Original subtitles

He returns a liver blow!

Neither the champ nor the challenger, Ippo Makunouchi, back off!

The stadium reverberates from the powerful slugfest!

This is definitely a Lollapalooza!

- Ippo! - Go for it!

You're winning, Ippo!

Stick to it!

Makunouchi.

Makunouchi-san!

Kid!

The Japan featherweight title match is finally nearing the end!

At the end of the violent fight...

upon whom will the goddess of victory smile?

The champ puts on the pressure! Makunouchi has nowhere to go!

Makunouchi poises for the Dempsey Roll!

It's blocked!

They hit simultaneously!

A right connects!

This is a big chance for Makunouchi!

H-He's down!

Neutral corner!

One!

Two!

Three!

I wonder... what it means to be strong?

To be strong.

I have to win to get the answer.

If I win, I'll get the answer.

He's up!

The champion grips the rope to stand up!

Will it continue?! Will it come to an end?!

Eight!

Nine!

Ten!

The match is over!

A new champion is born!

And his name is Ippo Makunouchi, 19 years old!

I did it!

Mom, leave that there. I'll carry it out.

You will? Okay, I'll lock up.

Fishing Boat Rental MAKUNOUCHI Okay. Let's go, Wampo!

Good morning, Umezawa-kun!

Come on, Ippo, I'll do that. You take it easy.

I'm fine! I've recuperated from the match.

Yeah, but still...

Hey, Champ!

Are you up and about already?

Yes, thank you!

But please don't call me Champ.

Let's keep it the same as always.

Yeah, but you are the bona fide champion of Japan.

That's right. I feel pretty smug, being best friend to the champ.

Hold your head high.

But when I'm working on the fishing boat...

let's keep it like old times.

Oh, come on, Champ!

We're gonna call you Champ anyway!

You're Number One!

Champ, huh?

It's great to be called that, but it's kind of embarrassing.

After all, it still doesn't feel real to the champion himself.

Okay!

Hey, is that new training wear?

Actually, I got it as a gift!

It sure is nice to have new training wear.

It makes me feel lighter. My step feels faster.

I could keep running forever!

- Kid. - Yes, Chief?

I'll praise you for doing such a good job this time around.

However, it doesn't end at making champion.

You've gone from aiming for the belt...

to having the belt aimed at.

In that sense, the fight is only beginning!

Fight for it harder than ever before!

Yes, sir.

Why are you lookin' so serious?

You sing too, Champion!

What? No, thanks!

What's this?

You tryin' to say that my mike isn't good enough for you?

Look at how stuck-up he's gotten since becoming champion.

That isn't true!

By the way, how does it feel?

Takamura-san!

Kimura-kun, Aoki-kun...

how does it feel to be overtaken by a junior?

I've no idea how that might feel...

because I'm slated to become world champion in the very near future.

If you don't mind, would you please tell me how it feels?

Oh, Kumi-san.

Everyone looks like they're having fun.

What? Is that what it looks like?

What was that? I'm afraid you'll have to speak up!

Nothing.

But you'll see. We'll do it when the time comes!

That's right! I'll get that belt for my Tomiko!

"For my Tomiko."

What? What's wrong with wanting to get the belt for the woman you love?!

Who are you trying to kid?! Don't make me laugh!

Aoki, ready to give up?

Congratulations, Ippo-kun!

Eek, Masaru!

He was having a bit of a scuffle with Kimura.

What?!

What are you doing to Masaru?!

He's lying! Takamura-san is lying!

Knock it off, you thugs!

Ow! I was only trying to be playful.

Tomiko-san, you're a nurse! You shouldn't be hitting anybody.

It's okay. Boxers are used to taking a beating.

Really? I still have to check Kimura-san afterwards.

As a nurse, I can't just ignore injuries.

All right, thanks.

I got hit for nothing?

Um, by the way...

Yes?

Congratulations on becoming champion.

Huh?

And today is also your birthday, so...

Th-This is for me?!

I just hope you like it.

I can really have it?

Yes.

You won't tell me to give it back later?

Of course not.

You're right. I'm sorry.

Very well.

Thank you!

Go ahead and open it.

Wow, training wear!

This is great!

I'll wear it for life! I'll keep wearing it even after it falls apart!

That's a relief. I wasn't sure what you liked.

D-Does it look good on me?

Yes.

I'm so happy!

You two are really hitting it off.

But I wonder what Kumi-chan's oh-so-nice big brother...

will think about this new champion?

Mashiba-san.

Kumi-san is Mashiba-san's one and only blood relative.

All the men who approach her are systematically...

Has it really been three years?

I was rescued from bullies by Takamura-san...

who then took me to his gym...

where I discovered boxing.

And then...

I decided I wanted to know how it felt to be strong.

I thought I would find out once I became a boxer, but...

Give this a try.

If you manage to grab 10 leaves, I'll teach you how to box.

Dammit.

I soon learned how to catch the first one...

but it was awfully difficult to get to the second and third leaves.

Again!

I did it over and over.

There were times I felt like giving it up...

but...

I... I did it!

I did it!

I did it, I did it!

Now I passed, right?! I can be a boxer now, right?!

Uh, yeah.

I guess I have no choice now.

Those were good jabs.

All I wanted was to become a boxer.

That was the moment I changed from being a bullied loser...

to gaining approval from someone for the first time.

The first day I signed up, I sparred with Miyata-kun.

Neither of us had professional licenses at the time...

but Miyata-kun was tough.

He was so incredibly tough, I was no match for him whatsoever.

M...

Miyata-kun!

Long time no see.

This is kind of fateful, isn't it?!

I was actually just thinking about you.

It's almost like we were brought together by hidden forces.

Don't say that. It sounds creepy.

Huh?

I altered my route because I had something to say to you.

To me?

Champion.

What an envious ring that has...

for someone like me who lost the Rookie of the Year.

Hey, don't say that! You're #3 in the OPBF.

I'm actually below you!

Besides, I got this far just trying to catch up to you.

Ever since that time!

You'll have your first defense fight...

in the Champion Carnival early next year.

Don't lose the crown.

We haven't had our showdown yet.

I've finally come this far, trying to catch up to him.

Until I have my showdown with Miyata-kun, I definitely can't lose!

I won't give the belt to anyone!

KAMOGAWA Boxing Gym

Chief.

- What? - Phone.

This is Kamogawa.

It's me, your best friend, Neko-chan.

Who are you calling your best friend?!

You're so mean.

So, what do you want?

Well, actually...

he's returned to Japan.

He?

Open up the Monthly Boxing Fan...

from two months ago and turn to page 94.

Monthly Boxing Fan

Take a good, hard look at the lower left-hand side.

Left...

Now that he's back...

he'll definitely come to harass you, Gen-chan.

I owe you one.

What's wrong, sir?

Dankichi Hama.

A trainer who's in high demand in Mexico.

In Mexico? Do you know him?

I fought him when I was actively boxing.

Who won?

Two matches, two KO's. Neko-chan beat him three times.

KO's, huh? Both you and Nekota-san were tough.

I'm not sure if we can say that.

It was more like narrowly escaping death.

He is a genius. He boxes like a swallow.

He was like a swallow skillfully flitting through the ring.

A swallow.

Dankichi's Sunday Punch was called the "Flying Swallow."

It was a technique that could block both in-fighters and out-fighters.

The Flying Swallow? What kind of punch could it be?

However, even the genius had a weak spot.

He had a weak jaw.

A glass jaw.

One fateful match, a lucky counterpunch went through his jaw...

and the Swallow's wings were finally clipped.

It's an old story.

That punch really hurt.

The story may be old, but my jaw clearly remembers.

The feel of your knuckles, that is.

Dankichi.

The man in the photo.

So, the Chief is the one who broke his jaw?

Here you are.

You probably have an ulterior motive. Don't mind me.

Huh? But I...

And don't treat me like an old man, either.

Sure.

It's been a very long time.

I stopped by to say hello.

How polite of you.

When I found out I'd be fighting you again...

it stirred up even my old blood.

Fighting?

As of this month...

my boxer reached first ranking in featherweight.

Your boxer?

Former Junior Featherweight Champion...

Kazuki Sanada.

That's the Japan Junior Featherweight Champion...

who defended his title five times!

You took on Sanada?

Sanada returned the belt and moved up to featherweight.

And the champion is obliged to fight the #1 ranker...

in the Champion Carnival.

In other words, your boy, Ippo Makunouchi...

will be fighting Kazuki Sanada, who is ranked first in featherweight.

Is this revenge against me?

Don't look at it like that.

Back when I was active...

I looked forward to fighting you the most.

After all these years, our disciples will fight in our places.

We'll be able to revisit that fight that nearly became a legend.

The kid and I are different types of boxers.

Your spirit lives on inside him.

That's good enough for me.

You haven't been back in the country long.

You can't have been with Sanada long, either.

I may not have had enough time with him to call him my disciple...

but he's an extremely fast learner.

He mastered the Flying Swallow long ago.

The Flying Swallow.

Well, I'll be on my way now.

Wait, I'll let you in on something first.

The Flying Swallow isn't all he's learned from me.

There's another. Let me think...

Guess you could call it the Flying Swallow Flip.

The Flying Swallow Flip?

There are two swallows in the ring.

Beware the second swallow.

Two swallows.

Left.

Dive in when he withdraws!

Keep your wits together. I've got another one.

So that's it?

Weird. I should've been able to dive in deeper.

This is it! This is the timing!

The left isn't fully withdrawn!

He changed course! A left hook!

A punch that changes course! This is the Flying Swallow!

I see.

I did it as you instructed, Chief...

but I bet the real thing is much more impressive.

From jab to hook, to fake uppercut which is actually a jab...

with abundant variations.

It's difficult for an out-boxer to counter that.

As for an infighter...

I can't dive in deep.

Correct. In other words, this right punch...

will effectively crush the Dempsey Roll.

And his left-over-right punch?

The Flying Swallow Flip. It's safe to consider it...

as a right punch designed to counter the kid.

In other words, this right punch is for close-range fighting.

I wonder what it is? Is it like a hook?

Or like an uppercut? Or maybe...

There's no use mulling over a punch we haven't even seen.

For now, we'll do intensive training for the Sanada fight.

Yes, sir!

Monthly Boxing Fan

Monthly Boxing Fan Fujii-san, is Kinoshita Gym refusing interviews?

They're developing a new blow to use on Makunouchi.

He has a unique profile, and I'd like to get people excited, but...

How is Makunouchi-kun?

He's carrying on as usual, like it's nothing.

To be honest, I feel the pressure.

But Sanada-san is a man who defended his title five times.

This time I just happen to be the one holding the belt...

and my feelings towards this match haven't changed.

I will enter the ring as a challenger as usual.

I don't think he truly understands what a defense fight is like.

Really?

Imperial University Medical Department

Imperial University Medical Department Kazuki Sanada...

Imperial University Medical Department fifth year student in the Imperial University Medical Department...

fifth year student in the Imperial University Medical Department...

sole heir to Sanada General Hospital.

He should be here.

Come in.

Good afternoon, Sanada-san.

You are a reporter from Boxing Fan.

My name is Iimura.

Would it be all right to ask you a few questions?

Without an appointment?

I'm open to questions as long as they're not about the punch in development.

I heard that there are high expectations for you at the university.

Your career as a medical doctor is practically assured, yes?

Well, yes.

Anyone would find this unusual...

but why is someone like you boxing?

Would you answer that?

I respect my parents...

and believe the medical profession is superb.

However, I could not blindly walk the route...

my parents laid out for me.

At first it was coincidence.

A magazine had posted a recruiting advertisement...

and I was always somewhat proficient at sports...

so at first I went to punch the sandbag for stress relief.

- I punched it hard. - And then?

It felt so invigorating!

Really.

And after about six months, they made me spar.

I was beaten to a pulp.

So, even the former champion was once a rookie.

It upset me so much I researched the following:

At which angle an impact on the jaw would produce a concussion.

How many punches I can give while the lower body was paralyzed.

The effects and duration of body blows to delay recuperation.

I tested each individually...

and learned to control my opponent.

That's a very medical approach.

However, it didn't unfold as calculated in the professional boxing ring.

Just as I was assured of victory, they would get up again.

I am also the same.

"I can't go on. I still can do this."

Exchanging punches while answering my own questions.

I never felt my own will and strength as much as I do now.

And once I learned the feeling of fulfillment from winning...

I was hooked.

Just to achieve a feeling of fulfillment.

And so you returned the belt just to fight Ippo Makunouchi?

It's quite difficult to overcome the difference in power.

That is what makes it worthwhile.

He definitely possesses overwhelming destructive power.

However, I am striving to be a medical doctor.

I not only possess the knowledge to heal the body...

I also know how to effectively use it on the human body...

to break it.

It looks like he isn't your average rich kid.

The son and heir to a doctor?

That's what Fujii-san said.

He sounds unusual.

Sanada General is a huge hospital.

Huge hospital?

Come to mention it, Tomiko told me something about it.

Something about the handsome, only son of a doctor who's a boxer.

Oh?

He's quite a hot topic among the nurses.

A handsome only son of a doctor who's a boxer...

has to be a babe magnet.

Most definitely a babe magnet.

Tomiko said she's not interested in him, but you know!

Putting Tomiko aside...

Putting Tomiko FAR aside...

B-But why?

If he's the hot topic among the nurses, then naturally...

Kumi-chan has probably heard of him!

The idol of the nurses versus Ippo.

The big question is, who will Kumi-chan cheer for?

Don't sweat it. I'm sure she'll cheer for you!

However I can't guarantee what'll happen if you lose.

Just try losing badly.

The belt and the girl.

You might lose two important things all at once.

H-Hey!

Naturally, I could very well lose the belt...

but Kumi-san isn't my girlfriend, so how can she be lost?!

Are you still saying that crap, you bastard?!

I never liked how you putt-putt-putter around!

If you like her, just tell her, dammit!

I... I don't dislike her, but...

You don't dislike her? Then you don't like her?!

Well, if I had to choose between the two...

Argh, stop being wishy-washy, dammit!

Everyone knows how you feel!

We're sick of Mr. Romance-Comedy...

never getting the girl right when he's about to!

Say it! Tell her! Tell her that you love her!

Do you want Sanada to get her?!

Wh-Where does Sanada-san come into this?

He is a little on the heavy side...

but Takamura-san has a point.

What?

At the moment, you are the Japan champion.

You can stick out your chest with pride wherever you go.

Don't you think it's a good time for it?

Good time?

To confess your love.

B-But I'm busy with a match coming up!

As long as you're champion...

you'll always have a match coming up.

Besides, it would be hard to play cool after losing the belt.

Confess! Confess!

Yes, but still... Listen...

You're annoying.

I'll call her on the phone!

Please don't!

Somebody stop him...

Confess! Confess!

I-I'm done for.

I got ya the telephone!

I have no way to stop these people.

They're enjoying this too much!

Now!

Very well. But on one condition!

Alley-oop!

What's going on?

It's a 3-to-1 arm wrestling showdown.

It'd be too much of a handicap if I took part...

so Aoki, Kimura! And...

Goto!

Okay, all I have to do is win.

He probably chose arm wrestling...

because he has confidence in his arm strength...

but Ippo doesn't know the monster strength of Aoki's arms...

trained from his part-time job delivering food on the bike.

We'll start with me.

I'm counting on you.

Look at those arms.

Oh, well, I'll soften him up for Aoki.

If I confessed my love to Kumi-san and she didn't feel the same...

Just the thought gives me chills!

It's fine the way it is.

Both of you relax. All right, now...

Ready... go!

That's one!

Ow.

He's stronger than I imagined.

Leave him to me.

Come on!

Well, what do you think? He's to be reckoned with.

I can't lose at any cost. I can't lose!

I'll take him down quick!

Ready... Go!

His shoulder is dislocated!

He's as strong as a horse!

Makunouchi Sempai is tough!

That's two!

Aoki lost easily. We miscalculated.

Next, please!

No! Goto won't stand a chance!

Next, please!

Right here.

H-Hey, this isn't what we discussed!

Goto had to back out due to a nosebleed.

I may not be up to the task, but just humor me.

That's ridiculous!

Hey, Takamura-san is in it!

This'll be something to see!

Who's stronger?!

Okay, the betting starts at 1,000 yen!

2,000 yen on Takamura-san!

1,000 yen on Makunouchi-san!

- Mine's on Takamura-san! - 2,000 yen on Makunouchi-san!

They're whooping it up enough to start a business!

It's impossible to get out of this now.

But I have to fight Takamura-san.

What's wrong?

This is too unfair.

Come on.

How can you look at me like that? Are you having that much fun?!

Is it that much fun to put people in a spot like this?!

I'm getting really pissed off now!

Let's do it already, baby.

Hurry.

I won't lose... no matter what!

All right, both of you relax...

Ready...

GO!

Neither is giving way.

Not even a twitch.

What's going on here?

Th-This guy is seriously tough!

If I lost concentration, he'd take me in a second!

Ooh, look at Takamura-san!

I won't give up!

What?

I'm not done yet!

I'll beat him and break his arm in the bargain!

I won't lose for anything!

The desk broke!

Wh-Who won?

Looks like victory... is mine.

Justice didn't prevail.

This is good. I was hungry.

R-Really? That's good.

S-She came.

But how do I tell her?

And what if she's not interested?

I may never see this smile again!

Come to think of it...

when I was going home from the gym, Aoki-san said...

I'll give you good news from Tomiko.

She says you got a chance!

A chance! A chance!

Argh, this is no time to be giddy!

Think of what to do next!

It's snowing.

Wampo-kun?

He followed us.

Wampo-kun!

Makunouchi-san, let's take him to the park to play!

Let's go, Wampo-kun!

Wampo...

Nice going!

Here, Wampo!

You're so cute!

This is wonderful.

It all came to this because of Takamura-san's malice...

but maybe it was a good opportunity.

Maybe now... Maybe now, I can...

Kumi-san!

Yes?

I... I need to talk to you about something important.

Wh-What is it?

Uh...

Listen...

Yes?

W-Well...

Um...

Uh... Um...

You see...

Ugh, I can't tell her!

Please tell me.

I'll be listening.

So please tell me what you have to say.

I'll tell her.

I'll be honest and tell her I love her.

I can do it now.

Kumi-san...

I... I...

need to tell you that...

I...

I...

I?

Have...

Have?

I have this match coming up, and...

I really want you to come to cheer for me... you know.

Um...

I already know about it.

They're talking about it at the hospital.

All the nurses said they're going to cheer for Sanada-san.

Does that include you?

Sanada-san is a wonderful person...

and they've all invited me to come, so...

If... if that's the case...

I guess that's that.

That's that?! Is that what you want?

Do you want me to go and support your opponent?!

You're under no obligation to cheer for me, so...

Obligation?

I have no right to tell you to cheer for me, so...

Obligation? Right?!

Why?

Why do you have to phrase it like that?!

W-Well...

I think you should cheer for whoever you want to cheer for.

Very well. That is what I shall do.

Goodbye.

Idiot.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Did he get dumped?

She lost patience with him?

I'm leaving.

Good idea.

Don't catch cold.

Ugh, it's getting cold.

It's gonna be the coldest night of the year.

Hey, where's dinner?

I said dinner.

Hey, dinner...

Why don't you make dinner once in a while?!

Wh-What the...?!

Arrgh!

He's completely absorbed.

I guess we really did it to him this time.

Guess I'll cheer him up.

I wouldn't.

Huh?

Ippo lost one thing that was important to him.

Now boxing is all he has left.

We should support him so he at least keeps the belt.

It was originally his plan, too!

He plans to wait for it to blow over.

I never imagined it would end up like that.

The match is coming up...

and those three demons have messed with my mind.

Still, if I had only told her...

the way I ought to have...

Argh, I give up! I must focus on the match!

I must get past my first defense match!

Ready? Go!

All right, very good.

KINOSHITA Boxing Gym Three Weeks Before the Match

Public Sparring Session

That's the Flying Swallow?

I see.

That punch is difficult for a heavily-built opponent to dive into.

- Whoa. - Is he ending it?

He pulled back.

He predicted the counterattack. What intuition.

Are ya blind?

What?

There is something called palpation.

It is to touch the patient's body to gauge their condition.

To Sanada, landing a punch...

comes very close to palpation.

It is not intuition.

He pulled back again.

Watch this closely.

What was supposed to come after his right uppercut?

Since he fell...

we couldn't show you the second swallow.

Deflect with the right guard and dive in.

This is the Flying Swallow countermeasure?

That's Chief Kamogawa for you.

The Day Before The Match After The Weigh-ln

Is Makunouchi-kun always like that?

Champion, please give us a comment on your first defense fight.

That means you, Dumbo.

Oh, right!

I doubt he feels much pressure.

I doubt he's the type who can put on an act...

but you were paralyzed for your first defense fight as well.

Yes.

Anyway, we'll see tomorrow.

The Swallow Flip is likely a hook or an uppercut.

I believe that also.

He has more chest muscle than when he was in junior featherweight.

If we know that, there's nothing to fear.

Your infighting Peek-a-Boo is perfectly suited.

Above all else, the range is right up your alley.

Well? Some of the weight off your shoulders now?

I am tense, but that's normal.

I'm in good condition.

Good. He really does appear normal.

Huh? What brings you all here?

Oh, he's back!

K.O.! IPPO MAKUNOUCHI The Ippo Makunouchi Fan Club Fishing Boat Rental MAKUNOUCHI Regulars

Wow!

We're taking this to tomorrow's fight.

You defend that belt, Champ!

Yes, sir! I'll do my best!

And this is from me and the boss.

Wow!

Red is definitely the color of a champion!

After all, you're in the Red Corner now.

Thanks, Umezawa-kun, Mom!

Do you see the 12 stars?

That's how many KO's you have. And...

I've got the 13th star all ready to go.

I'm counting on another KO tomorrow.

Yeah! Thanks!

Thank you!

Thank you so much!

Thank you, all of you!

Do your best!

Aw, shucks!

KINOSHITA Boxing Gym

See you tomorrow.

Sure, take it easy.

Doctor, Doctor! Let's play!

What, now?

Tsugumi, Sanada has a match tomorrow.

Don't give him a hard time.

Aw!

Chief, a little time with the kid will help me relax.

Oh, really? Thanks.

Yay! I hate you, Dad!

Hey!

Hey, no way!

Take that!

Aw, I lost again.

You suck, Doctor.

And you're so good at the real thing, too.

Tsugumi-chan, I'm not a doctor yet, you know.

What? But you fixed my cold, remember?

That makes you a doctor.

A doctor who can fix any kind of sickness!

It was just a simple cold.

But there are things I can't heal.

What?

Like the anxiety brought on by illness.

Anxiety?

I actually want to heal the anxiety as well as the illness itself.

But to get rid of anxiety, you need courage.

And to give others courage...

you also need to be strong as a human being.

You are strong, Doc. You became champion.

No offense to everyone I've fought in the past...

but I don't think my strength has ever been put to the test.

Was that a little difficult? Well, let's play this thing.

Yeah!

That's right. I've never been put to the test.

That is why I sought my answer in a higher weight class.

To the man who defeated Sendo with overwhelming power.

Ippo Makunouchi. The perfect man for the job.

He will put me to the test.

If I defeat him, I can ascertain my own strength.

That is why I challenged him!

Oh, no!

I win again!

Champion red.

I've never entered from the Red Corner before.

The belt Date-san wore...

the belt I worked so hard to take from Sendo-san...

If I lost it easily, he would be disappointed in me, too...

and I can't let it go just like that.

No, I can't let it go no matter what!

Sanada-san looked relaxed. I wonder why?

Is he confident? Or is he...

No! Don't think about anything unnecessary.

Think only about winning!

I will win.

I will win. I will win!

Okay.

Here I go!

The Day Of The Match

I'll rush back by the main event.

I'll be cheering like crazy, so do your best!

Ippo MAKUNOUCHI vs. Kazuki SANADA

I intend to win by KO!

S-Sure.

He's really enthused about this!

This'll really make it worthwhile to cheer for him!

I don't know.

Huh?

I hate to be a wet blanket...

but he seems to be out of his element this time.

What? You mean Ippo?

Even if he didn't say so, I can see it from his behavior.

What do you mean by that?

To put it bluntly...

I think he might lose.

Ippo Makunouchi enters the hall, championship belt held up high...

facing his first defense fight!

He is wearing red shoes and trunks!

12 KO stars glitter from his waist!

After tonight, will he add the 13th shining star?

What's wrong?

I thought he was all right...

but it looks like he's falling into the trap.

Yeah.

It's the pressure of a debut defense match as champion.

So, all of a sudden, he's feeling the pressure...

now that he's really here. He can't help it.

The first defense match is always loaded with intense pressure.

Kid!

Yes, sir!

Listen, dodge the first punch.

That'll loosen you up and let you get into the rhythm!

Seconds out!

The first punch.

It... it's hopeless. I can't do it like this.

Fighters to center!

Not like this.

Once the bell rings...

Now, the fight is finally underway!

The fighters glare at each other from a distance!

How will this fight unfold?

The kid's movements are obviously stiff.

Kamogawa, I challenge you.

I can't get hit by the first punch. I must dodge it.

Then I will get into the rhythm!

I must dodge it. Will it be a left or a right?

Which?!

A left! I can dodge this!

A right! The champion loses his balance!

Your foot is glued to the mat.

Obviously, you're stiff as a board!

Hit before he had the chance to loosen up!

That had to hurt!

Mentally as well. His mind is probably in a state of panic.

Wh-What?! Did I take a punch?

I'm too confused to tell.

Sanada launches an attack with no further ado!

The champion is suddenly in trouble!

A sudden big-gun right?! That's the former chap for you.

He's fully aware of the pressure of the first defense fight!

The right landed clean! It will take you 5 seconds to recover.

A right! The champion's awesome uppercut!

So close! If that had landed, the fight would be over!

Don't lose your cool, Sanada!

That wasn't even close. He was fully aware of the boy's recovery time.

Right now, the pace is ours!

This is the worst possible start!

It wasn't the kid's style to dodge and get the rhythm!

Hit him first! Don't let Sanada hit you!

He's acting so dignified.

It's hard to tell who's champion at this rate!

Remember your own boxing style! You must box in your own style!

The champion begins to sway his body from side to side.

Is he getting into a rhythm?

I took the title with my own boxing style!

I can go forward with confidence!

The champion charges in!

I'll dodge his left and take it into an exchange!

I was able to dodge his left! His body is unguarded!

This will work!

A right flashes!

The Flying Swallow!

Oh, no! I forgot he had this!

He's coming! Will it be straight or curved?!

A straight double hit!

It's no good! I can't read him at all!

I can't get the timing right!

Chief...

This has turned into the development I feared most.

The kid may have won the title with true ability...

but he hasn't mentally matured as a champion.

Think of him as a castle without a moat.

His inner citadel was easily invaded!

The challenger goes in again! The champion manages to evade him!

But he is stopped!

The fast, straight progress reverses into an attack!

This is the Flying Swallow!

His moves look exactly like a swallow's!

His sharpness is like that of Dankichi at his peak.

It's even more effective because of his wider reach.

Sanada is the ideal man to master the Flying Swallow.

Peek-a-Boo? It's definitely a pesky block.

However, Makunouchi-kun, if you stay balled up all the time...

you can't defend the belt!

Whoa, it lands! Did this have an effect?!

And there's the bell ending Round One.

The opening scores are 10-9!

The round obviously goes to the challenger!

The Flying Swallow is way more trouble than I imagined.

He needs to turn the tide or he'll be dragged under.

Sanada isn't the type to go overboard, no matter how good his odds are.

Doesn't look like he'll give him the chance to regroup.

He came back to me completely disheveled.

This swelling speaks volumes of the effectiveness of the Flying Swallow.

Listen! You can't find a way out of this fix...

no matter how well you guard!

Go forward without being led astray by the Flying Swallow.

Going on the offensive is the only way to change the flow!

Yes, sir!

What's your pulse?

Okay. Nothing out of the ordinary.

But that Peek-a-boo block is troublesome.

It protects his vitals in exchange for the facial swelling.

Never mind. Attack his guard with the Flying Swallow.

Make him tense up more.

That is precisely what we want him to do.

I doubt even the great trainer Genji Kamogawa will realize...

that even the Flying Swallow is merely a sacrificial pawn.

That it is merely the precursor...

leading up to the second Flying Swallow.

Seconds out!

I must turn the tide.

I can't be dragged under like this.

In order to turn the tide in one go...

Round Two!

Oh, my! The champion charges in!

He catches the challenger off guard!

He's come to take back the lead by force!

But I'll stop him with the Flying Swallow!

The most powerful weapon I have!

The Dempsey Roll!

Right on!

This will turn the tide!

I don't think so.

He stops it! Just as the Dempsey Roll begins...

he body slams to stop the revolutions!

To stop a pendulum...

merely exert a little force on its fulcrum.

It looked rough...

but Takeshi Sendo taught us the most rational way to stop it.

Your punches are already exposed and are no longer fatal!

The challenger regains himself! He calmly poises himself.

This result was to be expected with Dankichi as his cornerman.

He's likely researched everything.

A champion sometimes does have to bear the brunt...

of the hardships of his title.

Don't flinch, Kid!

You can't turn the tide if you start guarding now!

How could the Dempsey Roll have been stopped so easily?

The champ again poises for the Dempsey Roll!

Even if he stops it once or twice, I won't give up on it!

That is what I've always done!

It's stopped by the Flying Swallow!

The revolutions of the Dempsey are cut off!

When he approaches, he's body checked.

At middle range, the Flying Swallow is dominant.

The Dempsey Roll is completely blocked off.

A random swallow attack! The champ is pinned down!

I'm sorry, but I'll stop it as many times as it takes!

The Dempsey Roll is the most terrifying attack to me!

What are you doing, Ippo?!

No, the guy is real tough.

With a guard that tight...

Sanada won't get an effective hit in that easily.

Sanada will lose patience and throw wide for sure.

That's what Ippo's waiting for!

It's Operation Turtle!

Damn that Peek-a-Boo block. It's so tough!

At that rate, he has to back off to get in an effective hit!

There's a way.

There is a way to get in an effective hit.

His rhythm changed!

A right uppercut! Block it!

Good! I withstood it!

He's already in the next motion!

It's a double right uppercut!

It's okay! I can contain it with my block.

I'll contain it...

and fight back!

There are two Flying Swallows in the ring.

Beware the second swallow.

But how?!

Surprised, Kamogawa? This is it.

The Swallow Flip.

I can't wrap my brain around it!

It's physically impossible to punch through a block!

What kind of mechanisms are behind that punch?!

Th-This is the Swallow Flip?

The champ's knees fold! Is he going under?!

No way! Not in my first match as champion!

I won't fall easily!

His brain rocked, and the signals to move...

have not reached his lower extremities.

He won't throw anything powerful.

I can block and counterattack.

He blows him away right through blocked gloves!

This destructive power is the champion's main attraction!

He stopped his momentum.

Now, can he reverse their positions in one fell swoop?!

Don't get excited. He only hit through the block.

He's sustained no damage.

Did it still have an effect? Those are some fists.

I can feel their force right through the block!

But I'm mostly surprised at his recuperative power.

He regrouped his lower body in under one second!

Is this his strength?

I gain nothing by going around to protect!

I can't let Sanada-san lash a fist out!

Ippo-kun got his engine running!

He's using too much force.

He's only charging forward recklessly...

afraid of upsetting his rhythm!

What big hits!

I can't keep taking these punches forever.

He's started to roundhouse!

He uses a left hook to regain his stance! And...

It's the Flying Swallow!

This punch assails the champion for the third time!

Offense swaps with defense with dizzying speed!

However, the challenger still remains in control!

Damn! He won't let me box my way whatsoever!

I need to... I need to do something!

A right uppercut!

The Swallow Flip again?!

I contained it! Here comes the second one!

I'll contain it this time!

I get it now!

H-He's down!

The champion's knees have hit the canvas!

To your neutral corner!

He won't get up. His brain was rocked vertically.

The paralysis of his motor reflexes will have spread all over him!

No matter how fast his recovery speed...

it's next to impossible for him to get up again within ten seconds.

Victory is mine!

Two rounds 40 seconds to complete the job.

Can't complain about that.

Ippo-kun...

Stand up, Kid!

Stand up and come back here!

You can defeat the Swallow Flip! I'll teach you how to do it!

Stand up and come back to me!

Th-That's absurd.

I have to go back...

to the Chief.

I have to go back.

I have to go back!

He's up! Sheer willpower brings the champ back to his feet!

I'd like to know what he does to keep going.

And there's the bell!

The conclusion is carried over to the next round!

I can't blame you for being shocked.

It's hard to believe, but he reacted to the voice...

of his cornerman through all that.

That's the power of the bond between the student and the teacher.

That was a vertical uppercut.

Vertical uppercut?

The first blow is normally thrown with the palm of the hand...

aimed to upset the guard on impact.

Naturally, even if you throw another the same way...

it won't get through. That's where this comes in.

The width of an 8-oz glove is about 17 x 10 centimeters.

It gets 7 centimeters smaller?

Something Hama-chan would've learned in Mexico.

So, what are you gonna do, Gen-chan?

Kid! Can you hear me, Kid?!

He's in no state to comprehend detailed strategy.

Seconds out!

There isn't enough time.

Ow!

I'm going.

Kid!

Do you remember Kenta Kobashi?!

Kobashi, who gave you a hard time in the Rookie of the Year fight!

Remember how he fought!

Round Three!

The champion stays in through sheer tenacity.

He definitely needs to turn the tide in this round!

Looks like he couldn't recuperate, but I have no leeway, either.

I'm going in one swoop!

A swallow barrage!

Is there nothing the champion can do?!

I won't hold it back!

Kid!

Kobashi-san...

How Kobashi-san fought...

The Swallow Flip scores! Wait!

I can't squeeze through! He blocked me!

How?!

I remember how Kobashi-san fought.

He repelled my punches no matter what I threw at him!

It's the crossed arm block!

Well done, Kid!

This is a powerful defense!

It can shut out even the Swallow Flip!

Your opponent is confused! Whale into him!

You can't turn the tide merely by blocking a punch!

This is bad! I realize how effective the crossed arm block is...

but it makes it even more difficult to lash out!

That's why God gave us legs!

The champion forges forward, taking blows all the way!

What?!

The courage not to fear punches is the greatest strategy.

I know the kid can do it!

I can't stop him with my left. If that's the case...

A right hook flashes!

Damn! He switched over to hook-type punches!

At that rate, the crossed arm is nearly pointless!

No, not totally!

They're at such close-range, hooks can reach.

Peek-a-Boo.

That...

... is my range!

The champion explodes with a liver blow!

The challenger returns fire!

It is a violent rope-side exchange!

However...

However...

Down!

In the third round, the champ's big guns explode!

All right!

I was so absorbed, I couldn't feel the impact.

Will he stand?! Or will his dream of conquering two classes end here?

Sanada!

Don't interfere!

Calling out to him will only break his concentration.

My body is starting to recover from the damages...

but the shock to my head still remains.

The nerves in my feet won't respond.

Maybe he's down for good.

Seven!

Eight!

I can go on.

The challenger gets to his feet as though nothing happened!

He was resting until the referee got to eight?

Box!

I have to finish it!

The champion rushes in to attack!

Persevere!

The challenger throws a Swallow!

It's weak. In that case...

That was close. I was completely saved by the bell.

He's grasped the timing to sweep away the Swallow.

He can now fling away the Swallow Flip as well.

- What should I do?! - The crossed arm block, huh?

Kamogawa's really done it this time.

Coach Hama.

I'll teach you a strategy. It is quite dangerous...

but I know you can do it.

You need to be at close range. Extremely close range at that.

You must enter the eye of the typhoon.

The eye of the typhoon.

You turned back the tide. Go for the win in the next round!

Win your first defense fight!

Win my first defense fight?

Yes, sir! This is it!

It is two minutes into Round Four!

The thrilling close-range fight continues!

However the champ's moves are dull, even in the range he favors!

He's knocking down Ippo's compact punches from the inside!

The more he goes to knock him down, the bigger his punches grow.

And Sanada is diving in-between. Talk about courage.

Not only that, he's hitting him square on the vitals.

This is something only a medical man...

in other words, Sanada, could do. Observe!

He already has cyanosis, oxygen deprivation syndrome!

I can't breathe!

This hurts. I had confidence in my strength...

but my legs aren't...

Difficulty breathing deeply and raging abdominal pain.

However, he is mentally alert and forced to experience it.

That is why...

body blows are known as the pain from hell!

I can't breathe. It hurts!

Tolerate it, Kid!

Fall from a body blow, and you'll never rise again!

Don't worry, your hell ends now!

He's going for the head to knock him unconscious.

The Swallow Flip scores a direct hit!

Is this it for the champion?!

No, it is not a direct hit!

He's tenacious.

Yes, but that tenacity will leave him wandering in hell!

Ippo is outdone at infighting. He can't move his hands!

Not just his hands, but his entire body is paralyzed!

Ippo's never taken that many in the stomach.

This is a new kind of pain for him. It's gotta be hard.

Makunouchi throws a punch with sheer will, but Sanada evades it!

What incredible skills of concentration.

Only Dankichi would set his eye on such a man.

The calm to evade counterattack without altering his attack.

The courage to slip through the kid's heavy hits.

He's powerful. His power is the real thing.

Another to the body!

I can feel the muscle hardening around my guts!

The pain and suffering is making me groggy.

His eyes have lost their spark.

A right straight! He bends backwards like a willow!

It... it's hopeless.

I just have to let my hand touch the canvas...

and I can rest.

Rest.

- He's falling! - Gotcha.

Kid!

He catches on the rope! He is suspended in mid-fall!

Is this the champ's tenacity?!

Damn, the lucky bastard.

No, he wrapped his arm around it without thinking.

He is so tough. However...

I can hardly call him lucky.

Is this the coup de grace?! The challenger attacks!

I could have rested if it hadn't been for this rope.

I don't know what I'm standing for.

Sanada-san is tough.

I was horribly naive to think I could keep the belt...

from an opponent like him.

Being a champion, huh?

The first defense fight, huh?

Thinking I'd win my first defense fight...

was just arrogance on my part.

Don't be conceited!

You wanted to know what it meant to be strong...

and here's someone really strong right in front of you!

I challenge you!

The spark in his eyes has returned!

Until I do...

I challenge you!

Round Four is over!

The champion has a narrow escape!

I felt killer intent from the emptiest of punches.

I am greatly impressed by your strength of spirit.

I respect it from the bottom of my heart. However...

Well?

I hammered him carefully with body blows.

With anyone but him, it would have been over long ago.

But I'm sure even he is at his limit.

Yes. I doubt the boy can move.

He may still have the juice for one power blow...

but treat it like a land mine. Just don't step on it.

Yes. Any more would just be a cruel show.

I'll finish it in the next round.

Good.

Even in all of Mexico, I've never met a boxer...

who responded as closely to my expectations as you did.

I still clearly remember everything I learned from you.

The tension, the sense of fulfillment...

and the sense of loss.

After all the passage of the years...

it looks like the time to repay that debt has finally come.

Don't say anything, Kid. Just keep breathing deeply.

You've sustained lasting damage to your body.

Firm up your guard and focus on self-protection.

You can counterattack after you recuperate.

Don't lose your head. The latter half will be key.

The kid knows I'm only saying it to console him.

He definitely won't shake off all the damage during this match.

He'll probably give out in the next round.

Do you understand, Kid? The next round is your last.

Your spirit's strength is our only hope.

I understand, Chief.

I can't go on beyond the next round.

I don't know how many more minutes I'll be mobile...

but as long as any part of my body is still moving...

I'll use everything I've got.

I must challenge him to the very end!

Seconds out!

What is it, Kid?

M-My legs...

His legs are so useless now, he can't even stand?

Please slap me or do anything to shake me out of it!

Please help me move!

Kid...

Seconds out!

Kid, I'll give you a taste of my spirit-rousing slap!

Please, sir!

I doubt you'll revive from the slap of this decrepit old man...

but I'll do anything if it'll help!

Get in there, Kid!

What the...? He hit him on the back.

I heard a loud slap!

That's gotta hurt.

I'm going in!

Now, the bell for Round Five has rung.

Champion Ippo Makunouchi, is sent into the ring...

with a resounding slap from Chief Kamogawa.

The question is, can he make a comeback?

Or will challenger Kazuki Sanada proceed to claim the throne?

This is the telling round!

The boy's damage is too great to recover from in one minute.

As long as he avoids stepping on the land mine...

the win is ours.

Makunouchi-kun can no longer move.

I'll bring him down with the Swallow Flip in one swoop!

Whoa! The champion goes in!

He shortens the distance in one rush!

What the...?!

He came to finish it of his own volition?!

Doesn't he comprehend that he doesn't have enough strength left?!

I still have enough power! I can still punch!

His right scores a point-blank hit! This is powerful!

I don't need to calculate how many shots I have left.

I'll keep hitting as long as my arms can still move!

Your slap revived him!

No, he's merely dispersing what little strength he has left.

I feel like my heart will stop if I relax for even a second!

Attack!

Think unnecessary thoughts and you'll just feel the pain!

Move your body with a blank mind!

Attack, attack, and attack like crazy!

The challenger is riveted to the rope!

The champion makes a mad rush that defies his earlier damage!

Korakuen Hall begins to fill with expectation!

The boy doesn't have his usual razor edge!

Observe your opponent calmly! He's completely unguarded!

I am observing him calmly. I am composed!

The cyanosis is becoming apparent on his face...

telling me that he's definitely at his limit.

So why do I feel so intimidated?!

He's barraging recklessly.

If I were him, I wouldn't choose this.

I would conserve my moves and strength...

to carry me to the next round.

Sanada is under mental pressure.

I can't blame him. This is no land mine.

This is a kamikaze attack.

Death before surrender!

However, even that is no more than the flicker of a candle flame...

before it is extinguished!

A right! The power!

I screwed up! But don't lose your cool.

Keep your cool and make him remember the pain!

He returns a body blow!

Now he'll feel the tension of being up against the wall!

His concentration will fade!

He took it! What incredible power of concentration!

His right hits squarely!

The champ's strength is endless!

Withstand it! This time it's my turn!

This should be Makunouchi-kun's final attack.

If I withstand it, the candle flame will die out!

It's the Dempsey Roll!

The champion goes in for the finish!

He's coming in to end his opponent's life in exchange for his own.

Using the most exhaustive technique with the most destructive power!

However, I was fully aware that he would arrive at this conclusion.

This is my final attack!

This is bad!

Sanada is diving in!

He stops it! The revolutions of the Dempsey Roll are shut out!

- Our last hope... ...is gone!

Go! Level him in one strike!

The liver! He's been skewered with a liver blow!

He hit me directly. I was countered.

He took out three ribs!

The challenger is in agony! The champion hunkers over!

A Gazelle punch! The challenger's head flies back!

This is the same finishing pattern as when he took the belt!

He was going for this from the very beginning?

This tide! After this tide...

the Dempsey Roll comes in like a storm!

Run! Get out of there!

Don't let him get away! Take him down!

Fall! Fall!

I can't keep up the barrage!

Withstand it! You must withstand it!

He took every one of my attacks!

Once I withstand this, you'll be too exhausted to move.

I will win!

I feel my body creaking!

My back is giving out!

I used everything I had.

If this fails to knock him down, I...

H-He stopped!

Makunouchi's punches have left the building!

I withstood them.

I win.

I defeated this powerful champion!

What do you think of that, Ippo Makunouchi?!

Finish him, Sanada! Push him and he'll fall!

Kid! It ain't over yet!

Don't give up until the bitter end!

I can move.

My nerves are still barely hanging together.

I can't fall. I haven't taken a punch.

If I'm gonna fall over, I gotta...

I gotta throw one more punch.

I'll fall after I land this.

Ridiculous! He can't possibly move!

Hit him! Whale into him and finish him off!

The kid's power blow is a mere shadow of its former glory.

It's over.

I win.

I withstood the power blows of Ippo Makunouchi.

I out-hit this powerful champion.

This victory surpasses all others!

I feel satisfied.

The challenger has fallen!

He keels over without delivering his finishing blow!

To your neutral corner!

The hall is in an uproar! The referee looks in on the challenger.

Remember, he did not fall from a power blow!

Will he call a knockdown? Will he start the countdown?!

The match is over!

The referee deems the challenger unfit to continue!

He is finally out of strength!

Yet another reversal KO! Ippo Makunouchi...

successfully defends his title for the first time!

- Yes! - You did it!

The boy's fighting spirit shattered Sanada's pride.

His tenacity as a boxer was all that remained.

In a way, only the boxer part of Sanada...

withstood the Dempsey Roll.

But...

He managed to win it.

I'm exhausted.

That was a hell of a dangerous fight.

What's all the commotion?

Is it okay now?

If it's okay...

I think I'll just sit down.

You won. Respond to their cheers.

I... I won?

That's right.

But the punch didn't hit him.

Where is Sanada-san?

Right over there.

He also has a tremendous fighting spirit.

The tenacity he showed in the end was that of a true boxer.

Now get up.

This is the hand.

Back when I thought I couldn't go on...

this hand pushed me further...

giving me the strength for another punch.

W-What the heck?! How long are you gonna hold onto me?!

Ippo-kun!

It's back where it belongs! You get to keep the belt!

Belt?

Oh, right. I forgot.

I'm the champion.

I totally forgot.

Huh?

Well, it was definitely a fight worthy of a challenger...

- Kid! - Ippo-kun!

Makunouchi! Makunouchi!

I'm afraid that withstanding the Dempsey Roll satisfied me.

Everything I withstood in that instant got me all at once.

It is a thorough defeat.

What are you talking about? You can do it next time.

It was a convincing defeat.

I have made up my mind.

Convinced? Made up your mind?

Whether he'll hang up the gloves.

This job is too consuming for me to have as a second career.

I am grateful. I wouldn't have been able to fight that far...

without your help.

I pray you'll be a good doctor.

You have my word.

It's an emergency! Ippo-kun began to snore the moment he lay down!

What?!

Many athletes who fall asleep following a match...

have suffered brain damage!

- My gosh! - What's wrong?

N-Nothing, he's all right.

I believe he merely passed out due to extreme fatigue.

Causes me nothing but worry.

Yes, but he made me realize something.

Huh?

That I can't find it in me...

to take away something he's clutching so dearly.

No kidding! I mean, it's not like we're gonna peel it away from him...

while he's comatose or nothing.

The boy came close to quitting many times.

But every time, he would come rallying back...

as though something was prodding him on.

Yes. Prodded by an absolute trust in his cornerman.

That explains his strength. Another man was fighting at his side.

If I'm allowed to make an excuse...

I lost because Sanada and I...

didn't have the time to foster such a deep bond.

Sanada probably has no regrets. He has another dream.

But I hope that when he looks back at this...

I want him to not think of this as tripping on a pebble...

but rather as taking on a gigantic, insurmountable mountain.

Hama-chan is heading for America this time.

He has an endless passion for boxing.

We should continue to aspire for higher goals.

To become a great mountain...

that all those who have lost to can be proud of.

Makunouchi has a very strong sense of responsibility.

He'll get even stronger.

Yes.

Sanada-san and the others...

made me remember something I was about to forget.

Now I can aim for the top again.

Until I discover what it means to be strong...

I am the challenger!

Catching anything?

No, not much.

Kumi-san!

I forgot. She's still mad at me.

Congratulations.

Huh?

I was at the stadium.

To cheer for Sanada-san with the hospital staff?

I went alone!

You said I should cheer for whomever I wanted to cheer for.

Yes.

So I did just that.

I cheered for whom I wanted to.

Huh?

Thank you! Thank you so much!

Now go on and tell her you love her!

Go for it and get her!

Still...

Maybe we shouldn't be spying on him like this?

Maybe we have way too much time on our hands?

Don't say that!

Hey, you've got a bite!

I'm so sorry!

Stealthily... stealthily...

What are you all doing?!