Sekino's supporters finally seize their chance to make themselves heard. Their side of the arena rises in a single wave of sound, the disciplined roar of loyal veterans answering the chaos of Ryoma's fans.
It starts low, and then builds with rhythm and intent, echoing through the hall like a drumbeat of authority.
"Break that cocky brat, Sekino!"
"Teach him a lesson!"
"Show him how a real boxer fights!"
It isn't the wild feverish chant of Ryoma's Cruel King's Army. It's just sound of people who have seen this story play out before and already know how it ends.
From the press row, the journalists study Ryoma closely, noting the difference in him tonight, his form now isn't quite the one they know.
"He's not fighting like himself tonight," Sato says quietly. "Like he's holding back. I don't know if something went wrong during training, or a bad cut. It just… feels off."
