Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

Nighttime – Makunouchi HouseholdThe soft hum of the television filled the quiet living room as Alex and Ippo sat on the couch, their plates already cleared from dinner. A news anchor droned on about recent sports events, but neither of them paid much attention.

Alex leaned back, resting his arm on the couch. "So," he said, turning his head toward Ippo, "how was your sparring match yesterday?"

Ippo, who had been watching the TV absentmindedly, blinked and turned to Alex. "It was cool… Date-san is really strong."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? How strong?"

Ippo scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly. "Well… sort of schooled me."

Alex straightened up, his eyes narrowing slightly. "That doesn't make sense," he said seriously. "You spar with me almost every weekend. And I believe I'm better than Eiji Date."

Ippo tilted his head in thought. "Maybe it's because of styles," he said.

Alex leaned back into the couch, rubbing his chin. "Yeah… that makes sense. Some fighters are just tougher depending on the matchup." His expression softened. "Still, that's good. You got to feel what it's like to face the champion in your division."

Ippo nodded. "Yeah… I did learn a lot."

The sun was barely up when Alex and Ippo shot out of the house, their feet pounding against the pavement as they sprinted toward the gym. The early morning air was crisp, and the streets were quiet except for their heavy breathing and the rhythmic sound of their steps.

After a few minutes, Alex reached the gym entrance first, stopping with a smirk. He turned around, hands on his hips. "I win!" he declared with a grin.

Ippo, panting and wiping sweat off his forehead, shook his head. "You cheated, though."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "How?"

Ippo caught his breath and crossed his arms. "Before we left the house, you only ate a light breakfast. Meanwhile, you convinced me to eat a lot."

Alex snickered. "A win's a win. Don't make excuses, Ippo!"

Ippo just sighed, shaking his head as they entered the gym.

As soon as they walked in, they were greeted by Kimura, Aoki, and Takamura, who were standing near the ring.

Kimura took one look at Ippo, who was drenched in sweat, and grinned. "Damn, Ippo. Did you take a shower before coming here or what?"

Takamura crossed his arms, smirking. "Nah, they probably sprinted all the way here like idiots."

Ippo laughed nervously while Alex just waved them off. "We're just staying sharp."

While the group continued their usual banter, Alex broke away and headed straight for the coach's office. He knocked on the door and waited for the response.

"Come in. It's open," Kamogawa's gruff voice came from inside.

Alex stepped in, closing the door behind him, and took a seat across from his coach.

Kamogawa looked up from some paperwork, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it? You've got that look on your face."

Alex rested his elbows on his knees. "I wanted to ask for a favor."

Kamogawa leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "If it's something personal, you can talk to me. I'm always happy to help."

Alex exhaled, then met his coach's gaze. "I want to spar with Eiji Date."

Kamogawa leaned back in his chair, letting out a deep sigh. His sharp eyes studied Alex, as if he had already predicted this conversation before it even began.

"I had a feeling you would say this," he muttered. His voice was calm, but there was an underlying weight to it. He rubbed his chin before continuing. "Is this because of the part where Eiji knocked Ippo out?"

Alex opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say a word, Kamogawa raised a hand, signaling for him to stop.

"I know," Kamogawa said firmly.

"I know that it was unprofessional for Date to knock Ippo out in a sparring session, but sometimes… unexpected things happen in the ring." His tone was neutral, but there was an air of finality in his words.

Alex, however, was unconvinced. His sharp golden-brown eyes narrowed slightly, and he crossed his arms. "But it was intentional," he countered, his voice carrying a hint of restrained frustration. "I knew it from the way Ippo described it. Eiji Date used his signature move—his corkscrew punch—just to humiliate my cousin."

Kamogawa let out a slow exhale, his expression unchanged. "It isn't like that," he said, shaking his head. "He wasn't trying to humiliate Ippo. He was showing him the gap between them."

Alex clenched his jaw at that response. He could understand the concept of showing a younger fighter their place, but there were other ways to do it—ways that didn't involve a knockout.

His hands tightened into fists, and his next words came out firm. "Then let me spar him. Let me see for myself if there's a gap between us too."

Kamogawa studied Alex for a long moment before rising from his chair. He walked around the desk and placed a firm hand on Alex's shoulder. "Sit down."

Alex hesitated but eventually did as he was told, lowering himself back into the chair.

Kamogawa's tone remained calm but firm. "It would be unprofessional of us to invite Date for a sparring match just so you could knock him out in return. I know your level, Alex. You're already a step above him."

Alex remained silent, his fists resting on his thighs.

"Calm down for a bit," Kamogawa continued. "I understand how you feel, but I can arrange the spar for you. You'll get your chance."

At those words, Alex's eyes lit up slightly, a flicker of excitement hidden beneath his composed exterior. "Really?"

Kamogawa nodded. "But under one condition."

Alex leaned forward slightly. "Name it."

"You need to match his level and control your power. If you go all out, you'll destroy him, and that won't do anyone any good." Kamogawa's tone was stern, making it clear that this wasn't negotiable. "Save face for the Japanese featherweight champion."

Alex paused for a moment before nodding. "Fine. I'll hold back."

Kamogawa exhaled, a relieved smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Good. Then I'll make the arrangements."

As Alex stood up and turned toward the door, Kamogawa didn't notice the way his lips curled into a grin—an excited, almost mischievous smirk that stretched ear to ear.