The roars of the crowd thundered like waves crashing against the shore.
In the blue corner stood Riku Kazehaya, eyes focused, his breath slow, mind still.
In the red corner, Kenta Douma, a southpaw brawler with insane forward pressure and looping hooks. He was no joke—ranked third in the youth national standings.
Riku adjusted his gloves, rolled his neck, and looked toward the crowd. Among the faces, he caught Aika's—wearing his jacket, eyes locked on him. Beside her, Punch barked once as if cheering.
The bell rang.
Round One.
Kenta rushed in like a storm. Hooks, body shots, pressure. Riku absorbed, slid back, used his Long Guard. His arms coiled around the attacks, redirecting and catching on his forearms. But Kenta's power shook him.
"He's just forcing his way through…" Riku muttered, gritting his teeth.
Ten seconds left in the round. Riku saw an opening, pivoted, and used a Peek-a-Boo counter—a tight uppercut that clipped Kenta's chin.
The crowd gasped. The round ended.
---
Round Two.
Riku switched styles—his signature.
Now using Counterpuncher stance, he danced backward, timing every advance. When Kenta threw a lazy jab—
CRACK!
A right cross. Clean. Snapped the head back.
But Kenta wouldn't fall. He charged again. Riku ducked, moved under, and worked the body.
"Go, Riku!!" Aika shouted from the stands, standing up.
---
Round Three.
Both fighters bleeding now. Riku's left eye swelling. Kenta's ribs bruised.
Riku exhaled. "Time to ghost…"
He sank into his final gear.
Ghost Switch.
His movements became unpredictable. Left stance. Right stance. Back step. Duck. Fade.
The crowd couldn't follow him anymore—and neither could Kenta.
A feint. Step inside. Hook to the liver.
THUD.
Kenta dropped to one knee, gasping.
The referee counted—
"1... 2... 3..."
Kenta stood at 8. Barely.
Riku didn't hesitate.
A one-two combo, a feint to the left, and a devastating uppercut—
BANG.
Down again.
KO.
---
The bell rang.
Riku stood in the center, hand raised high.
"He's going to the final," the announcer shouted. "Riku Kazehaya wins by knockout!"
---
Backstage, Aika ran into his arms.
"You idiot! You made me cry again."
Riku just laughed, resting his forehead on hers. "Didn't I promise? For you... I'll win everything."
Punch barked behind them.
The final match loomed just two days away.
To be continued...