Not anymore, am I?
I told you to leave Kairi alone.
You're messing with my family.
Hokko, run.
The hell?
They can't take a damn joke.
A boxer's got to stay warm.
I'll vouch for your 500 jumps.
I just can't seem to keep my eyes off you.
Hokko.
You can't fall for a guy like me.
Wh-What?
I would never!
You must be out of your mind.
I was this close to 500.
I can't believe those people...
Just say you made it.
Like I said, I'll vouch for you.
You aren't any closer to landing a punch on me anyway.
Act confident while you still can.
- Huh? - I'll have you know, I apparently have great posture.
I'm not lying.
- Mr. Hanegi said so. - All right, all right.
But why boxing? There are other ways to go about punching me.
It was the first thing I thought of, by word association.
Boxing is more than just punching someone.
How so?
Great question. I forgot.
No, you can't. He's a scumbag, too.
- What? - You heard me.
I want you to come up with a community event
as part of our regional revitalization project. [One-day Community Event]
Me?
Is that so surprising?
- Well... - You missed your chance the other day.
I've got a feeling you'll come up with something great.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Let's make this event a success, yeah?
Yes, sir.
Jump, jump.
One, two combo.
Stay focused.
Watch your leg.
Bend the knees.
Ms. Yui.
Did you manage to jump 500 times?
Yes, ma'am.
Mr. Kuzuya can attest.
- I don't believe it. - Well.
- Technically, I only jumped 497 times- - No, not that.
Kairi would never willingly get involved in boxing.
- But it's true. - The scumbag you want to punch is Kairi, right?
Yes.
And I finally feel ready to start.
I don't get you.
Ms. Yui.
Please allow me to continue boxing here.
What are you talking about, Ms. Sato?
You've been a proper member of our gym for a while now.
What?
I bet Yui convinced you otherwise.
No need to believe her.
To make up for it, I'll have Yui be your trainer, Ms. Sato.
- What? Why do I- - Thank you Mr. Hanegi, Ms. Yui.
That's that.
- Seriously? - Good luck.
Under, over, and...
Wrong.
S-Sorry, ma'am!
Your homework for next time? Learn to bandage your hands.
Yes, ma'am.
Let's start with the basic stance.
Bend your knees. Put your left foot forward. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
Right fist goes by your jaw. Keep those elbows down.
Left fist in front of your face.
Something's wrong.
Don't hunch.
Lower your hips.
- Yes, ma'am. - Pull in your jaw.
Ready?
- One-two. - One-two, keep going.
- One-two. - One-two.
- One-two, keep your stance. - Yes, ma'am.
One-two.
- One-two. Stay loose. - Yes, ma'am.
- One-two. - One-two.
Watch your balance.
[BAR]
Huh? Why?
Hokomi?
Evening.
This is Aizawa, the assistant I mentioned.
Hello there.
Hello.
So, what's up?
- Nothing much. - Oh.
- Were you looking for Kairi? - Yes.
- I mean... - Kairi's off today.
Probably on a date or something.
Sorry, that was uncalled for.
Oh no, it's fine! I'm not like that with him.
Actually, this is great. Could you return this to him?
It's a jacket I borrowed. I'd appreciate it.
Thanks again.
Hokomi, wait.
Don't tell me you're still seeing Mr. Kuzuya.
Of course not.
If you say so...
Kairi...
He's killed a man.
- Huh? - At least, that's what old rumors say.
Remember, this is between us. All right?
Is everything okay?
- Why? - I mean...
Miss, I'll hand you my contact information.
If something's up with Kairi, reach out.
- No, but I... - Here, I insist.
'Kay?
[Satoru Aizawa - Photographer]
Hell yeah!
Dude, congrats!
[GiGO]
[We will protect this city] [Protecting your homes from summer fires]
I see you're still struggling.
No date today?
Or were you dumped?
Neither. I'm just not hungry.
I question your perception of women.
You don't have training today?
Actually, I have been officially enrolled, thanks to you.
Congrats.
I told Ms. Yui you would attest to my successful jumps,
but she said you would never associate with boxing.
Why is that?
Were you injured?
Something like that.
Nevertheless,
I see you're still passionate about the sport.
Huh?
Boxing isn't all about punching, yes? You said it yourself.
Speaking of which, thank you for your jacket.
I handed it off to someone named Aizawa at the bar earlier.
You thought to drop by the bar?
Don't misunderstand.
As a civil servant, it is my duty to return what I've borrowed.
And just so we're clear, I was not looking for you here, or at the bar, or...
You could at least listen.
So, you missed me.
WHAT?
Unbelievable...
Say, could you grab this for me?
I want to give it to a girl I know.
Yeah, yeah.
- I'm paying? - I'm broke.
[One play, ¥100]
So close.
One more time.
Hold this.
Quiet, please.
Rotate along the corner's axis, and take advantage of the momentum.
Our goal...
is 250 millimeters along the X-axis.
And 120 millimeters along the Y-axis.
Now rotate!
- Yes! - Woah!
Good going, Hokko.
Here, take it.
I'll walk you back.
Huh?
For this.
Plus, we wouldn't want you to get harassed again, right?
Here.
Okay.
Then could I ask for one more favor?
- Wrap, and pull through. - Wrap, and pull...
Not like that.
- Huh? - Let me see.
You're a bit clumsy, aren't you?
Why do you think I asked for help?
Ms. Yui insisted I learn by next time.
Again with the homework?
She sure loves to be strict.
I understand up to this point.
But-
Is that another way of bandaging?
Loads of boxers have their own method.
Some have even patented their own ways.
First, get your knuckles secured.
Make a fist.
Now relax them.
Your hands are tiny.
Thread through here.
And make a fist again.
A fist.
Once you've got your wrists wrapped, relax again.
There.
Thank you for your assistance.
Huh? Is that you, Hokomi?
Mom?
I knew it.
- What are you doing here? - Nothing.
- My eyes! - Huh?
Mom, what's up? Is everything okay?
My eyes!
Hello there. I'm an acquaintance of Hokko's.
Then I'll leave you be.
Right.
He's totally my type.
- Mine, too. - So, he's a guaranteed scumbag.
Hokomi.
Who was that? How do you know him?
No special reason.
Oh my gosh. He called you Hokko!
There's nothing between us, okay?
Besides, that man is serious trouble.
Oh, I can tell.
That's a charmer for sure.
Meet his eyes, and you're hooked.
Hokomi, did you meet his eyes?
I have not.
We are nothing, okay? Nothing.
I won't even be seeing him again!
Good afternoon.
Afternoon.
- Why? - Mr. Kuzuya.
Thank you for coming all this way.
- Of course. - Please, have a seat.
Sato. Got a minute?
Yes, sir.
All of your photos came out looking spectacular. [Nakamise Street Guide]
Here is the finished pamphlet.
- Thank you. - Sato.
Mr. Oba, spotted.
I must admit.
Everyone looks absolutely radiant in these pictures.
- Thank you for using my photos with care. - Of course.
Our departments all appreciate the work you put into this.
We'd love to treat you to dinner.
- What? - We can also discuss our next project.
Sato, come join us.
- Yes, sir. - In that case, would you happen to be free later today?
- Yes, I am. - I'd like to join, too!
- Cheers! - Cheers.
I'm sorry for crashing the party.
The name's Nade Nitta. I work as a receptionist for City Hall.
I started working with Hokomi, and I'm also friends with Aizawa.
- With Satoru? - Yes.
Nice to meet you.
Now then, Mr. Kuzuya. I wanted to inform of an upcoming community event we'll be holding.
Could we hire you again as City Hall's exclusive photographer?
Thank you, I'd be honored.
- What sort of event will this be? - That has yet to be finalized.
Sato will be in charge of planning this event.
Yes. At the moment, I'm thinking of making this a sports fair of sorts.
Sounds like fun.
Mr. Kuzuya, do you play any sports?
You dabbled in boxing, yes?
Boxing?
Interesting!
How did you know, Ms. Nitta?
We share an acquaintance.
I see.
And now, Hokomi's attending the same gym Mr. Kuzuya used to train at.
- What? - Sorry, I spilled.
Was that a secret?
Sato, you do boxing?
Yes, actually.
I only just started though.
I had no idea.
That's quite a shocker.
I didn't realize boxing was so popular.
I know nothing about martial sports.
Likewise.
Punching people seems quite terrifying, even as a sport.
I think many people would agree.
Still...
Boxing is more than just punching someone.
There is a reason behind each punch thrown.
What reason, if I may ask?
Boxing is all about respecting your opponent.
They went through a similar grueling regime to stand on the ring.
That's why you don't pull your punches, quite literally so.
I see.
At least, that's what I've been told.
Welcome.
- I'll take your order. - Thank you.
What does everyone want?
Everything looks delicious.
- Ouch! - Tough it out. [11 Years Ago]
They picked the fight. [11 Years Ago]
I did nothing.
You're going pro, right? Then of course you don't.
Boxing is all about respecting your opponent.
They went through a similar grueling regime to stand on the ring.
That's why you don't pull your punches, quite literally so.
[Boxing Practice Notebook]
"Boxing..."
"...is all about..."
"...respecting your opponent."
[Boxing is all about respecting your opponent.]
"Punch. That."
"Scumbag."
Take it off,
and place it on top.
Okay.
Take about a finger-width, and wrap.
- Where did you learn that method of wrapping? - Huh?
Looks good, Ms. Sato.
That's how the pros do it.
They make sure to really guard their knuckles.
I see.
All right, looking good.
Ouch.
- Ow. - That's enough. Watch me.
Yes, ma'am.
Hitting a sandbag is all about timing.
Watch it swing, and...
Punch.
Make sure you bend your knees and hips.
Step in, and...
Punch.
If you only use your arms, you'll hurt your wrists.
Use the movement from stepping forward to throw your punch.
Yes, ma'am.
Stepping forward...
Wrong.
Right then.
One-two.
Another one.
Step. Step. Step.
Focus on your legs and hips.
Step. Step. Step.
One-two.
Use your legs.
Yes, ma'am.
Remember to step. It's all about the rhythm.
Yes, ma'am.
- Again? - Dude...
You all right?
Here, let's have you hit the mitts first.
Yes, ma'am.
- Give it your best shot. - Yes, ma'am.
You're bending your wrists.
Keep them parallel to your fists.
And don't squeeze your fists shut inside the glove.
- Yes, ma'am. - Focus on hitting your thick bandages.
Kairi, what the heck is up with that bandaging?
You do not need that much on your knuckles.
- I don't want it to hurt. - Seriously?
First time I've seen this method though.
Then take a good look.
See? Won't hurt.
Give it another go.
Use your legs.
Again.
One-two.
One-two, hook-two, dodge-two.
Keep it up.
Ouch...
Ms. Yui?
- What happened? - Are you all right?
You okay?
I'm fine.
I'm so sorry. I didn't punch properly.
It's fine. Let's get that iced up, yeah?
Hey, you.
Boxing is serious business, all right?
Okay folks, back to practice.
Here's a present for you.
I won it at the bowling competition.
Thank you!
You're so sweet!
I never knew you bowled.
Picked it up as a new hobby.
So, you quit golf, Nori?
Yeah, I had no talent for it.
Didn't want to bother the skilled folks around.
I see.
As they say, it's never too late to pick up something new.
Speaking of new hobbies. Hokomi, you've begun boxing, yes?
- What? - Huh?
- How do you know? - Rumors spread, dear.
Hokomi's boxing?
Why?
Was it because of the wedding?
No, that has nothing to do with it.
But enough about me.
Then I also have something to announce.
I've found myself a new boyfriend!
Oh yeah?
Seriously?
Who is it this time?
His name is Kento, and he's ten years younger than me.
Although he's a bit mysterious, he's like the definition of kindness.
That's why you all get drinks on the house tonight!
- For real? - That's our Akemi!
Hokomi, come join us.
- Come! - I'll pass.
Aw, why?
Perhaps she's in her rebellious phase.
While I'm going through my popular one.
Good one, Akemi!
Did another man dump you?
Don't assume I'm like you, Mom.
Then did you make a blunder at work?
Please just drop it.
I've got it! This is about that hit-jab thing!
Am I right?
How did you know I started boxing?
You underestimate my observant eye.
I am your mother, believe it or not.
What roaring confidence.
It was hard not to notice, with your ruckus and all.
Oh, I might quit though.
- Why? - No specific reason.
I'm clumsy and unathletic.
I'd only cause the more skilled athletes trouble.
Besides, boxing is like an amalgamation of efforts.
It's something almost sacred, and not for me.
You're as uptight as ever.
I remember when people used to tell me running a bar wasn't "for me".
Everyone tried to talk me out of it.
Really? You seem made for this.
I was a shy gal in the past.
Not to mention I got bored easy, sucked with money,
and had you two.
But I got so fed up with everyone's disbelief, that I kept going
and look.
I've kept the business running for 30 years now.
It doesn't matter why you started.
Because if you stick with it,
you'll see change.
I'm amazed.
Mom, you're amazing.
Just give it some thought, dear.
You've always been the the type to first logically understand,
then put things into motion, isn't that right?
Kenty!
Are you ready?
- Yes! - Hell yeah.
"Boxing, basics".
[Training Like A Boxer]
Which means...
[Perseverance makes strength]
Watch your legs.
Ms. Yui.
I'm terribly sorry for my blunder yesterday.
Is your wrist allright?
Fine.
First, our one-two's.
Yes, ma'am.
One-two.
Your form's looking good.
Keeping your elbows in weakens the impact on your abdomen and ribs.
Guarding the side of the jaw prevents the horizontal momentum of your brain,
which is the easiest way to score a knockdown.
Conversely, when you're on the offensive, both the hook and uppercut affects the brain,
making it easier to score a knockdown.
Yeah, that's exactly it.
I understand now.
Boxing is physics.
What?
This sandbag weighs 45 kilograms.
With momentum, the weight adds up to about 50 kilograms.
Which means 50 kilograms of force is also required to stop it.
The force of a punch is calculated by weight times speed.
In order for me to maximize the punch I throw,
I need to step forth, and put weight into my fist.
In addition, I should rotate my shoulders for the full effect.
For all that force to make it to my fist, I have to keep my hand and wrist parallel to the floor. And then...
I did it.
- I did it! - Yeah.
That was a solid punch.
All right, let's take a break.
- Yes, ma'am. - Kaori.
- Yes, sir. - You've got yourself a match.
- Really? - You bet.
Your opponent's a former Japanese boxing champ.
Thank you.
That's amazing.
Congrats, Kaori.
I'm happy for you.
Ms. Yui.
Would you be my Second*? [T/N: a coach or trainer who assists a fighter in a bout]
I want us to fight, together.
Please.
You'll go as her Second, won't you?
It's been seven years now.
Kairi won't be returning to the ring.
If you won't join as her Second,
I'll take it to mean you quit boxing.
And that's my final say, as the owner of this gym.
Jab, cross, one-two!
And again!
One-two!
Again.
Seven years already?
[Community Event Proposal]
But what's my idea?
It's been seven years now.
Kairi won't be returning to the ring.
Seven years ago...
I wonder what happened.
[Boxing Practice Notebook]
[Community Event Proposal]
Thanks.
You taught that girl how to wrap her bandages, didn't you?
I could tell from the method.
One of our boxers got a match for herself.
Good for her.
You're going as her Second, aren't you?
Yeah.
You're strong, Yui.
Of course I am.
As part of our revitalization project, we will be holding a community event.
[Boxing Workshop]
My proposal is for this to be a boxing workshop.
What? Boxing?
Boxercise has become a popular form of training amongst women.
Martial arts in general promotes a healthy body,
encourages self-defense, and allows one to destress.
It is a sport that kills two... no, three birds with one stone.
Martial arts though? I wonder.
Won't people be cautious?
Especially with all that punching.
Boxing is more than just punching your opponent.
The training each athlete goes through is truly grueling.
It is a sport about acknowledging those efforts,
where each athlete doesn't pull their punches out of honor.
It is about respecting your opponent.
There will be no matches between people during this workshop.
We will practice proper caution and safety at all times as well.
I think it's an interesting idea.
We'd be stepping into new grounds with this event.
Well, if Oba's on board, let's give it a go.
Thank you very much.
- Lindts! - Great work.
They're for you.
Thank you.
Seems like your proposal will go through.
I owe it to you, Mr. Oba.
I see our meeting with Mr. Kuzuya also helped.
I only parroted what I've been told.
Sounded plenty convincing to me.
And since you're so passionate about boxing, I'm interested, too.
Say, why boxing anyway?
- Huh? - I realize I hadn't heard your reasons.
There's a guy I want to punch.
Your former fiancé, perhaps?
Not him.
But this other guy is a bonafide scumbag.
And I'm going to punch him, so there will be no more victims.
Yum!
A guy you want to punch, huh?
These pictures look as great as ever, Kairi.
Thanks.
I had to shoot a soccer match the other day, and I thought I was gonna die of heatstroke.
Sorry I keep passing the sporting shoots to you.
Why don't you shoot at sporting events anyway?
I'm not good at it.
Fair point. You do excel at shooting the ladies.
Which reminds me.
Here.
I'd forgotten about this.
- Ms. Hokomi came to the bar to return it. - Right.
She's sorta different from the other girls.
Are you serious about her?
She's a civil servant. I just thought she'd have money.
Figures.
Thanks for dinner.
Yum.
Really?
Of course. We'll be getting some... you know.
- This, right? - Pops.
Yes, you'll be paid for your services at the event.
We'd be honored to make this boxing workshop a success.
- Isn't that right? - No, I...
Sorry she's such a grump.
If she were a bit friendlier,
we wouldn't be as pressed for members.
We don't need people looking for fun.
Think of the gym's future, will you?
I am, that's why.
We're struggling to make do.
- And I'm saying- - Excuse me.
Mr. Kuzuya will also be attending this workshop.
- What? - Kairi?
There's no way.
Mr. Kuzuya is a photographer contracted with City Hall.
He is scheduled to attend this event.
I see.
I wonder if he'll be all right though.
Why is that?
He hasn't even visited the gym in seven years now.
[Michio Tomioka - Kanagawa Prefecture Diet Representative]
[For: Mr. Michio Tomioka]
[Nakamise Street Guide]
[Photos by: Kairi Kuzuya]
Welcome.
Today, I came to deliver this.
It is the outline for our upcoming community day.
We'll be holding a boxing workshop.
I see.
This was an event I came up with.
I'll be counting on you for some wonderful photos.
We've hired Hanegi Gym to aid us during the event as well.
Mr. Hanegi and Ms. Yui will both be participating.
I look forward to seeing you at the workshop.
Say...
Did something happen to you seven years ago?
That's none of your business, Hokko.
Huh? Ms. Hokomi?
- Good evening. - Evening.
Then I will get going.
- 'Sup. - Hey.
A sporting event...
Boxing, huh?
Want me to take this one?
No, I'll be fine.
Yeah, keep at it!
You're doing great!
Yikes, back off!
Ouch!
[Kids Corner]
[Hit a Sandbag]
Great job!
[Boxing Fair - Give boxing a shot!]
Mr. Hanegi, Ms. Yui.
Thank you so much for helping out.
It's good to see the event's being received well.
I almost want to recruit every visitor here.
Pops.
Sato.
Mr. Kuzuya hasn't arrived.
- What? - I tried calling, but he won't answer.
That idiot.
- Sorry he's causing trouble. - No worries, sir.
I'll go look for him.
What?
Sato? Sato!
Ms. Yui, please continue to watch the event while she's away.
Right.
[BAR]
Excuse me, is anyone in there?
[CLOSED]
Where did he go?
[Satoru Aizawa - Photographer]
Kairi? He's probably at the pachinko parlor by the station.
That's his go-to date spot with Maki.
Kairi, you're about to win.
I think so.
Aw, so close.
What are you doing?
Can't you tell?
What about your job today?
I did some self-reflecting, and realized working for City Hall just isn't for me.
What?
Sorry about that, Hokko.
Do you realize how much trouble you're causing?
And I'm not justtalking about those of us at City Hall.
Mr. Hanegi and Ms. Yui are also waiting for you.
Did I ever ask them to?
Besides, I don't like boxing anymore. I want nothing to do with it.
You're meddling in my business.
Boxing is all about respecting your opponent.
They went through a similar grueling regime to stand on the ring.
That's why you don't pull your punches, quite literally so.
Scumbag.
I know.
Do you even remember your own words?
You said boxing is about respecting your opponent.
That it's about acknowledging the grueling regime they also went through.
Which is why you don't pull your punches,
quite literally so.
But right now...
You don't even deserve a punch.
What was her deal?
Don't worry about her.
[Boxing Fair - Give boxing a shot!]
- I'm so sorry. - No, no.
It's nothing you need to apologize for.
Where's Kairi?
I knew you'd only make things worse.
Yui.
Sorry, don't let her get to you, Ms. Sato.
Hey there.
I'm sorry for all the trouble.
Don't be, the event's a roaring success.
I'm surprised you managed to find a new photographer so quickly though.
- What? - The backup photographer.
Didn't you call for him?
No, I know nothing about this.
What?
I see...
Afternoon.
Councilman Tomioka. Thank you for your time today.
Of course. What can I do for the mayor's favorite today?
Do you know a photographer by the name of Kairi Kuzuya?
I see.
I had a feeling you'd ask that.
You can't be hiring a dirtbag like him for public work like this.
- Pardon? - This man is a murderer.
Mr. Oba.
Sato.
What did you need, sir?
It's about Mr. Kuzuya.
When Mr. Kuzuya didn't show up for the workshop,
it wasn't of his own volition.
Truth be told,
he was taken off the job.
What? But why?
Seven years ago,
an opponent Mr. Kuzuya faced in the boxing ring
passed away after their match.
Although it was an accident of the match,
some folks chose to call him a murderer because of it.
The higher-ups decided his work wouldn't do well for our image.
I did some self-reflecting, and realized working for City Hall just isn't for me.
Besides, I don't like boxing anymore.
I want nothing to do with it. You're meddling in my business.
Scumbag.
Yui?
What's up?
[I Wanna Punch that Scumbag!] [Round 3]
He isn't someone you can handle. [Next, on #ThatScumbag]
I'll do something about him, all right? [A triangular relationship?]
The match only starts once you feel cornered, al lright? [What happened seven years ago?]
I don't want to stay losing. [Her earnest feelings set things in motion once more!]
I don't think you should stay like this. [Her earnest feelings set things in motion once more!]
I'll be waiting.