Tough

Tough is a long-running seinen manga series written and illustrated by Tetsuya Saruwatari, which began serialization in Weekly Young Jump in 2003. Serving as a direct continuation of the earlier series Shootfighter Tekken, it follows the life of Kiichi Miyazawa, a martial artist navigating a world of underground combat and complex family legacies. Saruwatari designed the series to emphasize hyper-realistic, muscular anatomy and intense, visceral depictions of mixed martial arts, setting it apart from traditional shonen fighting manga of the era.

The series is noted for its meticulous research into various combat disciplines and its focus on the 'Nada Shin Kage-ryu' fighting style. Critics and readers have long identified the series for its specific aesthetic, characterized by bold lines and a gritty, grounded portrayal of violence. While its narrative style is often praised for its commitment to the technical aspects of martial arts, it has maintained a dedicated following for its unflinching portrayal of the protagonist's emotional and physical evolution throughout the volumes.