A/N: DUnno what possessed me but here is the express next chap and... well... next update would be much later! It must be the scene of this chapter I can't wait to write down!

One amazing thing I discovered is that... National for Middle School in Japan is really on summer XDDD how awesome is that huh? I mean I don't know the schedule when I wrote chapter 1-2 but in all pixiv art the artist wrote the championship is indeed around that time LOL

Fix typo and add some stuff XDDD

Warning! Not fixed!

Kuroko was never fond of keeping secret from his friends, but circumstances in life just made him had to keep it until the time was right to reveal it. His history in Teikō was one of few that he chose to keep to himself, simply because all of them needed some sort of secrecy within their group. They might be scattered to six schools but they were once an ultimate team that carved their history as the best of the best. If outsider knew they may would have called Generation of Miracles as sentimental fools. But deep down they just couldn't help it. They were in the new team in high school, but there would be always a line they draw that separate them as alumni of Teikō. That might be... the last selfish shred of comradeship they had left that tied them together as a team.

Seirin second years instinctively knew this and they never even inclined to pry, they were content with this arrangement. Freshman like Kagami however was curious why Kuroko never talk about his former teammates, and Kise's visitonly doubled his curiosity. Kagami was not inconsiderate but he was oblivious when it comes to other people's feeling, especially someone as stoic as Kuroko. Then again since Kagami was so open about his feeling, he couldn't comprehend the need of being secretive. Fortunately the seniors had banned all question about Teikō or especially about Kuroko's former teammates. The freshmen didn't really understand but serious and threatening aura their seniors emitted was enough to make them tip-toed whenever topic around Generation of Miracles come out.

"Kuroko... you're... the Vice-captain of the Generation of Miracles?" Kagami asked in dazed voice to his instructor. He supposed this question wasn't a sensitive one especially if Kise blatantly announce it. All of them stopped practicing in favor of paying attention to the conversation.

Kuroko sighed at that, "Yes... I guess I don't look like it." He guessed that's why Kagami was asking that so awkwardly.

Kagami shook his head, "No, it's not that... but how to say it..." He rubbed the back of his head, "Err... you said you support them from shadow and stuff... " It kind of sounded like you needed them but they didn't need you as much, and you kept implying you and them are different. You're part of them but in the same time you're not. "So it took my by surprise that you... you..." So important that Kise who was so arrogant and yet blatantly declare he would listen everything you say and willing to fight for your acknowledgement!

Kuroko smiled softly at him, "Kagami-kun... your ears are smoking."

The red head was flushing as red as his hair and was stuttering, he must be scared to ask the wrong thing but in the same time too curious to keep it to himself. "I am just..."

The phantom player sighed, "Regardless of my standing within the Generation of Miracles, nothing change..."

"Each of them will find a new captain and new teammates Tetsuya... but we'll be always be their captain and vice captain."

Kuroko closed his eyes and recall what Kise said, regardless calling him as former... Kise as Akashi said still had lingering attachment to them as his leader... he had a new captain but Kuroko and Akashi would be always... Some part of him was relieved of the last shred of bond as a team they had, but in the same time, it felt like a chain that stopped them from moving on.

"Oh..."

"Whether I am their vice-captain or a shadow, it doesn't change the fact I am determined to defeat them..." Kuroko said with determined face.

Kagami grinned at that, "That's the spirit."

Kuroko nodded in agreement, "By the way... more than all of us, you need all spirit you have..." He stated as cracking his knuckles in intimidating way, and Kagami paled at the sight. "Since you were talking big in front of Kise-kun, prepare yourself Kagami-kun..." Did Kuroko just asked him to back his words up or something?

The red head gulped, he had to wonder how comical it was to be intimidated by someone who was almost one foot shorter than you and so weak looking like Kuroko. Not to mention the last step was the third backward step he took since Kuroko cracked his knuckles. "Uhm... is it double muscle training?" He guessed timidly.

Kuroko shook his head, "No, it's nothing boring as you put it... " He assured the red haired boy, and Kagami didn't buy that at all. "The closest term however... we're going to make you our practice dummy for the last few days before practice match with Kaijō." He explained in his usual deadpan tone.

Kagami would have squeaked, but it was so unmanly so he settled on half yelping and half shouting, "Gah!"

Behind Kuroko was the seniors and Riko who for some reason had bloodshot eyes and staring at him as if he was some sort of premium rare meat. Kagami gulped fearfully, just now their eyes were glowing! "Now Kagami-kun, let's begin the training... we only have three days."

Kagami sighed as he eyed the clipboard, paper and pen on Kuroko's hand, "Can I write my will first?" Then quickly shook out the depressing thought, he was not going to die before became the number one in Japan damn it! "Wait! Wait! What do you mean I'll be your dummy?! How is this going to help us to beat Kise? Or Kaijō?"

Aida Riko smirked at him, "Come on Kagami-kun, for the sake of our team just resign yourselves!"

"Not without an explanation! Damn it!" Kagami shouted indignantly.

Kaijō high School

Kasamatsu in his short time of knowing Kise as his teammates had never seen Kise practicing so furiously like this. He almost feared the hoop was going to fall down if Kise kept dunking like that. Apparently Kise went to Seirin to say hi to his former teammate, but it seemed the visit didn't end well for the blond. Moriyama said he heard Kise muttering 'I will show you' again and again like chanting mantra of doom. Their coach refused to believe a no name school like Seirin managed to get one of the Generation of Miracles while their national reputed school only acquired Kise because of their flexible policy with his modelling career. Not many school that focusing in sport would give a leeway for their student for modelling career, most sport reputed school was very strict. Kaijō was lucky to have both reputation and flexible policy for part time job. Kise seemed disgruntled by their coach's denial but it seemed the blond won't bother anymore.

The captain of Kaijō himself was skeptical, especially because Generation of Miracles' reputation as a bunch of egoistical genius made it hard to believe any of them would go to a new school like Seirin. Then again Kise was pretty adamant about it, and it didn't make sense for Kise to made this up. Kasamatsu was more inclined to believe Kise that his former vice-captain indeed attend Seirin. Regardless of that he and his teammates bar Kise were worried they would be stuck in a clash between the Generation of Miracles, while their coach remained clueless.

Oh the joy!

Seirin High School

"Wow... " Kagami blurted out in amazement at Kuroko's explanation of why he should sacrifice himself to be their practice dummy. It sounded bad at first but after the explanation this training would be an enjoyable challenge! "This can work I guess... uhm... but surely we're not going to ignore the other players of Kaijō?" Kagami reminded them, "If they're national level team, Kise wouldn't be the only problem."

Riko huffed indignantly at Kagami, offended that Kagami thought she'd overlook this. "Of course! We're not going to be so naive to think we'll win as long as we could deal with Kise..." Their plan was not foolproof after all and focused too much on one player, "It's not equal as we've crippled Kaijō... they're national level team for a reason." Riko admitted with a huff. "About them... just leave it to me." She licked her lips, and her team shuddered at hungry look she had on her face, "I am going to peel them off! Ho ho ho ho ho!"

"..." He knew she was not speaking in literal sense but the way she talked about it he couldn't help but think it should be taken literally.

While Kagami and the freshman trio were distracted by Riko's evil laugh, Izuki pulled Kuroko aside. "Kuroko, that Kise... will all of your former teammates say the same thing?" He asked bitterly, "That we doesn't deserve you as our teammate?"

Kuroko sighed, he knew 'they left you behind and yet.' was on the tip of Izuki-senpai's tongue but held it back. "Izuki-senpai... regretfully I've to admit they would..." There was no use to deny that his former teammates were upset of his choice. They were proud of their power and to Kuroko whose power as a shadow was as strong as his teammates... choosing a no name team like Seirin to be his new teammates was something they couldn't accept.

"But we..."

"You guys should just prove my choice is right." Kuroko stated with a tone of finality, "What else is there to do other than that one simple thing, Izuki-senpai?"

Izuki blinked then his lips slowly curved up to a smile, "Of course!"

Shūtoku High School

Midorima stared at his cellphone as if it was some sort of bomb that was waiting to explode on his face. He was so absorbed by the piece of technology on his hand to notice his teammates were staring at him. Takao in particular was very tempted to tease him about whose mail it was, maybe Shin-chan had a girlfriend! Ōtsubo had enough sense to hold Takao on his place to avoid Midorima throwing a tantrum at them. As much as they enjoyed Midorima being teased mercilessly by Takao they didn't want their ace to scream bloody murder when they could avoid it.

The green haired shooter was reading the e-mail Akashi sent for the fifth time, and it still the same. Tetsuya and Ryōta are going to play against each other on XX April 20XX in Kaijō gym, go watch it for him and reported the result. What was he? An errand boy?! Unfortunately Akashi knew him well enough that he would go to watch it even if Akashi didn't ask, so either way he would end up doing what Akashi wanted.

He was also curious what so special about Seirin that Kuroko chose that school.

Next day, Yasuda Kinen Hospital

Izuki sat on the cushioned bench that stationed outside of MRI room. If there was any passerby he would attract attention with his constant fidgeting. The PG of Seirin thought waiting was an easy job before, but when it's in hospital it was never easy. In the corner of his eyes Izuki caught a familiar figure coming to his direction. He didn't have to turn to greet the newcomer. Since the brunette teen who came to sit beside him knew that Izuki knew.

"It's never easy... waiting." The familiar soothing voice calmed him.

Izuki smiled at the taller teen, "Yeah Kiyoshi... "

The Center of Seirin grinned at him in return, "I feel bad to make you guys waiting." He said sheepishly as rubbing the back of his head, "But Sengoku-sensei said... I still need some time for rehabilitation. I will be back soon!" That was the line he kept repeating since last year. "I will!"

Izuki chuckled softly at that, "You don't have to assure us again and again Kiyoshi." He said softly, "We believe in you... always."

"Of course!" Kiyoshi replied cheerily. "By the way... how is he?

Izuki sighed, "Same annual check-up he said... I know he is not injured like you... or sick. I know he is fine and healthy... mostly... " He sighed again tiredly, "But I can't bear to see him going through that MRI check up, I don't know why... but it's just doesn't sit well with me."

Kiyoshi's eyes softened, "Nah... it's not like you guys didn't fret over me when you watch my rehab."

The dark haired teen glared at Kiyoshi, "We'll fret less if you stop smiling when it's obvious you are in pain!" Rehabilitation Kiyoshi went through was tough but he was doing well. Although they hoped he'd stopped smiling while seating bullets because he was creeping them out when he was at it. They knew he was in pain and wished he stopped hiding that.

"Ha ha ha Sorry Izuki~ " The Iron Heart grinned sheepishly, "By the way... it's only us waiting for him again?"

Izuki scowled, "What do you expect? His father coming to see how his son is doing?" He wondered out loud, "No of course not! He can't get caught coming to hospital because his son get his brain checked!" Izuki in rare moment of anger always ranting, then again Kiyoshi knew since they met Kuroko, Izuki always had a soft spot for their junior. "He should be more ashamed for not coming!"

Kiyoshi face palmed at that, "We know so little about Kuroko and his family but well... they're complicated, and Kuroko wants us to let him to settle his family problem himself... " He sighed, "Not like we can do anything other than moral support."

The dark haired teen shrugged, "Moral support... huh?"

3 days later...Kaijō main gym.

Kise was creepily too cheerful on the big day of practice match against Seirin and to be honest he was creeping them out with his skipping and whistle. They also had no idea why Kise was cleaning the basketball they'd use for today's match. According to second string players they saw him drying the ball after applying wood polish on it last night. Kise suddenly jumped at the sound of his phone ringing, and the blond was skipping to his bag to check his phone.

"Kuroko-chi is here!" He exclaimed cheerfully then went to approach Kasamatsu who just had to take a step back, "Senpai! I am going to fetch Seirin! Can I? Can I?"

Kasamatsu sweat-dropped, how the hell he supposed to shoot down this request? "Do what you want Kise..."

"Yay!"

All of Seirin players stared at Kagami who had red eyes, a sign he didn't get a wink of sleep last night. His eyes were naturally dark shade of red but now even the white part was a little red. Apparently the red head was too excited that he couldn't bring himself to sleep. "You looks like a rabbit." Izuki pointed out.

"What are you, a kid going to a field trip?" Kuroko asked tonelessly.

"Shut up." Kagami grunted.

Riko face palmed at the sight and berated Kagami, "Next time... I don't care even if you have to knock yourself out, but you have to get plenty of rest before a match!"

"Hai..." Kagami said drowsily.

"Kurooooookooooooooooo-chiiiiiiiiiiiii!" All Seirin players except Kuroko groaned at the cheerful voice that they was pretty familiar with since the blond's last visit. From this distance they could already see a blond teen running to their direction. Kise stopped right in front of Kuroko who gave him a dispassionate stare. Kise in the other hand was beaming, ignoring Kagami who tried to call his attention. "This place is big so I come to get you guys!"

Riko rolled her eyes, how generous of him though he probably only wanted to chat with Kuroko before the match. "Thank you very much."

"Oi Kise!" Kagami shouted.

Kise faked a sob, "Ever since you rejected my invitation..." He began in an almost whiny voice, "I've been crying into my pillow every night!" He said as rubbing his arm right against his eyes to emphasize his point.

"What's wrong with him?" Hyūga grunted.

Kagami huffed, "Just show us the way!"

Kise in the other hand was oblivious of the glare that directed at him coming from the Seirin seniors, if looks could kill Kise would have died on the spot. "Not even girl has turned me down!"

"Are you ignoring me?" Kagami asked grumpily while the rest of Seirin inwardly rolled their eyes, you just noticed he blatantly ignored you?

Kuroko narrowed his eyes at Kise, "Could you please stop being so sarcastic?" Kuroko asked.

Kise in return narrowed his eyes, a mischievous smile on his lips. "I am interested in the team that made Kuroko-chi said those words... " Then he turned to Kagami, "But you in particular are the most vocal, it seems."

Kagami smirked at Kise. "So?"

The blond walked pass Kagami, his amber eyes narrowed at the red head. "I don't care much about the title of Generation of Miracles."

Kuroko inwardly rolled his eyes, how about none of them did? He still could hear how vocal Aomine in rejecting their group to be called Generation of Miracle. He was almost deaf that time because of that. Then again they were titled that and their opinion won't matter, since soon enough they were called by that moniker in daily basis and no one in team cared anymore about how corny it was. Their reputation cemented that title to be a feared name after all.

"But I can't ignore such an obvious challenge..." Kise said coolly, "I am not mature enough to let such thing slide."

Kuroko sighed, of course Kise won't let Kagami's challenge slide. He could foresee the others would react in the same way, because to them Kagami was an outsider who dare to say something as bold as defeating them. Back then a challenger was always appreciated, especially by Aomine. But now after three years of absolute dominance the thought someone unknown like Kagami challenging them sounded more like a shameless gloating to them. Kise in particular even more so since he was never defeated by anyone outside of the team and believed no outsider had right to do so.

"I am sorry." The blond lied through his teeth, "But I am going to crush you with everything I have." He stated with the coldest voice he could muster.

Kagami smirked in delight, "Sounds good." He said and secretly made a V sign with his fingers on his back for his team to see. "Bring it on Kise!"

"As you wish..." Kise replied haughtily.

Nice job, Kagami! They thought as giving him a mental thumbs up.

Riko sighed, at least their strategy to get Kagami provoking Kise was a big success. Although… it seemed Kagami had too much fun in riling Kise up, she thought as looking at the two whose eyes locked to each other and she swore there was an electricity spark between them.

Kaijō Main Gym

Kise was tempted to knock some sense on their coach for his blatant disrespect on Kuroko-chi and Seirin. When he was out to fetch Seirin, the coach had ordered second string players to put up a nett barricade to divide the court in two. The Seirin coach, she only take one look at the court and coolly commented. "Half of the court is used for practice..." She sounded like she was informing her team the most obvious thing of the year, and her right eyebrow was twitching dangerously. Kise went to put his jersey on, leaving Seirin on their own. Whatever their coach had in mind, Kise won't be part of it.

Takeuchi walked pass, eyes glued on his clipboard until he noticed the group of high school student in red, black, and white uniform. He turned to their direction sluggishly, "Ah you're here, welcome." He greeted them, "I am the coach, Takeuchi." He introduced himself curtly then looked around, no doubt looking for Seirin's coach who actually right in front of him. "Eh..."

Riko didn't wait for him to ask and went forward to introduce herself, "I am the coach, Aida Riko... nice to meet you." She greeted him with the sweetest voice only a high school girl could produce. Kise noted Aida didn't bother to bow, she was really serious in not treating people respectfully when they gave her none. She glanced at the net, still smiling sweetly. "By the way what is this?" It's actually translated as 'What in the seven hell you're thinking to put up this crap?'

Kise knew their coach was no expert in woman's heart but he should at least understood the heart of a coach who was faced with blatant disrespect of her players. "Exactly what it looks like." Takeuchi stated the obvious. "We've only made simple arrangements for today's game."

"Arrangements?" Riko echoed in faked wonder, eyes wide and her mouth shaped a comical O.

Kise would love to keep watching his coach being oblivious and Riko who put a sweet girl facade engaged in verbal war, but he knew they were no concern to him as much as certain phantom player. Kuroko Tetsuya out of six of them was the most composed one and also the one with the most vicious temper. Akashi came in close second of course. The last time Kuroko lost his composure in court, it was really bad for anyone in his warpath. Akashi being Akashi gave a free reign to Kuroko to vent his anger on their opponents who was at fault at the time to make Kuroko lost his temper. Kise swore that time in spite of not intimidated like the rest of them, Akashi flinched a little when one of the opposing player had a close call with ignite pass breezing pass just one inch from his face and fainted on the spot. Since then they vowed to never ever let Kuroko lost his temper, which pretty easy considering Kuroko had a lot of patience and not easily provoked.

However it was never wise to push him, and his coach was doing that.

"There won't be enough to learn from this game to make it worth watching for the guys sitting out. We're having the other players practice as usual so we don't waste time." Takeuchi continued on, and didn't notice that Riko was itching to tear him apart with how her fingers twitching by her side. "Despite the arrangements, the one who you play against is still our regulars." He said in a manner that Seirin should be consoled and honored for that fact, "I hope you won't let us triple your score." Takeuichi turned around just in time, so he didn't see the obvious distaste in Seirin players.

Hyūga scowled, "He is going to eat his words."

Izuki grunted in agreement, "We'll enjoy his face later." He vowed. "He pissed me off.

"... They think we're a side show for their practice." Kagami hissed angrily.

Kise looked at Kuroko who was looking at their retreating coach with dispassionate stare, thankfully he was still looking as tranquil as a zen monk. However it was pretty obvious Kuroko was annoyed but pleased Takeuchi's gloating was firing his teammates up. Kise finished putting his jersey on and was going to speak to Kuroko, it won't do if Kuroko-chi think he was in any way involved in this. No matter how low Seirin ranking was they're still an opponent, and Kise would never disrespect them like this. Not to mention he had to pacify Kuroko-chi just in case, he still wanted his new teammates to come out of this match without trauma.

And then Takeuchi spoke the magic word, "Kise, why are you putting on your uniform? You're not playing."

"Eh?" What the coach was thinking?!

Takeuchi sighed, oblivious of incredulous look on Kise's face. "Even in our school that gather talented players from middle school, you're in a whole different level." Kise gritted his teeth, someone over there was in different level too, you know? Not to mention Takeuchi was speaking in a volume that loud and clear enough for Kuroko to hear.

Kise looked around in panic and was tempted to yelp when he saw Kuroko was looking at them with narrowed eyes. "Coach, please stop that! Seriously stop that!" He almost yelled in panic.

Kasamatsu raised an eyebrow, while their coach was oblivious Kasamatsu could tell Kise was panicking and he kept looking at Seirin. "What the..."

"If I let you play it won't be a game anymore." Takeuchi said nonchalantly then was about to leave when Kise sprinted to Seirin's direction, leaving him flabbergasted at Kise's sudden outburst. It was rude in Kasamatsu's opinion but it seemed Kise had a more important consent than manners.

"Kuroko-chi!" It was bad, the phantom player was taking a deep breath and sighing! That was not a good sign. "I am so sorry! I don't...!" He trailed off.

"Kise-kun, be quiet please." Kuroko requested with a sigh.

Kise sniffed, "But!"

Seirin seniors could see panic written all over Kise's face and it was easy to guess why. This guy obviously scared Kuroko would snap, and all thing considered they agreed with Kise. Kuroko in the other hand looked as tranquil as ever though if you knew him long enough you could see slight twitch on his left eyebrow. "Kise-kun, I know you're not involved in this farce. So please calm down... I am not going to snap."

Kasamatsu and the rest of the team was surprised Kise at once clamped down and stopped on his track. Kise was speaking to the shortest players in Seirin group and Kasamatsu had to squint his eyes to make sure someone was there and Kise was not talking to an empty space. "Oi... is that guy the vice-captain Kise keep talking about?" He looked so weak! This was the vice-captain of the Generation of Miracles? On second thought who was he to judge? If he recalled correctly, Akashi Seijuro doesn't look that impressive from afar either.

It was almost comical to see the famed Kise Ryōta nodded so enthusiastically at something the teal haired boy said, Kasamatsu couldn't believe his eyes that Kise acted like that. Kise was an airhead most of the time but he was still a proud member of the Generation of Miracles, "This is bad..."

Moriyama, the shooting guard of Kaijō nodded in agreement. "Judging from the way Kise acted it seemed that short guy is really his former vice-captain."

Kasamatsu couldn't suppress a relieved sigh that his teammates were not as oblivious as their coach and could see the situation they were in. "Our coach is overboard this time..."

Hayakawa who stood in the other side gulped, "Eh... if Kise is not going to play with us... is this mean we're going to play against a member of Generation of Miracles without Kise?!" He asked in incredulous tone.

Great! Even that Hayakawa could see how screwed they were. "Yeah... that summed it up nicely, not to mention coach did a marvelous job in pissing them off."

Generation of Miracles was famed not just for skill, power and their achievement. In fact for the better part of their career they were known as ruthless team who had no mercy to triple score their opponents just because they could. Kise was panic for their sake, it seemed. Any other day Kasamatsu would have berated Kise for underestimating them, but in this case it was justified Kise was worried. They were going to face a team that was out for blood with someone from Generation of Miracles as one of them, this was bad...

Kobori flinched, "Hey... should we inform Coach or not?"

Kasamatsu rolled his eyes, "Like he'll believe us?!"

Kuroko could see Kise was ready to apologize profusely and judging from horrified look Kaijō team shot at him, they shared the same opinion as Kise. Kuroko turned to his coach who was smirking at him, it seemed she had an idea and Kuroko had a wild guess of what Riko was thinking. He would have pitied Takeuchi Genta, but he should see this coming. He disliked this kind of method but situation calls for it. "Kise-kun... do me a favor and act accordingly." He said in low voice.

Kise blinked in confusion the nodded, "Okay..."

Here goes nothing, Kuroko thought as he took a deep breath, "Coach, please pull me out from starting members." The phantom player said sternly, at a volume that loud and clear enough for everyone in gym to hear.

Riko smirked when he saw Takeuchi turned around to their direction to see what's going on, she posed a thoughtful look. "Ah right... it'll be so unfair that you are in starting line when Kise-kun is benched." She agreed as nodded solemnly, "Tsuchida-kun will play in your stead."

Kise caught on quickly, "Thank you Kuroko-chi! That's a relief!"

Takeuchi stomped to their direction, he looked furious. "What's going on here?"

"Nothing!" Riko answered in a heartbeat sweetly, "We just think that since you so generously benched Kise-kun, we should do the same... " She added, "Just to be fair."

The plump man raised an eyebrow, then looked at Kuroko from head to toe. "After all that boasting." Like he was one to talk, "I expect you have some decent players at least but..."

Kise stepped in before the coach could deal more damage that he already did, "Of course Kuroko-chi is not decent! I'll be not so decent myself if my old teammates is just decent!" Then without a warning he encircled his arms on Kuroko's shoulder just like when they were teammates, "We suppose to be extraordinary one! On a whole different level!" He quoted Takeuchi in the last part.

Takeuichi remained unmoved as he crossed his arms, "Kise... this boy..."

Kise if possible sparkled even more, "This is Kuroko Tetsuya! He was my vice-captain in Teikō..."

"You're kidding me!" Takeuchi scoffed, there was no way this weak looking player was in the same level as Kise.

"I am not!"

What's with his old teammates promoting him as their vice-captain? At first he thought it was just Akashi flaunting the title for amusement, and now even Kise was so eager to announce it to the world. This had Akashi's name all over it, what he was up to now? It seemed it would be best if he put this farce down now, "Kise-kun... enough." Kise clamped his mouth shut, "Regardless... of the situation, one way or another it would a trouble for my team..."

"Huh..." Takeuchi raised an eyebrow at Kuroko.

Kise knew Kuroko had changed since he returned, he was still as stoic as ever but not as quiet it seemed. He was always blunt but never as outspoken as he was now. "Kuroko-chi..."

"My teammates won't be able to hold back... so Kise-kun..." Kuroko turned to leave to follow second string player Takeuchi asked to show them Kaijō locker room. "Please warm up, we don't have time time to wait for you to do that later..."

"Hai!" Kise nodded.

Kuroko didn't mean that as an order, but Kise made it sounded like one. He would have to remind Kise about this later...

Kasamatsu and the rest of Kaijō team didn't know they were holding their breath throughout the entire conversation that took place between their coach, Kise, and Seirin. They didn't know they had to be grateful or not Seirin felt so insulted that they benched this Kuroko-chi like Kise in retaliation. Or horrified this team was confident enough to play against a national level team like them without the phantom player. Kasamatsu hated to admit this way, it would be a fair fight against Seirin. He thought as looking at Seirin or exactly the teal haired boy Kise called Kuroko-chi. It was hard to pinpoint the boy but Kasamatsu could when the boy was standing apart from his team and for some reason was staring at the hoop. Kasamatsu recalled that one was in need to be replaced soon especially after the beating Kise did to it for the last few days, did he noticed that or something?

"Kasamatsu-senpai." Kise called him, "It's too early to be relieved." He said as looking at the Seirin players.

Kasamatsu scoffed, "Yeah... yeah... thanks a lot Kise, but now both of you are benched I don't see why we shouldn't."

Kise blinked at Kasamatsu, "Obviously because Kuroko-chi is dangerous even when he is benched."

"Heh?" Kasamatsu blinked back, "What do you mean?" From afar he could see Kuroko instead of seating on bench was standing beside Seirin's coach, they were having a last minute coaching it seemed. Kasamatsu blinked as realization dawned on him of the possibility of what Kuroko Tetsuya was capable of, "Oh shit! Fair my ass!" He cursed.

Kuroko was standing beside Riko as she briefed her team for changes in strategy now both Kise and Kuroko were benched, "Kaijō is a strong team with a good balance in offense and defense... like Kinga High of Tokyo, but much much better." She stressed the last part. "I have to say... " She turned to Mitobe and Tsuchida, who was their main defense player. "Sorry, but we're a bit in losing side when it comes to defense... just an estimation from my research though."

Kagami scoffed, "If we put enough firepower in offense it should be no problem."

Riko nodded in agreement, "We pretty much... match up with them in that department according to my calculation but anything can happen, just give it your all... " Then she grinned, "Any change of strategy later... it'll be up to you Kuroko-kun, I am giving you a free reign today..."

Kuroko narrowed his eyes, a soft smile tugging his lips. "Hai."

They were about to end their coaching before Koganei piped in, "Hey, why Kaijō's captain is glaring at us?"

Five minutes later...

Kaijō team lined up in front of Seirin, and both team bowed to each other before their tallest member stepped forward for the tip off. The whistle was blown, and the ball thrown in the air. Kagami reached for the ball, but Kobori of Kaijō was faster as he slapped the ball to Kasamatsu.

Kasamatsu dribbled the ball calmly "One. Let's do this..." He told his teammates, keeping an eye on where Hayakawa and Moriyama were. The captain of Kaijō didn't notice the smirk on Seirin players' face when they saw where he was looking.

"Kaijō number 5 is a SG with unique style, it won't be easy to stop his unorthodox shot... their captain would likely pass the ball to Moriyama-san after he make sure their PF Hayakawa-san would be near the ring for rebound just in case their SG missed.'

The captain smirked when he saw Moriyama was in position in the same time as Hayakawa reached the area near the hoop, and without second thought passed the ball to Moriyama. Hyūga smirked when he saw Kasamatsu was passing the ball to Moriyama as predicted, it was also easy to guess where Moriyama would be ready.

'While his unorthodox shot is hard to block... the shooting range is poor so he won't be too far from 3 point line.'

Kasamatsu's eyes widened when he saw Hyūga, the captain of Seirin was already right in pass course between him and Moriyama and stole the ball. "What the!" They knew he was going to pass to Moriyama?!

"Run and Gun!" Hyūga shouted in an almost cheery voice as he threw the ball as hard as he could to Izuki, which caught easily by the eagle eyed PG.

"Yosh!" Izuki smirked then dribbled the ball to the direction of the hoop.

Kaijō who was caught off guard quickly sprung to action, however they were deep in Seirin's territory while all Seirin's player aside from Hyūga was in theirs. Kasamatsu scowled, this was not normal for a team to leave their hoop open for offense! They already planned this to make Kaijō dropped their guard! Kobori was the only one near the hoop, they were wide open! Kasamatsu gritted his teeth, as if they would let Seirin to take the first score so easily! The PG of Kaijō ran as fast as he could and easily caught up with Izuki who was not as fast, Kobori was in front of Izuki and ready to block him.

"As if we'll let you!" Kasamatsu shouted.

Much to his shock Izuki was smiling, as if cornered by two players that stronger than him was not a concern to him. "I know you will catch up, Kasamatsu-san." And then Izuki threw the ball up with a narrow arc which that caught by Mitobe who was standing few feet behind them and the silent player sprinted pass them.

Kasamatsu's eyes widened, what this guy's eyes were made of? He wondered. "Shit!"

The ball however didn't stay with Mitobe for long as he passed it to Kagami who was already sprinting to the hoop, Kagami jumped into the air and dunked the ball into the basketwith force and landed to the ground gracefully. "Yosh!" He strike his fist up and faked a shocked look that he just realized he was holding a broken hoop. "Woah!"

Woah indeed, Kuroko rolled his eyes at Kagami's theatrics. But looking at Takeuchi's mortified face, it was working nicely to rile the fat coach up.

"That's dangerous. One of the bolts is rusted." Izuki commented grimly at the sight of the broken goal of Kaijō.

"But that's still not... normal." Kasamatsu muttered in shock.

"It can't be helped, we have to use full court now..." Izuki said in deadpan tone.

Kasamatsu who was staring at their destroyed hoop turned to his fellow PG with incredulous face. "You guys..." Kasamatsu narrowed his blue eyes at Izuki who was smiling at him, "You know... " He paused, "No, it's him... he knew the bolt is rusty and that Kagami could easily break the hoop." It's still need massive power though, and that Kagami was still a freshman? "You guys are one terrible team..." He couldn't help but commented. Were they really a regional level team? "That's quite a greeting."

Izuki just smiled at the blue eyed PG, "I don't know what are you talking about Kasamatsu-san..."

Kagami stared at the broken hoop with bored face. "This thing is bigger than I thought." He commented in deadpan tone. "Bigger than my head."

Izuki who saw the chance to broke out the conversation with Kasamatsu piped in, "I can see that Kagami!"

Riko was skipping to fuming Takeuchi who sat on Kaijō bench. He stared at the skipping girl before him in disdain. "We're sorry for that Takeuchi-san... but well... we warned you."

Takeuchi scowled, "Yes, I heard you..." He gritted his teeth.

Kise was holding his side as gasping for air, Kuroko-chi was the best! Kise's back was facing his coach, because Kise was sure he would burst to laugh if he saw Takeuchi's face now. " Ha ha..." His shoulders were still shaking.

"Kise-kun..." Kise turned to see his former instructor with a puffed cheek. "Stop laughing please..."

"Ah right!" Kise stifled his laughter.

Takeuchi turned just in time to notice Kuroko was standing in front of him with impassive face since who knows when. "Eh... " Who was this guy again?

Kuroko bowed politely, then looked down at the Kaijō's coach. "My apologies for the destroyed hoop." Kagami was right behind him, still holding the hoop and looked not so sorry about it. "Since we can't play like this, please allow us to use the full court."

Like he had any other choice?! "Ugh... fine!" Then he turned to the side, "Kise! Come here for a sec."

Kise grinned, "Hai!"

Kuroko could see Kise was grinning that Seirin managed to make Takeuchi put him im "Now that's what I call a greeting." Kise mused. "I've never seen the coach like that before."

Kagami growled. "You should tell him that that's what he gets for underestimating us!"

Kuroko face-palmed. "Kagami-kun, you realize we've to pay that?"

Kagami gaped at the phantom player. "We have to pay for...?" He sputtered comically, "Or it's just me?" His dad would chew his head off for this!

"Well..." Kuroko trailed off then waved his hand in negative gesture. "Never mind, that hoop is in due for replacement so it's unlikely Kaijō will ask us to pay it."

Kise nodded at that, "If anything... I am partly responsible, I kind of torturing that hoop for the last few days since I know it's going to be replaced soon."

Kagami's eyes widened at that, "Is that so?" He asked through gritted teeth to the smirking blond player.

The phantom player sighed, he wondered if Kagami remembered he suppose to provoke not the opposite. It seemed the second string of Kaijō had finished mopping the floor, "Kagami-kun... the game is going to start again so prepare yourself please..."

Kagami groaned as he tear his eyes off of Kise, "Fine!"

When previously no Kaijō players were interested in watching the match, now quite a number went to the second floor to get better look of the game. Takeuchi was still fuming, and Riko's innocent smiling face if anything was fueling the fire.

Both team held their breath as they were expecting the two members of Generation of Miracles to enter the court. Kise was wearing a confident smile as he flexed his wrist, Kasamatsu sighed at the sight. Kise looked as intense as ever unlike his usual cheerful persona. He turned to the rest of his team, wondering why they were looking around as if looking for someone.

"You're finally in." Kagami muttered.

The Seirin captain commented, "That's quite a pressure he emitted... " Who knows this guy is a model?

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Kise muttered as his eyes locked at Kagami's.

"No problem." Kagami replied.

Riko watched the exchange between the two talents, she narrowed her eyes as mental image of stats popped up around Kise. She winced at the sight, this was the weakest player of the Generation of Miracles?

Kasamatsu raised an eyebrow, why the hell Kise was concerned with that Kagami guy as if he was his life rival. Shouldn't their ace having a showdown with his fellow Generation of Miracle players? Kasamatsu blinked, at last he figured out who his teammates were looking for. That Kuroko guy was nowhere in sight. How the hell they could lost sight of him! He had teal blue hair and there was only ten people including the referee in court! The referee was also looking around as he counted the player on his sight again and again in search of the missing tenth player. Izuki caught Kasamatsu's attention, he was giving Kasamatsu a pitying look. Izuki suddenly turned to the side and patted someone's shoulder. Someone they were sure was not there before, and as one Kaijō players except Kise let out an unmanly scream as they jumped backward at the sudden appearance of the phantom player.

The referee stammered, "Ah... there you are! We will resume the game soon then!" The score board and the referee table were still in progress of moving.

Kuroko ignored the commotion as he put on his wristband, while Riko was giggling because Takeuchi just now fell from his seat in shock. That just brightened her day even more! Girlish screams filled the court and Kaijō players groaned at the group that occupying the space near the entrance. The phantom player sighed, some things just never changed. And there was no security guards or Akashi with murderous glare of his to chase them away like in Teikō.

"Kise-kun!"

"SO cool!"

It's Kise's fan girls... AGAIN.

Hyūga winced at the scream, "Does those girls never leave him or something?! They're everywhere!"

Kasamatsu who was near Hyuuga raised an eyebrow, Kise recently visited Seirin and it seemed he had fan girls too there. He scratched the back of his head with an exasperated look marred his face. "I guess when Kise visited you, the same thing happened?"

Hyūga nodded, "Yeah... one long queuing line, just for his autograph."

The other captain groaned then turned to Kise, expecting the blond was waving at his fangirls as usual. "How long are you going to..." He began then stopped, Kise was not waving and in fact was ignoring his fangirls.

His sole attention was focused on the phantom player before him. "It's been a while since we are standing in the same court Kuroko-chi..." Kise said as flexing his wrist in relaxed manner.

Kuroko titled his head to the side, "I guess..." Kise noted Kuroko still had the habit of tugging his wristband to adjust it before the match. Kise's eyes narrowed when he saw the wristband was not the same one the phantom player wore in middle school since it had red lining on the rim. "May the best team win..."

Kise nodded, in the corner of his eyes he caught Kasamatsu approached him. "Don't forget to the return their greeting, Kise..."

"Sure!" Kise grinned.

Kise only took one look at Kagami before he caught the ball his captain passed and run to the hoop, Mitobe was already there to defend Seirin's goal but the copycat was faster and dunked the ball in the same way Kagami did but with more force to the point the hoop was shaking loudly. Kasamatsu scowled at Kise then kicked the copycat on the shin. "You should break the hoop too!"

The blond player cried, "Then how we're going to play if I break this one too?!" He asked logically.

Kagami stared at the hoop as a drop of sweat rolled on his cheek, "That dunk..." It was much stronger than his, if not for this hoop had better quality than one he broke it would break too.

Kuroko glanced at Kagami, "You are not chickened out, aren't you?"

The red head grinned, "As if!"

Kasamatsu knew basketball was a fast-paced game but this was insane! They were running back and forth like crazy and neither of them showing any sign of slowing down, and like hell if he let Kaijō to be the one that back down from this run and gun showdown! Izuki the PG of Seirin who was matched up against him of course had the same thought and both game maker were struggling to outmatched each other. Kasamatsu was well aware he was the better one physically and more experienced but Izuki was unpredictable and his pass route was often in the unlikeliest place.

Kise was more than capable to match Kagami, in fact they had exchanged blow after blow since the first quarter started which like... two to three minutes ago. So far the score was 17-15 in their favor but at this rate they would be locked in stalemate by the end of first quarter. Kasamatsu hated to admit it but as far as teamwork goes, they were the one in disadvantage. Seirin was good, terribly so when it comes to teamwork. Whenever he got hold of the ball that Izuki trailed after him so closely and if not for Hayakawa or Kobori helping him with screen their pass course would be totally closed.

Izuki gritted his teeth as Hayakawa blocked his way again, so Kasamatsu was free to pass the ball to Kise. The score was 19-21 which in Seirin's favor but nothing to be happy about because with Kise in possession of the ball the score would turn around to Kaijō again. They were exchanging blow for exactly 4:17 according to the digital clock. Just a bit more and they'd execute the plan to seal Kise!

Kise copied Kagami's fade away after he blocked Kagami's attempt to shot much to the red haired teen's irritation, the score was 25-22 which mean 3 point gap. Izuki narrowed his eyes, Kise had stopped from just copying and started blocking Kagami now. Which mean he wanted to widen the score gap. The copycat narrowed his eyes at his former teammates who since the start of the game did nothing than simple tap pass. In fact he even didn't use any misdirection and Kaijō was baffled at his lack of action in court. Sure his pass was fast as usual, but there was no phantom play he usually used and Kuroko not even once directly assisting Kagami in his duel with Kise. The one who received assist from Kuroko the most was Izuki and that was why Kasamatsu had a hard time facing the eagle eyed PG.

Kasamatsu jogged beside the copycat, panting wildly. "Oi Kise! I admit you're right he is a good passer..." Better than him like Kise said, "But it's... not phenomenal like your copycat ability. He stays dormant in the shadow, helping that Izuki to circulate pass and possibly the master mind of Seirin... I can't pinpoint that guy at all."

Kise shook his head, "Kuroko-chi so far showed nothing Kasamatsu-senpai and I am afraid it's not because he underestimated us... he is not that kind of person." He of all people believed in giving your all in any match, regardless of the opponent. "But whatever he is planning... it's the best thing he could do for his team..." It was always like that.

The game continued and they had went through half of the first quarter already, Kasamatsu could feel he and his teammates except Kise were tired. The game was still in stalemate, thanks to Hyūga's three pointer the gap was closed in a blink of an eye. Kasamatsu grunted, they had to admit Moriyama lost to Hyūga when it comes to shooting range. Hyūga was no Midorima but he could shot from 2 meters radius of 3 pointer line. Kasamatsu sighed and resigned to continued the run and gun match between their team. But soon Kasamatsu found Kise gradually losing his effectiveness, and the copycat was growing frustrated. They were still in stalemate but Kise couldn't make a single basket since the last one he did with fade away. Kise still blocked and copied Kagami perfectly but now other Seirin members started to defend their hoop viciously and they seemed to know the most effective way to stop Kise. The copycat would have to forced his way through but the first attempt ended up in foul after Kise couldn't stop fast enough to charge pass Mitobe's defense.

"What's going on?" Moriyama asked, his face was drenched in sweat.

Kasamatsu hissed, "This is the clash between Generation of Miracles... but it seems that Kuroko outsmarted Kise." That Kagami was a bait! Seirin already predicted their strongest scorer would be Kise's target and let Kise copied Kagami on purpose because they knew how to counter Kagami! So there was a way to seal Kise like this?!

Hayakawa blanched, "Heh? Fo(l) (l)ea(r)?"

Kobori sweat-dropped, "Hayakawa... calm down a bit."

"Assist Kise! Don't let the balance broke!" At least until this quarter ended, if Seirin overtook them before that... that Kuroko had not made any move and when he did the balance would break!

Kasamatsu provided a screen so Kise could escape from Mitobe, "Go Kise!"

Kise gritted his teeth, he was going to execute the fast cut move Kagami did before but Hyūga and Izuki were already in position to block him. From the corner of his eyes he caught Moriyama with his arms stretched, no choice! he had to pass to Moriyama-senpai before... He turned to look for an opening to pass but startled when he felt emptiness on his hands. "I told you... " A familiar monotone voice said, "Never take your eyes off of the ball."

"Kuroko-chi!" Kise hissed.

The copycat's eyes widened when he saw the phantom player stole the ball from him, appeared out of nowhere and catching those who unaware off guard like he always did. Kise moved to stop the phantom player but Izuki was already there to provide screen. "You're not going anywhere copycat-kun." Izuki smirked.

Kasamatsu grinned when he saw Kuroko was alone near Seirin's goal while the rest of Seirin was occupied to guard his other teammates. Unexpectedly Kuroko's speed was so-so if not almost slow in Kasamatsu's opinion, then again nobody was perfect so it must be his weakness! Kasamatsu stretched his arm to steal the ball, but failed when Kuroko suddenly turned around and shift the ball to his other hand. The Kaijō captain scowled then suddenly a thought crossed his mind, why the hell this guy didn't go to their teritory instead of running deeper to Seirin's? His process of thought was interrupted when Kuroko's movement suddenly changed, Kasamatsu blinked when he saw Kuroko's movement felt like a slow motion but for some reason he couldn't react to it. Kuroko was now around six feet away from Kasamatsu, right beneath Seirin's hoop.

The Kaijō captain quickly came to his sense and sprung to action, "What the hell are you planning?"

The answer came fast in form of action, "This." Kuroko shifted his footing then flung his right arm forward in one fluid move.

Kise who watched the move shouted at his captain. "Senpai! Don't move!" That was cyclone pass!

Kasamatsu's eyes widened when he saw the ball was sent flying in a speed he had never seen before. He did, but not in basketball. He even could feel the breeze when the ball blew pass him like a bullet. He turned around and shocked to see Kagami was already below their unguarded hoop. When he thought of it again, that guy hadn't move from there since Kise blocked his last attempt to score!

Kagami smirked when he caught the ball, wincing a little when he felt the impact that was more powerful than any pass he ever received in his life. Kuroko did warned him though, he could also feel the heat that coming from the ball. Who knows Kuroko's skinny arm could pack such a pass? "This is one hot ball." He couldn't help but commented as he dunked the ball to the hoop.

He was about to turn around and return to defense, ready to shot a smug smirk to Kise but fell comically when he heard the referee shouted, "Kaijō! Time Out!"

"Eh?!" They were on the best part damn it!

Unexpectedly I enjoy writing the match scene very much... it's easier than writing fighting scene for sure!

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