Chapter 118: Putting Everything On the Line!

Tsuna's face regained its usual composure, much to Midorima's relief. He then adjusted his glasses to get a grip.

"What do you think it takes to enter the zone?"

Midorima's brows furrowed as he hesitated before replying, "...You have to love basketball with all your heart?"

Tsuna couldn't help but chuckle at that, causing Midorima's frown to deepen.

"Are you mocking me, Tsuna?"

"No, not at all," Tsuna reassured with a smile. His face was relaxed as he continued, "Your answer wasn't incorrect, but it's not the complete picture..."

This response only seemed to agitate Midorima, who retorted, "Then what's the right answer?"

Tsuna maintained his gentle smile and raised three fingers, then began to explain, "There are three conditions for entering the zone..."

Midorima's once-furrowed brow now reflected a deep seriousness as he paid close attention to Tsuna's words.

"The first condition," Tsuna began, his eyes showing a spark as he continued, "When you enter the zone, it pushes your body to its limits and drains your stamina rapidly, reaching a certain threshold in technical skills and having a high level of physical capability is a must..."

He recalled exceptions like Aomine, who could enter it effortlessly despite not being in top physical condition.

However, for most, meeting this criterion was essential.

Tsuna turned his gaze toward Midorima as if piecing together the puzzle of why Midorima couldn't enter the zone in the original story.

It was because of his background.

Midorima hailed from a traditional family deeply rooted in Japan's political landscape. Regardless of his personal preferences, he was destined to follow the same path and engage in politics.

Deep inside, Midorima had come to terms with this reality and embraced his future.

"...'Unconditional love and unwavering passion for basketball' are just vague terms to describe the qualifications for entering the zone," Tsuna explained to Midorima.

Tsuna's smirk remained as he went on, "The real terms for it boil down to whether you're ready to risk it all to secure victory or not..."

"...So, Shintaro, are you prepared to put everything on the line?"

Tsuna inquired, leaving Midorima deep in thought.

Midorima pondered quietly, "Does that mean I must let go of everything else, huh?"

Sacrificing everything he held dear would contradict the values instilled by his family. It would directly oppose his parents' teachings.

It wasn't a simple matter to let go of something that had become an integral part of who he was.

Tsuna understood Midorima's internal struggle and saw it as the primary reason behind his inability to access the zone. Even though it wasn't explicitly addressed in the original story, no other explanation seemed fitting.

"...Akashi's situation was unique," Tsuna thought silently, giving Midorima time to digest the information.

He reflected on Akashi's deep connection to basketball, which stemmed from his profound love for his late mother. This love and obsession led Akashi to willingly forsake everything else in his life, all in pursuit of the one thing his mother had left behind.

Midorima sighed and turned to Tsuna, curiosity in his eyes.

Tsuna considered this momentarily before responding, "You must understand your trigger. What was it that pushed you so far that you were ready to bet everything? Identifying that trigger is the key to unlocking your hidden potential and breaking through your limits."

Midorima contemplated this revelation and mumbled to himself, "So, it's like finding a key to a door, isn't it?"

Midorima was confident about meeting the first condition, but the second required deep contemplation. As for the third condition, he realized he needed to pass the second one before even thinking about it.

Tsuna observed Midorima lost in thought with a smirk.

"Will he be able to break those chains and unlock that door?"

He knew that unless Midorima could let go of those inner chains, he would struggle against the current Kagami. Tsuna couldn't help but look forward to their upcoming game the following day.

"...And what is your trigger, Tsuna?"

Midorima's question wiped the smirk from Tsuna's face. He paused, contemplating the idea of a trigger.

"My trigger? I've never really thought about it," Tsuna admitted, his brow furrowing in thought.

Midorima found this puzzling.

He had emphasized how important a trigger was for unlocking the door to the zone. How could Tsuna not know his own trigger?

After a moment, Tsuna clarified, "I don't really need to dwell on my trigger for the zone; I can enter that door at will."

Tsuna's words held undeniable truth.

From the start of his arrival in this world, Tsuna harbored a burning desire deep within his soul. It was a yearning that had accompanied him throughout his life in this new world, a passion that consumed him daily.

Tsuna didn't need to contemplate his trigger because he lived it, breathed it, and carried it with him every moment of his life. It was a part of who he was, an unwavering flame that pushed him beyond his limits.

Tsuna didn't have to actively search for a trigger because, in a sense, he was the embodiment of the trigger itself. The door to the zone was always open for him, almost as if it was eagerly inviting him in.

"You must be joking..." Midorima's frown deepened as he couldn't believe what he was hearing. 

"How is that even possible?"

Midorima questioned incredulously. But when he looked into Tsuna's earnest eyes, he couldn't help but be astonished.

Considering Tsuna's unwavering character, it seemed highly likely that he was speaking the truth.

"Someone who could enter the zone at will? That's absurd..."

Midorima couldn't shake the memory of Nijimura's astonished face the first time Tsuna entered the zone. He felt a nagging suspicion that Tsuna was keeping something hidden from everyone.

Pushing aside his doubts, Midorima refocused on the ongoing game.

Some things were beyond his comprehension, and dwelling on them wouldn't change anything. He focused on the Seirin players, particularly Kagami, who continued to thwart his shots.

"You called me arrogant," he glanced at Tsuna, who was gazing at him.

He realized Tsuna was expecting something extraordinary from him, which he found a bit conceited. He frowned, "But don't you think you're being pretty arrogant now, Tsuna? Am I some rare zoo animal you need to be impressed with? You're a crazy bastard..."

"Still, if you're looking for a show, I'll give you one," Midorima muttered with a sly grin.

Tension crackled between the Shutoku and Seirin players, and the crowd excitedly roared.

"Let's do this!"

Kagami and Midorima spoke simultaneously, and the game resumed.

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