The bell for the seventh round rings, sounding like a death knell in Ryohei's ears. He settles into his pendulum rhythm, but it's a fragile, ghost-like imitation of its former self.
I can't keep this up for much longer…
This is going to be the last round…
Umemoto storms forward, sensing the finish. He doesn't see a challenger anymore. He sees a broken wall ready to be toppled.
He hammers at Ryohei's guard, his predatory focus narrowing. He's waiting for that one shot again, so that he can break Ryohei along with his weapon.
Go ahead with that lucky counter. Throw it.
I'll walk right through it and take your head.
Ryohei is backed into the ropes. And as he endures the barrage, that tunnel vision returns, thick and suffocating. The world is nothing but Umemoto's massive shoulders and the glint of sweat.
"Yamada is trapped!" the lead commentator bellows. "He's back against the ropes, and Umemoto is loading up the execution! There's nowhere left to run!"
