Chapter 270: Unexpected Guest
Meanwhile, over on the Rakuzan side, as they approached their accommodations, a conspicuous number of security personnel surrounded the area.
"Are we expecting a VVIP at our hotel or something?" Hayama voiced his confusion, eyeing the security presence with skepticism.
Mibuchi shook his head, offering an explanation, "Isn't that the most plausible assumption?"
"I just want to eat more!"
Nebuya chimed in with a nod, showcasing his typical carefree demeanor.
The team members exchanged glances, collectively wearing expressions of bewilderment, their curiosity piqued.
"I don't care..." Mayuzumi nonchalantly shook his head, engrossed in the pages of his romance novel.
Contrastingly, Akashi furrowed his eyebrows, a thoughtful expression etched on his face. He harbored a suspicion about the identity of the very important person (VVIP) who had graced them with their presence.
As they stepped into the hotel, the attention of everyone present was instantly captivated by a middle-aged man seated in the lobby.
Strikingly resembling Akashi, he commanded a noticeable presence, surrounded by a vigilant entourage of security personnel.
"Go back on your own; I'll go greet my father," Akashi declared, his voice cutting through the air.
The revelation prompted widened eyes among the team members, swiftly followed by nods of understanding as they absorbed the unexpected development.
As Akashi approached, the bodyguard bowed in respect, and Akashi acknowledged the gesture with a nonchalant nod. He continued until he stood in front of his father, Jiro Akashi.
A slight frown creased Akashi's forehead as he thought he had glimpsed someone bearing a striking resemblance to his father in the crowd a while back.
"...It shouldn't be possible," Akashi silently pondered.
Nevertheless, he slightly bowed his head as a sign of respect and opened his mouth, "Good Afternoon, Father."
"Sit down." Jiro gestured for Akashi to take a seat.
"May I inquire about the reason for your visit today, father?"
"...I had a business meeting," Jiro responded after a momentary silence.
Akashi acknowledged with a nod, maintaining a stoic expression. Jiro was equally impassive and refrained from further words.
"..."
The shared demeanor between father and son projected an impression of an interaction colder than one might expect.
"I heard you're performing well in the tournament. What's the tournament again?" Jiro inquired with a faint frown, breaking the silence.
Akashi nodded, responding, "It's called the Winter Cup, Father."
"I see," Jiro acknowledged.
Addressing his father's earlier question, Akashi spoke with unwavering confidence, "To answer your question, I am confident that I can emerge victorious in the tournament..."
His strong, assured words prompted a subtle curl at the corner of Jiro's mouth.
Swiftly wiping it away, he concealed any indication of emotion from Akashi's discerning gaze. Jiro nodded stoically as he inquired, "Is your next game the final round?"
"Yes, Father..."
"Good job, always be the best. That's why you're Akashi. Do remember that..." His words held both a commendation and an expectation as he stood, signaling to his bodyguard that their departure was imminent.
A complicated expression flickered across Jiro's face. His desire to express pride in his son's achievements clashed with the words that actually left his mouth.
Sighing, Jiro turned to face Akashi, revealing a softened tone, "I should be at home this weekend. I'll be waiting for your report at the dinner table, Seijuro..."
He proceeded to exit the hotel with his bodyguard, leaving Akashi silently bowing his head and watching his father's departing figure.
"..."
The unspoken complexity of their relationship lingered in the air.
Back in Fukuda Sogo's accommodations, Aomine let out a low hiss, his face contorting with a pallor as he eased himself into the ice bath. The chill enveloped his sore muscles, offering a momentary reprieve that elicited a relieved sigh.
Midorima mirrored the sentiment, shutting his eyes to fully immerse himself in the soothing cold.
"How on earth are you still functioning after that kind of training, Tsuna?" Aomine voiced his disbelief, shaking his head in awe.
"I don't know. Maybe just lucky," Tsuna responded casually, finding solace in the frigid water of the ice bath.
The cold penetrated his muscles, swiftly alleviating the lingering soreness.
Midorima shook his head in response to the answer before turning to Tsuna, a hint of hesitation in his voice, "...Tsuna, what were those eyes of yours?"
"So, this was the reason for your visit?" Tsuna remarked, closing his eyes as he fully embraced the penetrating coldness, immersing himself in its frigid embrace.
"..."
Aomine and Midorima fell into silence, the only audible sounds being the occasional munching from across the room.
Curiosity prompted them to turn their heads, discovering Murasakibara comfortably settled on a sofa with an impressive pile of snacks before him.
Momoi sat beside him, wearing a wry smile that hinted at a touch of envy, seemingly in awe of Murasakibara's ability to indulge in such quantities without worrying about gaining weight.
"...You're still here?"
Murasakibara gave no response, engrossed in devouring the snacks before him without a care in the world.
Tsuna then chuckled unexpectedly, capturing their attention once more. He shifted his focus back to them, opening his eyes with a cryptic smile, "Let's just say these were something I wasn't expecting to use here in Japan."
"..."
Aomine and Midorima deciphered the implication within Tsuna's words.
They couldn't help but wonder how much further Tsuna had advanced compared to them. More intriguingly, the mention of a bigger stage by Tsuna kindled a newfound interest within them.
Soon enough, all three emerged from the ice bath. Tsuna provided them with fresh clothes, acknowledging the sweat-soaked state of their previous attire.
Making their way to the hotel's restaurant, they strolled through the corridor before reaching the lobby, where they would proceed to the restaurant.
"Oh? Tsuna, are you thinking about grabbing some dinner too?"
The lobby echoed with an excited voice, drawing everyone's attention. Turning around, they spotted Alexandra and her students, Himuro and Kagami.
Kagami's voice reverberated with surprise, "Aomine, Midorima, what on earth are you guys doing here?"
"Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?" Aomine retorted, clicking his tongue in response.
"..."
On the other hand, Midorima remained silent, merely adjusting his glasses in silence.
Himuro offered a nod in greeting, "Ah, hello, everyone..."
"Well, you see, I promised them a dinner treat, so I brought them here!" Alexandra proclaimed proudly, a mischievous glint in her eyes leaving Tsuna slightly speechless at the unexpected turn of events.
"Treat them to dinner? And you brought them here?"
Tsuna fought the urge to facepalm, struggling to maintain a poker face to avoid a blow to his dignity. Alexandra responded with a sheepish laugh, her gaze unapologetic.
"...So, you're saying you brought them here for me to treat them to dinner? Is that what you mean?"
Tsuna sighed, articulating Alexandra's intentions.
Everyone in Fukuda Sogo, including her, would receive the hotel's utmost hospitality without reaching for their wallets.
With stars in her eyes, Alexandra gave him a thumbs up, exclaiming, "As expected of you, very sharp as always, huh?"
"..."
A moment of silence enveloped the scene as Tsuna remained wordless. He eventually shook his head, gesturing for them to proceed, saying, "Whatever, since you all came, might as well grab dinner together..."
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