He once said the rookie tournament wasn't important, that his dream lay far beyond it. But now Ryoma understands that winning this tournament matters just as much as the road to his ambition.
With that weight burning in his chest, he slowly rises from the bench, determination blazing in his eyes. Nakahara and Hiroshi fall in beside him, Aramaki trailing as they move down the corridor.
But before they reach the aisle, Aramaki calls out.
"Ryoma, wait!"
Ryoma halts and glances back.
"Be careful out there," Aramaki warns. "If Noguchi realizes he can't beat you, he might abandon the match just to break you. Kirizume made that part of the conditions."
For a heartbeat, Ryoma lets the weight of that threat settle inside him.
Then he nods. "I understand."
The instant he steps into the isle, the hall erupts. Spectators cheer, voices chanting his name as if he's already champion.
