with the mic.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!"

The crowd explodes with energy.

Michael Buffer's Announcements"Fighting out of the blue corner… from San Juan, Puerto Rico… with a record of 27 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws… with 20 wins by knockout… the former Number 2 pound-for-pound fighter… the former WBC and WBA Lightweight Champion… and a five-time title defender… weighing in at 135.5 pounds… MARCUS 'THE BAD BOY' ROSARIO!"

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

The crowd mercilessly showers Rosario with boos.

Marcus doesn't flinch. He just smirks.

"AND NOW… FIGHTING OUT OF THE RED CORNER… FROM TOKYO, JAPAN…

THE CURRENT NUMBER 2 POUND-FOR-POUND FIGHTER IN THE WORLD…

WITH A RECORD OF 9 WINS, 0 LOSSES, AND 0 DRAWS…

8 KNOCKOUTS…

THE UNDISPUTED LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION…

THE WBC, WBA, AND WBO SUPER CHAMPION…

WEIGHING IN AT 135 POUNDS…

ALEX 'THE GREAT' MAKUNOUCHI!!

ROOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR!!

The Japanese crowd erupts in deafening cheers!

Alex raises his hands, absorbing the energy of the fans.

The referee steps between them, his voice firm.

"We've been over the rules. Touch gloves if you wish."

Alex sticks out his tongue.

Marcus glares at him and mutters in Spanish:

"You're dead.

Marcus' POVI stepped to the center of the ring, my heartbeat steady. Finally. I've been waiting for this moment.

Alex stood in front of me, his stance low and calculated—the Hitman style. I grinned. This was my chance.

I charged in, slipping inside his guard. My footwork was sharp as I switched stances, loading up a left hook aimed for his chin.

"It's over!" I thought as I threw my punch—

—Then why am I falling?

Before anyone could process what had just happened, the fight was already over. A stunned silence filled the Tokyo Dome for half a second—then the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, chanting Alex's name.

Sendo's eyes were wide in disbelief as he pointed at the Jumbotron. The screen replayed the moment in slow motion—Marcus had switched stances and thrown a left hook… but Alex had countered with his own left hook at an unreal speed. Marcus never even saw it coming.

Takamura: "It's over… That was so fast. It didn't even last ten seconds."

Eiji Date, watching the screen closely, spoke with shock in his voice: "Not ten… five. Five seconds. Alex just broke the world record for the fastest title match knockout. He never disappoints."

In the front-row seats, Jean-Pierre Manuel and Elliot Von Heinberg sat frozen.

Jean-Pierre Manuel: "If I fought him… could I finally achieve perfection?"

Elliot sighed. "I just hope he doesn't move up in weight class… because that would be troublesome."

Meanwhile, in the middle-row seats, Kimura finally arrived at the arena, only to see Ippo and Nekota jumping up and down in excitement.

Kimura: "What did I miss?"

Alex stood over Marcus' unconscious body, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he reached out, grabbed an imaginary katana, and slashed the air before sliding it back into an invisible sheath. Then, he bowed toward Marcus as the medics rushed in, placing him on a stretcher.

Michael Buffer took center stage:

"Winner by knockout—FIVE SECONDS into Round 1! AND STILL the WBC, WBA, and WBO Lightweight Champion of the World… ALEX 'THE GREAT' MAKUNOUCHI!"

Coach Kamogawa lifted two of Alex's belts into the air, while Assistant Coach Yagi raised the third. The referee raised Alex's hand in victory.

Then, Buffer handed Alex the microphone.

"What's next for you, champ?"

Alex smirked and looked straight at the camera.

"Julio César Chávez… Tell that bitch I'm coming."*

The Tokyo Dome exploded in cheers.

Alex took a slow lap around the ring, strutting confidently as he swayed his arms from side to side.

Washington, New Jersey – 8 AMIn a simple house, a family watched the fight live on TV.

The son shouted excitedly: "Alex did it! He won again!"

His father, a man in his fifties, shook his head in disbelief. "It was so fast… I didn't even see it."

Tokyo Dome – Backstage

Minoru Fuji stood in front of the camera, microphone in hand.

"We just witnessed the fastest championship knockout in boxing history! Now, we're backstage for an exclusive interview with the new IBF Lightweight Champion—Miguel Ángel González!"

A translator stood beside González as Fuji continued.

"What are your thoughts on Alex's performance tonight? You might be his next opponent, considering you're the only champion left for him to unify all four lightweight titles."

After the translation, González nodded.

"His performance was spectacular," he admitted. "But I just won the IBF title last December. I'm confident I can win against Alex."

Fuji pressed further. "If you do fight Alex, when do you see it happening? And how do you see yourself taking the victory?"

After a pause, González smirked.

"I see myself knocking Alex down. And I hope we fight soon—the sooner, the better."

Fuji nodded. "Thank you for your time."