Tsuna continued his relentless advance, taking on the Jabberwock with unwavering determination. The Jabberwock pushed back, pouring all their strength into defending their territory.
As time passed, Nash's expression grew serious. It was clear that Tsuna was not crumbling under the pressure; instead, he was thriving under it. With each passing moment, he adapted and improved, leaving the Jabberwock bewildered.
The more they tried to pressure Tsuna, the more he defied their expectations. His performance became so extraordinary that it was almost impossible for the Jabberwock to keep up with his pace.
First, Nick, and then Allen joined in to support their defense. If Tsuna continued to perform at this level, it would require Zack to come into play, making it an actual 1v5 situation.
Nash dribbled the ball thoughtfully with Tsuna hot on his heels.
While observing Tsuna's expressionless demeanor, Nash couldn't help but think, "No, he doesn't improve on the spot. This guy has analyzed our movements and patterns, using them to his advantage by acting accordingly…"
Nash considered his options, realizing the formidable opponent he faced.
"Should I use it?" he wondered grimly.
Yet, he knew employing his eyes into their current situation would likely unleash their downfall.
Tsuna would undoubtedly respond with the eyes he had showcased during their initial encounter. As reluctant as he was to admit it, Tsuna's current abilities were already frightening, let alone involving those uncanny eyes.
For the first time, Nash felt like he had encountered someone superior to himself. Nevertheless, he couldn't fully comprehend the situation.
As they continued their intricate dance on the court, Nash suddenly paused and couldn't help but voice his confusion.
"I just don't get it, Tsuna," he said with a furrowed brow. "Why are you going to such lengths for your trashy teammates?"
Nash's words had a profound impact on the Fukuda Sogo players, leaving them unable to respond, each one grappling with their own feelings of inadequacy.
"I didn't do it for anyone," Tsuna replied, shaking his head.
He approached Nash, his determination clear. "I'm doing this for myself."
Nash furrowed his brow, dribbling the ball deftly between his legs to evade Tsuna's relentless advances.
"...Regardless of the direness of my circumstances, I do not resemble a feeble fowl passively awaiting its demise."
As the intense basketball showdown continued, Tsuna suddenly spoke.
"I am undertaking this endeavor for my own sake, for if I were to neglect it, I would deem myself unworthy of pursuing my aspiration to attain the pinnacle of excellence."
His words resonated deeply with everyone on the court, conveying his unrelenting desire to achieve his aspirations.
Nash was surprised by Tsuna's words; it was a side of him he hadn't seen before. He couldn't help but wear a helpless smile as he passed the ball to Silver, feeling the intense pressure of facing Tsuna.
"No wonder he didn't even flinch knowing he was unable to play in a streetball tournament because of his involvement as an investor," Nash couldn't help but thought of a certain stage that had been the center of the basketball world, admiring Tsuna's lofty ambition, which matched his personality.
Tsuna chased after Silver, but it was too late as Silver scored more points for the Jabberwock.
The gym remained eerily silent, with Tsuna's words echoing in everyone's minds.
Nijimura was deeply affected by those words. He had trained in martial arts alongside Tsuna in the past, so he knew Tsuna's unyielding nature better than anyone.
"That's the Young Master I know," Nijimura thought, a glimmer of understanding lighting up his eyes.
Tsuna once again took control of the ball and, as usual, made his way to the basket, going at it alone.
As Tsuna made his way through the motionless Fukuda Sogo players, he spoke slowly, and his words hung heavy in the air.
"Besides," he said, locking eyes with his teammates.
His gaze was calm, his expression devoid of emotion.
"I've been clear from the beginning. This is only for the strong."
Time seemed to slow as Tsuna's words settled in. It felt as if he were peering into their very souls with those emotionless eyes.
"Everyone was free to leave, as I have no use for the weak," Tsuna stated coldly, resuming his one-man battle against the Jabberwock.
Silence gripped the court as Tsuna's words settled in.
Everyone in Fukuda Sogo wanted Tsuna to scold them, blame their weakness, or reprimand their unsightly behavior.
Tsuna's words cut deep, striking right where it hurt, intensifying their emotional pain.
A mixture of feelings swirled within them.
Yet, within their hearts, a more potent emotion took root...
They longed to stand beside Tsuna, who fearlessly confronted powerful adversaries without a shred of hesitation.
As these thoughts churned in their minds, a resounding slap rang out, drawing their wide-eyed attention to Nijimura. He had just slapped his own face, leaving red marks in the wake of his sudden action.
With a deep breath, Nijimura's expression transformed into unwavering resolve.
He directed his determined gaze towards Tsuna, embroiled in a fierce and solitary basketball duel against the Jabberwock.
In his heart, Nijimura thought, "That's right, I've sworn to stand by his side as his sword..."
"Regret won't change anything. I should be braver and do my job properly this time..." Nijimura muttered under his breath before rushing to Tsuna's side to support him.
As Nijimura silently left their side, the rest of the team stood stunned, unable to find their voices.
Haizaki, in particular, felt an intense frustration building up within him.
When he begrudgingly joined the club, he never expected to experience this sense of belonging that was now taking root.
It was a strange feeling, one that he hadn't encountered even during his days at Teiko playing with the Generation of Miracles.
The gratitude for this newfound feeling weighed heavily on him, all thanks to Tsuna. Still, Haizaki's pride was a formidable obstacle, refusing to concede to this reality.
Yet, a peculiar determination shone in his otherwise lifeless eyes. He understood that he had something to prove.
"That's it. I've pledged to prove him wrong too! I can't do that if I stay weak..." Haizaki proclaimed.
Those words were not aimed at anyone else by himself. And with newfound resolve, he stepped forward to support his Tsuna and Nijimura.
Ogiwara had been mustering his courage, but seeing Nijimura and Haizaki move ahead of him made him feel ashamed.
"...That's right, even Senior Nijimura and my best friend could do that. I should be able to do the same!"
He shook his head vigorously, trying to regain his composure, and then he roared like a beast. Ogiwara recalled Nijimura's words about letting out one's inner feelings but not letting them take over.
It was about conscious control, being a knight, a warrior, and the sharpest sword for their Captain.
Ogiwara's presence suddenly emanated a powerful, controlled pressure, different from his usual beastly instincts. It was as if his aura had sharpened to an even finer point under his conscious command.
Ogiwara's gaze turned sharp as he sprinted forward to join Nijimura and Haizaki in supporting their captain.
Mochizuki, too, appeared to have regained his composure and followed Ogiwara's lead.
"I may not have anything special," he thought, "but I refuse to be the weak one in our team!"
Nash couldn't believe his eyes as he watched the Fukuda Sogo players. There was something different in the air among each one of them.
"So, this was what you were after, Tsuna."
As he saw Tsuna's smirk, he couldn't help but break into a sweat. "You want an unwavering army, ready to follow your command no matter what..."
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