Chapter 185: Absolute Domination

Shortly after, the referee signaled for both teams to return as the final quarter was about to begin.

However, it wasn't about the climax of the game anymore, as Yosen High had already acknowledged the inevitable outcome. Despite the frustration, they understood it was part of the natural selection in a prestigious tournament like the Winter Cup.

What mattered to them now was letting Murasakibara have his fun. It was a spectacle to witness the usually childlike Murasakibara genuinely enjoying his time on the basketball court.

The clash between the two players kept going, and the crowd continued to cheer throughout their showdown. It felt like this was shaping up to be the highlight of the whole tournament, and you could see that in the way the audience was completely into it.

In the blink of an eye, the game wrapped up with Murasakibara sprawled on the ground, looking totally wiped out. But, despite the exhaustion, there was this content smile on his tired face. It was like he'd given everything he had, and there was a sense of fulfilment in that smile.

The spectators couldn't contain their admiration for both Tsuna and Murasakibara.

At first, the applause was hesitant, a few scattered claps that gradually filled the gymnasium. It was more than just acknowledgement; it was a unified expression of gratitude for the incredible show they had just witnessed.

As the applause reverberated through the gymnasium, smiles bloomed on the faces of the audience, reflecting their appreciation for the gripping match.

As the gymnasium buzzed with applause, Tsuna, standing tall in the midst of the cheering crowd, shot a glance at Murasakibara lying on the ground. Shaking his head, his face showed a mix of satisfaction and weariness.

To the observer, Tsuna seemed unfazed, but beneath the surface, his muscles were feeling the strain.

It was true that Tsuna had pushed himself a bit too hard, and his still-growing body had definitely hit its limit for the day. 

If he could, Tsuna just wanted to find a comfy spot, lie down, and doze off in his current state. However, he knew if he gave in to that temptation, he'd wake up feeling sore all over again.

Still, even though his body felt worn out, Tsuna's mind stayed sharp.

Apart from the physical exhaustion, it was just his stubborn pride that made him refuse to show any sign of weakness, especially in front of those watching.

So, amidst the cheers and the lingering thrill of the game, Tsuna stood firm.

"I did mention I was going to push myself a bit, but this might be a tad more than I bargained for..."

Tsuna chuckled wryly.

Despite Tsuna's composed demeanor, just a slight movement carried an intensity that could make the average person flinch or even scream, given his current condition.

However, in the face of Murasakibara's content smile, his expression softened.

Casting a glance at the scoreboard displaying a commanding 137 - 74, Tsuna refocused on his own predicament, muttering, "Now, how to get my way out of this..."

As Tsuna tightened his expression, preparing to force himself to make his next move, an unexpected weight landed on his shoulder.

His nonchalant expression turned into a frown. Turning towards the intruder, Tsuna questioned, "...What do you think you're doing, Shuzo?"

Nijimura responded with an unabashed grin. Before Tsuna could react, another arm belonging to Ogiwara joined in. It wasn't just them; the entire Fukuda Sogo team, including the likes of Haizaki, encircled him.

This collective act left Tsuna dissatisfied; they should have known better, aware that Tsuna wasn't fond of such things.

Before he could voice his discontent, a sudden lift in his body caught him off guard, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Let's celebrate, Captain!"

Ogiwara's voice resonated with a wide grin on his face.

To an outsider, it might've seemed like a regular celebration, but Tsuna knew better. Nijimura and Ogiwara had subtly helped him move around, easing the strain on his sore body without drawing attention.

"Hahaha! We shattered the Shield of Aegis! This calls for a celebration!"

Ishida's excitement echoed through the air as he raised his hands.

"You're right!"

Mochizuki chimed in, creating a lively commotion, while Haizaki, although shaking his head a little, still followed suit.

Despite the individual reactions, collective happiness permeated the group as they ''celebrated" their significant victory in the second round.

"...Sure," Tsuna sighed, shaking his head slightly before reluctantly agreeing.

However, a genuine smile began to form on his face as he grasped the sincerity behind their intention. Watching their jubilation, Tsuna couldn't help but chuckle as he remarked, "Cheeky bastards..."

On the sidelines, Alexandra observed with a gentle smile, silently wiping away a teardrop that had escaped her eye.

As she witnessed what they were doing, a quiet thought crossed her mind, "...You have great friends, Tsuna. I'm glad."

Soon after, both teams lined up, exchanging post-match pleasantries and expressing gratitude for the ceremonial gestures.

However, as the players were about to leave the court, confusion spread among the Yosen High team.

Looking around, Fukui couldn't help but blurt out, "...Where the hell did Murasakibara go?"

Wearing a wry smile, Himuro responded awkwardly, pointing toward the other side of the court where Fukuda Sogo was heading. "...He followed them."

"...What did you say?"

Liu expressed disbelief, and Okamura burst into hearty laughter.

On the other hand, Araki sighed, massaging her temple. She was feeling utterly speechless about Murasakibara's unexpected behavior.

She then questioned, "Why did he have to go there again?"

"...."

Himuro fell silent, hesitating before answering, "...He said Tsunayoshi was about to share his snack with him."

"...."

A moment of silence settled over the group as Okamura's laughter filled the ambiance.

Meanwhile, on the Fukuda Sogo's side...

"...Eh, you like mint chocolate too?"

Ogiwara asked, genuine surprise coloring his expression as he processed the revelation.

After a long journey through life, Ogiwara had finally found someone who shared his peculiar taste for mint chocolate. Overwhelmed with this unexpected connection, he couldn't help but tear up, touched by the simple joy of finding a kindred spirit.

Witnessing Ogiwara's emotional reaction, Haizaki couldn't hide his irritation. He twitched his mouth in annoyance, choosing to look away from what he deemed an unsightly display of sentimentality.

But that didn't stop Ogiwara. After composing himself, he shifted his expression into one of serious determination. He turned to their guest, a tall figure walking alongside their team, and declared, "...From today onwards, you're also my best friend!"

"No, thanks."

The reply was swift, delivered with a nonchalant tone that cut through the air.

The tall figure's disinterest left Ogiwara's hopeful expression crumpled, his aspirations for a new best friend mercilessly dashed.

Ishida and Mochizuki seized the opportunity, erupting in laughter as they teasingly started to poke fun at Ogiwara after his rejection.

Haizaki stood there speechlessly, scratching his head.

On the side, Nijimura observed the light-hearted banter with a small smile playing on his face.

However, Tsuna was sighing at the unfolding scene as he turned his attention to the tall figure and inquired, "...Why are you following us, Atsushi?"

"You said you're about to get St. Erik Crips, no? Gimme some..."

"...."

Murasakibara's matter-of-fact response left Tsuna momentarily speechless. Another sigh escaped Tsuna's lips as he shook his head.

---

Do you want to read 15 chapters ahead of the schedule? Here's where you can find them:

p@treon.com/mythoast