> Joji Tenshi never thought much about the future — until the story of a fallen legend sparked a fire inside him.

Inspired by a once-great fighter who rose from nothing, Joji decides to trade his lazy, anime-filled days for the harsh reality of boxing. Under the tough guidance of Coach Haruto and alongside new friends and rivals, Joji begins to transform — exchanging comfort for sweat, laziness for grit, and fear for fists.

But boxing is more than just a sport.
It’s where Joji faces his deepest scars — from the father he barely knows, the loneliness he buried for years, and the weight of expectations he never asked for.

As Joji rises through local matches, a showdown with Somuro Takahashi — a fighter with a haunting past of his own — threatens not just Joji’s win record, but the fragile new identity he’s begun to build.

In a world where every second counts and every mistake costs blood, Joji must decide:
Is he just fighting to survive?
Or is he finally fighting for something more?

"First Round: Joji" is a coming-of-age sports drama about redemption, resilience, and the fight to define yourself when the world already made up its mind.

Boxing Style: Boxer-Puncher (Minimal experience)


Background: An average student once known as a slacker, Joji turned his life around through discipline and boxing. Though new to the sport, his natural adaptability and evolving skill set hint at a promising future.


Appearance: Face rating 4.9/10 (formerly handsome, but let himself go)


Background: Joji's uncle and guardian. Once a dashing young man, Naru's appearance and health declined after being separated from his wife, who moved to Nagoya to ease their financial burdens by working as a florist. Despite this, Naru remains a reliable figure in Joji's life, balancing work and a passion for fishing.


Sport: Volleyball – Ace and Right Wing Spiker


Background: A vibrant and popular figure both at school and in the community, Mina stands out as the star player of her volleyball team. Her natural charisma and athletic prowess make her one of the most admired students around.


Position: Class President and Treasurer of the Student Council


Background: Organized and hardworking, Imaizumi balances his leadership duties with a keen eye for talent. Though he once trained in boxing and showed great promise, he couldn't fully commit to the sport. Instead, he uses his sharp instincts to scout others with potential. Appearance is low on his list of priorities due to his busy schedule.


Occupation: Head Coach and Gym Owner ("Fujiwara's Gym")


Background: A retired professional boxer and former welterweight champion (1991), Haruto runs his own gym, fostering the next generation of fighters. Despite his aging looks, he still carries the aura of his glory days. Married to a Russian woman and father to a young daughter who will be introduced later in the story.


Background: Soft-spoken outside the ring but a devastating force within it, Rukio maintains an undefeated streak of seven wins in practice matches. His confidence was shaken after a harsh knockout loss to Oharu Kiyama during a sparring session — a defeat that, while unofficial, deeply affected him. Nevertheless, Rukio is determined to learn from his setbacks and aims to turn professional in the near future.


Chapter 4.5: Character Profiles