Author's Note: Hi, hi readers! You guys are the best readers ever! I actually made it to the goal of 50 comments by chapter seven and it's all thanks to you guys for commenting and putting this story on your favorites and alerts list. Thank you all so much, I can't wait to see what is to come with this story.

Special Thanks To: TECKK, SoulXHunter, SimplyRandomStuffz, Soma, Piczle, enchanted-nova, invisible-gurl, cocobobo10, chuuichu,Lunary, and Guest! It's thanks to you guys we made 50 comments! Thank you!

Last Edited On: February 29, 2016

TEAMWORK

Tetsumi combed her hair into a high ponytail and tied it with a black band. It had been a long time since she had gotten ready for a practice. When school had ended, Tetsumi had tracked Riko down and asked her not to say anything to the team. She wasn't exactly ready to play, but she did want to watch. Back in her Teiko days, she spent a lot of time with Akashi and Nijimura her first year strictly watching plays. They rarely had her play in any games, but she did participate in practices. Nijimura often told her that she had a knack for coming up with good plays that were both defensive and offensive.

It's unfortunate we never got to play together, Nijimura-senpai, she thought with a sigh. Just before the end of their first year, Nijimura named Akashi the captain. Everything started changing from that point on.

Akashi approached Tetsumi and said that as the newly made captain, he wanted Tetsumi to start playing in actual games. It came with a catch—

she had to prove she deserved a spot on the first string. Over the break, Aomine and Tetsumi practiced every day until the start of the new school year.

At the first practice, Tetsumi showed her knew skills of stealing the ball and passing the ball. The coaches and Akashi were shocked by her ability to become nearly invisible to anyone on the court. She hardly held onto the ball for longer than a second, but she moved the ball where it needed to be without hesitation.

If Akashi had it his way, passing and stealing would have been all Tetsumi ever did. Aomine had other plans for her. He believed that if there came a time when she couldn't pass to someone, she needed to be able to shoot.

Tetsumi stifled a laugh. When she first took a shot, she missed it and all Aomine said was, "Maybe Akashi has the right idea." At first Tetsumi was distraught, but those boys were better at basketball than she was. Her talents were moving around the court unnoticed. Aomine stuck with her, teaching her the basics of shooting a ball. She started picking it up, and Akashi decided to let her continue learning. He even had Midorima improve her accuracy, but he told her that she should mainly focus on getting the ball where it needed to be.

Maybe I should have listened, right Sei-kun? Tetsumi thought bitterly as she started bandaging her leg. When it felt comfortable, Tetsumi bent her knee a few times. Dressed in a simple white tank top with a baby blue sports bra beneath it and matching baby blue shorts, Tetsumi left the girl's locker room.

She came out into the main hall leading to the gym; she could already hear Riko coaching the team. It brought a smile to Tetsumi's face; it was just like the old days at Teiko. Tetsumi reached the door to the basketball court, and remained hidden to watch. They were having a practice game. Tetsumi observed as Hyuga made a three-pointer. She pursed her lips and turned her attention to one of the first years: Furihata Koki. He had the ball and appeared freaked out when all the second years moved in offensively.

Kagami ran up on his left side, calling out his name and the brunette passed the ball. Tetsumi followed the ball into Kagami's hands and watched him preform a lay-up. She continued to inspect the game, reading the players moves. From what she could tell this team was highly offensive. Hyuga had an impressive shooting ability from the three-point line, probably more impressive than her own. Kagami was powerful; he could probably rip through most teams' defense. Her eyes drifted to the silent, but tall Mitobe. He was guarding Kagami and putting on lots of pressure.

Tetsumi glanced at the scoreboard. Her eye twitched, the first years were twenty points behind the second years. She didn't think that the Seirin was that divided as a team. A five-point difference was one thing, but twenty points behind in the middle of the second quarter was not good. She sighed and walked into view of the team.

"Time out!" Hyuga shouted. He wiped the sweat off his brow and made his way over to Tetsumi. "Riko mentioned you'd come by."

"I'd like to observe," Tetsumi said before anyone could start jumping to conclusions. Her confidence in playing just wasn't there, and she didn't want to be a burden. For the time being, Tetsumi thought it'd be best to help from the sidelines.

"Of course," Hyuga agreed with a nod. He was about to say something when he heard the first year bickering on the other side of the court. The captain looked over and glared, shaking his head. "So much for teamwork," he muttered as Kagami grabbed Furihata by his shirt collar and lifted him from the ground. "Seems like…Kuroko-san?" Hyuga turned and watched Tetsumi quietly walk over to Kagami.

When Tetsumi was behind Kagami, she lifted her foot and pushed her toe into the back of Kagami's leg. His knee bent, and he let go of Furihata. His eyes darkened as he whipped around to yell, but saw Tetsumi. He blinked and gritted his teeth.

"What's the big idea?" Kagami growled with a clenched fist as he towered over the petite girl.

"Please calm down," she said simply.

Kagami snorted. "You little—"

The coach's whistle pierced the air and everyone flinched. "Kagami-kun stop picking on the others," Riko scolded. "Tetsumi-san, thanks for coming." She smiled at the girl, who nodded in response.

"I only intended to watch, but allow me to assist the first years," Tetsumi said as she tightened her ponytail. Riko and Hyuga exchanged looks. They agreed and Tetsumi nodded, looking to the group of first years. "If you would, just pass me the ball." Tetsumi regarded all the first years and smiled before walking back toward the top of the key to defend against Hyuga.

"Just so you know, we're not bad," Hyuga said before they started.

"I never said you were," Tetsumi replied with a shrug as she turned her back to Hyuga and faced Kawahara. Riko gave them the signal to begin, and Kawahara dribbled as Koganei tried to stop him. Tetsumi glanced at Hyuga and moved to the right side of Kawahara. He saw her and passed it in her direction.

The moment Tetsumi's hand touched the ball she redirected it toward Furihata. When he caught the ball, he looked surprised. Dribbling a few times, he jumped and tossed the ball into the hoop, scoring a point for the first years.

"I didn't even see that pass," Hyuga gaped before his eyes turned to Tetsumi. "How the hell did she do that?"

"Stay sharp, Captain," Izuki said as they started playing. Hyuga shook off his confusion and concentrated. When he was passed the ball, Hyuga started dribbling to move a little closer. Tetsumi reached from behind and pushed the ball out of his hands. Hyuga gasped as Tetsumi swiped at the ball with her other hand and passed it to Fukuda.

"Shoot it, idiot!" Kagami hollered from the other side of the three-point line. Fukuda nodded and took the shot, sinking it into the net. "Alright! That's what I'm talking about!"

"She changes the whole dynamic," Riko thought as she watched with wide eyes from the sideline. It was in those few short moments that Riko realized just how vital Tetsumi could be. The players hardly seemed to notice her as she weaved around the court. Even though they knew how well she could play, they didn't acknowledge her. Riko bit her lip as she continued to watch Tetsumi move the ball around the court, bringing the twenty-point gap to a ten-point gap. In a span of four minutes, Tetsumi had put a stop to the second years dominating plays.

"I can see why she was the sixth man of Teiko," Izuki said as he stopped by Riko, watching as the first years took another two points. "She draws no attention to herself and just moves the ball in a matter of seconds." He shook his head and chuckled.

"It's really something," Riko said softly. "Get back in the game, Izuki-kun!" she commanded realizing he wasn't helping. He laughed and ran off before Riko could hit him with her clipboard.

-###-

The practice game between the first years and second years ended with shocking results. Tetsumi had managed to level the playing field. The first years had won by four points, which had impressed and surprised the second years. Before Tetsumi had come on, the first years couldn't keep it together. When she entered the court, she put the ball in all the right places. It was clear that if Tetsumi played for their team, she could give them the boost they needed.

"Kuroko-san," Hyuga said after she managed to get away from the excited first years. She turned to him and smiled as he came to her. "I know you said you don't play anymore, but we could really use you. You completely turned the game around, and your passing is impeccable."

Tetsumi stared at Hyuga and looked down at the ground. She had to admit playing with them had been fun. Tetsumi lifted her gaze and noticed the whole Seirin team was circling them. She laughed and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.

"I don't know," Tetsumi admitted, a hint of fear in her voice. Kagami noticed and walked to her. He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She looked up at him and bit her lip. "I'd love to, but—"

"No, if you wanna play. You should, end of story," Kagami told her as he removed his hand from her shoulder. After he had calmed down during their practice, he proved that he was extremely talented. Tetsumi even doubted her words that she had said to him last week. The way he played; his maneuvers were not that of a novice player. She had a feeling that if they coordinated, they would be able to at least fight back against the Generation of Miracles. She already accepted Akashi's challenge—she really had no other choice, but to join Seirin.

"Your injury didn't seem to bother you," Riko chimed in a few moments later. Everyone looked to Tetsumi's leg and she nodded in agreement. "If you're careful, I don't think it would be a problem."

"Well," Tetsumi began. "I guess—"

"No, guessing," Kagami interrupted, and Tetsumi elbowed him in the ribs. The redhead yelped and grabbed a hold of his side, leaning over slightly. "The hell was that for you brat?" Kagami sneered as he straightened and rubbed the sore spot.

"Stop telling me what to do!" Tetsumi hissed at him, and he chuckled. She stomped on his foot, and Kagami yelped again hopping up and down before limping away from her. "Geez…you're like Ki-kun and Aomine rolled into one." She shook her head and placed her hands on her hips.

"Don't insult me now," a voice came from the opposite end of the court. The team all turned to look as a tall figure walked in and pulled a hood off of his head. Blond locks fell into shimmering golden eyes as Kise Ryota walked up. He smiled and bowed his head to greet everyone. "Akashicchi mentioned you changed your mind. I wanted to come see that for myself." Kise shoved his hands into the pockets of his hoodie.

"Oh good, the pretty boy is here," Kagami snorted, causing Kise to glance at him and smirk. "What do you want?" he asked.

"Well our match is next week, and when I got word that Tetsucchi was going to be participating I had to come over here and negotiate," Kise explained with a shrug and looked back to Tetsumi.

"Negotiate what exactly?" Tetsumi asked, crossing her arms.

"Seirin giving you to Kaijo, of course," Kise replied with a smile. The Seirin team gasped in shock, but Tetsumi remained straight faced. If Kise had found out she agreed to Akashi's little game that meant all the boys knew. Kise looked to the captain and coach, saying, "So give us Tetsu-cchi."

"Cut the theatrics, Ki-kun," Tetsumi chided. "I don't want to play on your team or any of the others team. Just as you five have changed, I have too."

"Tetsucchi, you were my trainer back in Teiko," Kise began, placing a hand on Tetsumi's shoulder. "You were the one who taught me not to give up." He smiled at her.

"I can't join your team, Ki-kun," she said firmly, causing Kise to frown. "Let it be known, I will help Kagami-kun and this team beat the Generation of Miracles." Kise's eyes widened as Tetsumi gestured to the team standing behind her. He smirked and regained his cool and collected composure.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to prove it to you on the court what a mistake you are making," Kise said confidently, causing Seirin to glare at him. "Either way though, I'm glad you are playing again, Tetsucchi."

Tetsumi—though small—walked up to Kise and punched him in the stomach. Kise gasped and grabbed his stomach. His eyes filled with tears as he frowned at Tetsumi. He straightened, and Tetsumi shook her head.

"You're a lot like Kasamatsu-senpai, so mean and abusive," Kise muttered mostly to himself.

"I'm going to have to ask you to not say mean things about my teammates, Ki-kun," Tetsumi said as she patted the side of his face. The blond chuckled and grabbed her hand, pulling her closer to him. "Don't get hands-y with me." She stomped on his foot and Kise yelped, letting her go.

"I guess there is no changing your mind then," Kise said.

"Not even a little," Tetsumi replied, causing Kise to laugh. "We'll see you on the court, Ki-kun." The blond nodded his head and eyed the members of Seirin. He had to give them credit, they didn't look like much, but he knew Tetsumi would change that. His golden eyes flicked over to Kagami, who stood behind Tetsumi.

"You guys are really lucky," Kise said, his eyes locked on Kagami. "Tetsucchi is an extraordinary basketball player." With those words, Kise quietly left the gym.

When the doors closed, Tetsumi sighed in relief. She turned around to face Seirin, who were all smiling. Tetsumi blushed, and rubbed her cheek with a finger.

"So you're really going to join the team?" Koganei asked, knowing it was the question on everyone's mind.

"Yes," Tetsumi replied. She turned to Kagami and looked at him with a fire in her eyes. "I will help you beat the Generation of Miracles. I shall be your shadow on the court." The redhead smirked and nodded in approval.

-###-

They trained hard. Every day and all weekend long; Seirin practiced every play they had over two dozen times. Riko had built quite the regiment to train them and prepare them for the match with Kaijo. She had been lucky enough to get a glimpse of Kise and see his ability. When she had scanned him, she couldn't get much since he was fully clothed, but she could see his legs were strong and his height was going to be challenging. It was also known that Kaijo was becoming one of the most powerful basketball teams in Tokyo.

"You look worried, Riko," Hyuga said as he sat down on the bench next to her. He took a towel and dabbed the sweat from his brow. The brunette beside him shook her head and assured him it was just the opposite. He gave her a quizzical look and asked, "Excited?"

"Hyuga-kun if we beat Kaijo, that will put us on the map," Riko told him with a smile and watched the team practicing a play. Hyuga smiled back and nodded his head in agreement. Last year Seirin had done well until they lost their star player. His eyes glanced to Kagami and Tetsumi, who were talking at the half-court mark. They were lucky to get such a powerful duo. Tetsumi and Kagami were learning to coordinate with one another, and if they kept at it their teamwork would be seamless.

"We'll win the Inter-High this year," Hyuga said, and Riko looked at him as he stood up. "We have one hell of a team."

"Yeah we do," Riko agreed as Hyuga ran back out to the court and started telling the players they were going to run a defensive play. Just as they were starting, Tetsumi walked over to Riko and sat down. "Is your leg okay?" Riko asked as Tetsumi unscrewed the bottle cap to her water.

"I'm not playing like I used too," Tetsumi said, taking a sip of her water. "I don't want to risk it. I'll do what I do best, passing the ball." She put her water bottle down.

"I will admit, your stealing and passing of the ball is some of the best I've ever seen," Riko told her, and Tetsumi smiled. "But if you can shoot the ball, I encourage you to do it."

"I'm afraid that would only weaken my leg," Tetsumi said softly as she rubbed her bandaged leg. "The Generation of Miracles used my passing ability to keep the ball moving, I was hardly ever used for shooting."

"How did you get that injury?" Riko asked, gesturing to Tetsumi's leg.

"By trying to score," Tetsumi mumbled, and Riko frowned. "It essentially ruined my career of basketball." The girl shrugged and looked at the team as they played on the court. Kagami dunked the ball, and Tetsumi smiled, as he got overly excited about scoring.

"Are you scared to take shots now when playing with a team?" Riko asked her, trying to gain some insight. If Tetsumi could find the courage to take some field shots as well as doing lay-ups as she had when she faced off with Kagami, it would be beneficial to the team.

Tetsumi shrugged her shoulders. "You could call it fear," she said. "But when it comes to playing with a team, I'm better for passing and stealing. I'll leave the shots to Kagami-kun and the others." She nodded as Hyuga took a three point shot, landing it perfectly.

"Just think about it," Riko said to her with a bright smile. "It takes the whole team to win the game." She stood and blew on her whistle, cutting the game short. Tetsumi stared at Riko's back for a moment and smiled. The coach was right, it was a team effort to win a game. They needed to rely on each other Tetsumi knew that. She had to continue to improve, so she could be there for her team.

"Good practice everyone," Hyuga said as everyone gathered around at the half-court mark. "Tomorrow is our practice game with Kaijo High School, rest up and be ready."

"Hyuga-kun is right, even though it's just a practice match it's important that we win," Riko said, looking amongst all the players. "Do your best tomorrow, all of you."