From his seat at ringside, Ryoma notices the brief change in Okabe. The pressure eases for a moment as Okabe is still standing right in front of Higuchi, still holding the initiative, yet the urgency disappears from his movements.
Ryoma's expression darkens, because to his eyes, Okabe is feeling sorry for his opponent.
"What are you doing, you idiot?!" he shouts. "A ring is not a place for sympathy!"
Even through the noise of the crowd, the message reaches Okabe clearly. His eyes flick toward ringside for a split second before he turns his attention back to Higuchi. Realization flashes across his face, followed by visible annoyance at himself.
Then he goes back on the attack. The pressure returns immediately as he steps forward and begins forcing Higuchi backward once more.
But the earlier hesitation has already cost him precious seconds. Higuchi survives the remaining exchanges by moving, clinching, and doing whatever he can to drag himself toward the end of the round.
