Chapter 59: Practice game

After giving the team a moment to catch their breath, Tsuna gathered them on the court and announced they would have a practice game. This elicited groans from the players, who were already feeling sore.

Inside the gym, there were multiple courts. Tsuna divided the teams, with Nijimura taking charge of Haizaki, Ogiwara, Kazuhiro Mochizuki, and Hideki Ishida, the teams' regular, while Tsuna led the reserve players.

Nijimura, holding the ball in his hand, raised an eyebrow.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked.

Nijimura deeply appreciated Tsuna's basketball skills, recognizing how exceptional he was compared to other players in Japan. However, he remained skeptical about whether Tsuna alone could take on their team.

He knew that the reserve players in their club were not on par with their starters. Even though Haizaki had a difficult personality, his basketball skills were undeniably solid.

Reflecting on Ogiwara's performance during the demanding drills earlier, Nijimura wasn't entirely sure about his abilities. Still, he reckoned that Ogiwara's determination to endure the grueling training without getting sick must count for something.

"When was the last time you saw me play?" Tsuna asked as he signaled for his team to get into position.

Nijimura thought momentarily and replied, "It was a year ago."

Tsuna wore a confident smirk.

"Exactly," he said.

Nijimura shook his head, expressing doubt. He knew Tsuna was incredibly skilled, but he questioned whether there was room for improvement when someone was already that good.

Unfortunately for Nijimura, his assumption was about to be proven wrong in the upcoming game.

As the game commenced, Nijimura's team effortlessly won the jump ball, taking control of the court and advancing cautiously. They were keenly aware of Tsuna's prowess and skill.

Recognizing that their primary objective was to outmaneuver Tsuna, they passed the ball precisely, skillfully avoiding him and scoring some points.

Tsuna remained quiet but signaled for the ball.

Dribbling the ball at a deliberate pace, Tsuna's teammates followed his lead as they advanced down the court. However, noticing Tsuna's intent, Nijimura signaled for Haizaki to join him. They positioned themselves in front of Tsuna, determined to impede his progress.

"I won't take this lightly," Nijimura muttered to himself, aware that defending Tsuna one-on-one was almost impossible.

Despite this, Tsuna remained unfazed. He altered his dribbling rhythm and attempted to slip past Nijimura's side. But Nijimura's response was swift as he sidestepped to block Tsuna's path.

Undeterred, Tsuna swiftly switched to the opposite direction the second Nijimura took that step, eluding the defense.

Nijimura couldn't help but frown. He'd known for a while that Tsuna had lightning-fast reflexes. It wasn't limited to just basketball; even during their martial arts sparring sessions, Tsuna had seemed to use Nijimura as a punching bag.

However, Nijimura wasn't alone in this challenge. Haizaki quickly acted, attempting to snatch the ball from Tsuna as he went for the crossover. Unfortunately, Tsuna's reactions were quicker. He smoothly twisted his body, slipping past Haizaki's defense.

As Tsuna breached their defense, the rest of Nijimura's team scrambled to stop him.

In a typical game, Tsuna would often pass the ball to his teammates in such moments, increasing their chances of scoring.

But this was not just any game. Despite the team's reluctance to challenge him, he knew he had to earn their respect.

As they scrambled to stop him, Tsuna showcased his basketball prowess. With swift dribbles and agile moves, he deftly maneuvered around their defense one by one.

Even Ogiwara, who looked utterly shocked, couldn't impede his progress. Tsuna finished his impressive display with a smooth layup, earning the team two points.

Observing Tsuna's incredible display, Nijimura couldn't help but shake his head, feeling a mix of awe and resignation. "Well, can't say I'm entirely surprised."

He realized he had to reevaluate his perspective on Tsuna, the monstrous talent he'd become. It wasn't just Tsuna; even thinking back to their former teammates from Teiko, Nijimura understood that he might have underestimated their capabilities.

As a team hailing from Shizuoka and being a senior, Nijimura hadn't witnessed the Generation of Miracles' games or played against them directly. Now, contemplating their legendary dominance in national competitions, he realized he needed to be more cautious in the future.

Ogiwara watched Tsuna's solo triumph with amazement and somber reflection. Memories of facing off against the Generation of Miracles flooded back, casting a shadow over his expression.

"...Thinking of giving up?"

Tsuna's hand landed on Ogiwara's shoulder, jolting him from his reverie. Surprise flickered across Ogiwara's face as he refocused.

Aware that his thoughts had wandered, Ogiwara vigorously shook his head, determination settling in his eyes. "No turning back now. I'm committed now, no matter how tough it gets."

Tsuna acknowledged this with a nod, then returned to his position.

With a newfound resolve, Ogiwara watched Tsuna's retreating figure, muttering, "...and I'd rather die trying."

Nijimura's team steadily piled up points on the scoreboard as the game unfolded, thanks to their coordinated efforts. Conversely, Tsuna made a one-man show, matching them point for point.

Haizaki couldn't help but clench his teeth in frustration. Whenever he got hold of the ball, it felt like Tsuna had a sixth sense for stealing it away, almost like he was a magnet for turnovers.

He attempted to steal Tsuna's moves, but just as he could never replicate the finesse of the Generation of Miracles, he could not mirror Tsuna's skill at all.

"Damn it! Is this guy really on their level?" Haizaki's face twisted with irritation.

A voice broke through his frustration, pulling Haizaki back to the court. He saw Tsuna approaching, dribbling the ball.

"What?" Haizaki questioned, not entirely focused on his defense.

Tsuna seemed to notice this and wore a disapproving expression. "No wonder Akashi discarded you. You're just garbage."

Haizaki's mind momentarily froze, processing the insult that had just been thrown at him. His face reddened with anger, and he lunged at Tsuna, putting all his energy into stopping him.

"You... fucker!"

He spat out a curse.

"I didn't know your situation, but..."

Tsuna gracefully sidestepped, keeping the ball out of Haizaki's reach. Haizaki chased after it desperately, his fingers inches away from touching it. But in a swift move, Tsuna reclaimed the ball and retreated, leaving Haizaki startled.

Haizaki, who was driven by his anger and frustrations, had put all the strength he could muster into the move. And, as the ball slipped out of his reach, he lost his footing and crashed to the ground with a resounding thud.

Time seemed to stretch as Haizaki watched Tsuna glide past him. Tsuna's gaze was as chilling as ice, reminiscent of the coldness he had felt when Akashi had expelled him from the team.

"If you're thinking of quitting, do it now. With me here, this club isn't for the weak..."

Tsuna's voice was icy, leaving Haizaki behind as he continued his assault, effortlessly penetrating the opposition's defense and adding another point to his team's score.

The game ended, and the scoreboard scored 33 - 28, with Tsuna's team as the clear winner.

The team members, already familiar with Tsuna, turned their attention toward him, their expressions marked by shock.

Unfazed by the result, Tsuna casually wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel. Before this game, they didn't say anything when Nijimura stepped down and gave his position to Tsuna. Doubts had lingered in their minds.

However, as they witnessed Tsuna's incredible performance on the court, those doubts evaporated, replaced by a deep sense of awe and respect for their new leader.

---

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