The tension in the ring is almost palpable as the air thickens.

Poor Shiba. Daiko is definitely going to be tough on him, Mei thinks worriedly.

Shiba looks at Daiko challengingly. "Not much of a talker, huh? Well then, let's let our fists do the talking."

Kobayashi is ready. "3! 2! 1! Go!"

The two fighters approach each other with lightning speed and the first exchange of blows begins. Shiba initiates a quick right-left combination, but Daiko dodges with alarming ease and counters with a strong punch to Shiba's face.

"Damn, that was solid. With a bit more force, Shiba might not have gotten up today. Hey old man, what can this Daiko actually do?" Uragiri looks impressed.

"Since he was young, he has been training regularly with Mr. Kobayashi. He's a natural talent, especially in boxing, and has already won many tournaments," Okuwa observes closely.

"Shiba is going to have a really tough time," Uragiri mutters.

A lightning-fast jab from Daiko hits Shiba, who can barely parry it.

Damn! This kid is really fast! I need to find my own rhythm, Shiba thinks desperately.

Despite his attempts to create distance, Daiko continues to dominate the fight, driving Shiba across the entire ring until the round is over.

"The round is over! The first round goes to Daiko!" Ubayashi announces.

"That is very disappointing. It's a disaster that the honorable master teaches such weaklings!" Daiko's words are sharp.

"What did you say?" Shiba is incredulous.

"You heard me right! Aren't you ashamed that you're wasting the honorable master's precious time? If I were you, I'd quit martial arts immediately and invest the time in school."

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"You've obviously never improved your social skills in your life. You arrogant jerk, you'll see!" Shiba fumes.

"Shiba! NOW YOU REALLY HAVE TO HIT THIS BASTARD!" Uragiri can no longer hold himself back.

A serious look is exchanged between Ubayashi and Okuwa, and Uragiri notices the nod.

"What's going on?" he asks.

"This sparring is going to get very personal. If necessary, we may have to step in to prevent serious injury," Okuwa explains with a grave expression.

The second round starts explosively. Unlike before, Shiba fights much more aggressively, but Daiko takes advantage of every opening for hard counters. Shiba is dominated again, and the round goes to Daiko once more.

"The third round will be mine!" Shiba is resolute, but his energy is waning.

"3! 2! 1! Go!" Kobayashi calls.

Shiba tries with harmless jabs, which Daiko easily dodges. Daiko ramps up the pressure again, and Shiba's stamina continues to decline.

"Shit, Shiba doesn't stand a chance. Hey old man, you have to stop this. The kid's going to collapse," Uragiri urges.

"Not yet," Okuwa replies calmly. "Shiba has not yet shown everything he's got."

"If this continues, we'll have to call an ambulance! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" Uragiri is beside himself.

The third round ends again in Daiko's favor. Shiba, exhausted but determined, knows he has to bring Daiko down in the next round to have any chance.

Suddenly, Daiko begins to take off his sparring gear. "There's no point continuing. I don't want to cause unnecessary damage. I apologize for wasting your time, honorable masters."

"Well, it's your decision, Daiko," Kobayashi says dryly.

"What? THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER YET!" Shiba is dumbfounded.

"SHIBA!" Okuwa shouts. Shiba flinches. "Your opponent no longer wishes to fight and you must accept that!" Okuwa explains. "DAMN IT!" Shiba yells, throwing his gear to the ground in anger and storms out of the hall.

"What's going on? Weren't you going to follow him?" Mei asks Uragiri, puzzled.

"There's no point in stopping him. I'd run away too if I were in his shoes," Uragiri responds resignedly.

"Boys, I guess I'll never understand," Mei mutters.

"We end today's session. Thank you all for your attendance," Okuwa announces as the students leave the sports hall.

What is going through the mind of this old man? Kobayashi wonders. He seems completely indifferent that his student has been humiliated. For us, it was probably a complete waste of time.

Daiko and Mei politely say goodbye: "Thank you, honorable master!"

Uragiri, already dressed, is about to leave the sports hall. "Goodbye and thank you for the sparring..." Okuwa looks at him in surprise as Uragiri leaves the hall.

These two boys don't even have manners. Hopefully, they take my advice to heart and quit, Daiko thinks.

Only Okuwa remains, pondering the fate of his students, "What will happen next, Uragiri and Shiba? Will you quit here and now or will you spread your wings and soar?"