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
The Featherweight second match will commence shortly.
I made it!
Ippo, over here!
Congratulations! It was amazing.
Thanks.
Should you be up and about?
D-Date-san! Did you watch me?!
That was a totally ridiculous match.
Uh, no...
You're still not the opponent at hand...
so I guess I'll congratulate you.
Thank you, sir.
Come on, it's about to start.
That is, the match starring YOUR opponent at hand.
Now the next match in the A-Class Tournament is about to begin.
Attention is on the entrance of the former amateur world champion.
What kind of match will we see...
now that he's switched to the professional ring... Volg Zangeif?!
His opponent Suzuki is totally ready to rumble.
That's because this is probably his last chance due to his age.
So he has over 200 victories in the amateur circle?
It takes more than technique to make a fight.
Who knows how far his enthusiasm will take him?
When Volg was an amateur...
I hear he was feared as "The White Fang."
White Fang?
Apparently it has something to do with wolves and their fangs.
I'd like to see how a wolf boxes.
Box!
That's a real basic pose.
He's an amateur champ, all right. So he does it by the book.
Take it nice and calm!
I know that.
An orthodox upright style.
Judging from the way he's putting weight on his rear foot...
he's going for a counter.
Suzuki one-twos!
Volg dodges it brilliantly with a back step!
That's good step work.
He's using the entire ring to his favor.
His speed is amazing, too.
This is powerful!
Suzuki's forward progress has been halted!
Was that a jab?!
Speed, power, balance. They're all flawless.
If he's this good, it'd take something big to topple him.
To topple him...
That's a heavy jab. That's a world champ for ya.
I was more than ready for something like this.
However, I bet this kind of boxing...
isn't in the book!
Suzuki throws a right after a tricky move!
He then throws himself into his opponent!
That's it! Press him that hard and you'll smother his technique!
He used his shoulder to raise his trunk. Get him, get him!
Sorry you had to come all the way to Japan for this...
but to me, this is my last chance.
I'm going to win, if you don't mind!
Oh, my! Volg is hit!
Has Suzuki gained control of the pace with his human cannonball moves?!
That's a terrific way to put on pressure.
It has more effect because he's reckless.
Still, I don't like it.
His cornerman hasn't budged an inch at this stage in the game.
It's true. Even though his boxer is clearly in trouble.
His center of gravity is on his front leg?
Is he going to use infighting?!
I couldn't ask for more!
Close quarter combat is my turf!
A simultaneous hit!
Volg accepts the challenge with infighting!
It has turned into a ferocious exchange of blows!
Who will out-punch the other?!
If I'm pushing him this hard, how can he punch so smoothly?!
Don't tell me he's shown his true colors!
Hey, he's...
An infighter.
I can't believe the look on his face. He looks like another person!
Suzuki-san stepped back.
Th-This is bad. I have to guard.
Don't let him daunt you! Go forward!
He's throwing punches accurately through tiny holes in my guard!
Clean hit!
That hurt!
Volg checkmates in one attack! Suzuki is groggy!
H-Hey!
The referee steps in! It's a standing knockdown!
Hey, Volg!
Stop it!
Please stop it!
Volg, it's the towel!
Stop it!
Stop!
Suzuki! Pull yourself together!
Bring a stretcher, quick!
Th-The match is over!
What an indescribable ending!
Volg Zangeif is powerful!
Why, you! How dare you do this to a boxer from my gym?!
I can't believe he defeated him faster than Date-san did!
Uh, Sempai, Date-san is leaving.
He didn't do it using techniques.
Volg-san...
conquered the world by force.
Volg, you won. Let's go.
He won... but he doesn't even smile.
Far from it. He somehow looks unhappy.
His sharp edge and his violence...
are like a wolf with bared fangs.
Yes.
And I have to fight him next?
A counter connected!
Go, Kimura-san!
Flatten the bugger!
In the Blue Corner, the victor is Kimura!
It was a flawless full-mark win by decision.
Yeah, he fights with class!
He should have flattened him.
Aoki-san, keep trying!
Get buggered!
You barbarian.
It's no good. He'll get me at this rate!
But I can't let it end...
with Ippo and Kimura alone in the winner's circle!
I was going to keep this under wraps until the final, but...
What?
All right!
Way to go, frog-jumping guy!
Frog jump?
That guy has really stooped low enough to use anything.
Good work, you three.
Use the next few days to recuperate.
However, don't get careless.
The tournament has only begun, you know.
Right!
Thank you, sir!
I sure am glad I cleared the first match without a hitch.
What's wrong, you guys?
Nothing. After seeing Volg-san fight, I sort of...
You started to worry about it?
I know how that feels.
I just watched Mashiba fight a moment ago...
and when I remember that freak will be waiting for me at the final, I...
What's with you gloomy losers?
Oh, fine. I guess it's my job as your major role model...
to do a favor for the lot of you.
We're gonna party! Come with me!
What? Is it a celebration party?!
Right on!
Giant Echo KARAOKE
We'll start from the bottom of the food chain!
B-But this is my first time in a place like this!
Ahem.
I'm the one at the very bottom!
Look at you, acting like the haughty sempai.
But I can't help it. I've never done karaoke before.
Has a 360-degree view...
Wow, he's actually pretty good.
You go, Barf-michi!
Th-Thanks.
Not bad, Barf-michi.
After hearing that, I can no longer stay silent.
Aoki! Select 9-A-5!
Yes, sir!
He knows the number without looking at the booklet?!
It's his special song.
The Champion
Wow! The Champion is going to sing "The Champion."
I started to grab on...
To those hot arms...
Don't tell me you thought he'd be good?
Just sit tight until the song's over.
And as you turned to look at me...
Hayami-san!
So that's what he's been doing all this time!
A part-time job!
A-Amazing.
What I would give for a job like that.
Yeah! Thank you, thank you!
Wh-Why are they reacting like that?
I don't mind singing...
but I've never received a standing ovation before.
Okay.
An encore it is!
What?!
Way up high in the ring...
This is the fifth time, isn't it?
Somebody stop him... or else he'll keep it up all night.
I'm getting more and more pissed off.
In the first place...
why did they cast someone who lost to Ippo as the champion?!
But, you know, even if it's only a bit part...
I'd love to wrap that around me just once.
Oh, yeah. Very soon now all three of them...
will be within reach of the champion belt.
Damn it!
Okay, I'm joining you!
You too, Sempai?
When they think of the fight coming up...
I bet they feel a crushing amount of pressure.
This is the 20th time!
Somebody stop them!
All right! We'll have party part two in my place!
Yo!
Are we still partying?
It's part two, plus review meeting.
It's to give a power boost to my left counterpunch.
I also need to perfect my frog jump.
That's incredible, isn't it?
Everyone has their own deadly technique.
What about you, Sempai? All of your moves are deadly!
Your left liver blow is an art.
I don't think I got it right.
Step in more firmly...
and pivot on that leg to rotate your body. Watch me.
Amazing!
He's pivoting on his left leg and moving everything from knee to shoulder!
You idiot!
I'm sorry!
We'll never be able to go there again!
I got carried away.
U-Um...
I should be getting home soon.
Oh, yeah. I forgot you're still in high school.
I'm sorry. We kind of made a mess of it.
Please! I enjoyed myself.
I've never been able to goof around with friends before.
Who're you calling friend?
You keep talking like that...
Uh... Good night.
Thank you for everything.
"Thank you for everything"? What a strange guy.
I was told to keep a lid on it...
but I guess it's all right to tell you now.
Are you really sure?
You don't want to quit Kamogawa Gym, do you?
Don't worry about it.
I've never seen you this happy at a new location before, Nao-chan.
This is a special town to you, isn't it?
Yeah. It's special.
They're hearty and cheerful, rough and gentle.
I spent time with really incredible people.
The memories from this town are my treasures.
I'm sorry. I gave you nothing but suffering.
It's not like that, Mom.
It's like something has changed since I spent time with them.
I'll be okay anywhere I go now.
Something has changed inside of me.
That's the treasure I'm talking about.
He's moving?!
Why didn't you tell me?!
You can't keep a secret to save your life!
What did you say?!
Now, now, think of how Barf-michi feels.
He doesn't want a fuss to be made over him.
You're all shallow.
And you abused him more than anyone, Takamura-san.
What do you think? Want to try that?
That, huh?
Do you have a plan?
Very well. However, this particular send-off is on the bitter side.
Thank you for everything.
Take care of yourself.
Yes, sir.
The guys are waiting for you in the ring downstairs.
Huh? I thought no one would be here because they're resting.
They say it's your send-off party.
For me?
Sorry to keep you waiting!
He's here.
We're already warmed up, so hurry up and get ready.
Is this the send-off party?
Yeah, Kamogawa-style.
You've heard of the 100 Man Kumite in karate, haven't you?
We're going to spar you in turn, just like it.
Ippo took too much damage yesterday, so he's sitting this out.
Th-Thank you so much!
I'm sure it will be a memory I'll never forget!
We'll start with me.
Try to stay alive.
Yo...
I'm going all-out!
Thank you, sir.
Next is me.
All right, in Aoki-san's case, I can give you some advice.
Watch out for anomalies.
Attack him bang-on, taking the initiative.
Right.
Don't whisper about me behind my back.
Junior welter jabs are powerful!
Now keep exchanging punches!
Huh?
Double punch!
I guess it is easy to get fooled by him.
Kimura-san is an orthodox outboxer.
Don't let him establish distance. Stick close to him.
Right.
Someone's filling his head with nonsense from behind...
so watch out.
OK.
Nice dash!
Amazing! He's keeping up with Kimura-san!
It's proof of his roadwork training.
Nice body shot!
He won't fall.
Even though he took a clean hit from a counter.
Sempai...
I'm an easy target for bullies.
I can't believe my eyes.
So close! If he could just step in a little more...
he would score a hit. He's almost there.
You throw such good punches, I got worked up.
Th-Thank you, sir!
His basic physical strength is holding up...
and he has guts now.
Ability-wise, you wouldn't think he was a pre-debut rookie.
I guess we can't call him Barf-michi anymore, huh?
Huh? Sempai?
Hey, Ippo.
I can manage one round somehow.
I don't want him to forget this, either.
Sempai...
I'm giving it all I got.
Right.
All right, go!
He's still exhausted from the Saeki fight.
Numbers are what counts among fighters. Make more hits.
Kill him if you have to. We'll write it off as an accident!
This is my final sparring session with my sempai.
I'll get him to look over everything I've ever learned.
He's fast!
- That little... - He's serious!
Hit him before he hits you!
Is this a jab?!
I'm so close, but I can't hit him!
He's getting more worked up than we were!
His fighting method is the best reference for a fighter.
Even though he's coming apart at the seams.
You really love your juniors, don't you?
This is a lecture from Professor Makunouchi!
Don't miss a minute of it!
I don't have that leisure!
Below!
It's no good! I won't make it!
This step-in!
Don't look away!
This is his...
liver blow!
What destructive power...
Are you okay?
Thank you so... Urp.
Urp?
Not in the ring!
I'll go have a shower.
It's your fault for hitting him in the liver!
Tough love should only be taken so far.
I'm sorry.
I guess he stayed Barf-michi to the very end.
This one's Takamura-san.
And this one's Aoki-san, and this one's Kimura-san.
And this one...
I'll never, ever forget this.
Yamada-kun...
keep boxing.
If you do, we might be able to meet again.
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
Contender.
A challenger in line for a title match.
A position to take the belt.
However, the path to the belt is treacherous.
Challenge rights will be stripped from the loser...
even if it were a close match.
Even if you're uneasy, even if you can't sleep...
all you can do is keep going.
It's a chance that finally came your way...
after a repetition of matches and efforts!
The next episode is, "Become a Gazelle."