I always found an excuse
so I didn't have to deal with what I didn't like
It's quite meaningless, isn't it?
No matter what kind of master they are
they didn't become masters just in one day
Embrace the ideal image in the heart
Without saying meaningless things
Without looking aside
But if I feel like bursting into tears, giving it up
and losing to my own weakness
I put myself in a bird cage
and push it into the valley
For those who believe in me more than anyone else and for my belief
I can be strong
I just have to stick to it
To make friends...
I see...
"You Can Make 100 Friends With This Book"
But I've read this dozens of times already.
I wonder if I haven't read it deeply enough...
Oops! It's this time already!
I'd better hurry!
"Hitotsubashi University" "Murakami"
Sky?
I'm so sorry!
"You Can Make 100 Friends With This Book" I'm so sorry!
"You Can Make 100 Friends With This Book" That was by reflex!
"Karate Heaven" "Easy to understand" "Bonus DVD" "Let the Terrific Body" "Revolution Begin!"
M-My books!
"Karate Heaven" "Easy to understand" "Bonus DVD" "Let the Terrific Body" "Revolution Begin!" L-Let me help you!
Oh, boy...
Let's see...
By the way, what did you do that for out of the blue?
Were you trying to kill me or what?
I-I'm so sorry!
But when you're ambushed from behind,
isn't it normal to throw your attacker to the ground?
What's the deal?
She's talking like she's a professional killer!
Oh, no! I'm not going to make it in time!
I'm late! That's for sure!
We've got five minutes. That's plenty of time.
What?
Come on, let's hurry!
H-Hey, hey, hey, wait a minute!
Don't tell me we're going to swim across the river!
Of course not.
We're going to jump across it!
You! Watch it!
Oh, no!
"Tokyo Metropolitan Koryo High School"
Shirahama! Go stand in the hall!
It looks like I'm going to be a loser even at high school...
This is Furinji-kun, who has transferred to this school and will be joining us
starting today in Class 1-E.
Let's give her a warm welcome!
I've come from Shochikurin High School.
My name is Miu Furinji. It's nice to meet you all.
Miu Furinji...
But, why would a student from such a prestigious school
like Shochikurin High School transfer to a school like ours?
Furinji-kun!
Where are you going? You must take your seat!
I was late for class as well, so I should be standing in the hall too.
O-Okay...
"Class 1-E"
You just transferred here from another school.
You don't have to keep me company.
That was the first time that I've ever been rescued
by anyone in my whole life.
Rescued you? I did?
Yes! At the river earlier.
Well, I guess so...
Hey, that's not true!
You're the one who rescued me!
I did try to rescue you, but...
That really made me happy.
Are you making fun of me?
Um, if you don't mind, will you be my friend?
Humph...
Huh? What?
Actually, if you take a close look at her, she's totally cute!
No, wait! This is too good to be true...
Nope! No way! Wake up, you fool!
Are you okay?
Sorry to have to ask you,
but do you think you can take that fool to the infirmary?
This time I'm going to be late for the club!
They're going to kill me if I'm late!
Hold it right there.
Niijima.
I thought that maybe the clumsy coward that you were
in junior high might actually be getting on well in high school.
But it looks like you've fallen flat on your face after just a month.
I heard you were tardy and had to stand in the hallway! You coward!
This guy is Haruo Niijima.
He's the lowest kind of guy,
who sucks up to the big bullies and likes to pick on the weaker kids.
So, I hear that someone transferred to your class just recently.
What kind of guy is he? Tell me.
It's a girl and she wears glasses...
Oh, a girl, huh?
I guess that doesn't really change the power balance in that class then.
So, is that girl cute or what, coward?
Will you stop calling me coward already?
What? Shut up! A coward ought to keep his mouth shut!
"Kenichi Shirahama"
Do you know what this is, coward?
This PDA has the data of all the freshmen of this year,
which I've collected in the past month!
Let me read what it says about you. So listen carefully.
Kenichi Shirahama.
"Kenichi Shirahama (Coward) Kenichi Shirahama.
"Kenichi Shirahama (Coward) Grades, below average; athletic ability, below average;
looks, average; fighting index, low; courage, lowest of the low.
Kenichi, the coward.
You can't blame me for calling you a coward.
In other words, that is your true identity.
So what's wrong with calling you what you are?
Your overall grade is "E minus."
And that ranks you at the level of an insect!
Your grades are lower than mine!
Huh?
You're a weak fighter as well!
Huh?
And your athletic-
You still talking back at me, you stupid idiot?!
"Person" You still talking back at me, you stupid idiot?!
You see... You see, I have a talent for sucking up to the tough guys!
"Evil" You see... You see, I have a talent for sucking up to the tough guys!
But I guess a loser dog like you wouldn't understand.
Now, I heard that you joined the karate club shortly after entering this school.
It is obviously your anti-bullying measure!
Don't do it.
You're not going to last long anyway.
And you're going to be bullied just like you were back at junior high.
That's right. You are a coward after all.
You always have been, and you always will be.
H-How dare he make fun of me!
You just watch!
Yeah, way to go!
Get him!
Go, Daimonji!
I-I give up!
Daimonji kick!
What's this about giving up?
You were allowed to join the club to take the place of a sand bag!
So you just shut up and play the part of a sand bag!
"Karate Club" So you just shut up and play the part of a sand bag!
"Karate Club" Daimonji punch, punch, kick!
Well, let's go home!
Make sure you clean that floor from wall to wall.
- Make it squeaky clean, you hear? - Let's get out of here!
They won't even teach me the basics.
I can't take this anymore!
I'm going to quit this club!
Heh, coward!
Oww...
I guess I'd better clean...
It's done.
I was just the punching bag and clean up boy again today, but...
Punching bag, huh...
They've never even let me punch it before...
Hey, Shirahama-kun, who said you can use this?
Daimonji-kun...
Freshmen aren't allowed to use the equipment
without permission from the seniors, correct?
Daimonji-kun, you're a freshman, too, but you always-
Hey, don't you put me in the same category with you.
After spending my junior high years going to a bodybuilding gym, Daimonji
here was actually scouted out and invited to join the karate club.
Not at all the same as a spineless piece of jelly like you.
Listen, Shirahama-kun.
I've always wanted to tell you this,
but I really don't like guys like you doing karate.
Martial arts are the world strictly for the strong.
I get really pissed off when some weakling like you
comes around and thinks it's all fun and games!
So I've got a favor to ask you.
I want you to...
quit the karate club as of today.
Or else, I'll frickin' kill you!
That's a promise between man and man!
Got it?
Come on, hurry up.
Hey,
what do you think you're doing?
S-So, does it mean that I can do karate if I'm strong enough?
"Karate Club"
Y-You living in a fantasy or something?
It looks like you still don't understand that you're one of those guys
destined to always get pushed around and bullied.
A loser is always a loser!
It's something that was determined when you were born!
You piece of crap!
I know. I've got a great idea, Shirahama-kun.
How about you and I have a match in a week's time, huh?
Yeah, that sounds like a plan.
And the one who loses quits karate without a question.
I'm sure you won't be in one piece when you leave the karate club though.
I'll be looking forward to it.
See you in a week.
Thank goodness, I'm okay. For a second I thought I was done for.
Huh? What? A match with Daimonji-kun?
"To Kill With One Blow"
I am done for after all!
Damn it!
To hell with "A loser is always a loser"!
"How to be the Mightiest with Ease!" To hell with "A loser is always a loser"!
"How to be the Mightiest with Ease!" Even I could get strong if they'd let me train!
Now that it's come to this, I'll have to do it myself! You just watch!
And when I get stronger...
Even if I do become strong...
I'll never brag about it like all those bullies from junior high or Daimonji.
If I do get strong, I will only fight for the weak!
That's right!
I'll become a hero, who'll beat up all those bad guys
that everyone pretends not to notice!
What the hell is your problem?
Wh-What the...
Now apologize to this man!
I-It's all right, young lady. I'm fine.
I didn't see that! I swear I didn't see that!
I didn't see anything!
"Tanaka Clinic"
It's soon... It's too soon, God!
"Tanaka Clinic" I still haven't become strong at all!
Besides, they're the wrong kind of people to mess with!
Oh, I know!
Where's that "Daigakkan's Manual For All Eventualities"?
It's at home...
Besides, who would be looking things up in a book in this sort of eventuality?
My classmate-
a girl, no less- is in big trouble!
I was watching.
Why on earth would you shove an old man down to the ground like that?
He was wandering down the middle of the road getting in the way,
so we pushed him over to the side. That's all.
I think you people are getting in the way
- Oh no! Common sense like that doesn't mean a thing to those people! - even more by parking your big car like that.
We can do whatever we please!
You weaklings are supposed to walk on the edge of the streets!
That's what's called "natural law"!
That's right! We're strong so we can do that!
See over there!
Those people are following the rules.
See how they pretend not to notice us?
Enough of your stupid nonsense. Just apologize to the man!
- What? You little brat!
- And you're going to be bullied just like you were back at junior high. - What? You little brat!
- And you're going to be bullied just like you were back at junior high. - Seems like you are slow of understanding.
- You always have been, and you always will be. - Seems like you are slow of understanding.
- It looks like you still don't understand that you're one of those guys - lf you think that the weak will simply run away from you,
- guys destined to always get pushed around and bullied. - then I'd say you're the ones who are clearly slow of understanding.
- You piece of crap! A loser is always a loser! - then I'd say you're the ones who are clearly slow of understanding.
Who the hell do you think you're talking to?
You rotten piece of scum!
I'm not done yet!
Punch! Punch! Karate punch!
What the hell...
Now! Run away, Miu-san!
What the hell were you thinking, bastard?
Who do you think we are?
D-Dunno...
I don't really know what I was thinking.
It just all kind of happened before I realized it.
You can't go there!
Just hold him down. That was a pretty short life. Huh, kid?
Nooooo!!!
H-How dare she use me as a jumping board?
Now you made me mad.
That all happened in a brief instant.
It's not bad to go crazy That all happened in a brief instant.
It's not bad to go crazy
If it's exciting I have to do it
Stop hesitating already
A-Amazing...
Just like a feather cutting through the air...
Thank you so much for rescuing me again.
Uh, you're welcome.
I mean, I don't think that's what happened.
You really are brave, Kenichi-san.
I'm so glad that you were the first to become my friend.
F-Friend?
Yes!
"Kirigakure Park"
Oh, the karate club?
"Kirigakure Park" I figured that you were a martial artist.
"Kirigakure Park" Well, I wouldn't call myself an artist... Ow.
For him to think that only the strong have a right to learn martial arts...
He's completely missing the point.
What? Is that so?
Uh, well, I just happen to know a little bit about martial arts myself.
Whoa, whoa! You call that "a little bit"?
Uh, well, my master used to tell me all the time.
That martial arts was originally developed for those who are weak
and lack physical strength to fight against those who are much stronger.
Basically, he's got it completely the other way around.
But no one would teach me anything in the karate club.
Not only that, but in one week...
I know! There's the Daigakkan "How to..." series!
"How to be the Mightiest with Ease!" "Daigakkan"
"The only way is through practice." So that's what it all comes down to?
Um, if you would like to get stronger no matter what,
there's one tested method that I know of.
Huh? You mean I can become strong like you?
I think maybe you can become significantly stronger
if you go to this particular place to learn martial arts...
Are you serious? Are you serious? Are you serious?
But...
But?
You have to manage to stay alive.
What?
This place, huh? I'm impressed that I actually managed to find it.
"You're here! Park. Turn left diagonally at the first light. Dash 100 meters.
Frog Drug Store. Flat-out dash for 2 minutes (@ 14 seconds for every 100 meters).
Cross the river 200 meters. Go straight north through the woods, Miu-san's map is totally weird.
run to the right for 10 minutes. Now you're at the last stage, you can just jog Who would put a "flat-out dash" in the map?
(but go @ 8 seconds every 50 meters). Walk for 5 minutes. The building is surrounded by bricks." And this is clearly a roundabout way.
"Ryozanpaku"
If you're sure about this...
Of course I'm sure about this.
After all, one week from now, I'm going to be on the brink of death.
What's the point of being afraid of this?
I beg you!
What's with this gate? It's awfully heavy! I beg you-
So, what business do you have here, young man?
Uh, well, I err... Uh, I made a mistake! I'm sorry!
I'm sorry- What? What the-
A warp? Is this a warp?
You seem to have a rather serious look on your face?
Are you all right?
Would you be some kind of martial arts master?
Well, I wouldn't call myself a master.
But I've never lost a fight in my whole life.
This is it! This is where Miu-san told me to come!
Uh, I'm Kenichi Shirahama!
I was sent here by Furinji-san! It is an honor to meet you!
Well, that's an awfully formal introduction for someone so young.
So Miu sent you, huh?
Well, come along then.
Y-Yes, sir!
Um, do you teach karate at this dojo?
Yes, we teach karate as well.
Cool!
Apa!
Wh-What is that?
That's Apachai Hopachai from Thailand. He's 28 years old.
W-Wow! Amazing!
Apora gorya bugyaaaa!!
Arya zurya kyeeee!!
Apa! Apa!
Apa! Ap-
Don't act too surprised. He'll get happy and get carried away.
Apa! Apa! Apa! Apa! Apa! Apa...
Hey! Cut it out, Apachai!
So he's happy...
We don't get too many visitors, so he probably got a little too excited.
What kind of dojo is this anyway?
There's a cute girl here!
Although Miu-san is cute, but this girl is cute, too!
Do you have some business with me?
Uh, well, I was just...
Then take it from above the floor mats, Kensei Ma!
Well, I just happened to be passing by below, Shigure-don.
I have no business with you.
What were you taking with that suspicious camera you have there?
Panti... Uh, I mean, the scenery... Good-bye!
It can be dangerous poking around in places.
Now, this is the karate teacher that you've been looking for.
But he's a little difficult to deal with.
Uh, right...
Hey, Sakaki-kun. I've got something to talk to you about.
What? A disciple? You fool!
I don't take on disciples!
See?
Then he's really not a teacher!
Besides, old man, if he became my pupil...
He'd be dead in three days.
Is that right? That's too bad!
If you don't take on pupils, then, oh well, what can I say!
I'll be on my way then!
Hey, he passed out.
How rude of him.
Wh-What is this place? What kind of dojo is this?
Kenichi-san? Kenichi-san?
Miu-san!
Are you all right, Kenichi-san?
I-It's dangerous here! Let's get out of here right away!
Well, actually, I live here.
I'm her grandfather.
Grandfather?
It was then that the instinct of the bullied boy within me
started to sound the warning.
"This is dicey! This is dicey! I can smell it all over the place."
Even if it's hidden by rain
The sun must be there
I had even lost a dream
I will never forget the smile that gave me courage
I keep on believing because I have you
Light starts flowing out of my heart
Just like a flower with no name on the street
When I stumble and fall
I will get up on my own
Who are all these apparently scary-looking people?
These are masters of extreme martial arts.
They are the people of Ryozanpaku.
Kenichi-san, I'm sure you can get stronger if these people teach you.
B-But I'm a little worried whether I can survive it.
Kenichi-san, you can do it!
You know, "Go for broke"!
No way! No way! I don't want to get broken!
I feel uneasy about the future.