>>2859968
It's a short bus ride away, so there's not much trouble getting there. You're thankful you live in an area with such great public transportation. You're wearing a pair of loose athletic shorts, which you would normally wear for very nonathletic relaxation purposes. The top is a simple white T.

As soon as you open the doors to the gym, your senses are assaulted by a cacophony of noise and the scent of sweat. You're not sure why you're so surprised, really. You were expecting to see a bunch of people working out, but for some reason it feels different.

One man rapidly hits a speed bag with a steady rhythm. Another pounds away at a heavy bag fiercely, and a buddy steps in to correct him on some aspect of his technique. Looking around, you see another small group jumping rope and shouting vulgar encouragements at one another.

The air feels electric. As you look around, you feel like a deer caught in headlights. A bell rings as the front door opens just behind you, and someone steps in.

"Hm? A student? You lost, kid?"

It's a tired looking man who seems to be in his mid twenties. You can only assume that he's a member of this gym.

>A. No, actually. I wanted to ask about boxing.
>B. I want to sign up for this gym!
>C. Maybe, I don't know yet
>D. Write-in

The rules for voting are as follows. Fifteen minutes after the first vote, the voting window ends.

This may be adjusted as necessary

>>2859996
>A. No, actually. I wanted to ask about boxing.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1079064/

And this is the first thread for anyone who wants to get caught up.

>>2859996
>A. No, actually. I wanted to ask about boxing.

>>2859996
>A. No, actually. I wanted to ask about boxing.
The time has come.
https://youtu.be/watch?v=F8mOXnWOrhw

Sorry about the brief delay. I forgot I haven't eaten today and had to grab a bite. Post will be just one moment

"No, actually. I wanted to ask about boxing."

The man looks you up and down, and cocks a half smile. "Really? Well, that's great. We don't really get curious teenagers. What's your name?"

"Yuuta Yamamoto."

The man holds his hand out, and you shake it. His grip is extremely tight, even hurting your hand a little bit. At a touch you can feel how rough his hands are. "Nice to meet you. I'm Keigo Okita, a pro featherweight. What exactly are you wanting to know about boxing?"

To be frank, you're not exactly sure. You recount your recent misadventure to Okita, telling him about how a homeless man was able to fight off a small gang.

Okita sighs. "I see. Well, we have some self defense courses that you could take if you like."

You shake your head. "I was hoping to ask about a full time membership."

Okita chuckles. "Well, I don't wanna tell you no exactly, but.."

He points out to the gym, noting how hard everyone is training. "This is a serious place. Have you played any sports, or anything like that before?"

You shake your head, your heart sinking a little.

Okita nods. "Right. Listen, why don't you start with the classes, and see for yourself."

>A. I want to learn how to box for real.
>B. Weren't you listening? I need to learn how to box, so that I can redeem myself.
>C. Please. I've been having a lot of frustration in life lately, and I think this is the perfect way to deal with it!
>D. Write-in

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>>2860108

>>2860108
>B. Weren't you listening? I need to learn how to box, so that I can redeem myself.

>>2860108
>B. Weren't you listening? I need to learn how to box, so that I can redeem myself.
Then
>>A. I want to learn how to box for real.

For now, I'll shorten the voting window to 10 minutes to make up for a bit of that lost time. If things start to pick up a lot I'll change it back to 15 to give people time to vote.

>>2860112
>>2860121
B/A wins. Update incoming.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXV7YiX9LDo&list=PL8AC41FA3A5417D42&index=9

You take a step forward.

"Weren't you listening? I need to learn how to box, so that I can redeem myself. I want to learn how to box for real!"

Okita looks a bit surprised as passion fills your voice. In your mind, you can see the smile of the homeless man who saved you. Even though he was just a bum on the side of the road, he was still laughing and having a good time. Even when attacked, even when he's got a bad leg, you distinctly remember the courage and confidence of that old man. The pride.

You want to know what that pride feels like.

Okita holds his hands up. "Hey, hey! Calm down. I get it, I do. You feel very strongly about this. But if anything, that's a reason not to-"

Not far away, another door opens up. A raspy voice calls out. "Okita! What's going out here?"

Okita looks past you. "This kid says he wants to box. He's not in any decent shape though, plus.."

The old man marches forward, and stares at you with a sharp gaze. He looks up and down slowly. "You getting bullied, or somethin'?"

"No. Well, yes, but no. That's not why I'm here." you plead.

Old man Nakadai crosses his arms, and huffs. "Okay, okay, I get it. You're not gonna leave until we give ya' a chance, that right?"

>A. That's right!
>B. Even if you turn me away here, I'm just going to go to another gym.
>C. Well, I don't want to be rude. If you really won't accept me I can't force you.
>D. Write-in

>>2860187
>>A. That's right!
The power of shounen compels us!

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>>2860195

>>2860187
>A. That's right!

>>2860187
>>B. Even if you turn me away here, I'm just going to go to another gym.
How ya doin minmin?

>>2860208
Feeling good.

Moving tomorrow, looking forward to it.

>>2860195
>>2860205
These win, update incoming

"That's right!" you say, gripping your hand. Okita steps around you, and next to the coach. He leans down and whispers into his ear. You assume that he's telling him about your recent run in with a bum. You hope that they don't think you just got scared and came down here for the wrong reasons.

Old man Nakadai keeps his eyes on you, slowly nodding. "Well then. If the boy wants a chance so bad, then the least we can do is give him a chance. Tell you what, if you can do enough to impress me in a sparring match, I'll teach you boxing. Seeing as you've got absolutely zero experience, I'll give you a few minutes to talk to Okita here while I find you a partner. Does that sound like a fair deal?"

>A. Yes
>B. Hell no

>>2860248
>>A. Yes
We're so going to get our arse kicked.

>>2860248
>A. Yes

>>2860248
>A. Yes

>>2860253
>>2860259
>>2860262
update incoming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTX-fYDUBd8&list=PL8AC41FA3A5417D42&index=20

"Yes."

The others look at you, surprised. Nakadai starts walking away. "Just show him how to not get hurt, Okita. Too much'll just confuse the poor guy."

Okita gives his coach a thumbs up, and once more looks you up and down. "Well, look at that. Turns out coming dressed for the occasion was a good idea. First off, before we start, are you left or right handed?"

"I'm left handed."

Okita raises an eyebrow. "Southpaw then, huh? That's something at least."

"Southpaw?" you ask.

The boxer steps forward, grabbing your arms and propping them up. Naturally you clench your fists. He puts the right hand a bit farther out than your left hand, and steps back. "Now, stand with your feet shoulder width apart."

Looking down, you adjust carefully. Okita nods. "Now bring your left leg back a bit."

Another moment's pause, and you shift into position. It feels fairly stable.

He smiles. "Fantastic! You'll be a pro in no time."

You squint. "Very funny. But, how do I punch? That seems pretty important."

"Don't be a smartass!" he says. "I was getting there. Listen, the most important thing here is to relax."

"How am I gonna relax when he's hitting me!?" you implore.

Okita sighs. "Listen, you wanted to learn how to box, I'm telling you! If you're too tense, you won't be able to do what I'm gonna say next!"

You take a deep breath, and do your very best to relax. "Okay, sorry. Now what?"

Okita flicks his hand out, so quickly you hardly even see it. "With only your right hand, shoot out your fist. Turn it over as you punch, with the turn ending just as your elbow straightens. Don't move your body, just the arm and shoulder."

Trying out a few times, you think it feels pretty good. It's not nearly as quick as Okita's, but you weren't exactly expecting that. He claps.

"Great! Just do the same with your back hand, stay in that stance, and guard when you need to. Telling you anything else would probably just complicate things at this point."

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>>2860348

Nakadai returns with a boxer. He's about four inches shorter than you, but clearly in much better shape. Nakadai hands you headgear, a mouthpiece, as well as wraps and gloves. "This is Kizuna. He's 17, just had his pro debut. He's a Bantamweight, but I'm sure he'll still be plenty enough for a test."

You gulp. The boy already has his headgear and gloves on, and doesn't look a day under 25. Maybe it's just the thick skull though.

Looking over at Okita, you blink. "Do you really think I can do this?"

He shrugs. "Come on, I'll put your wraps on for you."

Within a few more minutes, you're wearing red headgear as well as a pair of red 16 oz gloves. You take your shirt off and reveal your exceptionally pale, thin form. Kizuna removes his shirt, and is in good condition despite being small. The way he moves reveals clear technical experience. He throws some fast punches and darts around the ring.

Unsure of what to do, you start walking around and swinging your arms to loosen them up. Don't wanna pull a muscle, after all.

Nakadai sits in Kizuna's corner, while Okita is back in yours.

You realize that you're sweating, despite the room being comfortable. No doubt your legs are shaking as well. Once more you gulp, and take your southpaw fighting pose.

What will you do when the bell rings?

Your opponent is about 5'5, with considerably shorter arms. You have no idea what his physical capabilities are, however.

>A. Just guard and see what he's got
>B. Walk forward and try some jabs
>C. GO ALL OUT
>D. Write-in

>>2860351
>A. Just guard and see what he's got

>>2860351
>A. Just guard and see what he's got

>>2860351
>>A. Just guard and see what he's got

>>2860354
>>2860357
>>2860362
Update incoming

The bell is rung. Tentatively, you head towards the center of the ring and meet your opponent. He seems content to bounce smoothly from a distance, his hands up chin high similarly to yours. The large gloves weigh your arms down more than you thought they would, but at least they make for a decent shield.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y10iGJdspnQ

Suddenly, he lets loose a jab at you. You weren't expecting it to have any substance behind it, but the sudden snap pushes your glove back and smacks you in the nose.

At once, you stiffen your guard a bit more. The next couple of jabs aren't as bad, but they still tire you out a little bit.

Then, Kizuna shoots his back hand forward. The punch splits your guard, and you only manage to avoid it by leaning back and stumbling.

At once, the boxer resumes his chase on you. With efficient footwork he turns slightly and chases you down. Again he starts to rhythmically deliver jabs on top of your guard. The right will surely be coming in just a moment. What are you going to do? You're getting closer to the ropes.

>A. Step back into the ropes and punch with some jabs of your own
>B. Punch with a straight left hand
>C. Cross your long arms so he can't punch through them
>D. Write-in

>>2860414
>>A. Step back into the ropes and punch with some jabs of your own

>>2860414
>>A. Step back into the ropes and punch with some jabs of your own

>>2860414
>C. Cross your long arms so he can't punch through them

>>2860414
>C. Cross your long arms so he can't punch through them
I may not know from boxing, but I know this worked for George Foreman!

>>2860414
>C. Cross your long arms so he can't punch through them

In order to help break the tie, I'm going to extend the voting window back to 15 minutes.

In other words, votes will close in about 8 minutes. If the tie isn't broken then, we'll usually do a short re-vote.

>>2860414
>Cross your long arms so he cant punch through them

>>2860432
>>2860443
>>2860457
>>2860482
Update incoming
Update incoming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoLvqSMWC38

Just as he pulls his arm back, you cross your arms together and bring your elbows up slightly. This time, his right hand deflects off of your forearms instead of splitting through the guard. Kizuna looks surprised, but goes back to raining down light jabs on top of it. His right wasn't terribly heavy, but it still hurt your arms a bit. It shouldn't be too difficult to block as long as you focus on using your forearms and elbows more than your gloves at this point. Soon, you get used to a rhythm of slightly shifting the position of your arms to intercept his punches.

The boxing stance you learned from Okita is helping to ground your weight, so that you don't get pushed back. Feeling the natural inclination to resist Kizuna's offense, you lean forward slightly without disrupting your balance. Kizuna cracks another right across your arms, but it's not enough to break them apart.

You're not exactly sure when you're supposed to start punching, but at least this is working for now!

Okita yells from your corner. "Shuffle forward slowly!! Pressure him, pressure him!"

Tentatively, you start to shuffle forward bit by bit. Kizuna keeps throwing punches over your solid guard, but your weight advantage is helping you stay steady.

Suddenly, Kizuna stops punching.

Okita yells. "Now punch!! He's out of breath!!"

>A. Try out some right jabs
>B. Throw a left straight
>C. Reach out with your right arm and push him, then throw a left
>D. Write-in

>>2860515
>>B. Throw a left straight

>>2860515
>>B. Throw a left straight

>>2860515
>>B. Throw a left straight

>>2860515
>B. Throw a left straight

>>2860530
>>2860536
>>2860537
>>2860564
Update incoming

In the blink of an eye, you try to focus on doing exactly as Okita said. Frankly, you're amazed that you were able to push back a pro boxer like this without even throwing a punch. Granted he is much smaller than you, it's still awesome. Stay relaxed. Only move the shoulder and arm.

The left hand fires out, and your fist crosses against Kizuna's cheek. His head whips to the side, and for a brief moment you both pause. Slowly you draw your hand back. "Wow, I-"

He jabs you in the mouth in the moment that you'd dropped your guard and swings an overhand right that arcs high as he dips down and leans into your chest. Your eyes go wide.

By the skin of your teeth, you manage to lean to the side and partially block it with your left glove. The shock of the blow still rings in your head slightly, but it's more of a dull ache than an explosion. You'll have to remind yourself to stay away from that punch. At the moment, Kizuna keeps digging his head into your chest. He seems to be repositioning his arms.

"Look out!!" yells Okita.

>A. Lean on him from above
>B. Push him away from you, and jab.
>C. Push on him with your right arm to back up, and punch with a left.
>D. Write-in

>>2860596
>C. Push on him with your right arm to back up, and punch with a left.

>>2860596
>>C. Push on him with your right arm to back up, and punch with a left.

>>2860596
>C. Push on him with your right arm to back up, and punch with a left.

>>2860596
>>D. Step back and jab, try and create some distance
I smell uppercuts

>>2860596
>B. Push him away from you, and jab.

>>2860601
>>2860612
>>2860614
update incoming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOksYBuolLQ

You push on him with your right arm, simultaneously trying to hold him in place and keep him at a distance. Once firm on your feet, you fire off the left straight again in hopes of hitting his head.

However, Kizuna's arm shoots up and goes outward. He pushes your weak right arm off of him, cleanly blocks the left as he slips in and dashes for your body. Sliding through, he unleashes a right straight directly into your solar plexus. All of the air is expelled from your lungs at once, and you go flying until you land straight on your back. The impact leaves you sputtering, gasping, and disoriented.

Holy shit. This sucks.

You roll over, and look up to see Okita shouting at you. Whatever he's saying isn't registering because of how much this fucking sucks right now.

Soon enough, you're able to take in a deep pull of air. Priorities in order, you try to focus on Okita.

"Come on!! Get up, you were doing it! This is real boxing like you wanted, isn't it!?"

"FOOOUUUR" another nearby boxer shouts.

Taking a few more deep breaths, you prepare to stand up. "FIIIIIVE"

"SIIIIX"

"SEEEVEEN"

With a push, you steady yourself once more and turn to face your opponent. Your breathing is still severely impaired, and you now notice the sweat covering your body for the first time. This is probably the most physical activity that you've engaged in all year.

You're instructed to resume the fight, but at once the bell rings. Slightly wobbly still, you stumble back to you corner and take a seat at the chair Okita places.

He yells from the corner. "Except for that last part, that was great! I can't believe you actually managed to land a punch! Kizuna's the real deal though. He's a well-rounded boxer-puncher. That means he's decent in almost any situation, so you'll never know what to expect! Do what you did before with the cross-arm block! If he gets inside again, lean on him instead of trying to distance yourself! Since you've got no conditioning, you've gotta fight LAZY and take potshots!"

You stare at him and blink. "Lazy? I can do that."

The bell rings again, and you stand up from your corner and step forward. At once you bring up your cross arm block, and Kizuna's jabs are shut down. He tries to step forward and go low to your body, but your arms are a large enough obstacle that a simple shift and step back makes it possible to dodge.

Kizuna is clearly frustrated, and rushes towards you again.

>A. Keep guarding
>B. Jab him as he comes in
>C. Step back with your guard up, and then hug him when he gets in close.
>D. Write-in

>>2860714
>>B. Jab him as he comes in

>>2860714
>C. Step back with your guard up, and then hug him when he gets in close.
Let's really annoy his ass.

>>2860714
>c

>>2860714
>>A. Keep guarding
make sure we stay low, keep that big fat target that is our stomach from getting hit.

>>2860714
>C. Step back with your guard up, and then hug him when he gets in close.

>>2860731
>>2860734
>>2860748
Update incoming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0pYnfzjxCQ

As he rushes you down, you walk backwards and keep your guard steady. This deflects the impact of his punch quite a bit, and when he goes to strike again you drape your long arms over him and keep him still. Taking the advice of your second, you lean on him with all of your weight. Sure enough, there's little he can do to shake you off completely until Coach Nakadai calls for a break.

You're both separated, and after that assault, it looks as if Kizuna is sweating as well. He's not in terrible condition like you are, and he's not hurt, but you've managed to hold him off for at least this long. Now that he's on the outside of your range, you try for some right jabs.

He blocks them in succession, but at the very least you're the one mounting an offense this time. However, within a few jabs, your arm is tired right away. The next one that you throw is slow as a snail, and Kizuna bats it aside and charges in with his own jab.

Just barely you block it with your rear hand and step away, back to outside position. Kizuna turns to you, and rushes in again.

He forces you to block another jab, and rams you into the ropes with his shoulder. Once more his overhand right comes in, and again you partially block it. Not as cleanly this time, however. The blow mostly goes through, shaking your brain and stunning you. In addition to being out of breath, your head starts to throb sharply.

However, you lean on Kizuna and hug him some more. After a few seconds of this, he tries to push you off. At this moment, you push out with your right hand and pull the left back. Although Okita instructed you not to move the rest of your body, for this punch, you pull your arm far back enough to stretch the shoulder and twist your hips.

Without realizing what you're doing, exactly, you snap your left forward. It's more because you're tired and can't be bothered with proper form. Leaning all of your weight forward, you'll likely fall if this blow misses. It travels downward and to the side, driving through Kizuna's outstretched hands and smashing him in the nose. He flies back and hits the ground, blood flowing freely from his nostrils.

>>2860794

Sure enough, you stumble past and grab onto the ropes. You spin around and hang on, your own nose bleeding from one nostril as well.

You can't believe what you're looking at. Kizuna rises, but Coach Nakadai steps forward. "That's enough!! Kizuna has to rest for a match soon, he can't get any more injured than this!"

You gasp for breath. "Injured..?"

Okita is staring with his jaw on the floor. "You.. What a punch, out of nowhere! Look like you've got what it takes kid! Sorry I doubted you earlier. Even if it was mostly because of my coaching and your size, you followed through on everything perfectly."

You keep looking around, confused.

I won?

--

That's all for tonight folks. Next thread will be monday, unless something changes. Follow me @Miniseries_Anon on twitter for updates. I'll be around for a little while to answer any questions, and I hope you enjoyed!

>>2860797
Damn, I guess this is the true power of being bigger than somebody.
Thanks for running Mini, glad this quest got off the ground.

>>2860797
Thanks for running

>>2860806
Yup. Be taller, lean on them, clinch and guard a lot, and jab for points.

The dominate style of the last decade and a half or so of heavyweights. Truly the highest form of boxing.

>>2860812
>this is what professional boxing actually is
I blame Mayweather

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>>2860827
It's less mayweather and more this guy, to explain the defensive shift in boxing. Well, the perception of it at least. The most commonly watched class by the public is heavyweight, so when the heavyweights all became slow, plodding jabbing giants for a decade and a half people lost interest hard

It's been a bit more interesting as of late though

>>2860797
So I take it Kizuna is going to be our asshole rival that we eventually befriend by repeatedly punching each other in the face?

>>2861286
How else do you make friends in a shonen manga?

>>2861286
He's a few weight classes below you, but he'll be around yeah

>>2860797
>Next thread will be monday
So...

>>2878711
rip mini hes totally dead this time