A momentary silence smothers the arena as Umemoto feels a searing heat at the bridge of his nose. But he wastes no time, exploding forward with his signature move: a heavy right launched in perfect sync with an explosive step-in.
The punch doesn't hunt for an opening. It smashes directly into the heart of Ryohei's guard like an iron mace shattering a wooden shield.
Ryohei, having weathered this exact pressure countless times during sparring sessions with Ryoma, does not attempt a rigid block. The moment he feels the crushing weight of Umemoto's glove, he intentionally loosens the tension in his right arm and subtly tilts his body's angle.
Dhuack!
Ryohei's right arm is thrown aside violently, creating a dramatic visual as if he is about to be sent reeling.
"A massive gap! Ryohei is wide open!"
"Umemoto is going to finish him right now!"
The crowd at EDION Arena gasps, believing Ryohei's defense has been utterly demolished. But this is a controlled redirection.
