Takara rebuilds burnt bridges with Akane

Munich – It’s the afternoon and a training session is over for Akane Watanabe. Regina and Alesia are also there, but about to get out and close the gym.

Fresh out of the shower and wearing a summer dress, Akane talks to her coach before going home.

Regina: “Great work once again. It will soon be time to look for your next opponent. We’ll put out feelers and I’ll let you know how that goes.”

Akane: “Thanks. It’s been quite the journey.”

Regina: “Yeah. I…”

Someone opens the door and comes in. It’s Takara Oshima. She moved to London after ditching her coach Naomi Watanabe in the aftermath of her big win against Akane.

The coach turns her head and sees her.

Regina thinks: “What is she doing at the gym?”

Akane thinks: “WTF?”

Takara thinks: “Erf. Scared? No, I’m terrified. Everything could go wrong here.”

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More than business

The Japanese woman walks tentatively to meet the two Germans, one of them recently naturalised.

Akane: “You? Here? What?”

Takara: “Hi Akane. I’m in town for business. I met Heidi Becker because the acquisition of Final Bell Boxing brings me into your UK ranks. We made plans for my career. I insisted to come to Munich because I wanted to see you.”

The new German gives her a steely look.

Akane: “Not sure if that’s necessary.”

Regina slowly steps away to give them a little space.

Takara: “I want to apologize to you. What I’ve done was terrible and I know it.”

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Personal ambition

Akane: “WHY? You knew my sister wanted to destroy me, and you helped her!”

The visitor takes a deep breath, while the redhead’s rage is building inside.

Akane: “SAY IT HONESTLY.”

Takara: “Um. Ambition. Pure ambition. I knew this win would put me on the map.”

Akane: “Apology turned down. I’m in no mood to forgive the opportunists who go after former gym mates and friends for personal advancement. You don’t see Sophie Schumann trying to beat up my ass.”

Takara: “Please… I beg you.”

Akane: “Unless you willingly accept appropriate punishment for your actions.”

Alesia gets a little closer, curious to know what the heck will happen.

Takara: “Um…”

Akane: “Then I have no time for you.”

Takara: “Ah, fine. Crack my nose if you feel like it.”

The German directs her Japanese counterpart to lower her hands and promptly slaps her across the face. That one resonates against the gym’s walls.

Takara: “Urgh!”

Akane: “That’s for making me lose face worldwide.”

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Diplomacy

In a startling reaction, the pale-skinned visitor goes the extra mile. She bows, with the intention to keep the position until Akane says something. Surprised, Little Storm relents.

Akane: “Alright, fair enough. I forgive you.”

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Takara: “I’d like to support you in your comeback. I can come back here for sparring in your training camp.”

Akane: “Now you’re trying to make yourself feel good.”

Takara: “Nooooo. I just wanna help if your coach thinks I can.”

From a distance, the trainer agrees. “You can also join us at ringside.”

Takara: “I’ll do it!”

Akane: “Regina…”

Regina: “I’m not turning down sparring of this quality. You’ve forgiven her, she’s willing to help you succeed, and I’m letting her do it. That’s settled.”

Alesia: “Hehe.”

Akane: “Yes, boss.”

Regina: “Class dismissed. I’ve managed the kids enough for today.”

As they leave the gym, Ally butts in.

Alesia: “Nice strike. Good bitchslapping technique.”

Akane: “Want one?”

Alesia: “Let… me… establish… a safe distance here!”