Chapter 6: The Inter High Scene
Local Doctor's Office
It had only been a couple hours since he'd gained consciousnesss since his spar with Naruto, and Ichiro found himself taken by his dad to the doctor.
Being in the office, the entire environment was silent, as the fluorescent lights above hummed. Ichiro was currently on the examination table while his father watched over him from a chair nearby.
Ichiro's face was very pale, his eyes slightly bloodshot, and he was having a hard time breathing. Here and there he'd message his ribs however every time he'd make contact with them, his facial expression would become sour.
Having to stay like that till the doctor was done doing his tests. The man stood by his desk, reviewing Ichiro's x-ray results. Looking at them intently he took a moment to sigh as not long he looked at the father and son.
"How does it look, doctor?" Miyata Senior questioned about his son's results.
"Not good. Like we predicted, Ichiro has a mild concussion. But not only that he also got two bruised ribs. Due to this Ichiro's going need to take it easy for at least three weeks to recover properly. So he musn't have any sparring, heavy workouts, just rest and light activity like roadwork. I'll schedule a follow-up next week to check on your progress." The doctor explained looking at Ichiro.
The prodigy outboxer couldn't do anything but nod slowly, his mind already elsewhere after hearing the news.
Miyata Senior, who had been watching intently, leaned forward from his chair.
"Three weeks, huh?" he said, his voice tinged with concern. "That's going to set you back, Ichiro." He commented as Ichiro managed a small, yet frustrated chuckle, which didn't reach his eyes.
"Yeah, well... three weeks is nothing compared to what could've happened."
Miyata Senior's face grew more serious. "What do you mean, son?" he questioned as Ichiro shifted on the table, grimacing a bit from the pain in his ribs.
"I don't know, Dad. The whole thing... I felt like I wasn't going to break a sweat. I thought I could handle him, but my cockiness blinded me from the truth." Ichiro began as he couldn't help but curse himself for forgetting the first rule of boxing.
"The second the bell rung it was over. He came out so quick from his corner that it startled me. Not wasting time in trapping me, I tried to punch him away but…he was just better. He dodged everything Dad, every…single…punch. Like it was nothing." He continued as Miyata Senior and the doctor could here the frustration in Ichiro's voice.
"Then it was his turn to hit me. I couldn't read anything he threw, DAD!" he said cluching his fist. "He was able to swat and dodge all my punches, but when it was my turn. I was his punching bag. Then came the midsection shot that took my legs…I was a fish out of water after that hit…wasn't long till I dropped and lost consciousness." He finished explaining as everyone in the office just stayed quiet after hearing the frustration in Ichiro's voice.
"I'd never felt those kind of punches in my life, dad. I knew at that moment I wasn't going to recover." He concluded.
Miyata Senior studied his son closely, as his brows soon furrowed. "This Naruto kid, must be a monster."
"H-he is, dad. I can't believe that there are kids my age strong like him." Ichiro said sounding lost and hopeless.
"So what do you want to do?" Miyata Senior asked.
"I've been thinking that maybe if I got used to punches that were similar to his, I could've taken his punch."
"Punches like his?"
"Yeah…I think we should reconsider not fighting in the amateur scene, dad. I think I should get some experience in the ring facing my peers." Ichiro recommended.
"But I don't think the amateur scene's going to help you, Ichiro. You've got more potential, no doubt, than most of your fellow high schoolers. I think you need more time and more training. We'll just go back to the drawing board and use this experience you got to come up with a new regiment that'll help you become better."
Ichiro just shook his head, at his dad's suggestion. Quickly looking down at his hands, he retorted.
"The road were currently on still not be enough, dad. No matter how many reps of drills I do, nothing will beat experience. I'm sorry dad but I'm disagreeing with you here. I haven't been in enough real fights. I haven't been allowed to give out my very best performance since my start in this sport."
Miyata Senior hearing this just stood up, moving over to his son and resting a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, son. I understand this Naruto kid has left you frustrated but are you sure you want to enter the amateur scene? "
Miyata looked up at his dad, and the older man couldn't see even a small glimmer of doubt in his eyes, only determination. "It's the only way I'm going to catch up."
Miyata Senior sighed, his voice steady but filled with conviction. "If that's the case as your father, I'll support you all the way."
Surugaoka High School- Front Office
With the weekend over, it was now a crisp Monday morning. Currently walking side by side, Naruto and Tsunade walked into the modest brick building of the blond's new school.
Making their way through wide open doors, the two found their way around the many groups of students filtered throughout the hallways.
Naruto having his bag slung onto his back, noticed how his aunt looked a bit disheveled — the exhaustion from another long night shift at the hospital weighing on her shoulders.
Having not had the time to change out of her uniform, Tsunade had to be reminded by the blond that she needed her to speak with his school.
So with her stethoscope resting loosely around her neck, her scrubs also being slightly rumpled under her worn-out coat, she looked like a fish out of water as all the students were fresh and ready for the day.
With the pair having found their way to the principal's office, Tsunade informed the man's receptionist that she would like to speak to him and the lady her she would inform him.
Having been offered to take a seat while they wait, Naruto sat beside his aunt, glanced at her and spoke up.
"Are you alright, aunt?" the blond asked as Tsunade looked back at the blond with a smile however a yawn escaped her mouth. "Y-yeah…just a little tired from this surgery I did." She stated and the blond could see her fatigue, as the bags underneath her eyes were slightly darkened.
"You know Aunt Tsunade. I'm not so sure about these night shifts of yours, this one's your fourth one this week." The blond complained "Doesn't your hospital have any other doctor's of your caliber?" the blond asked as Tsunade looked at him saddened.
"Sadly, no. I'm such a one of a kind, the surgery's I've been doing could only be handled by me. Atleast that's what my boss said. You should be proud though…" she began but another yawn escaped her mouth this time though she used her hand to cover her mouth.
"…you're related to someone who's got quiet the reputation." She finished with a smile but Naruto still looked concerned.
"You should still be taking care of yourself too, you know? If you work on an empty tank you can end up making mistakes." The blond replied.
Rubbing her eyes, Tsunade tried to hide her exhaustion and stated "Don't worry about me, Naruto. It's nothing new. This is what I've always done. It's just another night."
But Naruto wasn't convinced. He'd seen her push herself too hard before, and he was still worried.
"Atleast slow down, a bit Aunt. I don't want to see you running on empty all the time. Promise me you won't work yourself to the bone. You've already done enough. You've given so much, to the hospital, you deserve a break." The blond stated.
Tsunade stopped and looked at her nephew, his face showed earnest and concern. Her tired eyes soften at the sight as a sigh escaped her mouth. Gently placing a hand on his shoulder, she spoke up with a faint smile.
"Alright, I promise. I'll try to take it easy. For you, Naruto."
The blond hearing this nodded, feeling a little relieved. Just as they were about to say more, a voice from the office door broke through.
"Miss Senju?" she called out getting Tsunade's attention. "The principal is ready to see you now."
Both Naruto and Tsunade hearing this didn't take time to get up. turn, the brief moment of private conversation slipping away as they gather themselves for the meeting.
"Alright, then. Go time. You ready?" Naruto questioned as he turned to his aunt, who smiled at him again, brushing off the last remnants of fatigue.
"Yep." She replied as Naruto nodded. "After you then." The blond stated standing aside and allowing Tsunade to pass by.
The Principal's Office
With the receptionist closing the door behind them they found themselves standing in front of a large wooden desk, as behind it sat Surugaoka High School's principal, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard and glasses.
With a smile the principal spoke up "Ah, Mr. Namikaze and Dr. Senju, welcome. It's a pleasure to finally meet you both. I trust the move has gone smoothly so far?" he asked as the pair sat down infront of him.
"It's been good so far. We're settling in quite well." Naruto replied calmly.
With a warm smile on her face, Tsunade spoke up. "Thank you for meeting with us today, principal. Naruto's been speaking great things about your school and can't wait for week 2.
The principal hearing these news had a courteous smile. "That's nice to hear. So what brings you both in here, today?" he questioned, as Tsunade, the guardian, took the lead in explaining Naruto's situation to the man.
"Well sir, we had wanted to inform you that Naruto has an interest in boxing." She stated making the principal taken back as he looked at Naruto, and to his surprise upon closer inspection he could see a bit of a glimpse of his athletic build underneath his uniform.
"Boxing?" he asked "Yes. You see Naruto's quite talented, actually and he aims to one day do great things in the sport." She explained as the principal took in the information.
"However in order to reach that goal he wants to compete in the Boxing Inter High Tournament."
"The Boxing Inter High Tournament?" the principal asked with his tone showing that of a person not knowing what was being spoken of.
"It's an amateur boxing tournament sir. It occurs across all of Japan. It's split between the East and West side." Naruto explained "Okay. So you would like to ask for permission to partake in this tournament?"
"Yes however I need permission to compete on behalf of the school as it will be proof to the governing body I'm an amateur. So please sir, can you allow me to compete on behalf of the school?"
At this request, the principal leaned back in his chair, as his eyebrows knitted together.
"Boxing, you say? Well, as you know, boxing is a dangerous sport. I'm not sure we could support that kind of activity. We don't have a boxing team, let alone a proper gym for such an endeavor." He said frowning slightly.
Tsunade had opened up her mouth to respond however Naruto beat her to it as he leaned forward from his chair.
"I don't need a gym or a team to get started, sir. I've got everything covered. You also don't need to be worried about me. When it comes to boxing I've been training for years, and my safety is the first priority. So please don't reject my request to represent the school."
The principal looked at him, as his eyes scanned the blond boxer's face for sincerity. The boy made it clear that he was being headstrong and serious about partaking in boxing.
So seeing this the principal just sighed "Well, Naruto, I admire your enthusiasm, but it's not that simple. Boxing isn't like other sports. It can be dangerous even with the right precautions as you've pointed out. You'll need to be medically cleared, and I'm not sure how we'd handle that. I'm also concerned about liability. Without a dedicated team or the proper facilities, it could be a bit of a liability nightmare."
Saying this the principal saw that Naruto's expression remained unwavering. Still noy backing down the blond spoke.
"I get that. But look, I've been through all of it. I know the risks and I'm prepared to manage them. I've got a gym set up, a trainer who can help me stay safe, and a clear focus on keeping things professional. You don't have to worry about that."
Tsunade hearing Naruto's persistence to change the principal's mind, decided to help.
"He's right. I've seen the effort Naruto's put in, and I trust him. I'm a doctor, and I wouldn't encourage him if I didn't believe he was responsible enough to handle this safely. I'll make sure everything is in order medically. I'm here to support him, and we'll take every precaution to make sure this is done properly." Tsunade stepped in as she said with a comforting tone.
The principal took a moment to be with his thoughts as he made his fingers tap lightly on the edge of his desk as he considered the situation.
He glanced between the two of them, weighing the risks and benefits.
Finally after a long pause the principal spoke up.
"You know, I do appreciate both of your honesty and commitment. But I'm still not sure this is something we can just jump into."
"Then give me a chance. Let me prove it to you, sir. If you give me a chance. I'll show you it's worth it. I'll train outside of school, I'll follow the rules, and I'll do whatever it takes to make this work. Please sir I'm desperate to get a spot in the Inter High. Please allow me to represent the school. I can do this."
There was a long silent pause in the room as the principal cupped his hands together and couldn't help but glance at Tsunade who backed up her nephew's plea with a look of approval.
Finally, he just sighed and nodded confidently.
"Alright, Naruto. I'll allow it, but under certain conditions. You must provide all the necessary documentation, including medical clearance and a signed waiver. We'll need to set up a meeting with the district to ensure everything complies. If everything is in order I'll let you compete. However just remember — this is a big responsibility." The man concluded.
Upon hearing this Naruto's face lit up with a mix of relief and excitement. Extending his hand to the principal, the man shook it firmly.
"Thank you, so much sir. I promise you won't regret it." Naruto said as the man smiled. "I hope not." He replied "We'll make sure we bring all the necessary documents, principal. Thank you once again." Tsunade stated as the pair got up from their seats and said goodbye to the principal.
Surugaoka High School- Hallway
"Well that wasn't so bad." Tsunade sighed as Naruto followed her to the exit of the school. "You going to be able to sleep well now?" she asked "Yeah." The blond replied "I'll at least be able to get more experience in preparation of the Olympics. I just hope I get to fight boys of different physiques and styles since who knows what I'll find in Korea next year." Naruto commented as they stopped having made it to the exit.
"I guess I'll see you at home." Tsunade stated as Naruto nodded. "Yeah see you at home." He confirmed as the two shared a hug and went their separate ways.
Watching the doors close and cutting away the image of his aunt, Naruto sighed a bit and went back to his homeroom.
"Oh no! Look what they're doing!"
'Huh?' Naruto thought as he entered the classroom and noticed how his classmates we're all out of their seats and looking out of the windows. Seeing how many of the girls were gasping and the tone in their voices was that of concern the blond went to go see what was wrong.
"Uh, what's going on?" Naruto asked as one of his female classmates turned to him. "It's Umezawa, Naruto! Some of the boys had noticed that he was beating up Ippo and they went to go help but now!" the girl exclaimed as the blond looked from the window below and he saw four boys on the ground being hovered over by three delinquents.
"They also got a beatdown!" upon hearing this Naruto was shocked when he noticed his friend Ippo on the ground. One thing was certain Naruto Namikaze hated bullies.
"Please hold this for me." Naruto told his female classmate as he took off his jacket, and tie. "The faculty has a staff meeting so go call them out and inform them of this situation." The girl nodded upon hearing this however seeing Naruto about to walk to the door she asked.
"What are you going to do, Naruto?"
"Oh, those guys are dead. Anybody messing with my friend messes with me."
Flashback
Today, a week earlier Naruto found himself in his new classroom. His teacher made him introduce himself and tell an interesting detail to his new classmates.
He didn't want to be the centre of attention but turns out being a boxer was a shocking thing. He could see many people murmur amongst themselves, however during his skim of the class his eyes landed on a boy sitting next to a table unattended. He looked enamoured by Naruto and the blond felt a bit out of place.
"Now class, Naruto's new so is there anyone who would like to guide Naruto and get him used to our school?"
Many hands shot up however the teacher chose one hand in mind. "Ippo." She said as she then thought with a smile. 'This could be a chance for him to finally make a friend.' She thought not wanting the boy to sit by his lonesome anymore.
Naruto watched as said boy shot up from his seat and stood affirmed. "Please be a good guide, okay?"
"Yes, mam." The boy said as the teacher told Naruto to go sit beside him. Taking his seat, Naruto was soon no longer having everyone's attention as the teacher didn't waste time continuing the lesson. With everyone's eyes now glued on the chalkboard and listening attentively. The blond was caught by surprise when he'd received a piece of paper from Ippo.
Unfurling it the blond was surprised by it's content.
I find it cool that you're a boxer. You must be very strong!
The blond was taken aback a bit by the letter, but looking back at Ippo, he couldn't help but chuckle. "It depends on who you ask.- " Naruto whispered with a grin as Ippo chuckled, but his teacher interrupted him, as she noticed him speaking.
"Naruto, Ippo. Please pay attention." She commented and this got the pair to pay attention. This frindship had certainly blossomed to a good start.