Yoyogi Gymnasium continues to shake beneath a deafening ovation. Tens of thousands remain on their feet, applauding, shouting, and chanting Kenta's name.
"He won!" Izumi cries, grabbing her mother's arm with both hands. "Mom, he won! Big brother actually did it!"
The mother can only nod through tears. Both hands cover her trembling mouth as sobs escape despite her best effort to hold them back.
But Moriyama stands perfectly still, his face as unreadable as ever while a few old friends behind him burst into laughter.
"Come on, Moriyama. Your son's just pulled off the biggest win of his career."
"At least smile."
"I knew he'd win," Moriyama replies flatly.
"Sure you did," one of them chuckles. "Then why's your nose flaring like you're trying not to cry?"
The teasing continues, while Moriyama stubbornly keeps his eyes fixed on the ring, pretending the swelling pride inside him doesn't exist.
