Chapter 193: Unusual Behavior

Following a brief discussion in the changing room, the Seirin High made their way onto the court, ready to face off against their formidable opponent.

Observing the determined expressions on the faces of the Seirin players, Aida was pleasantly surprised.

"I guess I was worried for nothing...."

She couldn't help but smile, realizing that her initial worries about potential distractions from their earlier discussion were unfounded. The team appeared to have wholeheartedly set aside any concerns and was entirely focused on the upcoming game.

Taking note of the opponent's lineup, Aida's smile widened as she confidently declared, "We will take this round!"

As the first game commenced, the atmosphere in the gymnasium reached a fever pitch.

The spectators, though eagerly anticipating the much-anticipated clash between Fukuda Sogo and Kaijo High, they still found themselves captivated by the Seirin team's spirited performance.

The crowd's cheers reverberated throughout the gym, creating an electric atmosphere that added to the intensity of the match.

"Hey, looks like Seirin is up..."

Takao exclaimed as he strolled through the crowd, making his way to their seats with the Shutoku players.

Otsubo glanced at Seirin's opponents and remarked, "They seem decent..."

"Kogomo North High. If I remember correctly, they're from Niigata. Word is, they made it to the final league in their prefecture, so they might be tough competition," Miyaji added.

Midorima silently adjusted his glasses, holding a bicycle helmet in his hand without saying a word.

"Why not wear it, Shin?" Takao suddenly asked, pointing at the helmet.

Midorima frowned, stating, "Don't be stupid, Takao. Lucky items are not meant to be worn..."

"Then why bother bringing it with you?"

"I brought it with me simply because it was my lucky item, you fool..."

Their bickering continued, prompting the others to shake their heads and sigh.

"They're at it again..."

Miyaji commented to Otsubo, who nodded before glancing back at the Seirin vs. Kogomo North High game.

"Seems like Seirin is currently in their prime, huh?"

Otsubo muttered, glancing at Kagami as he effortlessly broke through Kogomo North's defense, passing the ball to Kiyoshi, who leaped and slammed it into the basket.

Having observed Seirin's progress after their victory over Too Academy, Otsubo acknowledged their significant improvement. While Shutoku had never underestimated them from the start, the continuous growth was still impressive.

As Shutoku settled into their seats, a sudden commotion erupted in the crowd, capturing their attention.

Gasps of surprise and admiration rippled through the gymnasium like a wave.

"Whoa!"

"It's the King of Kings!"

Whispers and talk buzzed around the gym as a bunch of teens sporting jackets with a bold "Fukuda Sogo Academy" strolled through the crowd, heading for an empty section that stuck out like a sore thumb.

"Seriously, did they hog the whole section again?"

"...Classic Fukuda Sogo move, I guess..."

The crowd was left in disbelief at Fukuda Sogo's audacious move. Reserving an entire section just for themselves was a bold statement. Even with the whole team settled in, there were still plenty of empty seats.

Initially thinking they pulled this stunt only at the Winter Cup's kick-off, the onlookers now realized they were dead wrong as Fukuda Sogo repeated the feat, leaving everyone scratching their heads at the team's over-the-top flair.

"They're as imposing as always, huh?"

Otsubo remarked as he found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

The Shutoku players shared a collective sense of speechlessness. Their attention fixated on the Fukuda Sogo team led by Tsuna as they took their seats.

True to form, Tsuna claimed the front row with Nijimura and Alexandra on his side while the rest of the team settled in behind them.

Midorima's disapproval manifested in a frown, and he clicked his tongue in irritation.

"...What a show-off!" he muttered under his breath.

In contrast, Takao burst into hearty laughter, thoroughly amused by the spectacle.

"Never a dull moment with these guys," he chuckled, enjoying the theatrics.

However, amid the general buzz and excitement, the members of Fukuda Sogo appeared visibly taken aback, their eyes collectively widening in shock as they focused on a particular individual.

"...Stop looking at me like that, you bastards! It's annoying," Haizaki grumbled, scratching his head in annoyance.

Ever since they left their hotel, his teammates had been giving him strange looks without any attempt to hide their curiosity.

Nijimura shook his head, glancing back at Haizaki. He understood their reactions because he, too, was surprised by what he had heard earlier when they were preparing to leave for Yoyogi Gymnasium.

Earlier that day, as was their routine, Fukuda Sogo had awakened early. After hydrating, they headed to the gym to run on the treadmill. This ritual was deeply ingrained in their bodies and souls, a practice so automatic that they would likely perform it even while sleepwalking.

Everyone proceeded to the gym, each taking their place on a treadmill and beginning their run.

After finishing their workout, Haizaki surprised everyone by approaching Tsuna, who was calmly drinking water with a towel draped over his shoulder.

"Captain," Haizaki spoke hesitantly, clearly struggling with his words.

Tsuna turned to face Haizaki, his expression prompting him to continue without uttering a word.

Yet, Haizaki found it difficult to make eye contact with Tsuna, his discomfort evident.

"If you don't want to talk, just go grab some breakfast," Tsuna suggested, shaking his head as he started to walk away, leaving Haizaki on his own.

Seemingly torn, Haizaki gritted his teeth and suddenly yelled, "Captain!"

Tsuna frowned as he turned.

Meanwhile, the curiosity in the room grew. Everyone had been prepared to head out for breakfast, but Haizaki's unexpected behavior had piqued their interest.

"Can I..." Haizaki began, looking away as he caught Tsuna's nonchalant expression, a demeanor everyone in the team was familiar with.

Tsuna's annoyance was palpable, and he was on the verge of urging Haizaki to speak his mind.

However, before he could do so, Nijimura stepped forward and smacked Haizaki on the head, voicing his frustration, "What the hell is wrong with you? Just talk. Don't waste our captain's precious time, you---!"

Surprisingly, Haizaki didn't react angrily to Nijimura's rebuke, a stark contrast from his usual demeanor. Even Nijimura, taken aback by the unusual response, widened his eyes in disbelief.

Haizaki, though seemingly hesitant, still didn't speak up.

Finally standing, Haizaki met Tsuna's now-eased expression and bowed as he made an unexpected request, "...Please let me swap positions with Ogiwara, Captain!"

The room fell into a shocked silence at Haizaki's unexpected plea.

Even Tsuna raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised by the unusual request.

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