Chapter 266: Title at the end of the chapter!
The disbelief in Tsuna's abilities wasn't confined to Seirin alone.
"..."
Everyone from Fukuda Sogo gazed at Tsuna's figure with a mixture of shock and admiration.
However, this reaction wasn't born out of fear but rather sheer awe. During their training stint in the States, Tsuna had never deployed his formidable eyes even against the formidable Jabberwock team.
Not even once!
"If he were to unleash that power, could we even stand a chance against them?"
This contemplation echoed through the minds of everyone in Fukuda Sogo as they swallowed nervously, shaking their heads collectively.
"No, it's not a matter of 'we'; it would practically be him against the Jabberwock, should it come to that."
Meanwhile, Nijimura observed Tsuna's figure with a hint of concern. "..He should be okay, right?"
With a gaze that reached beyond the ordinary limits, Tsuna possessed eyes that defied the constraints of human perception.
This extraordinary ability allowed him to accelerate his thought process in a way that, in his perception, time seemed to slow down.
For most, this was a true limit-breaker, propelling him beyond the boundaries of conventional perception.
Anything that he set his gaze upon became an open book.
The power bestowed upon him elevated his senses and allowed him to command his body with unparalleled precision. Feats that seemed impossible for an ordinary individual became second nature.
These eyes were the embodiment of irresistible might, instilling submission and reverence, solidifying Tsuna as an indomitable force that commands the very essence of supremacy.
A power so commanding that it renders his opponents powerless in sheer awe—
—The Conqueror's Eyes.
Whether as a martial artist or an athlete, these pair of eyes were a godsend!
"Such scary eyes were never without a price..."
However, every benefit takes its toll!
The heightened perception that shattered human limits demanded a steep mental toll for prolonged use.
And the restraint that granted his body transcendent movements came at a physical cost, leaving him drained and exhausted.
When Tsuna unleashed this power to vanquish Sebas in a fierce confrontation, Nijimura found himself aiding his Young Master, who needed immediate treatment due to the severe toll it exacted on his muscles.
"Don't worry about it. This much is nothing," reassured Tsuna with a calming voice as he strolled toward them.
Tsuna conducted a swift assessment of his own body. Fatigue lingered, yes, but it hadn't breached the threshold of excessive strain.
"..."
Nijimura fell into a contemplative silence, offering a nod in acknowledgment. He scrutinized Tsuna's form intently, contemplating, "...His muscles must be throbbing with soreness. He pushed himself even further than he did against Murasakibara, after all."
In contrast to their swift assistance in the past, this time, they were left completely dumbfounded, unable to muster a response.
Before long, the previously hushed crowd snapped back to reality, stirred by the sound of applause emanating from the midst.
A lone voice cried out, "The King of Kings! Let's go!"
In a ripple effect, the entire assembly joined in the applause, erupting into a resounding cheer for Fukuda Sogo's triumphant victory.
As the aftermath settled in, a solemn hush enveloped Seirin's players. Each of them stood in silence, fists clenched, and their movements seemingly became stiff.
"I knew our chances were slim from the start," Hyuga softly murmured, a departure from his usual strong tone.
"But I didn't expect the pain of losing to be this overwhelming..." His voice trembled, bearing the weight of emotional strain, and tears began to well up in his eyes.
Kiyoshi offered a comforting pat on his shoulder, and Hyuga, removing his glasses, wiped away the forming tears.
Aida and the other reserve players approached, offering reassuring pats to Hyuga. Their actions conveyed a shared understanding of Hyuga's emotions.
"...Sorry, Kiyoshi."
The proximity to the final intensified the sting of this defeat. Aida was overwhelmed with emotions as she cried bitterly upon hearing this.
"...I should be the one apologizing for failing all of you," she silently muttered in her heart.
Deep down, the team had hoped to create some lasting memories for Kiyoshi, who was battling through injury, in their final tournament together before his treatment.
"Don't worry, Hyuga. And everyone else, too. I had a good time. I'm sure we all did..." Kiyoshi's voice was tinged with emotion.
It carried a calm reassurance as he smiled through the tears stemming down his face.
His words caught in his throat for a moment.
But after a determined swallow, he continued, "We put in the sweat, blood, and tears to get to this point. But I'm certain our opponents did the same. Even though we lost, our hard work remains unchanged; we all gave it our best!"
"..."
Everyone in Seirin fell into a reflective hush, absorbing the weight of Kiyoshi's heartfelt sentiments.
"I have no more regrets! It was fun playing with you guys..."
Kiyoshi's heartfelt words echoed through the gymnasium, concluding his speech with a wide, content smile that touched the hearts of everyone present.
Silent tears streamed down Kuroko's face, his usual stoicism unable to contain the depth of emotion he felt.
"...If only I were stronger," Kagami whispered, tears welling up, exposing a vulnerable side rarely seen.
He bit his lip, tasting the metallic tang of his own blood in his mouth.
Silently vowing to intensify his training, he pledged to himself that he wouldn't witness these pained expressions on his teammates' faces again.
On the side, Fukuda Sogo remained silent, their stoic gazes fixed on the unfolding scene.
Even Ogiwara, battling the urge to cry at the sight of his pained childhood friend, endeavored to maintain a poker face.
Out of respect for Seirin, they refrained from showing any hint of pity.
They had given their best effort until the very end, even managing to compel their captain to take them seriously.
Seirin was undeniably strong, and Fukuda Sogo acknowledged that.
Alexandra shared the same sentiment as her team.
"Make the most of this opportunity, Taiga. Understand that there is a sky beyond the sky, so you can find a way to soar higher," she silently pondered, her gaze fixed on Kagami in thoughtful silence.
The referee's gesture signaled both teams to move to the center of the court.
As they lined up for the post-game ceremony, the echoes of the crowd's exhilarated cheers still reverberated, creating a charged atmosphere.
The celebration wasn't just for Fukuda Sogo's victory but was also a show of respect for Seirin.
"Seirin fought well!"
"Absolutely! They gave their all, even in the face of such an impossible situation. They've earned my respect."
"I don't care what others say; I'm definitely a fan now!"
In the gymnasium, a chorus of excited murmurs spread, building an atmosphere charged with anticipation for the impending final showdown.
Title: The Conqueror's Eyes!
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