Two teenage boys learn a few funny and poignant lessons along the road to manhood. When Masaru is bullied at school, he and his friend Shinji take boxing lessons. Shinji shows talent and works toward becoming a competitive fighter. Masaru having no talent for boxing ends up working with the Yakuza. The two friends go their separate ways until life's hard knocks brings them back together. Their friendship is renewed and they once again find solace and companionship. A reflection on the "best years of our lives".