The New Miracle

by DarkHelm145

After his parents allow him to go to school in Japan, Ryuto begins his quest on trying to change the views of two people. While he does this he meets new people who can achieve his goals plus meeting up with old friends.

20. Chapter 20

AN: Finally chapter 20! I'm sorry for this upload taking so long. I had a lot going on in my personal life, school and work and what not. So I was working on this whenever I had free time. Now enough talking and enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 20

Semifinal Second Game: Seirin Vs. Kaijo! Practice Game Rematch

After Rakuzan and Shutoku walked off the court, Kaijo and Seirin set up for their game. The two teams gathered around their benches before walking onto the court to warm up. On Kaijo's side, they made two lines, one shot layups and the other got the rebound. While Seirin would do a pass towards a shooter. Kise looked towards Seirin and noticed something was off. When he noticed it he raised an eyebrow.

"Where's Ryutocchi?" Kise asked out loud.

Kasamtasu looked over and noticed he was missing too.

"He walked off after the Rakuzan-Shutoku game ended. I don't think even Seirin has noticed it yet." Kasamatsu answered. "How did you know Ryutocchi walked off?" Kise asked. "I saw him do it." Kasamatsu said releasing a shot.

On Seirin's side, Riko had also begun to notice something was missing. As she scanned everyone, she noticed Ryuto was missing.

"Has anyone seen Ryuto-kun?" she asked the team.

Everyone stopped for a moment and noticed Ryuto was missing.

"He was standing right next to me a moment ago." Kagami answered. "I could go look for him?" Kuroko offered. "No need, don't want you wandering off as well. I'll just call him." Riko said with a hint of concern.

He was acting strange after he talked with Akashi-kun Riko pondered. She then turned on her phone and called Ryuto. The phone began to ring and ring, but no one picked up. She then put the phone away and addressed the team.

"He's not picking up." she said. "Where could he be?" Koga asked. "No idea. I didn't even see him leave. I don't think anyone notice him leave." Kiyoshi said.

On a basketball court away from the arena, there was a boy shooting baskets. This boy had long grey hair and light blue almost grey eyes; this was Ryuto Rishihara. He heard his phone ring, but decided against answering it. As he continued to shoot, his mind flashed events of the game he had just watched. The more he thought about it the angrier he became. He had gone outside to clear his head before his game, but that was not working. He pretty sure by now, everyone noticed he was missing and knew some people were going to be worried; especially Riko. The thought of her seemed to calm him down, but his anger remained. As he shot another basket, the ball bounced off the rim and bounced towards the fence. He walked over to grab it and the wind began to blow hard and the ball rolled away. Ryuto sighed and jogged to catch up to it. It was a cold evening, but he did not mind the cold. He then set up on the three point line and went through some maneuvers. The maneuvers included crossovers with a slight move forwards and back with each crossover. Until the final one which was a slight move back with a quick crossover moving forwards. He then drove to the basket and scored a layup. The move he just did was his ankle breaker, his version of it. I taught you this version of the ankle breaker. Not that new one you use Ryuto thought as if he was speaking directly to Seijūrō. He heard his phone ring again, but did not pick up. He let it ring for a few moments before looking at who it was that was calling; it was indeed Riko. As the phone finished ringing, a text arrived soon after.

It read: Where did you disappear to? The game's about to start. Everyone's worried about you. Even Kaijo seems uneasy that you're not here. Get here as soon as you can please.

He smiled, knowing everyone seemed concerned for him. It also somewhat pleased him the Kaijo was uneasy at the fact that he was not there. He then picked up the ball and continued to shoot, slowly calming down.

Back inside the gymnasium, the game had commenced with Seirin taking the first point. Kuroko had score after using his Vanishing Drive on Hayakawa and then scored using his Phantom shot. Everyone was surprised that Kuroko was the first to score for Seirin, but it also seemed to pump everyone up. Then Kise scored right back by using his Perfect Copy right off the bat scoring a three after getting the inbound. On Seirin's next offense. Hyuga was blocked by Kise using Murasakibara's strength and Kasamatsu got the loose ball. He then gave the ball to Kise, who set up for another Midorima three. Kiyoshi jumped to block, but the shot was a fake and Kise drove down the court using Aomine's speed. Kagami then moved in to defend him. As Kise got closer, Kagami prepared himself for what was to come.

"No one can stop me!" Kise yelled out.

He then did a quick crossover and back causing Kagami to fall; he had just used Seijūrō's ankle breaker. He then picked put the ball and shot, scoring a point. Seirin was left in disbelief at just how strong Kise is. Then Kasamatsu explained how his Perfect Coy worked.

"The only person who could have a chance to stop him is Ryuto." Kasamatsu said.

Everyone turned towards him with astonishment, they could not believe that only Ryuto could stop him.

"He's not even here right now." Izuki said downtrodden.

On the bench, Riko began to say that she was not expecting Kise to use Perfect Copy so early.

"Kagami-kun's Zone could probably counter him, but judging by past games it's an unlikely possibility." she said. "There's still Ryuto. He's a dark horse in this. Even without the Zone he could probably keep up." Tsuchida said.

Riko began to think about that. Everyone was feeling Ryuto's absence at the moment. She wanted desperately to call out to him and figure out what was wrong with him. As the game continued, Hyuga called for a pass. After he received it, he set up for his Barrier Jumper. As Moriyama closed the gap between the two, Hyuga sent a pass to Kuroko who set up for his Phantom Shot. Kise then closed in to block the shot. Kuroko tried to readjust his position, but with his shooting form it was not possible. Kuroko then released the shot and Kise managed to block it by predicting where the ball was going to go. Everyone stared in disbelief at how Kise managed to block the shot that not even Murasakibara could stop, everyone was wondering what was the extent of Kise's abilities. Kagami then asked of Kuroko was okay after the block. Kuroko responded that he was not and that he gave up. But there was a smile on his face, he continued saying that Kise had gotten so strong that it made his laugh.

Back to the street court where Ryuto was, the wind blew in the opposite direction where it was blowing before. Ryuto noticed this while he was mid jump for a shot. As he released the ball bounced of the back board and into the hoop. He walked over and grabbed that ball, and stared at the sky, the wind had yet to die down.

"Something must have happened." Ryuto said a loud.

He then moved to three point line and shot again making it with a swish.

As the game continued, Kise continued to use the moves of the Generation of Miracles. The game was only seven minutes in and Kaijo had a thirteen point lead. After using Murasakibara's Thor's Hammer dunk, he began to pant. Kise then took in a deep breath and said that he was going to stop using Perfect Copy.

"Copying those guys is pretty rough after all. I can't really collapse so soon into the game. We still got most of the game to play, so I gotta save the fun part for later. It did serve its purpose after all, we have the initiative now. Plus I want to see how Ryutocchi fares against me." Kise said confidently.

Seirin could only watch in disbelief at what Kise had declared and once again the feeling of not having Ryuto stung for everyone. On Seirin's offensive possessions, they missed back to back shots, one from Hyuga and another from Kagami. It was noticeable that Kaijo's surprise use of Kise had a profound affect on all of them, and now they were desperate for points. On the bench, the coach began to notice what was going on. She then called out a member change to the one's on the bench, when she called on Furihata, he had a look of both surprise and fear. The ball landed out of bounds and the coach called out to Izuki for the switch. Everyone turned expecting to see Ryuto, but were surprised to see Furihata. As soon as stepped onto the court everything felt different for him, he was hit with everything that came with playing with such a big crowd. As he walked onto the court, Kagami and Kuroko tried to encourage him but he still seemed stressed out. Everyone wondered if he was going to be alright. He then walked up to Kasamatsu, who was the one Izuki was guarding. Kasamatsu scowled at the sight of him, calling Furihata a tensed up first-year.

"If only Ryuto were here." Kasamatsu said quietly.

The wind outside once again changed, Ryuto looked up to the sky and felt the way the wind blew. He smiled he had a good feeling at that moment.

"Looks like they don't need me just yet." Ryuto said aloud as he released the ball for a shot.

Back inside, Hyuga inbounded the ball to Furihata who dribble with absolute terror. As he moved to face Kasmatsu, the ball bounced off his foot and Kasamatsu caught it with relative ease. After passing Furihata, Kuroko managed to tap the ball away, leaving a surprised Kasamatsu behind. Fuirhata managed to get the loose ball and reset for offense, but he was still terrified. Kuroko then told him to calm down and said that during his debut game, he had gotten a nosebleed. Furihata meanwhile could not believe that he was serious. On the bench Kawahara and Fukuda pleaded with the coach to sit him back down, due to him being a coward, but Izuki defended him saying that being a coward is not necessarily a bad thing. Furihata was then face to face with Kasamatsu, he moved into a position where he could protect the ball. Kagami then called out for a pass, and Furihata complied. Kagami was then face to face with Kise. He then began to try to drive, but Furihata called out for him to stop and calm down. Kagami then yelled back that he should be the one to calm down, but nonetheless passed it back. Then Seirin began to slowdown and pass the ball repeatedly, looking for an opening. Furihata then received a pass and after holding onto it for a few moments, he passed to Kuroko who sent to Kiyoshi. Kiyoshi went to go for a layup but was stopped by Kobori, he then sent a pass to Hyuga; who scored a three. On Seirin's next offensive, the same happened as before. They would send passes to each other and try to find openings. Kaijo had already figured out the reason for Furihata to be there, but were nonetheless surprised by his abilites. On a defensive rebound, Kagami managed to get the ball. Once he landed, he threw the ball down the court, to where Hyuga was running. However, Kobori and Moriyama managed to keep up and they were in a position to grab the ball. But Kuroko jumped up and sent the ball towards Furihata, who, after he received it, went for a layup. Kagami yelled out for him to make it and he did. Everyone smiled at Furihata's accomplishment and Kuroko and Kagami congratulated him for it. After the shot, the first quarter had ended and the two teams returned to their benches to rest for a moment.

Out side once again the wind shifted. Ryuto looked up the wind was blowing the same way it was before he had arrived to the court. He took one final shot, which swished into the basket. He then grabbed the ball and rested it against his hip with his arm acting as a boundary. He then swung his bag over his shoulder. He took a deep breath and began to walk towards the gymnasium.

"I'm coming back guys. Sorry for making you wait." Ryuto said aloud as he walked.

"I'm swapping you out Furihata-kun. Good job!" the coach said with a thumbs up. "Thanks." Furihata said happily. "You're back in Izuki-kun." the coach said.

Izuki said okay by adding in a silly pun, but everyone seemed to ignore it. The coach then kneeled down to explain the game plan. The plan was to try to do what they had originally planned, which to score a lot and take the lead. She then added to focus on Kiyoshi since he was not at the practice game. When the break ended and the second quarter began, Izuki sent a pass to Kiyoshi, who was under the hoop. He then made eye contact with Kuroko, who moved to get a pass. Kobori moved to intercept, but Kiyoshi brought the ball back up and scored a lay up. On Kaijo's offense, the paint was left open so that Kasamatsu could drive; it was a one one one between him and Izuki. Kasamatsu dribbled the ball analyzing his attack before doing so. Kasamatsu then did a cross over and sped past Izuki, who could not keep up. Kiyoshi then moved in to defend, but Kasamatsu readjusted and scored with a hook shot. On offense, Kagami tried to pass the ball to Hyuga, but it was cut off by Moriyama. Moriyama then passed to Kasamatsu and Izuki stood ready to defend. After staring at each other for a moment, Kasamatsu once again passed Izuki with ease. Izuki then smiled and moved his right arm and managed to tip the ball away from Kasamatsu without looking. Hyuga then recovered the ball an scored a point. On Kaijo's offense, it was once again Kasamatsu versus Izuki. After Kasamatsu received the ball, Izuki moved closer to defend him. Kasamatsu tired to find an opening where not even Kuroko could stop his drive, but he found himself passing to Kise. Kise was then faced by Kagami, who seemed determined to stop him. Kise then drove towards the basket with Kagami close behind. Kise then skidded to a stop, he then hesitated for a moment before jumping up to release a shot. However, Kagami managed to block the shot and Izuki recovered the loose ball. Izuki the passed back to Kagami, who was met by Hayakawa. Kagami then easily passed him and jumped for a dunk, but Kise blocked it and the ball went out of bounds. Before the inbound, Kagami asked for the ball and Kise asked if he could face Kagami again. Both point guards agreed to their respective ace's propositions and after the inbound to Izuki, the ball was given to Kagami. Once again the two ace's met face to face, ready to got at it again. Kagami the managed to get past Kise and score a dunk. Everyone watched in surprise at how Kagami had managed to force his way through Kise and score. Kagami then turned to Kise and declared that he was the winner, to which Kise smiled and cursed him.

Ryuto walked at a slow pace towards where he was supposed to be. He could hear everything that was going on. He inferred that the first quarter was about to end or it was halfway through the second quarter. I don't think I was gone for that long Ryuto thought. As he walked people looked at him in surprise. Some whispered: "Isn't he supposed to be playing right now?" Others would ask: "Isn't that one of Seirin's best players?" He paid no attention to them and he had no reason to explain why he was absent to them. As he continued walking the cheers grew louder and louder. He was getting closer.

Back on the court, Kagami had managed to block another one of Kise's shots and it was noticeable the two were determined. Kiyoshi then caught the loose ball and passed down the court to Izuki. The ball was then passed to Kagami, who faced again by Kise. Kagami then looked towards one direction, but then moved the opposite in one quick motion, leaving Kise behind. Kagami then scored a shot the banked off the glass. Then the buzzer sounded signaling a member change. Kaijo's coach called out to Kise that he was switching him. Kise began to argue, but Kasamatsu said for him to follow what the coach said. Kise continued to argue trying to remain in the game, but then Kasamatsu mentioned his foot. Kise stopped talking for a moment, but used his foot as a reason to keep playing. Kasamatsu then began to criticize Kise which eventually lead him to reluctantly accept that he was being substituted. Going in for Kise was number 9, Nakamura Shinya.

As soon as Nakamura entered the court, everyone fell silent. They could all feel some kind of immense pressure coming from the direction of the hallway leading to Seirin's bench. The players on the court, on the bench, even the crowd turned to see where the pressure was coming from. The players sweat dropped, they all knew who was arriving, but they had never experienced pressure like this before. Stepping into the light was the one player that was missing for most of first half. Seirin watched in astonishment at how Ryuto seemed to have changed, while Kaijo was mentally preparing for him to enter the game. He placed his bag and the ball he carried on the edge of the bench, he then walked over to the coach

"I'm going in." He said passing her.

She nodded and continued to watch him walk. When he reached the scorers table, the buzzer sounded and Ryuto walked onto the court. Kiysohi walked towards the player substituting him. The two clapped hands as one entered the court and the other walked towards the bench. As Kiyoshi sat down he examined his hand. Odd, it was not cold. It was as if he had no temperature at all Kiyoshi thought. Ryuto then stopped walking and examined everything. He looked towards Kaijo's bench and saw Kise was about to sit down. Kise, meanwhile could only look at Ryuto with surprise. He then turned to Kaijo, they all had faces of uneasiness. He turned to his team, who also seemed uneasy. Ryuto took in a deep breath and then bowed at almost a ninety degree angle.

"I apologize for disappearing. I had to clear my head. I should have said something." Ryuto apologized.

Everyone was taken back by Ryuto's sudden apology, no one knew how to react. He then stood up and Ryuto had his usual expression, a nervous apology face. The four on the court then took turns punching Ryuto on the arm.

"That was entirely unnecessary!" Ryuto argued soothing his arm. "'Unnecessary?!'" Hyuga yelled out. "You disappear without saying anything and you call our reactions unnecessary!" Hyuga yelled. "Okay you made your point. You guys can bring up to speed on whats happened later, right now we got a half to win." Ryuto said determined. "You will give us an explanation Ryuto." Kagami said "Don't worry I will." Ryuto said.

"So you're back." Kasamatsu said. "Yeah, and I'm ready to make my declaration a reality." Ryuto said with a smile. "Lets see if you can." Kasamatsu said determined.

"They seemed determined." Izuki said. "Yeah. With Kise out now's our chance. We'll focus on Kagami and Ryuto on offense." Hyuga said.

Both Kagami and Ryuto nodded in agreement.

"Kagami-kun…" Kuroko started to say. "I know. I'll give it my all." Kagami said. "Good to have you back Ryuto-kun." Kuroko said. "Yeah." Ryuto simply said.

As soon as Kuroko inbounded the ball to Kagami, he was double teamed by Kakamura and Hayakawa. Hyuga then called out for a pass. Once he received the pass, he passed to Kuroko, who scored a Phantom Shot over Kobori. As Seirin set up for defense, Ryuto turned to see Kasamatsu have a type of realization. What could that be I wonder? Ryuto thought.

"Oi, Izuki!" Ryuto called out. "Yeah?" Izuki asked. "May I mark Kasamatsu for a bit?" Ryuto asked. "Sure." Izuki said.

A few moments later, Kaijo began their offensive. Kasamatsu drove down the court and Ryuto stood in his path to stop his progress. Kasamatsu then stopped and passed to Hayakawa. Hayakawa then took a shot, but it bounced off the rim. Kobori had managed to get the rebound by boxing out Izuki. He then passed to Moriyama who scored one of this irregular shots. What's up with that form? Ryuto thought. As Seirin set up for offense, Kaijo had changed the way they defended. Kasamatsu was guarding Izuki, but he had a large distance in between them. Kuroko then moved to receive a pass. Ryuto went wide eyed as he noticed what was about to happen.

"Kuroko, wait! It's a trap!" Ryuto yelled out.

But Kuroko was already in his shooting form and could not get out of it. Kasamatsu moved in to defend, but not up close. He stepped back and jumped, blocking the shot. Everyone was surprised that Kasamatsu had managed to block the shot. The buzzer then sounded signaling a member change. Kiyoshi was reentering in place for Kuroko. Before Kuroko got off the court, Ryuto walked over to him and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Sorry Kuroko. If I was here earlier, that probably would not have happened. Dammit I feel like I only thought about myself." Ryuto said. "No need to apologize. It wasn't your fault, I got careless." Kuroko said not facing him.

Kuroko the walked to the sideline and switched with Kiyoshi. Kagami the walked over to him and and whispered something before Kuroko walked to the bench.

"What did you say to him?" Ryuto asked. "Something he needed to hear." Kagami said. "Cliche much." Ryuto said.

On the inbound, Kagami received it and was immediately double teamed. He then positioned himself in a lower stance and managed to break through doing a crossover. He then jumped up and scored a dunk. As the quarter continued, Kagami continued on a score streak. The ball would almost always go to him on offense and he would score. During the quarters final moments, he blocked one of Moriyama's irregular shots and after Izuki caught the loose ball he passed it to Kagami, who was already darting down the court. After receiving it he continued to drive down the court. As he reached the basket, he jumped up for a dunk, but Kobori had jumped as well to block. Kagami then brought down the ball and passed behind him to Ryuto. Ryuto was stunned for a moment before shooting a lay up to close out the second quarter and the half. The half had ended in a tie 44-44. The team then exited the court for halftime and went to the locker room. Once they got there, the coach gathered them close to discuss the next half.

"I have nothing to add!" she said. "But you just said listen up." Koga said. "In short, we're fine. We'll keep going like this through the second half. And now the Ryuto's back, we can hit them harder. With Kise-kun out we'll focus on offense, but I'm sure he'll be back by the end." she said.

The team then replied by saying "yeah" in unison. As Ryuto prepared for the second half, Riko got close to him. Ryuto raised an eyebrow before saying anything.

"Is there something wrong?" Ryuto asked.

Then he was slapped across the face, hard enough that he almost lost his balance. The team then turned to see what was going on, but once they saw they turned away.

"What was that for?!" Ryuto exclaimed touching his cheek. "That's for disappearing and not saying a word about it." she answered angrily. "I thought I apologized already." Ryuto said. "Yeah, to the one's on the court. What about the rest of us?" she asked. "Fair point." Ryuto said. "By the way you still owe us an explanation." Kagami added. "Oh right that." Ryuto said.

"Better get comfortable, this might take some time." Ryuto said as he sat down.

"You guys no doubt heard my out burst. What I said was true, everything that I know I taught to Seijūrō." Ryuto said. The team let out a surprise gasp, before continuing to listen. "I taught him because he wanted to learn. Almost all the moves he has I taught them to him. His court awareness, his movements, even that damned ankle breaker, all of that I taught it to him."

"So when he said that he discovered Kuroko's talent. It was like he forgot that I 'discovered' his. That pissed me off so I lashed out. After that I saw him continue to use what I taught him to humiliate the opponent, it just made my anger boil even more. I needed to cool off, so I went outside for a while. When I finally calmed down I came back." Ryuto finished.

"One question: when did you teach him all that?" Hyuga asked. "When I was about 8 years old. I came to Japan to visit family and one of those stops included him. We bonded over basketball. He wasn't the best at it, but he learned fast. Before I left, I taught him the basic movements of the ankle breaker. Looks like he perfected them and combined it with that damn eye of his." Ryuto said. "If we go against him, we'll basically be playing another you?" Izuki asked. "No. Seijūrō has his own style and I have mine." Ryuto answered.

"So that's it. What you wanted to know." Ryuto said. "Now that that's out of the way, lets focus on defeating Kaijo." the coach said.

The team let out a 'yeah' in unison and they walked out of the locker room. As everyone walked out, Ryuto stayed for a moment.

"Coming?" the coach asked. "Yeah. Sorry, just tying my shoes." Ryuto said getting up.

As both teams walked onto the court, Ryuto studied Kaijo for a moment. He then looked towards Kise, who seemed to be pouting. Seriously Blondie you're pouting? Ryuto thought. Ryuto rolled his eyes before turning back to the team. The quarter started and Kaijo had possesion of the ball. After several passes, Kaijo scored the first points of the quarter with a layup. Seirin scored right back with a pass to Kagami, who scored a jump shot. After an intercepted pass, Hyuga scored a three putting Seirin further in the lead. Then Moriyama scored with one of his irregular shots keeping Kaijo from falling behind. On Seirin's offense, Izuki passed to Hyuga. Hyuga tried to set up for the three, but Moriyama got in that way. Hyuga then passed to Kiyoshi, who then passed to Ryuto. Ryuto then scored a layup to finish their offense. As Kasamatsu dribbled down the court, Ryuto could feel the determination radiating off of all of Kaijo's players; they were not giving up anytime soon. Kasamatsu then drove past Izuki, but Izuki managed to tip the ball causing it to become a loose ball. Ryuto prepared to grab it, but Kasamatsu managed to swat it towards Kobori. Kobori then turned to the basket for a shot, but Kiyoshi managed to block the shot. Hayakawa and Kagami competed for the lay up, but Hayakawa managed to get it and score with a dunk.

"We're Kaijo! Don't belittle us!" Kasamatsu yelled out. "This should be interesting." Ryuto said quietly.

As the quarter continued, neither team would give up any ground; the score remained close. On Kaijo's offense, Hyuga put a lot of pressure on Moriyama, but he was able to break free. Moriyama then went for his odd shot, but Hyuga managed to tip the ball upwards. The ball then rolled in the basket before falling out. Ryuto ran to catch the rebound, but Hayakawa managed to get it first. Dang this guy is really something on rebounding Ryuto thought. Mobori then called out for a pass, and after he got it he went for a lay up. Ryuto jumped to block it, but was too late and Mobori scored. Good thing I jumped a bit late, any sooner and it would've been a foul Ryuto thought.

"Do you even play center?" Mobori asked. "In middle school, I played a bit." Ryuto answered. "I can tell you're a vastly superior player, but I won't loose." Kobori said jogging away. "That guy has beef with Kiyoshi no doubt." Ryuto said quietly.

After another point made by Kaijo, Seirin was on offense once again. Izuki drove the ball, with Kasamatsu defending close. Ryuto called out for a pass, and Izuki sent the ball to him. After he received and set up, Kobori was face to face with him. Ryuto dribbled the ball, he had already sized up Kobori, there was no way he could keep up with his crossover. Ryuto drove towards the basket and Kobori moved to defend him. Ryuto crossed over to his right and back to left before moving back to his starting position. Kobori was left surprised, he expected Ryuto to his Lightning Crossover.

"Expecting something else, I just wanted to see how you react. The reason I played center was because I was the tallest on team for a while. But once my coach realized, my speed and ball handling were needed at small forward I switched positions." Ryuto said.

He then drove towards the basket again and this time he disappeared from in front of Kobori, with no sign of a crossover. Kobori turned back to see Ryuto scoring an unguarded lay up. As Ryuto jogged to defense, Kobori gritted his teeth in frustration.

"Don't mind it Kobori. He's just too fast." Kasamatsu said. "How do I stop someone like that?" Kobori asked. "I don't know, but just by looking at him, he has experience in every position." Kasamatsu said.

As the quarter continued, the game continued to be a deadlock. Everyone was going one hundred percent. On Kaijo's next offensive, the ball was passed to Moriyama. Hyuga got in close to defend him and jumped when Moriyama jumped to release his shot. This time Hyuga was able to block the shot in its entirety. Izuki then caught the loose ball and drove towards the basket. Kasamtsu then moved in front of Izuki to stop his advance, but Izuki passed to Hyuga who scored a lay up. As the quarter ended, Seirin had managed to take the lead 67-58. However, neither teams spirit wained, both teams were still heated up.

In the stands, Rakuzan had appeared just as the third quarter ended. As they walked to the stands, they met with a scout, who was monitoring the game.

"Seirin is on a course to keep the lead." the scout said. "What about Ryuto?" Seijūrō asked. "Well, he was absent for most of the first half." the scout said looking over notes. "What do you mean by that?" Seijūrō asked raising an eyebrow. "He was no where to be found, as if he had vanished. He did appear a bit after mid way through the second quarter. His presence was defiantly known." the scout said. "Explain?" Seijūrō asked sternly. "Well the entire court fell quite, and once he entered Kaijo seemed uneasy. His appearance affected the game flow until the third quarter." the scout answered. "Interesting." Seijūrō said.

Rakuzan then proceeded to sit in the stand to watch the remainder of the match. Once they sat down, Mibuchi turned to Seijūrō curiously.

"Why do you concern yourself with that Ryuto character?" he asked. "Simple, he taught me to play basketball. I want to know if he himself has gotten better." Seijūrō answered.

During the brief quarter intermission, Ryuto heard a commotion in the stands. He looked up to see Rakuzan sitting down. Ryuto gritted his teeth and tightened his fist when he locked gazes with Seijūrō. Seijūrō merely looked on unimpressed. That bastard, thinks he so high and mighty Ryuto thought.

"Ryuto-kun!" a voice called out.

Ryuto snapped back to reality hearing Riko's voice call him out.

"Did you hear the plan?" she asked. "Yeah, I did." Ryuto lied.

He then stood up and walked on the court.

"If you did, then you would've known that I'm substituting you." she said sternly. "Wait, you can't! Not right now! Five more minutes please?" Ryuto asked.

He then felt a hand being placed on his shoulder. Ryuto looked back to see Kiyoshi.

"We all know they're in the stands," Kiyoshi said referring to Rakuzan, "but we'll need you for when Kise eventually returns."

Ryuto gritted his teeth, but nonetheless decided to stop arguing. He grabbed a towel and placed it over his head and sat down on the bench. Damn it! Why now? Why did you show up know? Ryuto thought.

"Are you all right Ryuto-kun?" Kuroko asked. "I don't know Kuroko, I don't know." Ryuto answered.

The game resumed and Seirin managed to keep the momentum early on, by scoring early. On the bench, the coach explained the situation.

"If we managed to get a 15-point lead we win. I can't say that for sure though, but even with two minutes on the Perfect Copy, it should be impossible for Kaijo to come back." the coach explained. "And if they do?" Ryuto asked bluntly. "No need to be such a downer, Ryuto." Koga said. "I'm just being realistic, nothings ever one hundred percent." Ryuto said.

As the game continued, Kaijo managed to score after scoring on a rebound. Kasamatsu called out to not let them score again, while Hyuga yelled to increase the lead. The game continued and Seirin did exactly what Hyuga had said, the lead was increased to 15 points. Ryuto looked over to Kaijo's bench and saw the Kise was getting restless. To Ryuto's surprise, Kise shot up and declared that he was going to enter the game. Ryuto looked towards the scoreboard, there were just over four minutes left to play. It's crunch time guys Ryuto thought. Ryuto looked over to the score table and saw both Kuroko and Kise ask for a substitution. The two looked at each other for a moment and they both had determination in their eyes. Koga then asked if it was early to put him in, with Tsuchida adding that the Phantom Shot was defeated.

"Now's the perfect time," Ryuto said before the coach could answer, "Kise found a new resolve and with that something different is going to occur." "What do you mean?" the coach asked hesitantly. "Kise's perfect copy might not run out in two minutes." Ryuto said.

The team gasped in disbelief, not wanting to believe what Ryuto had just said.

"Kuroko-kun knows the terror of the Generation of Miracles. Add on what Ryuto-kun just said and Kaijo just might close the gap." the coach said hiding fear.

Kise and Kuroko entered the court and the atmosphere changed. It was no longer under Seirin's pressure, but now at a state of equilibrium.

"If it get's rough, you're going." the coach said sitting down. "I'll wait then." Ryuto said.

The game resumed and Kaijo was in possession of the ball. Kasamatsu passed to Kise, who was face-to-face with Kagami; both of them what was at sake and would not hold back. Then the air around Kise changed, and Kagami then fell to the floor. Kise darted past him without a second thought and dunked over Kiyoshi. Looks like I was right Ryuto thought. On the inbound, Kuroko sent and Ignite Pass Kai towards Kagami. After catching it, he jumped for a dunk at the free throw line, but Kise managed to block it; he got close using Aomine's speed and Murasakibara's defense to block Kagami. Kasamatsu then recovered the ball and passed to Kise. To everyone's surprise, even Ryuto's, he set up for and Ignite Pass Kai. He then sent the pass to Kobori and he scored a lay up. Kaijo was beginning to close the gap. The coach then turned to Ryuto, but he was already on his way to the scorers table. She looked at him and saw a grey spark in his eyes.

The buzzer sounded for a member change, and everyone turned to see Ryuto waiting to enter; for some reason his eye's could not be seen. Kiyoshi walked over, but the coach told him to stay and for Izuki to switch with him. Izuki nodded and jogged towards Ryuto for the switch. As the their hands touched, Izuki felt a surge of energy coming from Ryuto. He turned to see him and his eye's widened as he saw the spark in his eyes for a moment.

"Guys, I'm point guard now. For this first shot allow me to break through." Ryuto said. "Do it." Hyuga simply said.

On the inbound, Ryuto was given the ball and he slowly moved the ball past half court.

"Kise! Change marks." Kasamatsu said.

Kise nodded and moved to defend Ryuto. The air was tense around Ryuto, just as it had been with Kise earlier.

"I wanted to try this on you earlier, but you weren't here. But now that you are, lets see if you can stop me." Kise said.

Ryuto said nothing in response, but he began to do crossovers. Kise set himself in a defensive position, analyzing Ryuto's movements. Wait, why can't I read what he's going to do next? Does Akashicchi's eyes not work on him? Kise thought distressed.

"What's wrong Blondie? You seem distressed." Ryuto said with a smile.

He then moved forwards on a crossover before moving back. He did the same again, and this time Kise fell to the floor. Ryuto then blew past everyone scoring a dunk. Kise turned to see Ryuto and noticed what everyone else did in that moment; the grey lightning coming out of his eyes.

"Because right now is not a time for you to be distressed." Ryuto said.

I better make use of it in less then a minute in a half, or I might never be able to use the Zone again Ryuto thought.

Just as Ryuto scored, Seirin called a timeout to regroup after everything that had just happened. Ryuto closed his eyes and jerked his head side to side; he was exiting the Zone. He then sat down to listen to the game plan.

"Kise-kun's Perfect Copy has a longer duration." the coach said. "Like I said earlier." Ryuto said. "Wait you knew?" Kiyoshi asked surprised. "The moment Kise saw just how far back Kaijo was being pushed back, something sparked inside him. That spark led to Perfect Copy lasting longer." Ryuto explained. "But you can use Zone! Use it to shut him down!" Koga exclaimed. "It's not that simple." Ryuto said saddened all of a sudden. "What do you mean?" the coach asked. "You guys were bound to find out sooner or later anyways; if I use the Zone any longer then for a minute and a half, I will not be able to use it any longer." Ryuto explained.

The team gasped in surprise, meanwhile Kagami and Kuroko stared at him wide eyed.

"So what you're saying is that if you use the Zone, it'll be gone forever?" Kagami asked. "Exactly what I mean." Ryuto said not facing anyone. "I wanted to save what I had left to play against Seijūrō, but that's clearly not gonna happen. I'll have to use it up here." Ryuto said.

The team fell silent, loosing Ryuto's strongest weapon hurt everyone's morale more then anything.

"If that's the case, then we'll help to make sure you still have that to face Akashi-kun." Kuroko said with a determined face. "Even if we do that, that leave four other Kaijo players." Ryuto said. "I know how much the game against Akashi-kun means to you, so we'll figure out a strategy." Kuroko said. "Thanks Kuroko, with that I probably now have two minutes of Zone left." Ryuto said with a smile.

The buzzer sounded and the time out was over, Seirin walked onto the court to play that final three and a half minutes of the game. Over in the stands, stood Momoi and Aomine watching the game. They were surprised when Ryuto used his Zone to get past Kise using his Perfect Copy. However, Aomine began to wonder why Ryuto was using Zone, since he had the limit problem.

Flashback

"Do you think there's a second stage of the Zone?" Ryuto asked out of the blue.

Aomine raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Eh?"

"Nothing. Forget I said anything." Ryuto said waving his hand. "I do have an answer for you." Aomine said turing away from him. "You do? It's just that when I enter the door, I fall into another abyss, but falling down that abyss is a lot more difficult. At the bottom, though, there is a light and I want to reach it." Ryuto explained. "You're referring to the second door. It's rumored that it's the purest form of the Zone." Aomine explained. "What is this a fairy tail?" Ryuto asked frowning. "Shut up." Aomine said with a tick mark forming on his head.

"Why do you want to know about the second stage?" Aomine asked. "My Zone is different. If I use it too much, I might not be able to access it ever again." Ryuto answered. "That doesn't make sense. There are qualifications to enter the Zone." Aomine argued. "I know, but that's why I said my Zone is different it's as if it has a limited amount of uses." Ryuto said. "So using it for a whole quarter really diminished it durability, so to speak." Aomine said. "Yeah, it did." Ryuto said.

End Flashback

"So why are you using it?" Aomine asked aloud. "What's wrong Dai-chan?" Momoi asked concerned. "It's nothing. Ryuto just seems focused." Aomine said.

As the game commenced, Seirin had the ball. A pass was sent to Kagami, with Kise ready to defend. Kasamatsu returned to guard Ryuto and he eyed him cautiously. He seems different, and he's not in the Zone. With the Zone, not even Kise could stop him Kasamatsu thought. Kagami then began to bring the ball down, but Kise jabbed at it and managed to get it loose. Kuroko managed to recover the loose ball and he sent a pass towards Hyuga. Hyuga then set up for a three, but as he released Moriyama managed to touch it with the tips of his fingers and the ball bounced off the rim. Kiyoshi and Kobori fought for the rebound, but Kobori managed to get it. He then passed to Hayakawa, who passed to Kasamastu. Seirin then set up for offense and the ball was passed to Kise. Kuroko stood in front to defend with Kagami hovering close behind. Kise was taken by surprise that Kuroko was defending him, as well as Kasamatsu who let out a surprised gasp. Kise then passed by Kuroko and Kagami moved in to defend. Kuroko then moved to tip it from behind, with assistance from Ryuto. Kise then spun around and sent a Cyclone Pass to Kasamatsu, he the moved back and sent a hook pass to Kise. Kise then jumped for a dunk, with Kagami behind him, but he still managed to dunk.

"No matter what you do it's useless. No one can stop me now." Kise said to a fallen Kagami and Kuroko who was at his side.

"That's where you're wrong Blondie!" Ryuto said. "What can you do Ryutocchi? I can just blow past you as well." Kise said. "Here's the thing, I can stop you and I will." Ryuto said revealing that he was in the Zone once again.

Kise stepped back, he then smiled and turned to face Ryuto.

"Let's see whose stronger. Akashicchi held you in high regard, so let's see if you live up to that." Kise said.

Ryuto then dribbled the ball to the half court line. Kise stood on the top of the three point line ready to defend. I can't read him with Akashicchi's eyes so I'll just have to watch him closely Kise thought.

"Better not thing too much," Ryuto said driving towards the basket, "or you might just miss me." Ryuto finished his sentence with a whisper and when Kise turned he saw Ryuto dunking the ball.

Why can't I copy his moves. There's nothing stopping me from doing that Kise thought as he gritted his teeth.

"Don't mind Kise. You'll get him back right now." Kasamatsu said.

After the inbound, Kaijo sprinted to offense. He then passed to Kise, who drove towards the basket. Kagami moved to defend him, but Kise came to a complete stop and set up for a shot. But his form was Kuroko's Phantom Shot. Kise then released it combining it with Midorima's technique and scored. He can even copy that. At this rate, he'll be able to copy me Ryuto thought. After that shot, the crowd began to chant Kaijo's name repeatedly. Seirin looked around and felt an enormous amount of pressure. With all this negativity we'll loose morale even faster then before Ryuto thought. Returning to offense, Ryuto surveyed the defense Kaijo was defiantly ready to win. Ryuto sent a pass towards Hyuga, and after he received he shot. As the ball sailed, it was noticeable that it was not going in; to make matters worse, it was an air ball. Kiyoshi managed to recover it and passed to Kuroko. The crowd then began to murmur, saying that Kaijo almost had the ball. Ryuto gritted his teeth and moved to the half court line.

"Kuroko!" Ryuto called out.

Kuroko then sent the ball towards Ryuto, after he caught he set up in a triple threat position.

"Blondie isn't the only one whose amazing." Ryuto muttered.

He then jumped and released the ball. Ryuto then turned his back to move to defense.

"Move it! We're on defense!" Ryuto called out.

As the ball sailed everyone fell silent, it seemed as if the ball was in slow motion. After what seemed like an eternity, the ball entered the hoop; nothing but net. Everyone was silent, the one's on the court looked towards Ryuto, he had a commanding aura and it showed no signs of wavering. The crowd the erupted in cheers, now they were divided on who to root for. Ryuto then turned to face Kaijo.

"You better not underestimate us! More importantly don't underestimate me!" Ryuto yelled out.

Ryuto could feel the sighs of relief coming from the team behind him; it seemed that they had calmed down. Ryuto closed his eye's for moment a felt his consciousness sink. He sunk to the abyss that would normally reject him, he stood in from of a large steel door. He tried to open it but it would not budge. He then began to bang on it pleading to let him enter.

"Please I don't need everything just enough to win this game and the next one." Ryuto said as he began to kneel in front of the door.

He continued to bang on the door, pleading again and tears forming in his eyes. The door then creaked open and light poured out of it. Ryuto rubbed his eyes and smiled.

"Thank you." Ryuto said quietly.

As he opened his eyes, Kise drove past him not giving it a second thought. As he jumped for a dunk again, Kise could feel a presence behind him. He looked back to see Ryuto jumping as well. Ryuto then swatted the ball away and it rolled out of bounds. Kise landed and turned to face Ryuto. He noticed Ryuto was panting a lot and he seemed to only pour sweat. Ryuto then lifted his head his eyes still glowed with the Zone.

"Now I have to strength to beat both you and Seijūrō." Ryuto said.

The coach had stood up, but seeing Ryuto's declaration she sat back down.

"Are we not going to take a timeout?" Koga asked. "It seems Ryuto managed to do what I was going to do." she said smiling.

This why I fell in love with you Ryuto the coach thought with a smile still present.

"Kuroko, I figured something out. I'm sure you have as well." Ryuto said. "Yeah, we'll need a timeout in order for me to explain it." Kuroko said.

Ryuto nodded and faced the coach, she nodded back then a timeout was called. The team sat on the bench and took a few second to catch their breaths before talking strategy.

"Kuroko and I have figured out a way to counter Kise." Ryuto said. "How?" the coach asked. "Well, I'm not sure it's possible, but the potential is there." Kuroko said. "Perfect Copy allows for the use of the techniques of the Generation of Miracles. While allowing to use them at different moments depending on the situation." Kuroko explained. "A recreation means each one is the same as those we've faced before. And we have two players who've gone toe to toe with them, if not better." Kuroko continued. "Basically what Kuroko's saying is that we have to negate one of the techniques, which will force him to use another. For example, if someone stops Midorima's technique by getting in close he'll have to use Aomine's speed to get away. By making loose one of his options, it'll be easier to stop what happens next. Essentially a game of Guess Who?" Ryuto added. "That's going to be difficult, you're going to have to watch him thoroughly." the coach said. "Kuroko won't be alone, I'm good at analyzing the next move; it's how most of my moves work. So I'll be taking on half the burden." Ryuto said. "Stopping Kise is the only way to win. We'll entrust this to Ryuto and Kuroko." Hyuga said standing.

The team then huddled together, after yelling out their battle cry, the players walked onto the court. The two teams met on the court and Kaijo set up for the inbound. After the inbound, Kise scored an easy shot, adding two more points for Kaijo.

"This is where the fun begins." Ryuto said quietly.

On Seirin's offense, Ryuto passed the ball to Kagami with Kise ready to defend him. Kise tried to lunge at the ball expecting a fancy move, but Kagami drove forwards. Passing Kise, Moriyama moved to defend, but Kagami simply spun out of the way. Kise, however, would not be stopped so easily. He managed to catch up using Aomine's speed. Kagami then came to a complete stop and set up for a shot, but Kise swatted it using Murasakibara's defense. Hayakawa got the loose ball and passed to Kise. Kagami once again was face to face with Kise, ready to defend. Kise then began to do crossovers through his legs with the speed increasing each time. Kagami began to stumble, but he managed to regain his bearings before falling; but it caused for him to move bad slightly. Kise then set up for one of Midorima's threes. Ryuto gritted his teeth and sprinted towards Kise. He then noticed that Moriyama was wide open, he then changed course and went towards Moriyama. Kagami had managed to jump high enough to stop the shot, but Kise passed the ball. Ryuto smiled and cut off the pass. Moriyama looked stunned while Kise gasped in surprise. Ryuto darted towards the basket and scored a dunk, once again widening the gap. As the team rushed over to congratulate him, Ryuto looked towards Kise, who had a smirk on his face. Ryuto then turned to face Kuroko.

"I have everything we need." Ryuto said. "As do I." Kuroko said.

Ryuto looked towards the score board, there was just under a minute left. It's now or never Ryuto thought. After another easy shot made by Kise, Seirin prepared for offense. Hyuga inbounded the ball and the team darted down the court. Kaijo was surprised seeing that Seirin was using their run and gun offense with so little time. Ryuto then passed to Kiyoshi, who went up for a lay up, but Kobori jumped to block. Kiyoshi then used his Right of Postponement and passed to Hyuga. Hyuga set up for a shot, but could not get his legs off the ground. He then brought the ball back down and drove towards the basket. As he drove Kise moved in front of him and went to jab at the ball. In the nick of time, Kuroko tipped it towards Kagami. Kagami then set up for a jump shot, after releasing Kise managed to barely touch the ball. The ball circled the rim, before entering into the basket. Ryuto looked towards the clock thirty seconds remained, enough time for Kaijo to get one last shot in. Kaijo then inbounded the ball and dribbled the ball down the court. They're gonna use up the clock and score one to get ahead Ryuto thought. Kaijo then began to pass the ball to each other, using up the time. Kuroko had chose to mark Kise in order to stop him, and thus far nothing had happened. The Kise got the ball and Kuroko immediately lunged for it. Kise then used Aomine's speed to get away and drove forwards. Kagami then moved in to defend, but Kise used Seijūrō's ankle breaker to drop him. As he drove closer to the basket, Hyuga and Kiyoshi moved to defend. Kise then began to do the movement for Murasakibara's Thor's Hammer, but he hesitated. Ryuto similed, the opening he was waiting for.

"You hesitated Blondie." Ryuto said as he swatted the ball away.

Kise stared wide eyed as the ball left his hands, unable to react. Kise then found his resolve and spun around to catch the ball. He sent a pass to Kasamatsu, who based on his expression was not expecting a pass. Kasamatsu then set up for a shot and released. The ball entered the hoop, without even touching the rim. With three seconds, Kaijo was ahead by one. Once the ball landed, Kiyoshi grabbed the ball and threw the ball down the court to Kagami. He then received the ball and continued to sprint. Ryuto tried to keep up, but his legs gave out and he kneeled on the floor.

"Finish it Kuroko, Taiga!" Ryuto yelled out.

Kise then used a burst of speed to get ahead of Kagami and set up to defend in front of him. Kagami then jumped form the free throw line to do a Meteor Jam and Kise jumped to block it. Kuroko then called out for Kagami to pass, but Kagami was at the point where he had to let go of the ball. Kagami then threw the ball at the back board and Kuroko caught it. He then set up for his Phantom Shot and released. As he let go, the buzzer sounded. Everyone watched as the ball sailed in the air, and the air was tense with anticipation. Bouncing of the back board, the ball entered the hoop. The referee then blew his whistle saying that the shot counted. Seirin the let out a yell of excitement with some yelling: "We did it!" Ryuto smiled and he tried to get up, but his legs would not let him. With a sigh he sat on the floor taking everything in. He then saw a hand held out. Ryuto looked up to see Kasamatsu. Ryuto smiled and took his hand, Kasamatsu the pulled him up. As Ryuto stood he stumbled a bit before regaining balance.

"Go with your team. We'll talk later." Kasamatsu said with a smile. "Thanks." Ryuto said as he slowly walked over to his celebrating teammates.

As he arrived Kise also walked over. Kuroko and Kagami turned to face him as well.

"It was a total loss." Kise said smiling. "Kise.." Kagami said before shaking his hand. "Honestly, you won twice against me. I can't even think of anything to say as a parting shot. But my head feels clear too. I feel like I gave it my all and have no regrets." Kise said. "Kise-kun, you were really strong. We may have won the game, but we couldn't stop you." Kuroko said. "You know, it's useless if I'm the only one who wins." Kise said.

"Blondie, just know that your Perfect Copy is something else." Ryuto said. "You know, it seemed to have no effect on you Ryutocchi." Kise said. "I don't understand." Ryuto said. "I couldn't figure out what you were going to do next using Akashicchi's eyes. Plus, I couldn't copy any of your moves." Kise said. "Well then, I'm a foil to your ability it seems." Ryuto said. "Looks like it." Kise said.

As Kise turned to leave, he turned back with a smile on his face.

"Next time, we'll win. We'll have another match next year." Kise said.

The three Seirin boys nodded a yes in response and Kuroko and Kise shook hands. Then three turned to return to their team.

"Ok before we start walking, I need assistance. I can't feel my legs." Ryuto said. "Come on." Kagami said as he place one of Ryuto's arms over his shoulder. "How much juice you got left?" Kagami asked. "Enough." Ryuto said.

The two teams then lined up for the bow and after thanking each other, both teams turned to leave. As Ryuto gathered his stuff he looked towards the stand and made eye contact with Seijūrō. Ryuto stared at him with a scowl, meanwhile Seijūrō's blank expression stared through him. I'm gonna win Seijūrō Ryuto thought. He then walked off the court with his team. After being quiet in the locker room, Furihata let out a triumphant yell. Everyone began to make their own inputs, while was off to the side lost in thought.

Seijūrō's next, but I feel uneasy. The door opened slightly and after I left it closed on me. What am I going to do if I'm force to use it early in the game? Will I be useless after that? And why do my legs feel so numb? Is this what using just a small amount of the second Zone feels like? I have so many question and answer to none of them. What's everyone going to think when I become a liability? What am I saying? Just be cause I don't have the Zone no one's going to think less of me Ryuto thought.

"Hey Ryuto-kun you alive?" a voice called out.

Ryuto jerked his head side to side returning to reality.

"Sorry, lost in thought. I tend to space out some times." Ryuto said nervously. "Are you alright you seem, I don't have the right word, but disappointed sounds about right." Izuki asked. "Yeah I'm fine, just looking ahead." Ryuto said. While simultaneously looking back Ryuto thought. "Where are Taiga and Kuroko?" Ryuto asked looking around. "Kagami-kun lost his ring and went to go look for it. Kuroko-kun followed him." the coach said. "Oh I see." Ryuto said.

He then slid on the wall and sat down on the floor. He let out a sigh and rest his head against the wall.

"Are your legs alright?" the coach asked sitting next to him. "I can walk, but they feel numb for some reason." Ryuto said. "Put some ice on them tonight." the coach ordered. "I was already thinking about that." Ryuto said. "What bothers you about Akashi-kun so much?" she asked. "It's personal, so I'd rather not talk about it. But to clue you in, I know both Seijūrō's." Ryuto said coldly. "Both?" the coach asked. "It's something Kuroko will probably know more about." Ryuto said.

Once Kuroko and Kagami arrived, Kuroko announced that he had something to say to everyone. The team then departed towards Kagami's house in order to listen to what Kuroko had to say. They sat around Kagami's living room table with Kuroko in the center. Ryuto sat against the wall with two ice packs on his keens, listening in as well. Kuroko then began to explain how he got into basketball and his first teacher being a boy he met while playing on a street court. Seems pretty normal origins to me Ryuto thought shrugging. He continued saying that they parted ways and vowed to meet up again in an official game. Koga then asked if he still played basketball, with Kuroko responding that he quit because of him. Kuroko then began to talk about his middle school days, starting from when he entered Teiko. Ryuto's mind then began to drift, thinking of when he first me Seijūrō and how they built their relationship.

AN: And here ends chapter 20. I changed the game around a little bit, and I'm sure you noticed the changes. My reasoning for Ryuto to have a limited amount uses with the Zone is because I don't want him to be too op. As for having him be in the Zone this game came to me as I wanted an early way to show that Akashi's eyes will have no effect on him(or maybe they will ;) ). With that out of the way, if you have anymore questions feel free to write it in the reviews or PM me. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, the longest I've ever written, and remember to follow, favorite, and/or review if you haven't already.