Hiroshi drops to one knee, his hands already working along the calves and shins, trying to pump life back into his legs. Kenta's muscles twitch under the pressure, no pain, just dull heaviness.
Nakahara and Sera stand before him, silent for a moment, both thinking, both worried.
"He's taken the last five rounds clean," Sera speaks first. "Even if Park goes wild from here on, as long as Kenta stays on his feet, he still wins."
Nakahara nods, arms folded. "He just can't let it get too one-sided. Throw something here and there, clean shots, controlled pace. Don't chase anything big."
Sera crouches down to face Kenta directly. "You only punch when it matters. Don't waste energy. Stay tight. Stay compact. You haven't been hurt bad. Just… survive until the bell. Can you do that?"
Kenta doesn't answer immediately. He closes his eyes for a breath, assessing his own condition; shoulders stiff, arms heavy, legs half numb.
Then he opens his eyes again with a faint smile.
