A/N: GREETINGS. READ. THANKS. Alright, I know my priorities are disoriented but damn it after episode 10, I was too fired up not to post another chapter. Damn it all! I apologize to my other readers who have been waiting patiently for an update for my other stories. Just another author's block and so while I can still write about Kuroko no Basuke, I intend to squeeze out all my ideas. Please support this fic as well and tell me what you think about.

P.S. Thanks to all who read, reviewed, and subscribed to this story. I chose to continue because you helped me realize that yes, Kuroko is definitely uke material haha! :) Also, I apologize for any grammar mistakes, I'll get back to them once I've slept. Thanks for understanding :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke. Period.

Summary: In which Kuroko remained invisible throughout his middle school in Teikou, instead, he becomes a manager of Seirin's basketball club and hides his talent. Well, that is, until one by one, people find out and no one can resist such a rare gem, right? Right.


Chapter 2: The Beginning of the End

To be honest, Kuroko Tetsuya had no idea what to do. Beating the Generation of Miracles was easier said than done. For one thing, he knew he couldn't just join the basketball team of his new school, which in this case was Seirin High School. And another, he had zero experience on court. Playing against his father was different when already playing in a court with testosterone-filled males. With his fragile physique, there was no doubt in his mind that he would be crushed instantly.

Kuroko sighed, feeling a bit lost and distressed as he watched the freshmen line up in front of the senior players of the team. An image of them came to mind and instantly, he straightened his back, his focus once again on the court.

"I'm the coach, Aida Riko, and he-"the woman paused, gesturing to the old man at the back. "-is our adviser, Takeda-sensei." Gaping jaws and wide eyes met her introduction, disbelief clearly painted across their faces. Kuroko didn't even flinch. Back at Teikou, their team manager was Momoi Satsuki, considered a prodigy as well. With her exceptional skill to plan strategies and flawless predictions, the Generation of Miracles always had a sound win against their opponents. It wouldn't be surprising if another promising female coaches a basketball team. One should never judge people by their looks. Race and gender were not deciding factors of a person's capabilities.

"Take off your shirts!" She exclaimed, ignoring the groans and protests of his schoolmates. Kuroko observed her, finally understanding what she was doing. Quite a handy skill. He could almost see the way she was calculating everyone's physical capabilities.

It wasn't long before she had the boys redressed and a practice game commenced. One by one, Kuroko assessed their skill, carefully observing each player—their movements, skills, as well as their stamina and flexibility. By the end of the game, a frown had permanently settled on his face. This is not good.

They were all lacking. Only one stood out the most and from what he remembered, the freshman's name was Kagami Taiga. Quite an impression he makes with his red hair and incredible build, not to mention his flexibility. He definitely was a good player. But not good enough. Aomine Daiki would easily wipe the floor with him. The captain, Junpei Hyuuga could score three-pointers but he was no match for Midorima Shintaro.

Izuki Shun had quite a grasp on the whole court. Eagle's eyes perhaps? But that kind of play would be easily shut down by Kise Ryota, he persisted even more when pressed. He caused psychological pressure the most. Mitobe Rinnosuke had a solid defense but against Murasakibara Atsushi, he would be like a mouse against a bear. Last but not the least was Kiyoshi Teppei, he had a firm hold of the basics, and he was an all-rounder, he could even match upto Kise if he really tried, however...against Akashi Seijuro...Kuroko did not even want to think about it.

"This will not do." He whispered to himself, his eyes intent on their retreating figures. Kuroko stood still, waiting for everyone else to leave the court until only the coach was left. She sat at the bench by the back, her gaze intent on the papers in her hand. With lithe steps, Kuroko walked towards her, careful not to disturb her concentration. Minding his distance, he spoke.

"Coach." Her shoulders tensed before looking back slowly. Her shriek of fright resonated inside the court and he could only blink in mild surprise. Was it something that he said?

"W-What is it?" Aida Riko had never felt so scared in her life. She stared at the unknown man, her heart still racing from the initial shock. Who was he? Where the heck did he come from? And why does he look so indifferent? So many question whirled inside her head when he finally spoke.

"Please let me be this team's manager."

...

Riko was never one to be surprised. If anything, she was indifferent to many many things, and rarely was she affected by the things around her. This day proved to be quite challenging. She was met with a fiery new recruit with an aura so overwhelming, even his regulars were having a hard time adjusting. Teppei was different though, and welcomed the newcomer with wide arms, as expected of a carefree guy.

No, the greatest of surprises today was one blue-haired freshmen who scared the wits out of her. His name was Kuroko Tetsuya, a former student at Teikou Middle School where the Generation of Miracles originated. He was part of the basketball team, he said, but never played a game in competition. For some reason, he wanted to be their manager.

To be honest, Riko didn't know what to think of this unexpected request. She didn't actually need a manager, since she made sure that she had everything taken care of. The uniforms, as well, were washed by the boys themselves. Their nutrients and other foods were prepared beforehand by yours truly along with the captain. Therefore, he had nothing to do. Hmm...

However, there was only one thing bothering her. That look in his eyes was strangely determined, it was clear and she saw something more, though she couldn't put her finger on it. Riko grinned at her reflection, a plan coming to mind. Once Monday comes, there would be a lot more boys she would be raising.

...

Monday came round and unfortunately, just as the three other freshmen shouted their determination over the roof, a teacher came screaming his lungs out. Riko sighed, now, they were most definitely banned from the roof from today onward. She gritted her teeth in frustration as she watched her boys practicing. She didn't even get to execute her plan when it came to that little soon-to-be manager of theirs!

"Kuroko! Where are you!" She roared over the noise and everyone quieted down, a bit scared at the sudden outcry.

"I'm here, coach." A monotone voice came from her side, a shriek was ripped out of her lips, as she jumped out of her seat, a hand over her heaving chest.

"Since when were you there!" She demanded. Kuroko stared at her with his usual deadpanned face.

"I was here all this time." Riko stared at him in disbelief. There it was again! How is he able to sneak up on people without anyone noticing? She sighed before shaking her head. Well, it's now or never. Putting her hands on her waist, she focused her whole attention on Kuroko, not minding their mini audience gathered around them.

"Tell me Kuroko, as this team's manager, what can you offer? Aside from washing the uniforms and doing errands, hm?" Riko couldn't figure it out, what it was that unsettled her whenever she saw him. Even now, in such close proximity, she could still feel the doubt creeping up her system.

Kuroko looked down in thought, what could he offer? That was a good question. He couldn't play, that much was for sure, though he never slacked off when it came to practice. He never ascended from the third string during his middle school. He didn't have much but maybe, his knowledge of the Generation of Miracles could be of use. He was, after all, their most faithful observer, and they were, after all, his inspiration. Starting today, they were his enemies. As the saying goes, "Know thy enemy," right?

Riko was known to be of little patience and her temper was known throughout the school as horrible, not to mention very short. As the seconds ticked by, the tapping of her foot was getting louder. Ticks on her forehead were beginning to appear, and one Hyuuga Junpei was getting nervous for some reason. If she blows up now, it could mean the end of them.

She was brutal when it comes to practice, what more if she decides to vent her anger out on them? They would die, definitely. A shiver of fear went up his spine and with hesitation, he tried to pacify their fuming coach.

"A-Ano Riko, calm down, ne?" Their coach turned to them, a sweet smile plastered on her face.

"I. Am. Calm. You. Dimwit." Hyuuga backed away, along with the rest of the basketball team. Even Kagami didn't think it was a good idea to defy her. They were curious though, who's that seemingly invisible guy she was talking to? And what? A manager? Isn't that a job for a girl? Guys aren't fond of washing clothes. It was common sense, just as girls were incomprehensible.

"Nah Kuroko-kun, if you're going to be wasting my time. Then, you could just le-"

"I can help you beat the Generation of Miracles." Riko's speech screeched to a halt, her mouth hung open as her wide eyes gorged on Kuroko's indifference.

"W-Wha-eh?" No one could blame her loss for words. Even the other members were stumped speechless.

"Big words for a small fry. How will you help us win when you obviously can't play?" Kagami stepped forward, his usual overpowering aura surrounding his tall frame. Kuroko stared at him and a small smile formed at the corner of his lips. He had potential, and lots of it. Maybe, they were the key to their defeat. Seirin had the potential, they just haven't realized it. Through the years that Kuroko watched people, unnoticed and alone, he had developed unparalleled observation skills. He didn't think it was amazing though. He could only do so much.

"I'll tell you everything I know—their weaknesses and strengths. The rest would be up to you." It was a clear challenge, more so than a gamble and Aida Riko couldn't help but laugh at the irony of it all.

"Ahahahahaha! If you're so confident Kuroko-kun, then, we're counting on you to help us at our next practice match." She grinned wide before turning to face her team.

"Alright! Listen up! We will be having a practice match against Kaijo High in three days! Buckle up! They got a hold on one of the Generation of Miracles this year." They all stared at her as if she had grown another head. And if he could really express himself, Kuroko would be staring at her with fish-wide eyes. He was not expecting a match against them so soon.

"Kise Ryota." She continued. "I hope you prepare yourselves, boys." Riko turned to Kuroko, a creepy grin on her face.

"We'll be counting on you, manager."

To be continued...


A~nd another chapter for you guys. What do you think? R&R! ^^