Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: A Glimpse of the Dream



The morning of the Nike photo shoot arrived, and Alex stepped out of the cab, his casual outfit—a plain white T-shirt tucked into a pair of straight-cut jeans—looking effortless yet put together. His black belt and Nike sneakers completed the look. A bag slung over his shoulder carried a few essentials, though he figured the studio would have everything he'd need.

As he entered the bustling studio, he was greeted by the buzz of activity:

photographers adjusting their equipment, stylists rushing with racks of clothing, and a few models posing under the bright, blinding lights.

A man in his late 30s with a sharp suit and an air of authority approached Alex with a smile. "You must be Alex Makunouchi," he said, extending a hand. "I'm Yusuke Tanaka, Nike Japan's regional marketing manager.

Pleasure to finally meet you."

Alex shook his hand firmly. "The pleasure's mine. Thanks for having me.

"Let's get started," Yusuke said, motioning toward a nearby rack filled with clothes. "We've prepared a couple of outfits for the shoot. The first one's a classic look—clean and athletic."

Alex was guided to a dressing area, where a stylist handed him the first outfit: a sleek black tracksuit with thin white stripes running along the sleeves and pant legs, paired with pristine white Nike sneakers.

After changing, Alex stepped out, and the reaction was immediate.

"Perfect," one of the photographers said, adjusting his camera. "You look sharp—confident but approachable."

Under the bright lights, Alex moved as directed: striking athletic poses, walking toward the camera with a commanding presence, and even flashing a relaxed smile when prompted.

"Alright, fantastic!" the photographer called out after several shots. "Let's move to the next look."

Alex's RequestAs a stylist approached with another outfit in hand, Alex raised a hand. "Hold on a second."

Everyone paused, curious.

"I've got a request," Alex said, his tone polite but firm. "I want to try a style I've been thinking about. Something that's more me."

Yusuke, intrigued, gestured for him to continue. "Go on."

Alex walked over to the clothing racks, scanning them with a discerning eye. Finally, he pulled out a white coat, a red sweater with a folded collar, and a pair of vibrant red pants. To complete the look, he selected black Nike sneakers with subtle red accents.

"This," Alex said confidently, holding the items up.

The stylists exchanged glances, then nodded eagerly. "Let's see it!"

When Alex stepped out in his self-styled outfit, the room went silent for a moment. The crisp white coat contrasted strikingly with the bold red of his sweater and pants. The black sneakers grounded the ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication to the otherwise daring look.

"Wow," one of the assistants whispered. "He looks like he walked straight out of a fashion magazine."

Yusuke folded his arms, a grin spreading across his face. "You've got an eye for this, Alex. It's bold, but it works. You're not just selling the brand—you're making a statement."

The photographers scrambled to capture the moment, directing Alex to stand against various backdrops. The outfit complemented his athletic frame, but it was the confidence in his demeanor that truly made the look come alive.

Posing with his fists raised, leaning casually against a wall, or simply standing tall with a piercing gaze, Alex embodied the perfect blend of athlete and trendsetter.

After the shoot, Yusuke approached Alex as the crew packed up. "You've got something special, Alex. This isn't just about boxing—you've got star power. Nike made the right call partnering with you."

Alex smiled, adjusting the white coat. "Appreciate it. I just wanted to make sure I represented myself in a way that felt authentic."

"You did more than that," Yusuke replied. "You set the bar."

As Alex left the studio, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He wasn't just another athlete endorsing a brand—he was carving out an identity, one that blended the fierce determination of a boxer with the style and charisma of a modern icon.After the successful Nike photo shoot, Alex hailed a cab to visit a Nissan dealership. As he settled into the back seat, he gazed out at the bustling streets of Tokyo, the city alive with energy even in the early afternoon.

Leaning back, Alex allowed his thoughts to drift. The soft hum of the cab's engine provided a comforting backdrop as he reflected on his journey.

"I've come so far," he thought. "In my old life, I couldn't even imagine living like this—wearing designer clothes, working with global brands, earning real money."I've been given a chance by the universe," Alex thought, "with the template of Gaolang Wongsawat. It's like a confirmation that I was meant to make something of this life—and I'm not wasting it.This… this is what I've always dreamed of."The cab slowed to a stop in front of the Nissan dealership, a sleek, modern building with large glass windows showcasing the latest car models. The iconic Nissan logo stood proudly above the entrance.

As Alex stepped out, he adjusted his casual outfit—a sharp contrast to the glitz of his earlier photo shoot. He walked into the dealership, his sneakers making light taps against the polished marble floor.

a middle-aged man with a welcoming smile and sharp suit, approached. At first, he wore a professional demeanor, but recognition flashed across his face.

"Wait a moment," the salesman said, his eyes lighting up. "You're Alex Makunouchi, the boxer! I saw your fight last month—spectacular performance!"

Alex chuckled modestly, shaking the man's hand. "Thanks. I'm just here to look around for now, but I appreciate the support."

"Of course, of course," the salesman said eagerly. "Let me show you around. We have some fantastic models you might like."

The CarsThe showroom was immaculate, with an array of vehicles displayed under perfect lighting. Alex admired the sleek designs, running his hand lightly along the glossy surfaces of a few cars as the salesman explained their features.

Then, his eyes caught sight of something that made him stop in his tracks—a Nissan Skyline GT-R. The deep metallic blue of the car shimmered under the lights, and its aggressive yet elegant design seemed to radiate power and sophistication.

"Ah, the Skyline GT-R," the salesman said, noticing Alex's captivated expression. "A masterpiece of engineering. Inline-six engine, twin-turbocharged, all-wheel drive—it's a legend on the road and the track."

Alex walked around the car, taking in every detail: the sleek lines, the aerodynamic curves, the bold rear spoiler.

"How much?" Alex asked, already imagining himself behind the wheel.

The salesman named a figure, and Alex nodded thoughtfully. "I want this," he said decisively. "But…"

"Yes?"

"I'm still a few months shy of eighteen, and I don't have a license yet. Can you reserve it for me?"

The salesman smiled. "Of course, Mr. Makunouchi. We'll hold it for you until you're ready. Consider it yours."

As Alex was finalizing the reservation, another car caught his eye—a practical yet stylish Nissan SUV. It wasn't flashy like the Skyline, but it had a spacious interior and a solid design.

"What about this one?" Alex asked.

"This is one of our most reliable models," the salesman said. "Perfect for families or longer trips. Comfortable, safe, and efficient."

Alex nodded. "This could be great for Aunt Hiroko, or even Ippo. If I get my license, I could drive them around. Or maybe Ippo could take it once he gets his."

"Can you reserve this one as well?" Alex asked.

The salesman's smile widened. "Absolutely. It's an excellent choice."

As Alex stepped back into the cab, he felt a surge of excitement and gratitude. The thought of owning his dream car—the Skyline GT-R—and providing something practical for his family filled him with a sense of accomplishment.

The cab began to weave through traffic, and Alex glanced out the window, his reflection staring back at him. "This life… it's everything I've ever wanted. And it's only the beginning."

To be continued…


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