guy

"Did you see that TV show yesterday?"

"Yeah, it was interesting."

"Shohei Ohtani was great, wasn't he?"

"Nice batting!"

"Oh, come on."

"You're being annoying."

"Boys are the worst."

"Shut up, flat-chest."

"What? You're just a country bumpkin yourself."

"Calm down, you two."

"Oh, the teacher's here..."

"Good morning, everyone. Let's begin homeroom."

And so, homeroom begins.

I’m Wolf Lee, a fifth-grader. Every day, I chat happily with my friends—and get into fights with them, too.

"Hey, Wolf. Go punch him."

I'm too scared to throw a punch.

"Sorry, sorry! Please forgive me."

That’s what I say as I run away.

"Hey, don't leave me behind."

Montgomery says this as he delivers a karate chop to my neck.

It’s the worst. Once again, I just ran away.

I sit all alone in the park, feeling down.

I wonder why... I just can't seem to find the courage. Is it because I lack courage that I can't win? I want to win. I want to beat him just once.

"What's wrong, kid?"

A man speaks to me.

He is a muscular man with a powerful build.

"I can't win... but I want to beat him."

"I see."

With that, the man offers to teach me.

"Listen up. This is the *Maeba* stance. It’s a technique designed to defeat boxers."

Alright, I’m going to give it a shot.

The man also taught me the *gyaku-zuki* (reverse punch) and various kicks. He told me that training every day is the key.

One day...

"Wolf, let's fight!"

"Okay."

"Alright, come at me."

"..."

Here I go—the *Maeba* stance. Good, I blocked it; now for the reverse punch.

"That's enough. I lose."

Yes! I did it. I finally won!

It’s sunset. The twilight sky is a striking, beautiful gold.

I’ll win the next one, too. I will.