My only explanation for this is that Izumi who was original Ryo Hazuki love interest could help you fight.
But then she was replaced by Nozomi. That is why Nozomi and Izumi have the same characters model waist down.
They have the same Skirt etc.
Anyway if you want to know more "Shenmue secrets"
Look into
https://www.phantomriverstone.com/
Their blog has many really unique Shenmue secrets you probably have never knew about.
Another secret is meeting
In Game, Mr, Yukawa is the
Senior Managing Director of Sega
You can meet him in Shenmue by
Ryo can obtain Mr. Yukawa Capsule Toys as a prize from the raffle at the Abe Store. Once he obtains them both then goes to Takara Sushi on the 9th of any month after 8pm he will encounter Yukawa there and they will talk about their last encounter. This dialogue was removed from the English versions of the game. Also on the day after Nozomi tells Ryo how she feels about him, after 11:00 pm, Ryo can see Yukawa at Bar Yokosuka having a drink.
This is one of the most hidden eastern eggs secrets very few people knew about.
There is also many secret Phone calls. Like calling Nozomi when you get fired from your job.
Shenmue II had many as well. As well many unique conversations like when Fangmei hits Ryo that he should move to her room instead. Or threatening to break Cool Z boombox
Also the Famous Shenmue Gun in Shenmue II. Yes is real but you can only see it and not use it. It's on one of the apartments in Kowloon. Another secret is giving the tiger poem to the martial arts teacher in Kowloon. He has a school inside one of the buildings.