"Are you finished with your business?" Tsuna inquired as he caught up to the group. Sebas nodded, his expression troubled. "Young Master, there's really no need for you to leave the car."
Genuine concern for Tsuna's safety lingered in Sebas's voice. His brother, dealing in the underworld and often embroiled in illegal activities, stood in stark contrast to Tsuna's family, known for its legitimate dealings and power.
Upon seeing Tsuna, Sebas's brother felt an unfamiliar weight, a sense of authority that seemed incongruent with Tsuna's youthful appearance. He was younger than his own son, yet he emitted an aura of command that was hard to ignore.
"...Certainly lives up to his surname," He muttered, nodding in acknowledgment.
"I've heard about you from my brother, the heir of the Kazama family. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Nash Gold," he said, extending his hand to Tsuna. He then gestured toward his son. "And this is my son, Nash Gold Junior."
Gold's son, Nash Jr., greeted Tsuna somewhat bewilderedly.
"Um, hi. Nice to meet you," he said, following his father's lead, though unsure why his father was showing such respect to someone younger than him.
"..."
Tsuna found himself at a loss for words, particularly regarding the lackluster naming creativity of the Gold family. Nevertheless, he nodded in acknowledgment and then turned his attention to Sebas.
"I didn't know you had a brother," Tsuna admitted.
Sebas responded with a tone of apology. "I should have informed you beforehand..."
"No worries," Tsuna reassured him. "I was just taken aback by the fact that your brother appears to be involved in some shady business."
Sebas offered a quick explanation. "He's adopted..."
"..."
This revelation silenced Tsuna briefly as he considered Sebas's calm demeanor in light of this new information.
When he finally looked back at Gold, he couldn't help but notice the stark differences between Sebas and his adoptive brother. Tsuna spoke again, "I see..."
Tsuna shifted the conversation. "Even though I'd like to assist Sebas's family, the Kazama family has never had any dealings with the underworld."
Tsuna's words seemed to dash Gold's hopefulness. The same darkened expression that had crossed his face earlier returned.
Considering his youth and limited exposure to such matters, Tsuna wasn't entirely sure if his family had any dealings in the underworld.
However, he understood that the Kazama family, being a massive conglomerate with influence over the global economy, was unlikely to have deep connections in the underworld. Their interactions with the criminal world were more like a 'tense but necessary relationship,' a way to keep things under control.
"And, I've heard of your name around, though..."
He decided to address Nash, the man who appeared disinterested in the family's business discussions.
Hearing this, Nash focused more on the young man holding a basketball his uncle served, waiting for his following words.
"I've heard about your recent efforts to secure investments for your team," Tsuna mentioned.
Nash's eyes lit up with surprise, and he nodded in confirmation. "That's correct."
Tsuna's own eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, although he maintained a calm and collected expression.
He had been diligently researching the streetball scene in the US, but the results had been underwhelming.
At this time, the streetball industry in the US didn't offer much to impress.
However, Tsuna, armed with knowledge from his previous life, knew that streetball would eventually rise to a level comparable to the NBA. Recognizing the lackluster state of the industry now presented him with an opportunity.
An opportunity to seize the industry for himself.
Indeed, when he had gathered this information, Tsuna had already made up his mind. Instead of waiting for the streetball scene to flourish, why not build it himself? It was an investment virtually guaranteed to succeed, especially with the vast resources of the Kazama family at his disposal.
"Good," Tsuna then turned to Gold as he continued, "I won't be able to help out with your business. But I can invest in your son's future."
Upon hearing this, Gold's previously dark expression shifted to a thoughtful frown.
"...But he is pursuing a stage with no future," Gold mumbled under his breath.
Given the current state of the streetball scene, Gold understood that his prospects were dim unless his son aimed for an NBA career. The streetball scene, as it stood, didn't offer much promise.
"You don't need to worry about the stage," Tsuna reassured Gold with a light smile.
"It was about to bloom," Tsuna continued confidently, "Even if it won't, I shall make it bloom myself."
Nash burst into hearty laughter.
Initially skeptical about the young master his uncle served, Nash was now pleased that he had come out to greet them. It seemed they shared the same optimistic outlook on the streetball scene.
"...I told you, Dad." Still chuckling at Tsuna's words, Nash turned to his father, Gold. "I told you, I wasn't alone in this. Streetball will someday be as big as the NBA!"
Tsuna couldn't help but smile. If he didn't know better, he might have thought Nash was a crazy guy with some unbelievable dreams.
"...Stubborn kid!"
Gold remarked, his expression turning serious as he shook his head. Seeing Gold's swift shift in demeanor amused Tsuna. It was like watching a theatrical performance.
"Of course," Tsuna added, passing the basketball to Nash, who caught it effortlessly. "You have to prove your worth first. I don't invest in a losing team."
Tsuna had a gut feeling. There was something about Nash that just screamed formidable opponent. It resonated with the anticipation he felt before going up against a strong adversary, and it was instinctual, like a sixth sense.
And the timing couldn't have been better as Tsuna had something new he wanted to try in basketball, which had recently awakened in him. Meeting Nash presented the perfect opportunity to test it out.
"Oh?"
Upon hearing Tsuna's challenge, Nash couldn't help but smirkily. If there was one thing he was unabashedly confident in, it was his basketball skills.
No, it was beyond confidence; it was pure arrogance. An arrogance that had been repeatedly validated in his matchups against various opponents. In Nash Gold Jr.'s eyes, he was the cream of the crop among his peers.
"...My uncle mentioned that you're into basketball too," Nash remarked, his gaze locking onto Tsuna like a predatory bird eyeing its prey.
"But I hope you won't mind if I play to win, and that might involve some destruction."
"Hmm? Destruction, you say?" Tsuna responded, his smile growing wider. Sebas and Gold frowned at Nash's disrespectful tone, but Tsuna remained unfazed.
In fact, Tsuna seemed even more excited, which left them exchanging confused glances.
Tsuna wasn't offended by Nash's provocation. Instead, it ignited a thrilling excitement within him, making his blood course with anticipation. This Nash character exuded the same confidence level in his abilities as Tsuna did.
Sebas, who had cared for Tsuna since he was an infant, knew that moments like these, where Tsuna acted his age, were exceedingly rare. But here he was, his eyes sparkling with youthful enthusiasm.
"Alright, is there a court nearby?"
Tsuna asked with palpable eagerness.
Nash responded with a grin, "I know a good one. It's where we usually train, allowing you to meet the team. How does that sound?"
"Sure, that's even better!"
---
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