When Tsuna returned to his grandparents' house, the evening had settled in, and it was time for dinner.
"How was school? Are you having a good time?"
His grandmother inquired, continuing their daily tradition of checking in on him. It was like giving a daily report, but it also displayed their deep concern, which always touched Tsuna's heart.
Tsuna's grandmother understood that he didn't need to attend school since he could already take the advanced test to earn his high school diploma anytime he wanted.
However, she was particularly concerned about his social interactions and relationships with other kids at school. Her worries were amplified because Fukuda Sogo Academy had a reputation for being a rough school, and she feared Tsuna might get into trouble.
Over the past week, Tsuna had been sharing his experiences, carefully omitting that he had gotten into a fight on his very first day. He smiled warmly at her and recounted his activities for the day, showing genuine interest in her well-being. After all, they were both in their early 80s, and their bond was strong.
Tsuna and his grandma continued their friendly conversation, while his grandpa listened with a small, contented smile on his face.
Despite his grandpa's warm demeanor, Tsuna knew that beneath that grandfatherly facade lay a shrewd and powerful figure who had once wielded considerable political influence in Japan.
Tsuna believed that his grandpa knew everything happening in the city, including the fight he had kept hidden from his grandma. However, his grandpa did not mention it, and Tsuna felt relieved.
Grandpa seemed to understand Grandma's tendencies well and didn't want to make her overly anxious.
"Tsuna, do you remember one of the government officials you met two years ago?"
Grandpa interjected, breaking the flow of Grandma's conversation with him. Grandma shot a disapproving look at her husband but chose to stay quiet.
Tsuna reminisced about the faces he had encountered in a restaurant on the night when he looked after the inebriated Nijimura.
"Yes, I remember all of their faces," Tsuna replied. "So, which one are you talking about, Grandpa?"
Grandpa's grandfatherly smile vanished, replaced by a more serious expression. "The annoying one..."
It was evident that Grandpa had some negative feelings toward this individual.
Tsuna knew exactly who he meant. That old man had persistently been trying to arrange a marriage between Tsuna and his granddaughter, who was likely still in middle school then.
Grandpa didn't seem angry about the betrothal proposal itself, but rather, it was how this man slipped it into conversations occasionally that bothered him.
As Grandpa's expression turned sour, it seemed like the man's persistence hadn't ended with their last encounter.
"He even sent you a welcoming gift last month, didn't he?" Grandpa said, taking a sip of his tea while frowning.
Tsuna nodded, a bit puzzled about why Grandpa had suddenly brought up this matter. "Why are you telling me this now?"
Grandpa sighed and explained that the man's birthday was approaching, and he had another important meeting scheduled for that day, preventing him from attending the birthday celebration.
It would have been easier if the event had been in Shizuoka, but unfortunately, it was taking place in Tokyo.
"So, I'd like you to go in my place," Grandpa said. He knew sending a representative was typically considered impolite, but he trusted that Tsuna would be well-received.
In fact, that man would probably be thrilled to meet Tsuna again. Since it was his birthday celebration, his granddaughter was likely to be present, making it a perfect opportunity for them to get acquainted.
Tsuna sighed, realizing he was being asked to act as a stand-in. However, he understood that his Grandpa didn't have much choice. Besides, Tsuna didn't mind going to Tokyo, as he had plans to visit the city soon anyway.
So, it made it convenient to combine both trips.
His Grandpa thanked him for his understanding, and soon, Grandma chimed in and scolded Grandpa for using Tsuna as a substitute. Tsuna warmly smiled at their playful interaction.
Throughout dinner, they chatted about a variety of topics. When the meal was over, they bid each other goodnight.
The following day, Tsuna journeyed to Tokyo with Sebas.
As planned, Tsuna attended the cabinet members' birthday party. The event was held at a luxurious hotel and was brimming with life. Many influential figures from both the political and business worlds were present.
Among the attendees, Tsuna recognized numerous familiar faces. He even conversed with Akashi's father before an elderly gentleman, who appeared quite amiable on the surface but radiated authority, approached him with excitement.
"Hello there, young Tsuna! It's a pleasure to see you here. Where's that old man of yours?"
"I apologize on his behalf for not being able to attend your important event. He had another commitment today and couldn't make it, so he sent me as his representative."
Tsuna responded politely. He professionally matched the enthusiasm of the elderly gentleman.
"Haha, who cares about that grumpy old man. Come with me, and I'll introduce you to someone."
The elderly gentleman responded with a nod and a hearty laugh, leading Tsuna to another section of the banquet.
Tsuna chuckled in response.
Not many people had the audacity to refer to his Grandpa so informally, but this old man was an exception. As Tsuna glanced at where they were headed, he figured it must be the granddaughter whom the elderly gentleman was eager to introduce to him.
"..."
Soul-wise, Tsuna was pretty much an adult. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he observed the bashful young girl, clearly just starting middle school. He was at a loss for words.
Throughout the event, Tsuna maintained a friendly smile, though inside, he grew weary of the elderly man's relentless efforts to pair him up with the girl.
"...It's no wonder Grandpa was irritated by that old man. He's beyond persistent," Tsuna muttered under his breath, his patience wearing thin.
Sebas wore a faint, amused smile, clearly enjoying the sight of Tsuna, typically composed and poised, being pushed to his limits by the old man's dogged determination.
Leaving the hotel against the elderly man's persistent invitations for dinner, Tsuna and Sebas found themselves at a school building. It was 5 p.m., and the school was mostly deserted, with students leaving by 4.
With a smile, Tsuna remarked, "He must have been here, right?"
He stepped out of the car and gazed at the school gate. Unexpectedly, an excited voice broke the silence.
"Whoa, is that a Rolls Royce?" A student nearby had leaned in to look at the car closer.
Tsuna's eyes sparkled as he observed the student. The young man had sleek black hair combed neatly backward, with a few rebellious strands falling over his eyes.
Turning to Tsuna, the student, with a friendly demeanor, inquired, "Hey there, you're not from our school, are you? Are you looking for someone?"
Tsuna smiled professionally and replied, "Indeed, I'm here to find Shintaro Midorima."
At that moment, the school's gate lights flickered to life, illuminating the proud words written atop it:
"Shutoku High!"
Chapter 61: "Shutoku High!"
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