Seek... without asking for the answer
I want to discover in the match on the edge
GET LIFE... not much time is left
That is the beginning
I WANT THIS ONLY
I will continue to seek
In the midst of that silver light
I may hurt others
As others may hurt me
But it doesn't end there
Keep seeking single-mindedly
I still don't see anything... WHY?
But I still keep seeking
NO PAIN TRANCE CONTINUE
I'll be waiting for you in Osaka!
Ippo!
Uh, yeah?
Would you take care of the customers over here?
Okay!
What's wrong?
Uh, well... Isn't one of our clients a professor...
at the University of Health and Sport Science?
Do you mean Professor Miyazaki?
Yeah, that's the one.
Do you think he knows a good orthopedic doctor?
You still can't get yourself to give up on that match, huh?
Yeah. I don't want to make the decision to withdraw before I even try.
Maybe there's a way to heal my fist.
I want to go to Osaka!
Oh, all right. I'll contact him for you.
You will?!
I'll contact him, and no more.
Thanks, Mom!
Ouch...
Professor Miyazaki's doctor friend is spoken of very highly.
Apparently, this doctor is quite the combat sports fan, does judo...
and even was grand champion at a national tournament!
YAMAGUCHI Chiropractic Clinic
He says that if you explain the circumstances...
the doctor will probably give you a consultation.
But if you're told that it's not going to heal in time...
I want you to step back and let the match go, all right?
Okay.
Hello?
May I help you?
Uh, actually, I'm here to see Dr. Yamaguchi.
Professor Miyazaki at the University of Health and Sport Science...
Oh, so you're Makunouchi-kun.
Huh? How did you know?
I'm Dr. Yamaguchi. Pleased to meet you.
What?
Well, that's silly. I heard you're really strong...
so I expected someone intimidating. You're nothing like I imagined.
Oh.
You really don't look like a boxer, do you?
Really, ma'am?
Uh, well, I was a little surprised to see you, too...
Surprised?
Huh? Well, uh...
I was told you were the number one Judo champion in Japan.
Oh? I may not look it, but they used to call me "Lady Sanshiro."
No, I mean I didn't think you'd be a woman...
No wonder she comes so highly recommended.
Wow.
That explains it.
Um... Actually, it's not my shoulder I want looked at...
it's my broken right fist.
Yeah. No wonder it broke.
After the match, the pain wasn't only in your fist...
but your right shoulder hurt a little too, right?
Huh? Now that you mention it...
It's already begun to heal...
but your right shoulder muscles are in very bad shape.
This sort of injury only occurs with substantial destructive power.
What?
In your case, the power of your punch is too much...
for your shoulders and fists to handle.
So, at the moment of impact...
the reaction injures the strained parts of your body.
The Chief told me the same thing!
You can tell all that just by touching my shoulder?!
Uh-huh, of course!
The professor really recommended a great doctor! You're amazing!
Y-You're amazing, too.
Huh?
Hey!!
To be honest with you, this is difficult.
But "difficult" doesn't mean it's impossible, right?
T-There is a way, isn't there?
Tell me, please!
But this is a tricky injury.
As a doctor, I can't recommend you accept a match...
that might shorten your boxing career.
Ippo-kun, you have only begun to box, right?
For your future, you should let this match go.
But that means I'd be running away.
Running away? Why?
I can't explain it well...
but I'm the type of boxer who goes forward.
Otherwise, I can't fight.
If I use my injury as an excuse to run from my match with Sendo-san...
I feel like I'll never be able to go forward in other matches again.
If there's even a 1% chance I can be in the match...
I want to take those odds. I want to fight Sendo-san.
Would you promise me one thing?
I want you to follow my rehabilitation regimen to the letter...
for the one month remaining until the match.
If you do, I believe you will recover enough to get into the ring.
Really?!
However, I think the pain will still persist a little.
If that's the case, I will inject anesthesia...
directly into your fist right before the match.
Anesthetize my fist?
I think you'll be fine during the match...
but I hear it hurts like hell when it wears off.
That's fine with me! As long as...
As long as I can fight the match.
Very well. The truth is...
I understand how you feel very well.
Let's work hard at it together until next month's match!
Yes, ma'am! Thank you so much!
Is that the treatment the doctor prescribed?
Yeah.
If my fist heats up during training...
she said it's important to cool it down.
I see.
Also, you're going to hurt your muscles in every match at this rate.
Let's train your shoulder muscles and make them strong enough...
to absorb your destructive punching power.
Forty-eight...
Forty-nine...
Fifty.
Fishing Boat Rental MAKUNOUCHI
KAMOGAWA Boxing Gym
It feels like we've been away from Japan for a long time, doesn't it?
Yeah, but now it's gonna get busy.
Hey, did you find me an opponent?
Well, we were given the cold shoulder a lot.
We still managed to come up with two opponents, though.
So, my powerful reputation has finally reached Thailand, huh?
Your intensive training starts immediately. Prepare for the worst.
Forty nine...
Fifty!
What the hell is that?
Uh... Welcome back, Chief.
I only had to leave for a minute for you to start the monkey business.
Uh, actually... I'm...
Chief's Office
What? Inject anesthesia directly into your fist?
Y-Yes. The doctor says the same was done in a previous case.
Please give me permission to fight in the match!
Yes, there is a precedent for that...
However, injuries to the fist tend to become chronic...
and the fact is, it won't stop after a couple of incidents.
In the long run, I think you should let it heal completely.
Ippo-kun! This is very important!
Don't waste your breath, Yagi-chan.
Once this kid thinks of something, nothing we say can dissuade him.
Monthly Boxing Fan Go for the world!
What are these?
This is reference material I've been hiding from you...
to stop you from getting stirred up about Sendo.
Sendo is a die-hard in-fighter just like you.
He is by no means endowed in the defense department.
But he is equipped with more than enough power to compensate.
Whoa.
He has extraordinary destructive power.
Needless to say, his opponent was hospitalized.
Fortunately, it was not life-threatening...
but he will never be able to step in the ring as a boxer again.
Listen. You're suggesting you want to take on this guy.
And with a handicap, no less.
Sendo-san is amazing.
Just thinking about fighting him gives me the shivers.
What he's saying doesn't match his expression.
Damn! He never gives up.
Hey, kid! Let me ask you one question.
Boxing is an extreme sport.
The lifespan of a boxer is the shortest of any athlete.
Do you want to make a decision...
that may make your already short career even shorter?
I understand that fists are a boxer's life, but...
If my injury becomes chronic and destroys my career...
I will admit that's all the boxer I was.
Very well.
If you're that determined, I will respect your feelings as a boxer.
We will proceed with practice for your match.
T-Thank you!
However!
I'm not 100% convinced that you're up for it.
The decision to proceed or withdraw will be made...
based on how well your fist heals before the day of the match.
Any complaints?!
No, sir!
NANIWA Boxing Center
Looks like you're getting the hang of the smash.
This is bad. That's enough for today.
What do you mean?
Even if I get the hang of the smash...
I can't get the hang of my opponent.
Sendo-san!
You got a package from Tokyo.
Oh, it's from Makunouchi.
He sure is conscientious to send me the stuff I left behind.
"It looks like I can go to Osaka. Makunouchi"
Yanaoka!
Huh? What's up?
W-What?! Didn't you just say you had enough for today?
Yeah, right! If he says he'll come...
he'll come in his best condition.
I bet he's deep into his intensive training right now!
I can't let even a second go to waste!
Like this?
Yes.
You look great.
You're doing this, too.
What?
There are many tough boxers in Thailand!
They've been going through the rigors of kickboxing.
I came up with this training in order to compete with their stamina.
This is stupid.
Are you telling me to build up stamina this late in the game?
Stop muttering and get to it!
Ippo-kun!
Dr. Yamaguchi!
What are you doing here?
I couldn't stop thinking about your training.
The guys at the gym said you'd be here.
Hey, who's that?
She's the chiropractor I've been going to.
What?
You must be the Chief. Pleased to meet you.
The kid told me all about you.
Is this how you do it, old man?
Yes.
I doubt this kind of training will build up stamina...
but the perks are yummy.
I bet I know what he's thinking this time.
All right, now do a 50-meter dash in that position for 3 laps!
To the steel tower and back!
Whoa! That looks really hard!
Damn! We didn't just have to hold the pose?
Now, go!
Damn it all!
Takamura-san, you're fast!
This is a piece of cake!
This not only looks really hard, it is really hard.
Oh, yeah!
Just a little more...
Hey!
Damn! I'll be right back!
I've gotta catch up to him!
This is a fun exercise, isn't it?
Isn't it hilarious?
Yes, this is really interesting.
It will build up stamina as well as develop shoulder and back muscles.
It just might be the most appropriate exercise for Ippo-kun.
But this activity is harder than it looks.
I wonder if three rounds from the very beginning is too much?
Time isn't a luxury we have. The match is in only one month.
My job is to create winning boxers.
What are his odds?
Who knows? Even though Sendo has a weak guard...
he is a tough boxer.
Unless the kid can put 100% of his power into the match...
it will be difficult to knock him down.
You'll let me accompany all of you to Osaka, right?
Huh?
It is my job to help get Ippo-kun's right fist...
as close to perfect condition as possible.
Yeah, whatever.
Things are gonna get busy!
Well, see you later!
No wonder the kid got all pumped up.
I'm almost there!
- It's your fault! It's your fault!
- What's your problem?!
Sendo-san's video?
If we got him on video, I wanna watch it.
We should learn his moves so we can help you practice.
That's true.
Oh, Takamura-san. Can we use the VCR?
Sure!
At any rate, his destructive power is really impressive.
Anyway, take a look.
He was practically begging for a fight with Ippo...
So, don't let us down.
I'm telling you, it's awesome!
Yes... He certainly does seem to have destructive power.
This IS amazing.
This isn't it!
What? That's strange. I don't get it!
Forgive me. I saw the tape sitting there...
so I thought it was just a blank and I recorded over it.
How could you do such a thing?!
Don't get so pissed off!
I noticed halfway through, so the match is still there.
Thank God.
Sendo is getting hit.
His guard is too low.
Yes.
From that position?
Isn't it amazing?
He's a stubborn guy.
Still, he sure can throw a good punch from that awkward position.
That tells us he has good lower body strength.
It's right after this! He throws his finishing straight right punch!
He throws an amazing punch and blows away the opponent's guard!
Oh, it's amazing!
Not only once, but twice.
Oh, come on. I already messed up, so why not?
You're too much.
Hey, check all the other tapes.
We've gotta break all the write-protect tabs.
Ninety-nine...
One hundred!
One...
Two...
Day in, day out, nothing but resistance training.
Although I guess he can't use his fist anyway.
But haven't his shoulders and arms become one size bigger?
Yeah. I wonder what kind of punches he'll throw...
once his fist is completely healed?
I can just see the look on Sendo's face.
NANIWA Boxing Gym
All right!
He's out doing roadwork again? Isn't he practicing too much?
Yeah, that's the problem. I guess he can't stop himself.
Look what he did to the sandbag and mitts.
This is amazing. If Makunouchi took a hit like this...
even he would be flat on his back.
Yeah, but Makunouchi's punches are the equivalent of Sendo's.
If they took each other's best punches...
the match would end instantly.
Thanks, Grandma. I'm going running again.
Hey, it's Rocky!
Rocky's goofing off!
What do you mean, you silly kids?! I am not!
I gave Hiroshi in Division 4 the right straight you taught me...
and it got to him. His legs got shaky!
You idiot! I told you not to use it for fights.
Watch this! Hook, Hook!
Forget it. The angle is all wrong.
Hey, you guys sure look bored. Why don't you play like other kids do?
But we don't have a video game console.
You told us you'd buy us one...
when you become Rookie of the Year, remember?!
Buy us one now!
Buy us one!
Yeah! Yeah!
Are you a liar, Rocky?!
Shut up!
If you guys are that bored, I'll give you these.
What's this?
Those are tickets for the All-Japan Rookie Championship Tournament.
Aw, man!
It's gonna be a real exciting match.
It'll be way more exciting than a silly old video game.
Well, see ya later!
Hey, wait!
Don't follow me, you bratty kids!
You're cramping my style!
Hey, Rocky! You're the All-Japan champ, hands down!
Thanks!
Want some tangerines for the road?
Sorry, I'm on a diet.
Look, we made a banner for you! "Best in the world! Rocky of Naniwa"
Thanks! But "in the world" is a little hasty.
DO-TON-BORI KO that Makunouchi!
You're the Rookie of the Year!
We'll all be there at the match to cheer you on!
Go for it, Rocky!
We're counting on you, Star of Osaka!
Leave it to me!
I feel almost no pain now.
Besides, I can't complain now that I've come this far.
Sendo-san, I challenge you!
Thanks for coming out all this way.
Thank you for having us.
Nice to see you folks.
Kid, I want you to start warming up.
Do some sparring.
What? I'm going to spar, sir?
This is Komori. He's an 8-round level lightweight.
Pleased to meet you.
Hello.
You might find him a bit overwhelming...
but it's only a warm-up.
I see.
What's wrong? He's a class higher than you.
Take advantage of your stronger opponent and go all the way.
Yes, sir.
Are you worried about your fist?
What? Y-Yes.
Listen, you don't have to hit with your full power.
Your hand is 70 to 80% recovered.
Use the power you have now.
70% of your punching power will be plenty.
Yes, sir!
Peek-a-Boo style, huh?
His guard looks pretty tight.
The pain is gone. I need to get my feel back!
What a fast step-in!
What kind of a left was that?!
That kid is good!
He's at his peak.
His speed and power have improved.
This guy is strong!
Good! I'm getting the hang of the rhythm.
Next, I'll try double punches from the left!
Right!
Oh, no! I held back my right fist!
My turn!
I'll do it this time!
Hey...
Ow.
- Hasn't his fist...
- healed yet?
It's healed. But he can't punch with it.
Why?
No matter what I do, it's the same
I keep making mistakes
What is truly important?
Weary about what's under my feet
I can't stop looking down
When that happens
Just look up
Look far into the distance
Find a new perspective from a different angle
When walking down a narrow path, look up
You'll find the world has a 360-degree view
The All-Japan Rookie of the Year.
Every rookie in Eastern and Western Japan fight in tournaments...
and the winners in each level keep holding matches...
until the winner is determined.
I am about to stand on the stage that will judge me.
Also, I am looking forward to fighting...
the most powerful rookie boxer in Western Japan.
Until only a short time ago, this was beyond my wildest dreams!
The next round is, "Traces of Intense Battles."