The days fall into an intense rhythm, and as Shinichi's title fight draws closer, Ryoma's focus begins to waver. He claims he has no interest in watching kids fight over candy, yet curiosity lingers; how the bout will end, how much the champion has grown, whether he can truly defend the belt.
Today, though, Ryoma's schedule runs shorter than usual. It's a sparring day. After grinding through his morning conditioning, he steps into the ring with Ryohei. Not an ideal partner, but good enough. If Ramos decides to stay light and mobile, to circle and run, this will at least force Ryoma to adjust.
Ryoma steps in, trying to herd Ryohei toward the corner. Ryohei slips along the ropes, light on his feet.
"Don't chase him," Nakahara snaps. "Cut the ring."
Across the ring, Sera's voice cuts back just as sharp. "Don't make it easy, Ryohei. Make him work for it."
