The arena lights dim to a deep, expectant hush as the ring announcer begins Aramaki's introduction. His voice rolls through the hall, but in Hiroyuki's corner, it might as well be background noise to a moment far heavier.
Sugimoto steps closer to his fighter, one hand firm on Hiroyuki's shoulder.
"Listen," he says quietly, his tone stripped of anything but intent. "Don't underestimate him just because he lost in the first round of the Rookie Tournament."
His eyes never leave Aramaki across the ring.
"That loss was because he ran into Ryoma too early. Anyone would've fallen there."
Hiroyuki nods once. "I know," he murmurs. "I watched the tape. The real Aramaki's the one who dismantled Junpei in that exhibition."
"Good," Sugimoto says. "Then you already know what's coming."
The announcer's introduction swells toward its final line, and the audience leans forward with a ripple of restless energy.
