Freddy seethed with frustration, mirrored by the disheartened expressions of his teammates. They all stared at Tsuna, who was now the center of attention, surrounded by a crowd of awestruck onlookers. Their sheer astonishment mirrored Freddy's sentiments about the incredible display of skill Tsuna had just showcased.
"...Alright, let's pack up. Time to go," the blonde man, who had now worn sunglasses, called out, his voice tinged with the same frustration that gnawed at Freddy and the rest of their team.
"I won't forget that kid," Freddy muttered as he walked alongside his teammates. His companions nodded in agreement as the bespectacled blonde chimed in, "That's right. We'll come back stronger next week."
"Dude, I can't believe how good you are," Chris exclaimed as he looked down at Tsuna, who was notably shorter than him.
He regretted ever doubting the guy who had been brought onto the team through Alexandra's recommendation. Tsuna had undoubtedly proven himself to be a valuable asset.
Alexandra couldn't help but join in the jubilation, thoroughly thrilled that her team had triumphed on the court this week.
Ben wore a sheepish grin as he extended his hand for a handshake. "My bad, man. I shouldn't have doubted you for a second."
"No worries," Tsuna replied, returning the smile as he firmly shook Ben's hand.
Tsuna spent a little more time with the team, engaging in casual conversation and getting to know his newfound friends. However, Alexandra seemed to have some prior commitment, and she was picked up by a friend from the WNBA right on the court.
With Alexandra gone, Tsuna decided it was time to leave as well. He bid his farewells to everyone before departing alongside Sebas.
During the car ride, Sebas's phone kept ringing persistently. Tsuna, who was gazing out of the car window, noticed this and turned to Sebas, suggesting, "You can pick up the call, Sebas."
Tsuna continued, still looking out the window, "Sebas, you've been with me since I was a kid. You're like family. There's no need to be so formal around me."
Touched by Tsuna's words, Sebas felt a sense of guilt and nodded in agreement.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience," Sebas replied, pulling out his phone and finally answering the persistent call he had rejected several times earlier.
As the call connected, it was evident that something urgent was happening on the other end. However, Sebas, being the dedicated butler he was, explained that he couldn't leave his current duties to attend to the matter.
"...Family matters?" Tsuna asked, noticing the urgency in the conversation. He had always been curious about Sebas's family, but the butler rarely spoke about them. Whenever Tsuna asked, he received vague answers.
Sebas replied. His tone remained stoic, as usual. "Yes, but it shouldn't be an issue for long."
Tsuna, seemingly unfazed, glanced at his wristwatch to check the time.
"Let's go visit your family. I don't have anything else to do right now anyway..."
"..."
Sebas fell silent. He understood that when his young master decided, it was final. "Are you sure, Young Master?"
"Don't make me repeat myself."
"Understood."
Sebas could only sigh and acknowledge as he made a U-turn, heading opposite Kazama's mansion in LA.
In only about 10-minute rides, the car pulled into a neighborhood filled with aging houses, their worn-out fronts hiding the stories they held within. The narrow streets were covered in graffiti, giving the area a gritty feel.
Eventually, the car stopped in front of a surprisingly normal house. It blended in perfectly with its neighbors, complete with a white picket fence and a well-kept lawn that gave off an aura of suburban serenity.
Tsuna couldn't help but remark, "Sebas, you're showing me a whole new side of you today."
Considering how Sebas always positioned himself and exuded the aura of a seasoned fighter, Tsuna instantly recognized that Sebas was highly skilled in martial arts. He knew this fact long ago.
And given how Sebas consistently concealed a firearm somewhere in his butler attire, it strongly suggested his proficiency with guns. Tsuna also knew this, and it seemed plausible that Sebas either hailed from a special forces background or had a similar upbringing in a tough neighborhood.
"...I apologize for exposing you to this, Young Master," Sebas said with a hint of surprise in his voice.
The scene before them was unexpected, and it was clear that the situation on his family's side was dire, judging by the presence of these well-armed men. He felt a mixture of concern and anger.
Sebas was particularly upset with himself for letting Tsuna, his young master, witness this unsavory sight of gangsters despite Tsuna's tender age.
Stepping out of the car, Sebas was greeted by a man with dark golden hair and emerald-green eyes. He appeared to be around the same age as Tsuna's father.
The two of them began discussing the situation, and the man couldn't help but cast a curious glance at Tsuna, who remained seated in the car. He asked Sebas about Tsuna's identity.
Sebas responded calmly, "He's my Young Master."
"From the Kazama? Is he the youngest?" The man sought confirmation.
Sebas nodded affirmatively, signaling that Tsuna was indeed the youngest member of the Kazama family.
"...Why don't you ask for help?"
"No, that's not going to happen."
The man proposed a favor, but Sebas swiftly declined, not showing any hesitation. This refusal furrowed the man's brow.
"You didn't even think about it? You do know they could easily resolve our problems, right?" The man's frustration was evident.
"I'm aware," Sebas replied, his tone resolute.
The man's frown deepened. "Then why? Brother, you understand our predicament, don't you?"
"It's your predicament. That's precisely why I urged you to cease these shady activities."
Their discussion continued, with Sebas taking calls, highlighting the seriousness of the matter. After further talks, it appeared the problem was nearly resolved. However, Sebas' brother seemed displeased, evident from his darkened expression.
As they wrapped up their conversation, Sebas prepared to depart, bidding farewell to his brother. Surprisingly, the door swung open, revealing a young man that seemed to be a bit older than Tsuna who emerged from the house.
"Uncle! It's a surprise to see you here," the newcomer warmly greeted Sebas. He had striking golden-blond hair, starkly contrasting to the dark gold-haired man conversing with Sebas.
Tsuna was initially engrossed in a book but set it aside when he noticed the familiar figure embracing Sebas. A sly grin played on his lips as he silently mused, "This is becoming quite intriguing..."
He grabbed a basketball from the car and stepped out, catching the attention of everyone present as he approached them in a composed manner.
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