The Kagawa Gym was having one of those days.
The kind where everything felt normal enough to lower your guard.
Aoki was arguing with Kimura about who used the last clean towel.
"It was you," Kimura said flatly.
"It was fate," Aoki countered. "The towel chose me."
"That's not how towels work."
Jin ignored them, focusing on wrapping his hands. His body still felt heavy from the resumed training, but it was a good kind of tired—the kind that came from doing things right instead of fast.
Mari stood near the ring, notebook tucked under her arm, watching the usual chaos with mild amusement.
"This place never changes," she said.
Jin smiled faintly. "That's kind of the point."
Coach Kagawa entered moments later, cane tapping softly against the floor. Training began without announcement, like it always did. Everyone fell into their routines naturally.
That's when Jin noticed him.
He stood near the entrance—tall, broad-shouldered, wearing plain gym clothes. No arrogance. No flash. Just watching.
Not wandering.
Not gawking.
Watching.
Jin's movements slowed just a fraction.
Mari noticed immediately.
"…Someone new?" she asked quietly.
Jin nodded. "Yeah."
Coach Kagawa followed Jin's gaze. His expression changed—not surprised, but attentive.
"So," the coach said calmly, "you finally came."
The visitor stepped forward and bowed politely. "It's been a while, Coach Kagawa."
Aoki leaned over to Kimura and whispered loudly, "Why does everyone bow like it's a cutscene?"
Kimura elbowed him.
The man introduced himself simply. "Ryo Kanzaki. Featherweight."
No dramatic pause.
No posturing.
Just a name.
Mari's pen moved instantly.
Jin met Kanzaki's eyes. They were sharp—but not hostile. Curious. Measured.
"Jin," Jin said, offering a small nod in return.
Kanzaki smiled slightly. "I know."
That alone shifted the air.
Training continued, but the rhythm was off.
Not broken.
Just… aware.
Kanzaki watched from the side as Jin worked mitts with Coach Kagawa. Every step. Every breath. Every adjustment.
Aoki noticed too. "Why do I feel judged?"
"Because you should be," Kimura replied.
Mari leaned closer to Jin during a break. "He's not here to challenge you."
Jin wiped sweat from his face. "No."
"He's here to understand you."
Jin glanced back toward Kanzaki.
"That's worse," he said.
She smiled. "Usually, yeah."
Kanzaki approached during cooldown.
"Your footwork is efficient," he said politely. "You don't waste movement."
"Thanks," Jin replied. "You're quiet."
Kanzaki chuckled. "I prefer listening."
Coach Kagawa interrupted before things could stretch further. "That's enough sightseeing for today."
Kanzaki bowed again. "Understood."
Before leaving, he looked back once more at the ring.
"I hope we meet properly," he said.
Jin nodded. "Same."
Then Kanzaki was gone.
The door closed.
The gym exhaled.
Aoki immediately flopped onto the mat. "Okay, who was that and why did he make my skin crawl?"
Kimura stared at the door. "That guy was serious."
Mari closed her notebook. "Very."
Coach Kagawa said nothing—only smiled faintly.
Jin looked down at his hands.
Still steady.
Still ready.
Some days felt normal.
Some days weren't meant to.
END OF CHAPTER
Author's Note:
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