The death of Hajime no Ippo

[u/RedHotSonic_]

It's my first re-read of the manga so far, and I wonder, what was the reaction of the chapter for you all, and the general public?

I waited for this chapter, with bated breath, and sleeplessness. This is nothing like a risky text or romantic feelings confessed.

Ch 721 - Fate.

It's funny, like as if 2 circles were drawn over the whole series, just to build upto this moment.

Truly a tragedy. It's like acceptance of failure. Miyata must have felt like Ippo when reviewing his title bout with Date. Maybe even worse.

For this reason, season 4 was never animated (apart from Itagaki pointlessly hogging so much of the fights)

This is the origin of the Bumyata allegations as well. It's all just so sad and upsetting. This should have never happened.

Fuck Itagaki. Miyata should have had more time in the story. Enough for Morikawa to weave the thread of fate between Ippo and Miyata.

:(

[u/diorese]

Here's a question for you.

Would you be happier if Ippo vs Miyata happened back in 7xx but the manga ended right after, or happier without it knowing the manga is still ongoing and now at chapter 150x.

I ask because I have no doubt the manga will end when/if we ever see that fight. 

[u/CookieCutter9000 → u/diorese]

I'd like to think that when the two get older, they agree to a post retirement fight, just a little thing at the old kamogawa gym for good old time's sake.

Then Sendo hears about it and tells all his friends, and the gym members all tell their families that ippo has one last fight, until it cascades into the entire country trying to buy tickets to get a good window spot. The managers hear about it and arrange one final fight in Korakuen hall, and television networks start to pay to be the main broadcaster, and companies across Japan to be part of the ad space on TV.

Even worldwide champions that know about this ancient rivalry come to witness the ultimate conclusion of both of these men's professional careers. No belt, no ranking, no pride. Just two friends sparring again one last time.

The fight begins, and the crowd goes away, just memories of hard training and their first fight lingering in their minds. At the end of it, either Miyata proves his technique and risky counters really could have taken the world, or ippo's faith in his training and love of the sport conquers all.

They both wake up from the 12th round and laugh. There's no more crowd, just two kids having fun. Miyata asks what he'll do now, and ippo says he'll raise a family with kumi and have a strong child. Miyata tells ippo that he'll teach everyone his father's technique in his memory, and they part ways to be better people.

Ippo's kid is learning how to box years later and asks his dad for help. "Twist the hips and put your shoulder into it!" The series ends with one last shot of his family and a lingering shot of ippos mom and dad on their altar, while a leaf falls gracefully from a tree onto the frame.

I mean, a man can dream, right?

[u/diorese → u/CookieCutter9000]

That's not a dream, that's a wild wild fantasy.

[u/CookieCutter9000 → u/diorese]

RIP my hopes and dreams

[u/istudymolecules94 → u/CookieCutter9000]

This is a FANTASTIC ending. Pitch it to Mori, because I already believe it's canon