"What in the..."
Nash found himself unable to look away from Tsuna, his expression a mix of astonishment and bewilderment. He was still trying to process the incredible display of basketball skill he had just witnessed.
Tsuna, who had momentarily closed his eyes, opened them with a hint of wistfulness. He seemed almost disappointed.
"...That was unfortunate."
"Something wrong?" Nash inquired, puzzled by Tsuna's sudden change in demeanor.
Tsuna glanced at his ringing phone, which Sebas held, and sighed. "I guess it's about time I leave..."
Nash raised an eyebrow. "Your phone?"
Tsuna nodded, a touch of regret in his eyes. "Most likely my mother. Duty calls."
Nash's excitement waned as he realized their game had ended abruptly. The prospect of securing the investment was momentarily forgotten, and he couldn't hide his disappointment.
However, Tsuna seemed to catch onto Nash's dejected mood as a worry about the investment. He turned to the Jabberwock's players, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"As for the investment," Tsuna began, "I've seen enough of your team today. I've had a great time..."
Nash's eyes brightened at Tsuna's words, hope returning to him.
"Then, should I say, welcome to the team?"
Nash extended his hand for a handshake.
Tsuna smiled as he firmly shook Nash's hand.
They discussed some initial details about the investment, and Tsuna explained briefly. He instructed Nash to contact a number Sebas would provide later for further discussions.
It was a spontaneous decision, and Tsuna would need to confer with his family before ironing out the specifics.
As Tsuna and Sebas left the court, heading back to the Kazama family's mansion, the Jabberwock players huddled around Nash.
"Who was that guy?"
Silver asked again, clearly still bewildered despite Nash's explanation about Tsuna's background.
"Are you absolutely sure he's here for an investment and not to join the team?"
Nick chimed in, equally taken aback by the whole situation. It just seemed too unbelievable that someone of that skill level would be behind the scenes.
"Who can say for sure," Nash shrugged, still gazing at the exit where Tsuna and Sebas had disappeared. A sly grin crept across his face. "But one thing's certain..."
"We just struck gold!"
Losing that impromptu 1v1 match to Tsuna hadn't fazed him one bit. For Nash, anything outside of official streetball games was a practice to improve his skills. What truly mattered now was that his dream of making the Jabberwock a renowned name in the global streetball scene was one step closer to becoming a reality.
The others couldn't help but swallow hard in excitement, their eyes locked on the spot where Tsuna had vanished.
Inside the car, Tsuna looked perplexed as he stared at his trembling hand.
"Looks like I need to step up my physical training," he mumbled, clenching his hand in an attempt to stop the shaking.
The Conqueror's Eyes granted him incredible advantages, especially when he perfectly grasped the trigger to activate it at will.
However, this took a significant toll on his body, so his hand trembled. Tsuna had a fair idea of the repercussions of pushing this ability too far. He vividly remembered how he'd passed out for two full days after the incident in Japan.
Despite the physical strain, a wide grin spread across Tsuna's face.
"This is quite fun," he thought as he closed his eyes, giving himself a moment's rest.
His intense desire for the ultimate conquest he had never tasted blazed like wildfire. The key to unlocking the elusive triumph he had yearned for all his life, the one he would seize with all the strength he could muster.
That, he realized, was his true trigger—the catalyst that aligned perfectly with his ultimate goal.
Upon arriving home, his mother was there to greet him, and she didn't seem too pleased with his late return. However, This time, her scolding seemed to go on longer than usual. He took it all in stride with a wry smile, especially considering that his older brother's wedding was just around the corner.
This upcoming event was of immense significance, and the preparations were extensive. Family members needed to familiarize themselves with the wedding's schedule to ensure everything went smoothly. Numerous important guests would be attending to celebrate with them.
The Kazama family was caught up in a whirlwind of activity and arrangements in the following days.
The usually quiet mansion was now bustling with activity. People were constantly coming and going, all busy with their tasks to ensure that the upcoming wedding would be nothing short of spectacular.
Despite the bustling atmosphere in his family's mansion, Tsuna remained committed to his training. He recognized the need to enhance his physical capabilities to unlock his full potential.
Additionally, he shared his vision with his family. Not only did he plan to invest in the Jabberwock, but he also aimed to elevate streetball to a level comparable to the NBA.
Hirutora, while unfamiliar with the basketball scene, saw a rare initiative in Tsuna. He trusted his youngest son's judgment and supported Tsuna's plan. He arranged for a professional team that Tsuna could oversee to bring his vision to life.
Even if it didn't succeed, Hirutora viewed it as a valuable learning experience for Tsuna that would ultimately benefit the family.
Finally, the day of the wedding arrived. It was a grand affair with influential guests from all around the world. The union of two economic powerhouses was an event that could potentially make history. While not everyone was thrilled about it, the overall atmosphere at the wedding was vibrant, much like any other joyous celebration.
Tsuna seamlessly mingled with the guests, even though many of them were influential figures.
He engaged in conversations that might have flustered most teenagers, but Tsuna remained unfazed. This impressed even his father, Hirutora, who secretly nodded approvingly at his youngest son's demeanor.
While there were numerous cameras at the wedding, they were for private documentation rather than public broadcast. The news coverage only included a brief announcement and a simple clip of the newlyweds sharing a kiss in front of the pastor.
Tsuna valued his privacy and didn't want even a second of fame on television. While fame had its advantages, he believed that the cost of losing his freedom outweighed the benefits. Especially considering his unique circumstances, which didn't require him to get famous to get what he wanted.
The festive atmosphere within the family continued for several days after the wedding. Tsuna personally congratulated his brother and then said his goodbyes as they departed for their honeymoon.
Tsuna was set to return to Japan that week. Although his mother had initially opposed his return after the accident, he gradually convinced her, using his father as a mediator.
In his mind, Tsuna could picture how his mother had likely pestered his father endlessly, to the point where even someone as stoic as Hirutora might crack and show some sign of being overwhelmed.
"...I'm sorry, Father. But this is the only way to persuade Mother," Tsuna muttered softly as he gazed out of the window of his family's private jet.
"..."
Sebas, who had overheard Tsuna's quiet admission, couldn't help but twitch the corners of his lips. He maintained his composure, not indicating that he had eavesdropped on Tsuna's words.
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