Chapter 287: Absolute Control

The sun beamed gently through the gallery windows, casting a warm glow over the bustling crowd of families. Laughter and chatter filled the air, remnants of the drawing competition lingering amidst the departing attendees.

As families began to trickle out of the gallery, they were met with a surprising sight: a procession of elegant cars lining up outside. 

"Who might be arriving?"

"Perhaps someone of importance?"

Whispers of curiosity fluttered among the crowd like delicate butterflies.

Speculation danced on the lips of the onlookers as they watched finely attired figures emerge from the vehicles.

Among them strode a man with fiery red hair, his presence commanding attention.

Despite the flurry of activity, he paid little heed to the flustered driver attempting to assist him.

"It's alright," he reassured, dismissing the driver's efforts with a gracious nod.

His focus shifted swiftly as a young child bounded toward him, a radiant smile lighting up the child's face.

"Father! Look, I've won first prize! Mother will be thrilled!"

The man's response was understated, his features betraying a hint of melancholy as he regarded his child. A weight seemed to settle in his chest, though his expression remained composed.

"..."

The child, sensing a shift in their father's demeanor, tilted their head in confusion.

"What's the matter, father?"

A moment of silence hung between them before the man finally spoke, his voice carrying a soft sadness.

"...Let's head home, Seijuro."

Though the child detected a somberness in their father's tone, they couldn't contain their excitement, clutching their prize tightly.

"I can't wait to show it to mother!"

"..."

A subtle chill seemed to sweep over the scene at the mention of his wife, even the vigilant bodyguards tensing at the child's innocent words.

Yet, the man offered no response as he guided his child into the awaiting car.

As the car navigated through the tranquil streets, the gentle rainfall added a touch of melancholy to the atmosphere, casting a somber veil over the once-lively day.

Young Akashi remained absorbed in his artwork and prize, seemingly oblivious to the shifting mood outside as he happily giggled.

Upon reaching the Akashi family estate, Akashi eagerly disembarked from the car, his heart brimming with excitement.

"Hmm? Why are they wearing these clothes?"

Yet, the sight of solemn figures clad in dark attire gave him pause, a subtle unease creeping into his young mind. Despite this, he brushed aside his apprehension, determined to share his joy with his beloved mother.

"Mother! Mother! Look what I've won!"

He exclaimed with youthful exuberance as he entered the house, his voice echoing through the halls, unaware of the heavy silence that greeted him.

"..."

However, as Akashi's gaze swept the room, his enthusiasm waned, replaced by confusion and disbelief. There, lying peacefully across the room, was his mother, resting in a finely adorned coffin.

"Mother!"

Hurrying to her side, Akashi's excitement turned to bewilderment as he gently shook her, urging her to awaken. Yet, she remained unmoved, her tranquil expression belying the stillness within.

"Mother, wake up! Look at what I've brought!"

"..."

Beside him, Akashi's father stood silently, his eyes clouded with sorrow. Akashi turned to him, seeking answers with innocent eyes.

"Father, why is Mother sleeping here? Shouldn't we move her to somewhere more comfortable?"

"Seijuro," his father began, his voice heavy with emotion.

"...That was when we split, when I was born," a cold voice echoed in Akashi's subconsciousness, drawing his attention to someone who mirrored his appearance across the space.

However, his introspection was abruptly interrupted by the resounding slam of the basketball hitting the court, bringing him back to reality.

Tsuna's figure gracefully landed on the court and began to move back into position.

Akashi's expression was a mix of complexity as he observed Tsuna in silence. Their team was facing annihilation, and despair was beginning to consume his teammates.

And he, too, felt the weight of despair settling upon him.

As the game progressed, Akashi couldn't shake the feeling of futility in their efforts, both defensively and offensively, against Tsuna's overwhelming prowess.

His thoughts momentarily drifted...

"Whoa? You're already able to keep up with this?"

"Haha, of course!"

Aomine's confident reply echoed across the court.

"You sure are quick to catch on, I'll give you that..."

Tsuna chuckled in response.

As the conversation unfolded, the rhythmic sounds of the ball bouncing and sneakers squeaking filled the air, punctuating the intense one-on-one duel between Tsuna and Aomine.

Akashi watched silently as Tsuna's words seemed to brighten Aomine's expression, prompting him to observe the exchange with keen interest.

After effortlessly dismantling Aomine's defense once again, Tsuna found himself walking alongside Akashi in the corridor, leaving Aomine to continue his training alone.

"...Why did you compliment him only to destroy him at the end, Tsuna?" Akashi queried, his tone filled with curiosity.

"Hmm?"

Tsuna turned to Akashi, his eyebrows raised inquisitively.

He chuckled softly before responding, "Do you know what it takes to be a great leader? It's about maintaining positive relationships with those around you..."

Akashi remained silent, listening intently as Tsuna continued, "Human nature is such that everyone tends to be self-centered, focused solely on their own interests. But genuine compliments have a way of breaking down barriers and fostering cooperation..."

"Sincere compliment?"

Akashi shook his head slightly, perplexed by Tsuna's approach.

Tsuna had a habit of offering genuine praise to his teammates, especially the first years, which Akashi found puzzling. What surprised him more was Tsuna's genuine astonishment at their progress.

Tsuna seemed to sense Akashi's confusion and shook his head, unable to fully articulate his reasoning.

Having lived two contrasting lives, he struggled to explain his fascination with witnessing rapid improvement for someone with such raw talent.

Akashi closely observed Tsuna's leadership style during their time at Teiko and found himself genuinely admiring him.

He noticed that Tsuna effortlessly commanded the respect and loyalty of those around him, without any hint of reluctance.

Tsuna's ability to communicate, his demeanor, and his approach to delegation were all impeccable. He had a way of giving orders that didn't feel like orders at all, making others willingly follow his lead.

Even after Tsuna left Japan, Akashi continued to apply the lessons he had learned from observing him.

His leadership was effective, earning him the respect of his peers and leading his team to numerous victories.

As time passed, the talents of the Generation of Miracles continued to grow, reaching new heights with each game.

It was during this period that Akashi began to realize the most crucial aspect of Tsuna's leadership:

His overwhelming strength!

Unlike Tsuna, Akashi lacked this raw power, making it impossible for him to replicate Tsuna's leadership style from their time together at Teiko.

"...And the turning point occurred during your confrontation with Atsushi. You were on the verge of breaking, so I intervened," a cold voice echoed in Akashi's mind.

With his heterochromia eyes piercing the silence, Akashi slowly articulated, "What Tsunayoshi did would never translate to your leadership style. Our team requires order, and so I must be absolute..."

"..."

In the present moment, Akashi remained silent, his gaze fixed on a distant point as he absorbed the weight of these revelations.

However, the shrill sound of the buzzer shattered his reverie, jolting him back to the present moment.

His eyes flickered to the scoreboard, its illuminated digits stark against the dim backdrop of the gymnasium.

"..."

There it was, in bold numbers:

88 - 18

Fukuda Sogo held an overwhelming lead in the third quarter, a testament to their dominance on the court.