Chapter 183: In Their Own World

"...He entered the zone?"

Himuro's disbelief was etched across his face as he witnessed the unfolding events. The shock wasn't limited to him; the entire Yosen High team stood frozen in amazement.

He had heard that entering the zone was a privilege bestowed upon a select few, individuals who met strict criteria to unlock the door leading to the full awakening of their 100% potential.

Unfortunately, he wasn't one of them.

Kagami, a person Himuro considered a rival and a brother, could tap into the zone. Despite the burning desire to confront Kagami and settle their unresolved issues, deep down, Himuro acknowledged that he would never catch up.

Complicated emotions swirled within Himuro as he observed the unfolding spectacle. Determination flickered in his eyes, yet unease lingered beneath the surface. He momentarily diverted his attention to the scoreboard, where the overwhelming score of 87 - 41 in Fukuda Sogo's favor loomed large.

"...Can we even catch up?"

Doubt clouded his thoughts, casting shadows over any glimmer of optimism. If it were only Murasakibara entering the zone, perhaps there was a slim chance, however faint.

But the situation took a dire turn when Fukuda Sogo's captain seamlessly transitioned into the zone immediately after Murasakibara's awakening as if it was just a walk in the park.

The battlefield had elevated to a level where ordinary players like Himuro felt a stark realization—they were mere spectators in a clash of extraordinary forces, unable to intervene in the titanic struggle unfolding before them.

"I knew it! So, this was his plan all along, huh?"

A chuckle escaped Midorima's lips, the tingling sensation beneath his skin betraying the excitement coursing through him as he observed the intense clash unfolding.

With a small, satisfied smile, Midorima adjusted his glasses, muttering, "...This was truly unexpected. To think I'd be able to witness Murasakibara entering the zone."

In Seirin's seat, Kuroko struggled with disbelief as unspoken words lingered in his throat. The sight of Murasakibara, seemingly reveling in the game, was shocking enough, but the revelation that it was just the beginning left him speechless.

"Do all the Generation of Miracles possess this ability to enter the zone at will? It's simply just absurd..."

Hyuga's frown deepened, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. In the face of this revelation, Seirin could only share a solemn sigh, their silence echoing the weight of the situation they found themselves in.

"...Are you surprised, Daiki?"

Momoi's question hung in the air, directed at Aomine.

Aomine nodded in response before sharing his thoughts, "Yeah, I was surprised. I can't figure out what got into Murasakibara, but with Tsuna around, he might have influenced him somehow."

"True," Momoi agreed, wearing a gentle smile as she stole a glance at Tsuna, who was visibly thrilled by the game.

Observing Tsuna's excitement, it reminded her of Aomine during their Teiko days. Aomine was always beaming with joy when facing off against him.

Yet...

"....Yes! This is it! I hit the jackpot! I swear on my name, I would bring you to the States, Atsushi!"

Tsuna proclaimed with silent enthusiasm, his excitement stemming from a different source than what others perceived.

Contrary to external expectations, his exhilaration sprang from uncovering yet another jackpot, perhaps the most significant one since his reincarnation.

Murasakibara might be slow to pick up things and generally laid back, but it sticks with him once he gets the hang of something. Tsuna noticed this when watching Nijimura face off against Murasakibara and now experiencing it himself.

Murasakibara could display the things Tsuna had taught him while he was in Teiko flawlessly. Tsuna smirked in disbelief, "No, that's not right..."

"...He's taken it a step further!" He exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

With Tsuna and Murasakibara immersed in the zone, the court seemed frozen in time.

The other players appeared like mere spectators, their movements sluggish compared to the dynamic intensity of the two powerhouses engaged in an exhilarating showdown.

Tsuna effortlessly weaved through Murasakibara's defense. He kept scoring like it was a piece of cake, even with Murasakibara in the zone.

It was like a back-and-forth dance, and the crowd loved every second of it.

Murasakibara retaliated with the same intensity. However, he wasn't having an easy time. He noticed the same old struggles coming back, and he was falling behind.

However, he had this big grin on his face. He was actually enjoying the challenge.

On the flip side, Tsuna was smiling too, but for a different reason.

"...You're really enjoying this, Atsushi," Tsuna remarked, triumphantly breaking through Murasakibara's defense and notching another score.

The words hit Murasakibara like a pang of dissatisfaction. It echoed what Kuroko used to say, and he grumbled, "...You promised you wouldn't turn into another Kurokochin."

"I'm not! Just look at that grin on your face," Tsuna retorted, a matching smile on his lips.

Murasakibara's expression crumpled like a piece of paper as he childishly clamped his hands over his ears with an annoyed face.

"I'm not listening," he declared, his face revealing a mixture of irritation and defiance.

Tsuna was amused by this. His eyes, however, sparkled with an idea.

"...Tomorrow, I'm getting a batch of St. Erik Crisps. D you want some?"

At the mention of the epitome of expensive chips, Murasakibar straightened his posture abruptly as if summoned by a commanding officer, uncovering his ears with a suddenness that seemed almost comical.

"I'm all ears," he responded casually, as though the previous discontent had never taken place.

With a wry smile, Tsuna shook his head. It seemed that swaying Murasakibara's mood was as simple as offering a bag of high-end snacks.

"...This guy is so easy to bribe."

As the game resumed, a collective gasp filled the air as onlookers observed the unfolding scene with wide-eyed surprise.

"....."

What transpired on the court defied expectations of a fiercely competitive tournament match. Instead, it resembled a lively exchange between two players reveling in the joy of the game.

With every defense broken, neither side showed any sign of frustration. The atmosphere remained intensely charged, yet both maintained unyielding smiles.

Aomine, wearing a complicated expression, shook his head, muttering in disbelief, "...Seriously, huh?"

A wave of nostalgia engulfed him as he watched Tsuna and Murasakibara engage in a game that seemed to carve out a space exclusively for them, a showdown in their own world.

Beside him, Momoi shook her head, a mixture of amusement and fondness coloring her expression.

Adjusting his glasses, Midorima couldn't help but scoff, "...Hah, what a spectacle."

Despite this, a subtle smile tugged at his lips.

Initially taken aback, the crowd gradually immersed themselves in the moment's unexpected delight. Smiles spread through the spectators like a contagion, and even the players on the court couldn't help but shake their heads in amusement at the unfolding showdown.

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