Late afternoon drapes the city in soft gold. Noguchi jogs slow laps around a quiet park, a light work to shake off the last fight's soreness. There's nothing sharp, nothing heavy, just enough to keep the blood moving.
When he's done, he slings his hoodie over one shoulder and crosses the street. A convenience store waits, the bell above the door jingles as he steps inside.
He grabs a sports drink, but his eyes catch on the magazine rack by the counter.
"TAKEDA HUMILIATES KANZAKI — A New Monster Rises in Korakuen."
The cover shows Ryoma with his arm raised, sweat gleaming under the lights, face twisted in triumph. Below him, Kanzaki slumped on his stool, half-broken, half-absent.
Noguchi pauses, lips curling in a slow grin. "Front page, huh? Rookie king's never been this flashy before."
He buys the drink and the magazine, then heads out.
