Novel Full Chapter 636: In the Shadow of the Spotlight
Chapter 636: In the Shadow of the Spotlight
Tokyo, a few days after the unification announcement.
The sports newspapers move fast as Ryoma’s name dominates the front pages, bold headlines declaring: “Ryoma Takeda: Japan’s Rising Face on the International Stage.”
A full-page photo shows him in the ring, gloves raised, gaze sharp. Inside, the editorials trace his journey, from early career full of controversies to a commanding performance at Yoyogi Arena, emphasizing his maturity and potential as a symbol of Japanese boxing ready to compete on an Asian and global level.
Online media reacts just as quickly. Highlight reels of Ryoma flood social platforms, accumulating thousands of views and comments praising his composure, precision, and strategic choices.
Fans call him “the new generation leader” and “Japan’s boxing prodigy.” Analytical articles break down his technique: how he controls tempo and distance, picks his combinations, and manages his stamina, proof that every step toward the OPBF and WBO Asia-Pacific unification is meticulously planned.
Even on national sports television, the chatter pivots toward Ryoma. While commentators preview the title fight between Leonardo Serrano and Sonoda Eizan, graphics, stats, and round predictions are briefly set aside as they actually discuss the OPBF champion.
“Serrano is a good fighter, but Japan already has a new face on the Asian circuit,” one analyst says, pointing at Ryoma’s projected rankings. “If he succeeds in unifying the OPBF and WBO Asia-Pacific belts, this isn’t just a win. It’s a statement. A new generation is staking its claim.”
Discussion flows easily, opinions sharp, but unanimous in optimism. No one dwells on his past controversies anymore. Ryoma represents a calculated, disciplined force capable of elevating Japanese boxing on a larger stage.
In the morning, TV producers cut to clips of Ryoma’s training from yesterday, quick interviews, and fan reactions. Everywhere, the message is the same: this unification plan is met with enthusiasm and belief in what he can achieve.
**
By midday, the energy has reached the gym itself, where reporters cluster along the edges, cameras poised, eager to capture every nuance of the rising star in action.
Usually, Nakahara would have shooed them long ago, citing focus and respect for training, but not today. Ryoma himself lets them stay, as he wants this coverage, wants the energy circulating to help sell the December unification event.
However, not everyone shares the excitement. In the corner, Ryohei leans against a punching bag, arms crossed, eyes narrowed, a clear trace of jealousy in his posture.
“Tch!”
Okabe notices immediately, and a sly grin spreads across his face. “Funny, isn’t it? You’re the JBC champion, but not one reporter’s paying attention to you. Not a single camera. All of them are on that kid.”
Ryohei rolls his eyes, muttering under his breath, “I’m not…” But his words fall short. His jaw tightens, and the irritation is clear.
Okabe nudges him again, grinning wider. “Come on, man. You were supposed to be standing on that stage, same as him. Even Yoyogi. Double headliner, main event… you were there. And now? Nothing. Zip. Nada.”
Aramaki pipes up without missing a beat, his voice quiet but cutting. “Did you forget, Okabe-senpai. He lost that bet at Yoyogi. That means until the next time they share a card in one event, Ryoma calls the shots. And Ryohei-senpai is on his terms.”
Ryohei’s jaw tightens, eyes narrowing as he takes in the gym around him. The terms of the bet gnaw at him, as he had expected the consequences would last only until the end of this year. Instead, they handed Ryoma’s fight to the promoter from Philippine, while leaving him sidelined.
He pushes off the punching bag, muscles tense, and strides toward Nakahara, who has just finished adjusting Ryoma’s mittwork.
“This isn’t fair, Coach,” he says, voice low but sharp. “We should’ve just held the event here in Japan. Every fighter from this gym on the card. Double title. Hell… triple title if we could. It would’ve been ours.”
Nakahara shakes his head gently, keeping his tone calm. “That was the plan initially. But the situation’s just not ideal.”
Ryoma comes closer to the ropes, and casually gives him a command. “Take the Surge Blue from the box, will you?”
Ryohei frowns, stepping back. “Do it yourself.” He turns away, muttering under his breath, the words sharp but not loud. “Seriously… just because you got a stake in this gym, you’ve been getting cocky.”
Without warning, Ryoma flicks one of his gloves, the edge catching the back of Ryohei’s head with a sharp tap. Ryohei jerks forward, blinking, a flash of irritation and surprise crossing his face.
“What the hell?” he grunts, turning back, jaw tight.
Ryoma doesn’t flinch. Calm, almost casual, he leans in just enough to make his point. “Remember, I’m not just boss because I own part of the gym. I’m your boss, because you lost the bet. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.”
“Damn kid…” Ryohei grumbles under his breath, but there’s no real fight in his tone.
“Cold, isn’t it?” Ryoma continues, sharp and controlled. “That bet isn’t just a game. Or have you lost all pride in keeping your word?”
Ryohei exhales sharply, jaw tight, and mutters under his breath. He grudgingly grabs the bottle and hands it to Ryoma.
“Thanks,” Ryoma adds lightly, a faint edge in his tone, “but next time… try not to make me wait so long.”
Aramaki chuckles, loud enough to draw a glance. Okabe laughs too, shaking his head. Kenta and Satoru are quieter, stifling grins but still amused.
Meanwhile, the reporters are wide-eyed, whispering among themselves, unsure what to expect. One of the reporters leans toward another, voice low, curious.
“Is this… a power move? Looks bad for our Japanese champ, doesn’t it?”
Ryoma’s eyes flick toward them, reading the movement of lips as easily as if they were spoken words. Calmly, he addresses them, “Don’t misread this. We made a bet at Yoyogi. And since he lost, for a while, Ryohei Yamada, JBC Super Lightweight Champion, will be my henchman.”
The reporters blink, whispering a little more among themselves, jotting down notes. Murmurs ripple quietly through the room, but Ryoma doesn’t step back. His smirk is subtle, but stays confident.
One of the reporters, notebook poised, leans forward. “Ryoma, the unification bout in the Philippines… how are you approaching it? Are there particular strategies you want the fans to watch for?”
Ryoma glances briefly at Nakahara, who gives a subtle nod, then turns his attention fully to the cameras and notebooks.
“We’ve been preparing carefully,” he says, voice even but energetic. “This isn’t just another fight. It’s about showing what Japanese boxing can do on the international stage. Fans can expect speed, precision, and heart from every round.”
Another reporter raises a hand. “Some say this card is unusual, all three main fights featuring fighters from your gym. How does that affect the preparation?”
Ryoma lets a small smile play across his lips. “It’s a challenge, but also an opportunity. We’ve trained together for a reason. The focus is on performing at our best, not on who’s sharing the card. Every fighter has to bring their own game, and that’s exactly what will make the event exciting.”
A third reporter leans in. “Do you see this as a chance to set a precedent for future Japanese fighters abroad?”
Ryoma’s eyes gleam, just enough for the camera to catch it. “Absolutely. Each fight is a step forward. If we perform well, it shows that Japanese boxing isn’t just competitive at home. It belongs at the top internationally. Fans should expect a show that represents that vision.”
The questions continue, but Ryoma answers each with the same balance of confidence and approachability, giving the reporters soundbites that highlight the stakes, the fighters, and the excitement of the upcoming unification, all while subtly marketing the event to the wider audience.
***
A few paces away, Aramaki and Kenta stand slightly apart from the media frenzy, watching Ryoma handle the reporters with effortless composure.
Both are aware that this fight is the biggest of their careers, yet no journalist approaches them. None of the cameras or pens point in their direction. The contrast stings, if only for a moment.
Okabe leans toward Aramaki with a teasing grin on his face. “Go on, Aramaki. Grab a belt already. Maybe that’ll stop people from ignoring you in the background.”
Ryohei scoffs beside him. “Don’t get your hopes up. As long as Ryoma’s here, you’ll still be just scenery, a background character nobody notices.”
Aramaki shrugs, unfazed. “I don’t really care about media attention. As long as the fight’s worth it… and if it puts enough money in my family’s hands, that’s enough for me.”
He begins rolling his shoulders, loosening up, the faint scrape of leather from the nearby sandbag punctuating his words.
“There was a time I nearly hung up my gloves for good, ready to walk away.” He nods subtly toward Ryoma, almost unconsciously. “But he pulled me back, saying I was too good to quit so soon. I can’t ask for more than that, can I?”
Kenta watches him with a quiet respect in his eyes, letting the moment pass as Aramaki begins punching the bag.
For both of them, the fight isn’t about headlines or flashes. It’s about proving themselves, about seizing the opportunity, and honoring the people who never let them quit.