Seeking Heights Arc

Seeking Heights Arc
Information
Volumes	113-118, (6 Volumes)
Manga Rounds	1122-1173, (52 Chapters)
Chronology
Previous	Battle of the Beasts Arc
Next	10 Months in the Making Arc

The Seeking Heights Arc is the forty-fifth story arc in the series and the sixth in the World Contender Saga.

The boxers of the Kamogawa gym seek out their new goal. Aoki's goal is to get revenge against Iga, Ippo's goal is about his new and improved Dempsey Roll, Itagaki's goal is for a rematch against Imai, while Kimura struggles to find one of his own. Ippo gets banned from the gym for a month in order to prevent him from putting on gloves and focus on recovering. After the one month ban, Ippo continues training his New Dempsey Roll and watches Ryūji Nagumo's world title match as it comes to a complete halt. After the comeback matches of his gymmates, he trains one last time with Takamura, who tells him about the extraordinary heights that only those who are worthy can see.

Summary

The Unified Champion's Parade

Takamura shows Kamogawa his new display case for his world champion belts.

On the roof of the Kamogawa gym, Ippo, Aoki, and Kimura talk about how they thought Takamura's match against Bison as amazing and notices the huge amount of reporters waiting for Takamura to come to the gym. Takamura arrives to the gym in a suit with boxes in his hands. Takamura tells the reporters that it was the obvious outcome, and that he got a call from the cabinet office, as they want to give him the people's honour award. The reporters, Ippo, Aoki, and Kimura are surprised by the reveal, and the boxers go into Kamogawa's office. Takamura tells Ippo, Aoki, and Kimura that he was going to decline the award offer until he saw Kamogawa's positive reaction and decided to take it. When Kimura asks what is in the boxes Takamura carried to the office are, Takamura opens it and it is revealed to be a display shelf for his world champion belts, telling Kamogawa that while it is bare now, he will fill it up with more belts soon. As Takamura begins to leave to get his leg looked at, Kamogawa tells him good job for now, and that he did well. Watching Takamura leave, he can't imagine the kind of trouble maker Takamura would be if he never boxed, but he feels that he has an incredible surrogate son. Takamura goes to the Yamaguchi Chiropractic, where Yamaguchi checks on Takamura's leg. She notices how his heel bone doesn't look good and the back of his calf is in bad shape as well. Yamaguchi throws Takamura out of a window after he tried to get on her when she claimed that Ippo comes to the clinic a lot. Ippo and Itagaki walk near the area and suddenly gets chased by Takamura, who is crawling on all-fours in his underwear. At the gym, Yagi gets a phone call from the cabinet office, as they have decided to retract the offer for the people's honour award, but doesn't tell Yagi why.

Ippo's dream of working with Kumi at the fishing boat.

At the Monthly Boxing Fan, the staff are disappointed to find out that the people's honour award for Takamura was retracted. Mari reveals to the staff that Sendō declared his challenge to Alfredo in the ring to Bill. However, when she interviewed Bill, he claimed that he wouldn't see Alfredo in Mexico since he isn't his trainer. Mari thinks that, knowing Sendō, he will make it happen anyway. Fujii notes that the story for the newspaper will go back to who will become the world champion first as he and the staff believe that Sendō or Miyata could be first since Ippo recently lost. Later Ippo, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki are doing roadwork when a discussion arose about how far can they go, as they wonder how for Takamura will go. Itagaki states that he needs to get the JBC featherweight belt back from Imai. Aoki states his goal is to get back at Iga. Kimura claims that he is just sticking around and if he sees an opportunity to get a champion belt, he'll take it. Ippo claims that after watching his fight against Alfredo, he has decided that he wants to see how close he can get and how far he can go and do his best. He adds that after seeing Takamura, Sendō, and Mashiba fight, for one to aim for the world they have to discard a bit of their humanity. Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki discuss Ippo having the right tools to become a world champion, but his mindset of being inhuman seems impossible, as he was only vicious when an opponent hurt or offended someone close to him, not knowing what it would take to change his core. That night, while thinking about a goal before sleeping, Ippo dreams about Kumi working with him at the fishing boat.

Takamura's "parade" after defeating Bison.

Later, Takamura, with the help of Ippo, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki, makes himself a parade in a shopping district. However, he becomes upset when no one came to congratulate him on his recent victory, and only got flowers from Kimura's parents. Aoki tries to draw Takamura a crowd by wearing a Broccoman costume, however, Takamura berates Aoki as Broccoman is old news. The neighbourhood kids begin to gather around as they recognise Broccoman. Takamura kicks Aoki off the car, as he got irritated that Aoki was becoming the popular one instead of him. Ippo gets out of the vehicle to help Aoki, however, he was the driver. Not wanting to be in a vehicle that is about to crash, Itagaki, Kimura, and Takamura get out of the vehicle as well. Ippo tells Kumi what happened, which causes her to laugh. When she asks about what happen to Takamura after, Ippo claims his leg is feeling better and he should be getting treated by Yamaguchi by now, as he is about to go on a trip. Kumi mentions how she wishes she could help by giving massages to her brother and Ippo, wondering if she could learn. Ippo decides to take Kumi there to help her learn. At the Yamaguchi Chiropractic, Takamura receives a massage and lies to her about the crowd size of his parade being big. After the massage, Takamura gets thrown outside the window naked after trying to jump on Yamaguchi. Ippo and Kumi were outside the building when it happened, shocked by seeing the naked Takamura run away, claiming he is going to a trip.

Takamura and Nekota talk.

Takamura goes to the Pension Yoshio to see Nekota. Outside, Takamura is chopping wood for mental training as Nekota approaches him. Takamura explains how his meeting with Yamaguchi showed him that despite his combat capacity knowing no equal, the temptations still gets to him, revealing what happened to him while at her clinic. Takamura stays for dinner, while expressing how he doesn't get enough respect. Nekota sympathises with him, and asks how Kamogawa is doing. Takamura instead comments on how Nekota's seasoning on the wild boar makes it taste better. After Nekota reveals it as a special ingredient he made by feeding different things to animals around the mountain and collecting their faeces to dry and grind it up for seasoning, Takamura becomes grossed out before admitting it tasted good. Takamura goes and answers Nekota's earlier question that Kamogawa is doing good.

The Lightning God Strikes - Main Event - OPBF Featherweight Title Match - Champion Ichirō Miyata (Seventh Defence) VS. Challenger Luisito Ico (OPBF Rank 2)

Sendō telling Ippo he is going on ahead.

At the Kamogawa gym, Ippo hits the sandbags when Aoki asks if he is in a rush to get back in the ring and Kimura asks what's wrong since he looks worried. Ippo claims he isn't worried, and he can't get too ahead of himself since Kamogawa is gone. Aoki notes how after a big match, Takamura and Kamogawa go missing. Yagi enters the gym and gives Ippo the two tickets he asked for. Ippo explains to Aoki, Itagaki, and Kimura how he got the two tickets for the night's match because someone asked for them. Ippo runs to the Kōrakuen Hall and meets up with Sendō outside. Sendō tells Ippo he can go inside the venue since he is waiting for his middle school teacher to come, so he wants to wait at the entrance for them. Sendō informs Ippo that he can't wait for the main event starring Miyata, because he might fight him or Alfredo next for the fastest way to a world title shot. Sendō claims Ippo's loss made his plans change, and he is done holding back for him, so he is moving ahead. Sendō asks Ippo if he has a come-back match coming up, and asks why he looks worried. Ippo thinks how people keep asking him why he looks worried, wondering if he looks like he is worried about something, then remembers how he couldn't draw a straight line at Umezawa's place.

Miyata defeating Ico.

When Miyata's seventh OPBF featherweight title defence match against Luisito Ico begins, Miyata is on the offence, attacking Ico's guard with left and right combinations. Sendō yells out to Ico from the audience to quit balling up and let Miyata have it, making Ippo wonder whose side he is on. When Ico sends out a left jab, Miyata counters it with his left, knocking Ico down. The referee stops the match without a count, resulting in Miyata's victory. Sendō comments how Miyata made it look easy, while Ippo is amazed. As Miyata was about to leave the ring, his father makes him talk to the ring interviewer. Miyata gives her short negative answers when asked about what he thought about his opponent and if he has any plans for the future. Sendō thinks Miyata's attitude is going to make the audience angry, however, they happy about it, much to Sendō's disbelief. Miyata's father criticises him for his attitude, however, Miyata reflects that he really doesn't care. Since Sendō's bandages for his hurt fist from fighting Nargo came off while watching Miyata's match, Sendō decides to go see the venue's doctor to get it wrapped up and asks Ippo to wait outside with his middle school teacher.

The Script of One's Life

Ippo and Sendō's teacher talking about Sendō's past.

Outside the venue, Ippo looks for Sendō's middle school teacher, but she finds him first, recognising him as the one who defeated Sendō. As Ippo waits for Sendō with her, the teacher mentions to him how she was worried about how Sendō would turn out when she was his teacher, as the police were called on him more than once in the past. While Ippo wonders if Sendō was a bad kid back then, the teacher declines, as she believes that he was always trying to do the right thing, and that she is proud of how he has grown, as he ran into his fair share of hurdles. The teacher thanks Ippo, as she was at the venue when she saw Ippo defeat Sendō, who, despite his frustration and pain, looked like he was having fun. That day, she realised that Sendō finally met someone who understood him, something that he was missing for so long, thanking Ippo for being his friend.

Sendō talking to Miyata about moving up in the world of boxing.

After going to the doctor to get his fist wrapped up again, Sendō comes across Miyata in the venue and criticises Miyata's social skills. Sendō asks Miyata if he has plans for the future, which Miyata claims he doesn't, leading Sendō to suggest for Miyata to move up ahead instead of waiting for a chance to fight Ippo. Walking away, Sendō gets thanked by Miyata's father, as he believed that Miyata may listen to a rival from the same weight class more than him. Sendō expresses that it is noble of Miyata to keep quiet while he is cutting parts of himself off while waiting for Ippo. Miyata's father isn't sure that Sendō is right, however, Sendō explains that it is because there has to be a reason Miyata isn't going for Ricardo. Sendō mentions how if plans fall apart, one just has to rewrite the script like he did. Sendō walks away while stating that he knows what to do now, as he doesn't want to fight a Miyata that is out of shape. Sendō also notes that he feels sorry for him having to be the trainer of a stubborn child, however, Miyata's father felt sorry for Yanaoka for having to do the same.

The Kind Tiger

Ippo, Sendō, and Sendō's former teacher talking.

When Sendō comes out of the venue, he angrily grabs Ippo by the collar when he learned that he was talking about his past with his teacher until she lectures him on how his first instinct is to resort to violence despite doing things for the right reasons. Ippo, Sendō, and Sendō's teacher goes to the Coffee Shop Hearns to talk and eat. There, she apologises for being late, as she was busy with work. Ippo thinks she was busy teaching, however, Sendō knows she isn't a teacher anymore. He also explains how he heard from his grandmother that she got divorced, drinks a little too much, and sits at a restaurant all day like a statue without talking to anyone. She asks Sendō what he wanted to do. Sendō orders Ippo to punch him, and when he did after being forced to, Sendō asks his former teacher if she wanted to come live with him. She requested to know more details, and Sendō explained to her that he will be going to Mexico for a while and needed her to use his room to keep an eye on his grandmother, wanting her to contact him if anything happens to his grandmother. Before she could answer, the police shows up with their guns drawn since the shop owner called them due to thinking that Sendō and Ippo were fighting. She gets carried by Sendō as him and Ippo runs off.

The teacher learning from Ippo that Sendō is trying to help her.

The group made it back to the Kōrakuen Hall, escaping the police. The former teacher laughs, commenting how Sendō seemed to have grown up but he is the same as ever. As Sendō needed to go to the train station to go back to Osaka, he tasks Ippo to take his former teacher home and claims that he would go to Mexico when his fist heals before leaving. The former teacher tells Ippo how her ex-husband caused trouble after she split up and had to quit teaching. After remembering how Sendō would always say that he would help someone who needs or asks for help and Ippo believes that he wants to help her, she tears up, realising that he wants to help her. She asks Ippo why Sendō wants to go to Mexico, to which Ippo answered that he saw someone that was stronger, and if he defeats him, he can face the strongest in the world.

The Fists of a Prodigy

Ippo showing Fujii his fist.

While training on his weaving and punching side-to-side for his Dempsey Roll, Ippo unintentionally rises up and punches, which surprises himself as he never thought that it was possible to do so. Ippo runs to the Kamogawa gym while thinking about him weaving side-to-side and then down and up. When he goes inside the gym, he sees Aoki doing mitt practice with Fujii. Fujii claims that he came to the gym for a story, and then decided to try catching Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki's punches, as he is good at catching punches since he was an out-boxer before. Fujii reveals how he was a bad boxer who was called the "Eternal #2" at a city tournament. He adds how he ran into a prodigy at the tournament's finals, and thought that if he could beat him, he would turn to pro boxing, however, he lost. Fujii notes that Aoki's punches are just like the ones the prodigy he faced had. Fujii wants to catch Ippo's punches next. When Ippo gets into the ring and punches Fujii's mitts, Fujii sees how heavy Ippo's punches are. A punch causes one of Fujii's mitts to fly off his hand. Fujii asks to see Ippo's fist without gloves on, and to make a fist. Fujii sees Ippo's right fist, and tells Ippo and his gym mates that the secret to Ippo's knockouts is in Ippo's fists.

Aoki showing everyone his fist.

Fujii explains that the secret is unique to Ippo, as the shape of his fists are big, hard, and flat like a rectangle, making the force more spread out. Fujii notes how the type of hand one has is something they are born with, and Ippo was born with the right hands for the job. Fujii asks Ippo if he does any special conditioning for his fists since the hardness of his fists aren't normal. Ippo claims he punches logs light enough to not injure himself. Fujii comments how that is someone some karate practitioners do and sees why his fists don't break despite how powerful they are as his bones are strong. Aoki and Kimura compares Ippo's fists as bricks, scolding him for hitting them with bricks. Fujii predicts that Takamura and Sendō must have similar qualities, by looking at how they blow their opponent's guard away. Fujii notes how Ippo is also short, so his punches come from an angle, and his strong lower body acts as a powerful launchpad that adds a natural torque to his punches. Kimura notices how his fist is halfway between Ippo and Itagaki's fists, believing it to be the standard shape. As Itagaki asks about his fists, Fujii explains that Itagaki's more triangle shaped fists have more penetrating damage, pinpoint, precise punches, and they can slip through holes in enemy defences easier, predicting that Miyata must also have his shape. Aoki makes fun of Kimura for having a standard shape fist. As Kimura, Ippo, and Itagaki wanted to see the shape of Aoki's fists, Aoki makes a fist that appears round. Kimura and Itagaki makes fun of Aoki's fists, comparing them to the enoki mushroom, suggesting to put butter on his fists, and when Aoki gets irritated, they claim they don't want to get hit by a mushroom punch. Aoki asks Fujii what round punches are good for, Fujii claims that round fists tend to be slippery and can roll off target.

Shinoda and Fujii meet, remembering their past.

Shinoda enters the gym, and when him and Fujii notice each other, the gym members notice their faces look serious as the two remember their past. Fujii explains to the gym members of their past, when Fujii and Shinoda were friends who were amateur boxers partaking in city tournaments. One day after a spar, Shinoda announced to Fujii that he is going to turn pro, and looks forward to seeing him in the ring someday. However, Fujii revealed to him that he thinks he is done as a boxer. Shinoda thought they shared the same dream- To go to the Olympics or become a champion as a pro. Fujii instead wanted him to go and make that dream come true, while he decided to report on boxing instead. The two made a promise for Shinoda to become a JBC champion, then world champion, as Fujii writes about him as he makes his way up. After Fujii finishes explaining their story to everyone at the gym, Shinoda informs them that he lost his pro debut match, and only fought in six matches, ending with an average record. Shinoda apologises to Fujii about not being able to fulfil their promise, but Fujii reassures him that it is okay, since he wasn't suited to be a pro boxer. Aoki asks Shinoda to make a fist so he can see the fist of the prodigy. When Shinoda makes a fist that is round like Aoki's, Aoki becomes disappointed. Before leaving, Fujii asks Ippo if he is coming back to fight again. Ippo answered that he plans to. As Ippo hears his gym mates talk about how Ippo's come-back match opponent will likely defend from the sides a lot against Ippo's punches, Ippo wonders what will happen if he took his Dempsey Roll that is always horizontal, and adds a vertical motion to it.

The Way for the New Dempsey Roll

Kumi reminding Ippo about his promise to retire if he loses again.

Ippo runs while having three tires tied to his back and then trains on the weaving of his Dempsey Roll. He attempts to add vertical motion to it, however, he stops himself as he heard his muscles tearing. Ippo realises Kamogawa had the same idea due to the training methods that he gave consisting of twisting motions. He plans to move slowly and steadily towards the platform for his new Dempsey Roll. When Ippo returns home, Kumi was waiting for him, and notices that Ippo injured his head while training as it is bleeding. Kumi patches Ippo's injuries on his head, and Hiroko notices that Kumi worries about Ippo more than she does. Kumi tells Ippo that she will cheer him on, however, she reminds him about his promise to retire if he loses again. Ippo wants to not talk loud about it, making Kumi realise Ippo hasn't told his mother about the promise.

Aoki winning against Ippo in a spar.

Later, at the Kamogawa gym, Kamogawa, Shinoda, and Yagi informs Aoki and Kimura about their upcoming ranked matches that take place as an opener before the main event of Iga's match, where he is challenging the JBC lightweight champion. Aoki is fired up, wanting to show Iga how much stronger he has gotten. Kimura wonders when did Aoki get stronger. Aoki reveals he has a new upgrade. Ippo claims that he wants to see Aoki's upgrade. A one round spar between Ippo and Aoki begins. Learning that it is a new variation of the Frog Punch, Ippo gets ready to counter the technique. However, Ippo gets knocked down anyway from the new Bell Horn Frog Punch and claims the new variation to be a shock. Afterwards, Kamogawa, Yagi, and Shinoda discusses Aoki and Kimura's next matches, and how Aoki is motivated, while they should trust Kimura to do the same. Kamogawa hopes that their matches will spur Ippo and Itagaki on for their come-back matches.

Undercards - Tatsuya Kimura's & Masaru Aoki's Matches - The Frog's New Weapon: The Bell Horn

Takamura surprising Ippo and Itagaki with his sudden appearance after being away on a trip.

On the day of the matches, Aoki and Kimura walk to the Kōrakuen Hall. Kimura notes how they have been doing a lot of come-back matches. Aoki claims it will be the last time because he is only going to win from now on. Aoki asks if Kimura is okay, noticing his face looks like he failed weight control. Kimura claims he will be okay. Takamura approaches the group and comments how there is something wrong with someone's face. Kimura thinks he is talking about him, however, Takamura was talking about Tomiko because he thinks she put on too much makeup. Inside of the venue, Ippo and Itagaki watches the undercards. Itagaki becomes disappointed when he sees Satō, who he sparred with previously, lose his match and is bound to retire as his losses caught up to his wins. Satō's likely retirement makes Itagaki think of how Aoki and Kimura are always on the brink, and depending on the result of their upcoming match they may be in the same boat. Ippo doesn't want to talk about retirement before a match since it is bad luck. Itagaki decides that they should cheer them on to help them win. Just as they were about to practise their cheering, Takamura makes a sudden appearance to suggest to them that Aoki and Kimura should retire. Ippo and Itagaki get irritated, but Takamura points out that since Aoki and Kimura get paid since their pros, their very existence is an insult to the paying public. Takamura adds how Kimura looked like he messed up his weight control. Ippo thinks how Kimura claimed that he can no longer fight as a junior lightweight because it is taking its toll on him. Takamura makes a decision: he will announce Kimura's retirement for him when he loses.

Kimura fighting against his opponent.

As Kimura's match is about to begin, he heads to the ring. Kimura notices how the audience is rooting for him, thinking that they must know that he is on the brink of retirement. Kimura hopes his opponent messed up his weight control as well, however, he realises that his opponent did not and is instead fired up. Takamura realises that Ippo, Itagaki, Aoki, and Kimura are all having come-back matches, commenting that he will be all alone soon. When Kimura's match begins, he quickly downs his opponent. Kamogawa notes how Kimura saw his opponent's rush coming and landed his counter perfectly. Yagi adds that being perceptive enough to read his opponent's state of mind is what makes him a veteran. Ippo wonders whose side Takamura is on after Takamura yells out to Kimura's opponent to stand up since Kimura's punches aren't that strong. When Kimura's opponent gets up, the two enter an exchange that goes into Kimura's favour as his punches are the ones landing. Just as Kimura blows away his opponent's guard and was about to land another hit, the first round ends.

Kimura's comeback match ending in a draw.

At Kimura's corner, Kimura thinks on how he looks up to Aoki now, since all this time, he has a desire to fight someone and doesn't want to retire until he fights him. Kimura wants to be with Aoki as a boxer until the very end as they have been together for this long. As the second round begins, Kimura overpowers his opponent with left and rights. As the audience cheers, a regular tells the audience to not underestimate Kimura. The Regular notes that while Kimura's record may not be remarkable, he has above average speed, footwork, and punching power. He adds that Kimura's match against Mashiba was where he looked the strongest despite him losing that match. Having come to the venue for three years and watching Kimura's matches, he has always had faith that Kimura would become champion one day. The Regular gets the audience to shout "next champ" as a cheer for Kimura. The cheers last up to the eighth round, where Kimura begins to look very exhausted. Kimura throws a one-two, clinch combination, resulting into jeers. Kimura pushes his opponent down with him, causing a double down. As the audience notice the match has turned into a mud wrestling match, Takamura laughs in joy. Kimura manages to clinch him again after his opponent's second told him to look at how bad Kimura's legs are shaking it to make him go after him, not noticing that Kimura's arms were going to clinch him. Another double down happens, and the match ends with a draw. The audience wants to question The Regular, however, The Regular left with a bunch of beer cans next to where he was sitting. Shinoda scolds Kimura as Kimura claims he was fine as long as he didn't lose. Walking away from the ring, Kimura wonders if Aoki wants Iga to be the one to retire him.

Takamura meeting The Regular.

Takamura goes to the bathroom and encounters The Regular that was cheering for Kimura. Takamura quickly notices that The Regular isn't any regular guy as he reeks with danger. Takamura asks who The Regular is. The Regular recalls Takamura's record and claims that it would be impudent to give his name to someone of his calibre. The Regular claims that he isn't anyone important, but some people call him 'Earl Rug," an anagram for "The Regular". As The Regular leaves, Takamura gets angry as he didn't flush the toilet.

Aoki fighting his come-back match opponent.

As Aoki's match is about to begin, Aoki arrives to the ring. Takamura goes back to the audience area with Ippo and Itagaki and wonders why there is so much interest in an Aoki match. Ippo explains that it is because Aoki is going to use the new Frog Punch called the "Bell Horn". When Aoki's match begins, both boxers circle around each other slowly without attacking. Takamura wonders what the Bell Horn is, doubting that it is impressive. Itagaki claims that it knocked down Ippo, something Takamura couldn't believe. Itagaki explains what kind of animal the bell horn frog is, making Takamura think it is like a trap. Ippo notes that it is a frog that doesn't jump. Suddenly, Aoki squats down. Everyone waits in anticipation on what Aoki will do next. However, Aoki's opponent did not go near him, and the referee deducted a point for staying in that position for too long, defeating the technique. Aoki and his opponent have multiple exchanges with both boxers getting hit by their punches until the middle of the eighth round. When Aoki looked defenceless after taking a big punch, and his opponent began throwing a follow up punch, Aoki stops and uses the Look Away, making his opponent look at the direction where Aoki is looking. When Aoki's opponent looks back, he doesn't see Aoki squatting down until it is too late, as Aoki lands his Frog Punch. Aoki attacks his defenceless opponent with combinations until the referee stops the match, ending the match in Aoki's victory by knockout. Aoki celebrates by yelling out that he is coming for Iga.

Main Event - JBC Lightweight Title Match - Champion Sōshi Ōshima (Fifth Defence) VS. Shinobu Iga (JBC Rank 1)

Iga walking to the ring to fight Sōshi.

}Aoki and Kimura run to the audience area to watch Iga's title match with Ippo, Takamura, and Itagaki. As Iga walks to the ring for his JBC lightweight title match, Ippo notices that Iga seems calm for his first title defence. Takamura thinks that he is only calm because he has Baron with him, as Baron is probably working a mind control angle on him since he has a way with words. Takamura adds that it is like some kind of symbolic relationship that brings out Iga's inner strength. While Itagaki thinks it is like a strong bond between a trainer and his fighter, Takamura deems Iga is more like a dog. When the popular JBC lightweight champion, Sōshi Ōshima, gets to the ring, Itagaki and Takamura get irritated by how long Sōshi's flower bouquet line is taking. In the ring, Baron expresses his disgust to Iga about the champion. Baron tells him, while grabbing him by his hair, to not mess it up and make him look bad, since he begged businesses to get him his quality boxing trunks as he promised the businesses that they would be sponsoring the future world champion.

Iga defeating Sōshi.

When the match between Iga and Sōshi begins, Iga walks slowly towards Sōshi. Sōshi uses fast footwork and attacks Iga's guard, while Iga is unable to land his punches. The third round consists of the same, and Kimura and Itagaki feels like their switching to be on Iga's side because they are annoyed by all of Sōshi's female fans cheering him on. After the third round, Kimura notices Iga starting to go for Sōshi's body, thinking that Iga is trying to slow Sōshi down and finish him in the later rounds. Aoki notes that Iga has been avoiding taking serious damage. He adds that most of Sōshi's rights have been straights, so Iga just has to keep his guard up and watch for downward rights, and if he dodge the jabs, duck in, and get close, he can aim for the body. Iga throws a punch at Sōshi's body, but it hits his block. Sōshi throws jabs at Iga's block before using footwork to create a distance. Ippo thinks Sōshi is good, but Takamura doesn't. Takamura thinks that if he was Sōshi, he would wait for the end of Iga's swing that he the same motion every time, and then aim for his head. Sōshi uses the same idea as Takamura had, however, Iga blocks. In round six, as Iga rushes forward and Sōshi blocks his body blow, Sōshi tries to hit Iga's head since he used the same motion as all the other times, but Iga blocks the punch. As the Tokugawa coach expresses his worry to Baron about Iga's talent being crushed, Baron just wants him and the audience to shut up. Iga and Sōshi makes attempts to hit each other in the same motion repeatedly until Iga aims for Sōshi's face instead of his body, landing his first clean hit. The punch to the jaw makes Sōshi go down, and the referee ends the match immediately, making Iga the new JBC lightweight champion.

Baron with Iga after he defeated Sōshi and became the JBC lightweight champion.

Baron questions the coach for his worrying, as Iga's training did it's job, and laughs as the audience became quiet. As Kamogawa, Yagi, and Shinoda had watched the match on TV in the waiting room, they note how Iga's plan that had him win must have required a lot of planning and practise. Shinoda is warned by Kamogawa that he will have to fight Iga and Baron just as much as Aoki. Baron takes over the mic in the ring when the interviewer wanted to interview Iga, claiming that Iga is not a talker and takes credit for how Iga won. Aoki reveals his letter of challenge to Ippo, Kimura, Itagaki, and Takamura, who all believe that it must be for Iga. However, Aoki claims it is for Sōshi so that he can climb the ranks and challenge Iga. Itagaki claims that no one is allowed in the loser's locker room. Takamura tells his gym mates to let Aoki do what he wants as long as it helps him get stronger. Takamura adds that in the end, how strong a boxer is what justifies their existence. Takamura tells his gym mates that they should chase after their goals with all they got as there is nothing wrong with giving it their all. In the ring, Baron talks about how he wants to train Iga into the image of his ideal boxer during the victory interview. Kimura bets that he and Aoki could probably take Iga on in a two-on-one. Aoki tells him that he will be counting on him.

Takamura meeting The Regular outside the venue.

Outside near the venue, Takamura meets The Regular sleeping outside of a horse race track and learns that he likes to gamble. Takamura discusses with him on what he should do about his gym mates. When The Regular suggests to abandon them and be free, Takamura notes that he has a point, but he sees them try even though they end up sucking more. He adds that he is not worried about them, but feels they are standing at a crossroad and feels sorry for them. Takamura leaves after giving the Regular an empty can of beer. The Regular feels like it is a bitter wind tonight. The next day, while doing roadwork with Itagaki, Ippo thinks about what Takamura said about goals. as at some point, he lost sight of any goal. He wonders if he really dreamt about taking the world title or if he had any reason to, knowing that he only did it because Kamogawa told him to. Ippo knew that being the Japanese champion was enough and already has done better than he expected. Itagaki notices that Ippo keeps going around the line near a tree, wondering what it means to him.

A Glimpse of the New Dempsey Roll

Ippo attacking Matsuura with the new Dempsey Roll.

At the Kamogawa gym, the junior lightweight ranker, Matsuura, and the Nishijima coach arrive for Matsuura to spar against Ippo. Before the spar, Matsuura is impressed by the gym's boxers such as Ippo, Aoki, Kimura, Itagaki, and Takamura. Matsuura excitedly shakes Ippo's hand as he is glad to meet him. When the spar begins, the gym members notice that Ippo is getting hit too much, thinking that he may still have damage from his fight with Alfredo or his instincts haven't kicked in yet. Ippo starts dodging the punches as the gym members notice Ippo is dodging them with the weaving of the Dempsey Roll. Kamogawa notices that Ippo is weaving up and down more now, wondering if he is trying to test the new Dempsey Roll. Ippo gets close enough to use the Dempsey Roll and begins attacking with it. Instead of the usual left and right hooks, Ippo throws an uppercut from below, breaking Matsuura's guard. Ippo continues attacking with the new Dempsey Roll, hitting Matsuura with left and right hooks and uppercuts until Matsuura leans on the ropes, making Ippo miss an uppercut. Matsuura's coach soon stops the spar to prevent his boxer from any further injuries. After Matsuura and his coach leaves, Aoki and Kimura asks Ippo how the new Dempsey Roll feels. Ippo nods, however, Kamogawa scolds him for not using more compact punches with the New Dempsey Roll. Yagi feels like the seed Kamogawa planted in Ippo has been growing inside Ippo, and is finally budding. Ippo feels like he has a long way to go for the new Dempsey Roll.

Kamogawa reflecting on how the door to the new Dempsey Roll is almost open.

At the office, Yagi tells Kamogawa how he might have been a bit harsh, noting that Ippo found the new Dempsey Roll himself without knowing what Kamogawa was training him for. Kamogawa becomes silent as he believes that the door is almost open. Yagi goes to the rooftop where he meets Takamura. Yagi expresses his excitement about Ippo possibly returning to the ring with his new Dempsey Roll. Takamura doesn't care, requesting for Yagi to set him up for a super middleweight title match. Yagi explains how it has been hard negotiating. Before leaving, Takamura mentions to Yagi that it would be a bad idea to expect anything from Ippo and that the gym has him, and that is all it needs.

Ippo's realisation of a diagonal Dempsey Roll.

Later, while continuing Kamogawa's training menu, Ippo gets approached by Kamogawa. Kamogawa reveals to him that his new Dempsey Roll would be neither entirely horizontal or vertical, but diagonally, and if his opponent backs away, he would let his momentum carry him forward to hit them with a Gazelle Punch. Ippo tests the new idea out and is amazed how smooth it is when he shifts his weight. As Ippo begins training by pushing Kamogawa on his scooter slowly, Kamogawa explains that the movement of the Dempsey Roll wears on the muscles, so he needs soft and flexible muscles that can withstand sudden changes in direction. Kamogawa adds that the deeply rooted muscles are built by putting pressure on them slowly, so he will be building up his outer muscles as well. Kamogawa further explains that he will increase the applied pressure and then increase the load. For multiple days, Ippo trains by doing fast and slow exercises. When three potential new members come to the Kamogawa gym, Yagi gets excited. However, after the three saw Kamogawa's scolding and Ippo's training by hitting two different sandbags, they leave, leading Yagi to think it was going to be a bad day until he sees Ippo mitt practise with Kamogawa. The three who left the gym start having second thoughts of giving up, and decides to run back to the Kamogawa gym to join. However, one of them bumps into someone and tells the person to apologise. The three get scared when the person turns out to be Takamura, who wishes to be taught how to apologise. Takamura chases the three as they ran.

Takamura asking Ippo if he can carry the burden.

While watching Ippo doing mitt practise with Kamogawa, Aoki wonders if the training Ippo is doing is harder on Kamogawa. Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki notes how Kamogawa has endured Ippo's new punches for a while, and they think that he must be over one hundred years old by now, making him a monster. After the mitt practise session, Kamogawa goes to his office. When Yagi checks on him, Kamogawa gloats on how his hand is screaming in joy. At the rooftop, Ippo meets Takamura. Takamura asks if Ippo can deliver and if he can carry the kind of burden to live up to expectations. Takamura notes how the gym has him, and that he will take the gym to heights that they have never seen before. Ippo answers that he is not sure, but since he decided his next loss would be his last, he would give it everything he has. Later, while doing roadwork, Ippo thinks about the line Takamura made and when Takamura told him to deliver. Ippo wonders if he means the people who cheers for him is who he is supposed to deliver. He knows he has to quit boxing if he starts feeling strange, since he wants to be able to keep his parents' fishing boat business running, but he wants to keep going just a little bit more because he loves boxing.

Suspicion of Tragedy

Ippo goes down against Nagumo.

Later, at the Naniwa Boxing Club, Sendō asked the coach to hurry up with setting up his match with Alfredo, however, the coach explains that Alfredo's side won't hear him out as he has a world title challenge coming up. Sendō notes how a match with Alfredo would be the fastest way to the world title, but he just really wants to fight him. At the Kamogawa gym, Ippo is tasked to spar against the junior featherweight world ranker, Ryūji Nagumo, who is ranked tenth. The gym members note how it is more of a tense spar because it is against a world ranker, and that Ippo is also ranked tenth. Kamogawa believes that since Ippo is returning to the ring while aiming higher than before, this spar will be a touchstone to see if he is ready for the challenge. Fujii watches what is going on in the gym through an open window. The spar between Ippo and Nagumo begins. Ippo gets hit by Nagumo's quick jabs despite Ippo seeing the punches and knowing he can dodge them, wondering if he got his timing wrong. Ippo tries punching Nagumo, but he is too fast for Ippo to land one. Ippo tries to dodge and slide in to press to Nagumo's chest, however, after Ippo starts weaving to do the Dempsey Roll, Ippo falls down after getting hit by two jabs. Fujii, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki are shocked as Kamogawa ends the spar immediately. Ippo wonders if he just went down and can barely stand up. Kamogawa notices that it wasn't a flash down, Ippo has been hurt. Ippo wants to continue the spar, but Kamogawa tells him to get out of the ring. After leaving the ring, Ippo believes that his headgear was the cause of him not seeing the punches at the end while he was starting weaving.

Kamogawa and Yagi discussing that Ippo may be punch drunk

While walking to his office, Kamogawa is reminded by Takamura that Ippo got knocked down by Aoki's Frog Punch, he had trouble dodging in the other spar as well as if he wasn't sure what he was doing, thinking he dodged but got hit anyway. Takamura believes that Ippo probably thought he dodged Nagumo's punches as well. He adds that he has been suspecting it for a while now, telling Kamogawa that Ippo is broken. Kamogawa and Yagi discuss what happen during the spar with Nagumo and the possibility of Ippo being punch drunk. Yagi doesn't believe Ippo could be punch drunk as the specialists that Ippo is sent to after every match has found nothing. Kamogawa claims that they might not have found it yet and that early stage punch drunk may not even show up on the exams, making the answer as to why a boxer can't dodge a mystery. Yagi notes that the one with the most experience with the boxer makes the call, and Kamogawa believes that Takamura may have paid closer attention than him. Yagi insists that Takamura's words are only proof and only theory and suspicion. Yagi mentions how Ippo is deemed tough, however, he goes down many times in his matches and only gets up by pushing himself to his limit, and, with his comeback victories, they may have come at a high price. They decide that the way they will confirm it is by asking Ippo if he experiences any symptoms of being punch drunk. At home, when Ippo tries to draw a straight line, but couldn't, he figures he must still be hurt from his match against Alfredo. Ippo tries to convince himself that he is not broken, as he wants to continue training together with Kamogawa, show the new Dempsey Roll they created, and live up to his hopes.

Ippo leaving the gym as he gets banned from it for one month.

The next day, Kamogawa and Yagi asks Ippo if he has experienced any symptoms of being punch drunk and he answers that he hasn't. Kamogawa tasks Ippo to draw a straight line on a sheet of paper to prove it. After Ippo draws a straight line, Kamogawa notes that the specialist exams turned up nothing, no symptoms of nervous system damage, and no concrete evidence. However, Kamogawa's suspicions are not cleared, with Kamogawa suspecting Ippo still had cumulative damage since Ippo can't take a punch as well as he used to, and his sense of range seems distorted. Kamogawa believes that he needs to stop boxing for a while since he can't recover from his current injuries properly if he is boxing, or he may really end up punch drunk. Kamogawa orders Ippo to focus on healing, meaning no strain or tension on his head, and he doesn't want to see him wearing gloves or bandages. He adds that Ippo is banned from the gym for one month. Ippo claims that he will continue to exercise and roadwork, adding that he will keeping working on it by laying groundwork. Ippo states that Kamogawa came up with the idea and helped him train, and spent a lot of time with him, so he doesn't want to let it all go to wase. Ippo claims that he will be back in one month and promises Kamogawa that he will be ready to use the new Dempsey Roll. Ippo begins doing training to help build up his new Dempsey Roll.

The One Month Ban

Kamogawa's conversation with Nekota.

After banning Ippo for one month from the gym and boxing, Kamogawa heads to the beach to meet Nekota. At Nekota's beach house, he asks Nekota advice on being punch drunk, and how to handle Ippo. Nekota tells him about his past, and the troubles he went through. Kamogawa feels that even though it is just a suspicion that Ippo might be punch drunk, he feels that he should let Ippo box again. Nekota disagrees and thinks Kamogawa should wait on it so Ippo doesn't have any regrets. Kamogawa decides to wait till the end of summer before he decides anything, but if he see that Ippo is punch drunk he will force him to retire. After getting into a fist fight with Nekota, Nekota claims that they will settle the score once they reborn. Kamogawa expresses his beliefs that reincarnation does not exist, as living once is enough, wanting to live life to the fullest. As Kamogawa leaves, Nekota thinks how Kamogawa's iron fists are still alive, as well as his iron will, and believes that Kamogawa doesn't have to be reborn again because he already passed on everything he has.

Ippo acquiring his weight straps.

As an order by Kamogawa, Itagaki is to stop Ippo from training, since his one month ban would mean nothing if he continues to train. Ippo has a hard time not doing anything, especially since he wants to show Kamogawa the new Dempsey Roll before the end of the summer. He wishes that there is some magical means to help him train without training. Itagaki doesn't think there is any magic like that, but Mari, who stops on by claims she does. Ippo takes her to a local sports store for it. While the sales clerk tries to get Ippo to buy expensive training equipment, Mari finds the magic item for Ippo. Mari tells him to put it on his wrist and ankles, since it was something Sendō used in the past to help him gain his dashing ability. Ippo thanks her, and heads to Yamaguchi to see on how to use them. She mentions if Ippo can't bring himself to sit still and rest up, then he needs to move slowly with no sudden changes in directions, slowly with everything that he does. Ippo starts training by moving slowly while wearing the weights.

Kumi bowling with Ippo.

When Aoki, Kimura, and Takamura hear from Itagaki that Ippo's been bowling instead of training, they wonder if it is true. They head to the Funa Bowl, where they find Ippo bowling with Kumi. They see Ippo bowling really slowly, and throwing a gutter ball. Shocked, they check Ippo's score card and find out he been throwing a lot of gutter balls. Itagaki realises Ippo used his other hand, when Takamura notices Ippo's weights on his hands. Takamura tells Aoki to try one of them on. Aoki tries them on his arms and legs, and notices how heavy it is. Aoki asks what Ippo's bowling ball weight is, and Ippo mentions it is the heaviest (16 pounds). Takamura notes why Ippo is bowling since the range of motion is similar to the build up to the new Dempsey Roll. Ippo gets mad at Takamura for suggesting that he is broken, but since he got some free time he is putting it to good use. He plans on finishing the new Dempsey Roll, then return to the gym.

Ippo bowling while wearing weight straps.

Ippo continues to walk and do every little thing slowly while wearing the weights over the next few weeks. Yamaguchi arrives at Funa Bowl, and notices it seems like they are having a bowling tournament with his friends. Takamura thinks she came to see him, which surprises Itagaki and Kimura. Takamura mentions that they promised to do it, where Yamaguchi mention he kept on visiting her and she ended up promising him on the condition that he has to beg for it. Takamura can't do it because of his pride. Yamaguchi sees Ippo bowling and notices it takes a lot of strength and rock solid stability to bowl with one leg in the air. She thinks Ippo levelled up his natural born strength, and balancing from working on the fishing boat, where it is a fusion of power and flexibility. Yamaguchi informs Ippo that Kamogawa asked her to check on him, and that he is waiting for his return at the end of summer.

The Ban is Over

Miyata and Nagumo sparring.

For a final tuning before Nagumo's world title match, he goes to the Kawahara gym to spar with Miyata. Miyata doesn't want to wear any headgear for the spar, and Nagumo doesn't want to either. The spar starts and Miyata tries to land a counter but Nagumo slipped away and killed the impact. Nagumo starts to use his speed, and is able to counter Miyata. Miyata's father notes that Nagumo favours his left. Nagumo throws a left again and Miyata looks to counter it. Miyata's father stops the spar. The reporters think Nagumo was able to push Miyata the whole time, and thinks Nagumo can take on the world. When they ask Miyata for his impressions, he tells them that he admits Nagumo is strong. Miyata mentions that Nagumo's speed is a real threat, and his rhythm is hard to read. He doesn't think the world champion will enjoy that fight.

Kamogawa mitt practising with Ippo after his one month ban from boxing.

As a month has passed, Ippo starts to make it to the gym after being banned from it for a month. Yagi informs Kamogawa that Ippo should be returning, however, Kamogawa keeps trying to change the subject by mentioning how Nagumo was able to fight off Miyata and wonders what to doe about Takamura's next match. The gym members gets loud as Ippo was seen walking slowly to the gym, leading Kamogawa to yell at Ippo for him to come inside. Kamogawa tells Ippo to take off his weight straps. This is the first time Ippo took the weight straps off except to bathe, and he wonders if it will have any effect. As he throws a few punches, Ippo thinks his body feels lighter, but nothing dramatically different. As the gym members wonder what Ippo will be like without he weight straps, they hear Ippo yell as he fell down the stairs. As they rush over to see what is wrong, Ippo claims his body just feels light, as if he was walking on the moon. Kamogawa tells Ippo that his body isn't used to him moving without the weight straps, so he should go up the stairs like he would with them on. After Ippo successfully makes it up the stairs using slow and heavy steps, Kamogawa proceeds to run Ippo though some tests to see if Ippo is punch drunk. After being tested by drawing a straight line and walking in a straight line, a final test consisting of mitt practise begins. During the mitt practise, the effect of wearing weights and bowling start to show themselves where Ippo is able to pivot on both of his leg and throw strong punches in a high and low position. Ippo rotates punches between left and right and from high to low pounding Kamogawa's mitts in the corner until Takamura stops him. Takamura asks the verdict, and Kamogawa mentions Ippo has passed.

Ippo thanking Kamogawa for letting him back into the gym.

Ippo thanks Kamogawa, but Kamogawa warns him not to be too happy, since someone suspected of being punch drunk won't return to the ring that easily, and he still has his eye on him. Ippo asks if he can go back to boxing training after keeping his promise for one month. Kamogawa gives the okay. Itagaki, Aoki, and Kimura look at Takamura for suggesting Ippo might be broken, which angers Takamura. Kimura and Aoki mentions this is the reason why he can't get any girlfriends, not even Yamaguchi. After hearing Yamaguchi's name, Takamura stops and he does a dance, suggesting he slept with her. Itagaki wonders if that means he begged her for it, but Takamura mentions his pride will never allow that. Aoki and Kimura realise it was only in his mind, but Takamura tells them it is going to happen. He explains that he used to see her regularly, but haven't for sometime now in order to make her think about him. Takamura takes off his clothes, and mentions what he plans to do with her. Aoki and Kimura make fun of him, which causes Takamura to chase after them naked. After watching it all, Ippo finally feels like he is really back now. At the office, Kamogawa mentions to Yagi how during the mitt practise, he noticed a change in Ippo's punches due to the weight straps as they are more sharp, his lower body is stable enough to punch from any position, and that he is able to pivot from either foot and step forward while spinning. Kamogawa believes that Ippo may have figured out the answer to the new Dempsey Roll.

Ippo and Umezawa talking about the punch drunk syndrome.

When Ippo visits Umezawa's house and is able to draw a straight line again, Umezawa asks him why he had trouble before. Ippo answers that it must have been from the lingering damage he had from his match against Alfredo. Umezawa asks more boxing related questions to interview Ippo, as he reveals to him that he decided that his first serialised manga will be about boxing. Umezawa wishes for Ippo to become the world champion, and him the king of manga, as he thinks he heard that in a pirate manga before, making him the king of rip-offs instead. Ippo mentions he researched the punch drunk syndrome a lot since he was afraid he really might be broken, but at the same time he realised how much he really loved boxing. Umezawa starts remembering his past where he bullied Ippo, while Ippo wants the both of them to continue doing what they love. Afterwards, before Ippo left, he accidentally knocks over one of the ink containers, causing ink to spill over one of Umezawa's finished scripts, making Umezawa stressed. The next day, Ippo starts training for the first time in a month with everyone else, easily overtaking them while running with weight straps on.

Boiling Blood

Ippo tells Kumi about his CT scans.

At Kawai Hospital, Kumi asks Ippo has his CT scans went, and he mentions everything looks normal. Kumi thinks Ippo's health and quality of life are important, but she really enjoyed her time with Ippo while bowling and now disappointed that he is gone back to boxing. She begins to wonder about Ippo's future as a boxer and how far he will go, and worries about him breaking in the future. Ippo gives his results to Kamogawa, but Kamogawa mentions CT scans can miss things, where they should be careful in spite of it since Ippo's potential to end up punch drunk is undeniable. Kamogawa is going to see Yamaguchi to give her his thanks and some food. Kamogawa tells Yagi he will be gone for a while, and to not let Ippo spar while he is away. Outside of the Yamaguchi Chiropractic, as Kamogawa thinks of how proud he is of his pupils, he witnesses a naked Takamura getting thrown out a window and ends up getting hit in the face with his buttocks. Kamogawa is confused as Takamura hears police sirens, suggesting that Takamura should run away. Kamogawa also runs away since he can't let her see him like this. Takamura runs with Kamogawa, and they successfully escape after Takamura beats up to police.

Kamogawa's blood boiling as he thinks about the future of boxing.

Kamogawa goes to the nearby woods where Nekota lives to train himself to catch Ippo unpredictable punches by using logs attached to string on branches. While eating dinner with Nekota, Nekota notices Kamogawa is beat up, and wonders if he needs a beat up body like that since he is an old man. Kamogawa disagrees since he is young enough, but mentions he has to keep going because Ippo's efforts would all be wasted if he doesn't. Kamogawa mentions old folk shouldn't drag young people down. Kamogawa praises young people, and mentions the future belongs to them. He notes how boxing has changed and evolved every passing day thanks to the effort of the young, and he wonders what they will come up with in the future. The next day, while gathering food, Nekota remembers when Kamogawa first came to his place after finding Takamura, where he told Nekota that his usual mitt techniques won't cut it with him, as his blood is boiling. Nekota thinks that even when sunflowers wither and die, they leave a lot of seeds behind, thinking that Kamogawa is doing the same. Remembering when Kamogawa told him when he was younger that he would sow the seeds, Nekota wonders if Yuki is seeing this, as Kamogawa hasn't changed since then.

Main Event - WBC World Junior Featherweight Title Match - Champion Puerto Rican Champion VS. Challenger Ryūji Nagumo (WBC Rank 10)

Ippo and Miyata arrive to watch Nagumo's WBA title match.

At the Kamogawa gym, Ippo receives tickets to Nagumo's world title match at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan as a thank you for the spar. Ippo leaves to go to the venue. Ippo finds himself sitting next to Miyata. Miyata's not really thrilled about it, while Ippo imagines about what might have been if they fought in an official match. Ippo thought Miyata would be able to throw a counter with very little space between them, making Ippo lose the match. Miyata wonders what Ippo is doing, only to find him trying to wave at the camera for the Kamogawa gym members to see, which Miyata finds annoying. Takamura, Miyata's father, Kawahara coach, Kida, Aoki, Kimura, and Itagaki all are watching the fight. Aoki and Kimura are mad that Nagumo is using Ippo and Miyata to help the match, while Miyata wants Ippo to sit down since he is drawing attention to them, claiming that everyone sees how talented he is. Ippo thinks he is just excited to sit next to Miyata, which Miyata says is fine, but wants him to settle down. Ippo points out that Miyata called him talented, making Miyata glare at him and reminds him that he said to settle down.

Nagumo fighting the champion.

When Nagumo walks to the ring as his world title match against the champion is about to begin, Ippo mentions to Miyata that he read in a magazine that Nagumo beat him in a spar too, and thinks they are alike. Now angry, Miyata asks Ippo what happened in his spar, and if he really went down to "that". Ippo thinks Miyata is a little irritated today, thinking that he always had a short fuse, but he is overreacting to everything. He mentions both of them were beaten by Nagumo, and it is rude to refer to someone older as "that". Ippo wants to get along with Miyata since they don't have a match in the works anymore. Miyata is surprised that Ippo fought back for once, but mentions he doesn't intend on being friendly with Ippo. He asks if "that" really beat him. When the match begins. Nagumo uses his speed right from the start, and the champion can't keep up. Ippo notices the champion is trying to do something, and wonders if he is trying to counter with a right after Nagumo's two lefts. As the match continues, Miyata is tapping out Nagumo's timing. The champion is getting used to Nagumo's punches and starts to counter attack with punches, but Nagumo lands a counter on him instead. Nagumo lures him in, and then threw a sharp compact left hook. The champion pushes in again not fearing the counter. The champion attacks and Nagumo goes down.

Nagumo getting the last counter thrown at him that makes him lose.

Ippo wonders if Miyata held back during their spar. Miyata once again asks if Ippo really lost to Nagumo. Ippo mentions Nagumo really did knock him down, as he couldn't keep up with his speed, and was hit with two solid lefts. Nagumo stands up and takes a fighting pose. Nagumo throws punches at the champion, but Nagumo gets hit instead. Nagumo ends up clinching to buy time. After the referee breaks it up, Nagumo is able to land some lefts, but they don't effect the champion. Miyata mentions that it was clear as soon as they matched up that Nagumo might be unpredictable, but he's clearly not world class. Miyata had to stop himself from getting too into it. If he had fought seriously, he would have probably injured him and ruined his world title shot, so he held back. Miyata can't believe Ippo could go down to "that". Ippo thinks that Nagumo has a chance, but Miyata tells Ippo that he should have learned from his last match that the world stage isn't easy. The champion lands a counter on Nagumo, causing him to go down. The referee ends the match immediately, resulting in Nagumo's loss.

Miyata asking Ippo if he is broken.

Outside the venue, Ippo asks Miyata if he wants to go out for drinks, but Miyata turns him down since he doesn't intend on being friendly with him. Before walking away from Ippo, Miyata asks Ippo if he is broken. Ippo reassures him that he was fine and that he would train more before his coma-back match for the next stage. Miyata leaves, thinking that Ippo isn't the only one dreaming about it. Later, Ippo does roadwork as he thinks about how he can't believe Nagumo lost, but knows that boxing is hard. Ippo remembers how he started boxing and became the JBC champion, feeling that he was reborn. He believes boxing has taught and given him so much, making it harder to stop, but it keeps getting more difficult to do. Ippo remembers Takamura talking about the line, and thinks that Takamura means to be like a beast, but being a beast is the last thing that would come to him naturally. Ippo wonders if he is a little better now since he started boxing. Ippo meets up with Itagaki, Aoki, and Kimura as the three are preparing for their next matches. Aoki notes that Kimura is going through harsh weight control, thinking that he needs to move up to the lightweight class. Ippo hopes for all three to win.

Opener - Manabu Itagaki VS, Unknown Opponent/Semi-Final - Tatsuya Kimura VS. Unknown Opponent/Main Event - Masaru Aoki VS. Unknown Opponent

Aoki defeating his opponent with the Bell Horn.

On the day of the matches, Ippo and Takamura watch their matches at the Kōrakuen Hall. Itagaki wins his match in decision. During Kimura's match, he is having a tough time during the fifth round as he starts clinching a lot. The match ends in a draw. As Aoki's match is about to start, Takamura believes it will be even worse. When Aoki's match begins, Aoki starts with a Frog Punch, squatting down after his opponent threw a punch. Aoki's opponent has his chin blocked to prevent the Frog Punch from working. Takamura thinks this match will go to decision since Aoki's main weapon is pretty known at this point, as the opponent just needs to calmly keep their guard when they expect it. The opponent continues to block and wait for Aoki's Frog Punch, but Aoki doesn't throw it. Ippo realises Aoki is using the Bell Horn. Aoki finally throws the Frog Punch once his opponent got tired of blocking, which hits his opponent and makes him go down. The referee stops the match, making Aoki win by knockout. While Aoki celebrates his win, Ippo realises he wants to get back into the ring. Takamura knows what Ippo's thinking, and mention that he gave up the title believing that he graduated from Japan, but then he couldn't do much at the world level. He wonders why Ippo wants to head back into the ring, and what he wants to do since he is in an awkward place. Ippo isn't clear on what he is after, but he wants to show the new Dempsey Roll to Kamogawa. Ippo feels that after he spent all the time in he spent preparing his body for it, and now it is finally starting to bear fruit, so he wants Kamogawa to see it in the ring. Ippo feels by showing the new Dempsey Roll, it will help him move forward and be the start of something. Takamura tells him to go for it, but not to disappoint him.

Ippo walks Kimura home since he had the most damage. Along the way, Ippo mentions how he believes Aoki can get a title match against Iga and that Kimura should move up a weight class so he can keep winning, however, Kimura disagrees, noting that Takamura and Miyata has it worse than him when it comes to weight control. Kimura believes he has just lost sight of his goal, so his motivation is lacking. He thinks he will set his sights on something soon, but until then he will hang in there even if he is in an awkward place.

Extraordinary

The view Takamura deems as "extraordinary".

At the Kamogawa gym, Kamogawa does mitt practise with Takamura and Ippo without a break between them. At the office, Yagi voices his concerns about Kamogawa's health when he started coughing. Kamogawa claims that they are filling him with life as they are sharing their souls with him. When Kamogawa mentions that Ippo and Takamura are in good shape, Yagi insists that they should go ahead with the plan of having Ippo's return match as a semi-final to Takamura's main event match in two months. As news of Takamura's main event, and Ippo's return match as the semi-final makes it to the magazine, the news reaches Date, Okita, Imai, Sendō, Hoshi, and Miyata. As reporters want to talk to Takamura at the gym about his upcoming WBA and WBC title defence match, Takamura shoos them away, irritated about another title defence. Ippo does roadwork with Takamura, who claims he wants a super middleweight title match already. Ippo expresses how he believes no one can understand Takamura's perspective and thinks Takamura should stop being irritated and take things one step at a time or people would stop supporting him. Ippo asks if Takamura is lonely. Ippo becomes moved after hearing Takamura talk about the view he and other world champions see when they reach the top as "extraordinary". Ippo believes that he may not be able to do it, but Takamura suggests for him to not think, but go for it.