Hajime no Ippo Vol. 4 — Manga Raw / Buy Official

In his opening match of the Rookie King Tournament, Ippo faces Yusuke Oda, a fighter who dismantles opponents with psychological warfare and cunning defensive tactics. Oda frustrates Ippo, nullifying his inside game with precise jabs and footwork. Just as Ippo begins to falter under the weight of his own limitations, he remembers the repetition of fundamentals instilled by Coach Kamogawa and the fierce resolve he witnessed in Takamura. Refusing to crumble, Ippo closes the distance, weathering the storm to land a crushing blow that silences his opponent. While the victory is decisive, the reality of the professional world sets in. Ippo realizes that being strong is not enough; he is merely standing at the base of a mountain. His path toward a rematch with Miyata remains shrouded in uncertainty, and the weight of the coach’s high expectations pushes Ippo to refine his instincts for the long, grueling path ahead.