When he crossed it felt like nothing changed but it did. It was slow at first missing meetings with Yumi occasionally, not focusing as hard while working on and off the boat. But, what really changed was his never ending focus on boxing.
It seemed to never leave his mind etching itself countlessly. All he could focus on was every minute detail of his last fight. What he could or shouldn't have done what he needs to do now everything coursing through his mind. Then the changes progressed he stopped going out with Yumi rather focusing on technique or working out. Going back to the gym talking with Kamogawa-san learning more and more.
Naturally the next thing came up Takamura asked to run with him. They run up to the familiar tree and Takamura asks a simple question. Have you crossed the line the words echo in his mind and he simply nods. A punch thrown by Takamura casually dodged instinctively as he blinks blearily. Takamura nods back firmly before shouting don't disappoint him. The following days lead to him announcing that he was coming back to boxing much to the dissatisfaction of Yumi. He quickly devotes even more time to boxing nothing else taking his time.
His comeback match comes and goes as a string of matches follow. He easily wins like a man of fervor he barely pays attention on who or when not noticing the rematches of those he's lost too. He simply gets in the ring and wins no matter what. Then it happens the announcement by Kamogawa-san hits his ears and he nods dutifully. Kamogawa looks up concerned but simply chalks it up as nervousness. But it was of no sort he knows but he hardly cares all he cares about is wining whoever it's against.
Then he does, it's a tough match with both come out worse for wear. But, he won and that's all that matters. The strain finally gone as he sits in his corner, the corner of his eyes fraying the darkness slowly setting in the light dimming. Peoples words flood through him, he can hardly understand least care, he had did it just like Takemura and Kamogawa wanted him to he was sure. Now he just needed to rest his eyes slowly closing. All that was left now just pure white ash.
