Fighting Spirit: Champion Road (はじめの一歩 -Champion Road-)

He returns with a Liver Blow!

The champion and the challenger Makunouchi Ippo.

Neither is backing down.

The hall shakes from this fierce exchange!

This is indeed Lallapallooza!

Ippo!

Go!

You can do it, Ippo!

Hang in there!

Makunouchi...

Makunouchi-san!

Kid...

The Japan Featherweight Title Match is finally coming to an end.

Whom will the goddess of victory smile upon?

The champion pressures him further.

Makunouchi can no longer retreat.

Makunouchi starts with the Dempsey Roll!

It was neutralized!

Wow, a simultaneous exchange!

A right connects!

This is a huge chance for Makunouchi.

H-he's down!

Back to the neutral corner!

What does it mean... to be strong?

To be strong...

I will win, and find my answer.

If I win, my answer will...

He's up!

Although the champion is leaning against the ropes, he is up!

Can he continue? Or is this the end?

The match is over!

A new champion is born!

His name is Makunouchi Ippo, 19 years old!

Alright!

Mom, I'll take those out, so just leave them there.

Really?

Then, I'll lock up the house.

Alright. Let's go, Wanpo.

Good morning, Umezawa-kun.

What the heck are you doing, Ippo?

Leave those to me.

You should rest.

There's no more damage left from the match.

Even so...

Hey, Champion.

You're moving about already?

Yes, thank you.

But would you please stop calling me "Champion"?

Let's keep things the same around here.

But... you're still Japan's champion.

That's right.

I'm proud to have a friend as the champion too.

Chin up.

But while I'm working on the fishing boat, let's just keep things the same.

Gimme a break, Champion!

Let me address you that way too.

Champion! You're Japan's number one!

Champion, huh?

I'm glad they're calling me that.

But it's somewhat embarrassing.

Most of all, I lack in awareness.

Alright!

Is that a new jacket?

Yes, it was a gift.

I like my new training wear.

I feel so light.

My steps feel even lighter.

I feel like I can run forever.

Kid.

Yes, Coach?

For now, let me congratulate you on your good work.

But becoming the champion isn't the end.

You are now a target for those aiming for the belt.

The real battle starts now.

You must work harder than ever before.

Yes.

What are you doing there?

Champion, you have to sing too!

Eh, I-I'll pass.

What? You're declining my invitation?

Getting cocky now that you're the champion...

That's not it!

So, guys...

Takamura-san.

Kimura-kun, Aoki-kun...

how does it feel to be surpassed by your kouhai

I am the man who is about to become champion of the world, so I can't understand it.

Would you tell me how it feels?

Oh, Kumi-san?

Damn it!

Everyone seems to be having fun.

I don't like the way you put that...

Does it seem so?

Huh? I can't hear you!

It's nothing.

But just you watch!

I'll be big if I try, too!

That's right!

For Tomiko's sake, I'll get the belt too.

For Tomiko's sake?

What?! What's wrong with getting the belt for the woman I like?

You think you're cool?!

Don't make me laugh!

Aoki! You're giving up?

Ippo-kun, congratula-

Masaru!

Kimura just fought with him.

What have you done?!

That's a lie!

Takamura-san lied!

Damn you... enough already!

I was just having some fun.

Tomiko-san, you shouldn't hit people - you're a nurse.

I was nearly killed by that man.

Really? I'm sorry.

They're fine.

Really? I'm sorry.

Boxers are used to getting hit.

It's okay. It was just a misunderstanding.

Masaru, are you okay?

Really?

Tomiko, that really hurt.

But I'll check on Kimura-san later, just in case.

Pain, pain, go away!

As a nurse, I can't just leave them be.

Well, thank you.

And I get nothing...

Umm, by the way...

Yes?

For becoming the champion... congratulations.

And I heard that it's your birthday today.

I-it's for me?!

I hope you'll like it.

It's mine?

Yes.

Do I have to return it later?

Of course not.

That's right.

I'm sorry.

Well then, thank you very much.

Go ahead and open it.

Wow, training wear!

This makes me happy!

I'll always wear it.

I'll continue wearing it, even if it's torn apart.

Thank goodness.

I wasn't sure of Makunouchi-san's taste or anything.

D-does it look good on me?

Yes.

I'm so happy!

Aren't you in a good mood?

But what would Kumi-chan's "sweet" brother think of you, Champion?

Mashiba -san...

Kumi-san is the only family Mashiba-san has.

He won't hold back against men trying to...

It's been 3 years.

When I was being bullied, I was saved by Takamura-san.

Then he took me to the gym.

And I discovered boxing.

And...

I wanted to know what it means to be strong.

I thought that I would know once I became a boxer, but...

Do this.

If you can catch 10 leaves, I'll show you what boxing is.

The first leaf was easy.

But the second and third were incredibly hard.

Once more!

I tried so many times.

And I nearly gave up.

But...

I... I did it.

Alright! I did it! I did it!

I pass, right?

I can become a boxer, right?

Y-yeah.

Well, I guess.

Those were good jabs.

I just wanted to be a boxer.

I just wanted to rid myself of my defenselessness.

That was the first time I was recognized.

On my first day I sparred with Miyata-kun.

Neither of us had pro licenses then

but Miyata-kun was strong.

He was so strong that I was no match for him.

M-Miyata-kun!

Long time no see.

This must be fate!

I was just thinking about you.

It's like God willed us to meet here.

Don't be gross.

I wanted to tell you something, so I changed my road course.

Me?

"Champion"...

is a much sought after title for someone who didn't make it through the Rookie Championship.

N-no way!

You're ranked 3rd in the OPBF.

My ranking is lower than yours.

Besides, I've always worked hard just to reach you...

Ever since back then.

The Champion Carnival comes after the turn of the year.