Kavsef

Seventeen-years old Taiga Sakamoto barely survive on the street of Osaka, doing underground fights for a run of money. Son of a once-feared underground fighter and an immigrant mother who disappeared without a trace and left him alone, Taiga grows up with nothing but his fists and fire.

One day, he's saved by a retired unknown boxer from getting beaten by the local gang. Seeing fire and determination in his eyes, Taiga was offered to join Glory Gym, an old rundown boxing gym barely holding onto its last generation of fighters. There he going to start on his journey becoming champion and achieving glory.

Taiga enters a world where boxing isn’t just sport—it’s blood, pain, history, and heart. With every jab and hook, he uncovers not only the sport’s discipline but the ghosts of his past. Can he rise through the brutal amateur ranks and chase the fading dream of becoming a champion? Or will he burn out like the broken warriors before him?

"No corner to retreat to. No towel to throw in. Just glory—or silence."

(It's heavily inspired by Hajime No Ippo)

Gloves & Glory

Genji stood by the open side door of Glory Gym, arms crossed, watching Taiga Sakamoto move across the ring. Sunlight streaked through the cracked windowpanes, painting the dust in gold. The rhythmic sound of footwork echoed between the battered walls, accompanied only by the crisp snapping of jabs.

"It's been… what, a week and a few days?" Genji thought to himself. "Kid barely knew how to wrap his hands when he first walked in."

Now, Taiga ducked under a slow jab from Masaki and countered with a well-timed body feint. He wasn't smooth yet — far from it — but he was trying. Watching. Listening. That wild fire in his heart had begun to take shape.

Masaki, ever silent, responded with a shift in stance. A southpaw slip. A tap to the guard. Taiga gritted his teeth and followed, adjusting like he'd learned. They'd been drilling like this for days now. Since Rikuya had gone off-grid, Masaki had become Taiga's unexpected training partner — and somehow, it was working.

After a final combination exchange, Genji called out, "Time."

Both fighters stepped back. Taiga was drenched in sweat, breathing hard, hands on hips. Masaki gave a small nod before stepping out of the ring, towel already draped over his neck, heading toward the showers.

Genji stepped into the ring as Taiga leaned against the ropes.

"You're still stiff on your back foot, you need to be more swift" the old coach said. "But at least you're not falling over yourself anymore."

"That… a compliment?" Taiga asked between breaths.

Genji smirked faintly. "Don't get used to it."

Taiga look at the whiteboard from far away.

Sakamoto – Novice Amateur Debut – 2 Weeks

Taiga sigh. Before Taiga could catch his breath, the gym door slammed open.

Rikuya stormed in like a gust of wind, duffel bag swinging, mouth running at full speed. His bleach-streaked hair was tied back messily, and his signature grin was locked on.

"Barely. Family crap. Long story." He tossed his bag aside and jogged up to the ring apron. "BUT—I come bearing news."

Genji raised an eyebrow. "What now?"

Rikuya pulled a folded paper from his pocket like it was sacred. "Brackets dropped for the Novice Debut tournament. I pulled some strings and—bam! Your boy here's on the list."

He slapped the paper against the nearest post and tapped Taiga's name.

"Sakamoto, Taiga — Match 3, Ring B."

Taiga moved closer, heart thudding.

"VS: Kazuki Ren."

The name hit like a glove to the chest.

Taiga's eyes narrowed. He remembered that name. From the underground fights. A guy who once laughed when Taiga got stomped in a 2-on-1 ambush match. A counter-punching freak and dirty fighter who always kept his guard low and smiled through punches. A cocky, cold bastard.

Rikuya caught the tone. "Wait—you know him?"

Taiga nodded slowly. "Yeah. I owe him a bruise."

"3 Amateur fights won by K.O, do you think you could handle that?"

"As if I can't." Genji tighten his fist.

Genji silently read the name, then glanced at Taiga fists then his face. "Don't think about revenge. Focus on winning. Clean. Controlled. You only get one debut."

Taiga cracked his knuckles. "Then I'll make it count."

Masaki, halfway down the hall with his towel over his shoulder, paused briefly and glanced back. He said nothing, but Taiga could feel the silent approval in that look.

The fight was still two weeks away. But for Taiga Sakamoto…It had already started.

First Name On The List