Ep 7. The Destructive Force Of One CM

As the seventh episode of the first season of Hajime no Ippo, "The Destructive Force of One CM" continues the story of the titular character, Ippo, and his journey as a boxer.

At the start of the episode, Ippo is feeling confident after his first win in the ring. He's determined to keep improving, and he's also making friends with other boxers at the gym. Meanwhile, his coach, Kamogawa, is considering his next opponent. He's looking for someone who will challenge Ippo, but not crush him completely.

That person turns out to be a boxer named Saeki. He's known for having a powerful left hook that can knock his opponents out in a single blow. Kamogawa takes Ippo to watch one of Saeki's fights, and Ippo is impressed by his strength.

However, Kamogawa is also concerned about Saeki's "CM," or critical moment. This refers to the moment when Saeki decides to throw his left hook. If he misses or is blocked, he becomes vulnerable to counterattacks. Kamogawa believes that if Ippo can learn to predict Saeki's CM, he can win the fight.

Thus, much of the episode is devoted to Ippo practicing his timing and reaction time. He's also tasked with sparring with other boxers who have strong left hooks, in order to prepare for Saeki's attacks. As he trains, he's also dealing with the demands of school and his part-time job, as well as trying to manage his growing popularity among his classmates.

Finally, the day of the fight arrives. Ippo is nervous but determined, and he's cheered on by his supporters. The match starts off with both boxers feeling each other out, but eventually Saeki starts to use his left hook. Ippo manages to block it, thanks to his training, and he counters with a body blow that sends Saeki staggering.

However, Saeki recovers quickly and starts to dominate the fight. He lands several powerful blows on Ippo, who struggles to keep up. Kamogawa yells for Ippo to focus on Saeki's CM, but Ippo can't seem to predict it. He's forced into a corner and takes several more hits.

Just when it seems like Ippo is about to be knocked out, he has a sudden realization. He remembers something that one of his sparring partners said about Saeki's CM being dependent on his breathing. Ippo listens carefully and starts to predict Saeki's left hooks.

With this newfound ability, Ippo is able to turn the tide of the fight. He lands a powerful punch on Saeki and knocks him down. Saeki tries to get up but is too weak. The referee calls the match, and Ippo wins by knockout.

Overall, "The Destructive Force of One CM" is an intense episode that showcases Ippo's growing skills and determination. It's also a lesson in strategy and training, as Kamogawa's plan to defeat Saeki depends on Ippo's ability to predict his critical moment. The episode is exciting and emotional, and it leaves the viewer eager to see what Ippo will accomplish next.