Exiting their private bus, Tsuna efficiently led the team to the changing room for a strategic briefing.
In the midst of a cheering crowd, parting to make way for them, the team smoothly made their journey to the changing room. Nijimura respectfully opened the door, allowing Tsuna to enter first, followed by the rest of the team.
"Alright, everyone,"
As they settled into their seats, Tsuna initiated the discussion, his gaze briefly glancing at the wall clock as he carefully began to convey his thoughts.
"I'm sure you're all aware of our upcoming opponents, Rakuzan High. They've built quite a reputation, and to be honest, they're a strong team. You've faced them before, so you know what to expect..." Tsuna began, his voice breaking through the hum of conversation.
He paused, glancing at each teammate, their expressions reflecting a mix of determination and a touch of uncertainty.
"But remember the effort you've invested, the challenges you've overcome, and the emotions you've weathered throughout our journey. We've secured victories in all our games, and there's no reason we can't continue that trend in this match!"
Haizaki and Ogiwara, positioned at the circle's edge, directed their intense gazes toward Tsuna. His eyes shifted to meet Haizaki and Ogiwara's piercing stares.
A smirk graced his features, a hint of playful challenge gleaming in his eyes.
"Now, for the exciting part," Tsuna announced, his smirk expanding.
"We're making a slight adjustment to our default formation. Nothing too drastic, just enough to keep them on their toes. I have full confidence in your abilities to execute this..."
The room's tension intensified, the team exchanging glances that silently acknowledged the challenge ahead. Tsuna's gaze lingered on each player, a wordless assurance that they were united in facing it together.
"Remember, it's not just about overcoming Rakuzan. It's about playing our game and sticking to our style! Stay focused! This is our moment, our final! So, Let's make it count..."
With those words, Tsuna locked eyes with each person present, his grin widening.
"And most importantly, let's dominate!"
His declaration set off a ripple of intensity in the room, with every expression contorting into bloodthirsty smiles, a collective determination settling over the team.
Meanwhile, across the gymnasium, an unbroken hush enveloped the dimly lit locker room.
"..."
In the muted ambiance, the Rakuzan High regulars sat in contemplative silence. Coach Shirogane occupied the central space, flanked by Akashi at his side.
Taking a moment to observe the team, Shirogane nodded with contentment before slowly addressing them.
"Today," Shirogane's voice sliced through the subdued murmurs, instantly capturing the attention of every player in the room.
"We stand against Fukuda Sogo Academy, the rising powerhouse that has audaciously ascended to the throne we once held as our own. The current ruler of the basketball kingdom, they say."
His penetrating gaze moved deliberately through each player, his words intended to leave an indelible mark on their hearts.
"But let me make one thing clear," he continued, the gravity of his words hanging palpably in the air.
"This moment is ours. It is the opportunity to reclaim what rightfully belongs to Rakuzan High and reassert ourselves as the Emperor of Creation, embodying the ever-victorious Rakuzan High we've always known for!"
The Uncrowned Kings blazed with determination, their gaze sharpening as they absorbed Shirogane's words, each syllable resonating like a battle cry.
Stoically positioned at the coach's side, Akashi exuded a silent intensity that manifested his unwavering commitment to the cause.
"Every practice, every sacrifice, every drop of sweat – it has all led to this," Shirogane declared, his words serving as a rallying call to the warriors of Rakuzan.
"Today, we step onto the court not merely as players but as the living embodiment of a legacy. We will demonstrate to Fukuda Sogo Academy that the throne they sit upon is borrowed, and today, we reclaim it!"
"..."
A silence hung in the room as Shirogane's words settled. The room pulsated with the energy of a team ready to reclaim its glory.
"Rakuzan High, stand tall, stand proud. We let them hear our roar. Let them feel our presence. Today, we reclaim our throne as the Emperor of Creation!"
Shirogane's voice resonated, leaving a lingering echo in the hearts of each player.
"Understood! Coach!"
A unified chant surged forth, a harmonious declaration affirming the team's collective determination to reclaim their legacy.
The stage was set, and Rakuzan High was ready to reclaim its legacy. With nonchalance, Akashi observed their fervor, muttering to himself, "...It's time to bring him to his knees."
Shirogane then turned his attention to Akashi, nodding in acknowledgement, before stepping to the side.
This opened the floor for Akashi, who began to articulate their strategy for the next two quarters, addressing the team with a focused intensity.
After both teams concluded their briefings, they briskly headed to their respective waiting stages, ready to clash for the glory that awaited them.
"Whoa! Look at Rakuzan making their entrance!"
"Shit, it's intense!"
"Their aura is so damn powerful! Let's go, reclaim that throne, our Emperor!"
The audience erupted into whispers, captivated by the sight of Rakuzan High, led by Akashi, marching in.
However, another wave of commotion swept through the crowd as attention shifted to the opposite end of the court, where Fukuda Sogo began to make their entrance.
"...Our King," someone softly murmured, and a respectful hush enveloped the audience as they sought to maintain decorum in the presence of the regal Fukuda Sogo Academy, the King of Kings.
As both teams stepped onto the court, a hush fell over the surroundings, leaving an air thick with silent tension.
All eyes were drawn to the figures of Fukuda Sogo's Captain and Rakuzan High's Captain, standing face to face with a calm demeanor.
"..."
A collective gulp swept through the onlookers as they watched the two captains, their silence creating a palpable pressure that seemed to intensify with each passing moment.
Tsuna subtly twitched his lips as he tried to be careful not to reveal his thoughts, and redirected his gaze to a corner of the gymnasium.
There, he spotted the conspicuously disguised middle-aged man, unmistakably Jiro Akashi.
Yet, it wasn't just Jiro that left Tsuna momentarily speechless; it was the person beside him, equally concealed in a similar manner, prompting Tsuna to mutter, "...What the hell is dad doing here?"
The surprise on his face mixed with a hint of confusion.
Meanwhile, Akashi, noting Tsuna's distracted glances, furrowed his brows. To him, Tsuna's actions seemed careless, which was an indication of underestimation.
"You've grown complacent, Tsunayoshi," Akashi's cold voice cut through the charged atmosphere, leaving Tsuna momentarily at a loss for words.
Akashi's icy expression deepened the puzzle of the moment.
As the weight of Akashi's words settled, Tsuna couldn't help but sigh inwardly, pondering, "What is he on about?"