Meanwhile, in another part of the city.
Midorima's group stood in front of a fancy hotel that looked a bit too swanky for a bunch of high schoolers. They exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the unexpected grandeur of Fukuda Sogo accommodation.
Aomine casually remarked, "...Guess I forgot he's loaded."
"As expected of Tsuna!"
Momoi nodded approvingly, taking the extravagance in stride.
"Is Tsunachin here?"
Midorima turned to Murasakibara, who seemed to know the security staff well. Following his lead, they entered the posh hotel, a mix of curiosity and amazement on their faces.
"...Damn it, I can never get used to this!"
"Nijimura didn't even flinch! He's a fucking monster, just like our Captain!"
Before long, they were led to the spot where Fukuda Sogo was immersed in an ice bath, prompting the group to fall into a contemplative silence.
"Hmm?"
Momoi scanned the room, searching for Tsuna. Her head drooped in disappointment when she couldn't spot him anywhere.
However, witnessing them in the ice bath made her realize the extent of the privileges they received from Tsuna and how it contributed to maintaining their peak performance.
"...This feels like cheating, doesn't it?"
Midorima couldn't help but mutter, exhaling heavily as he observed the shivering faces of the Fukuda Sogo players in the room.
It was evident that they were being pampered by the top-notch facilities provided by Tsuna.
"More importantly, where's Tsuna?" Aomine shook his head, as he looked around the room.
His absence puzzled them, especially considering the presence of the rest of Fukuda Sogo players in the room.
On the side, without uttering a word, Murasakibara helped himself to the snacks on the table that were meant for everyone in the room.
"What the hell are you guys here?"
"..."
An irritated voice sliced through the air, prompting everyone in the group to turn towards Haizaki. His face had paled, and they could all see him shivering in the cold, rendering them completely speechless.
"...Can't you at least try to look convincing while taking your sweet time in the ice bath, you idiot?" Aomine shook his head disapprovingly.
"Huh? You looking for a fight or something?"
Haizaki screamed as he stood up in his bath tube, his fiery gaze locking onto Aomine's. Aomine, unfazed, reciprocated the gaze, adding a subtle tension to the room.
"..."
Midorima adjusted his glasses, withholding any comment as he observed Haizaki's legs shaking from the cold.
His surprise peaked when he noticed Murasakibara casually helping himself to snacks, seemingly unnoticed by the Fukuda Sogo players.
"I heard they introduced new flavors in these packs. How are they, Murasakibara?" Ogiwara inquired from within the ice bath, attempting to engage Murasakibara in conversation.
Murasakibara, without uttering a word, surveyed the mountains of snacks on the table. He selected the one Ogiwara mentioned, opened it, and took a bite, emitting a nonchalant "Hmmm..."
"...I like it," he disinterestedly responded, sparking Ogiwara's curiosity.
Observing their casual exchange, Midorima couldn't help but mutter, "...So, Murasakibara is a regular here, huh?"
"You guys must be searching for Tsuna, right?"
Nijimura's voice echoed through the room, prompting Midorima, Aomine, and Momoi to turn towards him. His demeanor was calm, in stark contrast to the others who were slowly emerging from the ice bath.
Midorima simply nodded.
"Hmm," Nijimura mused, recalling Tsuna's whereabouts from earlier. He continued, "...I reckon you'll find him over at the gym."
"..."
Surprise flickered across the faces of Midorima's group, their eyes widening at this unexpected revelation. On the other hand, the Fukuda Sogo players nonchalantly shrugged it off, as if such information was an everyday occurrence.
"...Once a freak of nature, always one," Haizaki muttered disdainfully, clicking his tongue in response.
"I know this crazy dude in the US," Ishida chimed in, demonstrating with a pose as if he were lifting a heavy weight. His expression shifted to solemn as he shouted, "They don't know me, son!"
Mochizuki shook his head. "He ran for freaking days. I don't know about our Captain, but I think if he wanted to, he could do the same with that crazy dude."
"..."
Aomine chuckled with excitement. "So, he's still training hard, huh? That's got me pumped up for some reason. Where's the gym?"
Even someone at Tsuna's level always pushed themselves to the limit in training, a realization that struck Aomine as he confronted his own weakness.
It dawned on him—he simply didn't train enough.
Aomine's eagerness to join Tsuna's training caught Nijimura's attention, prompting a frown before he stood up.
"...Give me a minute; I'll take you there myself."
Wiping himself with a towel, he turned to the group.
After Nijimura had adorned himself in appropriate attire, they followed him through the opulent hotel corridor, eventually arriving at the gym. Though, Murasakibara stayed since there were more snacks for him to devour.
Within, the auditory ambiance was dominated by the rhythmic inhalations of someone exerting themselves and the steady hum of a treadmill.
Entering the gym, everyone, except for the blushing Momoi, widened their eyes in disbelief at the sight of Tsuna sprinting on top of the treadmill, his chest bare.
His strong and lean body showcased the outcome of dedicated training, with visible veins accentuating the power underneath the surface.
"His physique..." Midorima mused in silent disbelief, allowing his thoughts to trail further, "It's not that of an athlete."
In Midorima's discerning eyes, Tsuna's body resonated more with that of a skilled martial artist.
"Young Master, I've brought some guests over..."
Nijimura's voice resonated across the spacious gym, prompting Tsuna to cast a fleeting glance at them as he continued his relentless run.
Tsuna then redirected his gaze forward, addressing them, "...Wait for another hour."
"Hah! As if!"
Aomine's voice echoed as he claimed the vacant treadmill beside Tsuna. Shedding his jacket, he initiated the machine, matching Tsuna's pace.
A confident smirk adorned his face as he remarked, "I can't endure waiting that long without doing something."
"...I suppose there wasn't any other choice."
Midorima shook his head.
He also shed his jacket, seamlessly joining their impromptu workout.
Observing the unfolding scene, Momoi's wry smile persisted, her eyes transforming into a discerning and calculating gaze. Purposefully extracting her tools, she began the meticulous task of gathering data.
"They shouldn't train alongside a monster...."
Nijimura shook his head, his gaze shifting between Aomine and Midorima. Deciding to ensure the comfort of his Young Master's guests, he left the gym to procure more drinks for Aomine and Midorima.
As anticipated by Nijimura, precisely an hour later, both Aomine and Midorima found themselves teetering on the brink of surrender.
Their attempts to match Tsuna's unyielding pace had left them drained.
Their eyes widened in shock as they stole glances at Tsuna. Throughout the entirety of their strenuous run, the rhythm of Tsuna's breathing remained unaltered.
"...Fucking monster."
The exclamation escaped, capturing the awe and disbelief that clung to both Aomine and Midorima as they processed the sheer magnitude of Tsuna's endurance.
---
Do you want to read 15 chapters ahead of the schedule? Here's where you can find them:
p@treon.com/mythoast
Meanwhile, over on the Rakuzan side, as they approached their accommodations, a conspicuous number of security personnel surrounded the area.
"Are we expecting a VVIP at our hotel or something?" Hayama voiced his confusion, eyeing the security presence with skepticism.
Mibuchi shook his head, offering an explanation, "Isn't that the most plausible assumption?"
"I just want to eat more!"
Nebuya chimed in with a nod, showcasing his typical carefree demeanor.
The team members exchanged glances, collectively wearing expressions of bewilderment, their curiosity piqued.
"I don't care..." Mayuzumi nonchalantly shook his head, engrossed in the pages of his romance novel.
Contrastingly, Akashi furrowed his eyebrows, a thoughtful expression etched on his face. He harbored a suspicion about the identity of the very important person (VVIP) who had graced them with their presence.
As they stepped into the hotel, the attention of everyone present was instantly captivated by a middle-aged man seated in the lobby.
Strikingly resembling Akashi, he commanded a noticeable presence, surrounded by a vigilant entourage of security personnel.
"Go back on your own; I'll go greet my father," Akashi declared, his voice cutting through the air.
The revelation prompted widened eyes among the team members, swiftly followed by nods of understanding as they absorbed the unexpected development.
As Akashi approached, the bodyguard bowed in respect, and Akashi acknowledged the gesture with a nonchalant nod. He continued until he stood in front of his father, Jiro Akashi.
A slight frown creased Akashi's forehead as he thought he had glimpsed someone bearing a striking resemblance to his father in the crowd a while back.
"...It shouldn't be possible," Akashi silently pondered.
Nevertheless, he slightly bowed his head as a sign of respect and opened his mouth, "Good Afternoon, Father."
"Sit down." Jiro gestured for Akashi to take a seat.
"May I inquire about the reason for your visit today, father?"
"...I had a business meeting," Jiro responded after a momentary silence.
Akashi acknowledged with a nod, maintaining a stoic expression. Jiro was equally impassive and refrained from further words.
"..."
The shared demeanor between father and son projected an impression of an interaction colder than one might expect.
"I heard you're performing well in the tournament. What's the tournament again?" Jiro inquired with a faint frown, breaking the silence.
Akashi nodded, responding, "It's called the Winter Cup, Father."
"I see," Jiro acknowledged.
Addressing his father's earlier question, Akashi spoke with unwavering confidence, "To answer your question, I am confident that I can emerge victorious in the tournament..."
His strong, assured words prompted a subtle curl at the corner of Jiro's mouth.
Swiftly wiping it away, he concealed any indication of emotion from Akashi's discerning gaze. Jiro nodded stoically as he inquired, "Is your next game the final round?"
"Yes, Father..."
"Good job, always be the best. That's why you're Akashi. Do remember that..." His words held both a commendation and an expectation as he stood, signaling to his bodyguard that their departure was imminent.
A complicated expression flickered across Jiro's face. His desire to express pride in his son's achievements clashed with the words that actually left his mouth.
Sighing, Jiro turned to face Akashi, revealing a softened tone, "I should be at home this weekend. I'll be waiting for your report at the dinner table, Seijuro..."
He proceeded to exit the hotel with his bodyguard, leaving Akashi silently bowing his head and watching his father's departing figure.
"..."
The unspoken complexity of their relationship lingered in the air.
Back in Fukuda Sogo's accommodations, Aomine let out a low hiss, his face contorting with a pallor as he eased himself into the ice bath. The chill enveloped his sore muscles, offering a momentary reprieve that elicited a relieved sigh.
Midorima mirrored the sentiment, shutting his eyes to fully immerse himself in the soothing cold.
"How on earth are you still functioning after that kind of training, Tsuna?" Aomine voiced his disbelief, shaking his head in awe.
"I don't know. Maybe just lucky," Tsuna responded casually, finding solace in the frigid water of the ice bath.
The cold penetrated his muscles, swiftly alleviating the lingering soreness.
Midorima shook his head in response to the answer before turning to Tsuna, a hint of hesitation in his voice, "...Tsuna, what were those eyes of yours?"
"So, this was the reason for your visit?" Tsuna remarked, closing his eyes as he fully embraced the penetrating coldness, immersing himself in its frigid embrace.
"..."
Aomine and Midorima fell into silence, the only audible sounds being the occasional munching from across the room.
Curiosity prompted them to turn their heads, discovering Murasakibara comfortably settled on a sofa with an impressive pile of snacks before him.
Momoi sat beside him, wearing a wry smile that hinted at a touch of envy, seemingly in awe of Murasakibara's ability to indulge in such quantities without worrying about gaining weight.
"...You're still here?"
Murasakibara gave no response, engrossed in devouring the snacks before him without a care in the world.
Tsuna then chuckled unexpectedly, capturing their attention once more. He shifted his focus back to them, opening his eyes with a cryptic smile, "Let's just say these were something I wasn't expecting to use here in Japan."
"..."
Aomine and Midorima deciphered the implication within Tsuna's words.
They couldn't help but wonder how much further Tsuna had advanced compared to them. More intriguingly, the mention of a bigger stage by Tsuna kindled a newfound interest within them.
Soon enough, all three emerged from the ice bath. Tsuna provided them with fresh clothes, acknowledging the sweat-soaked state of their previous attire.
Making their way to the hotel's restaurant, they strolled through the corridor before reaching the lobby, where they would proceed to the restaurant.
"Oh? Tsuna, are you thinking about grabbing some dinner too?"
The lobby echoed with an excited voice, drawing everyone's attention. Turning around, they spotted Alexandra and her students, Himuro and Kagami.
Kagami's voice reverberated with surprise, "Aomine, Midorima, what on earth are you guys doing here?"
"Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?" Aomine retorted, clicking his tongue in response.
"..."
On the other hand, Midorima remained silent, merely adjusting his glasses in silence.
Himuro offered a nod in greeting, "Ah, hello, everyone..."
"Well, you see, I promised them a dinner treat, so I brought them here!" Alexandra proclaimed proudly, a mischievous glint in her eyes leaving Tsuna slightly speechless at the unexpected turn of events.
"Treat them to dinner? And you brought them here?"
Tsuna fought the urge to facepalm, struggling to maintain a poker face to avoid a blow to his dignity. Alexandra responded with a sheepish laugh, her gaze unapologetic.
"...So, you're saying you brought them here for me to treat them to dinner? Is that what you mean?"
Tsuna sighed, articulating Alexandra's intentions.
Everyone in Fukuda Sogo, including her, would receive the hotel's utmost hospitality without reaching for their wallets.
With stars in her eyes, Alexandra gave him a thumbs up, exclaiming, "As expected of you, very sharp as always, huh?"
"..."
A moment of silence enveloped the scene as Tsuna remained wordless. He eventually shook his head, gesturing for them to proceed, saying, "Whatever, since you all came, might as well grab dinner together..."
---
Do you want to read 15 chapters ahead of the schedule? Here's where you can find them:
p@treon.com/mythoast
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