---This chapter serves as an experiment for me. After reading "Wandering Warrior of Wudang," I couldn't help but wonder if readers would enjoy this type of comedy in web novels---
"Do you think the world ending is near?" Mochizuki whispered to Ishida, prompting a thoughtful furrow in Ishida's brow.
Frowning, Ishida responded, "...I think so, yeah."
Across various scriptures scattered around the planet, signs pointing toward the world's demise had been chronicled, and for them, Haizaki's bowing down his head only served to confirm these ominous premonitions.
"...At least try to lower your voice if you're gonna talk behind my back, you crazy motherfuckers," Haizaki grumbled, a mix of irritation and disbelief etched across his face as he overheard the hushed conversation between Mochizuki and Ishida.
In response, Ogiwara couldn't resist chuckling, reaching over to give Haizaki an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"Buddy, even if you didn't ask, I'd gladly vacate my spot for you!"
Turning to face Ogiwara, Haizaki was met with a thumbs-up and a bright smile, prompting a resigned sigh from him.
Despite the persistent frustration induced by their antics, Haizaki couldn't deny that he had grown accustomed to this peculiar group. Their exasperating behavior had somehow become a familiar aspect of his life.
Tsuna shook his head in amazement as he glanced back at the court. Seirin had just finished the third quarter with a score of 68-47.
Even though they weren't as dominating as they were in the second round, Tsuna could sense a strong focus from each player. He shook his head again and turned his attention to Kuroko and Kagami.
"These guys are really something, huh?" Tsuna said to himself. He couldn't complain, though, considering he also got lucky by reincarnating into this world.
He smiled, finding it amusing. "Pretty adorable, actually."
Whether it was plot armor or whatever else, Tsuna had carefully set up each piece on his board, with Haizaki being the last one. If Haizaki could grow and overcome his challenges this time, he would be the final piece in Tsuna's plan.
Tsuna got up, and the rest of the team followed suit without him having to ask. He nodded in satisfaction at their unspoken agreement.
"It's finally our turn, huh?"
Nijimura remarked, breaking the brief silence that enveloped the group.
"I got bored watching..."
"Haha, let's go defeat Kaijo High!"
The atmosphere buzzed with cheerful banter as Tsuna led the team toward Fukuda Sogo's assigned changing room.
Laughter and excitement filled the air as they approached their destination.
Upon reaching the room, Nijimura stepped forward, holding the door open for Tsuna to enter first.
Once inside and settled, all eyes turned to Tsuna, anticipation etched on their faces, as he began to address the team.
"Well, we have another quite a strong team today..." Tsuna's voice filled the room, setting the stage for the challenge that awaited them on the court.
Everyone nodded with serious expressions, but a gleam of uncontained excitement sparkled in their eyes.
Moving into the second round and beyond, they were aware that every opponent would either be a member of the Generation of Miracles or someone formidable enough to challenge them, much like Seirin had.
A simmering eagerness ran through their veins, fueled by the anticipation of finally satisfying their thirst for competition.
"And we're going to make a little adjustment to our default formation..."
Tsuna's announcement prompted a subtle brightening of Haizaki's expression. However, Tsuna's following words brought a steely resolve to the forefront.
"Ogiwara, I need you to take on Haizaki's position..."
"Got it, Captain! Haizaki seems to have some unfinished business, so I, Shigehiro Ogiwara, his best friend, will pave the way for him to complete his quest!"
Ogiwara declared solemnly, earning nods of approval from Mochizuki and Ishida, both sporting satisfied expressions.
In contrast to his usual response filled with curse words, Haizaki remained silent, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Kise.
"Hahaha, these brats are actually really funny..."
"..."
On the side, Alexandra laughed heartily while Tsuna and Nijimura could only watch with a sigh.
"Well, it's kind of my fault..." Tsuna thought quietly. Things were pretty normal for the team before their trip to the States, but there had been a noticeable change since they came back.
Nijimura nodded in agreement, "I guess feeling helpless and going through tough times can really change a person, huh?"
Tsuna cleared his throat, redirecting their attention as he started talking about what to expect from Kaijo High and their game plan.
Even though it might look like Tsuna was responding to Haizaki's unsaid request, it was actually part of his original plan. He didn't see the need to spell it out for Haizaki, thinking it might just embarrass him more.
Tsuna thought this approach would be better, creating the impression that he was doing Haizaki a favor, and it might come in handy later, which led him to break into his signature smirk.
The sudden smirk from Tsuna prompted reactions from the team. Mochizuki, Ishida, and Ogiwara huddled together, attempting to decipher the hidden meaning.
"Do you think the Captain is plotting something again?" Mochizuki whispered, the concern evident in his voice.
Ishida nodded knowingly, remarking, "There's no other option. When he puts on that smirk, someone is definitely going to suffer."
"I agree..." Ogiwara concurred.
Haizaki's annoyed voice cut through the whispered conversation, "Why did you pull me into this freaking nonsense?"
Meanwhile, Tsuna and Nijimura just silently observed the four of them forming a circle, engrossed in what seemed like a serious discussion.
"...Well, that's all. Let's head out to the court." Tsuna shook his head as they all left their changing room to get to the court.
As Fukuda Sogo finally stepped onto the court, a wave of restlessness swept through the crowd.
"They've arrived!"
"Our King!"
"I'm sure they'll dominate this round again!"
Excited murmurs spread like wildfire among the fans, each person eagerly watching Tsuna as he led Fukuda Sogo Academy onto the stage designated for their third-round showdown against Kaijo High!
As Fukuda Sogo entered, the gymnasium buzzed with another surge of energy as Kaijo High also made their way in, intensifying the atmosphere to new heights.
Kise's attention immediately zeroed in on Tsuna, who appeared nonchalant as ever while leading Fukuda Sogo. This sight fueled Kise's determination, causing him to tightly grip his fist with unwavering resolve.
On the other hand, Haizaki mirrored Kise's intensity as he spotted him. However, the fact that Kise didn't even spare him a glance stoked a fiery anger within Haizaki, prompting him to clench his fist in frustration.
"You'll be my stepping stone to prove Akashi wrong, Kise!"
Haizaki declared with a simmering determination.
---
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