Despite his surprise at the reappearance of the other Akashi, Tsuna wasted no time dwelling on confusion.
Instead, he sprang into action, streaking down the court in pursuit of Akashi, who had seized the ball.
"I know this was not enough, of course."
Akashi seemed to have anticipated Tsuna's reaction speed as he remained composed, calmly observing Tsuna's approach as he prepared to counter.
Tsuna noted the absence of Akashi's heterochromia eyes, which are now replaced by a uniform hue, a subtle yet significant change.
"...They've swapped already?"
Tsuna's mind raced as he processed the implications of Akashi's ability to swap with his counterpart at will.
Realizing the need to get into an aggressive play to stop this, Tsuna immediately closed the distance, only for Akashi to step back and pass to the vacant left side.
Sensing Mayuzumi's presence, Tsuna furrowed his eyebrows as he saw Mayuzumi push the ball forward to Hayama, who capitalized on the momentum to bypass Haizaki's defense and score.
Akashi didn't seem to be surprised by this as he met Tsuna's gaze and calmly reassured him, "We will catch up, Tsuna."
In response along these lines, the entire Rakuzan team exhibited a newfound determination, their eyes sharpened as if echoing Akashi's sentiment.
They were prepared to push through their limits, fully aware that maintaining such intense paces might be challenging throughout the entire game.
"We'll have our revenge!"
However, the slim chance of winning the tournament didn't deter them anymore. Regardless of the odds, they were willing to give their all this time!
As the intense pace of Rakuzan High threw off the Fukuda Sogo team, each member gritted their teeth in frustration, feeling the pressure of the opposing team's relentless performance.
However, amidst the tension, Tsuna found himself thoroughly entertained by this.
A faint smile played on his lips as he observed the determination of his teammates.
"Alright, guys. Enough of this embarrassing attitude," Tsuna's voice cut through the tension.
"..."
His words resonated with the team, reminding them that succumbing to frustration would only weaken their resolve.
With a collective nod, they tightened their fists, taking a deep breath to refocus their determination.
Tsuna nodded in acknowledgment of Rakuzan's impressive performance, his gaze briefly flickering to the scoreboard where Rakuzan had consecutively scored 7 points.
"They're good," he conceded, "but you've done well keeping up with the pace. Though it was unexpected, it's alright."
"The third quarter has just begun, so I need you all to stay focused."
With a reassuring tone, he continued, his words like a soothing balm quelling their frustrations.
"..."
His calm demeanor seemed to instill a sense of confidence in his team, reflected in their collective nods of understanding.
Satisfied with their response, Tsuna gestured to Nijimura to begin the next play. As Nijimura retrieved the ball and passed it to him, Tsuna's tone shifted slightly.
"Though I said that," he began, "I need you all to slow down this time."
"...?"
Confusion flickered across the faces of the Fukuda Sogo players, uncertain of Tsuna's intentions.
Falling behind in the pace against Rakuzan could spell disaster for Fukuda Sogo.
However, a glimmer of realization crossed his features, and he nodded decisively.
"Understood, Captain."
Tsuna acknowledged the agreement with a nod of his own, his demeanor carrying an air of confidence.
He took a deliberate step forward, cradling the ball in his hands.
Perplexity etched across the faces of Fukuda Sogo's players, but there was an unspoken trust in Tsuna's decisions, given his track record of sound judgment.
Nijimura's understanding seemed to have resonated with the rest.
On the opposing side, Akashi observed as Fukuda Sogo's players intentionally slowed down their pace.
A flicker of confusion passed over his expression. However, his confusion turned to genuine alarm as he witnessed Tsuna's smile broaden.
"Does he have something else up his sleeve?"
The notion of a technique beyond the Zone crossed his thoughts, especially since Akashi remained unaware of Seirin's advancements after Rakuzan's early departure.
However, perplexity clouded Akashi's expression when he noticed Tsuna's eyes gradually losing their intense sparks, signaling an exit from the Zone.
"What is this feeling?"
Akashi pondered, his confusion deepening. Yet, his unease intensified as Tsuna's voice resonated, "Well done, Seijuro. First Seirin, and now Rakuzan. Coming to Japan has proven to be anything but boring. I'm grateful..."
As soon as Tsuna uttered those words, an overwhelming aura radiated from his being, suffusing the entire gymnasium and enveloping everyone in its palpable silence.
With deliberate slowness, Tsuna closed his eyes before gradually reopening them to reveal a pair of mesmerizing crimson orbs.
"...!!"
The sight sent a shiver down Akashi's spine, freezing him in place.
"What is that!?"
Akashi exclaimed, his voice barely a whisper amidst the charged atmosphere. The sensation was hauntingly familiar, reminiscent of the ominous pressure they had experienced while departing the gymnasium on that fateful day.
"Let's see if you can handle this, Seijuro," Tsuna declared calmly, his tone laden with expectation.
As Tsuna wrapped up his speech, he surged forward.
Spurring everyone in Rakuzan High into action. With a sense of determination in the air, they moved to intercept him, their expressions determined but tense.
For Tsuna, time seemed to stretch, allowing him to scrutinize every detail of the court and his opponents' movements with heightened clarity. Despite the pressure mounting around him, he remained composed and focused.
As Akashi closed in, Tsuna's calm demeanor didn't waver. With a swift maneuver, he evaded Akashi's advance, leaving the Rakuzan captain momentarily surprised by his agility.
Undeterred by this, Akashi's eyes ignited with an otherworldly glow as he activated his Emperor Eyes. He had immediately swapped as he sprang into action with unparalleled focus and shadowed Tsuna's every move from behind.
Mibuchi and Hayama synchronized their movements, stepping forward to execute their double-team.
But Tsuna seemed to have anticipated their every move.
With uncanny agility, he swiftly maneuvered to the heart of their convergence, leaving them trailing behind in his wake.
Meanwhile, Akashi utilized his Emperor Eyes as he had strategically positioned himself within Tsuna's blind spot.
As Tsuna's hand gripped the ball, Akashi made his move, his hand streaking toward the ball with precision. And at the same time, Mayuzumi and Nebuya aggressively closed in on Tsuna, aiming to intercept his advance.
However, Tsuna's reaction was unexpected.
With a casual turn of his head, his cold crimson eyes locked onto Akashi's Emperor Eyes.
"...!"
At that moment, Akashi felt a chill run down his spine, realizing with startling clarity that Tsuna had seen through his tactics.
Without even turning back to the looming double-team, Tsuna sidestepped with fluid grace, deftly dribbling the ball between his legs.
With impeccable timing, he executed a fadeaway jump shot, releasing the ball from his fingertips in one seamless motion. Before anyone in Rakuzan High could even react, the ball soared through the air, finding its mark with pinpoint accuracy.
"He's done it again!"
"He's not human!"
"All hail our King!"
The crowd erupted into frenzied applause and cheers, electrified by Tsuna's awe-inspiring display of skill and dominance.
"...He's truly someone I genuinely admire," Akashi whispered softly to himself, his eyes fixed on Tsuna's figure with a mix of astonishment and reverence.
The sun beamed gently through the gallery windows, casting a warm glow over the bustling crowd of families. Laughter and chatter filled the air, remnants of the drawing competition lingering amidst the departing attendees.
As families began to trickle out of the gallery, they were met with a surprising sight: a procession of elegant cars lining up outside.
"Who might be arriving?"
"Perhaps someone of importance?"
Whispers of curiosity fluttered among the crowd like delicate butterflies.
Speculation danced on the lips of the onlookers as they watched finely attired figures emerge from the vehicles.
Among them strode a man with fiery red hair, his presence commanding attention.
Despite the flurry of activity, he paid little heed to the flustered driver attempting to assist him.
"It's alright," he reassured, dismissing the driver's efforts with a gracious nod.
His focus shifted swiftly as a young child bounded toward him, a radiant smile lighting up the child's face.
"Father! Look, I've won first prize! Mother will be thrilled!"
The man's response was understated, his features betraying a hint of melancholy as he regarded his child. A weight seemed to settle in his chest, though his expression remained composed.
"..."
The child, sensing a shift in their father's demeanor, tilted their head in confusion.
"What's the matter, father?"
A moment of silence hung between them before the man finally spoke, his voice carrying a soft sadness.
"...Let's head home, Seijuro."
Though the child detected a somberness in their father's tone, they couldn't contain their excitement, clutching their prize tightly.
"I can't wait to show it to mother!"
"..."
A subtle chill seemed to sweep over the scene at the mention of his wife, even the vigilant bodyguards tensing at the child's innocent words.
Yet, the man offered no response as he guided his child into the awaiting car.
As the car navigated through the tranquil streets, the gentle rainfall added a touch of melancholy to the atmosphere, casting a somber veil over the once-lively day.
Young Akashi remained absorbed in his artwork and prize, seemingly oblivious to the shifting mood outside as he happily giggled.
Upon reaching the Akashi family estate, Akashi eagerly disembarked from the car, his heart brimming with excitement.
"Hmm? Why are they wearing these clothes?"
Yet, the sight of solemn figures clad in dark attire gave him pause, a subtle unease creeping into his young mind. Despite this, he brushed aside his apprehension, determined to share his joy with his beloved mother.
"Mother! Mother! Look what I've won!"
He exclaimed with youthful exuberance as he entered the house, his voice echoing through the halls, unaware of the heavy silence that greeted him.
"..."
However, as Akashi's gaze swept the room, his enthusiasm waned, replaced by confusion and disbelief. There, lying peacefully across the room, was his mother, resting in a finely adorned coffin.
"Mother!"
Hurrying to her side, Akashi's excitement turned to bewilderment as he gently shook her, urging her to awaken. Yet, she remained unmoved, her tranquil expression belying the stillness within.
"Mother, wake up! Look at what I've brought!"
"..."
Beside him, Akashi's father stood silently, his eyes clouded with sorrow. Akashi turned to him, seeking answers with innocent eyes.
"Father, why is Mother sleeping here? Shouldn't we move her to somewhere more comfortable?"
"Seijuro," his father began, his voice heavy with emotion.
"...That was when we split, when I was born," a cold voice echoed in Akashi's subconsciousness, drawing his attention to someone who mirrored his appearance across the space.
However, his introspection was abruptly interrupted by the resounding slam of the basketball hitting the court, bringing him back to reality.
Tsuna's figure gracefully landed on the court and began to move back into position.
Akashi's expression was a mix of complexity as he observed Tsuna in silence. Their team was facing annihilation, and despair was beginning to consume his teammates.
And he, too, felt the weight of despair settling upon him.
As the game progressed, Akashi couldn't shake the feeling of futility in their efforts, both defensively and offensively, against Tsuna's overwhelming prowess.
His thoughts momentarily drifted...
"Whoa? You're already able to keep up with this?"
"Haha, of course!"
Aomine's confident reply echoed across the court.
"You sure are quick to catch on, I'll give you that..."
Tsuna chuckled in response.
As the conversation unfolded, the rhythmic sounds of the ball bouncing and sneakers squeaking filled the air, punctuating the intense one-on-one duel between Tsuna and Aomine.
Akashi watched silently as Tsuna's words seemed to brighten Aomine's expression, prompting him to observe the exchange with keen interest.
After effortlessly dismantling Aomine's defense once again, Tsuna found himself walking alongside Akashi in the corridor, leaving Aomine to continue his training alone.
"...Why did you compliment him only to destroy him at the end, Tsuna?" Akashi queried, his tone filled with curiosity.
"Hmm?"
Tsuna turned to Akashi, his eyebrows raised inquisitively.
He chuckled softly before responding, "Do you know what it takes to be a great leader? It's about maintaining positive relationships with those around you..."
Akashi remained silent, listening intently as Tsuna continued, "Human nature is such that everyone tends to be self-centered, focused solely on their own interests. But genuine compliments have a way of breaking down barriers and fostering cooperation..."
"Sincere compliment?"
Akashi shook his head slightly, perplexed by Tsuna's approach.
Tsuna had a habit of offering genuine praise to his teammates, especially the first years, which Akashi found puzzling. What surprised him more was Tsuna's genuine astonishment at their progress.
Tsuna seemed to sense Akashi's confusion and shook his head, unable to fully articulate his reasoning.
Having lived two contrasting lives, he struggled to explain his fascination with witnessing rapid improvement for someone with such raw talent.
Akashi closely observed Tsuna's leadership style during their time at Teiko and found himself genuinely admiring him.
He noticed that Tsuna effortlessly commanded the respect and loyalty of those around him, without any hint of reluctance.
Tsuna's ability to communicate, his demeanor, and his approach to delegation were all impeccable. He had a way of giving orders that didn't feel like orders at all, making others willingly follow his lead.
Even after Tsuna left Japan, Akashi continued to apply the lessons he had learned from observing him.
His leadership was effective, earning him the respect of his peers and leading his team to numerous victories.
As time passed, the talents of the Generation of Miracles continued to grow, reaching new heights with each game.
It was during this period that Akashi began to realize the most crucial aspect of Tsuna's leadership:
His overwhelming strength!
Unlike Tsuna, Akashi lacked this raw power, making it impossible for him to replicate Tsuna's leadership style from their time together at Teiko.
"...And the turning point occurred during your confrontation with Atsushi. You were on the verge of breaking, so I intervened," a cold voice echoed in Akashi's mind.
With his heterochromia eyes piercing the silence, Akashi slowly articulated, "What Tsunayoshi did would never translate to your leadership style. Our team requires order, and so I must be absolute..."
"..."
In the present moment, Akashi remained silent, his gaze fixed on a distant point as he absorbed the weight of these revelations.
However, the shrill sound of the buzzer shattered his reverie, jolting him back to the present moment.
His eyes flickered to the scoreboard, its illuminated digits stark against the dim backdrop of the gymnasium.
"..."
There it was, in bold numbers:
88 - 18
Fukuda Sogo held an overwhelming lead in the third quarter, a testament to their dominance on the court.
Bonus here, so make sure to give me your power stones :D
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