Chapter 103: Caught in the Spotlight

The news of Fukuda Sogo Academy, the underdog of the Interhigh tournament, emerging as the champion quickly ignited like wildfire. It seized the media's full attention, with Sports Week highlighting the school prominently in their headlines.

The achievement sent shockwaves through the sports world in Japan, making it a prominent feature in discussions across the nation.

Even though Akashi and Murasakibara didn't actively participate in the final game, Fukuda Sogo Academy still garnered substantial fame.

From that day onward, people firmly established Fukuda Sogo Academy, particularly Tsuna, as equals to the revered monsters of the Generation of Miracles, and this remarkable achievement cemented their reputation in the basketball scene in Japan.

In Shutoku's gymnasium, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as they were in the middle of training.

Takao couldn't contain his disbelief as he waved the newspaper in his hand and exclaimed, "Wow! You won't believe this, guys! Fukuda Sogo Academy actually defeated Rakuzan High!"

Midorima abruptly halted in the middle of his shooting drills and swiftly turned toward Takao upon hearing the astonishing news. He closed the distance and snatched the newspaper from Takao's hand, his eyes locked onto the headline, "The Rise of Fukuda Sogo: New Reigning Champions."

Soon, a small crowd of onlookers gathered around, eagerly reading the newspaper alongside Midorima. The unexpected victory had taken everyone by surprise.

The newspaper headline clearly stated that Tsunayoshi Kazama from Fukuda Sogo and Seijuro Akashi from Rakuzan hadn't participated in the final match for undisclosed reasons.

"What? They didn't even play?" one of the Shutoku players exclaimed in surprise.

The revelation left them utterly bewildered. The absence of these critical players had them scratching their heads, and it was reminiscent of Murasakibara's mysterious absence from the semi-final game for Yosen High.

Otsubo looked puzzled as he directed his question to Midorima, "Midorima, do you happen to know why they didn't play in the final?"

Curiosity was etched on everyone's faces as they turned to Midorima, hoping he might possess some insider knowledge due to his ties to the Generation of Miracles.

Midorima adjusted his glasses and let out a sigh before he began to speak.

On the other side of Tokyo, at Kaijo High, similar inquiries were directed at Kise, who was also under the spotlight for answers.

Kise's face scrunched in thought as he recollected a conversation that had taken place during a casual hangout at Tsuna's place.

"I'm not sure if this is common knowledge," Kise began, explaining, "but both of them come from really prestigious families."

As his words sank in, nods of understanding rippled through the room. Several of those present hadn't had the chance to meet Akashi in the flesh.

Still, they had witnessed Tsuna's presence on the basketball court during their match against Too Academy. Even from a distance, something extraordinary about him was an unexplained aura that transcended the ordinary.

For those who had encountered both Akashi and Tsuna, a shared, uncanny feeling emanated from them. It was as if these two individuals possessed a unique, almost otherworldly quality that set them apart from the rest.

Their extraordinary origins unveiled the source of the unique aura enveloping their beings.

Kise continued, shedding light on the situation, "And the finals happened to align with an annual gathering of the younger generation from these influential Japanese families."

Understanding swept across the room as everyone comprehended the connection.

Kasamatsu, still studying the newspaper in his hand, couldn't help but question, "But why wouldn't they opt to skip the annual gatherings? Is it really that significant?"

Seirin High was engaged in a similar discussion in another part of Tokyo.

All eyes were on Kuroko as he shared, "Even though they had the choice to skip it, Kazama expressed a strong wish to attend. Akashi decided to forgo competing with his team because he wanted fair play, opting to join the annual gathering."

"I can see why they did not participate in the Interhigh after accepting the invitation." Deep in thought, Seirin's coach, Aida, suddenly spoke. 

Then she inquired, "But what about Murasakibara from Yosen High?"

"That's because Akashi told Murasakibara not to participate," Kuroko answered, reflecting on Murasakibara's attitude towards Akashi.

He continued, "And even if Akashi hadn't intervened, I doubt Murasakibara would have wanted to compete against Akashi..."

"..."

A hushed silence settled over the group as they absorbed this revelation. They were left pondering the nature of the Generation of Miracles' captain.

Kagami's brow remained furrowed as he asked, "Why? Is Akashi really a scary person or something?"

Kuroko responded, "Murasakibara simply heeded Akashi's words and didn't wish to play against him. It's as simple as that."

Yet, as he finished speaking, Kuroko drifted into his contemplations. It was purely a conjecture on his part.

Still, it seemed that Tsuna had been aware that Murasakibara wouldn't compete against Akashi, even if Akashi hadn't explicitly told him not to play in the semi-final.

Recalling Tsuna's sly grin, Kuroko wondered if there was more to this story, something he might have overlooked.

"...Even if they were sure of winning, I can't wrap my head around why they'd skip the game for that reason," Hyuga remarked, his fist clenched.

The mood in the room shifted as his sentiment resonated with the others. Their expressions became more serious, reflecting the collective belief that Seirin aimed to win the championship.

Tsuna and Akashi's choices seemed to suggest they were indifferent to the championship that meant so much to Seirin.

"Well, we can't dwell on that now! We've got better things to focus on!"

Aida intervened to lighten the atmosphere. She sighed before adding, "With that said, let's get back to practice!"

The group responded with nods and affirmations, rekindling their training with a fresh burst of determination.

Kise, who belonged to Kaijo High, showed a remarkable boost in motivation, putting his all into his drills.

Meanwhile, even Midorima from Shutoku High noticeably increased his number of shots. Although these three teams were geographically separated, they shared a resolute drive to improve in preparation for the upcoming Winter Cup.

---

"Are you sure you don't want me to join you?" Nijimura asked, glancing across the serene scene they currently occupied.

They sat in a serene Japanese garden located within Tsuna's grandparents' residence.

The garden was adorned with a picturesque pond that added a touch of traditional beauty to the setting. A small table occupied the space between them, bearing a chessboard.

"Ask again when you're better..."

Tsuna said ruthlessly while engrossed in his own moves.

Nijimura scratched his head awkwardly. He harbored little hope of ever becoming proficient at chess. He knew his own limitations.

Observing Tsuna as he played chess by himself, Nijimura inquired, "Young Master, I know you could easily skip those gatherings. So, why did you choose to attend and, in turn, bring Akashi along?"

Tsuna paused in his chess move, looking at Nijimura unconcernedly before releasing the pawn he held. He closed his eyes briefly, reflecting on the original events before answering, "Because the time wasn't right yet..."

Nijimura arched an eyebrow, curious about Tsuna's response.

"Akashi is still not strong enough..."

Tsuna mused, his eyes narrowing with a hint of mischief.

In the original timeline, Akashi would only begin considering entering the zone after Kagami's face-off with Aomine.

Tsuna's match against Aomine undoubtedly had hastened this thought process, prompting Akashi to contemplate it earlier than expected.

Yet, with the rapidly approaching finals, Tsuna knew that Akashi had little time to grasp the key to unlocking the door.

Tsuna knew of Akashi's missing trigger, "So, I'm giving him a little favor..."

Tsuna's eyes gleamed with a sly grin as their recent victory in the Interhigh would undoubtedly make Akashi aware of his trigger. This trigger was when Akashi decided to rely less on his teammates and secure victory by himself.

Nijimura paid close attention to Tsuna's words, shaking his head in disbelief. Tsuna's strategic thinking was so strong that Nijimura couldn't fathom Tsuna ever losing to anyone.

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