AN: Hey there! Here's the first chapter! Second chapter will come out a little later. My updates will be sporadic, sorry for the inconvenience. :/
Please leave a review!
Enjoy!
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IMPORTANT! READ BEFORE THE STORY!
While you read, keep in mind that Kuroko, as a part of the legendary Generation of Miracles, has never lost a match. So, while he does not believe that victory is everything, he does not like to lose (no one does, of course) and has as much pride as the other members of the Generation of Miracles about winning. Which is why, no matter what kind of game - practice or official - Kuroko plays to win and keep his record of being 'undefeated', just like the other Miracles.
He will also treat his team like any other Miracle - as a means to win matches - only difference being that he places importance in team-work. This attitude will change after his first loss (against Touou) just like the rest of the Miracles changed.
Also, no, it is not a retelling of canon. Some major events may remain the same but the plot-line is different. The begginning is a bit same too, but it's going to diverge sooner than later.
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"Dialogues"
'Thoughts'
Flashbacks / Background stories
Chapter 1: The Shadow Player
Kuroko had not chosen Seirin only for their team work and co-ordination play. He knew that those alone would not contribute towards victory. He had also chosen them for their talent.
From the snippets of the only game he'd witnessed, Kuroko noticed that they had a very capable coach – she had to be to get the team so far in the Inter-High Championship playoffs – even though she was also a student, a captain and shooting guard that made eighty per cent of his shots, a point guard who had decent passing skills and made even better on court decisions, two other average players who seemed to be all-rounders and…an Uncrowned King.
That was the deciding factor. If Kuroko was going to choose a high school team that played according to his ideals – for fun, for victory, for happiness, for joy – he had to choose a strong school, one that would stand a chance against the schools his other Teiko team-mates would join. He might be one of the 'Generation of Miracles', but it would be difficult even for him to bring a weak school to the top and win against his old team mates.
Serin though…Seirin was strong. An Uncrowned King would not be on the same level as the members of the Generation of Miracles, but he would be a strong enough player to be his Light. With Seirin, Kuroko could actually stand a chance to do both, fulfil the Oath and show his old team mates the true meaning of defeat and victory.
As Kuroko ducked between various students handing out flyers for their own clubs, he walked straight to the huge billboard that showcased a map for the stands for all club entries. Ah, there it was – Basketball Club.
"There," Aida Riko, coach of the Basketball Club pointed, "just write your name. It's fine if you've not yet checked out your student ID number – it's posted outside the main school building, make sure you look at it before you go to class though – we can fill it in later, once you become a permanent member."
The first year filled it in and handed it back to her, before disappearing between the masses. Riko turned to face the captain,
"Hyuuga-kun, I think you should be out there handing flyers too. We hardly have many members."
Hyuuga Junpei poured himself a glass of water, "Nah, any more people adding to this crowd and there will be a stampede,"
"Still, it would be nice to get a few more members. We've only barely got ten."
She sighed before brightening up, "Well, we're still a new school. Once we win the Inter-High and Winter Cup this year, we'll be a big deal starting next year."
"Are you casually putting pressure on your captain?" Hyuuga asked her wryly,
"Ara? Were you always this delicate, Hyuuga-kun?"
He sighed, "Alright, alright, I'll do my best,"
Riko smirked, "Now if only the others will bring back some promising members –"
"…I've brought back a potential member," Koganei Shinji said in a small voice.
Riko's eyes widened as she took in the scene – a tall, red-headed student wearing a frightening expression on his face who was holding up Koganei by his uniform, 'Brought back a student?! Isn't it the other way around?'
The first year dropped Koganei by the table and asked, "This is the basketball club?"
"H-hai!" Riko squeaked before clearing her throat. 'Who the hell is this guy? He's got the intensity of a wild tiger!'
She passed a glass of water and a club registration form towards him, explaining the details he had to fill. On taking it back and reading through it, she asked him, "Eh? You don't have a reason to play?"
"It doesn't matter," the student grunted, "basketball is the same no matter where you go in Japan,"
With that, he crumpled the disposable glass and threw it in the trash bin over his shoulder, dismissal clear in his actions.
"How scary!" Koganei stuttered, "Is he really a first year student?!"
"He's one in a million," Izuki Shun said,
The three of them whipped their heads around to see Izuki Shun and Mitobe Rinnosuke standing nearby the table.
"AH!" Koganei cried out, "Where were both of you? You left me to handle that giant by myself!"
"Kagami Taiga," Hyuuga read his application, "He went to Middle School in America. Must have learnt basketball from the source…"
"Either way," Riko said, "he'll be extraordinary…"
"Yo," Koganei pushed a paper across the table at her, "you forgot this club request,"
"Huh?" Riko accepted it, 'That's odd; I was here the whole time. When did this person come?' "Kuroko Tetsuya." 'Middle school was Teiko –!' "Hah!?"
"What?" the others asked at her surprised expression,
"H-he's from Teiko Middle School!"
"Teiko! That Teiko?" Hyuuga's eyes widened in surprise.
"Aa," Riko smirked, "and if he's a first year, he might be one of the Generation of Miracles!"
"Generation of Miracles! That famous group?"
While Riko despaired over not remembering such an extraordinary applicant, the others wondered what the possibility of having one of the Miracles at Seirin was. While their names and photos had been published in the monthly sports magazine a couple of years ago, it was not something high school students had paid much attention to.
After all, unless their school was recruiting a Miracle, there was really no need to know who they were – apart from the fact that all of them were basketball prodigies and that one would have to watch out for them on the court. If Kuroko Tetsuya was one of the miracles, they would see it today at practice.
"Take off your shirts!"
Kuroko Tetsuya was surprised at that order, but decided that since he was going to be overlooked anyway, he'd rather not comply with that demand right now.
Instead, he mingled with the other second years and watched as the coach made comments about each player's abilities from a simple visual examination. The last guy however…even Kuroko could see the talent he possessed.
"Coach!" Hyuuga called, "What are you day dreaming at? You've looked at everyone now. Kagami's the last."
"Really?" she looked at her clipboard, "Where's Kuroko-kun?"
Hearing his name, Kuroko walked to stand in front of her. He waited for her to take notice, but her eyes passed over him as usual.
"Kuroko-kun? Is he here?" she called out again.
"Ah…the kid from Teiko," the captain mused.
Kuroko shook his head in amusement, looks like they were truly anticipating his appearance.
"Well, looks like he's not here today, let's start practice –"
'She still doesn't see me; guess I'll have to announce myself then,' Kuroko stepped right in front of her now, barely a few inches away from her face, "Excuse me, I'm Kuroko,"
… … …
"Tetsuya! Tou-san and I are going on a business trip this week. You'll be fine with Obaa-chan, won't you?"
"Hai."
"Of course, he'll be fine," Obaa-chan smiled at her daughter-in-law, "Tetsuya and I will have a lot fun cooking and reading, yes dear?"
"Hai."
That was how it had always been. Parents out of town for half a month for business meetings, while Tetsuya stayed with his grandmother – who he was, frankly, the closest to.
…
"You're pretty good at shooting for a beginner," Ogiwara-kun smiled.
"I've been playing for a year now," Kuroko corrected disappointedly,
"Oh," Ogiwara scratched his head, "Well, then you're pretty bad…" seeing Kuroko's crestfallen face, he hurriedly spoke up, "Hey! How about me teaching you? We can play together from now on!"
His first friend – Ogiwara Shigehiro – and the one who taught Kuroko the intricacies of the game, basketball.
…
"And number 31, Kuroko Tetsuya, that's all,"
Kuroko sighed and joined the other third stringers; how would he play against Ogiwara-kun now, if he was in the third string of Teiko?
Well, the only thing to do now was practice – more than anyone else – and move up into the first string.
…
"Ara? Aomine-kun?"
"You're not a ghost!" Aomine Daiki pointed at him accusingly,
"No, I'm not," replied Kuroko in an amused tone.
"Oh…so, how do you know my name?"
"You're the only first year on the first string, Aomine-kun. Everyone knows your name,"
"Ah, okay. So, what about you?"
"Oh, I'm in the third string,"
"Nah," Aomine-kun made a dismissive gesture, "What's your name?"
Kuroko was surprised; here was a first string player, a regular, and unlike most of them, he was asking for his name instead of his ranking in the club.
Kuroko smiled at him, "Kuroko Tetsuya,"
…
Aomine grinned at Kuroko as he entered the first gym, three months after that meeting with Akashi, Midorima and Murasakibara in the fourth gym, "You're here, Tetsu,"
"Hey," Akashi smiled, "I've been waiting for you. Welcome to the first string of the Teiko basketball team."
…
"Please! Let him play! For one more match! He's practiced harder than anyone for this!"
Kuroko's eyes widened at Aomine-kun's words. He kept himself still behind the wall and heard as Aomine-kun plead to the first string coach for giving Kuroko one more chance.
"That is irrelevant Aomine," Sanada-kantoku sighed, "There are many that practice hard, but his results on court are not laudable. I only wished to inform you since you were the one who vouched for him. He will be demoted back to third string after this match."
"NO!" Aomine-kun sounded slightly desperate now, "One more chance! I know he can do it! You'll see! Just one more chance! And – and if you still think that he is not fit to play as a regular… you can demote me too! Demote me along with him to the third string! Just allow him to play in the next match."
The coach was silent and seemed unmoving.
"Please," Aomine requested one last time, "let him play once more… He's going to be our saviour someday."
"All right," Sanada-kantoku sighed, "I'll put him in at the beginning of the second half of the next match. If he does not show any improvement, I'll demote the both of you to third string,"
"Thank you!" Aomine sighed with relief.
'No, thank you, Aomine-kun,' thought Kuroko, with happiness and surprise, 'thank you for believing in me, for giving me a second chance, for telling me not to quit, for practicing everyday with me after hours, thank you! I will not disappoint you!'
…
"Misdirection works better when you can control your on-court presence." Akashi-kun said as he entered the court in the second half of the game, "Fighting spirit is important, but keep it inside." He pointed at his chest with a small smile, "Also, we first string members are agile. Make your passes a beat quicker than you do with the second and third stringers. It's all a matter of timing."
Kuroko took in his vice-captain's advice and inhaled deeply. Letting it out, he schooled his face into a blank expression and nodded at Akashi.
"I know you can do it," Akashi-kun spoke just before they joined the others, "Silent, swift and unseen. I know it."
…
"Aomine, you're out," Akashi ordered, "and Haizaki, you're in."
"Oi, wait, Akashi!" Aomine protested,
"You have four fouls Aomine," Akashi told him, "and since neither Nijimura-san nor the coach is here today, my orders will be final."
"Yosh!" Haizaki stretched, "Tetsuya, throw me some of your passes today."
"Quite frankly," Kuroko responded, "I don't like the way Haizaki-kun plays,"
"Hey!"
"And if it were not for the fact that Haizaki-kun can't see my play style to steal it, I would not like to play with Haizaki-kun."
"You're too honest, Kuroko," Midorima said, trying cover a smile as he adjusted his glasses.
"Ah," Haizaki grinned, "But you can't deny that after Daiki, you play best with Shintaro and I,"
"I am aware," Kuroko replied, "which is why – Midorima-kun, Haizaki-kun, please be prepared. Always keep your eyes on the ball."
"Oi, Tetsu!" Aomine called out as the bell for the fourth quarter rang. He held out his fist towards Kuroko, "Win."
"We will, Aomine-kun," Kuroko smiled and bumped his fist with his Light's.
…
"They're rather well known for their rough plays," Momoi told the team, "and they target the ace in all matches I've seen."
"Then, this one is on you, Midorima," Akashi smiled, "we'll be depending on you to make most of our shots. They can't attack you physically while you score a three pointer, after all."
"That's all well and good Akashi," Midorima pushed up his glasses, "but getting the ball to me will be tough once they realise your plan to have me score,"
"And that is where I come in, Midorima-kun," Kuroko spoke up, "I've been practising a full-court pass for a while now. It is not perfect yet, but it will be by the time the Inter-Middle School Championship begins next month."
"A full-court pass?" Midorima scoffed, "That is absurd! Passing at such a distance –"
"Tetsu can do it," Aomine interrupted, "The aim is not perfect, but Tetsu can pass across the court. It does take more time than his usual passes though."
"Meanwhile," Akashi continued, "I'd like someone to be Kise-kun's instructor. He'll be joining the first string tomorrow."
"Kise? Who's that?" Haizaki Shougo asked.
"Certainly not you, Haizaki, if you don't even remember who he is," Akashi decided, "Anyone else would like to volunteer?"
"Not I," Midorima said, "I have to practice my threes from a longer range for the Inter-Middle."
"I'm not doing it, Aka-chin," Murasakibara said as he bit into his maiubo, "too much work."
"Don't look at me, Akashi. I'm already staying back to help Tetsu perfect that pass of his," Aomine paused, "Actually, let Tetsu do it! All he's doing is practising that pass of his – this way, he'll at least have something else to do!"
"Aomine-kun!" Kuroko protested, "Don't volunteer me for things on your own –"
"Actually," Akashi interrupted, "Aomine makes a good argument. I'll be leaving Kise-kun to you then, Kuroko. I think you may be the perfect person to show him that the basketball club is not like the other clubs he joins, before quitting in a few months. You'd be the right one to teach him about being passionate while playing."
"Hai," Kuroko had nothing to say against that, "I'll do my best,"
…
"Are you going to keep running, Tetsuya?" Akashi asked him on graduation day, just as the students were let out of the assembly hall.
"No," Kuroko shook his head, "I'm done with running. I'm going to play again. And I will show you my basketball."
A small smile played upon the Teiko captain's lips. They stood there under the sakura trees, facing each other. After a long moment, Kuroko spoke again,
"Seirin,"
… … …
Aida Riko paused, breath stilling and teeth chattering in surprise and fear, because – where the hell did he come from?
"AAHH!"
"What? How long have you been here?" Hyuuga asked him.
"I've been here the whole time," Kuroko replied with his usual blank expression, 'It is amusing at times, but not when I really want to be noticed – like for registering myself for a club.'
As the coach stood shocked, two other players, Hyuuga and Koganei, came forward to see him.
"So this guy's from one of the Generation of Miracles?" Koganei asked out loud, tone slightly disbelieving, "He couldn't have a regular, could he?"
"Of course not! Right, Kuroko?" Hyuuga answered, feeling slightly disappointed.
'Are you assuming things based on my appearance and lack of presence?' "I played in games,"
As that declaration thoroughly surprised everyone, Kuroko smiled inwardly, 'Don't worry, I'm not a prodigy like the others but I'm quite skilled by myself. And like the others, losing is not an option for me – I will bring this team victory. That is a promise.'
'This makes no sense!' Riko thought as she travelled home, 'Kuroko-kun's physical statistics are so low! There's no way he could have been a regular on such a strong team. Teiko's training is vigorous, even a normal player would have more stats than Kuroko. On top of it, Kuroko's almost at his limit too! That he says he was a part of the Generation of Miracles is astonishing…'
She had really high hopes on seeing that Kuroko came from Teiko. Even if he hadn't been one of the Miracles, Teiko's training would have made him an above average athlete. But Kuroko – he was weak, physically, statistically – and Riko had no idea what to do. She truly did want Seirin to win this time, but with Kiyoshi Teppei out for rehabilitation, their offensive and defensive power was cut down to half.
While Riko did not make judgements quickly, she had to admit that only Kagami of all first years had made an impression.
Thud! Thud! Swoosh!
The ball passed through the net and bounced back up. Kagami dribbled it for a bit before running back to the free throw line and jumping slightly to make a shot. His clear vision of the hoop slanted then, surprised at seeing someone standing next to it and the ball, instead of going through the hoop, bounced off the rim.
The person, Kuroko Tetsuya, caught it, spinning it lightly between his palms.
"When did you get here?" Kagami asked in slight surprise.
"Nice to meet you, too," Kuroko replied.
'The hell!? What kind of a reply was that?'
"What are you doing?" Kagami asked him, annoyed at his sudden appearance.
"What are you doing here by yourself?" Kuroko passed the ball back to him.
Kagami grit his teeth as he caught the ball, 'Is this guy going to answer any of my questions or ask me questions in return?' "Nothing. Nothing at all."
"Is that so?"
'Damn, this is annoying! And that guy keeps speaking in that blank, inexpressive tone of his…it's irritating! It feels like he's mocking me!'
Well, it seemed it was up to Kagami to make any conversation then, "I was in America until my second year of middle school. I've been appalled ever since I came back by how low the standards here are. I'm not looking to play basketball for fun; I'm looking for a more serious game that gets me going."
'Appalled?' Kuroko thought in disbelief, 'By the low standards? He must have spent his last year of middle school in an extremely weak school for basketball to have not heard of Teiko's Miracles.'
"I heard all about you," Kagami continued, "I've heard all about the supposedly strong Generation of Miracles from our year. You were on that team, weren't you?"
'Ah,' Kuroko realised now, 'he must have asked the senpai at Seirin.'
"I've got a pretty good sense of how good the others are," Kagami said.
'Do you really?' Kuroko kept a blank face, 'Unless you've played us, you don't truly know the reason why we were called the Generation of Miracles…'
"People who can succeed smell different from the others," Kagami threw the ball back to Kuroko, "But, something's not right with you. The strong should smell strong, the weak should smell weak. You…you don't smell like anything."
'An instinctive knowledge of how strong a player is?' Kuroko wondered, 'I was right. He's a strong player. But it's difficult to tell just based on what I've seen till now; I'll need to test him.'
"Let me see it!" Kagami demanded, "Show me just how strong this Generation of Miracles are!"
"How fortunate." Kuroko took off his gakuran, "I was hoping to play against you too. One-on-one!"
'Yes! This is my chance to see how strong these 'Generation of Miracles' are!'
'This is a perfect chance to test Kagami Taiga and see just how good of a player he is.'
"You should quit," Kagami told Kuroko tiredly.
The match had gone exactly how Kuroko had expected and completely opposite to what Kagami had imagined. In comparison to Kagami, Kuroko was an extremely weak player and he admitted it too. Kagami had told him, in very succinct words, that Kuroko had no talent for basketball and no amount of effort could make up for it – it would be best to quit.
'Well, I was not entirely correct,' Kuroko mused as he looked at Kagami, 'he's not like the old Aomine-kun. The old Aomine-kun had told me not to quit and keep practicing, because effort was worth it. Kagami-kun is like a mixture of the old and new Aomine-kun. And…I can work with that. Now that Kiyoshi Teppei-san is not here for some reason, Kagami-kun could perhaps become my new Light…perhaps.'
"No matter how much you try to cover it up with nice words like effort," Kagami said, "raw talent is a fact of life. You have no talent for basketball."
He turned to leave only to be stopped by Kuroko's words.
"I don't accept that."
"What?"
"First of all, I love basketball," Kuroko told him, "Also; I don't share your opinion. I don't care who's strong or who's weak." Kuroko amended slightly, 'Well, not entirely. While I do know there are both strong and weak players, it is not as if the weak can't do anything,'
Kagami narrowed his eyes at that, "What did you say?"
"I'm not like you," Kuroko looked at him, "I'm a shadow."
The next evening, it rained. Thus, the coach changed her plans of practising out doors and held a mini-game instead.
"Twenty minutes," Riko smiled, "First years versus second years,"
It was clear what she was trying to do, she was trying to see how well they played in an actual game.
"Do you remember their record from last year?" Fukuda Hiroshi asked his fellow first years, "They went to the finals in just their first year!"
"Are you serious?" Kawahara Koichi said in surprise.
"That's not normal…" Furihata Kouki muttered.
'Normal?' Kuroko was amused, 'Is that not less surprising than five first year middle school students taking the championship title and then continuing to do so for the next two years? Apparently, they've forgotten Teiko's reputation already…'
"It's nothing to be afraid of," Kagami smirked, "It's always better to have stronger opponents than weaker ones. Let's go!"
'Kagami-kun has a good attitude,' Kuroko smiled, 'now to see how to incorporate my passes in this make-shift team. Looks like I'll have to only observe for the first half and see how everyone plays.'
The whistle blew and Kagami won the tip-off, sending the ball towards Kawahara who quickly passed to Kagami. Kagami immediately dunked the ball in, getting the first two points for their team.
"That dunk was unbelievable!" Kawahara exclaimed.
Hyuuga had to agree, 'Kagami's more than ready to play on a court! He's a real monster!'
Riko shared his thoughts on that, 'He's better than I expected! Such destructive force for unpolished, intuitive play!'
Kuroko, used to playing with even better players, thought differently, 'He's not on their level. Or at least, not now. But, from what I've seen, he has the potential to be. This…this is good. Kagami-kun would actually make a better Light than Kiyoshi-san. With more training, he could at least reach the level of the Uncrowned Kings! The only thing I see him lacking in is experience. I don't think he's actually played an official game or played in the National stadium either…'
Kuroko shook his head absently, 'I'm thinking too far ahead. Let's take this one step at a time. First, to win this mini-game!'
The game progressed in favour of the first years, with Kagami making most, if not all, all the shots. While at first, they still passed to Kuroko, seeing how he always lost the ball – that stopped. Kagami's shots and talented play started attracting more attention.
In a few minutes, Kuroko was forgotten entirely and he quietly started observing and memorising the way their team and that of the second years played. Noting it now would be beneficial to their victory in the long run.
Then the second years got serious, triple teaming and double teaming Kagami, depending on when he has the ball. Soon the score turned to their favour, leading by 31 – 15.
"They're too strong!"
"We were naïve to think that we'd win!"
"I've had enough!"
"Enough?" Kagami grabbed at Furihata's shirt, "You're giving up too easily!"
Kuroko went to stand behind him and poked in the back of his knees with his own. Balance lost, Kagami let go of Furihata.
"Please calm down."
"You…bastard!" Kagami aimed a punch at him which Kuroko dodged easily.
As the first years began the one-sided fight, Riko sighed, 'Ah, Kuroko. I'd forgotten he was playing.' Then realising what she'd thought, 'Wait! Since when was he playing? I am the referee and I'd forgotten too! How long has he been on the court?'
The match started once more, three minutes left.
"Excuse me," Kuroko flexed his wrist and fingers as he spoke to Fukuda, "Could you just pass me the ball?"
'Huh?' Fukuda was confused, 'What can you even do with the ball when you get it?'
'Now,' Kuroko gave a small, secretive smile to himself, 'is the time to win. I've seen your plays, all of yours. My passes will be perfect. The ball shall land right into your hands. All you need to do is keep an eye on the ball.'
When those passes started going through, Riko was confused. Her eyes, so used to following the movement of the ball, failed to notice the player passing it.
'Why do I feel so uneasy?' Riko asked herself, 'Is something unbelievable happening?'
"They passed the ball and made the shot before we even realised it!" Izuki exclaimed.
"What …is going on?" Koganei asked, confused.
'You are seeing what it means to play against a member of the Generation of Miracles,' Tetsuya looked at the chaos and confusion his passes had created, their opponents feeling a tingle of unease, 'even though I'm one of the weakest players among my old team mates, you are seeing just how much influence one of us can have on a game. This match will be won by the first years, I shall guarantee it!'
'Is he using his lack of presence to pass?' Riko wondered, 'He's not even touching the ball for very long! Could he be diminishing his already weak presence even further?'
As she concentrated more on Kuroko, she could literally feel her eyes slide off him and on to the ball he passed to one of his team mates.
'Misdirection.' Riko realised, 'A technique used in sleight of hand tricks. He's drawing his opponents' attention away from himself. To be more accurate, he's not using his lack of presence but directing his opponent's attention elsewhere! He's the invisible regular of Teiko who excelled at passing. I'd heard rumours, but I didn't think he actually existed – the phantom sixth member of the Generation of Miracles!'
The point difference soon turned to 37 – 36 in favour of the second years. With a one point difference, the first years brightened up.
Catching the ball in the last few seconds, Kuroko advanced to the basket.
"Go Kuroko!"
"Shoot!"
The ball bounced against the rim instead and the first years cried out in dismay before cheering loudly when Kagami slammed the ball in, getting them the last two points to win.
Though disappointed at the loss, the second years were highly pleased at getting such talented new members.
Riko beamed at them as they towelled off, "That was a great match guys!"
"Yes," Hyuuga agreed, "Kuroko totally surprised us in the second half."
The mentioned player bowed, "Thank you,"
"Kagami," Riko turned to the other first year that had gone beyond expectations, "you have immense talent! Though, dunking is what you seem to do most. Fukuda, your ball handling is weak, but your shoot percentage is quite good! Kawahara, your speed is the biggest fault right now, though you seem to have the basics of basketball down pat. Furihata, your speed also leaves much to be desired, however, you have a good shooting form."
Turning finally to Kuroko, "I can see now why you are a part of the Generation of Miracles. To have made such perfect passes – and with a new team too! Your shooting form is perfect too. The only problem is your aim –"
"I beg your pardon, coach," Kuroko politely interrupted, "It has been three years, but I am yet unable to shoot. I am an expert at passes and steals. That was my role in the team. For shooting and scoring, the others were more than enough."
There was a silence at his words. Everyone knew that. The other members of the Generation of Miracles did not merely score enough, they scored ten – sometimes fifteen – times their opponents score.
"Ah…you're right," Riko gave a small, shaky laugh, "Okay, everyone is dismissed for today. We will meet again tomorrow!"
'The milkshakes here are really the best,' Kuroko sighed in pleasure as he sipped from the straw slowly.
On the other side, Kagami brought over a plate of burgers to a seemingly empty table and sat down. He'd barely taken a bite when his eyes landed on Kuroko and nearly choked.
"Gwoh!" swallowing hastily, he asked, "When did you come here? And what are you doing here?"
"Hello." Kuroko replied in an even tone, internally amused at Kagami's expression, "I was sitting here first. I like Maji's vanilla shakes."
Kagami sighed, "Go somewhere else."
"I don't want to."
'Tch. This guy's monotonous voice pisses me off!' "If someone sees us," Kagami began, "they'll think we're friends."
'What makes you think people will see me so easily when you couldn't till you sat down?' Kuroko wondered, 'And is being my friend truly so undesirable?' "This is my usual hangout."
Kagami had nothing to say to that and after a moment, passed him one of his burgers, "Here. I don't like people who suck at basketball, but you've earned yourself that one."
Kuroko looked at the burger in his hands and a smile crept upon his face, "Thanks."
'Well, Kagami-kun, looks like we'll get along fine.'
"Just how strong is the Generation of Miracles?" Kagami asked Kuroko as they walked home. After today's match and seeing Kuroko play, that was a genuine question, "Like, if I played them now, how would I do?"
"You'd be destroyed instantly," came the prompt reply,
"Do you have to put it that way?" Kagami asked irritably.
"The five prodigies," Kuroko continued, paying no attention to Kagami's anger, "have each joined powerful schools for basketball. One of those schools will stand at the top."
Kagami and Kuroko walked on silently as the red-head took in Kuroko's words and the conviction in them.
"That's great!" Kagami laughed, "This kind of thing lights a fire in me. I've decided, I'll crush all of them and become the best player in Japan!"
'How arrogant of you, Kagami-kun. Do you truly think it will be so easy?' "I don't think that is possible," Kuroko said at last,
"Hey!"
"I don't know if you have a hidden talent or not, but you wouldn't even be able to reach their feet as you are now," Kuroko smiled, 'But…I like this fire you have. And I will need someone like you if I am to defeat my old team mates. So…'
"You can't do it alone."
Kagami looked at Kuroko in surprise, "That's why, I've also decided."
Kagami swallowed, 'He looks strangely determined…'
"I'm a shadow," Kuroko said, "But the stronger the light, the darker the shadow and the more it accentuates the light. I will be the Shadow to your Light, and make you the best player in Japan."
"Look who's talking," Kagami smirked, "Do what you want."
"I'll do my best," Kuroko smiled, '…because, making you the best in Japan will mean Seirin's victory. And it is our victory that is important. It is victory that will mean the Oath's fulfilment. Yes…Kagami-kun, you will be my Light and shall be the prerequisite to our victory.'
Seirin Basketball Club certainly had an odd introductory style and initiation for its new members. But, if it was meant to convey conviction and determination, Kuroko certainly couldn't back down from it. The school's headmaster arriving just before he could say his piece was disappointing, though.
As Kuroko sat at his usual table at Maji, he was drawn out of his thoughts when a tray piled with burgers was abruptly placed on his table. A tall, red-haired man followed soon after, seating himself opposite him.
'Again?' Kuroko sighed, 'And how many burgers is that this time?'
After thoroughly spooking Kagami for the second time in two days at the fast-food joint, Kuroko voiced his doubts, "We are not allowed on the roof anymore. What will we do if we can't join the basketball club?"
While there was no such official rule, in the end it did depend on the coach who ought and who ought not to be a member. Not that he thought Aida-san would decline a Teiko alumnus from joining just because he wasn't able to complete the dare, announcing his intentions and resolve from the top of the roof had actually been an appealing notion.
Kuroko did not like great amount of attention as it hampered his misdirection, but he did have the same flair for showing-off as his former team-mates. Just for a little bit of time, he did enjoy the attention.
"That's not gonna happen." Kagami declared confidently.
Kuroko smiled internally at that, glad that his new Light was such an optimistic individual.
"Oh, I wanted to ask you," Kagami began, serious all of a sudden, "Why didn't you go to some big name school like the other five? You were good enough to be known as the sixth man…"
Kuroko took a sip of his milkshake instead of answering, 'Why? I suppose that will be something my old team-mates will ask me too. But I know Seirin has it in it to win. With this team, I will be able to fulfil the Oath… And, their style of play incorporates the most important thing in order for me to play my best – teamwork.'
"Is there a reason you play basketball?" Kagami asked curiously when silence stretched on.
"My middle school basketball team had one core principle," Kuroko began abruptly, "which is 'Winning is everything'. Instead of teamwork, we pushed the individual talents of the Generation of Miracles to win."
And that was the flaw, as Kuroko's greatest strength could only be pushed to its limits by using team-work.
"Nothing could beat us, but we weren't a team," he spoke, the wistful tone nearly inaudible, 'at least, not in our third year. Before that…' "The five of them approved, but I felt we lacked something."
"So… what?" Kagami said, "You planning to beat the Generation of Miracles in your own way?"
"That was what I was thinking."
"Seriously?"
"Your and the coach's words really struck me. Now, my goal will be to try and make you and this team the best in Japan."
"We're not going to try," Kagami scoffed as he got up from his seat, "We will be the best."
Kuroko smiled, 'Yes, we will. This is good Kagami-kun; your outlook matches mine on various levels. I look forward to playing with you.'
Seeing the caption 'WE WILL BE THE BEST IN JAPAN' drawn on the school grounds with white chalk powder, Riko knew that this would be an interesting year for her club. The phone call from Kaijo's coach confirming their practice match was the cherry on the top. All in all, it was shaping up to be a good day.
Then, practice began…
In the changing rooms, an old 'Basketball Monthly' magazine lying on the bench caught Koganei's attention.
"Huh? Didn't this issue come out when Kuroko was in middle school?"
"My second year, to be precise," Kuroko supplied.
"Heh," Hyuuga stood next to Koganei, flipping through the pages, "There are quite a few promising players featured here."
"Aha! Here we go…the Generation of Miracles!"
Kuroko simply watched as they skimmed through the articles, only to realise that the phantom player was not mentioned.
"Even though he's the sixth man," Koganei mused, "Didn't they come to interview you?"
"They did," Kuroko nodded, "but they forgot about me. Besides, I'm nothing like the other five; they are true prodigies."
The seniors sweat-dropped at his blasé manner, feeling slightly sad for him. All charitable feelings vanished though, when Riko came to inform them of their impending doom – or practice match, as she liked to call it.
"A practice match with Kaijo High School?" the captain echoed in disbelief.
'Ah,' Kuroko thought, 'So we'll be playing you first, Kise-kun? I'm anticipating it…'
"Yes!" Riko chirped, "They won't disappoint us!"
"Disappoint?" Koganei muttered, "They're way better than us!"
"Are they really that strong?" Fukuda asked.
"They're strong at the national level," Hyuuga told them, "They play in the Inter-High every year,"
"And this year," the coach continued, paying no attention to Koganei and the first years' words, "Kaijo has got their hands on one of the Generation of Miracles, Kise Ryota."
"What?"
Everyone was surprised to hear that.
Kagami, on the other hand, was elated, 'I didn't know I'd get to play them so soon. This is exciting!'
"Apparently, Kise works as a model," Hyuuga commented as an afterthought.
"Eh? Good looking and good at basketball? That's brutal!" Koganei gave a small whistle.
"Idiot." Riko sighed, 'Men and their pride. Geez…'
Just then, the excited chattering of girls made its way to them. There, at the entrance of the gym, surrounding a tall, blonde-haired man was a horde of fans clutching autograph pads.
"Huh? What in the world," Riko's eyes widened, "What are all these people doing here? In my gym, that too!"
A sheepish voice sounded, "Um, I didn't really mean for this to happen."
Even as the blonde said that, he continued signing for the girls.
'The hell is the Generation of Miracles' Kise Ryota doing here?' Riko wondered.
The other second years were equally confused and surprised at his appearance.
'This is such a familiar sight,' Kuroko sighed, 'Of course, while we didn't exactly allow Kise-kun's fans to enter the gym back at Teiko, it didn't mean that they never tried…'
… … …
Kise ducked inside the gym, a babble of girls with autograph pads and other various accessories, wanting to get them signed by the blond model, following in after him.
Momoi immediately took a stand in front of them, cheerfully stating, "Non-club members are not allowed in during practice!"
"Oh, we'll only take a minute," one of them tried to convince her, the rest looking ready to bodily move her out of their way.
Kise tried not to be very obvious as he ducked behind Midorima for cover. Kuroko watched silently. After a minute of fruitless convincing, the vice-captain sighed and walked over to them with an irritated expression.
"Are you here to join the club?"
"Ah, no –" One started, before being cut off by another, sensing an opportunity to stay inside the gym, "Oh, yes, we are!"
"Twenty-five laps around the gym, if you are joining as players," Midorima snapped, watching the girls pale at his order – oh god, how many laps did he say? – "and if you're here as mangers, take that basket of towels. They need to be washed. By hand."
The girls turned to see the baskets he'd been pointing at – dirty, sweat soaked and clearly, smelly towels were piled into them.
"Well?" asked Midorima impatiently, "What will it be? There's no time to dawdle!"
"Ah, no!"
"We'll get going now!"
"Oh, I just remembered something important!"
Kuroko chose that moment to announce his presence, standing a mere foot away from the crowd, "Allow me to escort you out,"
"GAH!"
"Ghost!"
And that cleared away any last stragglers there were. The rest of the first string were so accustomed to random shouts of 'ghost' because of Kuroko, they were not even fazed.
"Thank you Midorimachhi, Kurokochhi!"
"Hmph," Midorima pushed up his glasses by habit, "they were being a nuisance. This has nothing to do with you."
"Midorima-kun is quite sweet." Kuroko said blandly.
"Kuroko! Don't startle me like that!"
"How could you have forgotten so quickly that I was here, Midorima-kun?"
… … …
Kuroko was quickly brought out of his thoughts when Kise caught his eyes from his perch upon the podium at one side of the gym.
"It's good to see you again," Kuroko gave him a small bow.
Playing the perfect role of a model, Kise returned a composed, "Good to see you,"
At the blatant glares from the other Seirin club members, Kise rubbed his head apologetically, "Sorry, could you…um…give me five minutes?"
Dutifully, after five minutes, the club was cleared of all fans and stragglers.
"What are you doing here?" Hyuuga asked him immediately afterwards.
'I think I may have an idea,' Kuroko thought as he saw Kise approach them, his stance relaxing now that the fan-girls were gone.
"When I heard that our next opponent was Seirin, I remembered Kurokochhi went here –"
'Liar,' Kuroko deadpanned, 'I never told you where I had enrolled. Stop acting so cool,'
"– so I thought I'd come say hi." Kise smiled at him, "We were the best of friends in middle school!"
As the others expressed disbelief, Kuroko rolled his eyes internally, 'Don't think I don't know what you're actually here for Kise-kun. But my choice, Seirin, is perfect. You simply do not see how much strength there is here that I can amplify.'
Out loud, Kuroko replied in his monotonous voice, "Not more than anyone else."
"You're so mean!" Kise said dramatically, letting out a few crocodile tears.
As his team was startled and more than a little dumfounded at Kise's sudden personality overturn, Kuroko sighed, 'Midorima-kun's comments sting more than mine, yet you spend an inordinately huge time chatting on the phone with him. Who are you fooling with those tears? Speaking of which… He must have been the one to tell you about my school too…'
"Kise Ryota," recited Furihata from the old basketball magazine suddenly, "Though he started basketball in his second year of middle school, his exceptional physical ability and sense got him on the Teiko team as a regular in a heartbeat."
'Not exactly in a heartbeat,' Kise reflected, 'that article has only ever published the beautiful image of Teiko that is projected. Inside its gyms, we'd lived a life full of drama. Our title was not so easily got, you know…'
"While he has less experience than the other four," Furihata continued, "he's a rapidly improving all-rounder."
"Since your second year?" Hyuuga repeated, slightly shocked.
"Ah," Kise scratched his head in an attempt at modesty, "that article exaggerated quite a bit. I'm glad to be called a part of the Generation of Miracles, but I'm the worst of the bunch." He flashed a smile at them, "They bullied me and Kurokochhi for it all the time,"
"That never happened to me," came Kuroko's prompt reply.
"What? It was just me?" another round of crocodile tears, 'C'mon, Kurokochhi! Don't throw me to the wolves here!'
Just then, a sudden displacement of air from his side made him shift his attention. His hand snapped out instinctively to catch the ball thrown towards him, his eyes narrowed at the uncouth display. The ball spun in his hand due to momentum before dropping down, where it bounced before Kise caught it again.
"Ow! What was that for?" Kise muttered in a low voice. He sent a glance towards Kuroko, 'Such rude team-mates you've got, Kurokochhi!'
His thoughts must have been evident, because Kuroko simply shrugged in a 'what can you do?' manner.
"Kagami!"
The coach's reprimand went unheard as Kagami smirked at Kise, "Sorry for interrupting your little reunion, but don't tell me you came all the way here just to greet us."
'Certainly not to greet you,' Kise thought uncharitably.
"Why don't you play with me a little, pretty boy?"
Kise narrowed his eyes at that, 'I actually did come here to talk to Kurokochhi about something important, not to play with you, newbie.'
"What?" Kise groaned for show, "I don't know if I'm ready."
'But,' Kise glanced at Kuroko, 'perhaps my message will come off with more impact if I show it with actions. My easy domination over this player will have to convince him that it was a bad idea to choose such a new school…'
"But I just…" Kise paused, thinking it over, "Fine. Let's do it! I have to thank you for that display."
Kise passed the ball back to Kagami, shrugging off his coat and talking a stance in front of him. Kagami simply passed the ball back and Kise smirked.
'Very well, if he wants to do it this way, I shall have to oblige.'
The following one-on-one was the first display Seirin saw of the Generation of Miracles' true power. Needless to say, they were left stunned.
AN: How was it? Do let me know!
Also, there won't be any character bashing here, so any unsavoury thoughts about any character are simply the opinions of some other character, that may or may not change later. Though the main focus here will be on the GoM, Seirin and Kagami will also play a major role.
Also, once again, if the characters are being too OOC, please let me know! I want to retain their unique personalities, so do tell me if anyone is portrayed incorrectly.
REVIEW!