Are you all right?
Why?
He interfered again, didn't he?
- No. - I'm worried about you.
I'm used to it.
I know it hurts you.
That girl came and messed with everything.
- She keeps meddling without knowing a thing. - Yui.
Were you actually planning to go?
To the boxing workshop.
Want a drink before you go?
I'll pass.
I still have lessons today.
All right.
See you around.
So, he was going to go.
What're you doing?
Oh, nothing.
These lightbulbs fell, and...
I'm so sorry.
I said something awful to you.
Scumbag. You don't even deserve a punch.
I heard you were taken off the job.
But I ran my mouth, absolutely unaware, and...
You don't need to apologize.
What?
I wasn't planning on going anyway.
Still...
Now get going, okay?
Off you go.
- But! - There.
Combo.
Good.
Again.
Ms. Sato.
Ms. Yui! Hello there.
Weird smile.
[I Wanna Punch that Scumbag!] [Round 4]
Weird?
We'll start practicing combos today.
- Remember the basic punches? - Yes.
Now, we'll string them together.
- String them together? - Yeah.
We'll start with the one-two.
Yes, ma'am.
One-two.
Next, one-two, hook, cross.
- One-two, hook, cross. - One-two, hook, cross.
Finally, I'll swing with my mitt,
- so dodge it. - Dodge?
You crouch a fist's-worth.
- Yes, ma'am. - Ready?
- One-two, hook, cross- - One-two, hook cross, dodge.
Watch my mitt carefully.
- Yes, ma'am. - Looking good.
Great going, Kaori.
You're on your A-game today.
You got this.
Sir.
I'll be joining Kaori at her match.
I'll be her Second.
Are you sure?
Ms. Yui.
Thank you so much!
- Let's do our best. - Yes, ma'am!
♪ Waiting at the street corner at dusk ♪
♪ Glancing into the quaint coffeeshop ♪
♪ I see two folks, gazing at one another ♪
- Hey there, folks. - ♪ Two folks, who look quite familiar ♪
♪ The reason why that girl ♪
♪ Became so cute on a dime ♪
♪ Is because she's come ♪
♪ To see you time after time ♪
Sing, Akemi!
Welcome, welcome.
I wanted to hear Akemi sing, not you.
- I was waiting for you. - As if.
- Mr. Hanegi? - 'Sup.
Why?
I'm here to drink.
Nari's a regular of ours.
- He is? - You didn't tell her?
I guess not.
You're such a klutz.
I get that all the time.
So, that's why she knew.
[For Nari]
So, Ms. Yui will going in as a Second.
I wonder if she'll manage.
What do you mean?
The last time she was a Second was seven years ago.
Every other offer I'd given her until now, she refused.
Being a fighter's Second
means you'll shoulder everything regarding your athlete.
You research their opponents,
plan their diet, their training, be their mental coach-everything.
A competent Second can make or break a match.
I see.
I have to wonder if she's ready for that.
Sir.
What exactly happened seven years ago?
Yeah, looking good.
Nari, here's your usual.
Thanks.
Our daughters are quite the handful, aren't they?
You can say that again.
Mine acts like she's grown up and a lone wolf,
but my dream's to walk the aisle with Yui in her wedding dress.
Not that she cares about granting it.
At least she won't be left in her dress at the altar. Right, Hokomi?
- Mom! - What?
Your fiancé left you?
Enough about that.
Why? It's a funny story.
I envy you, Akemi.
Always laughing things off with a smile.
Why thank you.
I've got a ways to go.
Even now, I think about my choices.
Like why I let my daughter pick up boxing,
simply because she was born into the gym.
Well, my daughter was born into this business,
yet picked a totally different path in life.
And to that I say, life has a way.
I suppose it does.
Now then.
You wanted to hear about seven years ago?
Yes, sir.
Ms. Yui.
- What the... - Good morning.
How?
I heard you jog here every morning.
May I join you?
Ms. Yui.
I brought rice balls.
If you'd like.
Oh, erm...
I'm not eating rice balls made by someone else.
I made sure to mold them in plastic wrap...
I guess that's still a no.
You're persistent, aren't you?
I get that often.
We used to train here all the time.
Kairi and I.
He left his family and found his way to your gym, yes?
How did you know?
I asked Mr. Hanegi about it.
Is that so?
The one who picked Kairi off the streets
was a boxer from our gym named Daichi Hirayama.
Kairi, throw your punch.
And Daichi, don't hold back.
- Nice job, Daichi! - To Kairi,
Daichi was like a brother.
Same for myself as well.
But Daichi eventually left our gym, aiming for greater heights.
Kairi and I both swore to do our best, together.
Until...
You have a retinal tear.
What?
Agitate the tear, and it could lead to blindness.
You must quit boxing.
You've had a great career.
But you'll have to give it up.
- No. - Yui.
I'm going to keep boxing.
The doctor said you have to quit.
- I can't quit. - You could go blind.
Yui.
Don't abuse your fists like that.
You wouldn't understand.
I do.
If I were in your shoes,
I would be lost, too.
But I promised you.
I promised we'd do our best together.
- And now... - Yui.
Would you be my Second?
I want to fight with you, Yui.
That was when I gave up being an athlete,
and became Kairi's Second.
But I had no drive to become a Second for anyone else.
Because Kairi's special to me.
See...
Kairi truly loved boxing.
It was the only thing on his mind.
Seven years ago, on November 25,
Kairi had a special match lined up for him.
It was a match he'd waited his whole career for.
But Kairi wasn't the only one waiting with baited breath. [KAIRI KUZUYA]
So was his opponent.
I was Kairi's Second, alongside Pops.
The match was as even as could be.
You're doing good.
Come on.
- Watch it. - Kairi.
- Come on. - Guard, guard.
Was his opponent... Daichi Hirayama?
Exactly.
It was the eighth and final round, and the fight was even.
Both sides wouldn't budge both on the offense and defense.
- Get his jaw. - Raise your guard.
In the middle of the bout, Kairi scored a counterpunch.
- All right. - Yes.
He used the opportunity to go on an all-out offensive.
Great going.
Go, Kairi!
He landed the uppercut of a lifetime.
Down!
This uppercut was the blow that sealed our fate.
Four, five, six, seven, eight.
You still good?
Ready.
Go, Kairi, go!
Yes!
The judges have their scores.
First up, judge Noboru Matsuto.
76-75 in favor of the red corner, Daichi Hirayama.
Second judge.
76-75 in favor of the blue corner, Kairi Kuzuya.
Finally, judge Shun Watanabe,
has scored a 76-75, making this match 2-to-1.
The winner of this match is...
Our boxer from the blue corner, Kairi...
Yes!
Kuzuya!
You did it.
Great job!
We need a doctor!
Someone get the doc!
Call an ambulance! Hurry!
Hurry!
Someone get an ambulance!
Ms. Yui, are you all right?
To this day...
Kairi sends money to Daichi's mother.
What?
He wants to atone, so he sends her everything he makes.
I never knew.
Do you like Kairi?
- Huh? No, I- - Kairi...
He isn't someone you can handle.
I'll do something about him, all right?
You can't fall for a guy like me.
I'm broke.
Besides, I don't like boxing anymore. I want nothing to do with it.
You're meddling in my business.
So, that's why he was a scumbag.
That's none of your business, Hokko.
Now get going, okay?
Oh geez...
Ready?
One-two, hook-two, dodge and...
Don't think, act.
Instinct is something you'll have to practice.
- Yes, ma'am. - Keep stumbling, and you won't be fighting.
- Take a five minute break. - Yes, ma'am.
- Kaori. - Yes, sir.
I got the tickets for your match.
Thank you.
- How many will you sell? - A hundred.
Sounds good.
Are tickets something we sell on our own?
Yeah.
Those tickets turn directly into Kaori's payout.
Boxers can't make a living off the sport, so they also work part-time.
Kaori's no exception.
Our athletes work hard to make ends meet, while the gym barely scrapes by.
But despite everything, we're all passionate about boxing.
We work with our athletes to pull through.
Our athletes fight in the ring, while we fight against going broke.
A clever analogy, I'd say.
I expect you'll buy tickets too, Ms. Sato.
Yes, sir.
All right, anyone who plans on selling tickets come to me.
- Yes, sir. - Sir.
I'll take a ticket, too.
Here.
I'll take three.
Got it.
- Here you go. - Thank you.
- I'll take four. - Sounds good. [RING ANGELS BOXING BATTLE 18]
- There's your four. - Thank you.
- I'll also take four. - Thank you.
- I'll take three. - Only three?
One-two, hook-two, dodge-two.
Again.
Because Kairi's special to me.
Special to me...
Ouch.
Don't space out. You'll get hurt.
Sorry, ma'am.
It's useless.
I can't focus on practice, let alone anything else.
I have to snap out of it.
Sir.
I'd like to sell some tickets, too.
You sure?
Yes, sir. I want to pull my weight here.
Besides, it's better I have something to do.
Nothing.
[CLOSED]
[BAR]
We aren't open yet.
We need to talk.
So? How about it?
I'm not one for brawls.
Don't be so quick to judge.
You might change your mind after watching a match live.
Why not give it a go?
You might just get hooked.
You're going too, Ms. Nitta?
Sure am.
How much is a ticket?
¥11,000.
Pricey. No thanks.
Hey...
Curse you, Yokojima.
You got my hopes up.
I forgot he's such a cheapskate.
Sato.
Mr. Oba.
I'll buy a ticket.
What?
So?
[RING ANGELS BOXING BATTLE 18]
Come watch.
- No. - Please.
It's been seven years already.
I understand your pain.
That's why I only watched and never pushed.
Even so...
I don't think you should stay like this.
And I know you agree.
Isn't that why you were going to attend that boxing workshop?
I won't try to convince you to pick up boxing again.
But, Kairi.
Go live your life again.
I'll be waiting, okay?
- Thank you for buying a ticket. - Of course.
Anything to help you.
I'm grateful.
I never realized boxers had to sell their own tickets.
Our gym is working hard on that front.
Although, I'm partially doing this for my own sake.
Your own sake?
Oh, well...
- I have my reasons. - Is that reason Mr. Kuzuya?
Hokomi's interested in him.
That's why she started boxing, too.
- Nade. - I'm worried for you, as a friend.
But...
Ms. Nitta, your break's over.
See you later, Hokomi.
You too, Mr. Oba.
You spoke with Mr. Kuzuya after our dinner?
Say, Sato.
Were you acquainted with Mr. Kuzuya before we hired him?
How could you tell?
I had a feeling.
Besides, your reactions are quite telling.
Is the person you're hoping to punch...
Mr. Kuzuya?
I thought so.
Wait, does that mean he's a scumbag?
He is.
Which is why...
I was going to deliver a solid punch to his face.
- Going to? - See, the thing is...
I don't really know anymore.
That man shares a strong bond with someone that has persisted for years now.
Then why not leave him to that individual?
They can deal with him.
Although, if you do,
you wouldn't have any reason to continue boxing either.
What?
I mean, you began boxing with the sole intent of punching him, no?
[Be mindful of your manners, for a safer city!]
Buy some milk on your way home, please! [Mom]
Oh...
[Chankichi Ramen]
One soy sauce tonkotsu.
Coming right up.
[RING ANGELS BOXING BATTLE 18]
Oh yeah, that's the stuff.
I'm digging in!
Thanks for the meal.
Daichi.
- Can I ask about your match yesterday? - Sure.
First off, amazing fight.
You remember how you got knocked down once?
- Yeah. - I seriously thought you were a goner then and there.
So did I.
How did you get back up?
Let's just say,
- I was motivated. - Motivated?
I knew I couldn't go down yet.
The match only starts once you feel cornered, all right?
'Cause then, it's a match against yourself.
Then what's on your mind when you're against an opponent?
- Kairi. - Yeah?
I haven't had ramen in ages.
Let a man eat in peace.
Right, sorry.
- You're an idiot. - Sorry!
- A bonafide boxing maniac. - Hey!
That hurt.
Now eat up.
[RING ANGELS BOXING BATTLE 18]
Good evening.
Evening missy!
Doing well?
As you can see, yes.
One bowl, with extra garlic please.
You really meant it.
I see you have no girl today.
- Yeah. - One ramen for you, sir.
Where's your garlic?
- I have a date after this. - What?
Tight schedule.
- Sir. - Yes?
- Could I get more extra garlic in a separate plate? - Sure thing.
Here's your extra garlic ramen, with extra garlic.
- Thank you. - Sure.
You should add some. It'll taste much better.
- Thanks again. - Sure, come again.
- Come on. - Hey!
Put it in your own.
Score!
Garlic is good.
It sure is.
I'd like to apologize for intruding the other day.
I overheard your conversation with Ms. Yui.
It's fine.
Ms. Yui hasn't been a Second in many years now.
What?
Seven years, to be exact.
- But this upcoming match... - Yes, I think she wants you to come watch.
She's so strong, isn't she?
I'll have to learn from her.
Speaking of learning, I'm currently practicing my combos.
It hasn't been going well.
Even so,
I don't want to stay losing.
The match only starts once I feel cornered.
Because then, it's a match against myself.
It's a match against yourself.
- Thank you for the delicious ramen. - Sure.
Is this all one check?
- Oh, no- - Yes.
Huh?
Your treat.
You never change, do you?
Thank you, I'll come again.
What?
Nothing.
I'll leave you to your business then.
Sir! Sir!
You forgot something.
- I'm home. - Welcome back.
- Did you get the milk? - Yeah...
Huh?
Why?
- You forgot this. - Oh.
Oh my goodness, I remember you!
Goodness me!
Welcome, make yourself comfortable.
Mom-
Please, have a seat. I insist.
What the- My eyes!
Oh my god.
You should've told me he's visiting!
So, what is your relationship with Hokomi?
- Are you her boyfriend? - Mom.
Something like that.
You've got game, Hokomi.
This calls for champagne.
I'll grab the cured ham we got from Mr. Norio.
You'll have some, right? Right?
I'm sorry, they're quite a ruckus.
You have a nice family.
Well then.
Right.
I'll be waiting.
She says she'll be waiting.
- My, how bold! - Hush you two!
- We can't help it. - Exactly.
- He left. - Too bad.
[RING ANGELS BOXING BATTLE 18]
Kairi.
Are you free today?
Or do you have another date?
- No, I'm free. - Great. I end work at 1 P.M. today.
Want to grab lunch afterward?
- Sure. - Awesome.
Don't flake.
See you later.
[RING ANGELS BOXING BATTLE 18]
Sato.
Thank you both for coming today.
I'm excited to watch my first boxing match.
Same here.
Hokomi, you have to help out, right? We'll see you later.
- Let's go. - W-Woah.
Good luck!
You wouldn't have any reason to continue boxing.
You began boxing with the sole intent of punching him, no?
Why is it...
I do boxing?
Ms. Sato. Ms. Sato!
Mr. Hanegi.
Thanks for selling those tickets.
We successfully turned a profit.
That's good to hear.
- Is Ms. Yui... - She's getting Kaori ready.
Let me see your shoulders.
Yes, ma'am.
Okabe, make sure we have a doctor ready.
- Right. - The ice goes in that bucket there.
- Sure. - And could you get her gloves?
We'll warm up when you get back.
Right.
Now relax.
Relax for me.
Perfect.
You'll come, right?
[Hirayama Family Grave]
Daichi.
What should I do?
[RING ANGELS BOXING BATTLE 18]
Yeah?
Hey, Kairi.
Where are you?
I just wrapped up the shoot. Where should we meet up?
Kairi?
I don't think you should stay like this.
Go live your life again.
The match only starts once I feel cornered.
Because then, it's a match against myself.
I'll be waiting.
Sorry, Satoru.
I can't make it to lunch today.
In the blue corner,
we have our representative from Hanegi's Gym,
running at 114 pounds, make some noise for Kaori...
Ichihara!
- Go, go, go! - Push, push.
Watch her.
You got this.
- Patient. - Guard.
Push, push!
Ms. Kaori!
- You can do it! - Come on!
You're doing great.
Push, push!
Time!
Your opponent tends to follow your crosses.
Strike her then, when her guard is down.
Yes, ma'am.
Water.
Round two.
Kaori, don't run. Push.
Forward, forward.
You got this.
- Doing great. - Nice.
Boxing...
is more than just punching someone.
Raise your guard.
- Push! - Kaori, you're gonna win!
You can do it!
Stay focused!
Don't stop, keep pushing.
Watch your legs.
Yes, push. Exactly!
Push, push!
Kaori, go!
Exactly!
Go, go, go!
The judges are 2-to-1.
The winner of this match is...
Our boxer from the blue corner, Kaori...
Ichihara!
Ms. Yui!
That was amazing.
- Congratulations. - Thank you.
Kaori!
Kaori, you did it.
Thank you.
That was all you out there.
You came.
We'll head on ahead.
I think the deciding blow was that left cross.
She won!
- Kaori! - Congrats!
Congrats on the win. I'm happy for you.
Of course we won.
I was her Second.
Yui, you're the reason I've come as far as I have.
You're late, dumbass.
Kairi, I've always liked you.
No need for an answer though.
I know you've never seen me as a girl.
From now on...
I'll work hard as a trainer,
and move on with my life.
Maybe it's all her fault.
Huh?
It's like she stumbled into our lives,
and set things back in motion.
I'm going to go see Kaori.
So irritating.
What's up?
There's a high-spec hottie at the office,
and I tried to invite him to dinner, but he turned me down.
Then I'm the back-up?
Exactly.
Whatever, I don't mind.
So, you're mad at this high-spec dude?
No.
I'm pissed off at the girl near him.
She's so bland, and totally not cute.
She's just a straight-laced, boring girl.
Are you talking about Ms. Hokomi?
Why does everyone like her anyway?
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.
Dodge.
One-two.
One...
Um...
I...
I was so inspired by the match today.
Both Ms. Kaori in the ring, and Ms. Yui as her Second felt so... different.
Everyone is clearly so passionate about this sport.
And I want to learn more about it.
I want to become strong.
I want to see the sights you and Ms. Yui saw.
I want to know what it's like.
So...
Please, teach me more.
Knock it off already.
What?
I killed a man here.
Just standing near the ring makes me sick.
Don't come over to this side.
If there's one thing I can't forgive, it's Hokomi finding happiness.
All right. You're sparring tomorrow. [End of the First Arc]
Think about what it is you can do, and take that initiative.
I want to learn photography. I'll do anything.
I know you struggle. [Stand strong.]
I know you're strong, and kind as well. [Stand strong to save the scumbag!]
Fine. Let's go. [Their relationship takes a sudden turn, toward love?]