Takara Fansubs Translation: Shippothekit
Takara Fansubs Encoding: Bader
Look up at the stars
An infinite number of scattered lights
Floating above the ring
Today rainbow-coloured sweat will fly
It's not bright tonight! My life
At this moment is only small
Like a lit firework
Our red faces flare up
I don't understand tonight! Now I'm
Suited for this lonely smell
Hit the waves and break them
Things like kindness have no meaning
Joe! What's that?
What are those marks on your shoulders?
Episode 18: Those Knuckles... The Mark's Message
It's a gift that José Mendoza secretly left.
Well! He's definitely the world champion.
What strength! It's amazing...
I thought he just touched your shoulders,
but he left a mark.
That José is extraordinary, he's not just any boxer.
His pride is extraordinary too, I bet,
that José Mendoza.
Many people say
that you destroyed Carlos Rivera before his match against José.
I don't like it but...
That's why he came so far, to know what you were like.
To see what I could do?
Yes.
If I had time, I would have shown him.
Good luck.
I wouldn't have left a mark,
I would've given him a bloody nose.
See ya, Gramps. Good night.
Shiraki Mansion
Do you have news of the champion?
Yes. He escaped the reporters by changing cars
under the protection of members of the Mexico embassy.
Unfortunately, we lost trace of him.
We are waiting at the airport with reporters just in case...
At the moment, he hasn't resurfaced.
I understand. Thank you.
Notify me if there's anything new.
Understood.
You...
I will tell you where José Mendoza is for 300 000 yen.
Very well. I accept.
Okay, but please hurry.
I'm in a rush.
Why are you in a rush?
José takes off from the airport at 2:15 pm.
In the meantime, he enjoys his stay in Japan with his family at the hotel.
It's weird. We are watching the airport already.
We've verified the passenger lists and he's not one of them.
José Mendoza is the national hero of Mexico.
He doesn't take an airliner, he takes a diplomatic plane.
"A diplomatic plane..."
Miss Shiraki, to be well informed,
money and power isn't enough.
You need experience and intelligence.
He's in room 2501 with his family.
It's a suite.
My work is done.
Seeing José is up to you.
Even I couldn't drag myself into a VIP room under strict surveillance.
Oh, Chelsy, behave yourself. No...
Thanks, Miss.
You're welcome. My name is Yoko Shiraki.
"Yoko Shiraki"?
Yes. And you are?
I'm Chelsy.
Hey, Yoko, come with me!
This is my dad. He's the world champ.
Yes, I know.
Your dad is a western champion.
Mr. Mendoza, I'm glad to meet you.
Mrs. Mendoza, welcome to Japan.
How do you do?
He's a very good father,
very calm and composed...
What tenderness and intelligence for a boxer!
He tries hard to be a champion and a good man.
The "perfect" champion
crossed the ocean to come see some ruffian boxer...
Why?
I asked him this question straight.
But he didn't respond.
He just smiled calmly.
But before returning to his room
to get ready to leave,
he said...
Joe Yabuki, where he came from and where he's going to go?
"Where he came from and where he's going to go?"
Yes. That's exactly what he said.
Actually... it's a very deep phrase.
Good! Once more.
Okay!
Turn around!
Don't slow down!
Good. Left, right!
Say, Gramps...
Will I face the champion of the East?
I defeated the N. 3 of the East, I can challenge the champion, right?
I've told you a million times:
since you've destroyed your opponents, he's running scared.
He's avoiding us. I can't even negotiate.
But I received a positive response from the N. 2.
The N. 2? Are you kidding?
José will be retired by the time I beat that loser.
I'll say it again: we have to go step by step.
I know how you feel but...
I lack experience?
Since you know that, shut up and run!
Go! One, two...
Joe!
Yeah, what?
I'm going out!
Oh, okay.
Joe Yabuki, where he came from and where he's going to go?
What's that?
José said that before he left Japan.
Joe Yabuki, where he came from and where he's going to go?
"Joe Yabuki, where he came from and where he's going to go?"
That's the translation.
The champion is an incredible guy.
At first glance, he saw the uniqueness of Yabuki.
My "uniqueness"? I don't even know where I'm from.
What did he realize?
Joe Yabuki, where he came from and where he's going to go?
"Where he came from and where he's going to go?"
It's unknown where you came from and where you're going. That's what it means.
The truth is that Yabuki is without roots.
We don't know where you were born or where your home is.
No family, of course.
He saw that in you.
So, what do you mean?
"Where he's going?"
"A man like you dares to fight against me?"
"For what? Don't waste your time."
He meant that, in my opinion.
He refuses the challenge of a bastard, is that it?
No, but he's sure about winning against someone without roots.
He's the world champion.
And he loves his family and country.
He's a man who wants to be perfect in everything.
The pride of a man like him
is as high as a mountain pointing skywards.
You kidding?
Pride aside, I am the champion!
And since I don't have any roots, I don't have to worry.
I can leave for Mexico right away!
But, it doesn't matter.
I have more urgent things to deal with.
In fact, I'm getting pissed off.
The Eastern champion escaped me. He wants to escape my challenge.
I didn't know.
The champion is Dragon Kim, right?
Yes, Dragon or Serpent, but that's him, I think.
I doubt he'll flee.
Dragon Kim is far from being a coward.
He's in Japan at the moment. For a match.
I received the news today.
What?
Dragon Kim Training Session
Another 30 sec.
Okay, Kim.
Hey! Bring the stretcher! Quick!
Good, Kim.
Against a boxer like him, a small series.
You could have held back even more.
Listen, Mr. Gen...
This is the second boxer to end up on a stretcher.
Can you go a bit easier?
My boxers are being destroyed.
I thought I was taking it easy.
But we're going to try, Mr. Otaka.
So, all is well.
Another sparring partner?
Right away.
Sports Journal.
What a mysterious look...
Very observant.
You do not feel any heat in there.
A fearsome look...
I know.
They're truly the eyes of an automaton.
They're mechanical movements.
They show no feeling.
Yes... Like the eyes of a automaton, glass beads.
My hunch was right...
Mr. Gen! You promised me.
Hey, Gramps!
Joe!
I want an explanation!
You said that he escaped me,
but the champion of the East is in Japan!
And you go to see the training without telling me!
Strange, huh?
Go on, explain yourself!
Wait, Joe.
The sparring of Dragon Kim is over.
Let go of me. I don't care about his sparring.
I wanna talk to this coward.
He's not here, Joe! Kim has already left. He's gone.
- Are you sure? - Yes. I'm sure.
It's Tange and Yabuki!
What are they doing?
Calm down, Joe.
We'll talk, okay? Come on, we'll have a coffee...
We'll go here.
No, not coffee.
Then, we'll go eat. Have you eaten yet?
I'm not hungry!
In any case, we'll discuss it calmly.
I heard that
the champion Dragon Kim wasn't the type of guy to refuse my challenge.
Who said that nonsense?
I dunno who said it
but it's easy for anyone to admit that they're a coward.
I came to speak to Kim's manager.
He refused again. I swear,
your reputation makes him afraid, they said.
I'm going to use his visit in Japan
to try and make him change his mind.
Trust me. Okay?
Good, I'm going to go see Kim. I'll meet you at the Bridge of Tears.
- I look forward to it - I'll try.
They say that Kim never leaves Korea for a match.
So, why has he come to fight in Japan?
No particular reason.
His opponent is Kenmonchi, a lightweight boxer.
Why fight a boxer two categories under him?
The reason is simple:
his punch is as powerful as a lightweight's.
That's a surprise.
I had no idea Kim was coming to Japan.
It bothers me, really.
I'll explain to you why I wanted avoid the match
between Joe and Kim, the Eastern champion.
Joe isn't at the level to take on the Eastern title.
The real reason, is in here...
I haven't shown it to Joe, yet.
"I'm ready to accept the challenge of Joe Yabuki."
Kim wrote.
I received it one week after the fight against Carlos
that made Joe famous.
Three months ago...
I secretly contacted Dragon Kim, my own way.
And I got goose bumps.
It was impossible to find any clear information on him.
Except for one thing: he's won all his matches by K.O.,
and he's killed two of his opponents.
I'm not afraid about Joe being defeated,
but I don't want him to face a boxer
who has a past as dark as his own.
Joe has finally arrived at a point where it is enough
to just keep perfecting himself to become a strong boxer.
I had a bad feeling.
As if Joe was going to fall into an abyss.
Today when I saw
Dragon Kim in person,
my hunch was suddenly verified.
He looked fearsome.
I have something to ask you.
I'm going to do my best to avoid a fight between them.
Since Kim is in Japan and wishes to confront Joe,
the fight might take place.
And if it does happen, to be able to react to it,
I need more information on Dragon Kim!
I know that I'm asking a lot.
I understand. I'll take care of it.
Thanks a lot.
Tange Boxing Club
You sure took your time, Gramps. Was it hard to negotiate?
For my part, I inquired about Kim.
He has to face Kenmochi, a lightweight.
Poor guy, eh?
He's facing a boxer two categories under him.
I don't get why a guy like that would try to avoid me.
Kim doesn't only face lightweights but welterweights too.
I'm back.
Gramps, we have guests that I don't know.
Don't just stand there, offer them tea.
Mr. Tange, you say that Kim is avoiding Yabuki.
Ugh, well...
Kim isn't so cowardly as that.
He's ready to confront Yabuki, anytime.
Isn't that right, Kim?
Absolutely, colonel.
Even today if he wants.
Gramps, this is excellent news!
Go on! Leave!
I don't want this match! Leave!
Don't touch me.
Leave!
Don't touch me.
Kim!
Gramps!
Let's go, Kim.
Wait!
Of course, I accept the match.
I will challenge your champion title with pleasure.
But wait. We have a score to settle now!
Get out!
Colonel!
Yabuki, I understand that you accept.
See you later.
Come on, Kim. Let's go.
Joe!
It's too late to argue, Gramps.
We just organized the match.
Sad memories are hidden by your shoulders
You are walking alone in life
Now sweet comfort
Shouldn't hurt your back
Bitter tears overflow
Just pretend you don't notice
Bitter tears overflow
Just pretend you don't notice