章 74: Chapter 74: Interhigh
Under Alexandra's guidance, Fukuda Sogo underwent intense training for the next two weeks.
Although Alexandra wasn't thrilled about working in Japan when she had planned for a vacation, her workload mainly consisted of directing the team's training sessions. The strategic planning was Tsuna's responsibility, while Nijimura handled administrative matters.
The salary was very enticing. However, she also accepted the position because she was promised free travel around Japan whenever she had free time. Tsuna would cover all her expenses, making it even harder to decline.
Tsuna had his own training to focus on, and having Alexandra in Japan would provide valuable assistance. He recognized the potential in his team, making Alexandra the ideal choice.
Having informed her that his team had undergone solid training in the previous weeks, Alexandra was initially skeptical. However, to her surprise, the team was in excellent condition.
Seeing their impressive shape, Alexandra adjusted their training plan. It aimed to challenge them further while allowing room for recovery, ensuring they could progress significantly.
Alexandra looked baffled, holding a list of exercises in her hand. She addressed Tsuna, who was seated across from her, and Nijimura stood behind Tsuna, observing the conversation with intrigue.
Wondering about the exercises listed, she questioned Tsuna, "Why do you want me to include these exercises? They're not typical, you know."
Tsuna responded with a confident smile, "Trust me on this. Follow my instructions. You're in for a pleasant surprise..."
Alexandra shrugged her shoulders in response. She quipped, "Okay, fine. But if these exercises don't work out, don't blame me, alright?"
Tsuna smiled while nodding at her.
Soon, the month of Interhigh had kicked off.
The elimination phase had begun in Shizuoka prefecture before progressing to the playoffs. Alexandra examined the list of teams in their region and seemed convinced that securing a spot in the playoffs would be a walk in the park.
In the month that followed, they completely dominated the elimination phase. Their performance caused a sensation not only in their region but also in others.
Similar events unfolded in Akita prefecture, where a team showcased impeccable defense and ruled the region. The same pattern emerged in Kyoto prefecture in the far west, where a single team emerged as the dominant force.
Single teams completely took over three regions, and what made this especially noteworthy was that two of these teams had a member of the Generation of Miracles, which wasn't all that surprising given their reputation.
On the other hand, Fukuda Sogo had seemingly emerged from nowhere and became the dark horse of this year's Interhigh. This unexpected turn of events set off discussions and excitement throughout the nation.
In an advanced gym facility within a prestigious school with modern architecture that gleamed around the building, boasting cutting-edge design and materials. The structure was a testament to the school's elite status.
A teenager with black hair, sporting thick glasses, approached another teen with red hair. The red-haired one was in the middle of wiping sweat off his face after a workout. The bespectacled teen had a file in his hand and looked excited as he reported some astounding news, "... and another team stood out in this Interhigh. It was a team from Shizuoka prefecture, Fukuda Sogo Academy. They had taken over everything in the south."
The red-haired teenager mumbled to himself, clearly deep in thought, "Fukuda Sogo Academy... That should be his school..."
Curious, the black-haired teen asked, "Do you have a friend there, Captain?"
The red-haired teenager, his mismatched eyes glinting with an eerie intensity, grinned at the comment. "A friend, you could call him that, but ultimately, he's just another opponent who will bow before us soon."
The bespectacled black-haired teenager acknowledged this statement with a nod.
The red-haired teen collected his belongings and headed for the exit. But before leaving the gym, he issued a command. "Get me a list of all the players from that school by tomorrow morning."
"Got it, Captain Akashi!" the bespectacled teen saluted, and Akashi departed the gym.
Akashi strolled down the school corridor, a quiet confidence in his steps. His thoughts centered on the message from Tsunayoshi Kazama, and a subtle smile crept onto his face. "So, this was your way of saying hello."
His expression shifted, and he muttered with a hint of disappointment, "A pity, no matter what you do. I will come on top..."
Akashi stopped and gazed out the window in the direction of Shizuoka. His eyes, unique with one bearing a red circle, glinted as he asserted, "..as in the end, I am absolute."
In one of Tokyo's largest gymnasiums, an intense basketball game unfolded. On one side, you had Seirin High, a youthful and spirited team. On the other, stood Too Academy, a team that had steadily climbed the ranks in recent years, now hosting the ace of the Generation of Miracles.
The situation was dire for Seirin.
Kagami, one of their key players, had been sidelined, creating a noticeable gap in their team's performance. To make matters worse, right before the first half concluded, Aomine stepped onto the court and casually approached Kagami. He greeted him, suggesting that they should have some fun.
As the game kicked off, Kagami, after a shaky start, found his footing and began to push back. He forced Aomine to up his game, and with every passing moment, the tension in the match grew thicker.
"Woah, Midorima, who's your bet on now?" a blond-haired teenager asked Midorima, sitting right next to him in the audience.
Midorima, focused and quiet, adjusted his glasses, watching the game intently.
Midorima had been training relentlessly after their defeat to Fukuda Sogo. But a new element, Seirin High, had appeared on the scene and surprisingly bested them. He couldn't figure out what went wrong, and it was gnawing at him.
Kuroko's addition to the team had been a positive change, but now there was a new element, Kagami, who could hold his own against Aomine.
This left Midorima feeling perplexed.
"Oh, Shintaro, what a coincidence!"
Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts. He and his friend turned to see a black-haired teenager walking alongside a beautiful blonde foreigner.
Midorima adjusted his glasses and quizzically addressed Tsuna, "Tsuna? What brings you to Tokyo?"
The blonde teenager standing alongside Midorima wore a surprised expression. He clearly hadn't anticipated that Midorima had friends beyond the confines of Teiko's circle.
Tsuna offered a nonchalant shrug in response to Midorima's query, saying, "Just some business here..."
Turning to Alexandra, Tsuna added, "She's here for sightseeing."
"Since her favorite pupil is currently on the court, we figured we'd catch the game," Tsuna added.
Midorima's eyes widened in surprise, and he inquired, "Disciple? Who are you talking about?"
"You're quite familiar with him," Tsuna smirked, which earned an annoyed look from Midorima.
On the other hand, the blonde teenager leaned in, keenly interested in the conversation. Tsuna continued, "I'm referring to the red-haired guy who previously bested both of you."
Upon hearing this, Midorima swiftly turned toward the court, where Kagami was contributing two points to Seirin with a powerful dunk.
"That guy is her student?" Midorima whispered in surprise. He focused on Alexandra, concluding that she was no ordinary foreigner.
Simultaneously, the blonde-haired teenager looked puzzled and asked, "Hey, do we know each other?"
Tsuna smiled and replied, "Of course, one of my teammates had a bit of a beef against you, Kise Ryota."
Kise tilted his head in confusion at this.
---
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