Ryoma remains there for a little too long. The stare lingers until Nakahara quietly walks over and whispers from behind him.
"Kid, just focus on today's fight."
Only then does Ryoma break his gaze. His eyes shift briefly toward Miguel Cabello, then drift to the two empty seats nearby, before finally dropping to the first step of the ring stairs. He rubs the sole of one shoe across the mat, then calmly ascends the steps.
As Ryoma slips through the ropes, the Cruel King Army falls silent as one. Thousands remain standing, their eyes fixed on the ring like soldiers awaiting their king's next command.
Ryoma begins a light shadowboxing routine as the lights dim once more. Most of his movements disappear into the darkness, but Miguel Cabello catches one subtle change; Ryoma's stance is noticeably lower than usual.
