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
What is this?
It's too heavy to throw!
So, have you shaken off your petty anxieties?
Yes, sir!
Now, let's get on with learning that technique!
Th-That's!
"The yamazuki" of Bassai.
It's a technique used in real fights,
but it's perfect against sport karate. Fantastic!
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.
Oh, sounds like you're in trouble.
Stop being so nonchalant...
Please do something!
But you seemed very happy yesterday, saying, "I won!"
Yes, that's true, but...
Don't tell me you guys already knew that it'd draw attention
from the thugs if I defeated Tsukuba-senpai!
Yeah.
Why didn't you tell me that?
Are you saying that you wouldn't have fought against him if we told you?
Don't chicken out.
You just have to train some more
and become the strongest one in the school.
But that's not going to solve anything.
After all life is a battle.
But that's your outlook on life!
Hmph! Then what the hell do you want to do?
I-I want to...
Shirahama! Where the hell did he go?
They're all looking for me...
I didn't think it'd turn out this way!
Anyway, I ended up spraining my foot...
...when I was kicking his ass.
I-I'm not running away.
I'm just going to make a strategic withdrawal
in order to avoid a pointless conflict.
Shirahama-kun?
Are you all right?
Izumi-san? I didn't know you were here.
Um...
Yeah?
N-Nothing.
If you've got something to say, just say it.
Huh?
Like, I'm bothering you or something?
Bothering me? Oh, no.
I was just curious about why you joined the gardening club.
You know, I'm the only other club member.
Well, I've always been interested in flowers and grasses and stuff.
But my friends used to pick on me
and told me that it's lame for a man to grow flowers.
But I decided that I was going to keep doing
what I wanted to do no matter what people said.
I've heard all kinds of rumors about you,
so I thought you were a scarier guy.
Rumors? What kind of rumors?
That you're the strongest and meanest delinquent in the school.
Well, that's a complete lie told by a devil wearing an alien's mask!
Hey, tough guy! I've been looking for you.
So this is where you've been hiding, huh?
Niijima, you bastard!
You spread ridiculous rumors about me again, didn't you?
Yeah, I sure did. So what?
Just stop spreading false information already!
That's all right. They won't be false anyway.
He must be the devil wearing an alien's mask
that you were talking about earlier!
Shut up, you little girl!
- Niijima! - Huh?
I thought you didn't like distorted information!
Hmph. It's okay as long as I'm the one who's distorting it!
Get out of here!
The evil aura of people like you has a bad influence on the plants!
Hang on! Hang on! I brought you some information.
I don't care to hear it!
How ungrateful! I don't care anymore.
I was going to tell him about the guys who are after him.
That damn Niijima...
You have an unusual friend...
I don't recall making friends with an alien!
I guess not.
Kenichi-san!
Stop bothering me, alien!
M-Miu-san?
Kenichi-san just called me an "alien"!
I just finished gymnastics practice, so I came to pick you up...
I'm sorry! I'm coming right now!
See you later!
Here it comes!
Now dodge it! Apapapa!
Why don't you dodge it?
Come on, dodge it!
I-I can't do this anymore...
Sorry about that, Kenichi!
Next time I'll be sure to fold back.
I think you mean, "hold back."
Stop screwing around!
If you don't hurry up, there'll be no time for me to teach you.
This many fighting masters are urging me to keep training...
Does that mean...
Um, does this mean that
I've got some talent in martial arts by any chance?
No.
Apa...
I can't believe you people answered that in sync!!
Fine! I'm a loser!
I'd rather die right here right now if those thugs are going to get me!
K-Kenichi-san!
You're a genius at self-defeat.
Well, everyone has some anxiety about fighting, more or less.
And at a time like that, you just have to punch up a pole!
Punch the pole when you're scared,
and punch the pole when you're anxious.
And punch the pole when you gain some confidence!
Only your practice will not betray you.
"Practice will not betray you"?
Martial arts can also be used to train your heart.
So, you take your time.
B-But...
Fine. I'll show you a technique then.
Listen, you might prepare yourself mentally on a regular basis,
but when the time comes for a real fight,
you might find that you don't get much power out of your fists.
Right...
When it happens, don't feel pressured to form a fist.
You can just hold your hand like this, nice and loose,
and like a whip-
Aim for the nose or chin.
Uh, right.
Do you thing that might end up breaking the opponent's jaw?
If you can break it then you've made it!
I do want to be strong, but that doesn't meant I want to fight...
I'm doing it! I'm doing it!
Seems like he's about to be crushed by the seed he has sown himself, huh?
Yes.
Jeez, he still hasn't got the courage.
Hmm, courage, huh?
Why don't you take a little break?
Uh, yeah.
I know!
- I see... - That sounds interesting.
Kenichi-kun.
Y-Yes, sir!
I'm doing it! I'm doing it!
Why don't you go out with Miu on Sunday?
Huh?
What?
We're telling you to go out on a date.
A-A date? Y-You're sure?
Sure.
Y-Yes! Yes! Yes! Yoo-hoo!
Miu-san!
M-Miu-san, that wasn't nice...
I-I'm sorry. It's just reflex whenever someone stands behind me.
It's okay.
But we're definitely going, right? Let's make a pinky promise!
Huh?
And just by coincidence, I have two tickets to the movies.
But, I...
Come on. Just go.
It's good to take time off.
- Okay. - Yay!
Going to the movie with Miu-san!
But before that, you know you have something to do.
Uh, right! Right! Right! Right!
We're off!
You two have fun!
Hurry! Hurry! The train's about to leave!
Right!
We made it!
Boy, Miu-san, you sure can run fast!
Uh, I'm sorry.
I-It's okay...
She seems pretty happy about this. Could this be...
This is the first time in my life
that I'm going to see a movie in a theater!
What? Are you serious?
So the reason behind those smiles is the movie...
Fine... Fine... Damn!
Hey, my dear friend Kenichi-kun.
Huh?
I've been looking all over for you, Kenichi-kun.
Oh, Niijima-san! Huh?
- Miu-san, I think there are more seats available at the back of the train! - What!
Hang on, Kenichi! My best buddy Kenichi-kun!
Kenichi-san, we're supposed to get off at the next station!
Don't worry about that!
W-Wait, you! I've got information for you!
Are you sure you don't want to hear that?
Was it okay we left Niijima-san like that?
No problem.
And one stop is really not that far, so let's just walk!
If you say so.
I bet he's waiting for me at the next station...
Anyway, it's been really so long since I've left the housework behind
and have gone for a walk!
I have no doubt that he will show up right here.
Don't underestimate me!
That damn Niijima!
How did he know we were coming here?
Is he some kind of psychic?
What's the matter?
The movie is going to start soon.
Well, err...
This is a problem.
With Niijima around, my long-awaited date is going to be ruined!
Oh, we've got only five minutes.
Miu-san!
Yes?
Miu-san...
Yes?
Are you hungry?
Huh?
All of a sudden I got really hungry while we were walking! Oh, I know!
Instead of going to a movie, how about we go get something to eat?
What? But we have these free tickets.
I'm hungry! I'm hungry! I'm hungry!
I'm hungry!
All right! All right! I understand, so please don't eat the tickets!
"Future Detective Conan the Great"
Are they here yet?
Welcome? What would you like?
Um... Um... Um... The spicy chili burger and...
And the ultra master dog?
Um, is this your first time with fast food as well?
Yes. I don't eat out very much.
Huh?
Yeah, I guess she's got it pretty tough every day.
Anyway, I'm going to make sure she enjoys herself today!
Miu-san, let's have fun today!
Th-This is spicy!
Oh...
It's not bad to go crazy
If it's exciting I have to do it
Stop hesitating already
I will chase you! Wait, meow!
You're late!
You're late, Kenichi Shirahama!
You're one of Kenichi Shirahama's buddies, aren't you?
Huh?
Where is Kenichi Shirahama?
Here.
Uh, thanks.
Man, that sure was a lot of fun!
It sure was.
We never got to go to the movie,
but we got to do all sorts of other things instead.
Yes.
Oh, I'm sorry. I was spaced out.
Don't tell me this is the first time you've come to a place like this.
Yes. After all, I've been training every day.
I feel like I've missed out.
I would've loved to ride in that once.
Let's get on it!
Huh?
It's never too late, you know.
Let's get on that merry-go-round!
Come on. Hurry up. Let's go!
Uh, but, um...
You know, when you decide that you want to do something,
you ought to do it!
Oh... It seems like things are going just fine.
There's nothing to be so nervous about.
Right...
I hope she won't be disappointed with this and be upset with me...
Wow, so this is how it feels like, to wave from this side.
I'm so glad that she's enjoying herself.
Do you really want to see the movie?
Yes! One should do the things that one wants to do!
Isn't that right, Kenichi-san?
Uh, yeah...
I bet that Niijima is still waiting there.
Phew! I guess even he lost patience.
I'm asking you!
I said, "Where the hell is Kenichi Shirahama?"
I honestly don't know!
You stubborn son of a bitch!
Spit it out already!
I swear I barely know his face...
Bastard!
You said you two were buddies until just a minute ago!
Were you telling us a lie, you punk?
Niijima-san...
The movie's about to start.
We've got to help him! He's your friend, right?
"Friend"? Who is?
We have nothing to do with that.
Are you really going to pretend that you didn't see that?
I'll become a hero, who'll beat up all those bad guys
that everyone pretends not to notice!
I told you to spit it out already!
Stop it!
You finally came! Hurry up and save your best buddy here!
So you're the one, who's been bragging about beating Tsukuba?
I haven't been bragging about anything!
Oh, no! My legs are starting to shake!
What? Looks like you're shaking.
Crap! This is getting seriously scary!
I bet that I'm much better than you in a fight!
Calm down!
Have faith in the training that I've done up until now!
When you find that's the case, use this.
Here it comes!
That hurt, you bastard.
Uh, huh?
How dare you! I've decided now that I'm going to kill-
Only your practice will not betray you.
That was great!
G-Great?
Um, I guess I got them all.
You morons!
Didn't I tell you that Shirahama and I are best buddies?
He's a master of martial arts!
Karate, kickboxing, Chinese martial arts...
He's mastered them all!
If he gets serious,
- Man, this guy is sharp! - he can take all of you out in a second!
- Does he have some kind of telepathy or something? - he can take all of you out in a second!
We've got no fear for the Ragnarok. Just bring it on whenever you want!
Hey, stop telling them whatever you want!
And besides, what the heck is this Ragnarok?
But I wonder how these people knew that you'd be here today.
Yeah, now that you said that...
Hmm, this is it.
Huh?
Some old Chinese man with a hat was handing this out to the thugs in the school.
Wh-What?
"Kenichi Shirahama Activity Schedule"
What the heck is this?
You know, I've been marked by the thugs already!
Well, this was Akisame-kun's idea...
I call it the "Carrot and Stick Two-Sided Strategy".
"Carrot and Stick Two-Sided Strategy"
Huh?
Well, I saw you punching the pole,
looking like you were about to drop out and run away.
So it was a light-hearted attempt at putting some backbone into you.
Wh-What kind of people are you?
You used Miu-san as bait and had those thugs attack me?
If you run away once,
you must fight twice to move one step forward.
A lion would push his child into a deep valley in order to toughen his child up.
That's also called "tough love."
I don't need love like that!
But they already have their eyes on you.
You would've had to fight them sooner or later.
Yes. The enemy will keep on attacking from all directions.
It's terrible! This is too terrible!
There, there. You know they say,
"when a man steps out of the gate, he faces seven enemies."
Hey, you see this as someone else's problem, don't you?
Uh, no... Well...
What are you all fussing about?
Oh, Elder.
I see. That's quite a mess.
Kenichi-san, my grandfather has had a life rich in experience,
so we should seek his guidance in deciding what you should do in the future.
Uh, right...
I was a weakling once, a long time ago.
And the guys at the neighborhood dojo used to always pick on me.
You were? That's unexpected.
Well, but of course,
I made sure that the payback was 100 times worse than what they did to me.
Oh.
That's right.
Once you fight, even if you don't want to fight anymore,
more and more people will want to challenge you.
I was constantly attacked, day after day.
I had no choice but to wipe out the dojos...
The next thing I knew, I was an old man!
What?
It means that once you start fighting, you can't stop in the middle of it.
That's basically it.
That doesn't really solve my problem!
Huh? What were we talking about?
What?
Well, we were wondering if there was a way to resolve this peacefully...
Ken-chan, you've already decided that you're not going to run away, haven't you?
"K-Ken-chan"?
If that's the case, you must prepare yourself!
Besides, they say,
"When a man steps out of the gate, he faces seven enemies."
Now, just calm down. I'll give you this.
Wh-What's this?
W-Were you following us the whole time?
Ma-san, you're terrible! You letch! Pervert!
I took those pictures so you can have a keepsake.
I thought you'd be happier!
Check you out! You and Miu are lovey-dovey!
I wish I could've gone, too!
Must be nice!
I see you're drinking juice and all!
These people are so elementary...
I thought I told you to bring Kenichi Shirahama to me.
W-We were just...
Hmm...
I guess it's about time for me to go and see him myself.
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
I'm happy, so happy!
Kenichi is going to spend the night at Ryozanpaku!
Boy, spending the night here for training, huh? How depressing...
It's been so tough already up to now...
What's the matter, Kenichi? Aren't you happy?
You have a fun-filled overnight training coming up!
It must be nice to be so carefree at all time, Apachai-san...
That's not true! Sometimes I think about things very seriously.
Like, how I should punish you when you run away,
or what I should do if you stop breathing during the training!
What's going to happen to me...