Joe didn't pick up the business card for a long time. It felt as if it would become real if he touched it. The words "Kimura Gym" were faded but clear on the splattered paper. For the first time, those words matched something that had been ringing in his ears for years: "Being real."
A voice in his head said, "Nonsense. Such things happen in film scenes,' he said. But another voice was stronger. It was something that woke up for the first time after her mother's death. A chance... maybe.
He took the business card. He put it in his pocket. Then he stood up. His body was still tired from the fight, but there was something different in his steps now. Slow but determined. He had a target.
The Kimura Gymnasium was in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Ruined buildings, rotten doors, a different story around every corner. Joe had never been there before, but the streets were familiar to him. It wasn't so different from where he lived. Poverty smelt the same everywhere.
It was not difficult to find the building. There were no signs or lights on the facade. Only chipped paint, a rusty door and a small bell above the door. When he pushed the door, the bell rang. When he stepped inside he realised something - it was quiet. But there was a peace.
A few people were training inside. The sound of fists, the rhythmic slapping of hands on a punching bag, the sound of a barbell hitting metal... It was all real. There was no pretence. No kids showing off, no posing for social media. Just sweat, blood and determination.
And in the corner, sitting on a chair, is an old man, Kimura.
When he saw Joe, he looked up, smiled. "You got the card."
Joe answered without lowering his head. "What do you want to teach me?"
Kimura stood up. His steps were slow but firm. "I'm not going to teach you anything, kid. I'm just going to help you bring out what's already inside you."
Joe frowned. "I don't know... what's inside me?"
Kimura walked over and stood in front of Joe. He stared into his eyes. "You were born in hell. But you carry the fire inside you. If you learn how to use it... no one can stop you."
For the first time, Joe thought about trusting someone. Maybe for a brief moment. Maybe just for a second. But it was enough.
Kimura nodded to the ring. "Take off your shoes. Get on the punching bag. We're starting from scratch."
Joe took off his jacket. He walked slowly to the ring. When he threw his first punch into the punching bag, everything began to change. It wasn't a punch to his past. It was a punch to his future.