Chapter 279: Chapter 279: Comic Genius
The first time Akashi employed his Emperor Eyes to scrutinize Tsuna's movements, he was taken aback by the absence of any discernible weaknesses. Despite his meticulous analysis, he couldn't find a single flaw in Tsuna's refined and agile footwork.
"...Let's see how long you can maintain this," he muttered under his breath as their intricate dance across the court continued.
Although Akashi remained confident that with time, Tsuna would inevitably reveal a vulnerability for him to exploit, he couldn't help but feel frustrated by the lack of any obvious openings.
"...Has he not activated his Emperor Eyes?"
"..."
A voice from the Kaijo High seating area speculated aloud. Kasamatsu and Kise observed the duel in silence, their attention fully absorbed by the intense showdown unfolding before them.
"Akashicchi clearly used his eyes, but how? Does that technique not work against Kazamacchi?" Kise wiped the sweat from his forehead, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"It should be working just fine," Kasamatsu replied gravely, drawing the attention of those around him.
Kise pressed on, seeking clarification. "He was clearly attempting to use the Ankle Break, right? So why couldn't he execute it, especially with his eyes?"
Kasamatsu nodded in agreement, acknowledging that Akashi's intention had indeed been to employ the Ankle Break technique. His aim was to assert dominance over Fukuda Sogo's captain by rendering him helpless on the court.
"Tsunayoshi Kazama," Kasamatsu began, his voice carrying the weight of experience and respect.
"He possessed agility, strength, intellect, and wit. Each of these qualities alone would make him formidable, but together, they rendered him a feared opponent in any realm of human endeavor."
"..."
A solemn hush fell over the group as they hung on Kasamatsu's every word.
"Yet, what truly terrified me wasn't any of those attributes," Kasamatsu continued, his expression hardening as he delved into his memories, "It was his unwavering consistency."
"Consistency?"
A collective intake of breath rippled through the listeners.
Kasamatsu nodded grimly, his gaze distant as he recounted his experience. "When I faced Fukuda Sogo's captain in the quarter-final, I felt utterly helpless. He maintained the same unwavering pace throughout the entire game, never faltering or showing weakness."
The same unrelenting pressure, the lightning-fast reflexes, and the unwavering consistency throughout the game—qualities so exceptional that they bordered on the realm of impossibility for most individuals.
It was as if he wasn't facing a human being at all but a machine.
"...And that's what truly distinguished him from the other top players," Kasamatsu concluded, his words hanging heavily in the air, leaving the listeners to digest their significance.
Similar sentiments echoed among the players from Too Academy who had gathered to witness the final match.
"...So, he was essentially superhuman," Imayoshi mused, shaking his head in disbelief as he sought confirmation from Aomine, grappling with the implications of what he had just learned.
"..."
Aomine remained silent, his expression serious as he observed the unfolding events with keen interest.
The ankle break technique relied on exploiting small adjustments in an opponent's stance, shaking it slightly to throw off their balance. However, it was ineffective against Tsuna because he maintained the same movement pattern regardless of the situation.
Whether faced with a surprise maneuver or a sudden change in direction, Tsuna reacted with unwavering consistency, as though he had honed his movements over decades without error.
"...It should be impossible for most people unless he's living two lives," Momoi murmured softly, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she watched Tsuna's movements with admiration.
"But there's always an exception like Tsuna..."
"Besides, Tsuna was the type to prepare for anything that comes his way. He's the kind of person who makes preparations with backups that have backups..." Aomine continued, shaking his head before his expression turned tense, a grin spreading across his face.
"...He's simply that crazy."
In the intensity of the court, Akashi's realization put him on edge.
His eyes widened in disbelief as he locked gazes with Tsuna, whose unwavering stare seemed to mock him, further stoking the flames of his emotions.
"Are you mocking me?"
Akashi's voice sliced through the air, cold and sharp, his Emperor Eyes glowing with intensity.
Tsuna chuckled softly in response, shaking his head without uttering a word, a gesture that only fueled Akashi's anger.
The sight of Tsuna's smirk only served to deepen Akashi's frustration.
With lightning speed, Akashi adjusted his pace as his eyes scanned the court as he glimpsed a glimpse of Tsuna's future movements.
He had completely abandoned the idea of exploiting Tsuna's balance with an ankle break since he recognized Tsuna's inhumane consistency.
With a swift crossover, Akashi evaded Tsuna's anticipated movement, then deftly dribbled the ball between his legs before abruptly changing direction.
Spinning his body around, he surged past Tsuna's defense.
A flicker of triumph crossed Akashi's face as he advanced.
However, to his astonishment, Tsuna made no move to pursue him. Instead, Tsuna sprinted in the opposite direction, heading towards the Rakuzan High basket.
It was then that Akashi realized his hand felt empty, the ball having slipped from his grasp.
"...."
Without hesitation, Akashi pivoted sharply, his focus fixed on Tsuna's retreating form, now in possession of the ball.
"...He stole it during the spin, at a timing so precise that I couldn't even react," Akashi's mind raced, grappling to comprehend how Tsuna executed such a flawless steal.
The only plausible explanation was foresight—much like his own ability. The realization struck Akashi like a bolt of lightning, causing his eyes to widen in shock.
"...Could it be that he can see the future, just as I can?"
Despite his shock, Akashi's determination propelled his steps forward, refusing to let Tsuna slip away. He abandoned all restraint, matching Tsuna's pace stride for stride, ready to intercept any move.
"...What enables you to perceive these movements?"
Akashi's voice sliced through the air, casting a chill over the court. His eyes blazed with intensity as he activated his Emperor Eyes, locking onto Tsuna with a challenging gaze.
"Do you possess the same sight as I?"
The question hung heavy in the air, sending a ripple of tension through the spectators, all eyes now fixed on Tsuna in silent anticipation.
However, Tsuna couldn't help but regard Akashi with an amused expression before bursting into laughter.
"Hahaha. I can't help it..."
His laughter echoed through the court, drawing surprised glances from Nijimura and others.
"I've never seen him laugh like this before," Nijimura mused, regarding Akashi in a new light.
The fact that Akashi could elicit such a hearty laugh from Tsuna, who rarely showed amusement, left Nijimura impressed.
"He could make it great as a comedian," he muttered under his breath, acknowledging Akashi's unexpected talent for humor.
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