Scarlet's Basketball (Sukaretto no Basuke)

by Shiyami Fumetsu

'Yo! I'm Akairyuuno Shana' she introduced herself. 'Kuroko Tetsuya. Nice to meet you' Kuroko lowered his head for a bit. 'Did he just say Kuroko Tetsuya? You're kidding right' Shana thought then howled in laughs at the impossibility. 'I, a human in flesh lived on the planet Earth travelled into fictional world of Kuroko no Basuke.' 'Isn't mind blowing? Damn yes is it.' SelfInsertOC

2. Chapter 2

Title: Scarlet's Basketball (Sukaretto no Basuke)

Summary: The freaking saga of eccentric girl's 360 degree twisted turn of her life.

---

Chapter 2: It is also the symbolizes power.

Pairing: OC X Generation of Miracles.

Disclaimer: Well, I don't own any Kuroko no Basuke's Characters, canon plot and events. It belongs to Tadatoshi Fujimaki. The OC, invented twist of plot and this fanfic (story) are mine though.

Warning: Language, Violence, any possible spoiler.

Author's note: I'm so sorry for the late update! 3d Projects are such pain in the ass really. Thank you for those who did review, favorite and follow this story. Here's the second chapter for you guys. My apology for my wrong grammar or any misusage of words. This story is Unbetaed. Enjoy reading.

'…..' – Inner thoughts.

''….'' – Spoken words.

---

スカーレット

Su-longetivity Ka-flower Re-rule,order To-to fly

---

Spring

A whole week passed since the first day of class and Shana still hasn't attended any one of her classes. She went to school just to roam around the campus with her skateboard, sleeping anywhere and play basketball with Kuroko. They didn't talk that much, just a casual conversation mainly about basketball. Although Shana know that Kuroko wanted to befriended with her, she just ignored his good intention and doesn't pursue his friendship, she can't, not yet that's what she thought until now. On the other hand, Kuroko seems understood her personal conflict. He has a feeling that Shana will become his friend soon. He just needs to wait patiently and enjoy their moments while playing basketball together.

Today, all of the freshmen of Teiko would have their pretest in all their subjects. Those tests would determine if students are sufficiently to begin a new course of study. This time also, the class starts earlier than the default time in order to brief the students after they take the test.

6:15 am

While the other freshmen already arrived at Teiko Middle School and were now begin their exams at their respective rooms, somewhere on Tokyo, inside the big and elegant with two floors condominium, Shana was still sleeping peacefully at her queen sized fluffy bed.

7:00 am

''Beep.. Beep.. Beep.''

'Hmm..' She groaned in annoyance as she turned off her digital alarm clock. She nearly smashed the poor thing into tiny pieces. Then she went back to sleep again.

7:45 am

''Beep.. Beep.. Be-''

''Ah fine, I'm wake you piece of shit.'' Shana mumbled then she jumped out from her bed and walked in the bathroom to take a bath. She wore her uniform but changed her pants into skirt although it's against her will. Of course she has a reason why she settled to wear a skirt from now on. It's not because she's following Sanada's advice, it's just necessary to make her plans successful.

8:30 am

''Performing a little sacrifice is not a big deal anyway.'' She thought. After she done her preparation and ate a three cups of ramen as her breakfast, she left her house and stopped in a convenience store to buy some snacks. Still a little bit sleepy, she was on her way to cashier when she didn't notice she bumped into Murasakibara.

''…Ah..'' Murasakibara muttered lazily.

Shana's droopy eyes grew wider for a bit when her golden eye caught his purplish locks. She was now wide awake as she observed deeply Murasakibara's appearance.

'Damn, a purple titan in disguised. He should be in anime Shingeki no Kyojin instead of Kuroko no Basuke universe!'

Murasakibara lingered her violet pair of eyes on the petite girl in front him. He actually didn't saw her coming. So with his childish mind, he doesn't have any intention to apologize to her.

'Hmm.. it's not my fault that she's so small.' He reasoned out.

''Excuse-'' He was going to tell her to stay out of his way so he can buy his favorite snacks that he longingly craving since the class started when Shana interrupted him suddenly. Shana who was now flaring inside with annoyance and irritation managed to calm herself down. She titled her head up, and glaring darkly at Murasakibara's dull eyes.

''I don't fucking care if you're taller than me nor my fault for having a petite height. You better watch where you going next time.'' She seriously warned him.

''Or you'll get a pretty nasty trip.'' She added with a tiny smirk forming on her face.

Murasakibara just stood there dumbfounded. He didn't notice the girl already left.

'Is it just me or did she hear what I was thinking? But, she's too serious.. Hmm.. Makes me want to crush her..' Even though he was annoyed that an unknown petite girl just gave him a hell of a words he decided to simply shrug it off and went back his attention buying his snacks.

''Those tests make me really hungry..'' As he paid for his snacks, he went back to school while munching an amount of chips into his mouth.

While Shana skated on the way to school, she yawned and voiced out a sluggish comment to no one.

''It's too early for a surprise. Gimme a break.''

---

Shana reached the school and went straightly to room 1-A, her respective class. This is her first time attending her class and also her first day meeting her teacher and classmates. Something she really doesn't look forward to. She knocked twice at their classroom's door and was greeted by a black haired man in his thirties wearing a full attire black formal suit with dark blue tie. She saw the man's raised his eyebrow in confusion and question.

''Who are you and what's your business here?'' The man asked him

''I'm Akairyuuno Shana. I believe I belong to this class, Sir.'' Shana replied with her usual poker face and deadpan tone of voice. She inwardly rolled her eyes when she saw the teacher's surprised and displeased reaction. She got inside the classroom as their infuriating teacher motion her to come in. Shana was now standing in front of the class. Her heterochromatic eyes saw nothing but faceless humans, her classmates. She heard clearly their soft whispering to each other.

''What's with her weird different eyes? It looks scary.''

''Is she a transferee?''

''I bet she's a weirdo.''

''Dude, she has a cute face don't you think?''

''Gross, you're really a lolicon.''

''She isn't a doll, is she?''

''Damn, her legs are pretty thin and fatless. I envy her.''

''She should be in elementary right?''

The classroom went into silent when their male teacher coughed loudly. He was obviously annoyed at the current situation. He thought Akairyuuno Shana already dropped out from school due to she was absent consecutively for two weeks ever since the school started. He was having a difficult to decide now. He can't tolerate her absences unless she has a valid reason. And also the fact she was very late for today's pre-examination.

''Before you introduce yourself, I would like to know your reason about your two weeks absences and your tardiness today?'' Everyone excluding Shana tensed on their seats as they hear their teacher's inquiry.

Shana already expected this to happen. She suppressed a smirk then gave her quick response without blinking an eye.

'What should I say? The truth or lie?' She hummed inside her mind.

'Then deception will be fine.'

''I can't tell you, it's too personal, sir. As for being late today, I woke up late.'' Almost the students inside their classroom dropped their jaws at her latter explanation. They were now pitied her. They all know Teiko's professors didn't tolerate tardiness. The teacher was now visibly mad at her. He knew she outsmarted him by her words.

''Is that so, then introduce yourself to the class, sit wherever you want. The whole class was already done with their test. As for you, I give you 1 hour to finish your exams. No extension. That is your punishment!'' The teacher sternly stated.

''I understand sir. I'm Akairyuuno Shana.'' Shana plainly introduced herself. The teacher gave him 5 pages of questionnaire before she sat on her arm chair. She was aware of the whole class's attention on her. They are wondering what she'll going to do and commenting that she can't possibly take her tests for only 1 hour.

Shana brought out her mechanical pencil from her bag and started answering the pretest. Her eyes glint in boredom and disgust.

'This is just a waste of time. I already learned these topics before.' She sighed in disappointed. Without much choice she still continued to answer all of the test questionnaires'. Almost one hour passed and she's on the last page. She groaned in annoyance when she was required to write an essay with 500 words.

'Troublesome..' She muttered silently and hurriedly wrote all the opinions she had on her mind about a certain topic. Then as she finished the test exactly after an hour the teacher called for her to pass her papers on him. Their advisor froze in his spot as he looked at Shana's test papers.

'She answered it all in just one hour?!' he unbelievably thought. He regained his composure when a student ask him if he's going to dismiss the class now or he's still have a small discussion with them about the test results.

''The results will be posted in bulletin board soon. The student who'll get the highest score will be exempted in midterm exams. That's all. Class dismisses.''

''Thanks for today, sir!'' The students bowed in respect and shouted in unison except for Shana then they left the classroom as the school bell rang.

---

After eaten her lunch, she didn't bothered to take a look at the school's bulletin board. She was certain about the result not that she was bragging or anything. Her answers are simply absolute. Her feet lead her again to the familiar Regent Chairman's Office. She inhaled and exhaled before knocking the door. When she heard Head Coach Shirogane positive response then she proceeded to walk inside.

As she expected, the old man hugged her again but this time it was only a brief gentle hug. She eyed him carefully. Shirogane was wearing different kind of facial expression. He looks peaceful, relax, at ease and at her own opinion she thought he's a gullible kind of person? Shana unconsciously bit her lips in slight nervousness.

Sensing Shana's little uneasiness, Shirogane began to worry. He was glad that Shana visited him again. He wondered about her purpose of visiting. To lessen the girl's nervousness, he smiled and asked her a question.

''So how's your practice at 4th basketball Gymnasium, I presume it goes well?''

Shana snapped out of her thought at his sudden question. She was now playing a strand of her long crimson lock with still black face expression. She answered quickly.

''Yes, you're right. I have fun. I also met a guy and we play basketball every night.''

Shirogane's eyebrow knitted in confusion and amusement.

'A guy huh?' He thought while let out a small smile. He wondered on what string the guy belongs to. He was surprised that there's someone else also practices on the 4th Gymnasium. He was certain that no one use it every night.

'Hmm.. maybe I need to ask some coaches about this.'

''So is he your friend now? What's his name?'' Shirogane inquired. He was kind of intrigued now. Why's the guy practicing on the 4th Gymnasium and how he caught Shana's interest and let him play with her?

The tiny anxiety has gone now. Shana was silently grateful at Shirogane's fatherly instinct. Now that the air is clear of tension she put her plan into action. First, to informed him about Kuroko Tetsuya by telling her encounter with him. But she was caught off guard when her relationship with Kuroko questioned by Shirogane.

'Geez.. Protective Old man.'

''No he isn't. He is an interesting person though. His name is Kuroko Tetsuya.'' She replied truthfully.

'Kuroko Tetsuya huh. Did he mention on what string does he belong to?' Shirogane asked another question.

''Yes, he said he's on the third string.'' Shana responded. Shiroganes' eyes widen in surprise.

'Seriously? A third string member? Now, this is really interesting.' He found it unbelievable. He knew well that those on the third string are young players who have no talents or potential. He was now wary of this guy. He needed to see this guy by himself.

Observing Shirogane's surprised and deep in thought expression made Shana's grinned inwardly in mildly satisfaction. It was exactly what she planned.

'Oops, Beware.. As always Curiosity would kill the cat.'

''Shirogane-jiji, if you want, you can come with me tonight and watch him practice from the second floor.'' Shana suggested and chuckled for a bit as she saw another entertaining reaction from the old man when she called him 'Shirogane-jiji'

Shirogane coughed in embarrassment and joked about his age.

''I'm not that old.''

''If you say so, Shirogane-jiji'' Shana let out a teasingly remark.

Shirogane just smiled at Shana's childish words, he was really in joy that Shana addressed him like that. Something she wouldn't dare to say to him a long time ago. Right now, he felt clearly that Shana was considering him like her real father. He can't slip off this another development into his non blood related daughter's life. So without any hesitation, he settled to take Shana's suggestion.

''Alright, I'll go and watch with you tonight.'' Shana just smiled at his approval. She wasn't expecting that convincing the Head Coach is a piece of cake. She congratulated herself for she doesn't need to use deception or mind games to the old man at that time. It's not like she want or against to, she'll do it without having a second thought whenever it's necessary.

'He truly trusts me huh. Of course not, he trusts the real Akairyuuno Shana not me.'

---

At Teiko's Cafeteria.

Students were busy eating their lunches, some were chatting with friends, while the others were discussing group activities with their club members at their respective long table and chairs. At the right corner of cafeteria, there's a bunch of young boys, sitting and eating together. The group is composed of 6 people. They are from the Teiko's Basketball Club. But these numbers of individuals aren't just ordinary players. They belong to 1st string and also the regular members of Teiko. They were currently having a discussion about the first years' pretest today.

''So how's your first pre exam?'' asked by an average height guy who has short black hair with his bangs combed into his left side. His name is Shuzo Nijimura. He's captain of Teiko's Basketball Club. He is known the strongest power forward among the middle school players in Japan.

''Although the questions were a little advance, . I got on the third place, nanodayo.'' Midorima was the first one who shared his opinion. He was a little bit disappointed that he didn't manage to defeat Akashi's score. So he just adjusted his glasses as he swears he'll surely win against him next time.

''Ah. Congrats Midorima! How about you, Akashi?'' Nijimura asked Akashi who was sitting on his left.

''It's nothing I can handle. I got the second place.'' Akashi answered with a little hint of coldness on his voice. He wasn't disappointed. He was just mildly surprise that he wasn't on the top and someone else managed to outrank him. And that person is none other than the crimson girl he saw at the 1st string's gymnasium. Instead of feeling annoyed at the girl, he felt a little admiration and competition towards her.

'Akairyuuno Shana, let's see what you can do more.' His bloody red eyes darken and widen with gleam of excitement. His odd behavior noticed by one of his teammates, Midorima. The green haired boy narrowed his eyes as he staring intently at Akashi's eyes.

''Akashi?..'' Midorima tried to call him but it seems Akashi lost in his thought and failed to hear him.

While Midorima was curious about what's going on Akashi's mind, the others gaped in shocked. As far as they knew, there is nobody among the freshmen who was smarter than Akashi Seijuro. He got looks and popularity because of his unquestionable intelligence and talents. He always excels in any extracurricular activities and academics. They were expecting Akashi got on top.

''What? Akashi's only is second place? You're kidding right?'' Aomine joked with a small laugh. He gulped and tensed as he met Akashi's intimidating harden gaze.

''Chill, I'm just kidding, Akashi.'' Aomine revoked his words, while scratching his navy dark blue short hair.

''Then, who got the first place Mido-chin?'' Murasakibara inquired while busy munching his packed of lunch. He ate in kind of ill-mannered way that earned a annoyed scowl from Midorima.

''Akairyuuno Shana, nanodayo. By the way, eat properly Murasakibara!'' Midorima announced with an irritated tone. Aomine, Nijimura, and Murasakibara have a confused look on their faces.

''Who's Akairyuuno Shana?'' The three asked in unison.

Midorima just let out a heavy sigh then narrated to them what just happened to their class a few hours ago.

''You're kidding right? That was impossible. I won't buy that crap.'' Aomine frowned in disbelief.

''That's quite an inhuman feat. Despite of the 1 hour limit punishment, she managed to finish her exam and even got perfect scores to her tests.'' The only 2nd year in the group voiced out his opinion. He was going to say something to Akashi when a loud crash was heard inside the school cafeteria. Everyone including them watched as an unexpected show unfolded before their eyes.

---

Before Shana left the Regent Chairman's Office she bid Head Coach Shirogane a short farewell and was now found herself ended up in Teiko's big cafeteria. Her tummy was no growling in hunger. The snacks she bought at the convenience store weren't enough to satisfy her famine. She bought one bottle of pineapple juice, two pieces of chicken teriyaki, five plates of rice and a salad for dessert. She was on her way to vacant table when a two male students nearly stumble to her, because of her fast reflexes she avoid them with a little difficulty though due to a tray of food on her arm.

She just sighed in relief and mildly annoyance. Her lunch is safe. Her ravaging hunger was more now important than to beat the hell of crap those guys for their carelessness. She hummed in excitement. Her eyes were glinting with predatory gaze as she eyed her delicious foods on the top of table. With grin, she picked up the chopsticks, and then muttered "Itadakimasu!" She began to devoured her lunch when a guy was thrown to her direction straightly ended up crashing on the top of table, thus, completely ruining her foods.

Shana's sight went black. All she can see is eternal darkness. She was dumbfounded as she saw the wasted foods spilled on the ceramic floor and broken table. She gazed her attention on the guy who had just interrupted her wonderful afternoon. Her body was shaking in rage, she was clenching her tiny fists, and her heterochromatic eyes tinted darkly.

'Sleep.. you fucking bastard.'

She doesn't given the guy a chance to depend himself as she charged at him with malicious intent. With inhuman speed she raised her tiny fist and punched the guy's face earning a loud and sickening crack. The impact sent the victim flying a few meters away and crashed on the row of tables and chairs.

As much as she wants to do that, it only happened in Shana's mind. She runs a simulation what would happen if she chose to cause a bloody rampage in cafeteria. She knew that future effects of her actions will also affect or might ruin her plans, so she decided not to use violence although her whole body shaking in anger. She just slowly stood up and gently lifted up the guy with grayish spiky hair from the messy table. Her eyes narrowed as he recognized him.

'This guy is Haizaki Shogo.' Her lips grinned, she was not shock, she was actually excited and interested the fact she met another Kuroko no Basuke's character. Maybe it's an effect of her fangirling side. Still she wouldn't be chummy with them just because she's a fan. In reality they are nothing but a bunch of insignificant persons.

''Oi, put me down, you brat!'' Haizaki yelled in protest. As he saw their demon captain, Nijimura, he only has one goal for today and that is to fly right away from school cafeteria or else he'll taste his captain's merciless punishment. With tough luck, he found them eating with his other teammates, before they would notice him, he began to hop from chairs to table not bothering to at the mess and interruption he would create. He was near the exit when he was blinded to see another chair and table in front him because of his carelessness. He just realized that he failed his attempt escape when he was lifted by a petite girl with very red long locks, her dangerous heterochromatic eyes were staring straight through his soul and thought for a moment the girl looks like in fire ready to burn everything any moment. He suppressed a tiny gulp.

'Hell she's just a little girl.' He was trying to convince himself not to be intimidated by the girl's deadly aura. On the contrary, he was starting to get nervous and hate the girl at the same time. Because right now, the girl with a tighten grip on his collar, they strolled at his team's direction.

'Oh man.' He was glaring at his captor with immense annoyance and irritation. He really needed to break away from the girl's hold. He thought only possible option to get away.

'It's you or me.' Settled with a plan, he licked his back of his thumb finger while grinning in playful manner.

''I know what you're thinking, save for it later. If you really want to escape from here, you better listen to me.'' Shana murmured sternly to Haizaki. She sent him a glare telling him to 'Be quiet and don't do something stupid.' Haizaki much to his dismay and surprised doesn't have any choice but to obey her orders if he really want to avoid being caught by his demon captain, Nijimura.

'Then, this brat is the only way.. How annoying.' He thought.

Shana and Haizaki were now in front of infuriating captain of Teiko Basketball Club, Nijimura Shuzo along with Akashi, Aomine, Murasakibara and Midorima. Everyone can felt Nijimura's rage towards a certain boy with grayish spikey hair. The other four just sweat dropped and sighed heavily. They were used at their captain and Haizaki's usual act, still Nijimura's menacing aura is a frightening sight.

Shana chuckled in amusement.

'Nijimura Shuzo, the captain of Teiko Basketball Club.' Her eyes roamed around and began to observe his physical appearance. He is an average build player. He has sharp pair of onyx eyes as well as his mind and senses. He's also popular and attractive type of guy. His raven locks with short bangs were combed to his left side.

'~Hnnnnnnnnn…' Shana groaned silently in annoyance. Her hormones started again to kick in. She turned her head and observed the other four too.

'Why's everyone in Kuroko no Basuke so damn good looking, be it a supporting character or antagonist?'

Her attention back at Haizaki who was squirming in discomfort and his silver eyes were throwing dark glares at her. Her eyebrows knitted in displeasure.

'You defy my order. According to KUROFES, you dislike Nijimura huh? Then I'll give you a reason to dislike him more, bastard.' Then Shana strengthened her grip on Haizaki's collar then lifted him higher enough to get him face to face with Nijimura. With enough speed and force, she closed the gap between the two.

''Now, kiss.'' She sickeningly grinned from ear to ear. Students and teachers in the school cafeteria gasped in pure horror as they saw clearly with their saucer eyes and jaws dropped Haizaki's lips met Nijimura's. The two victims froze completely at their respective spots. Their minds went blank. They were too speechless to make a move.

Shana used this opportunity to bring out a camera from her bag and took the capturing moments in front of her. First, Haizaki and Nijimura kissing scene. Then, Aomine, Akashi, Midorima and Murasakibaras' shocked faces. After that she slipped back her camera to her bag and snickered at her little stunt.

One minute already passed but it seems the time sudden stopped for the moment. Everyone stiffened like a statues and kept impassive except for Shana who was watching their reactions with amused eyes. She looked at Akashi and Midorima. Their eyes were widened in fraction with their mouths hanging open. Then to Murasakibara, he dropped his chop sticks and looks like he was trying to hold back a choke. Aomine was the one who has the funniest reaction of all. It looks like his soul was drifted away from his body. His navy blue eyes were not visibly only his white dilated pupils left. His mouth was widely open with some saliva flowing out from it.

Shana embraced herself. She can't take it anymore.

.

.

.

.

''~Hmpfft.. WAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!'' She rolled on the floor while laughing. LOL.

''My sides.. damnn wahahaha!'' she let out another wave of laughs. She heard a laugh coming from Aomine who already recovered from his shock and the two laughed together followed by another laugh and more. The people inside the cafeteria were back and reanimated again.

''Ha..ha..ha.'' Shana panted because of too much laughing. She took a deep breath and pulled back Haizaki away from Nijimura. The captain and Haizaki have visibly deep red shades on their faces out of embarrassment and rage. Without breaking her hold to Haizaki's collar, she stepped forward, and leaned closer to the stiffened Nijimura.

''Let's play 1v1 and I'll give back your teammate or I'll spread the scandalous scene of yours to the other schools. What do you think? The infamous number 1 power forward in middle school and Teiko's Captain, Nijimura Shuzo?'' Shana uttered playfully to his ear. She didn't bother to hear his response and just leave the once again speechless captain rooted in his place. She muttered some few words in the air though, before she and Haizaki left completely.

''1st string Gym, 4pm sharp. Don't be late Captain.''

---

The moment they reached the Teiko's School Backyard Shana released quickly Haizaki from her hold. Haizaki raised his hand to grab her hair but Shana countered it with a kick on his chin. Moaning in pain, he clenched his both fists and aiming to punch Shana's face. Haizaki was furious in shame. No one ever humiliated him like that. Now, he swore that he loathes this insane red headed girl than his captain. He didn't care if she was a girl. All he wanted to do now is to beat her to death. Much to his chagrin, his strong resent towards the girl was getting stronger every minute. He can't comprehend the girl's weird of thinking right now.

'I'm trying to bloody beat her yet she's smiling, instead of cowering in fear.' He ducked to avoid Shana's kick from behind. He turned around to give a surprised lower punch on her stomach when he was tripped by Shana's foot. He groaned in annoyance and slightly pain because of his back and ass fell and met the cemented floor.

Shana looked down at Haizaki. Her body was in adrenaline, she was getting rile up with their little fist fight. She wanted more. With mocking tone, she challenged him.

''You're going to brood there forever, loser?'' She smiled in satisfaction when he stood up and pounced at her with killer intent.

''Shut up brat! You'll pay for what you did to me, you little bitch'' Shana just lifted her eyebrow at his declaration.

''That should my line, you bastard. After what you have done with my lunch. You'll fucking pay for it!''

''I don't care about you or your stupid revenge, in the end you'll be the one crying in defeat.'' Haizaki sneered at her and licked again his thumb.

''Oh I would like to see you try!'' she retorted back.

''You talk too much, let's just get started!''

She chuckled then straightened right arm, palm opened, fingers pointed at Haizaki's face. Imitating a bad ass pose from one of her favorite character in anime, she copied it and roared her words with utter confidence.

''Right. Bring it on, I'm all fired up!''

Shana without waiting for him to move, she charged straight at him. She sidestepped to evade one of Haizaki's incoming punches. She got one of his arms and twisted it with a laud crack making it immovable for a while. Haizaki bit his lip to hide the pain and still doesn't stop attacking Shana. He kicked her on her stomach but Shana barely managed to counter it. His eyes glint in sadistic way as he saw Shana's coughing in mildly pain. Without wasting any chance, he lifted her in the air by grabbing firmly her very long red locks.

''How pitiful, now you'll going to apologize for what you did or I'll beat you to pulp, you insane bitch?!'' Haizaki smirked in triumph.

''Hah! Don't give that smirk, you aren't the victor here.'' After Shana said those words, she made a move that surprised Haizaki. She unbelievable flipped upward in the air, facing the floor, she wrapped her both legs around Haizaki's neck enough to release his hold to her hair. With a grin, Shana locked strongly her grip to his neck and did another flipped upward. Haizaki crashed on the floor face fell first.

''I am the victor.'' Shana declared signaling that their fight was done. She gently rolled Haizaki's body. Sighing, she scratched her head in annoyance as she saw Haizaki's beat up condition. He is still alive just unconscious. His nose was bleeding due to the harsh impact with floor. He also has fresh bruises painted on his face and a black eye.

'I guess I overworked too much.'

''Are you alright, Shana-san?'' A monotone voice of male heard from her behind. Shana nearly jumped in shocked. She turned around and noticed Kuroko standing near her with unreadable expression.

''I'm fine, what are you doing here Tetsuya-kun?''

''After what happened at the Cafeteria, I was looking for you. Here, I bring you some lunch.'' Kuroko handed over a pack of lunch to Shana.

''Eh? You saw it? When? I didn't saw you there?''

'Hmm.. maybe I was too hungry to notice him there.' Shana reasoned out

Her widened eyes in delight and wasn't aware that she was drooling shamelessly as she opened the container. She began gulping all the food in very quick and ill manner. Afterwards, she gave him a brief and gentle hug.

''Man, you're such a lifesaver. Thanks, Tetsuya-kun!''

''You're welcome, Shana-san. How's Haizaki-san?'' Kuroko walked towards the unconscious Haizaki who was lying on the floor. Shana sweat dropped while trying to give him a proper explanation.

''Err.. He's fine, he's just sleeping. Hehe.'' Then she picked up Haizaki's unmoving body on her shoulder like a sack of rice and started moving to her next destination.

''Anyway, let's go. I need to do some preparation. You're going to watch my game right?'' Shana paused for a moment.

''Yes, Shana-san'' Kuroko replied. Shana smiled at his positive response and they strolled together on the way to 1st string Gymnasium.

---

Back to Teiko's Cafeteria

Aomine was still howling in laughs on what just happened between Haizaki and their Captain, Nijimura. He snickered in amusement at the red head girl's little prank. He has a feeling that he'll see more of her playful sides in the near future and he can't help but to look forward to it. He suddenly received a whack on his head from one of his teammates, the green haired megane boy, Midorima.

''Ouch, What was that for Midorima-teme?'' Aomine glared at him.

''Idiot, stop fooling around or you'll get also a punishment from the captain, nanodayo.'' Midorima adjusted his glasses as he scolded him.

''Party pooper.'' Aomine muttered bluntly.

''What did you say Aomine?'' A single vein popped on Midorima's forehead. Before the two started to bicker to each other, Nijimura interrupted with an announcement. With his hands on his hips, his eyes were sharper than the usual, he was visibly emitting dark suffocating aura while he was muttering his order.

''I can't cancel the practice for this afternoon. I rescheduled it though. All of you will watch the match and afterwards you four make sure that Haizaki and the girl won't leave the Gym. If you failed.. you know what will happen~'' Nijimura smiled eerily to them. The four freshmen just stiffly nodded at their Captain's order.

''Akashi, I'm counting on you.'' Nijimura patted Akashi's head gently.

''I understand, Nijimura-san.'' Akashi motioned Murasakibara, Aomine and Midorima to follow him in Basketball Clubroom.

''Why are we going back to the Clubroom Aka-chin?'' Murasakibara lazily asked while chomping some food in his mouth.

''To formulate a plan.'' Akashi plainly replied.

''Plan for what Aka-chin?'' Murasakibara ask another question.

''You didn't listen to what the Captain said a while ago, did you?'' Midorima snapped at him.

''Eh~..'' was the only word that Murasakibara muttered. Sighing heavily, Midorima adjusted his glasses and began to give one his teammates a hell of lecture.

''We'll capture those two idiots, but we obviously need a plan first, nanodayo.''

''Ah~''

''Hey are you even listening to me Murasakibara?!'' Midorima narrowed his eyes.

''~Hmm *munch*''

''And, stop eating while walking, you're littering, nanodayo!''

''Yada *munch* yada *munch*''

Akashi just smirked at their antics then his smirk grew wider in excitement. Today, he finally knew the girl's name, and it's Akairyuuno Shana.

'~Hmm, her family name is kinda familiar.' He hummed. He was certain that he heard that name before but can't remember it when and where. Still he was really looking for today 1on1 match between her and their Captain. He already has a glimpse of Nijimura's skills whenever they have a practice game with the other schools. For him, Nijimura is a good leader, an average player with incredible speed and sharp mind, he just has a short temper and a strict person though.

Then there's Shana, the challenger. He was surprised at the girl's previous mischievous acts. First, she has a gut to anger their Captain by making Haizaki kissed him. Second, she even challenged Nijimura to a one on one play. He wondered about Shana's reason. Does she know that she can't win against Nijimura? Or she was aware about her low probability of winning and doesn't care if she'll win or lose because she has other motive. But, maybe she was just overconfident with her abilities, still he found it intriguing.

He sighed softly.

'Maybe I think about it too much.'

---

At Teiko's 1st String Gymnasium

At exactly 4pm, the two participants of the anticipated match were seen standing on the center part of the full basketball court. One is known as the number one power forward player and also the Teiko's Captain, his name is Nijimura Shuzo. He was wearing a red shirt, white short and pair of white basketball shoes. The other one is a girl name Akairyuuno Shana. She has a small build and fragile outlook. She was wearing a white shirt, red short and pair of golden basketball shoes. She tied up her very long crimson locks into a high one ponytail. She also wore black armbands on her left and right wrist.

The spectators were at the side of the court and benches which composed of mostly 1st string members, regular members, their two coaches, the assistant Coach Sanada and Head Coach Shirogane.

The game scoring system this time was kind of different. The player who'll get the highest score will be declared as the winner of the match. The game will only take 5 mins due to the regular members including Nijimura were needed to do their usual practice and training for the upcoming National Tournament in August.

Facing her opponent, Shana can't control her excitement, she was grinning in delight, her eyes shone in different kind of glint.

''I'll show you and teach you how amazing my basketball is, Captain.''

Nijimura just smugly raised his lone eyebrow at her declaration.

''Then show me what you got brat.'' Nijimura retorted.

''And one more thing-'' Shana let out a mocking smile.

''Don't disappoint me.''

As a whistle echoed in the whole Gymnasium, Murasakibara effortless threw the ball into the air. Both players jumped at the same time. Everyone gaped when Shana's small hand grabbed the ball first then landed on the ground quietly. She inhaled and her focus was on Nijimura's slightly surprised eyes. She was dribbling the ball with her right hand while Nijimura with right stance he went automatically in defense position. He wondered how the hell she managed to get the ball first before him. However, it's not the right time to think about it. He needed to focus on his opponent. He watched carefully every girl's movement. As he saw the moment she exhaled deeply, his body normally went in guard.

'Here she comes, will she do a fake or not?'

Smirking inwardly, Shana took quick jab step away, with her adjusted gravity, she throw the ball into the air that pass over his opponent with that she broke past Nijimura's defense. She sprinted forward as she caught the ball. She hummed in satisfaction when she sensed Nijimura's quick approach. Now that Nijimura was again in front of her, she flicked her wrist and dribbled the ball that goes between her opponents' legs then used her left hand to catch it. Shana realized that she already achieved her goal and that is to get inside the two point line.

''Let see if you can stop me.'' She murmured softly to Nijimura.

Nijimura just ignored her challenging words. He was completely gone into his serious mode. He didn't expect that Shana can really play basketball and even performed some basketball skills. With her little show off, he learned that she's someone you can just underestimate. In short, he was truly impressed by her skills despite of her appearance.

'Looks can be deceiving.'

Shana just grunted inwardly when she didn't get any response from Nijimura. Still dribbling the ball, she gazed her heterochromatic eyes to observed Nijimura's facial expression. Her orbs widened and lips formed in a smile.

'He's finally taking me seriously'

Shana kept on dribbling the ball then did a quick crossover. Aware of Nijimura's intention of stopping her from scoring she was still unfazed by his defensive moves. She drove past him and moved forward. She was now under the net and put force on her legs as she jumped. While on the mid-air, she adjusted her hand and aim to shot the ball into the net but Nijimura with enough speed he caught up with Shana in ease. Expecting his opponent moves, Shana flicked her wrist to pass the ball from her right hand to her left hand. She swiftly turned around while still on the air to avoid Nijimura's defensive attack. Without wasting any seconds, she hardly dunked the ball and scored.

The tension in the air was getting thicker. Mostly of the 1st string members and their coaches can't comprehend what was happening. They were too shocked to accept the fact that their Captain wasn't being able to stop the girl's attack. And also, their jaws dropped in awe as they witnessed Shana made a dunk. A middle school girl like her managed to do that. Dunk is some of them can barely do.

While the others were too speechless at what they just saw, Aomine who was with his other regular members beamed in fascination. He can't help but to voiced out his thought.

''That was an impressive move! I want to play with her next!''

''It's only a dunk. Three points are much better, nanodayo.'' Midorima suddenly counter him.

''Eh? Are you an idiot Midorima? Murasakibara tell him that dunks are more awesome than threes.'' Aomine with a slight frown motioned Murasakibara to speak up.

''….Hmm *munch* She surely can dunk *munch* still small though..''

Midorima and Aomine sweat dropped at Murasakibara's nonchalantly opinion. Akashi also joined their discussion.

''Dunks and threes are both vital shots in basketball. As long as the ball goes in, then I have nothing to say about it.''

''Ah.. yeah right.'' Aomine, Midorima as well as Murasakibara just nodded in agreement. It's not like they agreed at their vice captain's opinion or against it. They just felt that their tiny argument was pointless. They all realized that it's impossible to them to convince each other. They have different attitude towards basketball after all. So the four young players just shifted back their attention at the game and kept their thoughts at themselves.

This time it was Nijimura on offense and Shana's on the defense. Nijimura was dribbling the ball with his right hand. He slightly lowered his body and adjusted his both feet's gravity. He was ready to do his usual drive. But he can't understand why he can't move his body. He was trying to lift his leg to take a small step but he failed. His eyes were staring at Shana's darken and almost dilating heterochromatic eyes. He inhaled to calm himself. He can't deny the fact that Shana was giving him a hell of pressure. He felt like he was again at his first debut playing his very first official game.

''What did I say to you captain?'' He heard Shana muttered something to him again. He just lifted again a lone a brow indicating he doesn't know.

''I told you to don't disappoint me. What are you doing? Move your ass already or I'll steal the ball right under your nose.'' Shana sneered at him.

''Steal huh? I would like to see you try.'' Nijimura mocked her. Shana curved her lips. It's not her intention to help him from getting paralyze because of the tension in the air. She was aware that the Captain was begun to stir in nervousness. She can't blame him. She understood his inner battle. Well it's her deeds anyway that he got in that pitiful situation. Since she defeated him in tip off and dunked over him she knew that everyone in the court began to whispering to each other mainly about Nijimura failed to stop a mere girl from attacking. They starting to questioned Nijimura's skills and capabilities which was really bad especially Nijimura has a reputation to take care of.

If Nijimura let his muddily emotion took over him, he'll finally lose his concentration and focus that might lead to his defeat. That is something she can't allow to happen. The game will be boring and pointless. So she decided to give him a little push to awake him from getting distracted. Not for his sake but for her selfish reason though.

Nijimura was now back at his usual calm and collected self. His silver eyes narrowed and glinted in dangerous way. Shana sensing he was finally going to make a move, she bent her both knees and stacked up energy on her feet. Nijmura in swift motion dribbled the ball from his right hand to left hand while he drove past Shana. Shana did a quick approached by reading his feets' movement but Nijimura did a fast turn around and paused. He raised his arms, adjusted his wrist and was aiming to shoot the ball into the net.

The whole crowd inside in the Gym was shouting and began to cheer their Captain when they saw that he broke the Shana's defense. Nijimura jumped in ease and released the ball from his hold. The ball was now in the mid-air. Shana who was waiting for that moment with her reserve force on her feet, she jumped and pushed her body up making her jump higher than a normal jump. She invisibly flinched in shock when one of her ankles twitched in piercing pain. She ignored that and still to continue to reach the ball into air, but with now strain on her foot she only managed to touch the ball with the tip of her middle finger and wasn't be able to stop the ball. The ball was circling the ring metal before it went in. Nijimura scored.

As Shana landed gracefully at the floor, she has begun to pant heavily. She can felt her body was slowly overcome by fatigue.

'Fuck, I shouldn't pick a fight with Haizaki before the game.' She cursed silently at herself. She didn't underestimate her opponent nor overestimate her skills. But she made a miscalculation. She forgot the fact that her body is still young and fragile. And she's only a girl with small build and stamina compared to Nijimura who is a boy and always does physical training and exercises.

'I guess I'll start to do endurance training tonight.'

'Then build some muscles on my upper and lower limbs.'

Her thoughts were interrupted when the ball was passed to her by Nijimura.

''You're running out of gas kiddo.'' Nijimura stated. Shana just shrugged it off. Although his words were true she can't let her little trouble affect her play.

''The game isn't over.'' Was all she replied to him. Nijimura let out a small smile at Shana's strong will and determination. He was truly amused.

'This girl is really something, isn't she?'

Then both players went into their respective stance as the game resumed. Everyone were hardly time to breathe as they watched the two players were exchanging points after one another with wide eyes and mouths hanging open in awe and fascination. They felt like they were in an action movie witnessing the protagonist and antagonist's final battle. Shana and Nijimura were both panting heavily in fatigue and they can felt their bodies shook in euphoria. They were both enjoying their 1on1 match.

Only 5 seconds left, the current score is 10-9 with Nijimura in the lead. Shana got the ball. This is her final chance. If she will manage to score, the game will be ended as a draw but if she failed, Nijimura will be declared as the victor of this match.

Shana inwardly admitted that her body was almost at it limits. Her mind started to went black and she has troubled in breathing. Her both legs were shaking slightly in spasms. But there's still her will, the will to never give up until the end. It wasn't her intention to win from the beginning, same goes in losing. She already got what she needed to know. Her plan was already sailing, yet, she can't just abandon this game just like that because just like Nijimura or anyone else inside the Gym, she also has a pride of a basketball player. She'll fight, there's still time, she'll make sure to definitely make it.

'There's only one thing I can do with this 5 seconds remaining..' She uttered silently to herself while she was dribbling the ball on her hand. She dropped her pace in slow motion and observed carefully Nijimura's solid and firm defense. Inhaling and exhaling, her eyes quickly gazed on the net, she pushed her body forward then did another quick jab step away.

Nijimura eyes widened in fraction at Shana's attempting move. He was expecting her to do a crossover and drove past him but still on guard he gaped in disbelief. They weren't at the three point line or at the two point line. They were almost at the center line of the court.

'She can't possibly shoot from here. Even Midorima can't still do that.' He reasoned out.

With 3 seconds left, Shana shot the ball into the air. Everything from now on went in slow motion. The audience fell into completely silence as they watched the ball moving in the air towards the basketball loop's direction. They were froze in their position waiting for the ball to goes into the net, but they watched in horror and disappointment as they saw the ball miss and just bounced into the hard and glass board.

''It's over.'' Some of them whispered. They speculated that Nijimura won this match. However, Shana who was sprinting forward to catch the ball just smirked at them. Despite of her leg injury, she forced herself then jumped from the free throw line. Everyone jaws dropped at her unbelievable move. They watched in amazement as Shana was still hanging in the midair and grabbed the ball firmly with her right hand. Their eyes bulged from the socket as they realized she was already in front of the net and slammed the ball hardly and single handedly.

A loud whistle echoed throughout the Gym signaling the time's up. The two Coaches who were still also in shock went to the center line of the court to meet the two participants and also to announce the result of the game.

''Game over. It's a draw.'' Sanada was the one who announced it loudly to everyone. Shana smiled in relief. She can't believe she managed to do a one man alley loop.

'Haha I totally nailed it.'

She approached Nijimura who was sitting on the bench with his teammates. She let out a sincere grin at him.

''Thanks for the awesome game.'' She lifted a lone eyebrow when Nijimura offered her a handshake. Reluctantly, she still responded it gently.

''Thank you too.. Let's play again sometimes, Aka-i-ryuuno.'' Shana chuckled at Nijimura's little difficulty pronouncing her last name.

''Sure Shuzo-kun, anyway Shana is fine.'' Nijimura looked surprise as she addressed him by his first name nevertheless with honorifics. He just sighed in discomfort and mildly embarrassment.

''Hahaha you don't need to be shy senpai, anyway he's all yours.'' Shana snapped her fingers then a large fish net from the second floor dropped gently on the center line of the court. Nijimura walked towards it and found the beaten up Haizaki who was snoring as he sleeps. With a tiny vein popped on his forehead, he hit him hardly on his head. Haizaki groaned in pain at the sudden blow. He was petrified to see his Captain glaring darkly at him.

''Oh, hell.'' Was all he muttered when he was beaten up again by his merciless Captain.

Shana watched in amusement at their little reunion. She still remembered clearly Haizaki and Nijimura's forbidden kiss a while ago.

'Still hilarious..' She laughed silently. After she was sure that Nijimura was busy punishing Haizaki, she took the moment to sneak away from the crowded Gymnasium. She was stiffened in her spot when Akashi, Aomine, Murasakibara and Midorima suddenly blocked her path. With expressionless face, she silently observed them. She wondered about their reason why did they approach her. Her eyes narrowed in realization when she didn't miss the four guys' exchanging glances. Her suspicion was proven right when she sensed Nijimura walking towards at their direction.

''I knew it. They won't let me get away easily.'' She just sighed in defeat. She doesn't have any choice. It's stupid to try run away with her injury. She was also too tired to fight or argue with them.

''Oh who are you? This is amusing. I already have fan boys in one day.'' She tried not to laugh at their shocked faces. Akashi was the first one to recover then smirked gently at her.

''I'm Akashi Seijuro.'' Shana pushed her fangirling side into her deepest bottom of her mind. She gulped in slightly nervousness.

''Akairyuuno Shana'' She simply introduced herself to him.

''I'm Midorima Shintaro, nanodayo'' She shifted her gazed at Midorima who has a slight blush painted on his cheeks.

''~Hnn.. Ahh.. Murasaki*munch*bara Atsushi *munch*'' The giant purple haired guy spoke up lazily.

''Yo, I'm Daiki Aomine.'' Aomine said while flashing to her a pure goofy smile.

''~Ah nice to meet all of you. Anyway let's get straight to the point, shall we? Spill it out.'' She was yawning in annoyance. She was craving to rest on her fluffy bed. She doesn't have time to deal with these people she had just properly met. Yup, she was interested to know them too, but she was only interested at their skills and talents and also because they shared similar passion and that is basketball. She has zero intention of making them as her friends.

Nijimura cleared his throat to gain their attention. Since he was the one who assigned Akashi and others to this task, it is normally his responsibility. Besides Akashi and others' plan was gone in waste. So with serious tone, he spoke up his intention but was suddenly interrupted by Shana.

''~Ah troublesome. I get it now. Sorry for what I did to you at school canteen but Shogo-chan still owe me a lunch.'' She plainly apologized. Her eyes rolled in irritation when Nijimura gave her an expression showing he doesn't believe that she really mean it.

'This is getting longer. I really want to sleep right now.' Then in a swift motion, her small hand touched and grabbed his back of his neck. She made sure first to have a brief eye contact with Nijimura's silver now widened eyes and uttered her words seriously.

''I mean it.'' She pulled him gently then leaned forward as she gave him a chaste kiss on his lips. As she saw their stunned expression she used the opportunity to escape and left the 1st string's Gymnasium while riding on her metallic gear with heavy eyes, redden face and mischievous smirk.

'What a pitiful victim.'

---

The moment Kuroko saw Shana left the 1st string Gymnasium in haste, he quickly called for her. Shana stopped her skateboard and met her follower. She let out another heavy sighed when she saw Kuroko's walking towards her.

''How's your ankle Shana-san?'' Shana again was surprised by Kuroko's concern. She forgot again the fact that he was also there and watched the game. Her orbs glinted in fascination as she realized Kuroko was really has high sense of observation enough to noticed her hidden injury.

''I'm alright Tetsuya-kun.'' Shana confirmed him although she was physically worn out and her body felt really heavy.

''I'm walking you home.'' Not enough energy to decline his offer or to convince him that she can take care of herself, Shana just simply muttered a simple thank you to Kuroko and led the way to her condominium.

As soon the two reached their destination, they bid a short goodbye to each other while the blue haired guy was walking back to school to have his usual extra practice at the 4th Gym, the crimson haired girl immediately fallen asleep to her bed because of overwhelming fatigue.

The moment Shana woke up from her deep slumber she quickly checked the current time and took a bath in haste. She was wearing a red loose sweater, black fitted jeans and pair of red sneakers. With her skateboard she skated in very fast speed on the way to Teiko's 4th Gymnasium. She sighed in relief when she found out that Kuroko was out for a moment probably buying his dinner at the nearest convenience store. As she got on the second floor she greeted Head Coach Shirogane.

''Yo, Sorry I'm a lil bit late Shirogane-jiji.'' She suppressed a small yawn. She's still a little drowsy.

''Its fine I just got here 10 minutes ago. Anyway looks like you have fun today.'' Shirogane smiled at her. Shana leaned on the up rooted metallic rails of the second floor. She just smirked at Shirogane's statement.

''You have fun watching the match as well. Nijimura is a great player.''

''Of course he is, he's the Captain after all.'' Shirogane coughed. He looked at Shana's mismatched eyes. He asked a question to her with a hint of serious tone.

''I am curious about your 1on1 match with Nijimura.'' Shana just chuckled softly at the old man's inquiry. As usual, she already expecting this to happened.

''Don't you think you're too old to be curious?'' Shana joked without an intention to offend him about his age. Shirogane widened his eyes for a bit in amusement. He was going to speak some words when he was interrupted by Shana.

''Why? Why did I challenge Nijimura on 1on1 match without your consent?''

''When? When did I learn to perform some basketball skills?''

''How? How did I manage to keep up with Nijimura's speed and did the one man alley-oop?''

''And last but not the least, a silent question that would sum it up all-''

''-What? What is my reason or intention to invite him play with me the fact that he is only a stranger to me?''

''You want to know my motives behind my past actions. Am I right Shirogane-jiji?'' Shana curved her lips for a bit. Shirogane was having a surprised looks on his face. He can't react properly. Shana pointed out exactly what he wants to know. Sighing, he let out a small smile.

''You got me there Shana-hime. Yes, you're right.'' Arms on her chest, she breathed deeply as she resumed their conversation.

''I guess there's no point hiding it from you.''

''What are you hiding from me Shana-hime?'' Shirogane asked in concern.

''I challenged Nijimura without your consent because I know you won't allow me to play against him.''

''How come you're sure about that?'' The Head Coach raised a lone white eyebrow.

''The first thing will come to your mind, is Shana-hime capable to have a 1on1 with Nijimura? Your obvious answer would be no, because at that time, you are not aware of my skills and potential not until you witnessed it by yourself a while ago. You would think there's no way that I could handle Nijimura furthermore win against him. ''

''You're such a worry wart, you know that Shirogane-jiji.'' After hearing Shana's explanation, the old man sighed heavily.

''I see. That would be possibly happen. You really surprised me there when I saw you on the court facing Nijimura. I thought he was going a 1on1 match with one of the regular members. I never expected it to be you. Still you did a very good job.'' Shirogane praised her while ruffling her crimson head.

''Well, I'm sorry for I didn't inform you about that. The truth is I really want to surprise you. I guess it went well though.'' Shana just scratched bashfully her locks. She just earned a small laugh from the old man.

''So where is your soon to be friend? His name is Kuroko Tetsuya, right?'' Shana knitted her eyebrows in confusion.

''Soon to be friend? Haha, very funny Shirogane-jiji, yup his name is Kuroko Tetsuya.'' She raised lazily her one arm and pointed a finger towards the blue haired petite guy at the first floor and was currently holding a ball on his hand.

''That person is Kuroko Tetsuya.'' She just smirked silently at Shirogane's shocking expression.

''When did he get there?'' The old man asked immediately.

''He got there when I was busy giving you an explanation. You didn't notice him? Did you?'' Shana's heterochromatic eyes glinted weirdly.

''Still I should be able to hear his footsteps.''

''Well aren't you intrigued by him?''

''Hmm, let's see what he can do.'' was all Shirogane muttered to her.

Shana and Shirogane watched silently Kuroko began his practice from the second floor. Kuroko run through the objects in zigzag pattern while dribbling the ball with his hand. They also witnessed Kuroko trying to exercise his shooting skills but after many attempts he wasn't managed to shoot even just once.

Shana observed Shirogane's reaction on the corner of her eye. She suppressed a smirk when the Head Coach started to voice out his opinion.

''I'll be frank to you Shana-hime, he won't pass the next qualification test, and moreover he'll probably lose his placement. But we won't order him to quit the basketball club.''

But before Shana spoke up a suggestion, a loud shriek of a guy's voice heard echoed inside the Gym. Shana and Shirogane titled their heads to see the face of the intruder. Shana was trying to hide her laughs to avoid being notice by them.

''What is Aomine-kun doing here?'' She heard the old man asked to no one with a low and raspy voice.

''Who knows?'' She answered his question uninterestedly. They decided to keep in silent and watched Kuroko and Aomine's very first time interaction in the shadows.

---

Aomine Daiki, a tall guy with darker skin, has navy blue short hair and indigo eyes were on the way to the 4th Gymnasium to confirm the rumor about a ghost was playing basketball there every night. He was bored of practicing with the 1st string members and decided to practice somewhere else for good.

As he reached the door, he heard a sound of bouncing ball coming inside the Gym. He pushed the door to open it. With silly face he muttered a word to no one.

''Yo!'' He felt a chill running through his body when he saw an empty Gymnasium. He was starting to sweat heavily in nervousness.

''What?! Seriously?!''

'There's really a ghost that plays basketball?!'

'No way! I'm sure there was somebody practicing in here until just now. I must've just missed him. But then why do I get the feeling the sound stopped right when I opened the door?'

His legs were shaking involuntarily as he took slow, small steps backward. He gasped when he heard a voice from his behind then completely went into full panic attack. He covered his both ears, sat awkwardly, then he stammered with his words while beads of tear was formulating on his eyes filled with nothing but fear.

''Oh my God! Oh my God! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me! I'm sorry for bringing gravure magazines to school! I'm sorry for sleeping during class! I swear I'll never do it again!''

''Aomine-kun?'' Kuroko called him. Aomine's body stopped in shaking in hysteria, he titled his head and saw a blue haired guy who was standing behind him with a ball in his hands.

At the second floor, the two spectators chuckled silently at amusing scene unfolded below them. Shana was gripping her stomach firmly trying to stop herself from bursting into roars of laugh.

''Aomine's fearful expression is truly hilarious, ne Shirogane-jiji?''

''Shana-hime that's mean.''

''Pfft- Says the old man who has an amused smile on his face.'' Shana teased him. Their ears perked in confusion when they saw Aomine was howling with laughter.

''So you've got so little presence that nobody even noticed you was in here? That's crazy.''

''Aomine-kun, it's not that funny.'' Kuroko spoke up with his usual deadpan tone.

''Sorry about that. Wait, how do you know my name?'' Aomine questioned him

''You're famous for being one of the first-year starters for the first string.'' The blue haired guy explained.

''Oh? So, what about you?''

''Hmm? I'm in the third string.'' Kuroko simply stated.

''That's not it! I'm asking you what your name is. Who cares if you're in the first string or the third string or whatever? You love basketball enough to hang around and practice by yourself every night, right? There's no such thing as a bad guy who loves basketball. That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it.'' With a promising and goofy expression he shared his opinion to Kuroko.

''That's a strange theory.'' Kuroko smiled for a bit before he gave him a bluntly comment. Aomine comical twitched in confusion at his response.

''What did you say?''

''I am Kuroko Tetsuya. Nice to meet you.'' Kuroko introduced himself. Few minutes passed, Aomine settled to spend his night playing with his new found friend Kuroko.

''Are you sure you don't mind practicing with me?'' Kuroko reconfirmed Aomine's decision.

With a grin, Aomine replied without having a second thought.

''Yeah, anytime you want.''

When he was convince that Aomine was really serious about playing with him, Kuroko faced him. With a calm and determine expression, Kuroko warned him.

''I see. Please prepare yourself.'' Aomine just nodded at him. He was smiling with his eyes closed in excitement. He opened his indigo eyes and knitted his eyebrows in strong focus. He adjusted his stance by bending his pair of legs as he also watched carefully his opponent.

''I will.''

Kuroko was dribbling the ball with his right hand, his calm eyes never leave Aomine's sight. Tilting his left foot slowly, he drove passed Aomine whose eyes widened for a bit in surprised. While moving forward, Kuroko dribbled the ball from right to his left. Aomine stretched his right aiming and trying to steal the ball from Kuroko's back. Then an unexpected mistake happened. The ball collided with Kuroko's left knee. Kuroko lose the grip and the ball was completely slipped away from his hand then began bouncing to the ceramic floor.

Kuroko with monotone voice winced in little pain as he kind of lost his balance and was nearly kneeling on the floor with his right leg as his only support. Behind him, Aomine questioned his past few words with mild annoyance.

''What the heck?! After that little speech of yours, I was expecting you to be some kind of awesome player!''

''What are you saying? I am in the third string, you know.'' Kuroko started to enlighten him.

''What?'' Because he is Aomine, he misinterpreted Kuroko's words or moreover doesn't get his friend's point easily.

''I'm still inexperienced, so please prepare yourself, is what I meant.'' Kuroko told to him in intelligible way.

''You're really an odd ball, you know that?'' Aomine described him.

''Should I quit after all?'' Kuroko gazed his eyes at the ball on his hands. Aomine just slightly scratched his navy head with a trouble look on his face. Kuroko's gloomy expression changed into a mildly surprise one when he saw Aomine moved backward a little. With a small smile, Kuroko passed the ball to Aomine as he motioned him to give him the ball. They resumed their practice. This moment, Kuroko was the one who was now in defense mode while Aomine was on the offense. He was currently dribbling the ball using his left hand. Without blinking an eye, they observed intently each other's possible moves.

Aomine inhaled deeply and grinned before he made his attack. His medium sized pair of indigo eyes narrowed in confidence and innocently. He slightly angled his body to right, but Kuroko wasn't fooled by his action. Kuroko instead of focusing on his body movement, he shifted his oceanic blue eye on Aomine's foot then changed his gazed swiftly to Aomine's knees to predict his movement.

His usual goofy grin disappeared and changes into a slightly gaping mouth as he was shocked that Kuroko managed to keep up with his movement. He was surprised that Kuroko doesn't fall into his fakes. Still, with his enough speed, Aomine quickly changed his direction by doing a turn around and bouncing the ball on the floor. He caught immediately the ball into the air by his left hand and made an accurate jump shot. Kuroko witnessed his move. His eyes were bigger than the usual as he was stunned in awe for a moment.

Aomine landed on the floor effortless, he turned around his back and faced Kuroko. He was trying to say something about Kuroko's previous action when Kuroko interrupted him suddenly with a compliment.

''That's amazing.''

''What?''

Kuroko with a tiny sweat forming on his forehead, he excitedly and happily asked Aomine a favor.

''Aomine-kun, would you mind doing that again?''

Smiling, Aomine complied willingly his tiny request.

''Sure!''

---

''Aw, look jiji, they will definitely be good couples- I mean best friends someday!'' Shana rounded doe mismatched eyes sparkled with lots of heart. She pinched her pinky nose to stop the blood flowing out from it. She was grinning like a mad fangirl ever since they watched Kuroko and Aomine's interaction to each other and also their practice game. Head Coach just chuckled softly at her childish act.

''Anyway, did you see it?'

''See what Shana-hime?''

Shana sighed heavily.

''Jiji, you're really getting rusty.'' Shirogane twitched comically at her statement.

''What?''

Chuckling, Shana softly patted the old man's shoulder.

''It's understandable. It's natural because you're getting older. And those are the evidences.'' Shana pointed her fore finger and poked his white short hair. She didn't cower in fear when she saw Shirogane gave her a dark incredulous glare.

''Hahaha! You're finally showing your colors jiji!'' She was laughing hard then paused for a moment.

''What I meant is, did you see or sense Kuroko's hidden potential?'' Shirogane knitted his eyebrows in confusion. He really doesn't know what was her talking about. Hidden potential? That boy is nothing but a misfortunate one. He understood the boy's strong determination and intense passion towards basketball but he alone can't do anything by himself. He also felt that the boy was putting his all efforts on his practice. Still, his dribbling, shooting, stamina, speed etc, they were all far from average. Basketball doesn't suit him. It's not the right sports for him. The reason is he lacks talents. And that's why, Shirogane can only sympathize him. He can't help him because there is nothing he can offer to.

''Kuroko-kun is a misfortunate player. Basketball doesn't suit him. Despite of his effort the results are still the same. He is far from average. He can't do anything by himself. That's what I thought Shana-hime.'' Shirogane conveyed it with unreadable facial expression. He titled his head and gave Shana an apologetic smile. He knew her intention. She wanted him to help his soon to be friend to be promoted in first string. And that's something he can't do. It's just plainly impossible.

Shana pouted her tiny lips in annoyance. She wasn't disappointed that she failed to convince him. It's just Shirogane is just strict-and-always-follow-rules type of Head Coach.

'What an obedient old man.'

Still, she has nothing to brood about because she already has her back up plans. She's that kind of person who was always one to three steps ahead whenever she wants something to achieve. She will not give up not until she successfully accomplishes it.

''I see. Then let's go back to our main topic.'' The old man just nodded at her in agreement.

''Shirogane-jiji, everything is possible. I managed to keep with Nijimura's level because I always have the skills that I needed to. I hid it from you though because just like what I said to you before, I really want to surprise you.''

''If you're wondering how I learned those advance skills all I can is, it just a matter of smart and hard work with a little spice of luck.'' She saw the old man put one of his hands under his chin as he was thinking deeply.

''I'm not surprised. You really inherit most of your dad's personality, particularly his genuine thinking. You two are very much alike.'' Shirogane smiled at him with constrain emotion.

Shana looked down in discomfort. She really dislikes discussion with involvement of family matters. The fact that the 'father' he was talking about isn't her real father. Trying to hide her little trouble, she sheepishly let out a fake smile and spoke up with not so stuttering voice.

''Shana thinks so too.'' Shirogane just stared amusedly at her weird replied.

'Thank God! I'll post a short thank you to Hiro Mashima's twitter later when I got home!' She reprimanded herself.

''I would like to know your sole reason why did you play 1o1 against Nijimura-kun?''

''I was waiting too long for you to ask me about that, you know that Shirogane-jiji.''

'This is it. Do or die.' With both arms on her chest, she faced straightly the Head Coach of Teiko's Basketball Club. Her rounded heterochromatic eyes darken slightly with a mild iciness. She stared thoroughly at old man's eyes. With a serious yet silky voice, she expressed her true intention.

''I am the Teiko's Supreme Commander so naturally I have the right to test one of our players by myself. Is something wrong with that?''

The Head Coach was stunned by her unforeseen words. His mouth was hanging opened in shock. He looked keenly at the petite girl in front him. He can't believe Shana was changing drastically. Since her first visit and until now, he noted that each time she would pay a visit to him Shana always brought him a surprise turn of event. She always caught him guard with her sudden actions and announcement.

His eyes narrowed greatly not in suspicion but in respect and slight nervousness. He can't admit loudly but looking at Shana's heterochromatic eyes right now gave him a chill on his neck, his body was paralyzed and he has trouble in breathing because of only one reason. He was intimidated by her. He doesn't see him as his daughter but an influential person with great power and authority than him. She is in fact his superior while he is just a mere subordinate. She's still a child to take over already his father's duties.

With little courage, he spoke up his worry without an intention to offend her feelings.

''No, there isn't. I wasn't asking this to discourage or judge you but are you certain about taking over completely your father's position, Shana-hime?''

''Yes, I'm absolutely certain. I'm the heiress after all. It is not something I can just disregard or abandon to. I have my own responsibilities and duties to fulfill. You as well were clearly aware of my family status and this matter shouldn't be taken up lightly. I can let him down. I feel grateful about your hidden concern though. Don't worry about me it's nothing I can handle.''

''I am Akairyuuno Shana and that is my final decision.'' She ended her short speech with a confident smile.

Shirogane just sighed inwardly as accepted Shana's resolve. Well, it is the only thing he can do right now. He isn't the right place to persuade her to change her mind. He wasn't her real father. He was merely the assigned guardian. But it hurts him to watch Shana made a quick skip to her life. Starting today, she wasn't anymore the innocent naive girl Akairyuuno Shana. She is now the awaken heiress who welcomed the cruel, adult world of responsibilities and duties with open arms instead of enjoying her childhood years. This is the usual fate of child who was born from influential and powerful family. There's always the misfortune word 'Expectation'.

''Then I have nothing more to say about it. If you need help, I am honor to assist you anytime. I wish you good luck Shana-hime.'' He smiled then bowed at her in respect.

'This is beyond satisfaction.' Shana's eyes twinkled in delight.

'Everything is flowing in right direction.' Her lips were twitching to chuckle in triumph. She was hype at the easy twist of event. She expected the Head Coach would be skeptical about her sudden decision or would voice a protest like you're-too-young-to-fulfill-your-father's-duties. But she was wrong in some things. She underestimated the Head Coach's high level of understanding and kindness.

'Too much kindness might kill you.'

''Shirogane Kozo.'' Shana called him sternly. The old man just looked at her with different expression. He wasn't tense nor off guard. He was back at his usual professional self because right now he was talking to the heiress of Teiko and Akairyuuno family and the one and only Teiko's Supreme Commander/Regent Chairman.

''Yes, Akairyuuno-sama?''

''From now on, you are no longer the Head Coach of Teiko's Basketball. I'm ordering you to sign your resignation letter tonight and send it to me afterwards.'' She doesn't blink at the now former Head Coach's bewildered reaction and just continued to talk.

''You don't need to hide it from me. At my father's farewell letter, he mentioned that you currently have an illness furthermore your frequently hard coughs are also the proof.''

''I am not firing you without a reason. I want you resign so you can have a serious medical treatment before it get worse. I'm doing this for your sake Shirogane-jiji.''

Shana doesn't know what gotten into her when she slowly embraced the shocked old man into a gentle hug.

''I'm sorry.'' She softly muttered as she released him. Now that her business was done here, she settled to leave the Gym and also to give Shirogane a peaceful moment alone with his thought.

---

Month of August, at Regent Chairman's Office.

Shana was napping comfortably with her head lying on the top of her large mahogany table. She stirred when she heard a loud knock followed by a man's stern voice.

''Good Morning, Akairyuuno-sama! Sorry for the sudden interruption but I would like to have a word with you.''

Stretching her body like a cat, she let out a silent yawn and gave the man permission to come in. With her half lidded heterochromatic eyes, she recognized the man in front her. A sudden Cheshire cat like smile formed on her young doll face.

''Ah well, if isn't the Great Coach Sanada..'' Her smile turned into smirk as she know him twitched in annoyance.

''You really seem jumpy these past two months?'' Shana made a funny face as Sanada didn't budge on his spot. Deciding to stop teasing him like a child, she cleared her throat, arms folded under her chin with her elbows on the top of the table. Her whole demeanor changed instantly in a second.

Sanada wondered just who really is this girl. She's the very same girl who he had encountered and scolded on the first day of school before. He wasn't questioning her being as Teiko's Supreme Commander but of course he was beyond shock and gulped in trouble as the former Head Coach Shirogane told him everything he needed to know. Well that was already two months ago, right now he does have nothing to say about the girl's way of leadership. The truth is he was amazed by her. She's only a 12 year old girl yet she's already a little bit matured and her mind is full of wisdom and intelligence. She's truly a young prodigy. What he was curious about is the girl's weird behavior and antics. He cut off his thoughts as he heard Shana's serious voice.

''Anyway, let's hear your reports.'' Sanada nodded slighty to her. He stepped forward and placed a white folder on the top of the table gently.

''I already finished the tasks you'd given to me last week.'' The bespectacled middle age man started.

''The extra practice activities for second and third string are successfully making a great impact to the every player's development. Some of them are starting to develop and improve their basketball skills.''

''The first string members are doing fine as well, but some of them are having trouble to keep up with their new training regimen.'' At his statement, Shana raised a lone eyebrow.

''Oh why is that so?''

''They are still too stubborn to accept and follow it.'' Sanada shifted in discomfort when he sensed the girl smirked oddly.

''I see, Is that all?''

''Yes, Akairyuuno-sama''

''Keep it up, Great Coach Sanada. The National Tournament will be next week. Put Akashi, Midorima, Aomine, Murasakibara and Haizaki in only one quarter. Leave the rest to Nijimura and other upperclassmen. I might pay a visit at the first stringers.'' Sanada widened his eyes at the last part.

''Don't tell me you'll reveal yourself to them Akairyuuno-sama?!'' He said it loudly. Before Sanada went into full panic she let out a chuckled to calm him down.

''Of course, not. Such thing mustn't happen, it might become a disaster. You and I know as well that it would be a foolish act.''

''I'll visit them as Akairyuuno Shana, a normal middle school girl not as the Teiko's Supreme Commander. That is what I meant.''

''However, convey this message to all the first string members, if they still hardheaded to follow Teiko-my policy, I am gladly to have them quit the Teiko's Basketball Club anytime.''

''Yes I will.'' Sanada bowed in respect and was walking towards the door to leave when he was stopped on his tracks by his superior's voice.

''Ah, I nearly forgot. Someone from the third string will be promoted in the first string soon. That's all, you may leave.'' Sanada did another quick bow and left the Regent Chairman's Office completely.

As he reached the 1st string Gymnasium, he barked a loud order to everyone and that is to gather around in front him. Surveying the young players with his usual stern brown eyes he made an announcement.

''This is very important so you better all listen well.''

''Those who are still stubborn to accept and follow the new training regimen, we are glad to have you quit the Teiko Basketball Club anytime.'' He ignored some unexpected gasps from the crowd and continued his speech.

''That's what Head Coach Scarlet said.'' Everyone completely went silent when they heard Sanada mentioned their new Head Coach's name. No complaints were heard. They rather keep it to themselves than to be demoted from 1st string or worst kick out from Teiko's Basketball. A rumor is a rumor. But the rumor about how the Head Coach Scarlet is a strict as a dictator is something they can't just ignored. Because they all know that is not a rumor anymore. It's a fact. It was proven two months ago, everyone was bewildered when almost half of the 1st string demoted to 2nd and 3rd string. And it was all their Head Coach Scarlet's deeds. Inwardly, they were kind of grateful that they haven't met that person in personal, yet. They much prefer Coach Sanada to be here with them rather than a person who shared similarities with a tyrant.

''Resume your training session. Nijimura, Akashi, Murasakibara, Midorima, Aomine and Haizaki come with me. I have something to discuss with all of you.''

---

Time flew quickly. Autumn was finally reaching its end. Winter will be in Japan soon.

The National Tournament has already ended. As Shana's expected Teiko won the top but that doesn't stop players doing their usual trainings. Ever since that, Teiko was invited to have a practice with other schools. But instead of sending the regular members of the team, the Teiko's Supreme Commander, Akairyuuno Shana dispatched a mixed team of people from 2nd and 3rd strings with Sanada coaching them on every game. Each player of the team varies every time Teiko has a practice game with other schools.

Tonight, Shana decided to visit her soon to be friend, Kuroko. They haven't seen each other for two months. She was now strolling with her golden skateboard on the way to 4th Gymnasium. She hummed in confusion when she didn't see the familiar blue haired boy who was always practicing here every night. Slowly walking up the stairs, she stopped on her tracks when she reached her usual spot on the second floor.

'I wonder..' A squeaking sound of door caught her intention. She made sure she hid herself well in the shadows before she looked to the possible intruder.

''Aomine Daiki.'' Her mouth silently muttered. She watched with interest as Aomine began his practice. She was aware that he was waiting for Kuroko to come too. A mischievous grin formed on her face when she noticed Aomine was kept on looking at the wall clock every minute.

'Awwiee…Sweet.. He is worry about Tetsuya-kun.' Then another creaking of the door heard through the Gym. Her heterochromatic orbs narrowed in confusion. She observed Kuroko who was walking towards Aomine with his head lowered slightly and wearing a gloomy expression.

Shana frowned at the familiar scene unfolded before her.

''Oh, you're late! Hey-''

Aomine beamed in joy. His friend Kuroko was finally here. He paused for a moment as he saw Kuroko's face.

''What's wrong?'' Aomine asked.

''Aomine-kun.'' Kuroko lifted his head and stared intently at his friend with serious and trouble look.

''Are you feeling sick?'' Aomine knitted his dark eyebrows in concern.

''I'm thinking of quitting the basketball.'' Kuroko declared.

''What?! Why?!'' Aomine yelled in shock.

Shana was also in shock. She wasn't shock at Kuroko's resolve about quitting the basketball club. She already knew it because she had seen this before. She was bewildered to her own reaction. She can't understand why she felt a sudden tiny pang of guilt and pain as she watched Kuroko's pitiful appearance. Inside her, a part of her can't take to see Kuroko losing hope and slowly falling into despair.

''With my skills as they are, I don't think I'll ever be able to play on the same court with Aomine-kun nor be raised up to second string.'' She heard Kuroko explained it to Aomine with wavering crack voice. Then her frown turned into scowl as she noticed Kuroko's shaking fist.

'You idiot, yes you'll be able to play with him and you'll be raise into 1st string not in the 2nd string. Stop brooding. It's annoying.'

She really wanted to say it to Kuroko but she can't. She can't tell anyone her true identity. She can't introduce herself to anyone that she's Teiko's Supreme Commander, not even to Kuroko.

''I love basketball, but it's been a half year since I joined this club.'' Kuroko continued. Shana unconsciously gripped the hem of her skirt. She was annoyed. She doesn't get what was happening to her. She dislikes having herself lost against her emotions.

''I don't think that I can do anything about something that I'm not suited for after all.'' The crimson girl was now gritting her teeth.

''Especially at here Teikou Middle School, where I have nothing that I can contribute to this team.'' Kuroko pointed out.

'Shut up! Nonsense! You aren't useless Tetsuya-kun!' she screamed silently to him. She had enough watching his dramatic and hopelessness condition. While balling her tiny fists she waited for Aomine to voice out his famous Puremine!'s inspirational quote before she will make her move.

''There's no such thing as a useless player on a team.'' Aomine sternly spoked up his thought.

''Even if you can't play into games, I can't stand to think that a guy who stays later to practice than anybody in the first string—than anybody on the entire team—is completely useless!''

''At the very least, I respected you for what you were doing, and you made me want to work even harder!''

''I won't say that you can do anything as long as you don't give up, but if you give up, nothing is left behind.''

''I… don't want you to give up basketball!''

At that moment, Shana made her grand entrance. She jumped out from the second floor while calling Kuroko's first name.

''Tetsuuuuyaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-kunnnnn!'' Aomine and Kuroko gaped at her in shock. They were caught off guard at her sudden appearance. Shana swiftly landed with her two feet silently and in a blink of an eye, she dashed forward to the stiffened Kuroko. She locked him with her gentle hug while chanting some audible words.

''Idiot, Idiot, Idiot!'' She released him but hold his pale hands firmly. With a pouting lip, knitted red eyebrows, her lone dark blue and lone golden eye narrowed in completely mild anger and seriousness. Then she gave Kuroko a hell of speech.

''Your best friend is absolutely right this time. Don't you ever give up basketball, Kuroko Tetsuya!'' She doesn't care if she was yelling or Aomine and Kuroko were starting to tremble on their spot for unknown reason. She gently put one of her hand on Kuroko's rounded face and softly caressed it.

With much calmer voice, she asked him.

''Do you remember what I told you before?'' Shana smiled as she saw a brief glint on his deep blue oceanic orbs. She put slowly her forefinger on the top of his lip signaling to silence him. And she repeated her actions from their first encounter.

As she made an eye contact with Kuroko, she raised her hand and pointed her forefinger where his heart located.

''Tetsuya-kun, you're inborn with a rare gift inside you.''

Still not breaking her gaze to him, she moved up her hand and gently caressed the side of his calm oceanic eye.

''To see is to believe, but-''

Shana paused and placed her hand over his eyes to covered Kuroko's sight. Then she leaned forward and whispered her last sentence softly.

''-sometimes what's real is something you can't see…''

''Do you know why I told something like that to you? Because-'' She pointed a finger towards the confused and slightly paled Aomine.

''Like that idiot, He..and I.. We believe in you. We believe that you'll find your own and unique form of basketball. We believe as well that it is nothing but simply amazing. Keep that in your mind.''

Then her mouth curved into a true smile. Kuroko can't helped but let out also a smile. He was really touched by Aomine's and Shana's words. Their words inspire him. They save him from falling completely into the endless despair. With new found strength from his two companions, he lifted his head, took a deep breath and decided to stand up and move forward again.

'It's too early to give up.' He told silently to himself. His attention shifted back at the two persons near him.

'Aomine-kun and Shana-san.'

'They really are great persons.' He smiled as he admired them.

'I promise, I won't disappoint you two.'

''Thank you Aomine-kun.'' Then he faced Aomine and bowed at him with gratitude. He tilted back his head to the crimson haired girl in front him. He smiled and also sincerely thanked her.

''Thank you Shana-san.''

Shana smiled sheepishly at him while twirling a crimson stray hair on her finger with a tint of pink painted on her fatty cheeks. She was reverted again to her usual self. She was inwardly flaring in embarrassment at her past actions. She let her emotions took over her again and again.

'Fuck, I actually yelled again to someone!' She pointed out her ill-mannered reaction.

'Troublesome. I really need keep my emotions in check!'

But she sighed in relief as she realized that despite of her shameless acts, she didn't blurted out some of her secrets to him.

Shana looked in the direction when she heard a sudden sound of footsteps. Outside, her face was now clear of emotions, holding only a stoic and poker face but inside she was screaming in surprise at the foreseen arrival of three persons.

''Aomine'' a voice coming from the red haired boy named Akashi echoed throughout the Gym. There are two tall boys behind him. One has green hair locks, wearing framed glasses with a spray water bottle on his hand. While the other one has chin length lavender locks and droopy eyes, he was munching a piece of candy lollipop.

'They are here. Akashi, Midorima and Murasakibara are the other members of Power Ranger.'

Shana who was beside Kuroko was forcefully pushing away her fangirling side to nowhere. She was trying her best to be not affected by her other side.

'His voice isn't sexy. Don't mesmerize by his voice..!' She was trying to convince herself as she observed them quietly.

''You were practicing at a place like this.'' Akashi stated the fact. Aomine stepped forward and put a hand on his hip. He answered Akashi's hidden inquiry.

''Yeah, since the gyms over there have too many people.''

''I'm surprised you can practice so much by yourself.'' Murasakibara muttered with disbelief.

''I'm not alone.''Aomine simple replied with a grin on his as he titled his head to Kuroko's direction. Akashi followed Aomine's gazed and gasped mildly in shock when he saw a blue haired boy standing a distance away from them. He also noticed the fiery red headed girl beside him who he easily recognized the girl whose name is Akairyuuno Shana.

'How come I didn't notice him?' Akashi questioned himself.

''Wait! Seriously?! How long have you been standing there?'' Murasakibara screamed who also noticed Kuroko's presence for the very first time.

''And who is this?'' Akashi asked Aomine for his name.

''Tetsu. We always practice together.'' Aomine replied with a grin.

''Did we always have a guy like him on the team?'' Murasakibara asked again another question.

''He isn't in the first string. He's still in the third string.'' Aomine explained

''Hmm.. That explains it. Let's go already.'' Murasakibara voiced out with less interest then let out a yawn.

''No.. I'm a little interested in him.'' Akashi declared. Midorima who was watching silently behind him, looked at Akashi. He was mildly surprised at Akashi's sudden action.

Akashi moved forward in front of calm and impassive Kuroko.

''You're interesting. This is the first time that I've seen this type.'' Kuroko stepped closer to face him.

''He may be hiding a talent that none of us have ever seen.'' Kuroko blinked in surprised. He remembered suddenly Shana's words about having a rare gift inside him.

''I'm sorry, but can you come with me for a minute?'' Akashi asked him politely.

To everyone surprised, the unnoticed crimson haired girl jumped off between Akashi and Kuroko interrupted them for a mean time.

'The nerve of him, it's should be my spotlight to enlighten Kuroko about his lack of presence.' She protested. She knew deeply that Akashi was the original one who really discovered Kuroko's talent.

'Still Akashi is the only way to get Tetsuya-kun in the first string.' She pouted as she realized it. She knew that she can't help Kuroko as middle school girl Akairyuuno Shana. And the option of telling them the truth that she's the Teiko Supreme is definitely out either. So she decided to let Akashi discovered Kuroko's hidden talent. She can't also just promote him easily without a reason. The other members of the Basketball Club would surely be suspicious of his sudden promotion.

The only reason she have, why she was against it, is she have a hunch that Akashi will use it to threaten Kuroko in the future.

Another sigh escaped from her lips.

'Ah.. I'm overthinking again.'

'However-' A grin formed on her face that made the others knitted their eyebrows in confusion.

'Is she going to challenge Akashi to a one on one match?' was they all speculated.

'-this isn't a show anymore where everything is scripted according to the director. This is reality.'

'-and more importantly, let's not forget who got more power than anyone else now.' Her grin turned into a mocking smug as she made an eye contact with Akashi's bloody eyes.

'Akashi-0 Shana-1'

She leaned forward and whispered a word to him.

''Goldilocks''

Before Akashi asks her to clarify her word he noticed that she already left in haste. He was confused. He can't comprehend what just Shana's said to him. However, he was certain there's a hidden message to it.

'Hmm..' He just hummed in curiosity.

Then he shifted back his attention at another enigmatic person in front him. A light blue haired boy, with deep blue oceanic pair of eyes and has small build.

'He is possibly the person I was looking for and will be-' His lips curved and his red pair of vertical eyes grew in fraction as he muttered his next few words in excitement.

'-the Teiko's Sixth man'

---

Month of February. At Teiko Middle School.

After she had a brief discussion with Coach Sanada regarding this year Teiko's performance and preparation for next year's upcoming tournament, she settled to have a detour around the school campus. With her skateboard, she carefully skated along the corridors of Teiko's wide building. She looked at her wrist watch.

'It's already lunch time. I wonder where Tetsuya-kun is right now.'

She paused when her eye caught a familiar blonde guy who was walking a distance away in front of her.

'Ah, Kise Ryouta, be my lucky guest for a while.' Her bored eyes glinted brightly as her twisted mind thought of an idea.

With that, she brought out a paper, a marker and double-sided tape from her black shoulder bag. She started to write something on the paper and attached some tape on the back of the paper then put back the marker inside her bag.

'Fast and Furious: Whoever catches me first, will be my date this weekend. –Kise Ryouta.'

With a mischievous grin, she skated rapidly towards her target. Before Kise made a turn into the curve corner, Shana slapped harshly Kise's broad back with her palm to glue the paper properly on Kise's uniform.

Shana sweat dropped when she saw Kise's face planted straightly on the floor with a loud shriek coming from the blonde guy then burst with laughter.

''Ouccch!'' Kise yelped in pain at the sudden impact of his face with the stone cold floor.

''Oops- HAHAHA! Stupid blondie bimbo!'' Her very loud voice was heard throughout the long corridor and even inside the classrooms. Still laughing hardly, she made a quick escape by jumping over a veranda as she sensed students and teachers were coming outside from their respective classes to check what was happening.

Still in mildly pain, he finally got the energy to stand up while caressing his pretty face. He wished strongly to any Gods that his number one asset doesn't take up any damage or else he'll be screw.

Remembering that someone hit him, he turned back to see the person who dared to hurt the famous Kise-Ryouta-loves-by-everyone. He was going to ask his approaching fans when he sensed a chill on his back of his and froze in his spot. His honey eyes widened in horror and panic as he saw his fans' wild predatory eyes beamed in very dangerous manner.

His gulped in nervousness when his fans began to run towards to him with unbelievable speed. They look like they are in the marathon. And their goal is Kise Ryouta.

Following his instinct, Kise too sprinted forward to save his life.

Shana's laughter grew louder when she heard the expected sickening squeals from girls and squeaking sounds of shoes.

''HAHAHAH Rest in peace Kise.'' She continued to laugh then noticed that she was still in the mid-air. She looked up and her mismatched eyes widened in surprise.

'HOLY SHIT DID I JUST JUMP OUT FROM THE 4th FLOOR?!' Instead to feel nervous and afraid of her current situation, she screamed in enjoyment and joy.

''WOHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOO I'M FLYING! I'M FLYING WITHOUT WINGS!'' She was grinning madly while roaring into laughs.

''THIS IS AWESOME! I"LL TRY TO JUMP FROM THE 5th FLOOR NEXT TIME!'' She loudly announced to the empty air. When she caught a glimpse of the ground floor, she flipped her skateboard and prepared her landing.

As she landed perfectly on the cemented floor, she noticed some people seating on the benches were suddenly stopped from eating their lunch as they gaped and gave her an incredulous looks. They were speechless in shock and disbelief.

Shrugging off their unwanted attention, she quickly skated away from the crowded outer canteen. She was stopped on her tracks when she saw the familiar teal blue locks of Kuroko on the near side. She decided to approach him.

''Tetsuya-kun!'' She greeted him with her usual poker face and soft and silky voice. She raised a hand and waved at him. As their distance was getting smaller, she saw that Kuroko isn't alone. He was having lunch with Akashi, Midorima, Murasakibara and Aomine. Her mouth opened slightly then quickly brought out her camera from her bag and took their amusing facial expressions.

Aomine's face was paled while his mouth was gaping widely and looking with saucer eyes at the wasted bento on the floor. Click! Shana snickered.

'Haha. Ahomine. Momoi will kill you if she know what you had just done to her handmade bento!'

Next to him was Murasakibara who was stopped from eating, with his mouth hanging open and didn't noticed that he dropped his chopsticks on his lap. Click!

Akashi and Midorima were sitting across from them. They wore similar shock faces. Click!

Then the last but not the least, she titled her head to the right. She was now in shock. Kuroko was staring at him with his usual deadpan and expressionless face. Pouting, she sighed in disappointment.

'Don't tell me he is technically a robot?'

''Shana-san, don't do that again. It's dangerous.'' Kuroko warned him. He also witnessed her previous stunt when she sudden jumped off from the 4th floor to the ground floor.

Scratching her red head, she just sheepishly forced a small on her face.

''Ah geez, don't worry yourself about me, I won't die just like that easily.'' Then she pulled him into a comforting hug.

'Tetsuya-kun, drop your mask! I know you're in trouble.' Kuroko finally let out a shocking reaction at her statement. Without intention to release him easily, she ran out her small hand on his back and caressed him tenderly.

''Before anything else, I want to congratulate you for making in the 1st string. I know you can do it.''

''Thank you for believing me Shana-san.'' Shana smiled.

''And I'll always to.'' She added.

Before completely releasing him from her hug, she gave him an advice.

''One of essential ingredients in basketball particularly in passing a ball is timing.''

''Keep this in your mind, Tetsuya-kun. When there is light, there is shadow.'' Kuroko looked at her with confuse expression.

''The stronger the light, the darker the shadow and the more it accentuates the brightness of the light.''

''You are the shadow, Tetsuya-kun.'' She pointed a finger towards him.

''Then who is the light?'' Kuroko asked her.

''You'll definitely found him. But for a mean time, make your team become your light.'' Shana ruffled his spikey hair for a bit. She got pulled out a bento from her bag and handed it to Kuroko.

''That's a gift from me. You better eat it!'' She told him bashfully with a tint of pink on her cheeks. Kuroko smiled at her before he thanked her, appreciating her effort.

''I will, thank you very much for the help and this bento Shana-san.''

Shana hop on her skateboard and gave Akashi a fleeting smirk before she left completely with a piece of teriyaki chicken that she stole from Murasakibara's bento unnoticed by everyone and began to munch the food slowly with delight.

'Well, I informed him first before he did.'

'Akashi-0 Shana-2'

She hummed innocently as she heard from a distance an exasperated shout coming from a certain boy with lavender locks who was fuming in rage.

''Aka-chin, Mido-chin, Mine-chin, Kuro-chin WHERE IS MY TERIYAKI CHICKEN?!''

---

That time I got home, I jumped immediately to my bed and rest my tired body. Using my right hand, I pushed away some stray crimson locks from my face. I looked up the well painted ceiling with a pretty beautiful chandelier hanging on it.

Sighing, I still haven't forgotten what just happened these past months. It seems like my first year here in this world went by quickly.

Closing my half lidded eyes, I began to recollect the day when I ordered Shirogane-jiji to resign from his position. I clearly recall our past conversations.

Conversation filled with nothing but lies.

'Why? Why did I challenge Nijimura on 1on1 match without your consent?'

And I answered to him ''Well, I'm sorry for I didn't inform you about that. The truth is I really want to surprise you. I guess it went well though.''

'Lie. Surprise him? Haha. Ridiculous. Who is he again to me? That's right. He's just my fake guardian. I am not the real Akairyuuno Shana. Why would I bother myself to give him a surprise?'

'When? When did I learn to perform some basketball skills?'

'How? How did I manage to keep up with Nijimura's speed and did the one man alley-oop?'

Then I answered to him ''Shirogane-jiji, everything is possible. I managed to keep with Nijimura's level because I always have the skills that I needed to. I hid it from you though because just like what I said to you before, I really want to surprise you.''

Pfft to surprise him again? Another lie.

But it's true that I already have the skills enough to keep up with Shuzo-kun.

My real father in the other world is a basketball player and now currently a Sports Trainer and also a Coach to his team. I learned how to play basketball by watching him plays on the court.

Isn't he an amazing player? Yes, but it doesn't hide the fact that he is a bastard father.

Moving on.

''If you're wondering how I learned those advance skills all I can is, it just a matter of smart and hard work with a little spice of luck.''

Didn't he sense that I said those words, just to outsmart him? What a foolish old man.

Oh, I also remembered him talking about how I and my father-in-paper are similar in many things.

'I'm not surprised. You really inherit most of your dad's personality, particularly his genuine thinking. You two are very much alike.'

That is really outrageous. I am not similar to anyone. Not even to my bastard real father. I am not like him.

How would you accept a father who did nothing but to neglect and treat his own child like burden?

Well I can't blame him anyway he wasn't ready to be father. But it isn't my fault the fact that he impregnated my mother when they were still teenager.

Whatever.

Another thing is my father is obsessed with basketball while Basketball is my life. See the difference? So that's I can say we aren't alike in anything.

Anyway let's back to the main topic. Enough with the dramatic shit. It's already in the past.

'And last but not the least, a silent question that would sum it up all-'

'-What? What is my reason or intention to invite him play with me the fact that he is only a stranger to me?'

What was my answer to this question again? Oh that's right.

''I am the Teiko's Supreme Commander so naturally I have the right to test one of our players by myself. Is something wrong with that?''

It's true but it isn't my real motive. I did it because it is necessary for my plans. What are my plans? I am not planning to change Teiko's own system of basketball. Why? It's difficult and troublesome. Even though I am the Supreme Commander I can't still completely alter my-father-in-papers' policies and rules easily because of two reasons.

''First, I'm still underage-'' Well, even though I managed to deceive Shirogane-jiji, I can't deceive everyone.

''-and lastly it's involve my gender. I'm a girl.''

I can't expect all members of the Basketball Club to follow me if I reveal my identity. I am certain that they will just laugh at my ridiculous announcement.

They would think that I went nuts. That's why, I settled to stay in the shadow while pulling the strings of my puppets.

''Yeah! My reliable and soon to be puppets.'' I smirked when Shirogane-jiji's, Sanada's and Shuzo-kun's faces flashed on my mind.

Something caught my golden eye, a sealed small envelope on the top of my desk besides my red laptop. My hand picked it up and slowly opened it.

'What is this? Don't tell me another mind blowing revelation?' I was humming with interest as I flipped the paper inside the envelope to open.

''Dear Shana,'' a lone eyebrow of mine rose automatically as I read the first words written in the paper.

'Dear Shana, Dear Shana,' I covered my mouth to suppressed tiny laughs coming from it.

'A love letter?' But my guess was proven wrong when I read the next lines.

''I know what I did to you is unforgivable. I'm really sorry for I wasn't a good father to you. Forgive me Shana. I was so blind to see your worth. I am too selfish.''

My mouth slightly opened in shock and suddenly gazed my heterochromatic eyes away from the letter.

''This can't be.. This is Teiko Satoshi's letter to real Akairyuuno Shana.'' I was having a second thought to continue it reading. This is too personal. The letter contained Teiko Satoshi's personal feelings and conflicts. I haven't the rights to read it because I am not truly his daughter, Akairyuuno Shana. I am merely a misfortunate impostor girl who's taking advantage everything just to survive this cruel world.

'Then you don't have the rights to use their family name and status too because you aren't the real Akairyuuno Shana. You're just inside her body in fact.' I heard my conscience was starting to bitch slap me again with reality.

Sighing, I gently massaged my head to clear my mind. I should stop overthinking and making everything complicated. I should stop thinking that I'm not the real Akairyuuno Shana because how much I wanted to go back to my own body and my former life it is a hundred percent impossible.

'I had enough of this shit.' Then I opened again the letter and resume reading. Ready or not, I'll face everything because that is the only option that I have.

''I'm too self-centered. I didn't see that I'm already hurting your mother and even you because of my actions. Forgive me. I didn't even let you use my last name even though you're my own child.'' My mismatched eyes bulged out from the sockets.

''Fuck! He's what.. my father-in-paper is what? My real father?'' I continued to read hoping to see an explanation.

''We share same blood yet all what I did was neglected and ignored you. I'm sorry that I discriminated you just because you were born as girl I didn't give you a chance to prove yourself to me. I abandoned my responsibilities as your father and chose to prioritize our wealth. Forgive me. Every time you tried to earn my attention I just ignored you and your little efforts.''

''I am very sorry that I stripped your rights to become our family's successor because I was too devastated to accept that you aren't born as boy. But all of my mistakes made me realize that how ungrateful man I am. I failed to see that you and your mother are the only family I have. And that you and your mother are the greatest gifts I had received from God.''

''I'm so sorry for everything. Shana my daughter, I love you. Please give me another chance to correct my mistakes. It won't happen again. I will do anything so just please I want you to open your beautiful pair of eyes baby. Please. I and your mother will be waiting here for you always. We already miss you.''

''We love you forever and ever,

Teiko Satoshi.''

I just stared at the letter with dumbfounded face. I felt a droplet of tear flowing on my cheek. My hands was shaking for unknown reason as I wiped it and wondering where the hell it came from. Closing and putting back properly the oh-so-letter-filled-with-damn-feels inside the envelope and hide it to one of my drawers.

'…...' I was to speechless to say anything. I place a hand above my chest and felt the abnormally beating of my heart.

'I wonder if my real parents also regret-..nevermind.'Sighing heavily, I reached a very big fluffy pillow and burrowed my face there. I need to focus on what I have right now. Don't dwell too much in the past or I'll fail to see the life's beauty. What I have right now is-

''Power.'' My tiny mouth muttered. Shifting my attention, I began to plan some preparation for next year's possible events. A sudden flashbacks of what happened to Generation of Miracles' boys on their second year, I bit my lip with anticipation.

''Next year is the beginning of the tragedy..'' Will I be able to refrain that to happen? Am I even wanted to stop them from going to immense 'changes'? And there, the grand entrance of the great 'Why'. Why should I do that? For who? For myself? Or just to feed my conscience?

''I don't know anymore.'' Sighing, I closed my eyes and let the darkness engulfed me into deep slumber.

''Maybe it's better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing perfectly.''

---

Chapter's Summary:

Spring

- Shana's first time attending her class. (Beating Akashi's score in the pre-test.)

- Shana informed Shirogane about Kuroko.

- Cafeteria's Incident (The Forbidden Kiss between Njimura and Haizaki, Challenging Nijimura on 1o1 match.)

- Haizaki and Shana first real fight. ( Haizaki's ass was beaten. I'm not a biased. Haizaki has also important role to this story like everyone else.)

- Shana and Nijimura 1on1 match at 1st string Gym. ( Also a glimpse of Shana's skills)

- Shana's decent meeting with GoM.

- Kuroko and Shana's relationship little development. (Will Kuroko become her soon to be friend?)

- Aomine and Kuroko's first encounter in 4th Gymnasium (canon)

- Shana's put her plan into action. (Taking over her father's position as Teiko's Supreme Commander, She became the new Teiko's Invisible Head Coach Scarlet and Ordered Shirogane to resign from Teiko.)

Summer (August)

- Shana was doing her duty as Teiko Supreme Commander and Head Coach with her subordinate, Sanada.

- Shana was making little changes to Basketball Club. (New Training Regimen, Extra Pratices etc)

Autumn

- Kuroko thought of quitting the basketball club (semi-canon)

- Akashi and Kuroko first encounter. (Inevitable meeting)

Winter

- Shana's prank to Kise. (She's finally showing her playful side.)

- Shana congratulated Kuroko as he was promoted to the first string and helped him with his conflict regarding his timing.

- Shana's personal and inner conflict. (Well, she's still confused. The poor girl.)

- Some revelations about Shana's family. (Hahaha shocking isn't? Well I'm not shock. I'm the author after all. LOL)

- Shana's vague resolve.

Trivia:

'Goldilocks' means Good Luck. Shana said that to Akashi to challenge him in the near future.

'Red Theme' is the theme I use and will continue use for every title of the chapter of this story.

(Chapter 1: Because red isn't just the color of fate.) (and luck)

(Chapter 2: It is also symbolizes power.)(and angst)

Author's Note: And that's sum their first year! Hell yeah! 3 more chapters and Teiko Arc will finally reach its ending. Then after that you'll finally see the other Kuroko no Basuke characters as well (Kagami, Seirin, Kaijo, and many more). Anyway, how's the second chapter? I just hope again the Kuroko no Basuke aren't OOC. Next chapter, Kise will be given more spots. (hopefully XD) Well, all I can say is the Third Chapter will be focus on their Second Year of their Middle School.

I feel grateful to everyone who did review, favorite and follow this story. I humbly appreciate it!

Again feel free to ask a question or give comments/criticisms. I would like to hear your thoughts!

Reviews are love. Thank you very much!

*I'm out to brood on the corner because episode 75 was delayed again. How sad. :(

Anyway, See you on the next update. Bye!