S-Sorry you had to see this!
I just figured I'd go ahead and weigh in first...
Why are you waving that... that thing around?
Well, I had a tough time making weight,
so I thought I'd be safe and lose the boxers, too.
This is a title match. You should've been fully prepared!
Both fighters are within the weight limit.
You had me worried there.
Hey, I made it on the first try, didn't I?
Can we get a picture of you two shaking hands before tomorrow's fight?
Oh, sure.
Take it easy on me, all right?
What a shot!
Huh? H-Hey!
I refuse.
Why?
If he were taking this as seriously as I am, I wouldn't mind,
but it's clear to me there's no point...
in shaking his hand!
I can't even call him a boxer.
Frog Punch?
The second you try that nonsense on me, I'll crush you!
Weigh-in Room
Looks like you haven't done your homework.
You actually think I'd go into a
title match without a present just for you?
Like a new move?
One that surpasses even the Frog?
You can come up with all the buffoonery you want.
None of it will work on me.
Buffoonery?
I'll admit I don't exactly have a stellar record,
but I've gained a lot of experience from my fights.
I'm going to use everything I've learned in this title match.
I'll show you and everyone that I'm a true student of the sport.
And I didn't just coast into the title of champion.
I got this far with old-fashioned effort and dedication.
If you're a student, then I'm...
A workhorse!
Damn him!
Squash my Frog, huh?!
The Goddess of Victory
He thinks he's so great!
I lost again...
I wish I was one of those boxers with fancy footwork.
They fly around like birds and always land somewhere you can't punch them.
This fella's just like me.
He wants to fly, but he can't.
Jump as hard as you can, little guy.
That's it!
Maybe it was a simple idea,
but when I mastered the Frog Punch, I gained confidence with it!
I won't lose... I won't let him crush the Frog!
Itagaki!
Kimura-san, Senpai!
Nothing like a good drink and something sweet after a weigh-in.
I'm in heaven!
Be careful not to overeat. It'll hurt your performance tomorrow.
Yeah, everything in moderation.
Right...
So anyway, how'd Aoki do?
Talk about intense.
You could tell they wanted to start brawling right there.
So things got rough...
I had a feeling that might happen.
Oh?
You called it.
They're a lot alike.
They are?
Both Aoki and Imae have had rocky careers.
Their records are pretty similar.
Really, they have a lot in common.
I see.
You think they're alike?
A buzzkill and a comedian: they're polar opposites.
Senpai, what do you think?
Ow!
What're you staring at?
Are you even listening?
There... look.
Is that Imae?
He's with a girl!
We shouldn't be eavesdropping!
Kacchan, the weigh-in's all done, right?
I made this to help you recover your strength...
No thanks.
But...
Why...
Why are you still pestering me at a critical time like this?!
I'm sorry I had to break things off like I did,
but I'm not some superman!
There's not enough room in my life for you...
and boxing!
Kacchan...
I'd just pound the hell out the sandbag every time I thought of you,
and look how far I've gotten!
I'm sorry. I'm sorry!
Sachiko, please forget about me.
Now I feel bad.
Me too.
I told you we shouldn't...
I bet they still love each other.
What a sad decision to have to make.
Making him that lunch was such a nice gesture, too.
Look at that sleek, black hair. I can't believe he'd dump a woman like that.
Well, you were right. He and Aoki are total opposites.
Yup.
I was wrong! They're exactly alike!
How can there be two guys into ugly chicks like that?!
I-If you don't have anything nice to say...
I'm home!
Is Masaru not home yet?
Masaru...
The champion, Imae, reminds me of myself.
He called himself a workhorse.
I know what it takes
to make a weighty claim like that!
He's learned from all his losses, too.
He didn't just luck into the belt!
I thought I was ready,
but it's all making me so scared!
Come here, Masaru.
I'll give you courage.
Tomiko...
The more I watch him, the more of a joke he is.
But the fact remains that he's worked his way up.
All these moves were born from something he learned after a loss.
He wasn't just bluffing.
He really is a student of the game!
Can I even get him to try the Frog Punch?
What's his new move?
This is no time to doubt myself.
I broke up with Sachiko and chose boxing!
I paid a huge price, but, in exchange for choosing solitude, I won the belt!
There's no way in hell I'm letting this comedic excuse for a boxer
take it all away from me!
Feel better now, Masaru?
You're so soft, Tomiko...
When I'm with you, all the trembling stops,
and I start feeling brave again.
Tomiko.
Will you be excited if I win the championship?
Huh?
Yes, I'll brag about it to everyone!
Like, "My boyfriend's the champ!"
Oh, but...
Champion or not, you're still you.
You're a good woman.
Have faith in me.
I'll give you something to brag about!
I don't need anyone to cheer for me.
I won't give up my belt!
This may be the only shot at the title I ever get.
It's my last chance, and I'm all in.
Tonight, after the sun has set,
the bell will ring, and determine...
my destiny!
Looking good.
The Rookie King tournament is super important.
I don't want to be eliminated.
My dad's even coming to watch, so I want to make my win look good!
The master will be in attendance?
We're so poor my hair is outsourced
I'll have to go pay my respects.
But even if he weren't, just knowing the Hall is sold out gets me pumped!
You should thank me. I'm the one they're here to see!
Aoki-san!
About time you got here.
Hurry up and get ready!
It's my first main event, man. Cut me some slack.
This is weird.
What is?
I thought you'd be so nervous, you'd be pissing your pants. Why're you so relaxed?
Are you the real Aoki?
Wh-What're you talking about?
Of course it's me.
What're you hiding back there?!
What the hell?!
H-Hello, everyone!
T-Tomiko-san?
Were you two holding hands this whole time?
I thought Masaru would be nervous...
Last night, you two didn't...
...do "it," did you?
Why aren't you answering?!
How many times did we warn you that it'd lower your stamina?!
I'm sorry!
He took another hit.
Is this guy really that good?
No, it's clear Manabu-kun's not 100 percent.
Kick his ass!
Ma-na-bu!
Gross, that stinks!
Damn it. My body won't move the way I want it to!
Must be because I binged yesterday.
Itagaki, make some distance! Use your feet!
Mana...
What the hell?! Is Itagaki having trouble?!
It's okay, Masaru.
T-Tomiko...
Tomiko...
Masaru, you're such a child.
Tomiko...
Fooling around with a woman before a title match?!
I've never been so aggravated about a fight before!
Tomiko, I'm okay now.
My fight's coming up. I need to hit the john.
Keep the Restroom Clean
You must be confident to bring your girlfriend with you.
You saw that?
That woman's too good for me.
My girlfriend was a good woman, too.
Was?
I broke up with her so I could fully dedicate myself to boxing.
I don't just prance into the ring with a cavalier attitude, like you.
Tonight, I'll show you the true power of a man
who's given his life to boxing.
What's so funny?
Now I get it.
No wonder you always look like you've got a stick up your ass.
You let go of your Goddess of Victory!
Tonight, I'll show you the true power of a man who's got
someone watching over him.
We'll see about that!
Y-You jackass!
Don't turn around while you're still taking a leak!
Round
Time Remaining
Only half a minute left in what's been a wild fourth round!
Will this one-sided mugging end before the bell?
Now!
Itagaki moves in!
An explosive counter!
It's all over!
The fight ends with a spectacular comeback KO
just before the end of the last round!
Your winner: Itagaki Manabu!
You did it, Manabu-kun!
Had me worried.
That's my Manabu!
Damn, don't scare me like that!
Ouch...
You were way behind on points.
That comeback KO came right at the last second.
I was really getting nervous.
Aoki-san, I won!
Wh-What...
...are you two doing?!
I, uhh, got all wet, so she was helping me change...
Damn you, are you trying to make a mockery of boxing?!
Is there no depth you two won't sink to?!
No, you've got it all wrong!
Anyway, I warmed up the crowd for you,
so go out there and win!
Yeah!
I've got my nerves under control, and my Goddess of Victory by my side.
Good luck, Masaru.
The bell of destiny's about to ring!
What's wrong?
You looked very dignified just now.
I agree.
It felt like you could win.
You actually looked a little bit capable.
I can't tell if you're actually encouraging me...
If you're done preparing, let's go!
Your big moment awaits, Aoki!
All right!
Go get him!
Yeah!
And now for tonight's main event!
The Champion Carnival presents a Japanese lightweight title match!
And now for the most highly anticipated match
in this year's Champion Carnival.
Making his way to the ring is, in a way,
A-o-ki! A-o-ki!
Kourakuen Hall's top entertainer, Aoki Masaru!
On his robe is his trademark victory frog!
What kind of performance does he have
in store for his first title match ever?!
Aoki, use the Frog Punch early!
That's what I came to see!
The spotlights seem brighter than usual.
I finally made it.
I've always wanted to experience this atmosphere,
even if it ends up being just this once.
Don't worry, Tomiko. I'm gonna do it.
When I step out of this ring,
it'll be as the champ!
The challenger points across the ring!
Directly at...
The champion, Imae Katsutaka!
His creed is to always be cool, calm, and collected,
but how will that attitude fare
against this infamous trickster, in his second title defense?
Oh my!
The champ gets right in his face,
and the challenger stands his ground!
These men are itching for a fight!
Aoki.
Imae.
C'mon!
The fighters separate.
Feels like a storm is brewing in the ring.
All that's left now is to wait for the bell!
So that's Aoki-kun, huh?
My son has told me much about him.
Aoki!
Knock him out with the Frog!
We want the Frog!
I'd better do my part...
If you land the Frog Punch, you'll hop away with the title!
Who was that?
That was lame, pops!
I-Incredible!
What the hell was that?
Was that supposed to be cheering?
This is why I hate comedians!
Imae.
Don't lose your cool.
Stay calm and fight like you always do, got it?
I know.
Focus only on defending the belt.
Focus, and stay calm.
Calm...
Imae's concentrating hard.
He's putting out some serious vibes.
I can feel the pressure from across the ring.
If he takes control of the pace, you'll never get it back.
Try to confuse him before he finds his rhythm!
Confusing people is my specialty.
The moment that bell rings, I'll go at him with everything I've got!
I expected Aoki to be a lot more freaked out than he was.
It's an encouraging sign.
He looked confident.
I know he can do it!
They've put in their mouthpieces and taken their stances!
The deafening silence in the arena
is about to be shattered
by the opening bell!
And there it is!
The champion Imae Katsutaka takes a textbook upright stance.
He wins matches by controlling even the
most experienced opponents with steady, well-executed jabs.
On the other side of the spectrum, the wily challenger Aoki Masaru!
Seemingly able to transform at will,
his oddball antics delight children and adults alike!
The champ simply stands at the ready,
while the crafty challenger slowly circles around.
The challenger rushes in!
No, he backs off! The distance remains unchanged!
What're you waiting for?! Use the Frog!
Someone make a move!
Yeah, let's see a Frog!
It's his first title match, damn it!
At least let him start at his own pace!
Easy, easy.
It still counts as cheering him on.
Quit trying to feel him out like you're some kind of big shot!
Your fights always end up being drawn-out slugfests.
You're gonna make me yawn!
That's definitely not cheering.
And it's one of his gym mates, to boot.
Whose side are you on?!
Takamura-san's right, though.
Even if it drags out into a slugfest,
he should get in there and start throwing some punches.
He needs a trigger.
Trigger?
Aoki's had a long career.
He may not be throwing punches,
he's been trying to take control of the pace
with feints and fake-outs this whole time.
Imae's better than his reputation would have us believe.
100% Fake