The noise from the arena doesn't fade after the previous fight. It lingers, uneven and restless, carrying over from the knockout that still plays in the minds of the crowd. Even as the lights settle back onto the ring, the energy doesn't reset, it simply shifts, building again with a different focus.
Inside the ring, Kenta stands in the blue corner with his gloves hanging casually on his sides. His shoulders loose without fully relaxing, as if something in him is still trying to catch up to the moment.
He doesn't look toward the crowd, nor does he acknowledge the noise that continues to build around him. His attention stays fixed on Nakahara.
Nakahara studies him first before speaking. "Don't rush the first round. Take your time and feel the ring. Let him take the initiative."
Across the ring, Dela Cruz is already moving, shifting lightly on his feet, his body loose in a way that suggests complete familiarity with the stage.
