Backstage, the movement settles into a steady rhythm as the event progresses. Officials move between corridors with clipboards in hand, confirming bout orders and checking assignments.
On one side of the wing, three separate locker rooms are assigned to the home fighters. Each space runs on its own pace.
On the other side of the wing, Nakahara's camp occupies a single room. The space is shared, but not crowded. The three fighters move within the same rhythm, their preparation overlapping without interruption, guided by a single voice that does not need to rise to be heard.
Right now, Aramaki stands in front of Coach Nakahara, gloves up, shoulders relaxed. The sound of mitts echoes in steady intervals as he closes distance with compact movements. Each combination stays tight, built for close range, his weight shifting smoothly as he works inside an invisible opponent.
Nakahara lowers the mitts slightly, watching him for a moment before speaking.
