บท 49: Chapter 49: Celebration
After leaving the court with a beaming smile, Tsuna extended a warm invitation to his teammates. He wanted to celebrate their victory with a sumptuous A5 Wagyu Barbecue at his family's restaurant, just like they had done once before.
The prospect of savoring the finest Wagyu beef ignited excitement in everyone. They had already experienced the delights of this top-quality meat at the same restaurant.
They were ushered into an unusually large VIP section upon arriving at the restaurant. Initially, the restaurant hadn't been prepared for such a large group from Teiko, but the staff worked their magic by combining two VIP sections and arranging tables neatly in the middle.
Normally, this kind of arrangement was strictly against the rules, but Tsuna's status allowed for this exception. The restaurant was determined to uphold the reputation of the Kazama family, after all.
As they entered the VIP room, the atmosphere blended luxury and comfort.
Soft, ambient lighting bathed the room in a warm glow, and the long, polished wooden table was elegantly set with fine china and crystal glassware. Plush leather chairs surrounded the table, inviting the team to settle in and savor their well-deserved feast.
The air was filled with a tantalizing aroma hinting at the culinary delights. The team took their seats, their excitement palpable, and exchanged smiles and congratulatory words. This was a celebration they had long anticipated.
As they raised their glasses for a toast, the food arrived.
It was a meticulously crafted appetizer, a delicate beef tartare served on a bed of fresh greens. The A5 Wagyu marbled to perfection and glistened under the soft lighting.
Each bite was a revelation. The beef practically melted on their tongues, a symphony of rich, buttery flavors that danced across their palates.
The freshness of the greens provided a crisp contrast, while a drizzle of truffle-infused vinaigrette elevated the dish to new heights. The team savored every bite. Their taste buds awakened to the wonders of A5 Wagyu.
Soon, another plate arrived. Thick slices of A5 Wagyu steak adorned each plate, expertly seared to a perfect medium-rare. The marbling was a work of art, and the meat was so tender it practically surrendered to the mere touch of a knife.
As they cut into the steak, the juices flowed like liquid gold, and the aroma of sizzling beef filled the air. The first bite was a revelation, a crescendo of flavors that ranged from savory to slightly sweet. It was a taste that lingered, a memory that would be cherished for years to come.
In a restaurant known for its elegance, the typical dining experience involves multiple courses, including appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts.
However, Tsuna made a special request to keep things more relaxed this time. They were here to enjoy a barbecue party in celebration of their victory, after all.
Despite his request, the staff insisted on finishing up with the dessert later.
Amidst mouthfuls of delicious barbecue, the teammates chatted animatedly about their victorious game. They shared stories of their triumph and how it felt to hold the trophy, all while savoring the delectable food.
To everyone's surprise, Assistant Coach Sanada and Head Coach Shirogane appeared. They had important news to deliver - Head Coach Shirogane was retiring this year, with Sanada set to succeed him in the following year.
After delivering the announcement, Sanada and Shirogane approached Tsuna. They leaned in and whispered, "Kazama, do you think we could get some Juyondai sake again?"
Tsuna couldn't help but chuckle softly at their request. It seemed that their true motive for coming here was the sake. He shook his head playfully, smiling at their enthusiasm.
Both Sanada and Shirogane appeared to be sake enthusiasts, judging by the eager expressions in their eyes as they asked for the Juyondai sake.
This particular sake was exceptionally rare, typically reserved for only the most distinguished guests.
Luckily for them, when Tsuna inquired with the staff about the sake, it turned out that they had just received a fresh supply that morning. This meant that Sanada and Shirogane could indulge in a few bottles of the prized beverage.
As the sake bottles were brought in, Sanada made a conscious effort to restrain himself, not wanting a repeat of the last time when he overindulged.
However, watching Shirogane calmly savoring his drinks without any sign of intoxication reignited Sanada's competitive spirit. He started to drink more enthusiastically.
Observing this, the members of the Teiko team exchanged glances, with the senior members showing particular concern.
Their expressions of concern deepened when Sanada, under the influence of the sake, began to regale them with embarrassing stories from his past. It was as if a floodgate had opened, and he couldn't stop himself from sharing these anecdotes.
The first-year players listened in fascination, recalling the extra training sessions Sanada had put them through.
Now they understood the reason behind those grueling practices - he was embarrassed and wanted to make up for his past blunders.
Shirogane, adopting the wise elder's role, inadvertently worsened the situation. His encouragement prompted Sanada to share even more embarrassing stories, leaving the team members speechless, their lips twitching in disbelief.
Exhausted and resigned, they exchanged looks, knowing that they would have to brace themselves for the extra training that awaited them tomorrow due to this sake-induced storytelling session.
The staff interrupted their exhaustion with a sweet conclusion to the meal - a delicate matcha-infused cheesecake. It was a refreshing and sweet ending to their culinary journey, a perfect note to cap off their celebration. The entire meal had been a symphony of flavors, a culinary triumph that mirrored their victory on the basketball court.
After some more conversation, they all left the restaurant. Tsuna instructed the staff to arrange for Shirogane and Sanada, who were now quite drunk, to get home safely.
The seniors announced that they were heading to the arcade for some fun, and Haizaki, being a regular arcade-goer, tagged along.
However, the other first-year players seemed uninterested in the idea.
As they strolled towards the metro station together, Tsuna paused mid-step, lost in thought. He couldn't shake the sense of hollowness he had felt when he held the championship trophy.
He struggled to put his feelings into words, but the best explanation he could muster was that winning in Japan left him with an incomplete sense of achievement.
However, putting more thought into it, he should have seen it coming as the scope of his ambition extended far beyond national borders.
Lost in his contemplation, Tsuna's moment of introspection was interrupted when Aomine and the others halted their steps and turned to look at him.
"What's up, man? Why'd you stop?"
Aomine inquired, his expression one of curiosity.
Tsuna broke the silence with an unexpected proposition.
"Why don't you guys come with me to the States?" he suggested, prompting surprised reactions from the others.
---
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