Round four begins without any visible change, and that's exactly what unsettles Nakahara.
Takata resumes his rhythm as if nothing could touch it. Jab. Step out, reset, the same calm geometry, the same measured pace.
Nakahara's eyes narrow, observing more intently now.
Takata pivots again, clockwise, clean and practiced. Sonoda follows a half-step later than before. Still nothing lands, but the distance shrinks just a little.
"…Hope you see it," Nakahara mutters under his breath.
Aramaki blinks. "See what?"
Aki glances sideways. "Oh, did Coach Nakahara already find something? A flaw in Takata's rhythm?"
Sato shakes his head, eyes still on the ring. "Honestly? This fight looks decided. Takata's too comfortable. Sonoda can't get close."
Nakahara doesn't look at them. His gaze stays locked on Takata's feet, his shoulders, the way he exits exchanges.
"When things go smoothly," he says, "you stop exploring and start repeating."
Takata jabs again, same angle, with same pivot.
