Watching Kuroko no Basket
By: OtakuSage
Chapter 3
"Now the fun really begins" Kagami said smiling broadly "Seirin vs Kaijou. I'm excited even if we are just watching it
*The screen lit up showing Kaijou High School. Seirin walk down staring at their surrounding with undisguised awe.
"This place is huge. You can really tell when a school is devoted to its athletics"
The camera panned over to Kagami who looked awful with bags under his eyes
"Kagami-kun why do your eyes look like that?" Kuroko ask
"Shut up". There was a small flashback to Kagami who couldn't sleep lying in bed with an excited look on his face. "You'll see, Kise. I'll show you"
"I was a little too excited"
"You're like a dumb little kid" Aomine laughed
"Shut up Ahomine" Kagami shot back. The two glare at each other
"What are you a kid going on a fieldtrip" Kuroko teased
"What did you say?"
"Hey guys!" Kise was running toward them
"Kise!"
"This place is big so I thought I'd come to get you" Kise said
Kagami moved forward "Kise..." Kise walked right past him ignoring him and going to talk to Kuroko "Hey"
Kuroko let out a soft huff and Kise said embarrassed "I just hadn't acknowledged Kagamicchi yet as my rival"
"Damn you Kise" Kagami glowered
"Kurokocchi, ever since you turned down my invitation to join us I've been crying into my pillow every night" He wipe away fake tears
"What's wrong with him?" Hyuga ask
"Just show us the way" Kagami demanded but again he was ignored
"Not a girl has turned me down before"
"Tch, are you ignoring me" Kagami glowered
Kise's eyes got a bit more serious "I'm interested to know more about" he turned to look at Kagami "the guy who's making Kurokocchi say those thing. I don't care much about being called the Generation of Miracles, but I can't ignore such an obvious challenge" Kise said "I'm not mature enough to let it slide. Sorry but I'm going to crush you with everything I have"
Kagami smile "Sounds good"
They made it to the gym
"This is it" Kise said.
Every was surprise seing the gym was split down in the middle with pratice still being on half the court
"That's one way to piss someone off" Aomine said realizing right away what was happening.
"We're playing on half a court?" Riko asked "The other said's being used for practice?"
The Kaijou coach looked up "Oh. You're here. Welcome. I'm coach Takeuchi." He looked confused "Which one of you is the coach"
"That's me" Riko declare
"You? You're not the manager?" He asked astounded
"I'm Coach Aida Riko" She introduced herself "We look forward to playing with you today"
"Uh, Yeah" Takeuchi nodded
"So uhmm...What is this?" Riko asked looking at the split court
"Exactly what it looks like, we've only made simple arrangements for today's game"
"Arrangements?"
"There won't be enough to learn from this game to make it worth watching for the guys sitting out" Takeuchi said bluntly while Riko was twitching with anger
"We're having the other players practice as usual so we don't waste time. Despite the arrangements you'll be playing out regulars. I hope you won't let us triple your score" Takeuchi waved and walked off leaving Riko look beyond mad
"They think we suck" Kagami said "They're treating this like a side show to their practice" Kuroko smiled
The camera move to Kise who trying to tuck in his jersey "There we go"
"Kise why are you wearing you uniform" Takeuchi asked "You're not playing. I know we've got stars from all the middle schools but you're on a whole different level"
"Don't do that coach. Seriously stop saying that!" Kise looked distressed
"If I let you play it won't even be a game anymore" Takeuchi said
"Your coach pisses me off" Kagami muttered
"Even if it's me, I wouldn't underestimate any of my opponents like that" Akashi commented
"Just listen to him.." Hyuga said annoyed
"I haven't this pissed off in a while" Izuki added
"I am sorry. Seriously sorry" Kise said hands up in surrender as he apologized "I'll be on the bench. If you give his guys a beating, I'm sure he'll put me in" Seirin still looked pissed. Kise suddenly said "Besides, if you can't force him to put me in you shouldn't go around saying you'll beat the Generation of Miracles"
"It's fine" Kuroko said "Please warm up, we don't have time to wait"
"Kuro-chin is mad" Murasakibara said muching his popcorn
"They'll sure get a beating" Aomine argree knowing how it is to anger Tetsu and one had better be ready for a backlash when they did
"Let the practice game between Seirin High and Kaijou High begin" The referee announced as the players line up
The referee looked around confused before calling out "We're about to get started so Seirin please have your five line up"
"There're five of us here" Kuroko said hand raised
The entire team let out a yell even the ones practicing stopped playing to stare.
"What the hell?"
"He's one of their starters?"
"He's got no presence" They whispered
"He was right in front of me and I didn't notice" said Kobori of Kaijou
"What about you Kasamatsu?" Moriyama asked his captain
"Me neither" He replied
"This is ridiculous" The Kaijou coach said "After all their boasting I'd thought they'd have some decent players"
"We'll see" Kise said "They're not just decent"
Riko observed the Kaijou team "Ouch"
"What's wrong coach" Koganei ask
"This doesn't look good, I can't see everything through their clothes, but their numbers are way higher than us. Honestly it's not surprising for a nationally strong team. We've got Kuroko-kun and Kagami-kun but how far can they carry us"
The whistle blew and the tip off started. Kaijou got the ball first. Kasamatsu dibbled down the court leisurely "All right. Let's keep it up"
Kuroko appear out of nowhere suddenly hitting the ball away from the unsuspecting captain
"Right off the bat eh Tetsu" Aomine grinned
"Damn it, I didn't see him at all" Kasamatsu grumbled
"What?" Kuroko dribbled as Kasamatsu ran to catch up "Where did he come from" He caught up to Kuroko quickly "He's slow"
Kuroko passed back to Kagami from behind who ran past Kasamatsu and made a dunk so hanrd it ripped the hoop right off the backboard
"All right!" Kagami yelled before noticing the rim in his hand. He gaped "WOW!"
"What? He destroyed the hoop!"
"You're kidding I don't believe it" Yells were heard from around the court
"That thing's dangerous. One of the bolts are rusted" Izuki said
"Even so that's not normal"
"I'm so sorry" Riko bowed apologetically to the Kaijou coach
Kuroko walked up to him and bowed as well "I'm sorry we broke your hoop. Since we can't play like this, could we use the full court?"
The Kaijou coach look pissed and embarrased.
"Now that's what I call a beating" Aomine grinned
"You planned that didn't you Tetsuya" Akashi said
Kuroko didn't deny it
"Tetsu's almost as good as Akashi when it comes to planning things like that" Aomine said
"You know I would broke the hoop, Kuroko?" Kagami asked
"I just planned to do something impressive so that they would quickly put Kise-kun in, that's all" Kuroko said
Kaijou began clearing the court and lowering the hoops to get ready for the game. The broken hoop lay in a corner
"Now that's what you call a beating" Kise laugh "I've never seen the coach like that before"
"You tell him that's what he get for underestimating us" Kagami shot back
"How much you think a replacement hoop will cost" Kuroko said solemnly
"Huh? We have to pay for that?" Kagami looked after him in disbelief
"Now I think you have a sense of humor, Kuroko" Kagami said
"Let the game resume" The referee yelled
People gasped as Kise stepped onto the court. He smiled "Sorry to keep you waiting" His eyes narrowed and he looked every bit as intense as Kagami
"You're finally in" Kagami looked excited
"You're way too intense for a model when you play basketball"
"He's not just putting on a show" Kuroko said.
In Riko's vision she regarded Kise eyes wide
"Amazing, seeing him again I can tell...Kise Ryota is a monster"
There was a loud squeal and screams from the fan girls that gathered. Kise waved at them. Kasamatsu kicked him from behind "Quit waving at them! I'll hit you!" He yelled
"Oww. That hurt. Kasamatsu-senpai"
"Kasamatsu-senpai is mean!" Kise wailed
"You deserve that" Kasamatsu grumbled
"Do you understand what's going on Kise?" Kasamatsu got close to him eyes sharp "Who the hell is number 10?"
"Number? Oh that's Kagami"
"Kagami I've never heard of him before"
"I just came back from America then so nobody would know me I think" Kagami said
"Forget about him" Kise said
"Hey Kise! You bastard!" Kagami fumming
"Sorry Kagamicchi" Kise cried
"The guy who stole the ball number 11..That's my teammate from Teikou Kurokocchi. Isn't he amazing right right!" Kise bounced with excitement
"Thank you Kise-kun" Kuroko said
"Why are you so happy?" Kasamatsu hit Kise again "In any case they gave us quite a greeting, it would be rude if we didn't return the favor" Kise nodded looking determined to do just that
Kasamatsu raced down the court with the ball, he passed it to Kise who jumped dunking it like Kagami had. He let go of the rim and hit the ground only to be kicked by Kasamatsu once more.
"You idiot I told you to break it" He yelled at Kise
"Sorry" Kise cried
Kagami looked at the rim for a second. He dunked that harder than I did
"I can't say the same for girls, but I've never failed to return a favor on the court"
Kagami grinned eyebrow twitching "Bring it on!"
Hyuga passed to Kuroko. Kuroko passed to Kagami who dunked the ball with fierce yell as he turned to his team "Let's go all out!"
"Yeah" Seirin yelled
They dribbled down the court going back and forth so quickly it was hard to keep track of the game
What is this? Riko tried to follow the players. What's with this high paced play?
Seirin 16 – Kaijou 17
They were matching each other basket for basket with Kaijou just barely keeping the lead
"It's only been three minutes since the game started"
"It's like they are beating each other without bothering to guard. The defense is doing everything it can, but both teams' offenses are just too strong. This is a clash of the Generation of Miracles"
Hyuga had the ball faceing off against kasamatsu. The other four are just as intense as Kise. This is almost more than I can handle. If not for Kuroko and Kagami they'd have won this game already.
Hyuga passed to Kuroko who passed quickly to Kagami. He dribble down before suddenly jumping and do a fade away
"From that speed he's going to a fade away" An onlooker yelled out.
Kise blocked the ball however and rushed back down the court before copying Kagami's fade away
That was my fade away. He's copying me again
The ball made it in and Kaijou
And he do it better than me!
Kise grinned his feet twitching as he watched. It was hard not to get invested in watching despite knowing the outcome. The music was exciting and with the addition of the inner thoughts of your opponents, it was a whole new way to view a game.
Hyuga driibbled the ball down court looking focus until
"Captain" the voice came out of nowhere make Hyuga jump to the side nearly losing the ball as it revealed Kuroko right behind him
"Where did you come from? Why are you talking to me?" Hyuga asked
"I want a time out. This high pace is taking a toll on my body" Kuroko said
"What? How can you be so weak?"
"Also we need Kagami to cool down. The harder Kagami-kun plays, the harder Kise-kun plays. At this rate, it'll take everything we have to keep up, and it will only get worse"
He's talking more than usual. Could this be worse than I thought. Hyuga looked over at Riko who was also calling a time out. Looks like it. The coach must be thinking the same thing.
"Seirin Time out".
The whole team was gasping and panting. Riko looked concerned. They're way too tired for playing just five minutes. They've been switching between offense and defense at an absurb rate.
"What the hell are you doing? How many points are you going to let them take?" The Kaijou coach yelled at the players "Is the defense asleep? Huh!"
"This isn't easy" Moriyama said
"Yeah that 1st year Duo is brutal" Kasamatsu nodded taking a long drink
"Am I and Kuroko amazing" Kagami grinned
Kasamatsu turned to Kise. "You should be able to handle Kagami, but what's with that invisible Kuroko guy"
Kise suddenly looked happy he smile blindly "I know, right? Kurokocchi's actually..." Kasamatsu hit him
"Why the hell are you so happy?"
"It's okay" Kise assured the captain "The balance will tip soon enough"
The scene switch back to Seirin
"We have to deal with Kise-kun first" Riko stated
"I can't believe Kagami can handle that guy by himslef" Hyuga said pensively "Should we put another guy on him?"
"What? Hey wait..." Kagami paused for a moment "Please"
"There is a way" Kuroko cut into the conversation. The screen split showing Kuroko on one side and Kise on the other
"It's because..." Kise began to answer
"They have a weakness" Both Kuroko and Kise said at the same time
"A weakness?" Riko asked
"What? You should have told us sooner" Hyuga looked at Kuroko
"No, to be honest I'm still not sure you could call it a weakness" Kuroko continued "Either way there's another problem. Because of the high pace play, my effectiveness is already wearing off."
"Wh-What?" Hyuga and the others looked at him with gaping mouth. The scene switched to Kaijou
"Kuroccbi won't be able to use his Misdirection for the whole game" Kise explained
"Midi... what?" Kasamatsu looked confused
"Kurokocchi's insibility isn't magic" Kise continued to explian "He's just directing your attention elsewhere. Even I can do it" Kise picked up a ball "Watch me" He commnaded and threw the ball up
Kasamatsu eyes follow the ball.
"See you're not looking at me anymore" Kasamatsu gasped "Kurokocchi's using his exceptional observation skills to do this continuously, creating the illusion he disappeared so he can pass the ball around. Even without that, he had very little presence to begin with" Kise smiled and Kasamatsu looked annoyed at his adoration for the sixth man "But the more he use it the more we get used to it, if its effect gradually decreases."
Scene change back to Seirin
"Why didn't you tell us something so important sooner" Riko raged. She got Kurokko into a head lock
"I'm sorry. You didn't ask" Kuroko waved his arms apologetically his voice still deadpan
"Sometimes I don't understand how you can stay so...blank faced?" Kagami wondered
"Uhmm..." There was no way for Kuroko to explain it was just the way he was.
"Do you not say anything unless you're asked?" Riko yelled. I must not have been thinking. I was stupid to think we could use his Misdirection all the time without risk
The whistle blew. "Time out's over"
Riko let out a cry of despair "All I got to do was hit Kuroko"
"Let me stay on him...please" Kagami asked Riko
"Why are you acting so polite?"
"I have a feeling I'm about to get something" Kagami said then turned and jogged back out to the court
"Hey wait" They stopped "Switch from man to man to zone defense. Keep solid defense on the inside, and moe to stop Kise-kun quickly. Stopping Kise is your first priority"
"Your coach underestimate us Kaijou players" Kasamatsu commented
"It was just rush strategy" Kuroko said
"Also slow down your pace Kuroko-kun. Just don't let the gap get too bug. Can you do that?"
"I'll try"
Kise had the ball but he stopped short. Kagami, Izuki and Hyuga were on him.
"They're defending the middle" Someone from the audience observed
It's just a box one and one. Kasamatsu observed. They're following up with Kagami to stop Kise. He sighed. I don't believe this.
Kise passed over to Kasamatsu who took a three-point shot and scored. Everyone cheereed "Are you underestimating the Kaijou regulars" This is too pathetic" Kasamatsu told them with a smirk
Hyuga wiped his sweat away "Man this is tough"
Riko was concentrated obviously trying to figure out a better defensive strategy. Kagami tried to pass the ball to Kuroko but the ball was stolen by Moriyama. Kaijou quickly scored again.
"I see. I think I'm getting used to it" Moriyama smiled
"This isn't good" Izuki stared at the scoreboard 25-33 for Kaijou
"Damn it, the gap is getting bigger" Koganei said from the bench
Mitobe had the ball he passed it to Kagami who jumped to score but Kise jumped too and blocked it easily
"Out of bounds, white ball" The referee shouted
Kagami was taking deep breathes.
"Why don't you acknowledge it already" Kise asked "You're years away from challenging the Generation of Miracles"
"Bastard" Kagami grumbled
"What did you say?" Kagami turned to fully face Kise who had an easy smile on his face
"The gap between our scores will only get biggers. The difference between your team and ours is simply too great. You and Kurokocchi were the only one who stood a chance against us, but I already see how good your are. I'll admit you have potential, but you're still far below me. No matter what you throw at me I'll return it twice as good"
Kagami's eyes narrowed
"You can struggle but you'll never beat me. The world isn't that easy" Kise finished confiendtly
The music was intense as Kagami looking down at his shoes and then let out a chuckle and another until he was laughing madly. Everyone turned to stare at hin
"Sorry, sorry. I'm just so happy"
"Happy?" Kise question
"It's been a long time since anyone said that to me. I heard it all the time over there."
"Over there?" Kise was confused
"In America"
"You lived in America. That's amazing!" Kise reverted back to an overgrown child
"I thought I will be disappointed coming back here to play basketball. Hearing you say that is encouraging, really" Kise smile dropped as Kagami continued. "Life is all about challenges. There's no point in living if there's no one strong to play. It's better if I can't win easily" Kagami walked past Kise "And don't you think it's a little soon to be saying you won? Besides now I think I know your weakness."
"What weakness?" Kise looked confused
"It's simple, no matter how athletic you are, copying an invisible basketball style is impossible. In other words" He put his hands on Kuroko's head "This guy is your weakness"
"Kuro-chin it's not fair!" Murasakibara complained loudly "You let Kaga-chin touch your hair but not me" The giant pouted like a toddler. He reach over his his long arms and gently ruffled Kuroko's hair "It's soft" He said happily
Kuroko allowed for a second and softly wacked the hand away and smoothed his hair.
Murasakibara went back to his snacks looking pleased
"Kagami's powerless against Kise" Hyuga said "but his weakness is..."
"It switched to Riko on the bench "Kuroko-kun?"
Kise looked momentarily shocked and then smiled "So? It's true Kurokocchi's style is the only one I can't imitate. But what does that change?"
A whistle sound "End of the first quarter" The score was 27-35 Kaijou
"It changes everything!" Kagami stepped foward "We'll bring to to tears in the second quarter!"
There was a 2 minute time out
"An 8 Point difference Seirin's not bad"
"What the hell are you doing" The Kaijou coach yelled at his players "They're closing the gap"
"Yes sir"
"Your fundamentals such! Hands up! Screen out! Rebound!"
"Yes sir"
Back at the Seirin bench
"I see. Yeah that could work" Riko smile faintly
"Kagami-kun look like you finally cooled down"
"No. I was always-"
"You were really pissed" Hyuga and Izuki said together
"But Kuroko-kun and Kagami-kun, your coordination will be key. Can you do it?"
"Yeah probably" Kagami shrugged. "We'll wo00' He was suddenly hid in the ribs by Kuroko. He gripped his side painfully "You bastard, where did that come from?"
Kuroko looked up at him face blank "You want to beat Kise-kun don't you?"
Kagami looked up "Of course I do" He hit Kuroko back
"Well then" Riko stood arms crossed
The referee blew the whistle "Let the second quarter begin!"
"Take care of the counter attack!" Riko yelled
The two teams walked back to the court
Kise had the ball first and he scored an easy goal
Hyuga got the ball next and he too score.
Kise came back and scored again
29-39 Kaijou
Hyuga had the ball. Kaijou's defense is still man to man. He passed to Izuki who passed it to Kagami. Kagami squared off against Kise
"Something's changed, right?" Kise wondered. Kagami dribble quickly toward the basket. Kise run along beside him trying to figure out Kagami's next move
Just another drive? Maybe another fade away?
While Kagami was running he drop the ball back behind Kise who turned just in time to see Kuroko receive the ball and pass back to Kagami successfully cutting around Kise
He's coordinating with Kurokocchi!
Kagami went for a lay up and scored
"Yes" Riko nodded
Kagami had the ball again and he passed to Kuroko.
Kise tried to follow. Again? It won't work this time.
But Kuroko instead of passing to Kagami passed to Hyuga who score a three pointer
34-39 Kaijou but only a 5 point difference
"Number 4's really going for it" Kobori said to his captain
"We should be worried about Kagami" Kasamatsu said "He and Kuroko have started passing back and forth to each other"
"Kagami just start passing the ball instead of just receiving it. Does that really change much?"
"It changes everything" Akashi remarked
"It changes a whole lot, dumbass" Kasamatsu said "Kuroko's passing and Kagami's one on one were two separate offensive patterns. They only had two options. Now that they pass to each other they have more options, making their offense stronger"
"Kaijou captain has good observation" Akashi remarked
And Kise can't copy Kuroko-kun, the lynch pin of the play. Riko smirked. It's his bane. Kagami-kun and Kuroko-kun. With those two we can...
Kise panted glaring "Kurokocchi" Kuroko stare back bland faced
"Kise-kun you're strong. I'm powerless and Kagami can't stand against you. But when we work together, we have a fighting chance"
"So dramatic Tetsu" Aomine teased Kuroko
"You really have changed Kurokocchi. But you still can't stop me. I will be the winner." Kise declared. "It's true I can't copy your coordination, but since you'll lose your effectiveness in misdirection, you'll lose this game in the second half"
Kise grabbed the ball and moved, but was cut off
"Not so fast" Kagami said but it was Kuroko who was marking Kise not Kagami. Kise hesitated.
"What?"
Everyone on the gym look confused
"Kuroko's on Kise" Kasamatsu looked surprised.
Kuroko and Kise stared at each other
"Who's the guy on Kise?" One of the spectators asked
"Isn't he the guy that pass a lot" Another question
"When you go to high school, it seem you make more and more noticeable play to the crowd Tetsuya" Akashi remark
"I want to face the game directly by myself Akashi-kun" Kuroko said
"Hum, interesting" Akashi smile
"I never dreamed we'd play together like like Kurokocchi"
"Neither did I" Kuroko answered
"I don't know what you're up to, but you can't stop me, Kurokocchi" Kise rushed pass Kuroko to get stopped once more this time by Kagami.
"Wrong, we's not going to stop you" Kagami smirked
"We''re stealing the ball" Riko smiled
Kuroko hit the ball out of Kise's hand from behind. What? A back tip. They took advantage of the second I hesitated!"
"That was careless, Kise" Aomine grumbled
"I'm not fast like you Aominecchi" Kise cried
"Damn it a simple double team would have been better" Kasamatsu grumble
Not even Kise can react in time to an invisible guy coming up behind him
"I just won't run by you then" Kise said reasonably. "No one said I couldn't shoot a three pointer" He got into position, but Kagami put his hand of Kuroko's head and jumped up slamming the ball away from him
They got me, Kurokocchi's covering below and Kagami's covering above
An outside shot takes too much movement. Kasamatsu observed. These guys are a pain. Kuroko's the one making this happen. He can't do anything by himself but...I don't believe this!
"He's doing it again" Murasakibara complained and once more he ruffled Kuroko's hair to appease himself. Kuroko rolled his eye.
Kagami hit the ground "Fast break" He yelled. Kise looking pissed turned to follow him and in the moment his hand drew back hitting Kuroko across the face. Kuroko gave a small gasp and hit the ground Kise looked back in shock.
Kuroko sat on the ground nad he looked up and everyone gasped as he had blood running down his face
Kise froze, looking at it from an outside angel the hit seemed even worse. The room was quiet and the atmosphere intense
"I didn't mean to it was an accident!" Kise yelled tears in his eyes "I'm sorry Kurokocchi" He yelled out hugging the phantom boy. A sccissors zinged past him cutting his cheek and Kise scrambled back.
"You've lost the privilege of touching Tetsuya" Akashi's aura was dark and Kise let out an eep.
"I'm fine Akashi-kun" Kuroko said as Akashi pull out another scissor.
Murasakibara pulled out a Vanilla sucker and hand it to Kuroko patting him on the head. Kuroko took it with a soft smile and popped the lollipop into his mouth.
Kuroko stood up and swayed a bit Hyuga ran over "Are you OK Kuroko?!"
"I feel light head" Kuroko swayed and Hyuga took his head in both his hands examining the wound
"Get a first aid kit" Riko called.
Kagami ran up to Kuroko "Are you OK" Kuroko turned to him one eye still closded as blood continued to flow
"It's fine"
"You're not fine. It's likely you had a minor concussion" Midorima grumbled
Suddenly Kuroko fell over
"Kuroko!" Hyuga and Kagami yelled
"Even though it shouldn't have happened" Kasamatsu said as Kuroko was laying on the bench as Riko administered first aid "Without that 1st year due, the score difference will only grow"
Kise hadn't moved from his spot staring at Kuroko with guilt and shock and sadness. Kurokocchi
"What are we going to do?" Hyuga asked
"Kuroko-kun can't play anymore" Riko said. "We'll have to make do with the members we have left"
"Isn't this going to be tough without Kuroko?" Furihata asked
"The second years will be out offensive core" Riko told them "It's only the second quarter, but we can't let them get too far ahear of us. I know it's early but it's game time Hyuga" Riko told the captain who nodded "Kise-kun will just copy you so don't play offense Kagami-kun. Focus on defending. Do everything you can to stop Kise-kun from scoring"
"It's a good strategy" Akashi remarked "To stop Kise from copying and scoring have Kagami only defend. Seirin have good offensive players in their second year. They can pull this off"
"Are you sure that will work?" Kagami asked
"It'll be fine have some faith" Hyuga told him
"But..."
"I said it'll be find dumbass" Hyuga sparkled smiling despite the threating tone "Listen to your seniors once in a while or I'll kill you"
All of the GoM thought Akashi is way more scary than Hyuga when he get angry.
Kagami looked taken aback.
34-39 Kaijou
"You're showing your true colors captain" Izuki called out he turned to Kagami "Don't worry about him, he's like that during clutch time. When he speak his mind he won't miss many of his shots. Leave the offense to him. You just defend like your life depends on it. "
The game started and Izuki took the ball. Koganei provided a screen letting him get away from his mark. He passed the ball to Hyuga and he shot the bal
"He's usually a normal guy, but when he gets going he's amazing! He's the multi-personality clutch shooter, Hyuga Junpei!" Riko said
"Take that" Hyuga smile wickedly as the basketball soarethrough the net scoring a three pointer for Seirin
"Calm and collected and never lose his cool. But has a sense of humor, Izuki Shun" Riko continued "The hard working unsung hero. A man whose voice no one has hear, Mitobe Rinnosuke"
"He can do everything and nothing, a jack of all trades master of none, he 's Koganei Shinji" Koganei was crying dramatically at the introduction
Riko smiled at all her players she has absolute trust. "Every last one of them never gives up.
The scene changed to a street in town Takao was pulling a card with Midorma riding inside
"Damn it we were supposed to trade at the signal. You haven't pedaled once." Takao gasped as he did his best to pull the card. Midorima smiled.
"Of course I haven't. Today Oha Asa's horoscope predicted the greatest day for Cancers like me." He took a sip of his drink
"That's not nice Shin-chan" Takao pouted
"Shut up Takao! Your fortune just sucks!" Midorima twitched
"What does that have to do with this? Anyway if we're coming all the way out here to see a practice match your middle school teammate's better be good"
"It's the copycat and the invisible man"
"What are they?"
"Hurry up or the game will be over"
"You were at the practice game" Kagami had no idea he was there
The scene changed back to the game. They're not as good without Kuroko but their offensive team isn't bad. They're putting no.4 shooting ability to good use.
The socre was 48-52 Kaijou
"There's a minute and a half left in the second quarter"
Kuroko was still out of the court
Hyuga scored again and wiped the sweat from his forehead. This isn't easy. On top of that we lost power when we lost Kuroko. I'm starting to lose focus.
The score read 68-74 Kaijou
I don't think we can make a comeback
"Coach isn't there anythign we can do" Kawahara asked
"They don't have any evergy left for plays after the first half's pace" Riko frowned as she stared out at the court watching . "If only we had Kuroko-kun.."
"Don't say that out loud" Aomine said "If Tetsu heard your he'd go back out no matter what, that's how selfless he is" Aomine said wrapping protective arm around Kuroko. Kuroko was a shadow and had remained one even after everything simply because he fought for his team. He didn't care about his well-being as long as he could help his team
Kuroko twitched "Very well"
Aomine hit Kuroko softly over the head "Dumbass"
Riko was shocked and whipped her head around to see Kuroko lifting himself into a sitting position, before standing up.
"Good morning" He greeted as his team stared at him in shock "I'll be going then" He walked slowly toward the court
"Hey wait" Riko panicked jumping in front of Kuroko "What are you talking about"
"But you just told me to go" Kuroko said innocently
"I didn't tell you to do that it just slipped out" Riko denied
"Then I'm going"
"Hey!"
"If I can change anything by going out there, please" Kuroko begged "Beside I promised Kagami-kun I would be his shadow"
Riko looked conflicted before she sighed "Fine. But if I think you're in trouble, I'm switching you out immediately" Riko told him
Kuroko was subbed back in he walked up the Kagami and the two looked at each other for a moment before Kagami finally said "Let's go"
Kuroko nodded "Yeah"
The game commenced Hyuga scoring a point. Mitobe got the ball and passed to Kuroko who passed the ball right past Kise to Kagami who dunked quickly
Kuroko kept up the passes
"We were just getting used to him, but now he's back at full power" Kasamatsu said "It must be because he stayed out the last two quarters"
The score read 80-82 Kaijou with only a 2 point difference
Kagami and Kuroko ran down the court both sweating heavily. Hyuga got the ball and shot it sailed through the net to score for Seirin as Kise watched in shocked
82-82 they were tied
Kise looked shocked. We're tied Kise laughed lightly
Kasamatsu threw the ball to Kise "KISE!" Kise grabbed the ball and was racing down the court past Kuroko who couldn't react in time.
"Is he in the zone?" Kagami asked
"No, but close" Aomine say
"Kuroko" Kagami yelled Kuroko tried to run to steal the ball but Kise suddenly change hand. Then he rushed past Kagami and scored a dunk.
Everyone stared at Kise
He's even stronger. Kagami gaped How did he react to Kuroko?
Kise looked intense "I won't lose, not to anyone. Not even Kurokocchi"
"This isn't good" Hyuga commented "Give it your all everyone this'll be just like the first quarter from here on out. A back and forth Run and Gun game"
Kagami made a score then right away Kise mde a score. The game was going so fast it was hard to keep up with it all.
The score was 91-93 Kaijou
2 minutes and 11 seconds left. Riko thought as she watched mouth set in a line
Kuroko passed and Hyuga score. It show score after score after score. For both team
The score read 98-98
"They're tied again!"
There was 15 seconds left
"Resilient bastards, let's finish them" Kasamatsu yelled as he passed the ball
"There's no time left, if we don't take the ball here it's over" Hyuga yelled
"Kagami-kun" Kuroko said coming up beside Kagami
"If we can get the ball, there's one more thing we can do that Kise-kun can't copy. It's a simple strategy
There's less than 10 seconds left . Riko observed We don't have the strength to play overtime
"Defense, don't let them score"
"Take the ball!" Riko yelled
Kasamatsu had the ball once more and Hyuga marked him but Kasamatsu quickly made a shot. Hyuga cursed but before he could despair Kagami appeared and hit the ball out of his hands. Hyuga got the ball and threw it with all his might to Kagami who was already half way down the court with Kuroko.
"Don't let them through!" Kasamatsu yelled.
Kagami dribbled the ball and Kise was there guarding. He passed the ball. "Kuroko" and kept running past Kise. Kise turned to Kuroko
"Kurokocchi can't shoot. With only two of them he'll have to pass it back to Kagami"
Kuroko shot the ball toward the hoop
"He shot the ball?" Everyone watched with bated breath
"No" Kasamatsu yelled "It's an Alley-Oop" Kagami jumped up to catch the ball.
Kise jumped to block "I won't let you do that". But Kagami kept rising on the air as Kise began to fall
He's still climbing? How far will he go? We jumped at the same time but I'm falling first. How can you stay in the air for so long?
Kagami grabbed the ball "I don't need you to return the favor because..."
Flashback to Kuroko "We just have to score a buzzer beater"
"This ends nows!" Kagami pushed the ball through the hoop scoring
The whistle blew final score 100-98 for Seirin
The screen fade to black