A/N Hello everyone. I've got a lot of ideas for stories to work on, but I can only do so much at a time. Though, since I've been following the manga and anime of KnB, I've decided to give you my own story following my favorite character, Akashi Seijuro. I hope this story appeals to all of you. Happy reading~
"Mom, why is dad so strict on me?"
My mother was a very fair woman. She was essentially an antithesis to my father, who believed that only winners truly succeed at anything in life.
Ever since I could crawl, my father demanded that I master every skill available for me to learn that would be critical to my future. For him, my studies took precedence, but even then, that wasn't enough. I had to also learn skills that would impress other adults and associates of his. Naturally, this meant that most of my time was already scheduled in advance, and I had no say in the matter. Perhaps because I was already broken in at such an early age, I no longer had any will to rebel.
Still, I questioned my fate.
"Dearest Seijuro, I'm sorry. I know it's been hard for you, but your father only wants what is best for you. He wants to make sure you succeed. That your future is set, and that you can represent the Akashi household with honor and prestige. He may not show it, but he surely loves you," my mother said trying to justify my father's obstinate decisions. I didn't hate my father, but I guess I didn't like him either. On the other hand, I was only in elementary school, and yet I already knew how to play the violin, piano, do horseback riding, solve trigonometry, understand economics, and a load of other matters completely out of my expected range to understand at such a young age.
It would not stop there, however. The more skills I mastered, the more I was given to learn. It was endless. I clearly outranked other children in terms of mental capabilities and even physical prowess, but despite all that, I envied what they had, that I didn't:
Fun.
Granted, of course I've had a taste of what 'fun' feels like. But only for so brief a time.
During the rigorous training of my everyday life, on the weekends at least, my mother managed to convince my father to let me have some free time. There was so much I wished to do, so much I had seen and heard on TV, from people around me, or on the internet. But I chose something simple. Something that interested me particularly.
Basketball.
I found that it was so intriguing that such a game required both physical and intellectual skill in order to play well. I was fascinated by the professional players on television and in the news with all their dynamic gameplay. It became a small dream for me to one day be able to play just like them.
"I see. Well... in that case, I'll try my hardest! I'm really happy, mom! Guess why?" I asked her enthusiastically.
"Hmmm, I don't know, why?" She replied in a playful tone awaiting my answer.
"I have the greatest mom in the world! And you'll always be here, right?" I asked expectantly.
"Of course, dear. I will always be here. I promise," my mother said endearingly and wrapped my pinkie around hers in recognition of her vow.
I smiled, like a naive fool. I might've been a child prodigy, but I shouldn't have expected so much.
My mother died of an illness when I was in my fifth year of elementary school. Things only got harder from then on. My father had a subtle funeral for my mother, nothing more or less. It seemed as though, now that she was out of the way, he could control me completely now.
As I entered middle school, my feelings became definite. I hated my father as a parent, but I grudgingly respected him as a person. He understood how to make a man out of me. I was years ahead of my peers, but I still tried to act normal.
I remember joining Teikou Middle School's basketball club. I recall having my name announced as one of the four freshmen to have been accepted into first string, a previously unheard of feat. I was none too surprised however.
During my free time as a child, I played basketball whenever I could. And, occasionally when I got the chance to give my father the slip, I lied about going to the library or something to study. I instead invested all that time to practicing techniques in basketball, and reading up everything I could to improve myself. This was the part of me my father wouldn't have control of. Beforehand, my father had already expected me to join at least one active club. At the very least, for once in his life, he gave me the luxury of choosing which club. He had no questions for my selection, as long as I did well.
And I would. I would do so well, I'd forget what I was trying to aim for.
During practice time, I spotted an interesting person by the name of Kuroko Tetsuya. It was mostly intuition, but I felt as though he could be the sixth man in our team and turn the tide in our favor when necessary.
After weeks of training and a final test at an actual game, he succeeded in claiming his spot on our team. Later on after we won our first tournament, he thanked me with the sincerest of words at how I had given him such a blessed opportunity to be apart of a great team and contribute to its glory. I denied his claims of me being responsible for everything he had gained. I simply told him the talent was always inside him.
The talent is always there, it's just not always visible. Soon enough however, the talent would overwhelm all of us.
Aomine Daiki, power forward, quick and aggressive, and a high scorer.
Kise Ryouta, small forward, remarkable emulator, and a quick learner.
Midorima Shintaro, shooting guard, 100% accurate, and an unrestricted shooter.
Murasakibara Atsushi, center, obstinate shield, and a giant of power.
Kuroko Testsuya, assistant point guard, unpredictable passer, and near invisible.
Momoi Satsuki, manager, master analyzer, and a morale booster.
Akashi Seijuro...
Me. Myself. What was I?...
Captain. Point guard. Mentor. Overdeveloped adolescent. Lonely...
Lonely?...
...Or just alone? Maybe both...
Memories kept on flashing through my mind. All the times I was actually happy, actually had fun. I enjoyed being with people who I had a strong connection with. Daiki's enthusiasm, Ryouta's joking nature, Shintaro's insightful intellect, Atsushi's serenity, Tetsuya's calm disposition, Satsuki's bright personality...
But why was I remembering all this now?
Because I was about to lose at something for the first time in my life. The only time I lost was intentionally. But this... this was me at 100 percent, and losing. But I couldn't accept this possibility. And to win, I would have to give up the person I used to be. Maybe in a way this was my death. The death of the old me. And before I disappeared, I wanted to take a trip down memory lane. They say a person's life flashes before their eyes when they're dying. And perhaps that's why my eye color changed as well. Today was my birthday. The birth of the new Akashi Seijuro.
The emperor.
I gave permission for Kuroko to search for Aomine-kun after he ditched practice midway. The head coach returned and informed us of what happened. Apparently, now Daiki could skip practice if he so chose to. It was guesswork to figure out what the head coach was thinking, but I let it pass by without much argument.
"That's a radical decision by the head coach," Shintaro commented with a questioning look.
"Got that right. I mean, I know Aominecchi is really good and everything, but I'm not sure skipping practice is such a great idea..." Kise added on thoughtfully.
"I do not know of the head coach's intentions, but I share your sentiments. Nevertheless, we should continue doing what we can, even without Daiki," I stated and they fell back into line, practicing. Then-
"Actually, Aka-chin. I've been thinking. Maybe Mine-chin is right. I've been practicing all this time for two reasons: one, because I didn't want to lose. Two, because until now I've been following your orders since I thought I could never win against you. But now, since our past few matches, I'm starting to think that's not the case..." Atsushi declared and everyone's focus fixated on me and him.
"Basically what I'm saying is I don't want to practice anymore if Mine-chin is allowed to skip," he finished with a lazy note.
"That's ridiculous," I argued back harshly. "I could never permit that."
"Well Aka-chin, I feel like you're wrong. And I don't want to listen to someone who's weaker than me..." He added as an afterthought and a murmur spread through among the crowd.
A poisonous feeling entered my body. My expression was poker-face calm, but inside I was furious.
"What did you say to me?..." I asked him dangerously but he did not back off like he should've.
"You heard me, Aka-chin. You're weaker than me," Atsushi responded with absurd disregard for me.
"Mu-kun, why are you saying this? We shouldn't fight among ourselves, the head coach would definitely punish-" Satsuki intervened but I put a firm hand on her shoulder and moved her aside.
"Step aside, Momoi. This is my problem to deal with," I said coldly and she made way for me.
"Murasakibara, I can't ignore what you just said. The captain does not have to necessarily be the strongest, but the way in which you disrespected me must be rectified. If you will not listen unless by force, then I'll give the honor to try and best me. Don't flatter yourself too much, for this will be a short contest," I challenged and picked up a stray basketball on the floor.
"Let's play one-on-one. The first to score five points will win. If you win, you can do whatever you want and I won't stop you. But if I win, you will never question me again. Agreed?" I declared my terms to Murasakibara. He nodded his assent.
I started with the ball. I was so sure that with my physique and skill, that I would emerge victorious within a minute or two.
But perhaps I was the one who was overconfident.
It felt slow and painful for me, but realistically, within three minutes I had been decimated.
All my efforts were nullified. I simply wasn't able to compete. The score became 4-0 in Murasakibara's favor.
No way... Kise thought. I know that Akashicchi couldn't compare in height and strength, but I thought he could compensate in speed and agility... this is such an unbalanced battle...
It can't be... Midorima thought. To date, Akashi has never lost a single competition. But right now, that record is in jeopardy. For the first time in his life, Akashi will lose?...
"Is that it? I thought you'd be more difficult to defeat... I'm a little... no, I'm really disappointed that this is all you have to offer. How are you even captain? No matter, one more basket and it's over. I hope you remember our deal, Aka-chin," Murasakibara said lazily.
I was breathing heavily. I couldn't believe it myself if I weren't actually living this experience. The taste of defeat. My world was instantly falling apart. Is there really nothing I could do?...
To think that I, Akashi Seijuro, would lose? It can't be... it's impossible. No matter the situation, no matter the opponent, I was always right, therefore I should always win. I was absolute. In this world, winning was everything. Winners are right and losers are wrong.
But this time... it's looks like I'm the loser... therefore I'm wrong?... I questioned myself. I was feeling heavy doubt, and I was almost certain that I was going to lose. But then-
You're pathetic.
What?
You're not thinking straight. Are you not Akashi Seijuro, the undefeated perfection? Is all you have done until now for nothing? Are you a quitter? Are you a loser who will wallow in self-pity? I thought you wanted this dream of yours to come true... was that just a lie you told yourself to make you feel better?
No. It wasn't a lie. And I wanted that almost more than anything. Almost... the thing I wanted the most was-
If you want to achieve that dream, you must be ruthless. If you want it so bad, prove it. Show that you have not forgotten how to win.
But how?...
You know exactly how. You just have to, 'let it go'... if you want victory, then become the victor.
After that, my mind was clear. And there was no way I could lose. Not to anyone.
Murasakibara performed a neat crossover which would've worked normally.
But I was no longer normal.
In the split second it took for the ball to return to his other hand, I stole the ball from him instantly. This shocked everyone in the vicinity, for I stood almost frozen-solid, and the only part of me moving was my arm and hand. I looked up to my center-position player.
"Don't get carried away, Atsushi. Anyone who defies me shall be killed. Including my parents," I stated emptily with a deadpan voice. My eyes were wide open and my expression unreadable.
I won within 90 seconds. During the last drive, I saw that Atsushi was unbalanced while maneuvering his feet. Thus this allowed me to perform a new technique of mine called the Ankle Break, which simply disrupts one's balance while their center of gravity is shifted on their pivot leg which is turning. This allowed me to effortlessly bypass Atsushi without much difficulty and end the game with a shot from the freethrow line.
Afterwards, things settled down. But a heavy aura fell upon everyone. Atsushi sighed resignedly but accepted his loss.
"Okay, I'm tired. I'll be going home, good job everyone," he commented lazily walking away.
"Wait," I said to him suddenly.
"Don't worry, Aka-chin, I'll come to practice everyday like a good boy," he promised me but I had changed my mind.
"About that agreement. Forget it. I don't care what you do as long you help us win in matches. You're free to skip practice just like Daiki," I stated dryly without hesitation.
"EHHHHHHH?! But Akashi-kun, that's completely different from what you said before!" Momoi said to me surprised like everyone else.
"I know what I said. I simply changed my opinion. I see now what I should've seen sooner," I said to her and then I turned to everyone.
"We are the Generation of Miracles. Our school motto is, 'Ever victorious'. That is exactly my reasoning. Clearly our talents cannot fully develop unless we mature on our own. We cannot coexist in harmony, so it is better for all of us to be free on our own. Independent without restrictions. Teamwork is nothing more than optional from now on. Ryouta, Shintaro. You two are also exempt from practice. Do whatever you feel necessary in order to help us win. The rest of you, continue to practice. You most likely won't see any gametime but nonetheless it is important. I will accept nothing less. Do not defy me. You're all dismissed. End of discussion," I said coldly and walked out to change.
From then on, things were never the same.
After a while, Tetsuya returned from his endeavor of persuading Daiki to come back to practice.
"Kuroko. Everyone's left for the locker room to change. Here's a towel so you don't catch a cold," I stated and tossed him a fresh towel to soak up the moisture of the rain.
"Judging by your expression, I assume you were unsuccessful," I declared bluntly. He nodded to confirm my statement.
"That's right..." He said dejectedly. I closed my eyes and made an instant decision.
"I see... then there's nothing left we can do. Give up on Aomine-kun."
This command shocked Kuroko and his face showed disbelief.
"Akashi-kun?... I don't understand..." He said weakly with confusion.
"It's too late to save Aomine. He's already decided what he wants to do now. He will not revert to his former self anytime soon, so it's best we adapt and do what we can with the current Aomine. It's best to accept things as they are, Kuroko," I told him remorselessly. He couldn't comprehend what I was saying. Or rather, he was trying to refuse to.
"Akashi-kun, how could you say that?... Who... who are you?..." He asked me with a frightened look of a naive child. I simply smiled at such a pedestrian question.
"I'm obviously Akashi Seijuro, Tetsuya," I answered gesturing towards myself as though it was plain and clear.
Afterwards, we won two consecutive national championship victories. In the third and final one however, Tetsuya was injured by the Genius Twins who we had faced previously in the last championship. Nonetheless, I kept my promise to Tetsuya and gave our full effort against Ogiwara Shigerhiro, Tetsuya's best friend from Meiko Junior High. We utterly crushed them, but in a mock attempt at merciful pity, in the final seconds, I took the last rebound they missed and raised their score to 11 on an intentional own goal. The final score was 111-11.
During the final days before we all went our separate ways, my mind was in a mess. So many conflicting thoughts were clashing all at once. Regret, anger, sadness, arrogance, doubt, and uncertainty.
One day, I spotted Tetsuya practicing shooting and dribbling. I approached him and called out to him.
"Tetsuya, you really should just focus on practicing your passes. I think that would be most prudent for your future career," I suggested to him courteously. He looked at the basketball in his hands, then at me.
"Akashi-kun. Do you enjoy basketball? Is it fun for you?..." He asked me. I could not process the reasoning for such an inquiry.
"That's a ridiculous question, Tetsuya..." I responded not really answering him but rather treading around it. Actually, I wasn't so sure of my answer subconsciously.
"Tell me the truth, Akashi-kun. What is victory?"
That was a thought-provoking question. It awakened some recollections in my mind prior to joining Teikou's basketball team.
What is victory? What is the purpose in which I was doing all this for? But once again, I answered indirectly.
"It depends on what you're asking for, Tetsuya. I'm very sure your definition would be quite different from mine. If you wish to know my answer, meet me on graduation day in the first string gym. You'll have your answer from me then," I said and I greeted him farewell.
The day right before graduation was a free day in which there were no classes. Essentially, every period was a study in which you could play games, rest, or simply do whatever the teacher allowed you to do. A handful of people cut class, but no one was going to stop them on the last days of school before graduation.
I simply sat pondering what Tetsuya had asked me before a few days ago. I went into my classes, sat down, and remained silent and thoughtful. During lunch, I suddenly felt a need to escape from class. I went to the upper gym and lost it.
I completely trashed the place. I kicked the basketball racks over, flipped over some chairs preset for graduation tomorrow, ripped up some banisters, and finally I collapsed on the center of the court, breathing raggedly in irregular intervals. I searched for my cellphone and called someone to meet me in the gym.
Akashi and I never really talked much outside of basketball matters. Occasionally, I would meet him the hallways or in the library and I would ask him how it was going, or if he could help me with my homework or something. He was always patient and understanding. He seemed to never lose his cool. Ever since Mu-kun challenged his authority as captain however, he seemed completely different. That was the first time I witnessed his temper getting the better of him.
There was also something else I noticed that I'm sure most people did, even if they didn't say it. His left eye had changed from a red iris to yellow. A demonic looking gold. Accented by his slit-like pupil, Akashi gave off a menacing aura. Yet he was the nicest and most knowledgeable person I had ever known. Given he was usually humorless and stale, his leadership was inspiring and he always knew how to help others out of tough times.
Right now though, I had no idea what was going on with him.
When I saw the entire upper gym set into a state of a chaotic mess, I grew worried. But I became relieved to see Akashi in one piece. But, something was off about him...
"Satsuki..." He whispered. That was the first time he ever called me by my first name. "I'm sorry you have to see me like this... can you please help me rearrange the gym?... I got... a little out of hand..."
For forty minutes we spent our time in silence cleaning up his mess. Then I confronted him politely.
"Akashi-kun, what did you want to see me for?..." I asked curiously.
"I... well... let's start with the obvious. Clearly, I am no longer the Akashi you used to know. I realize that I've become harsher and less tolerant of everyone. Colder and more distant... I'm not sure what to do anymore... nor who to confide in... not even Shintaro..." He admitted and if he couldn't confide in Midorin, then this must be serious.
"Akashi-kun... are you gonna be okay?..." I asked concerned for his mental well-being. He scoffed mirthlessly at himself.
"No... I doubt it. And I won't be okay until a long time after all this passes... I've been trying very hard to keep my true consciousness intact... listen closely please, Satsuki..." He pleaded. Akashi Seijuro... pleading? It couldn't be, but nonetheless I listened with rapt attention carefully. "If not for my sake, then for everyone else..." He added as an afterthought.
He told me about his strict childhood, which would explain how he turned out this way. He told me why he made the decisions he did recently. He told me why he changed so much in such a little amount of time.
At the end of his exposition, he grasped his head in pain and gasped sharply. I became alarmed and asked if he needed medical attention. He dismissed it. Then I noticed something.
His eyes were completely normal. Both of them were red again, just like they used to be.
"Honestly... one day I hope to lose. So I can stop living like this. Perfection... it's just a dream. Not even, it's just a lie. The desire to always be victorious... I can't win at everything. I hope I lose so I can actually have fun at basketball again like I used to... and stop worrying about it. Satsuki..." Akashi said looking into my eyes and I couldn't help but stare back intently.
"I'm not the captain everyone deserves. Not anymore. When the time is right, tell everyone I was sorry. Tell them that I wished I could've kept us all together. As a team. Not divided as I have let us become. And tell Tetsuya... never mind that last part. I'll have to do that on my own..." He trailed off mysteriously.
"I got it. I'll make sure. When the time is right," I promised him and he nodded. I felt sorry for Akashi-kun and I forgave him for everything he done since he had changed. I wished it could've been easy, but doing the right thing is hardly easy.
"You know... I never told you how much I appreciated you, Satsuki..." Akashi confessed and I blushed lightly at his unexpected words. Akashi complimenting me? That was a first.
"Wha- what do you mean?" I asked, wanting to find out about his sudden change of heart.
"You're the best manager I could've asked for. Your analytical skills and mental capabilities almost rival mine..." He teased and I lightly punched his arm in mocked offense.
"Well, thanks, I think..." I replied with a slight smile.
"I'm serious, though. We wouldn't have gotten this far without your help. I wouldn't have gotten this far," He emphasized and I blushed at his honesty.
"Akashi-kun..." I stated breathlessly. I liked this side of him much more.
"I will miss our time here. Before I changed..." He admitted sorrowfully. My spirit fell at those words.
"I'm afraid my time is up. I cannot keep him at bay. Just remember me as who I was, and not who I am. I'm sorry, Satsuki. I truly am. I hope everyone finds their own way. Don't try and save me, either. Just leave me be. This is my battle to fight. If I cannot defeat the rage inside of me, I will resolve to be your enemy. If I must continue on this way, so be it. Tell Tetsuya to hold nothing back, for I will not when the time comes..."
"Tetsu-kun? Why him?" I asked him wonderingly.
"He is like me... or at least like how I used to be. He believes that victory should always have a purpose. A meaning. Not the tarnished, empty version I now believe is just a given," Akashi explained further.
"I see..." I merely said trying to understand his words.
"He will face difficult times, but I believe in Tetsuya. He will find a way... Tell him that. He'll know what it means..." He added on and I nodded. He started grunting in pain.
"Akashi!" I shouted worriedly. He shook me off.
"Forget about me! Focus on my directive! I gave you instructions, all you have to do is follow them! Satsuki..." Akashi said looking at me with a pained expression of remorse. He gave me one last bittersweet smile.
"I believe in you. I know you won't disappoint me. You always have a plan, my manager. You always come through for us... for me... I-"
He didn't finish that sentence because I ran up to him and hugged him tightly. After a delayed reaction, he finally returned my hug. He was still just a teenage boy after all, with a bit of awkwardness in expressing his feelings, but I found it very cute.
"Satsuki..." He said caught off guard, but touched nonetheless.
I kissed him on the cheek. He almost blushed, but I could still feel the heat in his cheeks as my lips pressed against his skin. Then I held up my right pinkie.
"Promise me you'll come back to us one day," I said for the first time ever ordering him to do something. He seemed a little taken aback but nevertheless assented to my proposal.
"Hmmph. Sure..." He said with a composed expression. Then his eye color started shifting again.
"GO. RIGHT NOW. LEAVE ME." He said heartlessly.
I left the gym but with one last glance back Akashi.
"Sei-kun... I'll miss you..." I said calling him by his first name for the first time ever. Then I left.
"From now on, we are enemies. The next time we meet, will be on the court." I stated looking around at my former teammates.
"Well, that's true, Akashicchi, but you don't have to say it so harshly..." Kise said a little sadly.
"The fact that it is true is exactly why I must say it harshly, Ryouta. I want everyone to give it their all when we face each other," I countered.
"There are many basketball teams out there, but in the end, it shall be us who graces the stage. We will decide once and for all who is the strongest. Until then, prepare yourselves, for there will be many obstacles ahead. But I am confident we shall meet again soon enough."
No one denied this statement. This was our oath. To face one another and truly define what it meant to a 'miracle'.
"I'm not against this, but I don't think Kuro-chin would understand. He couldn't possibly participate..." Murasakibara said lazily.
"No..." I denied his assumption. "He may have different reasons from the rest of us, but Tetsuya will definitely participate in his own way. And I shall be there to watch it all. And crush him if necessary..." I added on.
"Is that your final word, Akashi?" Shintaro, my former vice-captain asked me. I nodded.
"It is, and I hope you shall honor it, Shintaro," I said politely. He merely nodded in recognition.
"Whatever... just let me know if there's anyone worth playing..." Daiki said offhandedly. Hmph. Very characteristic of him to say. Atsushi yawned.
"This is farewell then. Good luck, my former teammates. May the best player win," I said simply.
Of course, however... my victory is already predetermined... Hmmm... you asked me once, Tetsuya... what is victory? Well...
I am victory.
A/N And that's all for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Not much deviation from the canon yet, but basically this story will follow Akashi's point of view, and a romance between him and Satsuki. Sorry if you don't like that pairing, but even though there's no canon for it, I still ship it because I feel like there's potential. Anyways, slight spoiler, but Akashi will face off against each and every other GoM members' team. Not saying anything else, you'll just have to guess. And if you want my opinion, I've heard about the dream match between Aomine and Akashi. Being biased, I will say Akashi would win. Being realistic, it's actually anyone's game. Honestly, I think that Aomine and Akashi each have a fair chance at victory. Aomine was the first to defeat Kuroko and Kagami, but Akashi has already defeated two of his former teammates (Midorima and Murasakibara). Also, even though Kise has an imperfect Emperor Eye of his own, and Kuroko has the Quasi-Emperor Eye, Akashi would still manage to outmatch them. Akashi is the only one with two special abilities, and honestly, it's probably just the plot armor/protagonist bias that allows Seirin to stay alive against Rakuzan (no offense, I love Seirin). If the time comes, I will be rooting for Akashi to win against Aomine, though I think Aomine has a very high chance at victory as well. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. See ya~