「Our Hands Clasped Tightly Together」
Mo~rni~n'!
Fuuka. So, you're awake.
Everyone...
The two of you have been sleeping since the match ended.
Ix.
- Should we wake Rinne too? - Yes.
Rinne, it's morning.
Hey, wake up!
Do either of you feel any pain or discomfort anywhere?
No, nowhere.
I'm fine too.
I thought I damaged some cartilage or broke some bones, but...
Our safety field is the kind the professionals use.
Come to think of it, where's everyone else?
The chairwoman and Vivi's group went home yesterday evening.
They have school and work to attend to.
Einhart and Sieg's group are in the middle of their training camp down in the practice ring.
Lady Victor is with them too.
I see.
Huura...
- C'mon in. - Excuse me.
Coach Jill.
Rinne... I'm glad.
Rinne.
The coach was worried about you this whole time after the match ended.
She came in to check on you many times.
I'm sorry for causing you concern.
Hey, Fuuka...
How about we go check out Einhart's group's training?
Oh... sure.
- Us too. - Right.
Alright, Rinne. See you later.
Okay, Fuu-chan.
Thank you, Competitor Reventon.
Sure thing.
Again,
I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
That's for me to say.
I was wrong about how to train and face you.
If you choose to turn your back on me, I won't raise any objections.
Turning my back on you...?!
The thought never crossed my mind!
But when you were talking about giving up martial arts...
That was just me being caught up in my own heartache.
I just thought, "All I ever really do is cause the coach trouble..."
That just means I wasn't able to understand what was in your heart, even after all this time.
During the final part of the match,
when I lost consciousness for a moment,
I remembered the training I did with you.
Because of everything you taught me,
I was able to continue fighting without falling.
When I successfully executed that strike with all my power,
it felt truly exhilarating.
All those days of martial arts matches...
I realized they were actually a lot of fun!
And that was all because of you, Coach.
I'm really sorry for dragging you around with my selfishness and brusqueness up until now.
However, I do want to continue studying martial arts under you.
I'll become the best in the world with your techniques and theories.
If you stay with me, you'll end up throwing up in practice again.
I'll do my best not to.
It might be another daily hell.
I'll go through it as many times as it takes to become strong.
Then let's give it another go...
Together, Rinne.
Yes, Coach.
Hegemon Style...
Sky Severing Knuckle!
All right, the fourth round is over.
Let's cool our jets for a bit.
- I'm exhausted. - Well done.
- Here, a drink for you. - Thanks.
She's giving you a run for your money.
You're putting that champion title to shame!
It's not that close!
Sieg-san is just adjusting to me.
That, what she said.
But it's coming together great either way.
Were you inspired by your pupil's match?
Perhaps.
They both gave it their all.
And I feel happiness at Fuuka being the victor.
Haru-san. Everyone!
Good job, everyone!
Einhart!
Your body good to go yet?
Yep. I'm fine.
Were you able to talk to Rinne-san?
Not much yet this morning.
Rinne is talking to their coach right now.
We didn't want to bother them.
Jill was pretty worried after all.
Those two... Coach and student both are poor communicators, always assuming the worst.
But I think they'll be able to change that now.
The finals are the day after tomorrow.
So? Think you can do it?
Of course.
How promising.
In that case, you aren't permitted to watch my training.
Let's put off yesterday's discussion until after the finals are over as well.
Right now, I have to practice in order to defeat you.
Got it.
I'm okay, though, right? To participate too?
Yes, by all means.
Fuuka, you're headed back to Mid, right?
I arranged for her to leave with Rinne on this evening's flight.
Then it's time to say goodbye for now.
Thank you all very much.
I'm looking forward to the finals.
Do your best.
You have a little time before evening, right?
Are you planning to go somewhere with Rinne...?
Ah, a timely message from Megane-san.
She's Lutecia's mother and the owner of the hotel.
Let's see...
It says, "Since Jill-san is heading back, I'll be seeing her off..."
And the rest is a message for you, Fuuka.
"I left some tea and snacks with Rinne,
so you two can spend some time together."
Fuu-chan.
Rinne... Sorry.
Did I make you wait?
I'll serve some tea.
Your teeth...
Will your teeth... be okay?
Would it sting... um... where it broke?
I'm fine.
Chairwoman Nakajima said she made an appointment with a dentist for you.
I'm more worried about that than I am the match...
- Delicious, isn't it? - Yeah.
Compared to our days at the institute, being this fortunate is like a dream.
I want to go apologize to both Competitors Takamachi and Rinaldi as well.
And I need to thank them too!
Putting the thanks aside, apologizing would just put them out.
Really?
Just coming by the gym like normal would be good enough.
Everyone would be happy enough with sparring and sharing your techniques.
Okay. I'll do that.
- By the way, did you hear? - Hm?
Yesterday's fight was streamed to those associated with us.
In other words...?
The champion and Victor-san made a lot of arrangements...
Like the caretakers from the institute.
Matron and the munchkins!
And even some of my classmates from school.
And also... these people.
Hey there! Rank Number Eight: Carrie here!
That was an awesome match.
You never see that kinda thing at official matches.
Competitor Rinne, when I go up against you again,
I'll be sure to make it an unforgettable one.
So brace yourself.
Competitor Fuuka, I look forward to meeting you in a match one day too.
Well done, both of you.
Let's meet again in the ring!
I wonder if you'll even remember me.
I fought Rinne-san in the finals of the NGA Tournament last year.
This is Lyra Caprice.
You guys showed off an amazing bout!
Thank you very much.
Fuuka-san, you came to watch that tournament when I lost to Rinne-san, didn't you?
I thought it might have been me that caused the two of you to get into a fight.
I'm really sorry.
But...
I'm really glad that it looks like the two of you were able to make up through the match yesterday.
So I...
I'm actually still training as a competitor.
I'm scraping by focusing on the tournaments around here, but...
I've been winning quite a bit!
Rinne-san's comments really did get me down,
but they helped me realize that I really do love martial arts.
So, in that way, I guess all this is thanks to Competitor Rinne.
Looking back now, that fight with Competitor Rinne in the finals,
even though I'm still frustrated about losing,
it was still a precious memory for me.
For me, becoming a world ranker is a fantasy land, but...
I plan to continue practicing martial arts at my own pace even after becoming an adult.
I'll be rooting for you two as a fan. Do your best!
They're good people, both of them.
Yeah... they really are.
It was also watched by the competitors you went up against in the Winter Cup.
And even the employees from the shipping company you worked for.
The president and my seniors! It's been so long...
The president said that he's relieved to hear you're working hard at the gym,
as well as giving your all as a competitor.
I'm glad to hear him say that.
- Rinne, your parents were watching too? - Yeah.
They heard all of my true feelings that I was telling you.
So it's pretty embarrassing.
But I'm planning on speaking with them once I get home.
About what's been going on until now, and what I'll be doing from now on.
I want to face the many mistakes I've made once again,
and try to go on living for those who are precious to me... and for myself.
As long as you don't overthink it and end up in that sorry state again.
I'll be fine. If I'm worried or lost,
I'll be sure to talk to my father, my mother, Coach, and Victor-san.
And when I'm really sad and want to cry, I'll come and see you, Fuu-chan.
But, so things never get to that point, I'll get stronger.
In my heart this time too.
That way, when you want to cry,
I'll be able to support you, Fuu-chan.
You told me that my eyes had spoiled, right?
I finally understood...
No, maybe I remembered.
If I don't spoil my eyes with tears,
and look with honest eyes,
th world can be this beautiful, vivid place.
Thank you, Fuu-chan.
I love you.
Yeah...
It's been a little over a year since the fight that separated us.
I've had my doubts and worried about things in my own way.
But even so...
I was able to meet so many people,
and had so many experiences.
And with just that...
I can finally say I'm happy.
Huh... Nobody's here.
But I've got to buckle down and train, even if it's by myself.
Ah, Fuuka-san!
- Welcome back! - H- Hey, everyone.
Were you able to talk to Rinne-san?
Were you able to make up with her?
Is your body all right?
What about your prep for the finals?
U- Uh... Rinne and I made up.
She should be coming to visit this gym soon.
As for my body, it's good to go.
It's ready to train for those finals!
We'll help!
We've all put our heads together towards anti-Einhart-san strategies!
Vivio-sensei will be in charge of coaching you on techniques, since she's actually defeated Einhart-san before!
Yes. I'll do my best.
It always seems like you're beating me to my goals of defeating people, eh, Vivi-san?
I've been blessed with many chances.
I'll do everything I can to help you too!
Then I'll hold the mitts.
I'll be your second!
Everyone's here, huh?
Yes ma'am!
Welcome back, Fuuka.
Thank you, I'm finally back.
So... on the subject of your opponent for the finals...
Unfortunately, she's quite formidable.
I'm aware.
But I don't have any intention of letting you lose.
We're in it to win it!
Right!
Chairwoman Nakajima, you've received a call.
Fine~
Just as we're getting to the good part.
- I'll go get changed and start warming up. - Good.
I wanted to apologize to you again.
Was there anything to apologize for?
I always clung to appearances in public, but...
When it came to you...
I always hated you.
Figures.
Setting up your talentless competitors for failure by showing them a hopless dream,
I always thought you were an old-fashioned coach caught up in the superiority of effort.
Yep.
Born small and powerless, I continued to struggle against my own lack of talent.
But in the end, I couldn't continue practicing martial arts due to an injury.
That's why...
I wanted the young competitors to understand that there is such a thing as futile effort.
In the face of overwhelming talent, I thought effort and feelings had no place.
But I was wrong, wasn't I?
You're not completely wrong.
I think Rinne's abilities are the real deal.
And I've told you before,
I try not to think about talent and that kind of thing.
In the first place, isn't "talent" the kind of word people start using after the fact?
If they accomplish something, "they had talent"; if they can't, "they just didn't have the talent", right?
A convenient saying, isn't it?
That's why I'm not a fan of that kind of talk.
There is a difference in the attributes and abilities one is born with.
Their room to grow varies too.
It might be a gap that can't be bridged with effort.
I think producing results is important,
But I don't like blocking off a competitor's path halfway based on results alone.
Their path halfway...?
Like all the time they put into it...
Their ability to get that goal right in front of them...
Just because they couldn't achieve that goal,
it doesn't mean that all the time and feelings they put toward it become meaningless.
That's what I believe.
Crying, laughing, winning and losing; it all has value.
As long as the various competitors can work towards their dreams, put in the effort, become focused and desperate for them...
When they eventually leave martial arts behind, all of their efforts will turn into wonderful memories.
Sorry.
I think I might have veered away from what you wanted to talk about.
Not at all.
I actually wish I had a coach like you when I was an active competitor.
If I had, my life might be a lot different than it is now.
Ah, I know!
May I ask you a favor?
Huh?
This day has finally come!
Our winter festival: The Winter Cup!
A tournament filled with fierce battles and come-from-behind victories!
Finally arriving at this final match!
In the red corner: affiliated with the Nakajima Gym,
the majestic Under 15 Champion,
Einhart Stratos!
Competitor Einhart held a special training camp for this finals match.
There she assembled these Under 19 warriors who will be supporting the young champion at ringside today!
And in the blue corner:
Nakajima Gym affiliated,
the miracle rookie, Fuuka Reventon.
The chairwoman of the Nakajima Gym and her little senior pupils enter along with her.
And... Oh my, Competitor Rinne and Coach Jill are with them!
Competitors Fuuka and Rinne are childhood friends.
It seems they had a practice bout in preparation for this match.
And Chairwoman Nakajima and Coach Jill will be cooperating!
That's some wonderful members!
Truly.
No words can express my gratitude to Haru-san.
Now, the battle of fate!
So I'll put my feelings into my fists...
Nakajima Gym-affiliated,
Hegemon Style, Fuuka Reventon!
Here I come!
I gaze at your trembling back as you yearn to become stronger,
強くなりたいと 震えている 背中を 見つめて
making a wish on the cold and the blooming flowers
凛と 咲く花に 願い事
"Please allow me to protect you."
「君のことを 守りたい」
I realized I couldn't walk those sleepless streets alone,
一人じゃ 歩けないと 気付いた 眠れない街で
but the warmth from the hands of that special someone softened my heart.
大切な 人の 手の 温もりで 僕は 優しくなれた
I'm soaring now; no longer lost.
飛び立てるよ もう 迷わない
If I gaze up, the endless stars are guiding us.
見上げれば 果てない 星を 僕ら 照らして
Within the spirals of time, a sprouting hope spins,
巡り巡る 時間(とき)の 中で 芽生えた 願い 紡いてく
those sad memories becoming a seed of courage
悲しみの 記憶は 勇気の 種になる
to pierce through with the light of hope.
希望の 光 貫いて
I have the key to your locked away heart.
閉じ込めた 心の 鍵は
I'll show you when I open it wide.
僕が 開けてみせる
Drawing the map that leads to our shining future
描き出す 未来の 地図よ
lies within our hands clasped tightly together.
強く 輝いて 繋いだ手の 中で
Um, well... Fuu-chan...
No good. I can't find the words either.
At times like this...
Say, "Our fight begins here!"
What?!