Midorima looked around at the stadium. It was his third year, and it would be his last game if he didn't do something. After Shutoku came second in last year's game, he vowed to come in first. However, it was Rakuzan they were going against once again, and they score was 78-90. It was the fourth quarter with four minutes left. Shutoku was exhausted, they had been fighting to keep the gap from growing, as Akashi and this year's Rakuzan line-up were ridiculously strong.

Midorima knew Shutoku needed something to lift their spirits, but he couldn't think of anything. He was exhausted himself and the double team that he had to keep shaking off was sapping his strength.

He looked at his teammates. Takao was trying to find someone to pass the ball to. The were running out of time and even through the determination in his eyes, Midorima knew that Takao needed something to keep him going. He looked at the second years as well. The whole team needed a boost of morale.

It was then that the shooting guard looked up, and his eyes met with Kuroko's. From the look on his and the rest of Seirin's faces, it appeared they had defeated Aomine and Tōō.

It was then he remembered something Kuroko had said when they were younger.

He knew what he had to do.

With sudden speed that almost rivaled Aomine's, he broke past the double team, and called for the ball.

"Takao!"

The point guard, on instinct, tossed the ball to the ace. However, he was surprised Midorima didn't stop and shoot but continued dribbling. Akashi wasn't close enough to stop Midorima so he drove past the other Rakuzan players, weaving between them, before he got to the basket.

Then he jumped.

It seemed everyone in the stadium stopped breathing.

Midorima dunked the ball into the hoop. The stadium was silent for a full two seconds before it erupted into screams.

"Midorima dunked the ball!"

"Did you see that drive! What insane speed!"

"Shutoko is in control!"

Midorima turned to his teammates, and held back a smile when he saw Akashi's shocked face.

"Keep going! We aren't going to give up and let them take the game!" He spoke. That little speech brought forth the wave of determination that the team needed, and the hope that would keep them going.

The score was now 80-90.

Takao shot Midorima a huge grin and Midorima smiled back.

"We're going to win this."

Takao laughed.

"Of course."

Midorima looked up at Kuroko and saw what appeared to be, a smile? Kuroko was right, dunks were great for morale.

But what they also needed was points.

Takao intercepted the ball from a pass from a Rakuzan first year, and passed it to the ace. This time, they went with their direct three point shot, so no matter what, the double team wouldn't be able to intercept the ball.

Shutoko had went back to defend their basket, so Midorima was nearly a full court away when he made the shot.

But obviously, that didn't matter. He was Midorima Shintaro, the shooting guard with limitless range, and his shots never missed.

As expected, the ball went in without even grazing the ring, and the audience exploded with cheers of "Shutoku!"

83-90.

Midorima looked up to meet Kuroko's eyes, issuing a challenge. Kuroko caught this and smiled. It seemed this year, Seirin's final opponent would be Shutoko.

What an interesting game that would be.


Note:

I don't own any of the Kuroko No Basket characters.

Thanks for reading!