Chapter 52: Going back to Japan
When Tsuna reached his family's mansion, his mother greeted him as always, but she couldn't help nagging him about being too hard on himself, just as all mothers do.
She wanted her son, especially at Tsuna's age, to focus on his studies and have fun.
Tsuna had already demonstrated his academic prowess by completing middle school early, but his mother was adamant that he shouldn't rush through high school.
With patience, Tsuna responded to his mother's nagging with a wry smile, explaining his plans to return to Japan. Despite the persistent nagging, they entered his father's office.
"Dear, you really should persuade him to stay in the States!" Tsuna's mother implored his father as she settled onto the sofa. Hirutora, Tsuna's father, looked puzzled in Tsuna's direction, silently asking what was happening.
"Hello, Father," Tsuna greeted Hirutora politely as he sat across from his mother. Then, he explained, "I want to complete high school in Japan."
Hirutora's face showed a mixture of understanding and curiosity as he asked, "So, that's why you've been gradually delegating your responsibilities to your team since last year?"
Hirutora arched an eyebrow, showing he was open to the idea as long as Tsuna had thought it through.
Tsuna nodded in response to his father's unspoken question.
His mother, however, interjected with a dissatisfied tone, "Do you remember what happened the last time you studied in Japan?"
She vehemently opposed Tsuna's plan to return to Japan for high school, especially after the previous incident where Tsuna had been forced into a dangerous situation, risking his life in a dogfight.
Tsuna let out a weary sigh and explained his feelings, "I just need a break. I've been working non-stop for the past three years, and it's been exhausting."
His mother fell silent, her earlier disapproval now wavering.
Hirutora also sighed, recognizing the weight of Tsuna's dedication. His son had been toiling tirelessly while most kids his age were enjoying their youth.
However, Hirutora knew his son's unwavering determination well, and a small smile tugged at his lips.
But Tsuna wasn't finished. He locked eyes with his mother, a determined look in his gaze, and continued, "And I made a promise."
Tsuna's mother tilted her head in confusion, asking, "Promise? With whom?"
A spark of excitement gleamed in Tsuna's eyes as he responded, "With my friends, Mom! I promised them we'd come back to Japan together!"
He tried to convey his enthusiasm through his words, offering the warmest smile he could muster to convince his mother.
Her heart melted as she gazed at her son's determined face and radiant smile. With a resigned sigh, she muttered something under her breath and rose from her seat, preparing to exit the room.
"Thanks, Mom! I love you!" Tsuna expressed with the same bright smile.
Pausing in her tracks, his mother turned back to Tsuna. "But, you'll need to stay with your grandparents so they can take care of you while you're there, okay?"
Tsuna nodded, the hint of a mischievous smirk playing at the corner of his lips, though his smile remained intact. He replied, "I understand, Mom."
"Good. I'm glad you do, and I love you too," she affirmed before closing the door, leaving father and son alone for their discussion.
Hirutora shook his head, observing Tsuna's blissful smile.
"Alright, enough with the act..."
Tsuna's cheerful expression returned to its usual self, and he shook his head playfully. "You're no fun, Dad."
Hirutora sighed softly as he continued, "I can see right through your act. Don't assume your mother won't."
Tsuna signaled to Sebas to bring his coffee over to the table while listening patiently. He knew his father was perceptive, and it wasn't the right moment to provide answers just yet.
"Hmm, judging by how you reacted to your mom's suggestion of living with your grandparents," Hirutora leaned back in his chair.
He rested his chin on his hand, a calculating grin on his face as he said, "I suppose you were anticipating that, weren't you?"
Tsuna offered a gentle smile as Sebas handed him his coffee.
"So, that's why you arranged for Sebas' successor to go to that city last year?" Hirutora's eyes widened with understanding as he recollected the Asian teenager Tsuna had brought to the United States two years ago.
Hirutora fixed Tsuna with a serious look while Tsuna casually sipped his coffee.
"You're quite a scary young man, aren't you?" Hirutora turned to Sebas for his opinion. "Wouldn't you agree, Sebas?"
Sebas replied with the utmost respect, "The Young Master possesses an exceptional intellect. He's a true asset to the family."
Hirutora couldn't help but chuckle. "I suppose you're right. He's my son, after all. My one scary son..."
Hirutora turned back to Tsuna, his expression now curious.
"So, what's the actual reason behind your desire to return to Japan this time?"
"Dad, I've already told you. I made a promise to my friends, remember?"
Tsuna raised an eyebrow, wearing a playful smile.
Hirutora couldn't help but shake his head in amusement.
"You're something else," he sighed. "I've heard about your friends, and I'm glad you've found companions in Japan. But I also know there's more to it, right?"
Tsuna chuckled.
"You know me too well, Dad," he said, placing his coffee back on the table.
Hearing Tsuna's remark, Hirutora couldn't help but raise his chin proudly.
Sebas, on the other hand, maintained his professional expression, though if you looked closely, there was a slight twitch on his lips as if he felt a bit speechless.
"Of course, he would know you well, Young Master. You're the exact copy of your father..." Sebas thought silently, restraining himself from rolling his eyes.
"Dad, you know I love basketball, right?" Tsuna inquired, and his father responded with a nod.
Tsuna continued, "I'm a Kazama! When we do something, we give it our all to be the best..."
Hirutora's eyes flashed at this.
"That's why, to be the best," Tsuna announced, standing up and spreading his arms wide.
With conviction in his voice, he declared, "I have to be the best in the best team on the best stage in the world. And to have the best team, I need the best teammates, teammates with the best potential, right?"
Hirutora nodded in agreement. It was a trait deeply ingrained in those who carried the Kazama surname.
"So, that's why I'll come back to Japan. I want to scout some talents," Tsuna explained, his tone resolute. "I've met some extraordinary players with world-class potential."
He cleared his throat and settled back into his seat.
"And it feels like such a waste to let such talent stay in Japan," Tsuna concluded, his gaze fixed on Hirutora's deep, dark eyes, brimming with conviction and determination.
Hirutora sighed, his thoughts racing as Tsuna's words stirred memories of his own youth. He began tapping his fingers on his desk, a rhythmic contemplation.
Patiently, Tsuna waited, sipping his coffee with a composed demeanor.
The tapping ceased, and Tsuna looked up, meeting his father's gaze.
Hirutora placed both hands on his desk, resting his head on his arms as he closed his eyes.
"Alright," he began, "I'll allow you to go, but remember, you must be the best."
Opening his eyes, his tone shifted. "And also, once you turn 24, you must return to the group and fulfill your duties as a Kazama."
Tsuna grinned, rising from the sofa to express his gratitude to his father before exiting the room.
---
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