Chapter 100: Proving Your Worth

Sensing the need to shift the conversation, Momoi forced a nervous laugh.

She redirected her attention to Murasakibara, inquiring, "Murasakibara, wasn't your team playing in the semifinals today? What brings you here?"

The group, excluding Tsuna, turned their focus toward Murasakibara, curiosity etched on their faces.

Murasakibara continued to munch on his snacks, nonchalantly responding leisurely, "Akachin told me not to bother playing..."

Midorima, who deeply understood Akashi's character, asked, "So, he didn't play either? Akashi wouldn't normally make such a decision to ensure an easy victory."

Murasakibara responded indifferently, "I don't know, and I don't really care..."

"But why would he make such a sudden decision?" Midorima asked 

Kuroko shared a contemplative expression and redirected his attention to Tsuna, inquiring, "Kazama, do you happen to know the reason?"

Tsuna casually shrugged in response to the question and calmly explained, "Well, the main reason is that I won't be playing in the final later."

Kuroko's eyes widened in astonishment at the mention of the final. He shot a quick glance at Aomine and thought to himself, "So, Aomine lost to Fukuda Sogo?"

Confusion spread across the faces of everyone in the room, but Midorima's memory was jogged.

He adjusted his glasses and inquired, "Is this related to the Annual Gatherings?"

"Annual Gatherings? What's that?" Kise looked puzzled as he tilted his head and asked.

Midorima explained that the Annual Gatherings were an event for the younger generation of influential families and prominent figures in the country.

He said, "I wasn't invited because my brother had already received an invitation. As far as I remember, the event was scheduled for the same day as the Interhigh final."

Murasakibara and Aomine appeared disinterested in the explanation, with Aomine making a sly attempt to snag some snacks. However, Murasakibara, seemingly possessing a sixth sense for snack theft, swiftly turned to Aomine, who instantly averted his gaze and began to whistle nervously.

Midorima's statement received confirmation from Tsuna. A warm smile graced Tsuna's face as he added, "Akashi probably wanted a fair fight, knowing I wouldn't be playing. He told Murasakibara not to play either because he himself won't be playing."

He couldn't help but smirk and continued, "He felt it would be a slaughter for Fukuda Sogo if he or Atsushi played. Such confidence, isn't it adorable, Midorima?"

Tsuna's smirk made Midorima flinch. He mused that the only person who would describe Akashi's intentions as adorable had to be Tsuna.

Midorima understood that Akashi likely had immense confidence in his team, believing that Rakuzan would secure victory even without his participation. But observing Tsuna's mischievous smirk, Midorima couldn't help but suspect that Tsuna had some hidden intentions.

Meanwhile, Kise appeared to be surprised and somewhat lost for words. It was the first time he had heard anyone describe anything related to Akashi as cute.

Midorima, adjusting his glasses, fixed Tsuna with a serious gaze as he posed the question, "So, are you confident about winning the tournament?"

All eyes in the room were now on Tsuna, eager to hear his response. Tsuna chuckled, his answer shrouded in mystery as he said, "Well, who can say for sure?"

"I don't really care who wins, especially if you're not playing."

Aomine shook his head at Tsuna's response.

However, his tone shifted to a more serious one as he continued, "But if you do play, don't you dare lose before losing to me."

Kuroko's eyes initially brightened when knowing Aomine was losing against Tsuna. Still, he soon realized that Aomine's old energy wasn't enough to make him the same person he used to be back in Teiko. 

Midorima wore a frown and pointed out, "Do you really think you can win? You've lost every time you've gone up against him."

"And just so you know, I will be the one to beat Tsuna in the Winter Cup!"

He continued, his gaze shifting towards Tsuna.

Kise's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and he boldly proclaimed that he would win against Tsuna.

Momoi shook her head, bemused by the sudden competition among the guys to see who could defeat Tsuna.

Tsuna listened to them with an amused smile on his face.

"Seems like you guys are pretty determined to defeat me," Tsuna said, drawing everyone's attention, except for Murasakibara, who was engrossed in his snacks.

He continued, "I welcome the challenge from all of you, including you, Kuroko. But I have to say, you'll need to get a lot stronger than you are now."

His tone turned cold as he concluded, "Right now, you're all too weak to even pose a challenge."

They felt a sense of dissatisfaction when Tsuna told them they were weak, and it stung because they had been on the losing side. However, that feeling of disappointment ignited a spark of determination in their eyes.

Rather than feeling disheartened, they all grinned widely, determined to prove Tsuna wrong.

The day stretched, and they had many things to catch up on. They spent hours at Tsuna's house, and the evening turned into a late night as they bonded and trained together.

The following day, a bustling scene unfolded within the opulent confines of one of Tokyo's most prestigious 5-star hotels. Elegantly dressed individuals, their attire reflecting wealth and influence, streamed through the grand entrance.

These high-status guests added an air of grandeur to the already lavish surroundings, their presence turning the hotel into a hub of sophistication and power.

Before long, an elegant black car pulled up at the impressive entrance. A well-dressed butler emerged from the vehicle, promptly opening the passenger door.

Tsuna emerged from the luxurious car in a meticulously tailored and formal outfit.

His arrival didn't go unnoticed by the other attendees waiting to enter the event. They couldn't help but send admiring looks his way, recognizing him immediately.

A sense of respect and admiration overcame the gathering as the onlookers graciously inclined their heads in a respectful nod or offered polite bows.

Tsuna's presence radiated a certain aura that commanded admiration and respect from those around him. The atmosphere seemed to shift in acknowledgment of his arrival, acknowledging his unique status in the gathering.

Tsuna strolled down the red carpet, the attendees' gaze fixed upon him, creating a path for his passage.

His presence stole the spotlight at the event. Throughout the evening, Tsuna engaged in conversations with many of his peers. After a while, he politely excused himself from the conversations.

Tsuna observed the gathering from the upper floor and couldn't help but notice that many of the attendees seemed rather sheltered and oblivious to the world beyond their bubble.

"...It's boring, isn't it?"

A voice broke his contemplation. Startled, Tsuna turned to see a familiar face, yet unfamiliar presence, and said, "It's been a while, Seijuro."

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