AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I will use the girls' last names in narrating for this chapter, except for Mibuchi Reiko. I will use her first name.
PG - Nanami Hana, #4
SF - Mibuchi Reiko, #1
SG - Kagura Mikazuki, #12
PF - Hara Ayazami, #2
C - Akara Mirai, #10
I will also use the numbers on the Generation of Miracles' jersey during their time in middle school.
PG - Akashi Seijuuro, #4
SF - Kise Ryota, #8
SG - Midorima Shintaro, #7
PF - Aomine Daiki, #6
C - Murasakibara Atsushi, #5
? - Kuroko Tetsuya, #15
AND! I will reveal our queens' abilities and talents. It's kind of a rip-off from the GOM's abilities because I can't think of anything else.
Chapter 4: The Match (pt.1)
The first day went by without a hitch. When classes were dismissed in the afternoon, the queens headed to the gym to sign up for the basketball club. Nanami led them to the first string gym, knowing it's where the head coach, Shirogane Kozo, often stays.
There are only around less than a hundred people inside the first string gym. Nanami figured the tryouts were done and it was already the final test for the first string.
Nanami spotted coach Shirogane on the sidelines, two people standing beside him. There were 6 people sitting on the bench beside him. Nanami squinted her eyes. There were two blunettes sitting beside each other; one with a darker tone, the other one with a powder blue hair. If it wasn't for her ability, she would've totally missed the latter.
'Akashi has a player like that, huh.' She thought. She motioned for the girls to follow her.
"Coach."
Akara mentally facepalmed. She did not exactly approve of Nanami's way of announcing her presence. The entire court went silent at the sound of Nanami's velvety voice. The head coach and the assisstant coach, Sanada Naoto, turned around.
"How may I help you, ladies?" He asked.
"Coach Sanada, I see you're still assissting our head coach. How do you do?" Nanami said.
Every staff knows who Nanami Hana is. Being the daughter of their biggest investor, and basically their source of income, will definitely put one on a pedestal. But Coach Sanada has indulged in some conversations with Nanami before, so he knows the redhead doesn't like it when she's treated differently just because she's from a rich family.
"I'm fine, thank you Nanami. What brings you here?"
"We want to sign up for the basketball club." Straight forward as always, Kagura thought.
If coach Sanada was the one in charge, he would've said yes immediately. He'd seen a couple of games where the queens played, and they're as good as Teiko's own Generation of Miracles.
Shirogane smiled, wrinkles adorning his face. He didn't expect the Kagajima legends to attend Teiko High, their force increased immensely. Kise gaped at the girls, while the rest had neutral expressions. With the exception of Aomine, who paled and gulped.
"Woah, I didn't know girls can play basketball!" Kise meant to sound amazed, but to Kagura and Reiko, it sounded haughty.
"He's officially in my hate list now." Reiko grumbled. Ayazami asked why, and Reiko glared at the blonde. "I have many reasons but to sum it up, I don't like him."
Kagura eyed Midorima and smirked. "Oh, Shin-chan is here, my fellow shooting guard. Looks like I'll have to fight you for the starter position."
Midorima huffed and adjusted his glasses. "I will not back down, nodayo."
"Children, don't fight." says Shirogane. "I've heard about you girls, three-time western conference champions during middle school, correct?"
The girls nodded. Shirogane clapped once, a bright smile appearing on his face. Now the Miragen knew firsthand that they're either going to die training or they'll take part in a devious plan.
"Please, come here. Introduce yourselves, level and section, and position played."
The queens lined up infront of the other students. Clearly they were more imposing that the recruits.
"Nanami Hana, first year, section A. Played point guard and former captain of Kagajima High basketball team."
"Akara Mirai, first year, section B. Position: Center."
"Mibuchi Reiko, first year, section B. Small Forward."
"Kagura Mikazuki, first year, section A. Shooting Guard."
"Hara Ayazami, first year, section A. Played power forward and former vice captain of Kagajima High basketball team."
Momoi took note of their names on the clipboard. She was so going to research later. There were murmurs behind the girls about how can a 5 feet 4 inch girl play power forward when Kagura gave them a pointed glare.
"Shut up, will you? You won't last 10 seconds againts Ayazami, shitheads." She cursed in english.
"Mika, language." Akara scolded.
"Consecutive championships are achived by brilliant players. You five surpass average ones. Personally, I believe you don't need to do the tryouts to qualify for the regular position." Shirogane stated, much to the miragen's shock and disbelief. A few complaints and protests were thrown courtesy of Aomine and Kise. "However, we have our very own eastern conference champions here, they are also a force to be reckoned with."
"Let's have a match. A game to determine the strongest, and decide who will be on our starting line-up." Shirogane proposed. "As of this moment, there is no official starting line-up for Teiko. You will play for it."
"The game will begin in 30 minutes."
For some reason, the news of having the queens play againts the miracles spread throughout the whole school. Fanboys and fangirls of both models had managed to make banners and signs supporting their favorite team.
In less than half an hour, every student in Teiko gathered in the gym and secured themselves a seat in the bleachers, excited to watch the impromptu basketball smackdown about to happen.
The GOM wore their official uniforms. Nanami, god knows how she did it, had managed to ask her butler to send them their basketball uniform during middle school within 10 minutes. When the uniforms were delivered by a panting and sweating butler, Nanami thanked him. The girls changed and stretched.
The jersey is color white at the front and back, black and gold at the sides. The shorts were just above the kneecaps and like the jersey, it's black, white and gold at the sides. Nanami wore the standard number 4 for captains. Hara is number 2, Kagura wore number 12, Akara wore number 10, and Reiko wore number 1.
"Team Teiko, please start your warm up." A voice announced through the speakers.
"Girls listen." Nanami said, now in full captain-mode. "Let's test the waters for the first quarter. Mirai will jump for the tip-off and defend as usual. Reiko, mark their number 8. Mikazuki, you know their shooting guard best, so you take care of him. Ayazami, mark Daiki. I'll take care of Akashi, but be prepared to switch with me."
Nanami observed how disciplined their opponents were. As expected of a devious captain. A chuckle escaped her lips; she was proud of her team, and she'll make sure that the entire school knows just how professional she'd train her teammates.
"Ne Mikacchan, can you do that?" Hara asked, upon seeing the repetitive high projectile three-pointers of Midorima.
"Tch, show off." Kagura sneered. "Well, yes. But I won't because it'll drain my stamina fast. A shot like that takes a huge strain on my arms. I'll have to give it to him, he has incredible stamina."
"True. I can do it too using my right hand but she's right. You need muscle and huge stamina to continuously do that." Reiko chimed, somehow impressed with the ridiculously high arc of the trajectory.
Hara noticed that Kagura was struggling to wrap tape around her arms, so she volunteered to do it instead. "Mikacchan, let me do that."
"Thanks."
Hara wrapped a reasonable amount of taping on her arms. She slid the white Nike Elite shooting sleeves on her arms after. Now Kagura looked ready to play.
After the Team Teiko's warm up, team Kagajima was called and they took. They took turns in doing a lay-up, the ball hitting the board consistently, not once even dropping on the floor.
"Mama bear, lend me two minutes." Akara frowned at the nickname, but followed Kagura nonetheless.
Akara dragged the rack full of basketballs like it was nothing to the center line, impressing the other team. The rack was heavy and even Murasakibara couldn't pull it at that speed.
It became Akara's job to hand or pass basketballs to Kagura, while the latter shot it. It would sound just about ordinary, except it wasn't.
Kagura's shooting form is very unusual, so to speak. Not even jumping nor bending her knees, she shot the ball with precision and accuracy like that of Midorima's.
"What the hell is that form?" Aomine frowned. The tanned male then concluded that she was a dangerous enemy. The girls had someone who is a combination of Aomine and Midorima's skills: the ability to shoot quickly in any form, anywhere in the court.
"Ok, that's two minutes. Conserve your energy for the game." Akara said as Kagura shot the last ball. It went in smoothly.
Reiko tied her hair in a ponytail, noticing how the opposing team were observing them, specially Momoi.
"So, is she their manager or something?" Reiko whispered to Nanami.
She nodded. "Momoi Satsuki, a very skilled data researcher, an information gathering specialist. Her attitude towards basketball is like that of a player. She analyzes the data she collects, and can read how their opponents will grow."
"Height, weight, strengths, weaknesses, personality, habits; she gathers it, analyzes, interprets and narrow the results. It's like how usually intelligence agents do their job." Hara added. "Am I right?"
Nanami nodded. "She's skilled enough to research about a team and know everything in week. To top it off, she uses a woman's intuition to understand every player."
"Heh. Not bad." Reiko half-smirked. "But we have our own intelligence here. Much more than Momoi." The brunette threw her arms around Nanami, who gave a blank stare.
"Aren't you supposed to be warming up?"
"Nah. This isn't an official game. They'll be easy peasy."
"Is that so? That's not how I trained you."
"On the other hand, I'll go shoot some hoops." Nanami's tone was clearly a warning to be heeded and obeyed. Reiko wasn't up for running laps around the school today.
Hara wore white wristbands, adjusting them. "Hanacchan, if I'm up againts them, should I-"
"Play your best, Ayazami. You don't need to hold back, specially when you're marking their number 6, Aomine Daiki. Your play style is similar to his, the only advantage you have is that you're lighter so you're twice as fast than him. Use that advantage."
Hara's ears perked up when Nanami said someone was of the same caliber as her. She didn't think that there would be a highschool student that can match her. "Say, how did you beat him on that one-on-one?"
Nanami chuckled. "There were specific conditions that were met and after his third point, I realized he's similar to you. The difference was, you have wits while he doesn't. Sometimes, strength bows down to brains."
Hara's half-lidded eyes trailed to Akashi. He was speaking to his team, probably talking about strategy.
"Do you know all of them?" Hara asked, referring to the opposing team.
"Only from the information I gathered." Nanami replied, smiling coldly at the fact of how she was similar to Momoi. "Actually, I have to share that to you girls."
The queens were rounded by their captain, now huddled in a circle. "I figured you need some insight on our opponent. First off, their captain, Akashi Seijuro. There's not a lot of difference between my abilities and his, except that his arrogance may annoy you. Do not lose your temper, he isn't as forgiving as I am. I'm talking to you, Mikazuki and Reiko."
"Second, Midorima Shintarou, the vice captain. Good defense, but a pure shooter. Don't expect him to dunk or score two-pointers. He's mostly on the outside, but his talent is not something to laugh at. He can shoot anywhere, but the farther the distance is, the longer he can take a shot."
"Third, Kise Ryouta. He can copy anything, as long as his capabilities allow. As a fast learner, he can copy moves after seeing it once. He's basically an all-rounder, but he has a time limit if he decides to imitate extravagant plays, like his team's or ours. I'd say, about five minutes."
"Next, Murasakibara Atushi. A terrifying center. His defensive range is the whole three-point area. Quick and strong, but apparently, lazy. You can outwit him, Mirai. Maybe even motivate him to play seriously."
"Lastly, Aomine Daiki, their ace. Stop laughing Reiko, he's not the only dark-skinned japanese man in all of Japan. He's agile, and can shoot in any form. But, I dare say, stupid and short-tempered. Ayazami can take him on."
Akara looked at their captain, tying her laces properly. "How did you know all of this?"
"I've seen them play a couple of times when I came here for board meetings. When we decided to transfer here, I figured we'd face them inevitably. So I studied them."
"How long?"
"About a day or so after I acquired the CD's from their old games." The redhead sounded nonchalant. "Don't get confused. While Momoi uses a woman's intuition, an ability to understand based on instinct, I only study using facts and reasoning."
"Instincts can be wrong, whereas facts cannot. Answers based on sole reasoning has higher chance of error than one that came from concrete evidence. That's the biggest difference between me and their analyst."
-M-
"They look imposing in their uniforms." Momoi remarked. "I wish I had data about them."
"They are the western conference champions afterall, a feat similar to what we achieved." Midorima removed the taping from his left hand. Beside him sat his lucky item of the day: a Japanese map.
"I'm itching for another one-on-one with that red head." Aomine smirked, excited to play againts the queen's captain. He's about to find out if he already found someone he could go all-out againts. "What's her name, again?"
"Nanami Hana. Akashi-kun's cousin." Kuroko answered, adjusting the bands on his wrists.
"Oh so that's why she's so similar to Akashicchi! I though they were siblings at first then I remembered Akashicchi was an only child." Kise chimed, twirling a ball on his index finger.
"She looks like a female version of Aka-chin." Murasakibara drawled. "Are your abilities similar, too?"
Akashi nodded. "Almost. It's safe to say that if you play againts her, it's like playing againts me."
"Play like you always do. However," Akashi warned. "They are like nothing we've played before. They weren't champions for nothing. In other words, they are strong. Observe how they play, and counter. Kuroko, be ready to switch when needed."
"Hai, Akashi-kun."
"Let the match between Team Kagajima and Team Teiko begin. Bow!"
"Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!"
Nanami and Akashi, the captains, shook hands.
"Let us see what your team is made of, Nanami." Akashi smirked. "Show us your basketball."
Nanami smirked back. "Oh I think your team's going to entertain us good. Don't cry when you lose, hmm?"
"Back at you."
First quarter, the ball in Miragen's possession.
The girls are Team Kagajima, and the opposing team is called Team Teiko.
Murasakibara won, using his height as advantage and slapped the ball towards Akashi. Akashi dribbled the ball, coming face to face with Nanami. Both had the same height, so there wasn't much of a difference.
Nanami has good defense. She observed the situation and a quick simulation played in her head.
'In this situation, Akashi has two options: shoot from here or pass to the closest person, which is Midorima. If he chooses the latter, the first point goes to them. It's unlikely that he will try to pass me, seeing Mirai is under the net. He's not reckless.' Nanami thought. 'Akashi will pass to Midorima. It is the best course.'
Nanami assessed everything in a second. Just as she predicted, Akashi passed to Midorima. He stepped behind the three-point arc and shot the ball.
First score, three points for Teiko.
Kagura, the one marking him, observed how he does his high-projectile threes.
'It's definitely good. But there are two catches. One, he's like me. He has a limit on how many shots he can take. Two, he jumps. That alone will slowly consume his stamina.'
Kagura smirked. "Nice shot, four-eyes."
Midorima ignored her and just ran towards Kagajima's frontcourt. If he gets agitated now, he'll mess up the rest of his game.
'Cancer is ranked 6th today. Not high, but not worst either. Gemini is ranked 2nd. I will not let Kagura ruin my pace.' Midorima thought.
"Ne, Aominecchi." Kise ran alongside Aomine. "Are you feeling it too?"
"Akashi knew he couldn't go past his cousin, her defense was one of the best I've even seen, so he resorted to passing it to Midorima, which was the best course." Aomine said. "Their number 12 could've stopped Midorima, but she obviously didn't. She held back."
Kise didn't reply. He was marked by Reiko, and for some reason, he found himself standing infront of a walking mirror. Reiko mirrors everything he does.
"Hey this isn't play time. Stop imitating me." Kise said.
Reiko laughed once. "But this is play time, blondie. I am playing with you."
Nanami passed the ball to Hara, who passed to Reiko. She caught the ball and dribbled, then adjusted her feet in a shooting stance.
Kise noticed this and on instinct, he jumped to block her jumpshot. He was already mid-air when he realized Reiko was still on the ground, in the same stance.
'It totally looked like she was going for a shot.' Aomine noted. 'I've never seen such a perfect fake.'
Reiko used the time Kise was mid-air to drive past him. Midorima was there for the quick help.
"It's a pincer attack!" Kise warned.
Midorima had good defense, but like him and everybody on the court, Reiko is a talented player. They did not notice that Reiko was ready to shoot and it was too late for them to block.
That said, Teiko stared in awe as Reiko performed a beautiful jumpshot. The ball swished through the net smoothly, earning Kagajima their first point.
The ball bounced a few times upon landing on the ground, but Teiko still wasn't finished gaping. Even coach Sanada and coach Shirigane was beyond impressed.
Everybody in the gym went silent before the cheers errupted.
'Woah she made the shot!'
'Her play's so fine! I can't help but admire her!'
"I can't believe Ki-chan and Midorin can't react at all." Momoi said. "That certainly wasn't a trick."
"It isn't." Says coach Shirogane. "She simply stopped and made a jumpshot. However, because she transitioned so smoothly, neither of them noticed her entering her shooting motion."
"It's an incredibly ordinary play," Nanami stated. "But each element is of the highest quality. Reiko adheres strictly to orthodox methods, like a refined dance."
'I saw what was happening but I couldn't respond.' Kise watched Reiko run back to the other side of the court. 'I can't believe how smoothly she moves.'
Aomine grinned. "This will be fun."
"You polished your skills." Akara remarked, running alongside the brunette.
"I meet with Himuro-san at least thrice a month, if he's not busy." Reiko explained. Akara shrugged and went under the net, her territory.
The queens had natural talent. But without a teacher, they couldn't have improved and grow as what they are now. They have individual teachers, ones who has a similar talent.
Reiko has Himuro Tatsuya, a college sophomore attending Yosen University. Reiko knows how to mirror people, like a reflection or a parallel body. Himuro taught her how to perfect fakes.
"Frankly speaking I thought you were just a pretty face." Kise said. "You're good."
"Bitch please, I'm better than you." Reiko muttered in english, rolling her eyes.
-M-
The first quarter ended with Teiko in the lead; 21-19.
Normally, they would've usually ended the first quarter with at least 30 points but they were somehow surprised that the girls managed to even close the quarter with a small gap.
The girls replenished themselves with sports drink and honey-soaked lemons generously prepared by Reiko's fans. They also recieved towels and hot compresses.
"Being friends with a model certainly has its benefits." Kagura teased, avoiding a towel that targeted her face.
"Rude!" Reiko whined.
"Your fans are useful." Akara added. She wiped the sweat on her forehead, shooing the fan that offered to do it for her.
Nanami eyed the scoreboard. "Mirai and Mikazuki. You'll be the focus of second quarter. Score as many points as you can, and make sure to cut their offense."
-M-
On the other side, Momoi handed out towels and informed Akashi of the current game stats; the usual job as manager.
"Damn it. I haven't held the ball for more than 10 seconds the entire quarter. That #2 is annoying." Aomine grumbled.
"That 'number 2' has a name, Aomine." Midorima scolded, upon seeing Akashi's expression. It doesn't take a genius to know, and while Akashi hasn't shown it yet, he certainly holds her dear. "It's Hara Ayazami."
"Eh? Do you know their number 1, Midorimacchi?"
"Did you not listen while they were introducing themselves a while ago, you idiot?" When Kise stated that he forgot, he left Midorima no choice but to answer. "Mibuchi Reiko."
"You seem to know them a lot, Mido-chin." Murasakibara commented.
"Or maybe he just really remembered their names, Mukkun." Momoi said.
The shooting guard adjusted his glasses. "When you live in the same street as them and when one of them unfortunately happens to be your annoying neighbor who shamelessly enters your room without consent, of course you'll know who they are."
His team stared at him, Kuroko breaking the silence. "That was the longest sentence you've ever spoken the whole day, Midorima-kun."
"Shut up, Kuroko."
"So who are the remaining ones, Midorima?"
"Were you really not paying attention- oh for goodness sake, Aomine. Their number 4, that is Nanami Hana. Number 10 is Akara Mirai and their number 12 is Kagura Mikazuki."
Kise was about to say something when the buzzer rang and the players were required to go back to the court.
"Coach Shirogane was being serious about playing for the starting position. If we lose this game, it's just as if we quit the team. Give it your all. The real battle starts in the second quarter." Akashi told his team as they were huddled in a circle. "Do you have anything to add?"
"Question." Aomine raised his hand. "Who is their ace?"
"Obviously, the one who was marking you the whole time." Midorima replied.
"Is she fast like Aominecchi?" Kise asked. "If she is the ace, how come she hasn't done any plays?"
"Their team moves based on the orders given by Nanami, and knowing her, she has already laid out plans and can alter them anytime as she sees fit." Akashi explained. "If Ayazami hasn't done anything yet, it's because Nanami told her so."
"But the way she managed to mark Mine-chin the whole time and still looks like he's just another player to defeat, doesn't that mean something?" Murasakibara chimed.
Akashi agreed. To be able to face Aomine and still look composed and normal, is a feat itself. "They are all players to watch out. Let's go."
The second quarter started, with Teiko on offense and Kagajima defending.
Four minutes into the game, and a battle between shooting guards took place. The queens took a Box-and-1 defense formation that allowed Kagura and Midorima to have a one-on-one.
"Bring it on, Shin-chan." Kagura smirked. "Let's see what you're made of."
"I have no plans of losing to you, Kagura." Midorima acceped the ombre haired shooting guard's challenge.
Midorima dribbled the ball and jumped, releasing the ball before Kagura could even the apex of her jump. The ball went up in a ridiculously high arc and team Teiko took the airborne time to move back to defense.
"Ah, rule number one." Kagura stated, recieving the ball from Akara, the latter grinning before running back with the others.
Kagura was the only player that remained behind the center line. She dribble the ball untill she reached one meter away from the half-court line.
"Do not leave Kagura Mikazuki with a ball with no defender."
Kagura shot the ball with one hand- flung the ball actually- with such force and speed that it rivaled Kuroko's ignite pass. The ball went in smoothly, much to everyone's, the queens excluded, shock.
"What? First time seeing someone doing a one-hand shot?" Kagura's eyebrow raised. "I suppose I should let you all know. I can shoot in any form: regular, formless and unorthodox, anywhere in the court, in a speed faster than a regular shot."
"You're not the only one whose domain is the whole court, Shin-chan." Kagura smirked. "Have you forgotten that you taught me basketball? Has it ever occured to you that I might take after you?"
Midorima glared in response, composing himself after. He recieved a pass from Akashi and went in a shooting stance. From the free throw line, Midorima released the ball. If he was any ordinary player, the ball wouldn't have even made it past the three-point arc.
But he was Midorima Shintaro, the terrifying shooting guard of Teiko and he can shoot from anywhere in the court. The ball went in flawlessly after falling from a high arc.
"I have thought of it, Kagura." He pushed his glasses up. "But as you stated, you aren't the only one whose domain is the whole court. And since you took after me, I know your limits and weaknesses. Shots like that takes a toll on your stamina."
Kagura, 65 feet away from the goal, did a jumpshot. While the arc wasn't as high as Midorima's, the ball still went in without a hitch.
"Right. I took after you, meaning I also know your limits. Everytime I take a shot, my stamina decreases." Kagura jogged towards Midorima until they were face to face. "But you are just the same. You have a limit on how mny shots you can take. It's useless having a battle between our abilities since we are the same."
Midorima looked at her for a moment, taking in what she just said. "You do realize that you are initiating a battle between stamina and endurance?"
"What else? That's the only way to determine a winner."
Reiko can't decide whether Akara was showing an expression of disbelief, amusement or awe. "I have never thought of this before but I'm thankful we have a player like Mikazuki."
Both parties scored successful three points after another, and even though exhaustion started to show on their faces, Kagura nor Midorima was letting up.
'This is turning into a shooting game.'
'The others haven't held the ball yet.'
'Midorima is amazing. His high arcs are not just party tricks.'
'But that number 12 is amazing too. Did you see her formless shot when she was cornered from the other side of the court?'
Since the girls had no coach or managers, their captain can call a time-out. Nanami signaled for one and the sound of a whistle was heard.
"Mikacchan, are you ok?" Hara handed her a bottle of water. Kagura sipped a bit and dumped the rest over her face.
"Yeah." Kagura said breathily. "But I think, I've almost reached my limit."
Nanami nodded once. "That's enough for today. You've done well." One look at Midorima from their bench, and Nanami knew he was almost done too. "We need not worry about him now."
-M-
The game resumed, but as Momoi observed, she noticed the unusual amount of sweat the boys were having, as if it was the last quarter.
"I was not going to ask this, but by any chance," Akara sent a sideways glance towards Murasakibara once they were under the net. "Do you remember me?"
It was the first time Akara had spoken to Murasakibara the whole game. The giant center shrugged. "Hmm, I don't know."
A chuckle escaped from her lips. "Of course not."
Just then, a ball bounced off from the rim. Both centers jumped for the rebound, but Murasakibara was baffled when Akara once again beat him and gained possession of the ball. Akara passed it to Nanami then ran.
"You're annoying and different." Murasakibara stated, earning an amused expression.
"Really? How so?"
"When we were in middle school, Aka-chin said I was the number one center and no one was able to beat me, much less keep up with me." He said. "But you did. And you're a girl."
"Is that so?" Akara raised a brow. "What seems to be the problem, then? This is basketball. Someone's bound to win after a game."
"But you're a girl. Girls aren't supposed to play basketball." Akara squinted her eyes at the statement.
"Is there something wrong with girls playing basketball? There's no rule like that." She said. "That's discriminating."
Murasakibara frowned. "But girls are supposed to be weak."
Akara let that sentence sink-in. She heard that sentence a couple of times before, when she won in martial tournaments. Boys aren't the only ones allowed to display an amount of strength and win.
She laughed. "I see. I get it. You were so used to winning that you thought no one can beat you, much less by a girl. How naive are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"How do you view basketball, Murasakibara?" Akara challenged. "Why aren't you playing seriously? Do you even like the sport? Do you have fun?"
It was meant to be a friendly question, but Murasakibara snapped. "You sound like Kuro-chin. Why do I need to play seriously when I can win even if I don't? I don't like basketball, but I hate losing even more. So I play."
"Nonsense. What would other players think of that? Those who played and won by hard work, do you think they'll want you to slack off? That's not fair."
Just then, the ball landed in Murasakibara's hands, and with incredible speed that surprised Akara, the purple head played offense for the first time and dunked the ball with so much force that the post wobbled.
Both teams, and everyone in the gym were surprised at the sudden aggressiveness. Nanami looked at Akara, sending a look that says what-did-you-do.
"Basketball is a contest of shortcomings." Murasakibara growled. "The hoop is three meters high. You can't call that fair. The game favors the tall and strong. That's the foundation of this shitty sport. What's so fun about this? To me, ideals and hardwork are all nothing but trash."
"H-honestly, I've never been glad he's on our side." Says Kise, with a dumbfound expression. "If Murasakibaracchi was my opponent..."
Even Aomine had to agree, and so did the rest. Kuroko clenched his fist. He was not happy about Murasakibara's attitude. Usually, he'd march in and start scolding the giant center.
But the look on Akara's face made him stop. She wasn't going to have any of this shit.
"So, you think that hardwork and perseverance means nothing? You think basketball is only for those who have talent? That no one can beat you?"
There was a sudden decrease in the temperature and everyone who heard Akara shivered.
"Oh no, mama bear mode." Kagura muttered.
"Let me ask you. Was there a time where you have actually been a decent human being instead of being a spoiled, arrogant, insufferable prick?" Kuroko mentally applauded Akara for that.
"Miracchan rarely curses." Hara said.
"Allow me to correct that simplistic, foolish thinking, Atsushi." The temperature dramatically decreased at Akara's tone. "If you think we're so weak, why don't you try and defeat me?" Now Murasakibara was agitated.
"Hana, let me have the last 4 minutes of this quarter." It wasn't asking for permission, it was a statement.
The teams ran back and forth, mainly focusing on the battle between centers. They were running a 4-1 offense formation, a strategy where Murasakibara and Akara can have a one-on-one and the others are outside the three-point arc.
"There's something weird about her movements." Aomine marked. "It's like she's moving less while her defense is tight."
"They are evenly tied but why does it seem like Murasakibaracchi is trapped?"
The acting referree blew his whistle. He extended an arm and raised all five fingers. Since Murasakibara hadn't moved from his spot for five seconds, a violation was called for holding the ball too long.
Murasakibara clicked his tongue. But at the same time, he was intrigued by Akara. She seemed to have more energy left than him.
"Her movements are different, indeed." Shirogane noted.
Akara incorporates martial arts in her play. She uses techniques to lessen her movements so she can conserve energy without affecting her plays. Akara is a pure defender, therefore focuses on defense than offense.
Due to Murasakibara's violation, the possession was handed over to Kagajima. The formation did not change, only this time, Murasakibara was the one defending.
It was only this moment that Akara saw just how long Murasakibara's wingspan is. Everyone can see that he has long arms, legs and large hands that are just perfect for an athlete like him, but seeing it upclose was different.
'He has the physical advantage to get rebounds, block shots and dunk.' Nanami assessed. 'His colossal size and jaggernaut strength may even overpower Mirai.'
'He's a formidable center, alright.' Akara thought. 'But he uses a lot of wasteful movements, and it hampers him from using his full power. Or is he holding back?'
Akara saw an opening and passed Murasakibara. The latter caught up, jumping to stop Akara's dunk. Nanami was impressed; Murasakibara seemed to be the mot naturally talented among the Generation of Miracles.
But Murasakibara wasn't the only one with brute strength in the room. Akara dealt with this countless times. She put more strength onto her arm and used it to push the ball towards the ring. Murasakibara was surprised at the sudden increase of force and Akara made a successful dunk.
He gathered himself quickly. The ball was still playable; Murasakibara caught the ball mid-air and sprinted across the court towards the other goal. Akara dashed after him, almost out running him when they reached the paint.
Then the boys noticed his form.
"You can't win againts absolute height." Murasakibara growled. "All these petty ideals you have: hard work, guts, faith. I'll crush them all. Everything."
"Murasakibaracchi, don't tell me-"
"Don't do it Murasakibara!" Aomine yelled.
Akara braced herself for what's next. Murasakibara held the ball with two hands, jumped and spun 180 degrees mid-air; his signature dunk called Thor's Hammer.
The dunk can easily overpower three defenders simultaneously, then again, Akara was no regular player. At the peak of Murasakibara's jump, Akara jumped as well, increasing the initial speed of her take-off. She intercepted Murasakibara's dunk, using her own strength to push the ball away.
It was a test of strength. Akara was having trouble pushing the ball away, however, it wasn't like Murasakibara was having it easy either. Midorima, and even Akashi was impressed. No one could a hold a candle againts Murasakibara before because of his overwhelming talent, but Akara seemed to face him just fine as if he was just another strong opponent to defeat.
Akara won the brief, mid-air contest, pushing the ball out of Murasakibara's hands. However, there was a hand contact and it came from both players; hence a double foul was called.
Murasakibara glared at Akara, clenching his fist. It was supposed to be intimidating, but Akara held her ground.
"How can you stop me twice?" He snarled.
"I always defeat arrogant brats." Akara said calmly, but emphasized every word.
-M-
The buzzer signaled the end of the first half. Both teams went back to their respective benches. Out of agitation, Murasakibara kicked one of the bottle holders, spilling the bottles on the floor.
"Murasakibara-kun, please don't destroy things." Kuroko scolded lightly.
"She's annoying." Murasakibara drawled, voice rougher than usual.
Sitting on the bench, Midorima took off his glasses, and his surroundings instantly blurred. He can only see those near him. "To be honest, they were beyond my expectations. I never thought anyone could stop Murasakibara."
After wiping the lenses, Midorima put the glasses back on and his vision cleared. Kise sat beside him. "Ne, Midorimacchi. Kaguracchi is so cool-ssu! Did you see her shoot from the other opposite side of the court? Oh by the way, said something about her taking after you. Did you teach her basketball?"
Midorima whipped his head towards the blonde. "Die, Kise.
"Mean!"
Hara turned her gaze towards Akashi, covering her head with a towel. Aside from the short exchange of words this morning, they haven't spoken to each other, and she was dying to come to him.
Akashi being Akashi, noticed her staring. When their eyes met, Akashi gave Hara one of his rare smiles, to which she averted her gaze. Thank goodness for the towel, or he might see her reddening face.
A chuckle almost escaped his lips, but he stopped himself.
Nanami being Nanami, noticed the short interaction and shook her head. After this game, she will make sure the duo would have a time alone.
The ten-minute interval ended, and a buzzer signaled the start of the second half.
