Chapter 289: Elevating the Worthy

Tsuna's expression brightened with a grin as he regarded Akashi, finding it wholly unexpected for him to merge his dual personalities at this juncture.

Recalling the original storyline, he remembered it was Nash who had triggered the merge, but Akashi had ultimately regained control, transforming the situation in his favor.

Now, Akashi's power seemed whole.

Completed.

Speculating on the implications, Tsuna pondered that Akashi's Emperor Eyes might possess even greater capabilities.

Not only could they peer further into the future—a formidable ability on its own—but Akashi's genius intellect likely enabled him to seamlessly integrate this foresight with his already enhanced field of vision, an outcome of their fusion.

"Looks like he's surpassed even the Generation of Miracles," Tsuna chuckled, motioning for his teammates to gather around.

Feeling the rapid thumping of his heart, Tsuna clutched his chest before casting a warm smile at each of his teammates.

"It seems I can't carry this alone anymore," he admitted.

His teammates returned the smile with nods of agreement, acknowledging the shift in dynamics.

Tsuna couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of their situation.

Despite Rakuzan's reputation for individualistic play, here they were, working together as a cohesive unit, a stark departure from their usual style.

With a sincere expression etched on his face, Tsuna radiated a powerful presence that resonated with everyone in Fukuda Sogo, a familiar sensation whenever Tsuna asserted his leadership.

Clearing his throat, Tsuna spoke with conviction, "It's time. Please lend me your strength and be my sword."

"Absolutely, my liege," Mochizuki replied solemnly, his tone reflecting his commitment.

However, Tsuna's chuckled created an infectious energy that broke through the seriousness, eliciting laughter from Mochizuki.

"I thought that would be cool to say," Mochizuki scratched his head awkwardly, sharing in the light-hearted moment.

Haizaki joined in the laughter, marveling at the changes within himself and the growing bond with the team.

"I guess this is for the better," he muttered, determination gleaming in his eyes.

Haizaki's demeanor stiffened as he noticed Ogiwara's usual innocent smile directed at him, causing a wave of embarrassment to wash over him. Hastily, he attempted to mask his own smile and avert his gaze.

Meanwhile, Nijimura wore a small smile, his determination evident as he prepared to give his all.

"Let's go, remember why we came here," Tsuna's voice broke through, rallying the team.

"Understood, Captain!"

Taking a deep breath, everyone refocused their attention on the game, ready to press forward.

Nijimura exchanged a determined glance with Tsuna before retrieving the ball, signaling the resumption of the intense match.

With deliberate precision, Tsuna led Fukuda Sogo forward, effortlessly dribbling the ball down the court.

Rakuzan High's players immediately honed in on Tsuna, their defensive formation radiating immense pressure that would unsettle even the most seasoned teams.

"...!"

But Akashi's eyes widened in disbelief as he witnessed something unexpected.

Every player on Fukuda Sogo suddenly relaxed their stance, unleashing a surge of pressure that crashed against Rakuzan's defense.

"What is this?"

Akashi muttered in surprise, taken aback by the sudden shift in momentum.

The typical predatory aura emanating from Fukuda Sogo's players now felt sharper and more refined, reminiscent of Nijimura's Knight Perception.

"...Perfect passes grant perfect harmony in the gameplay, creating a perfectly rhythmic play," Tsuna's voice echoed across the court, instilling tension in everyone on Rakuzan High as Akashi steadily closed the distance.

Unfazed, Tsuna's crimson eyes glowed brightly as he continued, "It brings out the best in your teammates, putting them in a state akin to being in the zone..."

Akashi remained silent, his attention fully focused on tracking Tsuna's movements with the precision of his Emperor Eyes.

However, as Tsuna spoke, a growing unease settled within Akashi, intensified by the piercing gaze of Tsuna's crimson eyes.

"...Yet, perfect passes are fundamental skills for a point guard, wouldn't you agree, Seijuro?"

The question caught Akashi off guard, causing his eyes to widen in disbelief. "...Impossible."

Tsuna's chuckle echoed through the tense atmosphere, accompanied by a wide grin on his face.

"Indeed, as a Point Guard, it's only natural for me to possess such abilities," Tsuna declared, dropping a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the ranks of Rakuzan High's players.

"But unlike your passes..."

This revelation defied conventional understanding, especially considering that even Nash, with his future-sight abilities, couldn't achieve such precision on the court using what Tsuna was about to use.

Yet, Tsuna's eyes transcended ordinary perception. They captured every detail with unmatched clarity, leaving no movement of teammates or opponents unnoticed.

Thus, making it possible.

In a sudden and synchronized movement, every player on the Fukuda Sogo team sprang into action, their coordination causing a ripple of pressure that unsettled even the composed players of Rakuzan.

Tsuna's eyes missed nothing of these.

His gaze turned icy as he delivered a chilling declaration, "To receive my pass, one must prove themselves worthy..."

With a speed that left even Akashi unable to react, Tsuna whipped the ball across the court.

It moved so swiftly that despite Akashi's foresight, he couldn't intercept it.

The ball found its way into Mochizuki's waiting hand with flawless precision, and without hesitation, he released it into the hoop before Mibuchi could make a move.

"...How did that happen so quickly?"

Mibuchi's bewilderment was palpable, his mind struggling to process the lightning-fast sequence of events that led to Mochizuki's shot.

The gymnasium was shrouded in stunned silence, the weight of the moment hanging heavy in the air.

"..."

Akashi, too, stood in silent disbelief, his thoughts racing to comprehend the significance of what had just unfolded.

Meanwhile, the players of Fukuda Sogo appeared unfazed by the commotion, calmly regrouping and returning to their positions with a sense of purpose.

"...!"

Upon reaching their positions, Fukuda Sogo's players turned to face Rakuzan High, causing the latter to stare in disbelief as an intense pressure enveloped them.

Each member of Fukuda Sogo appeared to possess crimson eyes, though the phenomenon vanished as quickly as it had appeared, leaving Rakuzan questioning if it had been real.

"This is our true strength, Seijuro," Tsuna's voice rang out, sending a chill down the spines of Rakuzan High.

They realized that despite Akashi's efforts to elevate their performance to a state akin to the zone, it was futile in the face of Fukuda Sogo's newfound power.

With Tsuna's use of elusive perfect passes, Rakuzan High understood that their defeat was inevitable, their hopes dashed against the overwhelming might of their opponents.

"...Not just their captain, they're all just a bunch of fucking monsters!" 

As the reality of their situation sank in, the members of Rakuzan High came to the stark realization that they were confronting opponents whose strength far exceeded anything they had ever encountered before.