Chapter Forty-Nine: Celebration

As Hyotei triumphantly secured the regional championship, the final matches in several other Tokyo districts also concluded.

Yamabuki, Kakimotogakuen, St. Rudolph, and other established powerhouses in the Tokyo region also advanced to the metropolitan tournament.

Of course, there was also Seigaku, competing with their upperclassmen. Although they lost to Kakimotogakuen in the regional finals, they still managed to break into the metropolitan tournament as runners-up.

Despite entering the metropolitan tournament, Seigaku's coach, Ryuzaki Sumire, was in no good mood. She had received news that Yamabuki Middle School next door, with the help of a first-year student who transferred from Seigaku, had swept through the regional matches and shone brightly.

Some had even begun to refer to Yamabuki and Hyotei together as the "Twin Giants of Tokyo."

Upon learning of these events, Ryuzaki Sumire's heart wavered for the first time. But she immediately stood up and shook her head, "I'm not wrong. First-years should focus on building a foundation; they shouldn't participate in matches..."

Watching their coach muttering to herself, the club president, Yamato Yudai, wore a complex expression and could only sigh inwardly, "The future that should have belonged to Seigaku is now blooming in another school. As club president, I haven't been qualified. Coach, do you see them who have already proven themselves on the court, and you still want to deceive yourself..."

On the other hand, unlike Seigaku's troubles, Hyotei was filled with joy. Although the regional championship wasn't particularly significant, it was the first time everyone had won a championship representing Hyotei.

At this moment, on Hyotei's luxurious team bus, Mukahi Gakuto was laughing and said, "Akutsu, I didn't expect you to smile too."

Hearing Mukahi Gakuto's words, the Hyotei regulars couldn't help but look at Akutsu. They recalled Akutsu's smile on the podium just now. For the first time, it wasn't so unsettling; instead, it had a touch of cuteness.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Akutsu's face flushed slightly, and he yelled at Mukahi Gakuto, "You idiot, shut up!"

"Hey, hey, Akutsu, your smile on the podium just now was quite nice..."

Atobe also chimed in at this moment, looking at Akutsu with a playful expression.

"Shut up..."

"Akutsu, smile more, don't always have that grim expression..."

"Shut up..."

Watching everyone celebrating joyfully on the bus, Kannagi Shinichi also smiled knowingly. At this moment, he looked at Atobe with a hint of mischief on his face, "Although the regional championship is just the beginning of our conquest of the nation, this is still the first championship we've won representing Hyotei. So, Atobe, as the vice club president, how about treating us to a celebration..."

As a deskmate, Kannagi Shinichi watched Atobe's diet every day, with every meal being a feast prepared by top chefs from around the world.

Seeing Atobe living such a life every day made Kannagi Shinichi feel a bit envious and jealous.

Moreover, he had long wanted to taste the delicacies made by those master chefs. Taking advantage of today's championship victory, it was a perfect opportunity to bring it up.

Besides, occasional gatherings of the team members could, to some extent, enhance team cohesion.

Atobe heard Kannagi Shinichi's words and didn't immediately refuse. He just glanced at the advisor Sakaki Taro sitting at the front with his eyes and said, "A celebration is no problem, but aren't we supposed to continue training when we get back?"

Seemingly sensing the gaze from behind, Sakaki Taro didn't turn his head. He just sat in the front and said coldly, "You all have the day off today. Training resumes tomorrow."

"Hooray..."

Upon hearing Sakaki Taro's words, several regulars began to cheer happily.

Seeing that there was no training today, Atobe lightly tossed his hair, looked at everyone, and smiled, "Tell me, what do you want to eat? I'll have someone make it for you."

"Atobe, can we eat anything?"

Mukahi Gakuto quickly stood up and asked upon hearing Atobe's words.

"Of course. My estate has top chefs from all over the world. Whatever you want to eat, they can make it."

"Then I want to eat yakiniku..."

"Atobe, do you have steak..."

Watching everyone speaking in a flurry of voices, Kannagi Shinichi showed a hint of disdain. These people had no vision, arguing over food, it was too embarrassing.

Unlike them, Kannagi Shinichi wanted to try all the delicacies made by Atobe's family.

As everyone was arguing, Akutsu also quietly said from the side, "Actually... I want to eat sushi."

Then Shishido Ryo chimed in, "Sushi? I think that's a good idea. But if we're going to eat sushi, we should go to those old, established sushi restaurants. The taste there feels better..."

Hearing Akutsu and Shishido's words, Kannagi Shinichi felt a sense of unease. He looked hopefully at Atobe, wishing he wouldn't listen to these two and would instead go to Atobe's estate to taste the real feast.

However, Kannagi Shinichi's hope was dashed. He heard Atobe say, "I rarely eat out. It might be nice to try the food commoners eat once in a while."

Hearing Atobe's words, Kannagi Shinichi began to roar inwardly: Atobe, where has your noble demeanor gone? How can someone as noble as you eat what commoners eat? If you continue like this, what about my feast!

Although he was somewhat frantic inwardly, wishing he could beat up Akutsu and Shishido, Kannagi Shinichi ultimately suppressed the urge to hit them for the sake of his department head image.

"Then let's find a sushi restaurant and celebrate there," Oshitari Yuushi said calmly, pushing his glasses up his nose.

"Then let's go to Shibuya. There are quite a few good restaurants there; there should be a decent sushi place..."

Mukahi Gakuto also agreed with the suggestion of going out for sushi. Now, it seemed only Kannagi Shinichi was still hoping to have a grand feast at Atobe's estate.

"Idiot, that's a famous red-light district. We're still middle schoolers, how can we go there?" Hearing Mukahi Gakuto's words, Shishido Ryo's veins bulged as he let out an angry shout.

Just as everyone was discussing which sushi restaurant to go to for their celebration, Akutsu stroked his chin and spoke again, "I actually know a sushi place. It's not far from my house. If you want sushi, we can go there."

Akutsu actually had a selfish motive for saying this. Ever since enrolling in Hyotei, he had spent most of his time living on campus. Today, since he finally didn't have training, he wanted to take the opportunity to go home and see his mother.

Seemingly noticing Akutsu's little scheme, Kannagi Shinichi no longer insisted on a big meal and settled the matter with a decisive word, "Then we'll go to the sushi place Akutsu mentioned to celebrate."

"I have no objections. Today, this great me shall see what commoner food tastes like..."

Atobe was the first to agree, and the other regulars nodded in approval.

And so, on the bus, everyone decided on the location for their celebration.

After everyone returned to Hyotei, they each washed up and got ready before following Akutsu to the small shop he mentioned.

By this time, the sky had already begun to darken slightly. The Hyotei group had followed Akutsu to a very small sushi shop, and the sign above the door clearly read "Kawamura."

Akutsu pushed open the door and saw a group of students inside, raising their glasses in celebration.

Kannagi Shinichi peeked inside, then a meaningful smile appeared on his face, "Yamabuki Middle School, huh..."