Chapter 224: Beyond The Generation of Miracles!

"The Blue Elites lost by this much?"

"They're unbelievable!"

"Our King! They're still the best!"

Chatter and murmurs erupted among the audience as they observed the game's outcome on the scoreboard. Gasps were followed by a crescendo of cheers that eventually filled the gymnasium.

Aomine silently observed both teams lining up for the post-match ceremonies. Turning to glance at Seirin's seating area, he mumbled, "Seirin's up next, huh?"

The outcome of the game between Fukuda Sogo and Kaijo High didn't surprise him much. Tsuna's strength was apparent, and even in the brief display of power, Aomine began to grasp Tsuna's true level.

The realization should have dawned on the others in the audience.

They should now understand that Tsuna...

"He's surpassed the Generation of Miracles!"

Midorima sighed, his words hanging in the air.

"..."

The members of Shutoku High left the audience area in silence, knowing they had their own game ahead to secure a spot in the semi-final.

"...So, he's not just a monster, huh?" Takao quietly mused, taking note of everyone's tense expressions.

He added, "He's a true monster, a freak of nature..."

Meanwhile, back on the court...

"...Congratulations on the win; you guys truly earned it." Kasamatsu approached Tsuna, supporting Kise on his shoulder.

Tsuna was taken aback by Kasamatsu, detecting the deep-seated frustration etched in his eyes. Nevertheless, despite the internal struggle, Kasamatsu commendably approached him and extended his congratulations.

Tsuna couldn't help but respect Kaijo High's Captain for that.

"Thanks, it was a tough game..." He then turned and offered a smile, extending his hand for a handshake.

Kasamatsu's contemplative gaze lingered on Tsuna's face as they exchanged a firm handshake. 

"His devilish side truly disappeared off the court, huh?" Kasamatsu mused silently.

He then shook his head lightly as he said, "Best of luck in the semi-finals. Seirin isn't a weak team, and we still have some unfinished business, but go all the way and win it for us, alright?" 

Wearing a confident smile, Tsuna nodded appreciatively.

"Thank you for the reminder. They're not bad, indeed," he acknowledged.

His gaze shifted subtly, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. "But you don't need to worry about us..."

You need to worry about them.

Tsuna's implications prompted a wry smile from Kasamatsu.

If he didn't know any better, he might have considered Tsuna arrogant. Yet, a closer look revealed it as pure self-confidence, a justified assurance rooted in his undeniable skillset.

Reflecting on his own perspective, Kasamatsu acknowledged a similar confidence within himself when Kise was on the team.

However, he couldn't shake the feeling that, unlike Tsuna's self-assurance, his own might lean towards arrogance.

A sigh escaped him as he attempted to shake off these troubling thoughts.

"These two..."

Meanwhile, Kise was childishly sulking on the sidelines, observing the two conversing as if he were invisible.

Ignored and treated like air, he couldn't help but feel a pang of exclusion

"I'll win it the next time, Kazamacchi," Kise declared, his displeased expression belying the determination that gleamed in his eyes.

His gaze locked onto Tsuna, who had turned to look at him.

But Tsuna quickly redirected his attention back to Kasamatsu, leaving Kise with disbelief that widened his eyes.

"Did he just ignore me?"

Kise wondered. He was thoroughly taken aback.

Turning to Kasamatsu, Kise expected at least a glance from his captain.

However, Kasamatsu remained engrossed in the ongoing conversation, completely disregarding Kise's presence.

"..."

An awkward silence settled in as Kise slowly realized that both Tsuna and Kasamatsu were actively ignoring him, leaving him on the sidelines of their interaction. 

Kise held his heart, thinking, "...Is this how Kuroko always felt?"

The pain was almost physical, worse than a breakup.

Thankfully, someone else approached. They turned to see Haizaki walking over, eyes fixed on Kise with determination.

"...Shogo?"

Caught off guard by the unexpected attention, Kise felt a surge of emotion, as if his presence was finally being acknowledged.

The moment was so touching that he almost teared up.

Despite Haizaki's generally unlikeable demeanor, Kise found himself considering, if just for this moment, that Haizaki might actually be likeable.

"This time, I might lose, Ryota," Haizaki spoke with a serious tone, leaving Kise to tilt his head in confusion.

"...but you guys won, though?"

Kise responded, his lips twitching as he retorted, speechless at Haizaki's statement. Ignoring Kise's reaction, Haizaki continued, "But I need you to prepare yourself to lose against me next time."

"Mark my words, Ryota! I will steal your victory!"

"..."

With that declaration, Haizaki turned and walked away. Kise felt his lips twitch even more furiously, rendered speechless.

He watched Haizaki's departing figure and mumbled, "What victory? I lost the game, are you stupid..."

"Well, they certainly seemed lively..." Kasamatsu commented, shaking his head in disbelief.

Tsuna chuckled in response, "Indeed, they are."

"Tsunayoshi Kazama, Kaijo High will come back stronger next time," Kasamatsu declared, prompting Tsuna to look at him with an amused expression.

He continued with determination gleaming in his eyes, "Even without me, if we ever face each other again, we will take our revenge!"

"...Certainly, we welcome any challenges that come our way," Tsuna responded, earning a satisfied nod from Kasamatsu.

He then turned and walked away, dragging the sulking Kise along.

"...I still want to make my declaration like you, though, Captain."

"Shut up..."

Observing both their figures walking away, Tsuna shook his head and mumbled, "Well, we would certainly do so if I were still here..."

As Tsuna returned to his team, Nijimura turned to him and asked, "Done with your business here?"

Tsuna nodded as he glanced at the team before saying, "Alright, listen up, everyone! Today, we faced a tough opponent and won. But let's not get too comfortable because we've got bigger battles ahead."

The team responded with cheers, and it brought a smile to Tsuna's face as he continued, "No holding back. Let's go all the way!"

"Let's go!"

"The Winter Cup will be ours as well!"

"You're right! We've got the Interhigh; might as well get our hands on the Winter Cup as well!"

Ishida, Mochizuki, and Ogiwara excitedly chatted with each other, dragging Haizaki along in their circle, who was now resigned to his fate and stopped refusing their approach.

Tsuna, Nijimura, and Alexandra just lightly shook their heads at the scene as everyone made their way out of the court and back to their accommodation.

The gymnasium remained lively as both teams departed from the court, filling the space with cheers.

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