Chapter 4
-x-
"Without passion you don't have energy, without energy, you have nothing." – Donald Trump
-x-
Past – Fourteen Years Month Two
For months after Tora's death, he avoided basketball all together.
At home, he would spend hours every day, immersing himself in music and schoolwork if only to avoid the constant looming train of thought about basketball and Tora. In school, meeting up with some of the basketball members were unavoidable, so he ensured that all time spent with them were kept to a bare minimum diligently bringing up a separate topic whenever talks of basketball encroached. He no longer visits the basketball courts, nor does he train to keep himself fit.
The people he cared about were no longer alive, so there was no meaning to playing, to living. Sometimes, he even wonders why his body still moved to keep itself sustained, when his spirit is already dead.
Tora was his only friend.
'Was'.
He was dead, so he did not count anymore.
Without any friends and without any family, Kazune would sometimes mock himself. In this huge, world, his pathetic existence was slowly rotting away without leaving behind any trace of itself. He wondered if it would be less painful if he were to end it all right now, instead of seeing himself slowly wilt away, bringing his talents along.
Karuta is no longer possible because of his eyes (or lack of). Basketball is too painful to play.
He wants to die.
He wants to die.
With that one thought in mind, he submitted his resignation letter to the coach.
Later that day, when Harasawa – the vice-captain to Tora – marched into his class and gave a swift punch to his face, he could not find it in himself to fight back. He was thrown back against several desks, and his classmates shouted in alarm. He found himself surrounded by his acquaintances, all banding together to stand up for him. Yet, the only thing he focused on was the numbing pain in his cheek.
He gently pressed a palm to it.
It hurt.
The pain was the first feeling he has felt in a long while.
Does this mean that he was still alive?
Harasawa was screaming, yelling nonsensical words which didn't quite register in his mind until something clicked in his brain.
He was momentarily rooted back to reality.
"…could you quit?! He has always admired your basketball – Loved it, even! He wanted you to continue playing long after he has died, to conquer the basketball world with that scary talent you possess! How can you quit and betray his hopes simply because he is not here anymore, you bastard-!"
Ah…So noisy. Since when has Harasawa become so influenced by Tora?
That was the most words he has ever heard from Harasawa, he thought dully. Then, the sound of sniffling was the next thing that caught his attention, squeezing his heart and plummeting him into a sea of guilt.
Other footsteps finally resounded in his head. Suddenly, it was as if the past few months have been spent with a thick, heavy barrier separating him from the world. He felt more alert than he had ever been in several months, and the clamorous noises all around him hurt his sensitive ears. The sniffles, especially, stood out. Harasawa has never been one to cry anyway, so it must be the other members.
"And to think that he said that…You love basketball a hundred times more than any of us, that's why he was passing the position of captain to you…He misjudged you."
He did not shout, but that only amplified the pain.
Another glare, probably, before Harasawa was arrested with the chiding words of the other members, and they left, leaving a storm of emotions behind.
Kazune could only allow silent tears to trail down his face, hanging his head in resignation.
Kuso. (Damn.)
Later that day found him making his way to a neighbouring basketball court.
Buckets of rainwater were thrown down from the heavens, beating down on his defeated features. The trees swayed ominously, and the howl of the wind chilled him to the skin but he remained detached anyway. The connection formed by Harasawa's yelling has disappeared. Staggering his way into the court, Kazune fell limply to the ground and laid with his face to the heavens, uncaring of whoever would see him in this pathetic state.
In the night, he could almost hear the gleeful laughter of the children of his orphanage. They used to visit this place every fortnight, and Tora would challenge him to a match, deflating with the most sorrowful expression whenever it ends up as his loss. He will then end up having to comfort the boy with some popsicle to make him stop sulking.
Kazune smiled to himself, closing his eyes to listen to the phantom laughter.
With the clashing sounds of 'pitter-patter' drowning him like the crowd's cheer, no single sound stands out from the others. This way, it is almost quiet, leaving him to his delirious state of mind.
He summoned upon the good memories he had of basketball, and chuckled to the rain.
It was in this very court that their time with basketball had started, and it was also this very court that Tora dragged him into years later, demanding that he try to play once more. At first, he had mistakenly thought that his childhood friend knows about his secret training, and was tricked into revealing his techniques before the team, which later led to him joining them. The days they spent here – though short – had always been filled with nothing but good memories and he remember thinking every time he came back, about how relieved he felt that he no longer had to play basketball alone.
Come to think of it, it was also here that he first learnt about how his favourite manga was partially based off the team. Initially, he had been oblivious to all, since he had never continued reading manga after his blindness, but only after he requested Tora to read for him did he find out.
Tadatoshi Fujimaki – the author of Kuroko no basket – was a fan of the team's play, later approaching the players individually after his manga's booming success to request for their permission to draw them in the manga. It was ought to think of his teammates as coaches, and plain laughable that Tora would marry and have a daughter named 'Riko', but he supposed he felt slightly disappointed that he wasn't in the team when Tadatoshi approached them.
Kuroko no Basuke…A world where Tora is not deceased…A world where Tora is happily wedded and has a child…
His smile faded away, leaving behind a wistful look.
If it was possible to have such a world, Kazune suppose he would willingly give anything for it.
The chill stopped.
Amber eyes slowly parted and remained blank when he heard raindrops still colliding against the ground. Someone has extended an umbrella over his head. A pair of soft, light footsteps.
"Nii-chan, you really shouldn't stay out in the rain like this!" The unknown boy huffed in worry.
Go away. He wanted to say, but couldn't find the energy to move his lips. He remained still for another few seconds before finally summoning the will to do it.
"Who are you?" Not waiting for the child to answer, he continued. "Could you please leave me for a while? I'm mourning for somebody right now, so you will find me a bit too preoccupied for socializing."
He was sure by now that his blindness was obvious to the other. His head was not turned in the boy's direction afterall, and he stood, pretending to reach out a hand to feel for the bench before sitting down. In truth, there was never a need for that. He already memorized everything in his hangout spots. But somehow, he wanted the boy to know.
Pity me. Feel sorry and be useless, and just go.
The boy's tone softened, filled with sympathy.
"Nii-chan, did somebody close to you die?" Well, that was a first. Someone undeterred by his blindness, that is. "My parents recently also passed away, so…we're the same."
"…Sorry." Kazune replied. "I didn't know."
"It's fine." The boy insisted. "Like nii-chan, I came here because I wanted to remember my otou-san." The boy sat down beside him.
His small frame radiated warmth, a sharp contrast against the chilling temperature of the rain. The rain was starting to get cold, and for the first time, he took note of the cold seeping into his shirt, dragging his body down. He tilted his head in the direction of the boy, carrying on the conversation, if only to distract himself from the shivering.
"…Your 'Otou-san'?" Kazune repeated.
"Hai!" The boy seems delighted that he asked. "My otou-san is a professional basketball player, and he used to train me in this court so that I can become like him. I call him my rival, but he died before I even got to beat him."He huffed with a playful tone.
Kazune wondered why the boy was so open with speaking with a stranger in the rain, but decided that it is simply in his personality to be naïve and amiable. It appears to be the personality of every child to either be too trusting or too shy with adults, so it must be the same with him too.
"Nii-chan, you're the same aren't you?" Kazune startled. Sweetness permeated the voice of the child. "The person you're mourning…That person must have loved basketball very much, for you to come here."
Tora loved basketball, that's why he came…?
He blinked through the rain, puzzled at this simple assumption.
No…That wasn't right. Indeed, Tora did love basketball very much, but that was never the reason for his visiting this court. He merely wanted to say goodbye to the basketball which Tora had loved so much…the basketball which he himself, had loved so much…
The boy was oblivious to his inner turmoil, carrying on with his obnoxiously sincere words.
"I love the basketball which Otou-san and I play together! When I play basketball, it's almost as if my Otou-san is right there by my side, watching me play. Otou-san once told me that he loves my basketball…That's why I love basketball!" He could hear the boy grinning widely with a huff.
…The boy is very much like himself, isn't he? The same things occurred to them both…But the difference is that he thinks and reacts differently from Kazune.
Afterall…he must quit basketball to escape the pain. He must stop remembering Tora.
"In the future, I'll definitely become a great basketball player like my dad!"
With a soft chuckle, Kazune dropped his face in his hands. He envies the boy. Really, he does. The child is able to play basketball whenever he wants to, is honest with himself, and has the courage to inherit the dream of his father.
So unlike him…
"You're…strong." He bit out, coldness streaking down his face. He wish remembering Tora isn't so painful, so that he doesn't have to give up basketball. "Don't you ever remember your father when you play? How can you put up with the pain of that?"
"…Eh?" The boy sounded confused. "Why would remembering Otou-san be painful?"
What? It…isn't?
The boy's voice carried its cheerful tone once again.
"I don't think remembering him, especially in basketball, is painful at all! In fact, it is the opposite – When I remember him playing basketball, I remember how great Otou-san is, and it keeps me motivated to play basketball!"
Amber eyes widened at his words.
That was it.
That…was the answer he could have chosen all along.
Whoever said he must give up basketball? Whoever said thinking about Tora equals to definite pain? It was all a frame that he put onto himself, in order to escape that incessant, nagging bitter feeling. There has always been another way to it, without giving up basketball.
'See?' He could almost hear Tora now. 'You love basketball afterall.'
His chuckles are turning into laughter. Pure mocking laughter at himself.
"Nii-chan…Why are you crying?"
He laughs, he cries.
And behind him, the ghost named Tora smiled.
Kazune was engrossed in his mockery, but not so absorbed that he would miss the momentary weight placed on his shoulder, like a hand. He didn't know if it was a mere effect in his delirious state, or if Tora really had been there, looking at him in worry all this while, but he thought he heard Tora's voice saying: 'I'll leave the team to you now.'
He replied with an affirmative in his heart.
Finally, Kazune gave the faintest smile to the child, and a gasp of surprise told him that his visage must have switched afterall, with a corrected change in his mentality.
"It's just seems funny that we both have the same past and the same dream."
From now on, that is. A bubble of gratefulness filled his chest.
The boy made a surprised gasp before a jubilant laugh escaped him. He must be smiling, judging by the lightened atmosphere around them. And oddly enough, Kazune noticed that the rain has stopped in the middle of their conversation, much like the turmoil in his heart. Kazune chuckled as he reached over and poked the child on the forehead.
"From now on, you're my rival."
In the end, he loves basketball too much to give it up afterall.
-x-
Year 6 Month 2
"Where are you going?" The whispered question gave away Seijuro's curiosity.
Haruka smiled silently to himself as he turned around, facing the redhead with his first bright smile in a long while. He lifted the fake sunglasses from his face and settled it on the white messenger cap, before teasingly, stretching out a finger under the overly long sleeve of his creamy woollen sweater. He poked Seijuro in the forehead.
The following astonished and just the slightest, disgruntled look was more than enough for breaking his disguise.
Haruka chuckles, much to the shock of Seijuro.
Decidedly, he admitted that it must have been due to his recent demeanour that the Akashi's were so surprised by his turn in attitude. Up until his recent breakdown, he has been considerably gloomy for someone with his character, so the happy smiles and cheerful comments came as a huge shock to them, bringing about a change in their treatment of him as well.
Hayato was no longer so protective of him, given his lost over how to treat Haruka, and Seijuro was less ferociously protective of his father, since Haruka was more independent now.
"I'm going to a match." He smiled mischievously.
"Karuta?" Seijuro assumed, knowing his cousin's recent interest in the 'sport'. It took no real time for Haruka to dominate the ranks though, so he didn't know what Haruka found so fun. But as long as it made Haru happy…
"Mh! Today is just observation though, to help the Karuta committee analyze the levels of the players. I'll probably be gone for two to three hours, depending on how challenging the participants are, so cover for me?" He clasped his palms together, grinning and closing his eyes intentionally to hide the shifting of his eyes.
Seijuro narrowed imploring ruby eyes, already seeing the lie in there but decided to let it slip anyway. That, however, doesn't mean that there's no punishment.
"Today, Haru spent his free morning in the rose garden drinking tea, but ended up falling asleep. When he woke up, he decided to go and feed the horses in the barn, being the considerate person he is, though he ends up spilling the horse feed over himself and has to take a bath." He narrated. "That gives me two places to send him to before he finds you."
"Geh-! Does that mean I'll have to roll in the horse feed later when I come back?" Haruka sweatdropped.
"If you want other reasons…" Ruby eyes gleamed. "Haru accidentally tripped over his feet and fell into the pool."
"It's winter now! I'll get hypothermia!"
"Haru climbs up the tree to sleep and ends up falling down, causing him to be unconscious for the rest of the time."
"I really don't want to deal with Hayato-oji-sama's fussing now…"
"Haru slipped out of the house to play with some neighbouring children."
"That means I'd have to run a kilometre back and forth now, wouldn't it?" He sighed. "Okay, okay…I get it. I'll just have to spill horse feed on myself when I get back. Is there any other warnings you have for me, Sei?"
The redhead pondered for a while before leaving with a quiet murmur of "Stay here."
Amber eyes blinked when the figure came back, holding a familiar object in his hands. He burst out into soft chuckles, knowing that despite Seijuro's stoic pale features, he was definitely blushing on the inside. The redhead's terse body language said it all.
"It's a bit too small for me, Sei~ Afterall, it's been four years." Haruka laughs loudly. A hand clasped over his mouth silenced him.
"Quiet." Seijuro commanded softly, ruby eyes darting around warily.
The orange headed child contemplated for several seconds and finally licked the palm.
The reaction was interesting, as always. The hair on Seijuro's hands stood up immediately, and the redhead swivelled around, frazzled and disgusted by the action. Two hands, still bigger than his own, flew up and pinched the sides of his face, pulling them apart.
"Cheeky brat..." The grumble partially owned to his lack of sleep.
"It harts~ Gomenasai~" He whimpered.
He was released with another soft whimper. Rubbing his red cheek, Haruka pouted.
"You're a brat too- Gomen!" He quickly cut himself off when hands flew up threateningly.
Seijuro snorted and finally wrapped the red muffler around his neck, securing it tightly with gentle hands. Haruka smiled fondly into the red fabric, watching as the redhead fussed over it like every bit of the perfectionist he is. This was the very same red scarf they had shared on their first birthday together, and like the proof of their brotherhood, it was wrapped snugly around him.
He was glad that their relationship still remained relatively the same despite Seijuro's jealousy and his earlier breakdown that year. Even though things were slightly awkward, at the very least, they were still close.
The redhead stood back up when a satisfied look on his face.
"Now," Hands patted on Haruka's shoulders. "Don't walk into the streets where there isn't anybody else around. Don't freeze when you see any vehicles, just follow the crowd and continue walking. Don't get lost. If you get lost, refer to the map of the town I gave you, or call the house number. Also, if you notice someone following you, make sure you go straight to the crowds. Don't-"
"Sei is such a worrywart," Haruka smiled at the sweet child. "You're just like Hayato-oji-sama. When I look at you worrying, I get reassured somehow. I'm really glad I have you."
"Wha-?" Oh. The astonished expression was yet another amusing one. Ruby eyes widened, blinking before averting themselves with a blush. "Flattery won't get you anywhere, Haru. You are too embarrassing."
"Well if you don't say it, you don't know when you might have the chance again, ne?" Haruka winked cheekily. "Ittekimasu (I'm leaving)!"
It took a moment before Seijuro could react.
"Itterashai. (Take care.)"
Haruka slips out and the door was closed.
-x-
Seijuro was left, a smile spreading across his lips as he replayed the words in his head. Although he hated being compared to his father in Haruka's eyes, at least, it seems like Haruka is happy with him by his side. With the orange headed child's recent emotional breakdown, he had initially worried that he might be the cause of all that pent up stress. But now, it didn't really matter, since Haruka appears to have found a way to channel that stress away.
Throwing the door one last worried glance, he was making his way back to his room when a soft murmur caught his attention. His father's room's door was parted.
His attention immediately jumped to the conclusion that he had heard, and the redhead was getting all ready to intrude and defend his orange headed cousin when some of the words became clearer.
…
"How is the company doing in my absence?"
There was no reply, so he assumed his father was speaking on the phone.
"I see, that's good." Relief. Guilt. "Really, I apologize for all the trouble I have caused you. It may have been an offer on your part, but I did reject it once before." Hayato sheepishly laughed.
…
"It was exactly like what he envisioned. Seijuro is extremely bright and hardworking, although my initial teachings of 'perfection' may have embedded itself too deeply into his mindset – It's a mistake on my part, I'd admit. And on the other side of the spectrum, Haruka is a gentle, smart boy, an exact replica of her. Both of them share deep bonds too, although Seijuro seems slightly too protective of Haruka. But there is one problem…"
…
"I'm not worried about that!" The sharp denial made even Seijuro flinch. "My apologies…It's just that after seeing them, I feel foolish for ever thinking so. With the brotherhood between them, it is indubitable that they will be able to work together to uphold the company."
Another pause. Hayato quietened down for several seconds, and there was a moment of hesitation, before Hayato finally replied the voice on the other side.
"I…am worried about how I should break the news to Haruka. It's been a year since I've came back, yet due to Seijuro's untimely appearances, it is difficult to tell Haruka. Sometimes, I even wonder if it would have been better if I've never came back, so Haruka wouldn't have to know."
A long period of silence. The person on the other side of the line must be giving out advice, while Seijuro's mind hacked at the fresh information he has gathered.
For a while now, he had always known that his father had ulterior motives in coming back to the mansion. Before he left, he had always been a strict perfectionist demanding full effort from everyone around him, yet the change when he returned had been all too overwhelming. He is more relaxed, treating the two of them with a less strict teaching which did not include 'perfection', and moreover, is all too willing to take up the role of a father for Haruka. His behaviour has always been too suspicious.
But if he is planning to as he said it, 'break the news to Haruka', then he supposed that was one puzzle piece found. There is something that Hayato requires closeness to Haruka before he can tell, and though that something is still not yet ascertained, it is definite from Hayato's tone that the news could change Haruka's life ultimately.
In a good or a bad way though…That was what he must find out.
"I know. You don't have to tell me."
Hayato's voice sliced through his thoughts. Seijuro tensed.
"I got it. Thank you."
Hayato continued making small talk, nothing of which drew anymore of his attention.
Seijuro frowned and made his leave, small hands balled at his sides. The redhead stoically pondered upon his newfound information as he marched down the hallway in his usual quiet manner, taking care to not seem an inch different from his usual personality.
Haruka. 'He', who influenced his father. 'Her' whom Haruka looks like. And a news which require isolation.
The keywords were jumbled up in his head, though Seijuro noted that his morning daze may be the reason why he has not yet solved his puzzle.
But no worries. Whatever the news is, he will definitely find out.
-x-
Long ago, when they were much younger, Tora had once told him. Despite his deep rooted clumsiness in his people skills, when it came to his more important things, he has always been overly serious and calculative to a level which is almost unbearable.
Haruka didn't understand his words then, but now, he supposed that was an accurate description of him.
On the day he had his emotional breakdown, he had also met Alexandra Garcia and her team. It had been a brief meeting, filled with mostly apologies about how sorry she was for 'almost squashing him to a smaller pulp than he already is with her chest', but they had made a deep impression on him. With the interactions between the albino and Alex eerily akin to Kagami and Aomine, and the captain carrying the same polite air as Seijuro will later carry, and the gigantic male possessing a size like Murasakibara's, it had piqued his interest. He had immediately made the decision research them when he got home, and the ticket they had given him to their next match as apology sealed that decision for him.
'Teiko VS Shoei Middle School' The ticket had read.
Those people…are the Miracles' predecessors.
The moment he got home, he googled 'Teiko'.
To his surprise, Teiko was not yet a school famous for its basketball team. As a matter of fact, at this period of time, Teiko Middle School has yet to win a single championship and was known as the top academic-orientated school of the country, but lacking in all extra-curriculum activities.
A further digging revealed that this was the first time Teiko had even passed the preliminaries – and with flying colours too – as their newly formed team of first and second years bulldozed their way through the competition, defeating most other teams with a constant score in its nineties.
With this information, it wasn't hard to infer that Alexandra Garcia and her team are the turning point of Teiko's history in basketball, and that these teenagers are the earlier version of the Generation of Miracles. The polite raven-headed captain, Jun, was a mirror of Seijuro in his first and second years though with a different background. The giant, Takashi, being a second Murasakibara; the slightly crude albino, Ren, yet another Kise with different skills but similar attitudes; and finally…Alex was a reflection of Aomine.
He looked forward to seeing them conquer the match. Yet, he feared that they will become like the GoM in the future.
That insecurity about them and his love for basketball were the reasons why he obligated with their wishes and came today to watch the match, though...
…To think that he would risk a potentially-longer-than-three-hours lecture by Hayato Akashi to watch a match…However brilliant the match may be, like what Tora insisted, it shows that he is all too serious for his own good.
Leaning back in his seat, Haruka took off the sunglasses, amber eyes peering out from under his messenger cap.
Teiko was guided to the left bench, having been introduced beforehand by the MC with the label of 'The Rising Star'. The starter members – obviously the captain Jun, albino Ren, giant Takashi, Alex, along with another unnamed member – were warming up, taking no notice of their watching fans. Meanwhile, their coach and assistant coach murmured in soft tones, constantly analyzing their charts.
Having not been able to read the Miracles Arc with his own eyes, he was not able to identify any of the two. However, Haruka honestly wouldn't be too surprised if one of them was 'Shirogane Eiji' or 'Sanada'. They, too, are but a few of the supporting cast which contributed greatly to the Miracles' wins.
Amber eyes cringed when a pair of emeralds caught his eyes. The memory of being squashed elicited a sudden urge to run, but he held himself still.
Alex grinned widely and started flinging her hands wildly in the air. Her much exaggerated actions caught the attentions of her teammates, coaches and, much to his dread, the crowd. Afterall, it is rare to see a female in a sport still considered all-male in Japan, especially a foreigner, so their eyes were already feasting on her even before that. Her actions are only garnering a fraction more attention.
He saw her cup her hands around her mouth, and a sudden surge of doom overwhelmed him.
No! He shook his head frantically, gesturing her to shut up and pay attention to her game.
"HARUKA-CHAN~!"
He flinched. The American accent made things all the worse.
How could he have forgotten how absolutely elated she was that he understood English? And to think that he had thought she would have forgotten him by now.
If Hayato had sent any guards to search and protect him – and Haruka knew he would once he notices his absence – they would have already been alerted to his presence in this arena. Moreover, Alex will probably keep shouting until he replies, so unless he does so, it will only continue to draw more attention, pointing out his specific location.
Still, he felt reluctant to respond…
"You came afterall! It's been such a long time!" She continued yelling happily.
He sighed in resignation. Finally, he shook his head at her.
She looked puzzled.
'Pay attention.' He pointed to his eyes and to the game board. 'To the game.' With much hesitation, he gave her a subtle thumbs up. 'Good luck.'
Emerald eyes blinked, and she grinned widely.
Amber eye were surprised when she sent back a thumbs up before skipping cheerfully to the court. He smiled, brows furrowing together helplessly as warm fondness was drawn from him.
'She's a good girl,' He skimmed over the faces of the rest of the starters, eyes hardening. 'All of them are. That's all the more reason why I must protect these children from the Miracles' fate.'
The blow of the whistle echoed through the stadium.
The ball was propelled into mid-air.
The game started on a high.
Haruka smiled and leaned forward, closing his eyes.
From behind his eyelids, the stadium was mapped out with the sounds he heard. To a normal person, the overexcited roars of the crowd around him would have hidden the sounds in the court, but his prior training in Karuta and experience with blindness gave him the required concentration and sharp hearing to focus on individual sounds. Pants, squeaks, thuds. Nothing went over him.
It was ironical that he, being blind before, could see more than the average human, but then again, he wasn't average. He recalled that just after his blindness, he had struggled very much to locate the things and people to guide himself around. But after keeping his 'Karuta only' ears activated for twenty-four seven, and with the help of Tora and the others, he finally got the hang of it.
Listen, concentrate, visualize, memorize, and predict. Those were the key ideas to his blind style, things used to pick up the small habits and patterns in the players and launch a barrage of attacks on them.
But he'd admit though, that if not for the front seat Alex had given him, Haruka doubt he would even be able to hear the game.
Ren, the albino, caught the ball and landed on his feet with a heavy thump. Huffing with an arrogant smirk, Haruka could hear him manoeuvring past his opponent with quick and intentionally confusing footsteps which were all over the place. He bypassed the player in no time, dodging around the still foe's side.
The ball was next thrown to Jun, the captain. Looking at the ball nonchalantly, Haruka was surprised when the captain merely bounced the ball in its place, dribbling with a painfully slow pace which seems to almost underestimate the one guarding him. A string of constant dribbles on the spot…Without looking, anyone could see that it was an obvious weakness used to agitate the opponent to make the first move.
Haruka could hear other footsteps, and one heavy pair in particular, most probably Takashi the giant, jogging past Jun with half-hearted attempts to encourage Jun to throw to him. But what confused him was that there seem to be no meaning to his actions, until Haruka 'saw' it – The trap.
His lips fell open partially in a gasp. Then, the sides twitched up in a dubious weak smile.
That was…crushingly smart.
The plan was aimed at making a psychological effect all along. To first make Jun taunt them, drawing the anger, and then shattering all sense of reason by using the intimidating Takashi and the ball of pressure that comes along with him. But there was more than simply just pressure.
The foe grunted and finally gave in. He slapped the ball hard during mid-dribble, propelling it towards his teammate with a cry of his name.
"I got it!" His teammate shouted, reaching for the ball.
He will not get it, Haruka predicted. Teiko wouldn't let him.
And he was right.
Alex flew out at him from the side, with the speed of a cheetah and never stopping, even when she reached the ball. With the ball set in a low dribble, Alex continued speeding towards the basket, which was left unblocked due to Shoei's slow reaction in switching back to defense. Then, finally as a last attack to the foe's psychological state, she leapt with a huff and made a loud dunk leaving the basket quivering on the board.
It was two points for Teiko.
But there was more to those points than just that.
It meant that Teiko already has the head start over Shoei, more confidence in their abilities, and the crowd's moral support. Moreover, the Shoei starters – if they were the ordinary basketball players he had investigated – would have already suffered an 8% psychological damage at least from that sophisticated trap. Afterall, nothing stings more than a mistake that you've made yourself, even if there was no other option at that point of time.
Haruka's smile faded the more he analyzed the game, and he frowned.
Just half a minute into the game, and Shoei has already suffered too many damages. Was this done only at the start of every game, or does Teiko plan to repeat it again later on? Either ways, he hoped that for both Shoei'sandTeiko's sake, this manner of play wouldn't continue for too long.
…
He was ultimately let down.
The next half proceeded in the exact same manner of play.
Teiko would never fail to allow the ball – in one way or another – to come close to the enemy's hands before sweeping it easily away from them and making another score. The few times the foe had even scored were mostly because Jun and the others allowed it. Like dangling a carrot before a helpless bunny, Teiko would allow Shoei to score simply because the hope on their faces were fast fading, and once Shoei has regained enough spirit, that rekindled light in their eyes will be squashed even more mercilessly, with yet another few sophisticated traps.
Haruka thought, with increasing horror, that he was watching a massacre.
A dunk from Alex, a roar from the crowd, cheering for the destruction of Shoei, and Alex's steal of the ball from one of the foes.
On the court, Jun made that dreaded sign of his again – a tap of the feet extended behind him – the one which signals the start of every disgusting trap there is.
The ball came close to one opposing team member – named Hiro, supposedly – and the member half-heartedly lifted one hand towards the ball when the same thing repeated again. It was stolen by Ren before Hiro even came close, and the poor teen slumped, bending over with much exhaustion – both physically and mentally.
Ren was running, his footsteps steady and controlled like they have been throughout the entire game, and he grunted when another defence member dodged before him, attempting to block.
Footsteps faltering, Haruka knew what was coming before it even did.
Ren slowed down suddenly, stopping on his pivot leg and allowing the ball to escape his palm. "Whoops." The ball rolled towards the foe, and pitifully, hope once again shone through his voice as he rushed for the round orange thing. He grasped the ball with a mangled cry of happiness, and he passed it to his teammate with joy.
Haruka could feel Teiko smiling, trembling with withheld laughter when Shoei scored a buzzer beater.
"The first half is over! Ten minutes will be given for water break!" Was announced.
The daze was broken in a flash.
Haruka blinked. For the first time ever, Haruka noticed how he had been clinging on to his seat all this while, and the disguised orange-headed child breathed and relaxed. Teiko's manner of play was so intense it had him tensing without knowing.
The conversation between the players on the court caught his attention though, and Haruka once again closed his eyes.
The things he heard took him aback.
"…that throw of yours was really fantastic! Like that 'bamp!' and 'whoosh!' and all – it's really cool! You really should try using it more, they'll definitely work against most defence!"
"What 'bamp' and 'whoosh'? You can't even shoot threes, so don't attempt to describe them."
"Urusai, Jiji. (Shut up, grandpa.)"
"What did you say, baka-onna (stupid woman)?!"
"Now, now, Alex-chan, Ren-kun, do you want the chains on you again?"
"N-No!"
"It's good to compliment other teams, but just don't give them any advices that can be used against us in this match."
"H-Hai."
"That being said, as a fellow point guard myself, I do feel the urge to give you some pointers…"
"Aren't you being hypocritical, Jun?!"
Their conversation seemed entirely innocent, free of all ulterior motives. The Teiko starters seem to sincerely want Shoei Middle School to improve their play – but then again, it made no sense. Teiko's play was built with all the intention to crush permanently, yet their words were aimed to improve the other party, contradicting their actions altogether.
Just what was their real intention?
Amber orbs parted and shifted to land on the two adults on the bench. Their expressions were unreadable, yet their eyes conveyed all the dissatisfaction they had. It was only a small glint of unhappiness, but that was more than sufficient to prove his hypothesis.
Alex and the others were being manipulated.
For the first time since he was reborn, Haruka felt like the twenty-year old man he was. Should he be any younger, he would have certainly exploded at that style of play, but as they say, with age comes wisdom. Instead of incurring his wrath, the coaches earned his sympathy and the players, his pity.
While the Teiko coaches were indeed at fault for changing Teiko's players with such a revolting play, they were – at the same time – simply doing their job. He could not fault them with the desire to do their jobs without risk of mistakes, no matter how much he wanted to. And the players too...Even if he wanted to blame them for crushing the hopes of others, they don't even know what they are doing.
Moreover…
Haruka gazed at his own two hands glumly, noting the absence of the callousness which used to be there. He still don't possess the hands of a basketball player, so he did not have any right to call Teiko weak, simply because they use dirty tricks.
Swallowing his words, the orange-headed child did the only thing he could at this moment of time: Force himself into his seat and stare straight at the court. Just like that time with Hayato's return, he forced himself to see everything to the end, only this time, there was no door for him to hide behind.
-x-
Fierce ambers were adamantly shut tightly as he made his way past the buzzing streets and the malicious horns of the cars, lips pinched into a frown. A blend of feelings weighed at the back of his mind, but even so, he could only eradicate the thoughts as he focused on the images that played out behind his eyelids.
Run. Run. Run. Left. Right. Left.
Listen to all sounds and take note of every pant to assess the condition of both foe and ally. When the enemy is right-handed and is making a fake to the left, the sound of the left foot will be generally softer, because of people's tendencies to avoid using their weaker side. If chest pass is impossible, do it through a drop shoot. If there isn't anyone to pass to, pass it to yourself.
Behind his eyes, Haruka replayed the match, and straining his years of experience, adjusted himself so that he was looking at things from Shoei's perspective.
If Ren is running at him and he uses that messy footwork of his to confuse him, what should he do? What would be the weak spot in which Alex can never steal from him? How would he steel himself against the barrage of mental attacks?
The answer is simple.
In his mind, Ren was dodging around him with that irritating footwork of his, dancing with the ball in the most beautifully confusing play he had ever seen. Fast, practiced, and sophisticated.
But even the greatest strategists have a tendency to lean towards one style of play; and Haruka merely need to 'see' it sufficient times to figure out the pattern. Ren…Has allowed him to see it five times during his match. And that was more than enough.
Ren's insane footwork can only be done if he stays within two meter radius of the foe, though still half a meter away in order to avoid a fault. And though Haruka called it 'footwork', it really was just a trick on the eyes, by changing the direction of the ball constantly to split the opponent's attention and make his feet seem faster.
The direction of the ball can easily be predicted. Because as Ren moves from right to left, his tendency is to move the ball only up and down, and not in any other direction.
So…Ren's next move will be…
Haruka swung his arm before he even knew it – the instinctive reaction he had programmed into himself during Karuta.
His fingers knocked against where the imaginary ball will be, twisting themselves at the last millisecond of contact so that the ball will fly up, and back to Haruka himself. He would even have caught it with his other hand, if it was not imaginary.
Haruka opened amber eyes and pensively stared at his hands.
He simply needs to predict all their attacks.
But that was without considering the weight of the ball.
Haruka sighed and lifted his head to the unbearable blue of the sky.
"It's still a long way back to my original level, huh?"
Nobody answered him, not that he expected anyone to do so. Only the buzzing of the streets was heard.
Inwardly, Haruka thought that he is a fool; a great ignorant fool who has overestimated himself all this while. He was stupid when he thought that the climb back to the top would be easier this time, what with his experience and previous disability, but it was all a misinterpretation on his part. He had to be even stronger this time round, strong enough to face the Generation of Miracles…And he had forgotten that. As a result, he had subconsciously allowed time to slip out of his hands, forgetting the situation he was in.
He must change the Generation of Miracles, even if it takes his life. That's his reason for living in this world, with no other objectives.
To do that, it is only reasonable that he be on the same level as them! And yet…
Gritting his teeth, the orange-headed child stared at his hands -The despised pair of hands which did not even have the callousness of a basketball player - Which was not like his old pair at all.
Even though he has been in this world for four years now, he hadn't even grasped a single ball or started playing with it yet. There isn't a single record of a game he has played, nor a single goal that he made. He is weak! So painfully weak…
And he expected to change those teenagers with this level of skill?
His fingers balled into fists, Haruka was surprised when tears of frustration slipped out.
Amber eyes slipped shut, and he forced the image of Seijuro – threatening to gouge his eyes out for his teammates – back to mind. His heart clenched as if someone has just grabbed it. Understandably, more tears slipped out. The match before was forcibly lulled back as well. Shoei's darkened, tear-streaked features, Teiko's jubilant faces as they unknowingly crushed more opponents…He could only imagine how those feelings will distort once they realize what they've done.
To think those radiant, terrifying figures standing on the court will eventually be the Generation of Miracles. If he has to see Seijuro, his dear cousin, like this in reality, he might not be able to stand it…
How long will it be, before the current Teiko awaken to their cruel deeds? How long will it be until he meets the Generation of Miracles, and see them shatter into a million pieces? Will he even be able to save them, if he can't save the current Teiko?!
The answer is 'no'.
Haruka fiercely wiped the salty water away, but formulated a goal in his mind for himself.
Two years. The starters of Teiko's basketball team were all first years, so he had two years before they graduate. And within that period of time, he must become stronger, strong enough to defeat one of the current members in a one-on-one.
He must win. He must win even if it kills him; even if he becomes just like the Generation of Miracles…As long as that effort is sufficient to change them all: the current and future Teiko.
He will win.
-x-
A/N: So long…I took so long to write this chapter, and yet at the end, I don't have anything to say other than the fact that I hate this chapter a lot. It's mostly descriptions, I had to rearrange the plot many times, and the content turned out half of what I originally intended. It's terrible, really!
Tell me how I can improve this chapter. It's holidays for me right now, so I will do whatever I can to make this better, although further updates may not be possible. So please…I'm calling out to those silent readers as well…Please review and tell me how you feel!
Now, answer to some reviewers:
em: As of the moment, I am leaving little Kiyoshi as another piece on the chest board so I can use him when the time comes. I am still quite undecided about whether I should give a closure to him – afterall, in the future, I might use him as a way to end the story if I'm desperate enough, so I will leave him without a closure for now. But do not worry, if I'm not writing him as part of the main plot, I will definitely give him a good ending. And thanks a lot for your well wishes and advices! I really appreciate them!
Runriran: Up until now, Haruka knows that he is the cousin of Seijuro, but was temporarily placed under the care of the Akashi's. But now, with the 'news' that popped up, that's more mystery for you now, isn't it? Hoho! Try and figure out the 'secret'. Since you are clearly thinking about my story, I'm pretty sure you can figure out my future plot!
kira: Ironically, I finished 'death note' when I was writing this chapter, so when I saw 'kira', it made me burst out in a fit of chuckles. Anyways…I'm sorry that you weren't all that fond of my last chapter and all the angst in it. I can see your point about minimizing the teenage angst while they are still young, but you see – Haruka is a teenager on the inside. He's nineteen mentally, to be exact, even if being reduced to a child did affect his mentality slightly.
Furthermore, the only reason why there's even any angst is because of Haruka's consistent misconceptions about Seijuro, and his memories constantly antagonizing him. Seijuro is not the one making any angst, and his reasons for being protective are perfectly legit for a child of his age. So technically, Seijuro does not experience any angst on his part, and only Haruka feels the strain. So the term 'teenage angst' unfortunately fits Haruka, even if he is a child physically.
Thank you for your suggestion though. I was planning an accident to make them make up, but it didn't quite work out. The accident I had in mind, you see, was of Haruka getting into trouble and Seijuro rescuing him, but taking into account their mental ages and their physical ability at this age, it's not really possible. So unfortunately, I will have to put your idea to a later time.
Noface: I'm sorry to say, but according to wiki: Japan's education starts from the age of 3 (young age, I know, but it's true). The tutoring session occurred at Year 2 Month 10, meaning 2 months away from the official nursery entry age. I thought it would be logical that Akashi Papa would want to make the children 'PERFECT', hence making them undergo a tutoring session before school even started.
Besides, we are talking about a sixteen-turned-two child and a boy who is hailed a prodigy in studies. It is only right that they can comprehend, even if they cannot speak – and I think you can already tell from the chapter itself: The tutoring session turned out to be a philosophy session to brainwash them. I'm sure as the great 'emperor', the Akashi were already aware when they hired this tutor. This means that only comprehending skills are required of the children.
Also, although I don't mean to flame you, if we were to go by your suggestion of 10 to 11, it would be simply illogical. At this time, the duo would have already entered school and passed with flying colours – It would make no sense for them to still require extra help in education then. Besides, the point of this whole scene is to illustrate how the perfection mentality is set up in the original plot, and to deter it. At 10, they are no longer impressionable, hence Sei will definitely not be brainwashed.
Most reviewers: Thank you for reading my story and taking the time to share your feelings with me! I also really appreciated all your well wishes! Please continue to follow this story, and please continue to review in future chapters.
-Fortius
-x-
20 June 2014 Edits:
A/N: Added more pieces of puzzles to 'Seijuro's mystery solving', added 'Haruka's resolution'