Chapter 159: Fighting Spirit Unleashed

In the midst of a heavy downpour in Tokyo, Tsuna, having just wrapped up training with his peers, prepared to head home.

Approaching the building, he noticed Sebas had readied an umbrella for him.

Under the shelter of the umbrella, Tsuna followed Sebas's lead until they reached the waiting car. As Tsuna settled into the car seat, he gazed out the window with raindrops streaking across the glass. His expression carried complex emotions.

Even though his time was short here at the school, he was starting to feel attached with the school.

In the fleeting moments before his return, Tsuna's gaze lingered on the school grounds.

His sigh hinted at the emotions swirling within him. The weeks had passed swiftly and with only one more week left as a student at the Japanese middle school.

"Let's go, Sebas," Tsuna declared, prompting a nod from Sebas as they departed from the school.

However, Tsuna's attention extended to the purple-haired teenager seated beside him in the passenger seat. With a speechless expression on his face, he inquired, "...And what are you doing here, Atsushi?"

Murasakibara responded in a bored tone as though his presence was expected. "...To your place, of course."

It was clear that Murasakibara's motive was more snacks.

Tsuna sighed, casting a glance at Murasakibara's rain-soaked uniform. Turning to Sebas, he instructed, "Sebas, tell someone to get some big clothes for my classmate later. Make sure it's ready by the time we arrive..."

"Understood, Young Master," Sebas acknowledged

Navigating through the rain-drenched streets of Tokyo, they finally pulled up to Tsuna's residence.

They both walked out of the car.

Tsuna then led the way, with Murasakibara trailing behind him.

Once inside, Tsuna seemed on the verge of giving Murasakibara free rein, but before he could say anything, the tall teen had already gravitated toward the kitchen. Tsuna's hand hung in the air momentarily.

Then he let it drop with a resigned sigh.

"...Do whatever you want. I have to train some more."

With those words, Tsuna walked to his private gym adjacent to the basketball court.

Murasakibara, munching on snacks, couldn't contain his curiosity.

"...You're still going to train?" he asked, following Tsuna to the gym, somewhat unsure of what to do.

"Yeah, why do you ask?" Tsuna responded, already engaged in his warm-up routine.

Murasakibara shook his head, his voice carrying a hint of bewilderment. "Our training at school is already hard enough. Why do you add more?"

"I admit, it was pretty intense..." Tsuna acknowledged, reminiscing about the rigorous team training. Yet, the school sessions weren't sufficient.

He explained, "But, training is supposed to be harder. And it should push you through your limits."

"Heh? But you're already good. Why would you do an extra hour to be even better?"

Murasakibara's inquiry held a touch of childlike curiosity, but Tsuna kept diligently starting his exercises while patiently addressed each question.

"...I know some weaklings tend to be hard-working, but that's because they're weak. And you're not weak. Why bother?"

Murasakibara set aside his snacks, the question hanging in the air.

His aversion to concepts like hard work, determination, and faith was evident. To him, these were attributes associated with the weak—strategies to find solace and motivation.

He distanced himself from such notions, considering them beneath him.

In the midst of his training, Tsuna halted at Murasakibara's question.

Turning to face the tall teen, he shook his head, a subtle expression of reflection on his face.

Memories of a past life, where he had persevered through physical limitations with sheer hard work, flashed in his mind. The contrast between his past struggles and the current conversation added depth to the emotions swirling in the gym.

However, Tsuna harbored no anger towards Murasakibara for his perspective.

To Tsuna, Murasakibara resembled a child—actions sometimes irksome but never truly bothersome, considering it typical behavior for someone of Murasakibara's disposition.

Approaching Murasakibara, Tsuna wore a smile, which made the guy look at him with a perplexed expression, uncertain of Tsuna's intentions.

Tsuna smiled as he spoke, "Let me explain to you in a way you'd understand..."

"Imagine talent as the quality of having the best ingredients available to you. You might have the finest flour, the richest cocoa, and the most exquisite vanilla extract – your inherent talent."

Tsuna explained, and Murasakibara nodded in understanding. It was definitely an explanation he would understand.

"However, without putting in the effort to mix, knead, and bake, just having those premium ingredients won't result in a delicious cake...."

Murasakibara's eyes widened in surprise, a fleeting emotion that transformed into a frown. "I still don't like it, though..."

"Come, I'll teach you something..."

Tsuna shook his head and proceeded to stride onto the basketball court. He cast a glance at Murasakibara, inviting him to follow.

Murasakibara responded with a nonchalant shrug as he trailed after Tsuna.

Confused by the sudden shift to the court, Tsuna instructed Murasakibara to change into basketball gear and lace up.

Murasakibara complied without much questioning, the rustle of fabric and the soft thud of basketball shoes against the floor accompanying his swift readiness.

The court was now turned into a battleground, awaited their one-on-one.

As the clash unfolded, Tsuna's movements were a dance of agility, his skill evident in each dribble and precision shot. Murasakibara found himself incapable of fending off Tsuna's attack.

The court echoed with the rhythm of their footwork, punctuated by the satisfying swish of the net after each successful shot.

The match concluded with Murasakibara sprawled on the ground, breathing heavily.

Tsuna, who was holding the ball, signaled to Sebas for water. As Sebas handed over water, Tsuna, a sheen of sweat on his forehead, posed a question. "...Do you understand what I taught you?"

Murasakibara's frown deepened, his head shaking. He completely didn't understand what Tsuna was implying.

Tsuna just smiled lightly at Murasakibara's confusion before he asked, "Tell me, why do you keep trying despite losing to me..."

"...I don't know."

Murasakibara's response held a genuine sense of uncertainty.

Deep contemplation wasn't his usual style as he navigated the world more through feelings than logic.

"Then, why do you keep training with us at school despite not enjoying it?"

"Tsunachin, why don't you just tell me straight up? You're getting annoying..."

Murasakibara grumbled as he displayed his discontent before taking a sip from the water bottle Sebas handed to him.

This made Tsuna chuckle as he slowly walked back into the gym. As he glanced at Murasakibara, he left a remark, "You might not understand why, but Atsushi, you've been doing these things unconsciously because you hate losing more than anything else..."

These words made Murasakibara freeze as he muttered, "...Me? I hate losing?"

Somehow, these words left his chest pumping for some reason as he grabbed his chest confusedly. 

Leaving Murasakibara alone, Tsuna returned to his training as he still had a few sets left to finish. However, as he was about to be done with his set, he saw Murasakibara suddenly enter the gym and run on the treadmill.

"...What are you doing?"

Tsuna couldn't help but ask, though his lips curled up in a smirk as he saw this.

Murasakibara just frowned as he spoke with an annoyed expression, "I will not lose anymore, even against you..."

Hearing these words made Tsuna break into a chuckle. His eyes flashed with a sly glint as he thought, "That's it, Atsushi, keep training! You have to make use of your natural talent efficiently..."

"...And by the time you're ready, it's time for you to reach a higher stage!"

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