Chapter 4: Naruto vs Mashiba

Mashiba wasn't sure on how he should act. Finding himself walking beside Naruto, the latter had decided to use this time to catch up after the many years they'd been a part.

With Mashiba having mentioned that he was doing roadwork as he was now a boxer. Naruto seemed quiet excited by his decision as he even offered Mashiba a drink so that he'd be energized.

So he then found himself following the former to a local mini-mart. "I'll be out in a sec." Naruto told Mashiba as he went inside the establishment.

Standing outside the mini-mart, in the roads were beginning to get quiet busy, as already many vehicles on the street were zooming past him. Pedestrians had also begun walking on the pavements as they omitted the feeling of rejuvenation after a well-deserved rest. With those passing him brimming with confidence to tackle the challenges of today, Mashiba couldn't help but begin feeling impatient.

'The hell's taking him this long?' Mashiba thought to himself, remembering that his coach had been expecting him to be nearly done with his roadwork by now. For a minute Mashiba thought about ditching the blond since he was sure taking his sweet time, but realising it had been awhile since he'd seen the one and only comfortable person he could call a friend, he shot down that idea.

Deciding to not lose hope Mashiba waited patiently. Crossing his arms while he leaned on the wall beside the entrance of the mini-mart, he closed his eyes while in deep thought allowing his ears to hear the atmosphere around him.

After a few minutes passed, Mashiba had enough 'Just what the hell is he doing in there!' he stopped leaning on the wall and just stormed in the mini-mart. Allowing the door to swing behind him, as it shut. Mashiba was greeted by the shop clerk who stood behind their station on the right side of the establishment.

The place was rather small, so a small stroll through the one of the lanes that had some snacks and treats was enough for Mashiba to see Naruto who'd made himself comfortable as he sat on one of the stools that the shop offered with his attention having been grasped by a magazine he'd taken from the nearby catalogue section.

"Naruto, I don't know if you noticed but I need to leave for my gym." Mashiba pointed out catching Naruto's attention. "So I'll see you around, man. Later." Mashiba stated as he turned to walk away only for Naruto to quickly call out for his friend.

"Wait hold up on that, Ryo. There's something I need to show you." The blond stated getting up from the stool and briskly going to Mashiba.

"Check this." Naruto showed him a page within the magazine.

Back On Top! Date Wins It Again!

The meteoric return of Eiji Date has been a treat for all boxing fans. After having retired from the boxing scene after his loss to Ricardo Martinez in their bout for the WBC Featherweight Championship, Date showed that he was not that rusty after a few years being away from the boxing scene.

With many initially stating that the boxing scene was different from when Date was still champion he proved all critics wrong by conquering the featherweight division once more to become a now 2 time Japanese Featherweight Champion, returning the title to the Nakadai Gym.

Underneath the content, there was a picture that showed Eiji Date in the ring after having reclaimed the title. He had his biceps flexed whilst his coach wrapped the belt around his torso.

"Okay. What's so interesting about this? Some geezer won the Japanese title." Mashiba retorted as he looked up from the magazine. Naruto couldn't help but chuckle. "I understand why for you he's not interesting but for me…" Naruto put his hand on Mashiba's shoulder as he looked at Date's picture.

"…he's got something that I want." Naruto stated as he pointed at the title belt. Mashiba seeing this looked back at Naruto. "You've got your eyes on the featherweight belt?" the blond nodded only for Mashiba to just look at him a bit annoyed.

With Naruto returning the magazine, to one of the racks, the pair bought their bottles of water. "Thanks for your support, please come again." The cashier said to Naruto who just smiled as he took his change and the water bottles.

"Not a problem."

'And here I was also aiming for that belt.' Mashiba thought as he and Naruto left mini-mart. Walking side by side on the pavement. Mashiba was deep in thought, making slight glances to his friend he began to think.

'The fact he's been to the States, and has been boxing since forever. For sure he's quiet the force in the ring…I've totally got my work cut out for me. But even then. I'll fight him to the end.' Mashiba thought, clenching his fist with determination. Naruto noticing Mashiba's facial expression spoke up.

"You alright, Ryo? For some reason you've got a frown on your face." Naruto commented.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just thinking about some things." He replied. "Okay." Naruto accepted the response as he changed the topic. "So how far are we from your gym, now?" he questioned. "Not far now. Just need to turn the corner up ahead and we're there.

The Tōhō Gym

Following Mashiba up a couple flights of stairs in the building in which his boxing gym resided. They both arrived on the third floor and Naruto was introduced to his friend's gym. Entering it, the blond noticed how new the place looked.

Hearing the sound of punching bags thudding, the rhythmic sounds of boxers practising their one-two combo in mitt punching and even the low murmur of instructions from trainers. The smell of hard work and grind brought a smirk onto Naruto's face. This was his world all right.

"I'm going to go chat with my trainer for a second can you wait here." Mashiba stated as Naruto nodded "No problem." Watching his friend go away, the blond looked at one of the empty rings. Feeling the urge and the pump of adrenaline that was beginning to surge, Naruto couldn't help but feel excited he was rearing to make truth of the matra that Gus taught him.

"Sweat, Struggle and Push your limits no matter the cost." The blond muttered underneath his breath.

"Hey, Naruto!" Mashiba shouted from across the gym getting the blond's attention. With his hand he called the blond over, as beside him was his coach. His coach looked to be in his early 50s, while he had on his glasses. Having on a blue t-shirt and black sweatpants.

"What's up?" Naruto asked as he arrived infront of the two. "Coach Naka, this is Naruto. Naruto, meet Coach Naka." Mashiba introduced the pair to each other. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance young man." Coach Naka greeted as he gestured for Naruto to give him a handshake.

"The pleasure's all mine, sir." He replied accepting the gesture. "Ryo here tells me that you're a boxer from the USA."

"I am." He replied as the man smiled "If it wouldn't be a bother for you, could you have a spar with Ryo? I need to see how far he is, that way I'm able to plan a correct regiment than him." hearing the request Naruto could only smirk.

"If it means helping out a friend. I can talk with my fists." He said as both Ryo and Coach Naka were happy to hear this. A few minutes later, the two young boxers. While Coach Naka gave Mashiba a few pointers in their corner, Naruto was in the opposite end fixing his headgear. He was contemplating on whether he should go all out on his old friend, or hold back a bit.

He didn't feel like hurting him or anything, so he decided to handicap himself.

"Alright this is a single round spar, guys. It'll last three minutes so give it your all." Coach Naka commented from the sidelines, whilst both Naruto and Mashiba nodded.

"And remember to protect the boxer opposite you. They aren't your opponent but a person meant to help you out." He finished as the two put their mouthguards on.

"Give me everything you've got, Ryo!" Naruto challenged, as he then began hopping on his toes, slowly getting into his rhythmic tempo. "You might regret calling me out." Ryo replied but Naruto smirked.

"Then make me eat my words, then." He stated as he put up his guard, widened his stance and placed his right foot forward, putting most of his body's weight onto his toes. He was warmed up, and ready for battle.

Round 1- FIGHT!

The bell rang, signaling the start of the round. Naruto wasting no second left his corner by stepping forward with a confident pace. Mashiba on the other hand, eager to impress and measure the gap between him and his friend, ran out of his corner with haste not wasting time to launch a wild jab toward his Naruto's head.

Due to him telegraphing the attack it was easy for Naruto to weave his head out of the way.

'Trying to control the round's pace…not a bad strategy.'

Naruto smiled slightly, knowing what was coming next.

'You're most likely trying to get me to fight at your own pace.' Naruto thought and in truth he was right.

Using his lanky frame, Mashiba once again threw another jab, but Naruto quickly used his duck under it and popped back up.

"You're going to have to try harder than that, Ryo." He smiled as Mashiba furrowed his brows.

"Alright, let's get serious, then." Mashiba muttered as this time he tried a one-two-three combo.

Sending in a jab to start it off. Naruto swayed to the side, successfully dodging it, then it was a straight meant to catch the blond off guard but Naruto seamlessly swatted it away yet again.

'Damn.' Mashiba thought in frustration of his first two missed attempts. However staying focused he wanted to finish the combo.

Gritting his teeth, he centred his body around his hips and like his coach taught him put all his force into his looping left hook.

Naruto yet again having noticed his telegraphed attack simply slid to the side, yet again showing he was a step ahead.

'0-6, now my turn!' Naruto thought quickly getting into the offensive.

Unlike him Mashiba got a hard time. His friend's jabs came quick and crisp, striking him such precision. Mashiba couldn't help but widen his eyes in frustration. Unlike him Naruto's blows were actually landing, and whenever he tried to start an exchange of blows, he was the only one catching the air.

"Focus, Ryo. Keep your cool." Naruto murmured, with his steady voice having noticed Mashiba beginning to get irritated. His advice for a second would've helped Mashiba, however the moment he hit him with yet another quick jab and finished his one-two combo with a straight he'd expected but couldn't dodge. This caused Ryo to stagger a bit since the punches he was getting throughout the round were building up now.

'God damn it! Why can't I make him miss!' Mashiba thought in frustration as he eyed Naruto with daggers, whilst his friend kept his stoic demeanour. Continuing to bob side to side, while he stood on his toes. 'I'll give him a chance to go on the offensive.' Naruto thought feeling generous.

Those watching their spar outside the ring, couldn't help but comment on how commanding Naruto was in the round.

Coach Naka watched the game from Mashiba's corner and even he had to take off his glasses to give them a wipe after having analysed Naruto's fighting prowess.

'So far compared to Ryo. Naruto's aced him in all the tools. Fancy footwork, blitzing jab combinations. Hell, I don't even think Ryo's holding his own in this bout.' He thought as back in the ring.

Mashiba had also noticed how so far he wasn't holding his own against Naruto. With his growing desperation. 'Atleast hit him with one damn punch! I can't be the only one getting abused out here.' Mashiba thought as he went in on the offensive.

'I'm going to have to mask this haymaker, sure it's not that polished. But Coach Naka will understand.' He thought commencing his plan.

Yet again he tried the combo his coach taught him, throwing a jab, straight and yet another left hook. Naruto just ducked, weaved and slid to the right.

Seeing him slid to the right Mashiba grinned mentally. 'There's the opportunity!'

With how desperate he was for that one punch, he didn't waste time charging his right hand haymaker.

This punch in his arsenal was extremely wild and reckless punch. Coach Naka was sure going to give him a lecture, but he didn't think about him yet he aimed dead centre at the head of Naruto.

'His body's going to be off-balance.' Naruto thought yet again seeing what Mashiba was trying to do. His punch had lacked the technique which was needed for Naruto to have least expected it. So once again he easily stepped back, avoiding the blow with a slight shrug of his shoulder.

'Crap! I missed!' Mashiba thought being on high alert as Naruto then landed a clean jab to right on his nose. The clean hit caused Mashiba's head to snap back, making him see stars for a moment.

"You shouldn't lose your cool, Ryo," Naruto said, his voice being firm as he gave some advise. "You'll be unable to fight like that. You want to know why?"

Mashiba, now feeling the sting of the many punches he left few unanswered, couldn't help but nod hesitantly.

Sure his blood was boiling right now from rage and he honestly wouldn't just accept anyone lecturing him right now while they humiliated him. For Naruto he'd make an exception.

"Because if I were your opponent," the Naruto continued, his eyes sharp and focused, "you'd be on the canvas right now, delirious. Praying the ref could stop being your enemy for ten seconds. Don't allow frustration to control you, Ryo. Some fights will come when your opponent will get in more hits than you. But you have to remember that a fight can easily be won by the precise hits you deal out." The blond concluded, still keeping his guard up.

Mashiba just breathed heavily, his mind racing as he took a step back.

He knew he was outclassed, but the lesson was sinking in. Naruto, was showing restraint this entire time since he could have easily knocked him down, but instead, he continued to control the tempo, using just his jab and straight punches to maintain dominance.

*DING!*DING!*DING!*

The bell rang again, signaling the end of the spar.

"Hew! That's all folks!" Naruto called out to everyone that was outside the ring spectating the spar. Taking off his headgear the blond held it on the hip.

Mashiba feeling a bit winded, couldn't help but catch his breath a bit. Glancing over to Coach Naka the man gave him a subtle nod of encouragement.

Naruto turned to Coach Naka, giving him a brief smile. "He's got potential, Coach." he said. "But he's gotta learn how to keep his head when the pressure's on. If he get's that one down and learns to not telegraph his moves that much, he'll be a hell of a boxer." He smiled as Coach Naka nodded.

Having felt proud of the lesson being imparted in the ring.

Mashiba quickly wiped sweat from his brow, taking Naruto's words to heart.

He might not have won the sparring session, but he'd gained something far more valuable: the knowledge that boxing was more than just about hitting hard—it was about staying calm, staying focused, and mastering control.

"Wish I could stay longer. But I need to head back home before my aunt wants my head." Naruto said to both Mashiba and Coach Naka at the exit of the gym. "Call me if you want to hang out." Naruto told Mashiba as he gave him a piece of paper. "I'll see what I can do." Mashiba replied looking at the paper, as just Naruto nodded.

"Well. I guess this is goodbye, Coach Naka. Till next time." Naruto told the old man. "Till we meet again, Naruto. Safe travels."

Waving as he walked down the stairs, Coach Naka returned the gesture until the blond disappeared past the flight of stairs.

"Your friend is quiet the boxer, Ryo." Coach Naka stated as Mashiba couldn't help but grumble.

'It's pissing me off, the fact you're right old man. I'm far behind from him and I don't feel comfortable just standing here being shocked of his prowess.' Mashiba thought.

"Come on old man. I'm going to need your help to narrow the gap between Naruto and me."

Coach Naka was only left surprised by the determination that Mashiba exhibited.

"I guess it's safe to say, Naruto is a rival to you?" Coach Naka asked however Mashiba just ignored him. "Don't get to ahead of yourself old man. I just want to ensure I'm not 0-2, the next time we spar."

The Senju Residence

"Nothing like a cool shower." Naruto sighed in relief. Finding himself in the kitchen of the apartment. Having noticed the letter held on the fridge, the teen found out he'd just missed his aunt as she wrote a letter for him.

Dear Naruto

Hey. If you're reading this I've just been called to the hospital for an emergency. I'm not sure how long I'll be gone but I made you some breakfast that's in the microwave. I also left some money on the counter in case I'm needed for yet another night shift.

Lots of love
Tsunade

P.S Nice try with your homework.
P.P.S Thanks for the blanket.

'Of course she noticed.' Naruto thought to himself but he didn't waste time heading to the microwave and heating up his breakfast.

'Huh…English breakfast.' Naruto thought taking his plate out of the microwave. "She sure had time to get creative." Naruto muttered as he sat down in front of his food. Picking up his cutlery he quickly gave grace. "Itadakimasu-" the blond was cut by an interrupting noise.

*RING!*RING!*

Hearing the blaring of the telephone, Naruto got up from his seat and headed to quickly answer the phone.

"Hello." Naruto answered "Naruto. It's Nekota."

"Nekota-jiji. What's up?"

"I'm calling about that friend of mine. He said that he'd be happy to see you at his gym." Nekota stated "Great, thanks Nekota-jiji. I'll be sure to check it out." The blond stated wanting to end the call there.

"Wait Naruto, before you go. My friend and I wanted to see how good you were. So we setup a spar for you and this boy he had in his gym." Nekota explained "Alright." Naruto replied. "So will you be coming in today?"

"Yeah. I'll be there in a minute." Naruto replied. "I'm feeling for a scrap anyway. Who's this guy you've guys got me fighting?"

"His name's Ichiro Miyata. He's a prodigy boxer like you. Prefers the style of outboxing." Nekota explained, leaving Naruto to hum. "Outboxer huh. He must be quick with his feet."

"Gen-chan is proud of his footwork."

"Do you think he can handle body blows? You know what don't answer that, we'll see for ourselves. Tell your friend I'll be there." He replied as he said goodbye to Nekota and the call ended.

'Ichiro Miyata…I wonder how strong you are compared to Ryo.' Naruto thought returning to his food.