Author's Note: Here it is, the Vorpal Swords chapter! Please enjoy!


Chapter 24 — Mitsuri


Even though Akashi and I are growing closer, it still comes as a surprise when he calls me and asks if I'll go to Tōkyō with him.

For a moment, I'm floored. But then he explains:

Recently, an American streetball team called Jabberwock came to Japan. They played a team of Japanese university players — one of whom was Higuchi Shōta, a former Rakuzan player — and had crushed them. They'd then proceeded to mock all Japanese basketball teams. Aida Kagetora, the man who was watching over Jabberwock and was also an occasional coach for Seirin, challenged the Americans to another game — this time, against the Generation of Miracles. Apparently, he'd staked his life on the match, something Akashi seemed impressed by.

Even with that brief background, I have no trouble accepting, and within an hour, I'm meeting Akashi at the train station.

I wave when I see his red hair, and my heart leaps in my chest. I still can't get used to seeing him in casual clothes.

"Hello," he greets me.

"Hey," I say, a little breathless from my rush to get here (and, yes, maybe something else).

To my surprise, he's already bought my ticket. I briefly protest, but he insists, since apparently, I'm doing him a favor. (Though, I might've accepted even if he said we were flying across the ocean.)

We climb aboard the train, and in the few hours that pass, he gives me more information. He fills me in on the research he'd done on Jabberwock, then he explains all his old teammates' strengths and weaknesses (as well as their various idiosyncrasies), so I'll be prepared.

I've excited to meet them. Despite having played Murasakibara and Kise, I never officially met them. And I know, from hearing Akashi talk about them, that they're dear to him, in a way only teammates can be.

The train ride seems short, as does all my time with Akashi, and I'm almost disappointed that it's over.

But then, we arrive.

I almost gasp from the intimidating aura that greets me when I step into the designated gym.

I had known that the Generation of Miracles are huge, and I'd seen Murasakibara and Kise's power firsthand, but having them all together in the same room . . . is something entirely different.

I spot Kise first, from his bright yellow hair and the confident way he stands. "I suddenly got an email from Kurokocchi," he says. "He must be up to something."

Next is Aomine Daiki, with his dark skin and navy hair. He taps his foot against the ground. "You sure know how to pick 'em."

"We can hardly just sit and do nothing," Midorima Shintarō says. He adjusts his glasses with slender, taped fingers. In his hands he holds a kettle.

Murasakibara is also a familiar face. While I'd seen his vigor for the game in our last match, his current expression is one of boredom. "This is gonna be a pain," he moans.

Akashi lets out a small chuckle at his teammates' complaints. "But I'm looking forward to this," he says. "I can hardly believe that once more, we will be fighting alongside one another on the same time." He glances at me, a soft expression on his face that I'd only seen when he'd played Murasakibara and Kise. "Let me introduce you."

I step up, though my legs are a little wobbly.

"Everyone, this is Kasayama Mitsuri," Akashi says. "She's the current manager of Rakuzan, along with her sister."

For a moment, I wonder why Akashi didn't ask Reiha to come. She's much more well-versed in things basketball, plus she's better at speaking English than I am.

But then a selfish, vain thought enters my head. Maybe Akashi didn't ask Reiha . . . because he wanted it to be me.

How I hope that's true.

"Oh! I remember you." Kise's smile is infectious. "Girl managers, huh? I guess it's a good thing Kasamatsu-senpai's not around."

"Nice to meet you," Midorima says, inclining his head.

"Yo," Murasakibara and Aomine greet.

To the side are a few other people: first is an older man, whom I assume to be Aida Kagetora. Next to him are two other girls, something I'm immensely relived to see. I don't know if I could've survived in this testosterone-filled air. One of the girls wears a light blue jacket that complements her pink hair and emphasizes her figure. The other has short brown hair and stands with her hands on her hips, like she's ready for business.

"Good to finally meet you," the man says. He glances at me, and he looks a little surprised to see me. I wonder if Akashi told him I was coming, though, knowing Akashi, he had to have. "I'm Aida Kagetora," he says, mostly for my benefit, as it seems everyone else knows who he is. "This here is my daughter Riko" — he motions to the brown-haired girl, his stern expression immediately transforming into a proud beam — "and this is Tōō's manager, Momoi Satsuki. She was also the previous manager of Teikō."

Akashi had mentioned her on the way here. A sudden clutching feeling fills my chest . . . is this jealousy? Although I really have nothing to be jealous over — it's not like Akashi and I are dating. But still, Momoi is beautiful.

(If Reiha was here, though, she'd say their hair would clash. That thought makes me feel slightly better.)

"Wait," Kise says. "Is it just us? What about those two?"

"Ah. I called them too, of course," Aida-san says.

"The two that beat all of us," Akashi says, a smile still on his face. "Naturally."

Just then, the squeak of shoes announces the presence of more —

"Hey."

"Sorry for the wait."

Everyone turns simultaneously to see the newcomers — two people, whom I know to be "those two."

Kagami Taiga, with his outrageously red hair and towering figure, and Kuroko Tetsuya, who's less noticeable than his companion, but still competent in his own way.

"It's nice to see everyone again," Kuroko says.

There's a cry of "Tetsu-kuuuuun!" and a shape blurs past, straight into Kuroko.

I blink, confused for a moment, before realizing the shape had been Momoi.

"Satsuki," Aomine sighs. "Do you have to do this every time?"

A smile spreads across my face before I know it. Even if Akashi was interested in Momoi (and I don't think he is, as he's never mentioned her as more than a teammate), she clearly has interests in someone else.

While the others enter into casual chatter, Akashi turns to Aida-san. "Are there any substitutes?" he asks.

Figures. Always thinking ahead.

The substitutes in question turn out to be Hyūga Junpei from Seirin, Takao Kazunari from Shūtoku, and Wakamatsu Kōsuke from Tōō. Takao's easy-going attitude and Wakamatsu's energy seem like good choices. Hyūga, on the other hand, seems to doubt his position.

It's Akashi that notices, of course — "Don't be so nervous," he says amicably. "We welcome you here." Judging by Hyūga's reaction, he doesn't seem too comforted. I laugh to myself.

"All right," Aida-san says. Like his daughter, he looks impatient to start. "Everyone is here now. Let's unite against Jabberwock. This is the team that will beat them in the revenge match one week from now. You probably won't get this chance again. . . . You're the absolute dream team right now."

I can't help but agree with him.


The next few hours pass in a blur. Watching the Generation of Miracles play is unlike anything I'd ever seen — ninety percent of the shots are made, a markable difference from the average. For Akashi and Midorima, they make one hundred percent easily.

Even though they've been enemies for the last year and a half, they still retain a sort of cohesion that could only come out of being teammates. Of course, there's some tension — such as Kagami and Aomine, who are always trying to outdo each other. And then Midorima doesn't even bother to hide his irritation with Murasakibara. But for just a few hours of practice, their progress is amazing. Leave it to the Generation of Miracles.

And then there's Riko and Satsuki — both girls had insisted I call them by their first names. While everyone practiced, we observed their play styles and compared notes. Riko has an amazing ability to sum up each player's physical talents in numerical stats, and Satsuki shows off her research in predicting how each player can maximize their abilities. I pale in comparison, but they seem to enjoy having another mind to bounce thoughts off.

"All right," Aida-san finally calls with a blow of his whistle. "That's enough for tonight."

Satsuki and I scurry around to hand out towels and waters. It was one thing watching them play — standing right in front of them is an entirely different matter. Kise's easy, of course. He seems to have more experience with girls and even makes me laugh. Midorima has a strange expression on his face when I hand him a towel and seems to be studying me rather intensely. I'm about to ask if there's a problem, but he averts his gaze.

Confused, I walk over to Akashi (thankfully, Satsuki has taken care of the more intimidating ones).

"Thanks," Akashi says, accepting a water and taking a long gulp. "How did you find the practice?"

Not many people can pull off being sweaty and attractive at the same time . . . but Akashi manages.

"It was amazing," I say. "I mean, I've heard about you guys, but I never knew you were this good!"

He laughs, then with one finger, he touches my cheek. "You're glowing," he says.

Heat rushes from his touch. What does he mean? Before I can ask —

"Have any of you seen Tetsu?" Aomine glances around, as if Kuroko is just hiding behind someone.

Midorima, who still has a strange look on his face, answers. "I think he left with Kagetora-san. He might be following him."

What?

A few minutes later, and we're all racing to Roppongi. Riko, Satsuki, and I can't keep up with trained athletes' gait, so we quickly fall behind. Still, by the time we reach the place where Jabberwock is, we spot the rainbow array of hair that tells us we've gotten the right spot.

Satsuki gasps when she sees Kuroko on the ground, Kagami and Aomine hovering protectively over him. The Jabberwock team shares looks of irritation, anger, and disdain. They're huge, and I gulp at their heights, which are greater than the Japanese average.

I move right behind Akashi, closer than I'd normally be, and he gives me a reassuring glance.

"Well? You want to fight?" One of the players — his name was Silver, if I remember correctly — sneers at us.

Akashi steps forward. "Stop," he says, his voice demanding authority. Then, ignoring Silver's look of outrage, he gazes down at Kuroko. "I understand. You want to settle this through basketball, right?"

"Yes." Kuroko nods, his face serious. "Please."

"There's no point in fighting here," Akashi says, already half turning. "Let's go. We need to get Kuroko treated."

While Kagami and Aomine still look angry, Aida-san signs in relief. The girls beside me also let loose the tension in their bodies. It's not that any of us doubt the Generation of Miracles — but it's clear from the aura around the Jabberwock that they're not unfamiliar with exchanging dirty blows.

Like Akashi said, Kuroko is the priority right now. It will be much better to deal with this during the match.

However, Silver laughs. "Are you kidding me? You come and sprout your nonsense, then just turn around and leave? I guess you didn't only lose your brains, but your guts as well — that's why you're monkeys!"

The others being to laugh at his taunts, but then —

Akashi, who turned his back, suddenly whips his gaze back to Jabberwock. I'm near the back, so I can't see the exact look in his eyes — but I can feel a definite change in the air. Colder, sterner. Yet it doesn't scare me. Instead, his strong voice covers me in a protective blanket.

"Shut up, you scum," he says in perfectly accented English. "You guys should just be ready to lose. We're going to mop the floor with you tomorrow."

I struggle a moment to understand his words. Although I'm proficient in English, it's never been a strong point — but I can get the gist of what he's saying.

A grin widens my face.

That's Akashi for you. Calm and logical in the face of an opponent — but still holding an unbeatable fire within him.


A week later — and the game is about to start.

This time, Reiha, Ogiwara, and many others from Rakuzan are with me. The news of the match had spread like wildfire, generating hordes of media bearing down on all the Generation of Miracles, and tickets selling out within a day. Although the match isn't official, Aida-san and a few other coaches had managed to pull some strings. The universities that had recruited the Strky players were also chomping to get revenge and allowed us to use one of their indoor basketball courts.

I'd offered Reiha a place down on the bench with me, Satsuki, and Riko, but she'd refused. At first, I was confused, because it wasn't like her to turn up a first-seat opportunity. But then I realized that she and Ogiwara had purchased tickets together.

Jabberwock is nowhere to be seen when we first enter the court for warm-ups. They'd just had theirs before ours, so I assume they're back in their locker, waiting.

I smile to myself. Waiting. Yes, just you wait until you see what you're up against —

Vorpal Swords.

It was Akashi who'd come up with the name. At first, none of us recognized the term Jabberwock, but he, of course, knew its origins. He then proposed the idea of naming our dream team after the weapon that had slayed the Jabberwock — there was unanimous agreement, and that was that. During this last week, while Riko and Aida-san created training regimens and hearty diets, Satsuki and I dealt with advertising. Upon hearing that I was good at drawing, I'd been recruited to create a label for Vorpal Swords. Many nights were spent staring at a blank piece of paper, Reiha laughing every time she passed my room, before — finally, I found what I wanted to create. I had laid a simple design of a sword in the background, then covered it with bold words the same hue as Akashi's hair (which might have been bias on my part . . .).

Everyone had loved the designs, and Satsuki had dashed off to get them printed onto uniforms and signs and online — everywhere she could find.

The response was greater than any of us could've imagined.

The insult toward Japan's basketball had inflamed its people, and even now, people were lining up outside, trying to get last-minute tickets. If I'd heard right, the concession stands were already running out of snacks.

While our team performs warm-ups, I glance up at the stands, which are nearly completely full. I think I spot Reiha and Ogiwara waving at me — and is that Hayama jumping up and down?

Even though I've seen the Generation of Miracles practice many times, it's still amazing to see them play. Each perfect shot along with each smooth dribble and cohesive pass —I know Jabberwock is great, but I can't imagine them beating us today.

Finally, our warm-up ends, and we retreat back into the locker rooms while the announcements sound overhead.

"This is exciting!" Kise whispers.

"Why are you whispering?" Aomine whispers back.

I hear Akashi sigh beside me, and I laugh.

Kuroko and Kagami stand near each other, each with an intense look on their eyes. Midorima fondles his lucky item of the day — a remote control — as if the more he touches it, the more it'll imbue him with luck. Murasakibara is, of course, snacking, though Akashi had told him to stop just moments before.

The substitutes, Takao, Hyūga, and Wakamatsu, appear even more nervous. I hope, for all our sakes, that they aren't needed out there today.

The speaker begins to introduce the two teams, to which roaring cheers reverberate. Everyone exchanges a look, then as one, we file out onto the court, which is shrouded in darkness, save for a few flashing probe lights.

I can barely see the large shadows of Jabberwock lining up as I make my way to the bench.

"The time for revenge is here!"

I snort. Even the emcee isn't hiding his bias.

"VORPAL SWORDS — versus! — JABBERWOCK!"

The lights flood on, blinding me momentarily as cheers resound through the air. I barely have time to blink before —

"And now — tip-off!"

Murasakibara's height sends him flying, and he bats the ball to Akashi's waiting fingers. Akashi does a few smooth, beautiful dribbles, before he sends the ball to Aomine, who easily slams it through the hoop.

Yes! First point!

And just like that . . . the game begins.


We end the first quarter in the lead, 20-8. The cheers of the crowd rumble over the stadium, but with a look from Satsuki and Riko, I know we shouldn't be celebrating too soon. Jabberwock hasn't shown all their tricks yet. Even if we're in the lead, our team has expended a larger amount of stamina than normal.

And we were right to be worried. The second quarter begins with Silver noticeably upping his game. Slowly, he steals from Akashi, breaks past Aomine, and even powers his way through Murasakibara's block. His speed and strength are astounding, and ultimately, we're forced to take a time-out, at 24-33.

As I look at Vorpal Swords, I think, It's too early for everyone to be disheartened. Aida-san sees it, too, so he decides to switch out players. Our original start-up had been Akashi, Midorima, Aomine, Murasakibara, and Kise. He subs out Akashi and Midorima for Kagami and Kuroko, assigning Kise to now play as point guard.

But . . . Murasakibara isn't too happy about the change.

"For a guy like that, I can do it myself," he argues. His eyes blaze with his sentiment.

Akashi stands up. "Murasakibara. This is the Coach's decision, so listen."

While watching them practice this last week, I'd been able to pick out the hierarchy within the Generation of Miracles, small details that Akashi hadn't told me. For one, Akashi is one of the only people Murasakibara will listen to. I mused out loud about this one day, and Satsuki had informed me of why this was.

Murasakibara once challenged Akashi — and he almost won, only to be soundly beaten at the last second.

Satsuki's voice as she told the tale made me think there was something more to this story, but I hadn't pressed. "It's good enough that they're friends again," she'd said.

"By yourself, you can't win," Akashi says now.

Murasakibara looks outraged at the statement, but before he can protest, Akashi adds, "For now." A silent conversation passes between them, something that I can't even begin to decipher. "If you disagree, you can disobey me. But right now, the coach's decision is the best. Besides, it's either one person's victory — or the whole team's. Which is the most important to you? Didn't you already experience this before?"

I think I sort of understand what Satsuki had meant now.

Akashi isn't merely ordering Murasakibara to do his will — he's giving him a choice, but also using his position as former leader of the Generation of Miracles to support Aida-san's decision and point out how it's the best we've got.

Murasakibara grumbles, but he sits back down again, taking an angry swig of water.

Akashi sighs, then sits beside me. The space on the benches are already limited, and his arm touches my own.

"Here," I say, handing him a jacket to keep his body warm and another bottle of water.

"Thanks." He smiles at me, but before long, both of our attentions are back on the game.

Kise has taken over playing point guard for Akashi due to his flexibility, and as we watch, Akashi muses about his technique. He offers suggestions every now and then, but mostly . . . he sounds proud. Yet as much as he's been watching Kise, he's also wary of Nash Gold Jr.

"He hasn't done much yet," I say.

"That's exactly why I'm worried," Akashi says. "Silver's taken the spotlight right now, but I don't think Nash will allow him to keep it for long."

The rest of the second quarter goes by quickly, with Jabberwock in the lead by only four points. Yes. We can do this.

But once again, we underestimated the enemy. By the third quarter, both Nash and Silver are starting to show their full strengths, and even the combined power of the Generation of Miracles isn't enough to handle their momentum.

"You were right," I say. "He's really upping his game."

"At this rate . . ." Akashi leans forward, not finishing his sentence. His shoulders are tense.

At 42-61, Akashi gets switched in for Kuroko. Kuroko, whose stamina is the lowest of everyone's, doesn't look happy about it, though.

"There's still something we can do," Akashi says. "I may not be able to bring you all into the Zone yet, but if we can keep Nash and Silver in check, there's a way we can still win. I'll cover Nash. And Silver . . ."

Kuroko takes Akashi's place next to me, his knee bouncing with energy.

"You did great out there," I say.

He looks at me briefly. "Thank you."

Over the last week, Kuroko's the one that I've least talked to. It's not that I find him unapproachable (though, maybe, I can't find him in the first place). But he's quiet, and I have a hard time coming up with things to say.

But, to my surprise, he continues. He says, "I trust Akashi."

That's all. Yet . . . I can feel the meaning within the words.

Kise and Aomine tag-team Silver, using the Zone and Perfect Copy respectively. Although these moves are almost deal breakers, we'd held off on using them because of the sheer amount of stamina they took. Kise's Perfect Copy, in particular, has a huge drain on focus and energy when trying to copy. His imitation of Aomine is practically perfect — and when he uses Akashi's ankle break, a move I've never seen anyone else even dare to perform, I have to keep my jaw from dropping.

And then — to add to the intensity, if possible — Kise manages to climb into the Zone and couple that power with his Perfect Copy. For the next few minutes, the court's energy completely changes, and Kise's strength wipes the floor.

But it's too much, even for him. Eventually, his legs give out. Akashi helps him stand, but I can't hear what they're saying from where I sit, the crowd's cheering too loud. Midorima stands to replace Kise, but he has a disconcerted look on his face — though not directed at me this time.

"This aura . . ." He blinks. "It can't be . . ."

I'm about to ask him what he means, but he's already walked off.

But I soon see what he was talking about.

Akashi stands to block Nash. I clutch my fingers together — this time, please.

But then — in a blink of an eye, the ball is flashing past Gold and is sent out of bounds.

"What?" The word escapes from me. "What just happened?"

Akashi stares at his fingers, and somehow I know it is him, yet I can't get my mind to compute with what I just saw — or rather, what I didn't see.

"The other Akashi," Wakamatsu says. "He did say he might switch."

What?

"It's like I'm looking at another person," Hyūga says.

What?

I look over at Akashi again, and this time, I can see it. He still looks the same, but the way he holds himself is slightly different — he's always had a confident pose, but this is even further than that. . . . It's the pose of someone who knows they're . . . absolute.

It's similar to what I saw that one day.

Kise leans forward, with a grin on his face. "But right now, Akashicchi's the most reliable one on the team!"

"What do you mean?" I ask Kise.

Kise, the most amiable one out of the group, readily answers. "He's going to use Emperor Eye!"

I'm still having trouble following. Sensing my unease, Satsuki touches my arm. "Maybe you should talk to him about it later," she says.

She's right. We're in the middle of the game now. I need to concentrate.

At 62-72, we take another time-out.

The team gathers around, and Riko, Satsuki, and I rush to hand out towels and waters. I'm the first to reach Akashi, but I hesitate. He's looking at me strangely. Not the familiar, warm gaze I'm used to . . . but something with curiosity and intrigue.

"It's okay," he says after a moment, reaching to take a water bottle. "I know how he feels about you. I feel the same, after all."

My brow furrows. Who?

While I've resolved myself to talking with him about this later, curiosity still burns within me.

After everyone's gulped down some water, they return to talking about their next strategy.

"There's still something we can do," Akashi says. Even his voice almost sounds different. Deeper, more commanding. "We will catch up with three-pointers. But this will be a gamble. Do you trust me, Shintarō?"

Midorima allows a rare smile on his face. "I see. But you underestimate me. I always perform my best, and today is no different. My shots will not miss."

The time-out ends.

"We need those threes," Hyūga says. "But how on earth . . . ?"

Takao leans forward then, rubbing his neck. "I get it. Uhh, I don't know how to feel about it, but in order to win, it'll work, of course. . . . Although if it really works, I'll be kinda annoyed."

Beside me, Satsuki gasps in understanding and leans in to explain what Takao's referring to.

For a moment, I wonder if Akashi can really pull that off . . . but who am I kidding? This is Akashi we're talking about, and although Takao and Midorima are great partners, Midorima is one of the few people Akashi counts as a friend.

The ball soars through the air into Midorima's waiting hands and —

"Give me a break," Takao says. "That was perfect."

But at only three points behind, Nash Gold Jr. reveals his ability.

The same eye as Akashi's . . . but not. Different — and maybe even more powerful.

The intense exchanges on court continue, and it's getting increasingly difficult to study each move, they happen so fast. But Akashi isn't about to give up just because of Nash's revelation. In fact, he seems incensed, showing off streetball moves just like that of the opposing team. Seeing him move in that fluid style, opposed to his usual orthodox way, is incredible.

But Nash, it seems, is just too strong, using Akashi's own ankle break against him.

It's the first time I've ever seen Akashi fall.

He almost looks like a child when towering Murasakibara helps him up. But something about seeing Akashi fall seems to fire Murasakibara up — well, as much as he can get fired up. After declaring he'll work both offense and defense, Murasakibara ties his hair up, a whole new aura surrounding him.

He fights hard. His overwhelming strength even causes Silver to second-guess, and if he'd been able to continue, we might've seen the end closer in sight — but somehow, Murasakibara ends up falling wrong, crushing his wrist.

It was undoubtedly the work of Jabberwock . . . but nothing can be done. Judging by the furious look Kuroko's face as well as the rest of the team, Jabberwock's actions won't be forgiven.

Using his misdirection and his Phantom Shoot, Kuroko manages to regain us some points. But it's still not enough. With less than a minute left, and four points behind . . .

"It's happening again," Kise mutters.

I glance at him. "What do you mean?"

"Akashi." He doesn't say any more, just nods in Akashi's direction.

I realize he's right. There's something different about him again, something I can't quite put my finger on — and finally, I realize, he's combining both his Emperor Eye with his natural ability to perform perfect passes. And the way he moves . . . it's the way I recognize again.

Still, still — ten seconds left. Jabberwock decides to just stall till the end, passing the ball back and forth between themselves. But they forgot a critical piece — or rather, player.

Kuroko darts from behind, shooting the ball from Nash's grip — and straight into Aomine and Kagami's waiting hands.

The both of them, their eyes ignited by the Zone, slam it into the basket.

"Time's up!"

"Vorpal Swords wins!"

The cheers that follow could rival any of the previous sounds.


While Vorpal Swords is using the showers, I dart out of the locker rooms to find a bathroom. Stragglers still fill the halls, too excited to go home. It's as I pass them that I catch sight of someone who looks familiar —

"Mayuzumi-san?"

The name slips out before I realize it.

The boy turns at the sound of his name, a confused expression on his face. He catches sight of me staring and asks, "Who are you?"

"Oh! Sorry," I say. "I'm here with Vorpal Swords . . . and I manage Rakuzan as well."

I'd only recognized him because once, I had been curious to see who had played power forward before Ogiwara. Reiha and I had sifted through the photos of last year and seen Mayuzumi with the rest of the team. I had asked Akashi about him, since I'd never heard anyone talk about him, and a strange look had come across his face. In the end, he didn't tell me much, other than that he hoped Mayuzumi was doing well.

At the mention of Rakuzan, Mayuzumi scowls. In contrast to his expression, he says, "Good for you, I guess."

He turns to leave, but I hurry after him. "Wait!"

"What?" Judging by the annoyed look on his face, I should just let him go, but for some reason, I keep talking.

"You used to play with Akashi-kun, right? Did you . . . did you know him well?"

He snorts. "As well as anyone knows him."

"What do you mean?" I keep my voice careful, even.

At my tone of voice, Mayuzumi gives me a closer look. "Are you interested in him?" he asks.

My face reddens. But he's not wrong.

"It's not like that," I blurt out. "I mean — I do like him. But . . ."

"Do you know about him?" he asks.

Despite the vagueness of his question, I understand immediately. Know about him. Know about him.

"Yes," I say after a moment. "But . . . only after tonight."

He nods. "Well, that's fine, I guess. If you know that and still want to be with him . . ." He shrugs.

"But what happened tonight," I continue. "It's happened before, right?"

"Look, I don't know all about it, okay? I just know that when I first joined this team, he was like a drill sergeant. No room for failure. But then last winter . . ." He pauses. "Well, something changed."

I think back to when I'd see him in the hallways at school. That's right, that time when the "change" had happened . . . would have been winter. During the final of Winter Cup, when he'd faced Kuroko.

"You came tonight, though," I say.

He stares at me. "What?"

"You came tonight because you wanted to know how he was, right? You were his senpai, after all."

He snorts again. "Not that they ever treated me like it."

"What do you think?" I press. "Does he seem better now?"

For a moment, Mayuzumi just looks at me. I can't read his expression, much like I find it hard to read Kuroko's. Finally, he speaks. "Are you what changed him?"

It's my turn to be confused. "What?"

"I spent a whole year with him," he said. "I saw girls come and go, each one hoping to get close to him, and each one running away in tears. But . . . you're not like them, are you?"

Of course, before I liked to think myself apart from the Akashi fangirls. But now that I've gotten to know Akashi, I can't really blame them. If I'd paid closer attention to him before, I might've even fallen into their group. But it's true that, somehow, I've gotten closer to Akashi than any other girl. And it's true that I think he likes me, as much as I like him. So I answer Mayuzumi honestly. "Yes."

He nods. "I guess that's good. That he's finally let someone in."

"Are you . . . do you want to talk to him?"

He shakes his head. "No. I may have been his senpai, but I've never had any advice for him."

I want to say that's not true. That when Akashi had spoken of him, there was a tone of fondness in his voice, like maybe Mayuzumi had taught him something after all.

But before I can speak, Mayuzumi leans forward, his eyes intent on me. "Well, if that's how it is between you two . . . you better look after him." Then he nods good-bye and walks away.


At the after-party, I mainly sit by Satsuki and Riko. I don't want to interfere too much with Akashi's time with his teammates. Still, I overhear them questioning him about his last-minute change — but he just brushes the topic aside.

I think about what I've learned about Akashi tonight, about my talk with Mayuzumi. I want to speak with Akashi about it, but tonight's not the night. Later, sometime. After all, it doesn't really change things, does it? He's still Akashi, and I'll still love him either way.

So I let the night pass, reveling in the mountains of food and tales of Teikō days. Later, it's revealed that Kagami has been invited to go to America to play basketball. It's no wonder, I think, with his talent.

And then, Akashi suggests a last-minute game — between the Generation of Miracles and Seirin. Even though they're all exhausted, they can't help but leap at the chance to play once again.


A/N: So, this chapter was really fun to write! I basically watched the whole movie while pausing it to write down certain scenes and dialogues. Most of the description of stuff is pretty brief because this chapter is already long as it is, and plus, it's basically a recap of the movie which you can obviously watch. (Of course, in the scene where Akashi speaks English, Kamiya Hiroshi has an accent, but I imagine that Akashi would have a pretty good grasp on the language.) This is obviously an important chapter because it's Mitsuri's first real encounter with Bokushi. In the manga, it seems like Akashi isn't always solely Bokushi or Oreshi, but sometimes in between. This is the first time she sees them completely switch, though. We will get a discussion between them over it, don't worry! And of course, I had to include Mayuzumi! He's one of my favorite characters, and he was at the match, so I couldn't pass up that opportunity.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed. Until next time!

~ J. Dominique