Disbelief spreads through the red side of the arena before the count even reaches three.
In the stands behind the red corner, faces stiffen and voices falter. The roar that followed the knockdown fractures into something uneven, pockets of silence forming where confidence once sat.
Hands that were raised moments ago hover uncertainly now, unsure whether to clap or brace.
"That didn't just happen," someone mutters, hands in his hair.
Another shakes his head slowly. "This doesn't make sense."
"Get up, Shinichi!" A cut man calls out, urgency breaking through his control. "I know that's not enough to stop you."
Coach Yoshizawa does not move at first. He stands rigid at the edge of the apron, eyes locked on his fighter as if refusing to accept the picture in front of him.
Yanagimoto, down on one knee, gloves braced against the canvas... this should not be happening.
