Nanikashira kojitsuketewa
lya na koto sakete ikiteta
Naiyou nante naiyone
Dono michi no tatsujin mo
Ichinichi ja naritatte nai
Sono risouzou mune ni daki
Muda guchi kikazu
Wakime mo furazu
Demo nakidashi soude nagedashitaku natte
Yowai jibun ni makesou naraba
Sonna jibun torikago ni ire
Tani e tsukiotose
Soshite kitto dare yori shinjite kureteru
yatsura no tame shinnen no tame
Tsuyoku nareru
Tsuranukya iisa
Please let me go!
Why is it that I have to fight you, Tsukuba-san?
Why? Who gives a damn about that?
Just fight me, Shirahama!
I-I don't want to fight for no reason.
Running away?
Are you going to run away, you coward?
I-I'm...
I'm not a coward! You take that back!
Then you try to defeat me and make me take it back!
F-Fast!
I worked so hard to train myself,
but I lost so easily. So easily.
You're right that it is no laughing matter.
And so, what do you want to do about it?
You want to do the same thing he did to you?
I just want to... I just wanted to tell him that he was wrong.
But just telling him wouldn't change anything,
so when I tried to come out and show him what's right...
I realized that I needed strength!
Strength and courage...
All right! Tomorrow you will start practicing techniques!
First, I, Akisame Koetsuji, will teach you some anti-karate techniques.
But I'm not interested in martial arts for the sake of revenge.
This sub captain of the karate club, this Tsukuba...
I think there's a high possibility
that he might attack you again if he saw you.
It-It is possible...
They're doing it. They're doing it.
Well, let's see... Sakaki-kun,
as a karate fighter, do you have any advice?
I don't take on disciples.
Then why were you standing there the whole time?
Anyway, putting that aside...
What is this?
It's something that I developed on my own.
I call it the "Throwing Deity Great."
We'll work on more precise techniques like the forearm return later.
First we'll try a throwing technique.
Yes, sir!
It's too heavy to throw!
It is solid rock, after all.
You have to consider its center of gravity.
Center of gravity?
It is the point at which the weight of the object is balanced.
In human terms, that would be a little bit below the navel.
In a basic sense, if you break down your opponent's balance
while applying pressure around the center of gravity,
you can easily overcome him.
A-Amazing!
Nothing amazing about it.
There he goes! Yeah, that's common sense to you!
I will teach you a technique that's both defensive and offensive.
Yes, sir!
Hmph.
He's hanging around again.
Focus!
It's not good enough to just get low and dodge your opponent.
You have to take your opponent's position and attack him
from a position from which he cannot counter.
Ma-sensei, what makes this move both defensive and offensive?
Hmm...
Miu, come here for a sec.
Uh, sure.
Okay, Miu, try to attack me.
Sure!
Here goes!
Whoa! You lock the opponent's leg while you're dodging her!
Right! And at the same time, you ram your head into her chest!
Ma-san, you're a pervert! You letch! A sicko!
Now you practice on your own! Repeat the move you just saw!
Yes, sir!
No, you don't have to practice that part!
I'll definitely punish you today!
All right! This time it's my turn!
Apa...
Let go! I don't want to die!
I mean, why are you always catching me like this, Shigure-san?
It's because you run away.
Why? Why do you always run away?
That's because you don't seem to understand your limits!
Apa!
Not to worry today.
You can be sure I'll be holding back on the mints.
Uh, not "mints." I mean, "limits"!
And maybe we were a little too early for the sparring.
We'll just go with some mitt work today.
I guess there's no place to escape to.
Yes! That's right! That's it!
Get your forearm in there!
Actually, you're not good at all, but I think it's great!
It's important for an instructor to give positive feedback.
Now, you're going to dodge that, and...
Apapapa!
Where on earth did Ma-san hide?
Kenichi!
Kenichi-san!
Hmph.
Apa!
Why don't you dodge it?
Damn!
What's the matter? Giving up already?
N-Not yet!
You're hanging in pretty good, kid.
Honestly, I didn't think you'd last three days.
I'm impressed that you've had the tenacity to carry on this far.
Yes, sir!
That's the first time he's said anything good to me.
But because I don't have much talent for this,
the statue won't lift up as easily as I'd like it to.
Moron! Haven't you noticed yet?
Huh?
Don't you think there's something weird about that statue?
Weird?
Sakaki-kun, please don't interfere.
Hmph.
Now that you mention it...
Koetsuji-sensei, this seems to have gotten bigger from before.
What? Maybe it's grown thanks to all the spirits in the air!
Koetsuji-sensei...
Huh?
No! No one is ever to enter that room!
You just imagined that. You just imagined that.
You must've been making the statues bigger and bigger every day!
Now, you should be able to throw the first statue easily.
Listen carefully, Kenichi-kun.
Once you are able to do something through practice 100 times,
you will be able to wield strength of ten when you face a real fight.
It feels like you just avoided the main issue...
Hey, kid...
I'll make an exception today, I'll teach you a technique.
Tell me about the characteristics
of that karate senior who almost killed you?
What?
Oh? I thought you don't take on disciples.
I didn't say I was taking him on as a disciple!
Today is special. Today is... Today is...
Oh, right! Today is my birthday!
So I'm doing this special today, just for you.
Uh, yes!
I always thought Sakaki-san was a scary guy,
but maybe he's a nice guy after all.
He sure is terrible at lying.
So, what is the karate style of this karate senior?
Style? I dunno...
Don't you even know the karate style of the guy you fought? Eh?
Uh, I'm sorry!
Well, it's not like I'm angry or anything.
I just want to know what sort of fighting stance he took.
Um, his hands were like this,
and his body was in a defensive stance.
And his steps...
What? "Steps"?
I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry for being born!
Uh, like I said, it's not like I'm angry.
But you know, if the characteristics you describe are true,
I know of a technique that can defeat him.
- What? - Get outside.
I'll show you.
Yes, sir!
Sakaki's teaching someone...
What kind of magic did you use this time, Akisame?
No magic in particular.
I always knew that he'd be good at caring for others.
A good teacher trains a good disciple.
A good disciple nurtures a good teacher.
Listen, kid. Based on what you said about his step and fighting stance,
I'd say he's a "sport karate fighter."
By adopting boxing moves and the like,
he's been able to develop a broad style of karate,
but there are likely a number of techniques that he is no longer cautious about.
I am going to teach you one of those right now
Um...
Hmm? What is it, you little punk?
I'm Kenichi. Kenichi Shirahama!
Oops, sorry! Even a kid like you is human.
Of course you would have a name. I mean, even dogs have names.
All right, Kenichi! How about you call me "Sakaki-sensei" from now on?
Yes, Sakaki-sensei!
Yeah, uh...
Um... Sakaki-sensei...
Do you really think that I can become strong?
If I lose too easily after all the training, well, I...
What's the matter? Lose your confidence?
Now, Sakaki-kun, answer him carefully.
Your value as a teacher will be revealed by how you answer him.
So, how strong do you want to get?
Huh? Well, um...
You won't laugh, will you?
Of course not! Who laughs at a man's goals?
Well, I want to be strong enough so that I can one day protect
my friend who's important to me!
What's wrong with that? It's my goal.
You idiot!
If you're a man, you have to say "the strongest in the world!"
Listen, Kenichi!
Life isn't about what can and can't be done!
It's about doing it or not doing it!
So, have you shaken off your petty anxieties?
Yes, sir!
Now, let's get on with learning that technique!
Yes, sir!
So how did it go, Tsukuba?
What do you say about that freshman Shirahama's skill?
I overestimated him.
A lot of bad ones this year.
That's the next one.
A new student in the judo club.
He has his own fighting-style judo and I hear he's a nasty one.
Are you sure he can really fight?
When I have to deal with a half-assed weakling,
I'm liable to tear him apart.
Tear him apart.
It's a job that combines your ability and your hobby.
Hey, look at that.
Huh?
I'll be right there after I've watered the flowers in the gardening club.
Then I'll be waiting at the front gate.
They're meeting up so they can go home together all friendly.
Hey, you think we should go talk to her?
What?
You never know.
Maybe we'll end up friends real fast.
I thought she seemed kind of unapproachable at first,
but maybe we've misunderstood Furinji all along.
Hey, Furinji!
I can't get one decent guy this year!
What fighting-style judo? Give me a break!
You're another disappointment! You're just another weakling!
Ahh! It's really pissing me off!
P-Please! Give me a break!
Stop it!
Isn't it already clear that you won?
Come on. Let's go to the infirmary.
What the hell do you think you're doing?
If you don't listen to me, I'll seriously punish you!
You know an interesting move.
If I see someone who's strong, I can't just leave it alone.
And I don't care if you're a girl. How about a fight now?
I'm sorry, Kenichi-san.
I know you're training hard in order to defeat Tsukuba-san,
but I just can't let him get away with this.
Come at me. Here's a handicap.
I'll even let you hit me a couple of times first.
Stop it!
I'm not going to let you get away with raising your hand against her,
Tsukuba-senpai!
Kenichi-san!
I was wondering who it was and it turns out
to be that disappointing coward!
Don't you get in the way of another person's enjoyment!
Kenichi-san, there's no way you can beat him the way you are right now!
I know that.
But I still am a man!
If you really insist, then you'd better prepare yourself!
This time I'm not holding back! You're gonna die!
I'm scared...
My body still remembers how hard those fists are
and how heavy his kicks are!
But I'm still gonna fight!
Listen well, Kenichi.
When guys who aren't used to fighting find themselves in a real fight,
this here gets kind of shaky.
The hands become weak, and the next thing you know,
they're waiting for the opponent to make a move.
Yes. That's how my fight turned out.
Don't be afraid!
That's easier said than done, I guess.
So just narrow it down to one thing you have to think about.
Okay.
You have to land the first punch!
Don't think about anything else!
Don't even think about what you're going to do after you land your hit.
You use this technique for that first hit!
The one who makes the first move wins, Kenichi!
You're too slow.
Th-That's!
"The yamazuki" of Bassai.
It's a technique used in real fights, but it's perfect against sport karate.
Fantastic!
I hit him! I hit him! It's just as Sakaki-sensei said!
Listen, Kenichi.
People generally fear being hit in the face the most. Here!
You first covered your face, didn't you?
Well, unless you've got a lot of training,
you'd have a tough time blocking this double upper and lower blow.
Where did that come from?
Judging by your opponent's fighting stance, I'd say he's a sports karate fighter.
That means all of this training
is geared towards an upright match structure bound by rules,
rather than the free-for-all of a real fighting style.
Yes!
This yamazuki hasn't really been allowed according to recent fighting rules,
so I doubt he's seen it much. I bet it would work.
The yamazuki? You bastard...
Who the hell uses a technique like that in a match?
This isn't a match! This is a fight!
Damn! The hit to the face was a ruse,
so I instinctively tightened up my upper body.
My lower body wasn't ready for it!
Why, you!
What about this?
It's the technique I learned from Ma-sensei!
Is it going to break?
I'll kill you! I'll kill you! I will definitely kill you!
That's a slow punch. I get it! He must be overstraining himself!
Compared to Apachai-san's punches,
this one looks like it's practically stopped! I got it!
I can feel it!
I can feel that his center of gravity has started falling forward!
It's light!
It's thanks to Koestuji-sensei's training!
Compared to the stone Buddha deity statues, he feels like a feather!
I... I won!
Are you okay?
H-He seems okay! H-He's still alive!
He's more concerned about the state of the one he just fought against
before worrying about himself?
He sure is interesting.
Uh, did I just say something strange?
Wh-What? D-Did my fighting style look ridiculous?
I see. So you won.
That is great.
Can't you look happier or give me some more rewarding words?
Well, but you still haven't got to the tough part yet.
Huh? What's going to be tough?
You'll know soon enough.
Kisara-sama...
What? Tsukuba was?
Yes.
I see. So Tsukuba was beaten up by some first year guy called Shirahama.
So there was one, after all.
A good one.
There. That guy.
Hmm...
What's the matter?
You have a serious look on your face.
Is there something that's bothering you?
Well, actually...
What? You think everyone's afraid of you now?
Yeah. I'm starting to get that feeling.
Extra! Extra!
"Congrats" Shirahama's First Victory!!" That "coward" Kenichi Shirahama has defeated Tsukuba,
"Congrats" Shirahama's First Victory!!" the evil thug of the karate club!
Not to mention he did it with one blow!
Shirahama is actually quite the violent...
Don't look! Don't read! Don't read!
What do you think you're doing, Niijima?
Oh, hello there!
My very best friend, Kenichi-kun!
Who said I'm your best friend?
And what is this all about? I want you to explain!
Well, I'm in the newspaper club.
How can I keep quiet about the success of my very best friend?
Don't be so shy about it!
I'm not being shy!
Look at my rankings here.
You've gone right to the top just like that!
You're now in the "lone wolf" category.
You don't have to show it to me!
I know, Kenichi.
I know that you've been secretly training in some dojo somewhere.
H-How did you find that out?
Don't you underestimate my information network.
I'm the one who told him. I'm sorry.
It only took two bowls of anmitsu! [anmitsu=Japanese dessert]
"Anmitsu"
You wouldn't believe how hard he's being working!
"Anmitsu" I see. I see.
What? You bought her off?
Niijima-san is a friend!
I never thought that something like this would happen!
I'd appreciate it if you could keep it quiet.
Hide, Kenichi!
That Tsukuba's an embarrassment.
He's tarnished the reputation of Ragnarok.
You take care of Tsukuba.
Tell him never to show his face in this school again.
And Kisara-sama wants us to bring that first year Shirahama guy to her.
- You... - Sure.
Th-They're looking for me!
I wonder if they're going to beat me up if they ever catch me...
Maybe they just want to make friends!
You know that's no way in hell!
Aww! Kenichi-san yelled at me!
Those guys belong to Ragnarok.
Ragnarok?
Yeah. They're a really powerful gang that runs things around here.
What?
You're in big trouble now, Kenichi! You stand out way too much now.
It's Ragnarok we're talking about.
I'm sure those guys are probably wandering around town looking for you.
They're probably watching all the routes to the school
and maybe they even know where you live already.
There's nothing to worry about.
There's no way they'd be waiting for us
along our secret escape route to school.
That's not what I'm worried about here!
He yelled at me again!
Isn't he a terrible boy?
He's always been like that, from way back.
Kenichi, as your best friend, let me give you a piece of advice.
N-Niijima...
I understand that if your medical bills go over 100,000 yen,
you can deduct them from your income taxes.
H-H-Hundred thousands...
Amefuri de kakurete mo
Taiyou wa soko ni aruhazu
Yume sae miushinatte ita boku ni
Yuuki kureta egao wasurenai
Kimi ga irukara shinji tsuzukeru
Hikari mune no oku kara afurete kuruyo
Michibata ni saku na mo naki hana no you ni
Moshimo tsumazuki taoreta toki wa
Kono ashi de tachiagarou
I've been stalked by gang members day and night, every single day!
What on earth has happened to my youth?
You sure are popular, Kenichi. Damn, I'm kind of envious.
Being popular with a gang isn't something I'm happy about at all!
Now, being popular with Miu would make me happy, though.
Right! Then I'll give you movie tickets!
Go on a date with Miu!
R-Really? Thank you very much!
I will stand by your side for the rest of my life!
You're pretty easy to buy off.