บท 46: Chapter 46: Stepping down
Although the scoreboard displayed commendable difference.
Tsuna, however, remained unsurprised. He knew these scores were nothing extraordinary compared to what Teiko would regularly achieve once the future Generation of Miracles unlocked their full potential.
Observing the frustrated Kamata West players, Tsuna's attention was particularly drawn to the Genius Twins. Their expressions revealed even deeper frustration than their teammates.
"...Remarkable determination for teenagers," Tsuna mused quietly. Yet, he couldn't recall their names appearing in the canon.
Tsuna's attention shifted to the future Generation of Miracles, who regarded him with various expressions.
One looked cautious, a few appeared shocked, one seemed completely indifferent, and another had an eager anticipation in their eyes.
It wasn't hard to guess who was eager as one of them said, "Tsuna, let's have a one-on-one match after this, haha..."
With a resigned sigh, Tsuna replied, "Sure, whatever..."
He agreed, despite the mixed feelings he had about it.
Returning his attention to the Genius Twins, Tsuna couldn't help but speculate that the Generation of Miracles had likely snuffed out the determination that burned so brightly in these twins, especially as they unlocked their full potential.
"Encountering an insurmountable obstacle repeatedly can be truly demoralizing. For many, the only choice is to give up..."
Tsuna maintained his calm expression as he silently contemplated this.
As the game concluded with the customary post-match pleasantries, the Teiko team departed, their faces beaming with joy, while Kamata West trudged away, their expressions filled with disappointment.
The next match was scheduled for tomorrow, a rather swift turnaround. Their opponents would be Kamizaki, a formidable team in their own right.
Tsuna harbored strong confidence in their ability to secure a victory. Despite this certainty, he couldn't help but feel a palpable excitement building within him as they approached the final.
Tsuna had even dialed back the intensity of his training following their triumph over Kamata West. It was a calculated move to ensure he was in peak condition for the upcoming showdown against Kamizaki.
The future Generation of Miracles shared the same excitement. They were eager for the final because winning would mean their first trophy since joining the team.
Assistant Coach Sanada, typically stern in demeanor, wore a contented expression as he conveyed the team's progress to Head Coach Shirogane.
Listening to the report, Head Coach Shirogane was pleasantly surprised.
The unexpected change in captaincy had initially caught him off guard, but after hearing about the new captain's ability to lead the team to victory, he felt reassured.
"...I suppose it's all in the genes, right?"
Shirogane mused, reminiscing about a talented black-haired youth from the past who had played brilliantly but then vanished, only to resurface as a business mogul.
Assistant Coach Sanada kept going, flipping through some files in his hands.
He spoke again, "Our upcoming opponent in the final is about on the same level as Kamata West. With Kazama leading the way and his sharp mind, I am confident we'll secure the victory in this tournament."
"It looks like the next two years of tournaments won't be much of a concern," Shigane remarked, sporting a grin reminiscent of a contented grandfather.
Sanada nodded in agreement.
He continued, a rare smile gracing his otherwise stern face, "With Tsuna's astute vision and leadership, I'm starting to think my role in strategizing won't be all that demanding anymore."
Shirogane nodded in agreement. "That's right. We can channel our efforts into honing their talents through our training routines."
Sanada affirmed his understanding with a crisp, "Yes, sir."
The conversation continued between Assistant Coach Sanada and Head Coach Shirogane.
It delved into various matters, particularly when the Head Coach mentioned his upcoming retirement this year. This implied that Sanada would be stepping into the role next year, and there was much to prepare for.
The next day, when Sanada thought he might have a smooth transition into the head coach role...
"What!? Are you fucking serious?"
Aomine shouted right in front of Tsuna's face. The others in the changing room wore equally surprised expressions.
Tsuna responded with a faint twitch of his lips, extending his hand to keep Aomine at bay. It was a rare sight to see Tsuna at a loss for words.
"Yes, that's why I needed to inform all of you that this game will mark the end of my career as your Captain," Tsuna declared, casually muffling Aomine's exclamations with his hand.
"Not just as your Captain, but also as your teammate," Tsuna declared.
He had chosen this moment to reveal that he would return to the United States after completing his first year at Teiko Junior High.
Sanada, looking weary, rubbed his temples in exasperation.
Tsuna's decision was unprecedented – not only was he the youngest captain ever in Teiko's basketball club, but he was also the quickest to step down from the position after attaining it.
Akashi pondered momentarily, asking, "Is it because of that accident, Tsunayoshi?"
"Yeah, I could only convince my mother to let me stay for a year here after that."
Tsuna nodded in response. He explained the situation to his teammates.
Reflecting on his promise to his parents, Tsuna thought that if it weren't for his father becoming his meat shie---his backer, it would be impossible for his mother to allow him to return to Japan.
Even if he had been granted permission to stay, Tsuna still had strong reasons to return to the US. His plan to take over the streetball scene for his own was already in motion and reached the initial phase right before its execution.
Tsuna needed to come back and personally foresee this to make sure nothing would go wrong.
"I see. So this will be the last time we play together?"
Midorima asked, carefully unwrapping his bandages and setting them down beside a blowtorch he had brought.
"...In a tournament, that is. We can still train together once the tournament ends."
Tsuna answered with a light smile.
Nijimura, looking somewhat bewildered, remarked, "I just stepped down as captain, and now I'm back on?"
Deep in thought, Sekiguchi added, "Well, the vice-captain position is open now. Maybe we should consider bringing Kubota back in?"
Upon hearing this suggestion, Kubota shook his head and said, "I believe it's time for us to groom a new captain by offering him the vice-captain role, don't you think?"
Tsuna grinned, contemplating the same idea. "I'm on board with Kubota. Seijuro, how about it? Would you be interested in taking up the position?"
Akashi appeared to have been anticipating this moment. He nodded in agreement.
Though he might have lost the race to leadership against the Kazama family scion, he was determined to embrace this opportunity, believing it was better late than never to start his leadership journey.
"I'll take on the role," Akashi agreed confidently, bowing respectfully as was customary. "Please guide me."
Tsuna took charge of the situation. He gestured to Momoi to share the data, a routine they had adopted. Sanada had granted Tsuna full authority over their strategy and would only interject if there were superior options.
As the strategy discussion unfolded, everyone seemed to overlook Aomine, who was rendered speechless with Tsuna's firm hand over his mouth. He squirmed in a futile attempt to escape Tsuna's grip.
Meanwhile, Haizaki, who had come with the sole intention of laying hands on the trophy, was utterly bewildered by the entire team dynamics. He was completely in the dark about what was happening.
As a result, he could only listen, wearing a perplexed expression, as he observed the odd scene unfold before him. Tsuna attempted to clarify the strategy, responding to inquiries while firmly covering Aomine's mouth.
---
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