I do not own any of the Naruto or Kuroko no Basuke characters. Their ownership resides solely with Masashi Kishimoto and Tadatoshi Fujimaki.
Normal speech - "Kurama"
Flashback – kurama
Sound effects – kurama
Chapter 9
Naruto jogs towards the end of the pier; earphones drowning out the rest of world with music; his hoodie up to keep the glare of the rising sun off his face. As he reaches the end he touches the railing before sprinting back the way he came.
Naruto lands on the ground before turning down the court and throwing a touch down pass to an open teammate down the court for an easy basket.
As he reaches the point where the pier meets the sidewalk, Naruto turns to jog back down while trying to regain his breath. As he passes mid point he misses the presence of a young lady watching him very intently. Reaching the end of the pier he repeats the process of sprinting back down.
Dribbling the ball with Thompson in front of him, Naruto pulls up for a quick three. As he gets to the apex of his jump he quickly throws it down to a wide-open Nick Young in the corner. Young throws up an air ball which has Naruto gritting his teeth in frustration. He races back to defense and tries to get in front of Green but can't keep up with the difference in strength and his pushed aside as he watches the ball fly back towards the hands off Thompson who sinks a three from the corner.
He repeats the process; over and over; lap after lap. His warm breath easily visible against the cool morning air as his lungs ache in exhaustion.
He catches the rebound and sprints down the left side of the court. As a defender steps in his way he shifts the ball to his right in a quick crossover that leaves the defender unable to react. As he performs a lay-up he gets fouled from behind, leading him to missing the basket but gaining the free-throws.
He stops at the mid-point of the pier, unable to continue as he rests his hands on his knees in an effort to keep himself from collapsing to the ground.
Naruto was so focused on keeping up with Thompson's movements that he doesn't see Green step up to perform screen. As he collides with Green he stumbles away from Thompson who rushes the basket for an open dunk.
As he's breathing finally starts to slow down he notices a water bottle being held out towards his face. Glancing up his eyes widen in recognition. He'd remember those warm brown eyes anywhere.
"Hi there." Damn, her voice was intoxicating. "You look like you could use something to drink. Don't worry its just water."
"Uh, thank you."
Naruto careful takes the water bottle and squeezes its content into his mouth. As he's drinking he allows himself to get a good look at her while she gazes out over the ocean. She's wearing leggings again today that show off what little of her legs not hidden under the giant hoodie she has on to keep away the cool air.
Even though he knows that she has an amazing body from their previous encounter, its her eyes that truly captivate him. There's a vast difference from the smile she places on her face to the emotions that he can see swirling in her irises.
"May I ask you something?" She looks over at him with surprise. She hesitantly nods her head for him to continue. "Is everything okay? Not to intrude or anything but you look like you could use someone to talk to."
Naruto notices as relief floods through her eyes while her body relaxes. He wonders if she was expecting him to ask something else. Before he can think on the matter anymore, she releases a sigh filled with exhaustion before speaking up.
"The same old love story really. Girl gets told she'll be happy with boy. Girl falls in love. Boy is horrible. Girl now has to decide whether it's worth it or not." A sad smile makes its way onto her face. "I love him. At times he takes my breath away. When I am with him I feel so alive. Yes we fight and everything but most of I think most of the time its my fault because I have trust issues when he's not around."
She says this all with so little emotion that Naruto actually becomes concerned. Before he knows what he's doing, he's leaning against the railing next to her and begins speaking.
"I've only ever been in love once so I'm not really the best when it comes to love stories. I loved her… love her, because she was the person who kept me going. Supported my dreams. Cheered me on, pom poms and all. Loving her was easy so everything else fell into place. My advice, if you constantly have to look for reasons to love someone then they really aren't worth the love you give."
"You can't help who you fall in love with though."
"True. That is very true. However, you have to understand that falling in love is just the beginning. Loving someone shouldn't be difficult. It should be as easy as breathing. Yes, you'll have fights and yes it won't be easy, but then that's what makes it all worth it. He shouldn't make you feel like you are scattered in pieces. Understand what I mean?"
She slowly shakes her head, looking at him with wide doe like eyes. Naruto lets a small chuckle to release the sudden nervousness he feels.
"Think of it this way… you aren't suppose to feel alive when he is around you yet constantly worry about what he does when he's not. You aren't supposed to question your relationship. You aren't supposed to stay with someone because it has become routine to do so. I think that's what you are doing right now. Loving the person he used to be instead of the person he became."
Silence envelopes them after Naruto stopped talking. It's not one that makes either of them uncomfortable. It allows both of them to sort through the thoughts running through their heads.
Eventually their peaceful moment is shattered by the ringing of a phone. She sheepishly reaches into her hoodie's pocket and pulls out the offending object.
"I guess this is the world telling us we need to head back." She begins walking backwards while Naruto watches her. "Thanks for everything Naruto."
She turns around to start her jog back but is stopped by a shout.
"How do you know my name?" he gazes at her in confusion. He notices a genuine smile light up her face and is mesmerized by the beauty it creates when directed at him.
"Why wouldn't I keep track of my favourite basketball player, Mr Summer League MVP?" she jogs her way off the pier and out of sight.
Naruto walks on stage toward the presenter who is holding a trophy in his hand. He is surrounded by the Warrior's Summer League team as they celebrate.
"Please give a round of applause for this year's Summer League MVP, Naruto Namikaze!"
The crowd roars it's approval has Naruto accepts the trophy and poses for a photo before making his way down the tunnel. He glances down at the trophy in disgust as he places it at the bottom of the bag.
"I hate that fucking trophy."
"What the hell is your problem?" Naruto finally loses his cool during practice. It was Thursday and the team were running through drills in a game scenario with Naruto defending Young.
All throughout practice Young had been trash talking Naruto without backing up any of his talk. It eventually all came to a head when Young made a comment about Naruto's family.
"Look here Rookie! You can't just come out of nowhere and think you can take over this team! Us veterans have been in this league far longer than you have! It's our shot now!"
"That's funny actually. If you have been here so long then how come you haven't done anything note worthy? This will be your first season on this team, just like me, but you haven't done anything remarkable for any of the other teams you have played for!"
Young shoves Naruto and takes a wild swing with his left hand. Naruto ducks under it and steps to his right before twisting his hips to the left and connecting a quick right to the chin of Young that knocks him to the ground.
Players and coaching staff stand in shock before a few try to rush between Naruto and the downed Young. Naruto doesn't give them a chance to drag him away as he's already walking to the bench with his arms in the air.
Magic and the GM walk in to see what all the commotion is. As they witness Young struggling to stay upright they both walk over to a quiet Naruto to find out what happened.
"What happened to Young?"
"Dissed my family. Took a swing. Got knocked on his ass." Naruto replies in a montone. "His a waste of space here. He messes up the team chemistry. That was clearly seen in this previous tournament. We need someone that's of a much higher caliber at the SG position."
Magic and the GM have a hushed conversation before walking towards the rest of the players and staff. Naruto lifts his head when attention was called for.
"Due to everything that has happened, practice has been cancelled for the rest of the week. Young and Namikaze will both be fined for their actions as we don't condone fighting in this franchise. Everyone take the upcoming weekend to relax and spend time with family."
Everyone was once again at Jiriaya's for a get together. Currently they were all outside trying to watch the ensuing shouting match going on between Shika and Naruto.
"…do you think this will look? Did you even stop to think?"
Well, it was more Shika giving Naruto a very loud lecture than an actual shouting match. Naruto just sat on the couch with his head down like a little boy that got caught trying to steal from the sweet jar.
"A fine! Not even a single minute played in a game and you already have a fucking fine!"
Everyone gasps at that. Shikamaru never swears. He deemed it too troublesome years ago when he got caught by his very scary mother. The guys outside, namely Kiba and Sasuke, started snickering at Naruto's misfortune. It was always funny watching the normally calm and collected Shikamaru shout at someone.
They watched as Naruto mumbled something that caused Shika to become eerily calm. This scared the guys more than the shouting he did before which left the girls feeling very confused as to why.
"Angry-calm Shika is so much worse than angry-shouting Shika."
The girls watch as the faces of the boys lose all colour. They turn back around to watch Shika.
"Now here is what is going to happen. I don't care what happens or who says what or where you are at, you are not the leader of the team yet, you are not the Alpha, you DO NOT fight with your OWN teammates!"
"But Shika, he dissed-"
"I don't care what he did Naruto! How do you think this looks to the staff? And what about the media? God! You can't get a reputation for getting into fights! Being a tough guy? Sure! Not backing down? Fucking go for it! But NOT for fighting! Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
"Yes Shikamaru." Naruto mumbles in reply. Shikamaru begins to walk out of the room before turning to Naruto with a sadistic glint in his eyes.
"Oh and before I forget, I decided that you won't be having ramen for an entire month!"
Naruto's head snaps up towards Shika.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"So these are who we are looking at for when the trading window opens up."
All the higher-ups in the franchise were sitting around a table in the conference room that was practically covered with folders.
"We can't keep going on like this. The team will eventually break apart if Namikaze and Young keep going at it the way they do. The best option for this franchise."
"We are not getting rid of Namikaze! He is a franchise-altering player. To get rid of him would be entirely idiotic!"
"I agree with Magic. Besides, if we keep Young then that just means he'll be sitting bench once I come back into the team since I won't be giving up my spot. At least with Naruto we have have a permanent ball handler on the court at all times. Plus, I really believe he can take over the team in a year or two."
The members spend more time discussing the issue before they reach a decision.
"So, its decided then. We'll keep Namikaze and trade away Young. But now the next question arises: who do we trade Young for?"
A file gets placed in the middle of the table with a hand on top of it.
"After many talks between Naruto, his manager, and myself, we all feel like this player would fit in perfectly with what we want to do with the team." The members take a look at information of the player placed in the folder. "Now, I know that he doesn't have stats that stand out very much but he is easily one of the best outside shooters the league has ever seen. With Naruto being about to score from anywhere on the court, Pau being a threat in the paint on both offense and defense, and myself dominating that mid-range shots, if you add in this guy to the mix then we'll have a fucking amazing team that'll be difficult to deal with."
"Another to keep in mind is Namikaze's ability to give his teammates easy baskets and allowing them to play to their full potential. With Namikaze feeding him, this guy could easily become a 3-point juggernaut that will without a doubt keep up with the best of them. Plus, looking at his defensive stats, he is easily the best out of all of them."
The discussions carry on well into the afternoon as many points are brought up. What was being proposed could not just be easily put into place. They would basically be changing the entire nature of the team's playing style.
In the end though, all members decided that this course of action was the best course to take if they ever wanted the Laker's to be back on top.
"This is the worst possible decision that the Lakers could have made! They are trading away-"
"Blasphemous! This is the best possible decision! You need to obviously go get your-"
As Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless argued in the background, Cari Champion and Broussard were talking about the latest news to come out of the NBA.
"So Chris, what do you think about this out-of-left-field move pulled by the Laker's higher-ups? Does it surprise you? And where do you think the Lakers will end up in the Western Conference?"
"To be honest Cari, I think this is the perfect for the Lakers! This injured Kobe Bryant has made them realize that he might consider retiring soon. Instead of waiting for that to happen they decided to do the smart thing and plan for that future. Trading Nick Young and keeping Naruto Namikaze is the absolute best decision. With all due respect to Young, he is not a franchise-altering player. Naruto is! If the Summer League is anything to go by, the Lakers now have a young PG to take over from Steve Nash. A new, young PG who they have just begun to build around. Granted, the players they have surrounded him with at the moment are all veterans, but this will be a way for Naruto to attract other younger players to him over the coming years."
"Thank you!" Stephen A. exclaims. He finally finishes his argument against Skip. "We have to look at the future here. Naruto Namikaze will take over the Lakers in a couple years. The Lakers should use this opportunity to advertise him to other young players."
It was Skip Bayless that decided to bring himself back into the conversation by banging his fist on the desk.
"You all can not be serious! They have just traded away a veteran players for a young, untested PG who hasn't played a single minute in an official NBA game and is already getting into fights with teammates!"
"Who would you rather have? Nick Young or one of the best shooters this league has ever seen? This new SG is easily one of the best 3-point shooters in NBA history! He is definitely in the top 3 currently! They might not manage a lot this season but just you wait until next season! Kobe back at full health; Gasol protecting under the rim; the new guy from beyond the arc; and if he gets enough mintues to adjust to the high level of play, Naruto running around the court scoring from anywhere!"
Naruto walks into the Lakers training gym two hours before practice was scheduled to begin with Himawari and Kurama happily trailing behind him. Naruto would normally bring them with if the practice session was on the weekend or late enough in the day that Himawari didnt have to miss out on school. Ever since the loss to the Warriors Naruto decided to go to practices and games two hours earlier to work on his game without any distractions. He wanted to use the two hours to work on the basics. He needed to get up to a high enough level that his body would be able to handle the ball without having to think about it and to just act instinctively.
All this meant was that Naruto would be doing the same exercise over and over again. It was tedious and boring work yet he kept at it. He struggled with it the first few days; becoming frustrated doing the same thing over and over again. Yet slowly, as he forced himself to continue the exercise he was working on, he would find himself relaxing. It was during this time, where he would allow his body to have a mind of its own, that he would allow himself to remember and reminisce the times he had with his mom, dad, and Hinata.
While Himawari and Kurama ran around the big gym, playing with all the basketballs and training equip, Naruto would put his earphones in and lose himself in the music and memories. It always brought a smile to his face.
As the two hours were slowly coming to an end, the rest of the Laker's team and coaching staff trickled into the gym. Most of them went to go and greet Himawari and scratch Kurama behind an ear. Ever since she first came to a training session she was an instant hit with the team. Some of the players even started bring their own kids every now and then.
Once Magic and the PR department caught wind of what was going on, they closed off one of the smaller gyms and made its kid friendly. While the players were hard at work training for the upcoming season, the kids were busy playing around and having pictures taken of them. The pictures would then go onto most of the Laker's social media sites to help improve public image.
The players were gathered around in front of the coaching staff, waiting to find out what would happen today.
"As you know, Nick Young has been traded. We simply cannot condone that type of behavior amongst teammates so please let that be a warning to the rest of you. The only fights you are supposed to be having are against the teams we play against, not each other. The higher-ups have managed to bring in someone who will no doubt help this team get back to the top." As a figure walks into the gym the team turns around to greet him. Murmurs spread through the members of the team as they all recognized their new teammate. "Guys, please welcome Kyle Korver to the Lakers franchise."
Naruto was walking out towards his car when he heard someone yelling his name from the entrance of the training compound. He walks back to the way he came.
"The GM and head coach want you in the conference room."
A confused Naruto made his way to the conference. While walking he tried to think of any reasons they might have had to call. He already paid his fine and as far as he could remember, he hadn't done anything to warrant another one.
"Ah, Naruto. Please, come in and have a seat." Naruto sits down and begins to fidget nervously. The GM notices this and lets out an amused chuckle. "No need to look so nervous. You aren't in any trouble."
Naruto lets out a sigh of relief. The situation reminded him too much of the times where him and the guys would do stupid things and get caught by the parents.
"So what did you wanna speak to me about?" he brings up the thought that's on his mind.
"Well, as you know, the season is about to begin soon. We wanted to talk to you about your role in all of this." Naruto nods his head and leans forward in anticipation. "I don't know if you know this but a lot of veteran players from the other teams are going to be coming for you this season. They didn't like the comments that you made on Draft Night. They really want a piece of you kid."
Both men expect Naruto to either show fear or nervousness at the statement. Instead, they are greeted by a bloodthirsty grin of a predator who is finally being allowed to hunt his prey. It truly terrifies them to realize that the young man before them already has the competitive mentality of the franchise's star player.
"It is for that reason that we have decided to do something different with you. You won't be starting until sometime around New Year's."
When Naruto opens his mouth to protest, the door banging open and Kobe walking into the room cut him off.
"Shut up and listen before you think you know what's best. We are doing this to prevent you from getting any unnecessary injuries from all the rough play. The coaching staff decided that they'll play you the full third quarter with a couple minutes during the rest of the game. Now, the reason for this is that we need you to get up to speed with NBA level basketball. Just because you are fit and in good shape does not mean that you are match fit. It's a whole different ball game."
"Our plan is to have you play when the other teams gives their benches time on the floor." The head coach takes over from Kobe. "We know you are an attacking powerhouse. What we hope to accomplish with this plan is to have you either close the gap in scoring or widen it. This will also give you are chance to play to your full capabilities without going up against any of the big names so soon."
Naruto sits and listen to all that's being said to him. He understands what they are telling him but he just can't seem to agree with them. Everything he has is telling him to go out on court and fight it out against the best of them. He feels a light tap against the back of his head.
"I know what you thinking Kid. I was in the same spot when I started out. You thinking you can take on everyone and everything out there. What you fail to realize is that you are not the only one who wants to prove himself on the court. Do not let your pride take over. Don't make the same mistakes I did. Just relax and ease into this season. If all goes well then we'll still make the play-offs. However, if we rush things then we won't be able to properly build this team."
Naruto hands his head in understanding.
"At the end of the day, you guys are in charge and have been around way longer than I have. I really respect all of you. If you tell me this is the best plan then I'll follow it as best as I can."
The GM smiles at Naruto.
"That's all we can ask for."
okay so next chapter will be the start of the regular season. if you think you know who I'm pairing naruto with then please let me know in the reviews. let me know what you think and all that. to answer a question people have sent in my PM's: No, naruto will not be the best right from the get go. he will build up to that