Chapter 131: Chapter 131: King of Kings, Fukuda Sogo!
Watching Akashi depart, Tsuna shook his head and then turned to the rest of the group. He offered a casual farewell before heading off, saying, "...Well, it's not like we haven't met in ages. I'll catch you later."
His eyes briefly lingered on Aomine, a silent thought passing through his mind, "Let's see what you've got this time, Daiki. Don't let me down..."
The day's highlight was only the showdown between Seirin and Too Academy.
Tsuna noticed that Aomine had stepped up his game since the Interhigh. Yet, it wasn't just him; Kagami had reached a level where he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Generation of Miracles.
Aomine caught Tsuna's gaze and smirked before making his exit. The rest of the group also went their separate ways.
As Tsuna entered Fukuda Sogo's assigned changing room, he sensed their enthusiasm. Despite not facing a renowned team featuring the Generation of Miracles, there was an undeniable excitement in the air among the Fukuda Sogo players.
As Tsuna strolled in, all eyes turned towards him, a sense of anticipation evident on their faces, eager for guidance.
Tsuna, however, simply offered a light smile before directing his attention to Nijimura.
"Did you share their players' info with the team?" Tsuna inquired.
Nijimura affirmed with a nod. Tsuna then faced his own teammates and briefed them, "Our opponents today are the well-known Fukuoka Daichi from the southwest. They've got a sturdy defense..."
"...But let's be real, our offense is on another level, right?" He grinned, and a shared expression of confidence swept across the team.
For Fukuda Sogo, the first round was just an appetizer, a taste of what they aimed to devour—the entire tournament to satisfy their insatiable hunger!
Tsuna looked satisfied as he looked at his team, explaining a straightforward plan for the upcoming game. He then shared a simple plan with his team.
He deliberately avoided the complexity of strategies. Tsuna wanted everyone to fully relish the appetizer, recognizing that the joy of it lay in building anticipation for the main course.
Imayoshi kept an eye on the stadium clock in the spectator seats, muttering, "...It's about time."
Their showdown with Seirin was scheduled for the afternoon. Instead of idling away in their changing room, the team preferred to catch the matches leading up to theirs and scope out their potential opponents in the next round.
Aomine strolled in at that moment, having just wrapped up the meeting. Momoi, curious, asked, "...How did the meeting go, Aomine?"
"Ah, nothing special," Aomine replied casually as he sat. He yawned, saying, "I just want to get on the court already..."
His eagerness stemmed from a desire to overcome Seirin, anticipating a rematch against Tsuna swiftly.
Momoi didn't like what she heard from Aomine, and a frown creased her face. She couldn't shake off Kagami's vastly improved data since their last encounter, and a bit of worry clouded her thoughts.
However, the announcer's sudden call for the entrance of Fukuoka Daichi interrupted her concerns.
"Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the upcoming display of skill from a team that's been making waves along the southwest shores of Japan."
On Shutoku's side, a hush fell over everyone as they attentively observed the Fukuoka Daichi players emerging from the entrance gate making their way onto the court.
"They've made their way from the lively city of Fukuoka, and let me tell you, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary..."
Kagami, sporting a recent slap mark on his face, watched seriously. He'd just been informed that this would be Tsuna's game.
"Get ready, folks, as we introduce the emerging stars, the powerhouse from the southwest, the team that's been forging their path to glory - Fukuoka Daichi!"
The crowd erupted in cheers at the entrance of Fukuoka Daichi's players.
Surveying the Fukuoka Daichi players, Hyuga, standing beside Kagami, remarked, "They're a bunch of strong players, aren't they? Just as expected in the Winter Cup!"
Seirin, like Too Academy, opted to watch the matches leading up to their own game.
"Those guys are pretty tough, but..."
Kise remarked as he observed from the neighboring court. Their first-round Winter Cup matches were scheduled around the same time as the Fukuda Sogo vs. Fukuoka Daichi game.
Kasamatsu remained silent, fully aware of what Kise was hinting at. He silently nodded in agreement, keeping his eyes on the opposing entrance gate.
"Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a team that has risen through fierce competition, a formidable force that has recently emerged!"
The announcer's words echoed through the stadium, igniting a frenzy of cheers from the crowd. The excitement spread like wildfire as everyone anticipated the upcoming game, aware of the powerhouse approaching the court.
"The newly crowned King who conquered the mighty Rakuzan High, the Emperor of Creation!"
As the excitement in the stadium peaked, Fukuda Sogo's players began to step into the limelight, emerging gradually from the entrance gate's shadows.
The entire vibe in the stadium shifted, capturing the focus of every team present, including the formidable Generation of Miracles and their respective squads.
All eyes remained fixed on the figure leading the charge for Fukuda Sogo. Despite his nonchalant expression, an undeniable air of authority surrounded him as he moved forward, commanding attention throughout the arena.
The players of Fukuda Sogo behind him wore expressions that hinted at an eagerness to step onto the battlefield.
It was as if they were not just a team but a legion led by a king, ready to conquer new territories.
"Fresh off their triumph at the Interhigh tournament, I bring you the unstoppable dark horse and reigning champions - King of Kings, Fukuda Sogo!"
As the announcer's voice filled the stadium, there was a noticeable shift in the air. A surge of energy pulsed through the venue, unmistakably signaling the arrival of the newly crowned champions as they claimed their spot in the spotlight.
"...They're on a whole different level compared to their opponent," Izuki couldn't help but mutter.
While Fukuoka Daichi might have some strength, they seemed entirely overshadowed by Fukuda Sogo. The onlookers, witnessing their lineup for the pre-game formalities, couldn't help but feel the same.
The contrast in presence was undeniable.
Tsuna exchanged a handshake with Fukuoka's captain, and they both returned to their respective positions on the court.
With both teams ready, the referee tossed the ball into the air.
A collective breath held in anticipation, every player on the court displayed a heightened sense of focus. Bodies tensed, eyes locked on the ascending ball, players from both sides leaped in unison, reaching to seize control.
Tsuna observed the unfolding action, thinking to himself, "...Let's savor the appetizer!"
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