"Shirogane coach, isn't your cough getting worse?" The graduation for the third years had already ended and he said he wanted to stay for at least the tournament. Shirogane had already stayed longer than he resolved to. Himeragi could see from the coughs that Shirogane's condition was worsening. He shook his head, trying to argue that it would cause repercussions if he went down before figuring out a proper way to support the current regulars.

"I'm actually quite worried. They're too strong. Even now, Aomine is troubled by his own strength. In order to keep the team together, we'll need to give them even more support from now on." She nodded her head, agreeing with his sentiments. But just as he told her to call Akashi, Himeragi realized that Shirogane could no longer go on.

"Sanada coach! Call an ambulance!" she yelled, supporting Shirogane, who was dry coughing more than usual. He couldn't even speak and was turning pale, as Himeragi immediately assessed it to be a heart disease. As the ambulance took Shirogane to her family's hospital, Himeragi called Akashi. The players had already gone home so she didn't expect him to answer but in her panicky state, she needed to hear his voice.

"Yes?" he picked up after two rings, as Himeragi was on the verge of tears riding in the ambulance with Sanada.

"I know it's late… But please…" Sanada never expected to see Himeragi so perturbed that she didn't know how to properly express herself. When Akashi asked what was going on because he heard the siren of the ambulance, Himeragi mustered up all the strength she had in the moment to ask him to come. "Shirogane coach collapsed. Please come to the hospital!" Akashi's eyes widened and without asking which hospital she was talking about, he told her he'd be there, waiting for her in front of the emergency room. Surprised by the interaction, Sanada stayed quiet, as the ventilator in the ambulance kept Shirogane lucid enough to hear that Akashi was coming, at Himeragi's call.

"I'm glad…" Even if he were to be unable to support the team, he had no doubt that the kids would be alright if they supported one another. When they arrived, Himeragi immediately went to find her parents, who had no idea who the new patient was.

"Mama! Our head coach collapsed!" The fearful look in her daughter's eyes made her gasp. This was not the first time this happened and they were having deja vu before rushing him onto a gurney to roll into an operating room. Himeragi saw Akashi in front of the operating room and ran to him, not knowing what to say or do. Shirogane grabbed Akashi's hand before he went into the room, trying to gaze into his eyes.

"I leave… the team to you both…" Himeragi didn't want to hear those words and grasped his other hand.

"What about you? We wanted you to stay with us!" Akashi wanted to tell her not to be agitated but he admitted that she said what he didn't have the courage to utter.

"Please stay… together." Himeragi's eyes widened, as she didn't expect him to say such a thing. Akashi also froze, knowing that he felt something nostalgic about this scenario as well. Sanada sat on the sofas and waited, as the two students stood side by side in silence. Even though she could hear her father and other nurses approaching, Himeragi didn't want to move. When she shut her eyes and prayed that Shirogane would be alright, Akashi looked at her. When he saw her this perturbed, he wanted to do something to soothe her mood, even if it was futile.

"All of these actions defy logic… But..." Just as her father was going to ask what was going on, he was shocked by Akashi holding Himeragi's hands. Just before she was actually going to cry, he stopped her because he wanted to reassure her and himself.

"Let's continue supporting the team, Himeragi. For Shirogane coach." Her father's eyes widened and he couldn't process why Akashi was here. She nodded, as his left hand held her right hand.

"Thank you for being here, Akashi-kun." He couldn't understand why her glassy eyes made him feel such strong emotions but didn't react because he didn't know how he'd feel if she cried. Their back views were exactly the same as a scene in the past. Akashi gave her hand a squeeze, as they continued to stand there, wishing for the best.

But the following weeks marked changes in everyone. Sanada was transitioned to head coach, the Generation of Miracles each began to realize that their bodies were changing, with more power to support their special abilities and Kuroko became more confused about where he stood. After seeing Murasakibara's increased power that caused him to deviate from the plan, Kuroko and Momoi went home together, both feeling anxious.

"Murasakibara-kun was really amazing today. Because he played so well, I didn't get to play at all." Momoi could only agree, not sure of what to say when she saw Murasakibara's stats during the game. They were much more than she originally analyzed them to be. "But at the same time, it frightened me. Watching his sudden growth, reminds me of when Aomine-kun changed."

"Have you spoken to Aomine-kun recently?"

"I'm sorry… Not since Nationals… He's not as passionate as he was before but he still comes to practice everyday and finishes the training. But it's difficult to come up with a reason to talk to him." Momoi understood his concerns but felt so worried about the future. She could handle Aomine being angry with his opponents and Murasakibara no longer passing in games. But if the entire team were to disintegrate… "I know that Aomine-kun has been feeling increasingly frustrated during practice. I really want to do something, but to be honest in my current state, I don't know if I can." He knew he was being irrational by thinking that he wanted to solve Aomine's worries but as a friend, it pained him to helplessly watch him be so angry at practice everyday. He felt Momoi's hand grasp his t-shirt's sleeve.

"We'll always be together right?" The sweet and unassuming Kuroko was the one she fell in love with. That was why Momoi put her faith in him, knowing it could be fruitless. "Everyone loves basketball and even after all of this… We'll still be able to have fun together, right?!" It made Kuroko feel a bit better that someone had the courage to shed tears and to think of the team as he nodded his head.

"Yes, we'll always be together."

"Kuro-kun." Himeragi was waiting for him by the gym doors after practice, patting down the space next to her. He greeted her and wondered what she wanted to talk about. "How do you feel about the team right now?" Kuroko was caught off guard by the direct question. Sometimes he couldn't properly read Himeragi; she was amicable most times but when it came to advising and sometimes basketball, she chose to be unemotional. But compared to the attitudes of Akashi and Aomine, who were blunt without reserve, he believed her honesty came from a place of tough love.

"I'm not sure… Everyone has changed and it doesn't feel like we were as harmonious as we were back at Nationals." She nodded in agreement, looking straight ahead at the field.

"Why do you think it's turned out this way?" Kuroko felt pricked when she asked about his opinion. He didn't know what to say.

"Well, Murasakibara-kun is following Aomine-kun and is developing stronger, more powerful techniques. I'm sure it's a matter of time before the other three also unleash their potential." Himeragi acknowledged that it was a true statement but also confirmed that Kuroko was too lost to even speak about himself.

"What are you afraid of?"

"Why would you ask that, knowing the answer?"

"Because I want you to face your fear. Or else you won't grow stronger."

"Being stronger… winning more matches… Is that also what you care most about, Azusa-san?"

"Hm, I guess my answer is yes. Is that wrong?"

"What about loving basketball because it's fun? Because the teamplays are so varied and so interesting to create?"

"Can attaining victory not be considered fun? What is the ultimate goal of loving basketball because it's fun?" Himeragi knew she asked a question that would hit a nerve. But she needed to test the extent of Kuroko's love for basketball.

"Stop it, Azusa-san. I do not want to answer."

"I want you to answer me, Kuro-kun."

"No please."

"Kuro-kun." He was being driven into a corner. He knew from the beginning that his vision didn't align with Teikō's and that it would hurt him at some point but he didn't want to break down like this. "I'm sure Akashi-kun advocated for you to not show strong emotions, as your role is the shadow. But if you stop caring, your plays become increasingly erratic. Forget fun, in that state, you won't be able to help anyone."

"I do feel powerless!" he yelled, having enough of this irritating conversation. When he raised his voice, Himeragi looked into his eyes. "I want to do something for them but because I wasn't born a prodigy and am below average in everything related to basketball, I can only devote myself to misdirection! I didn't want to think about being left behind, even though I already knew I would be! Don't you feel it's horrible to make me confront this, knowing the answer already, Azusa-san?!"

"I apologize, Kuro-kun." she said, resigning herself to a sheepish expression that showed she didn't mean to make him cry. More tears dropped down his eyes, as she offered him a handkerchief with the same smile she always showed. "Thank you for being honest with me. You're under no obligation to but, will you listen to what I have to say?" He didn't know how to answer, as he did feel a bit comforted after having gotten that off his chest. Kuroko sat back down, still crying as Himeragi made a mental note not to push him this much next time. "I wanted to understand what your intentions were for continuing basketball. My take is that if you lose sight of what you can give to the team, you will be miserable." She was referring to the first incident when Kuroko's drive to continue was questioned because Aomine changed. It was absolutely valid for Kuroko to feel hurt by the sudden change but if he continued to exhibit such emotions about being left behind, he'd be crushed by his own teammates' apathy. "You already know it in your heart that the regulars are all changing, caring less about teamplay and focusing more on their individual developments." he nodded, feeling helpless again because he could only listen.

"I really want to support Aomine-kun. I know that he is under so much pressure to win and to be this team's ace but he also doesn't need me to pass to him anymore."

"Think about yourself. If your goal is to be someone's shadow, with everyone running out of reach right now, what can you do for yourself?"

"Azusa-san? Didn't you just say that I shouldn't hold such strong emotions? Why are you advocating for this individualism?"

"I told you already right? Your basketball shows your emotions. Just because you're someone's shadow, doesn't mean you can't show any emotions." Kuroko realized he jumped the gun and was too caught up in trying to be strong, for people that weren't looking behind them.

"The light I chose loves basketball with all of his heart. That is why he is feeling so anguished right now. Are you telling me that because I'm his shadow, that I share his pain? Unfortunately, I can't understand his feelings this time around."

"You stood on the same court as someone vastly different from you because you were both connected by your desire to win as a team." He thought back to Himeragi's previous question, what he could do for himself.

"I won't try to save Aomine-kun or any of them. I'm going to stop being his shadow if he continues this behavior." Himeragi always felt it but Kuroko could be quite the savage if he let out his emotions. Chuckling, she nodded, if that was his true answer. "Even if I can't play in games, I still want to devote myself to misdirection after all."

"With that kind of resolve, you'll attract someone that wants to win, in the same way as you: with a team he also loves." Himeragi left this last tidbit out because she didn't want to bring hope for the future without Kuroko himself seeing that first.

"You're not the type of person to mope around, Kuro-kun. Just like what you said at the championship match, what match do you want to win first?" Midorima had been happily surprised by Kuroko when he said those words to him. Kuroko smiled, realizing Himeragi was using his own words to motivate him again.

"Azusa-san always knows what to say to motivate us. It's reassuring." It was an answer he still needed to ruminate on so Himeragi didn't press him to answer.

"Kuro-kun, please don't think that I'm only saying this to cheer you up." The look in her eyes hardened, as she approached the real reason she wanted to speak with him. "If you're okay with just having fun, you won't grow stronger. It's true that it doesn't really matter what your reason for basketball is, but if you don't aim to win, you won't be able to convince others of your effort. They will crush you." Even though he was caught off guard by her unsparing honesty, he understood what she meant because he knew that, entering Teikō's basketball club. Now that he understood her intentions to draw out his worries now, when the repercussions were less severe, Kuroko sighed, looking at Himeragi.

"Azusa-san can really be a demon. Please take responsibility for making me upset."

"Sorry about that, Kuro-kun." He leaned over and surprised her by resting his head on her chest. "Uh… what is going on?" She figured he would want her to treat him to a vanilla milkshake and was frozen in place. Based on her analysis, he was also not a hugger.

"Thank you Azusa-san." He whispered, as she chuckled, patting his head. They knew these worries would arise again and possibly be even more heatedly expressed but Himeragi hoped that with this conversation, Kuroko wouldn't let himself just take the brunt of hurtful situations.

"No! We can't give Aomine special treatment!" After Aomine stormed out of the gym, the entire gym stayed quiet and Sanada and Himeragi gave chase. Himeragi ran behind the head coach despite being out of breath already. Sanada was shocked. Even if he didn't want to either, he had to listen to the principal, as there was a hierarchy for a reason. "Sanada coach, while I understand the directive to make them play in all of the important games, it's excessive to say that they don't need to come to practice. Please reconsider!"

"Himeragi, enough."

"No. If the verdict is that Aomine must play in every official game, then practice games don't count. It's doing more harm if we allow him to slack off and still get to play in even these games!" Sanada understood her point and thought that even if it wouldn't be enough of a punishment, it was a starting point. Aomine listened, realizing that Himeragi was not advocating for demoting him but at least stopping the amount of games he took part in. Although it sounded like she wasn't on his side, she was. A coach that rewards insubordination would only reap the sorrows later on.

"Azusa…" He didn't need another person coming to him to tell him to not waste his talent. He didn't want to hear that he was too amazing of a player to give up basketball. And she wasn't here to do that.

"I know that as a friend, I'm doing something you don't like. But as a manager, I can't let you skip practice and still participate in every game. Take it as a foul. Depending on how you behave for the next few weeks, we will put you back in. Show us your passion, Aomine." Sanada was shocked that Himeragi could encourage and scold him simultaneously, realizing she was doing much better of a job in motivating Aomine, without worrying about Aomine quitting.

"Fine. I agree with Himeragi's opinion. You are free to skip practice but the consequences are that you will not be playing in the practice matches against other middle school students. Nationals are way off so we'll make a decision in the upcoming months. It's your choice, Aomine." For some odd reason, Aomine was comforted by this stern lecture. It felt like they still cared for him, even though he was dubbed a basketball prodigy. When he slightly smiled, Himeragi pulled on his cheek.

"You got some nerve to just run out of practice. There was no way I wasn't going to punish you, you basketball idiot." As Aomine exclaimed that it hurt and that his cheek was going to be peeled off, Himeragi took a good look into his eyes. With the amount of squinting he was doing in the past few weeks, no wonder he was going to develop wrinkles. Sanada bid them goodbye, telling Himeragi to quickly come back to practice. "Considering how much you've been frowning, you've really aged, Ahomine."

"Wha—! Why are you insulting me like that?!"

"Because you're an idiot. If you don't want to come to practice, don't hold it in until you explode. Ask for a few days to literally just think about what you want to do, now that you're in this situation where nothing is exciting to you."

"I'm not as level-headed as you are, to think that way. Besides, how am I supposed to continue loving basketball? When I smile, someone else is in despair. When guys like Inoue will give up because I try?" There was a sense of helplessness in his voice but because she wasn't as emotionally driven as most, she didn't know how to comfort him. Himeragi also recognized that she wasn't a player so she couldn't fulfill that role for him.

"Listen, Aomine. If people are always going to be upset that they lost, then is it on you to also be so worried about their feelings? In fact, knowing you, it's not that you care about their feelings. You care that they're not giving it their best, right?" There was no point in painting Aomine's melancholy as his concern for others; it stemmed from the fact that he realized that none of his opponents tried their best when he was on the court. That was what irked him.

"Even if I don't worry about their feelings, it's not gonna make me feel better with no one to challenge."

"So what is in your control?" she cut into his thoughts with a firm gaze into his eyes. Just as he shared what was bothering him, she was equally serious about dissecting what he was saying, in hopes of helping him find what he could do, for himself. "It is true that you are in a position where you can do whatever you like on the court with very little backlash. But that doesn't mean you won't face consequences for this complacency. Even if you haven't met that rival or someone that lights the fire inside of you, it is your choice what you do until you meet that person." As a fellow Virgo, Himeragi knew that part of his worries came from impatience; he wanted to see results, now. She saw Kuroko come to speak with Aomine as well and sighed. Given Aomine's personality and the current situation, disastrous things would be said if she left the two alone. But she was not their caretaker and as a female friend, she wasn't just going to tell them to not fight. If they wanted to be friends in the long run, they might as well have fought with no filter right now. "Even if all of our friends can't help you find the rival you're looking for, that doesn't mean giving them a chance to say something that could help, is bad. That's what you showed me, y'know." Himeragi said, making Aomine's eyes enlarge in shock. He didn't have to know what she meant but she just wanted to put it out there, as food for thought.

"Aomine-kun. Let's head back to practice." Himeragi glanced at Aomine again, who didn't look like he was going to move.

"Don't come back to practice until you've cooled your head and aren't going to storm out like you did before. We'll wait however many days." she said, leaving them to talk as the clouds began to thicken. Aomine didn't even want to look at Kuroko because he knew what kind of look was on Kuroko's face, one of confusion and hurt.

"There's no point in going back. The harder I try, the worst I feel. Should I continue to listen to you and thoroughly crush opponents that have already lost their will to fight?" The look on Aomine's face looked like a sneer, as if he was mocking Kuroko and at first, he was frightened.

"I understand that but—"

"Understand? What could you possibly understand? A guy like you, who can't do anything by himself?" Aomine's voice raised, as Kuroko could tell that he was nearing his self-control, no longer filtering his words. His words about how he wished to be born like Kuroko made the latter angry.

"I'm also envious of Aomine-kun and everyone else. But since I can't dunk, that's why I work so hard on my passes—"

"Passes? To who? Kise? Midorima? Murasakibara? Or me? When I can win without your passes?" Feeling teary, Kuroko thought that was the last straw. "Even though it hasn't been that long, I don't even know how to receive your passes anymore." Kuroko could no longer keep it together. Aomine's expression showed that he had given up on him and everyone else. Without thinking as well, Kuroko let out what he honestly thought, fighting his tears.

"Aomine-kun, if I were to be bluntly honest, I think you're overreacting." Aomine, being drenched by the rain, was shocked by Kuroko's words. Instead of backing down and crying, Kuroko didn't give in because he wanted to give Aomine a piece of his mind. "People just don't fall out of the sky when you want them to appear. To question why you love basketball, when you're this young, I don't think that's right." It wasn't just Aomine that loved basketball; Kuroko loved it just as much. The past few weeks felt like an endless competition of who was more affected by others' lack of will to fight. Kuroko was tired of hearing the same things and being hurt by someone that was hurting others by not knowing what he could do to cope with his own sadness.

"What am I supposed to do when nothing excites me about it anymore?!"

"That's your individual problem." Because he wasn't expecting Kuroko to be so firm and blunt, Aomine was shocked. "My basketball relies on a functioning team. You, Generation of Miracles are exceptional but right now we're all a team. I know that you don't need my passes anymore but we won't scrap, for example, Akashi-kun's position." After thinking long and hard about it, Kuroko realized he wanted to help Aomine but knew he couldn't, at least not until he could beat him. But in the meantime, he couldn't continue being a moping mess as well, as that wouldn't do anyone any favors.

"I already said I don't need your passes anymore." He said, no longer having the will to fight. Kuroko, although hurt, was also angry with his attitude.

"I also don't want to pass to you anymore." Aomine's eyes widened at the look of rage on Kuroko's face; although he was small, that look was not any less menacing. Realizing that he was turning even his best friends against him, Aomine resigned to being alone.

"Fine." Kuroko made no effort to bring him back, as he didn't want to be the one to tell Aomine what he said that was hurtful. Clenching his fist, he let the rain continue falling on him, knowing that in the case of Kise, Murasakibara and Midorima, they could also obtain the ball by themselves.

"Isn't the penalty the head coach put on Aominecchi too lenient?" The rest of the players in the gym heard about Sanada's decision to leave Aomine out of the next practice game, deciding that based on his attitude for further practices, he'll decide if he wants to demote him. Although Akashi agreed it was best to put some sort of penalty on Aomine for his behavior, he figured there was pushback from the higher-ups.

"I don't know what the head coach's true intentions are but I share your sentiments."

"Hm, about that~ Aka-chin… I don't like losing so I've kept coming for practice up till now but if we can win without that, I don't wanna have to do it either~ If Mine-chin can do it, I was thinking, maybe I should stop practicing too~ "

"Don't say such ridiculous things. There's no way I can permit that."

"The reason why I've been following Aka-chin all this time is because I felt that no matter what, I could never win against Aka-chin. But recently I've begun to feel that maybe that isn't the case. I don't wanna listen to someone weaker than me~"

"What did you say Murasakibara?" Everyone standing behind them gasped.

"I said, I don't want to listen to someone weaker than me~"

"What are you saying Mukkun?! You're joking right?! And if you fight, the coach will…"

"Out of my way Momoi." He grabbed her shoulder with a look of pure anger all across his face. "I won't let this slide, Murasakibara. The captain doesn't necessarily have to be the strongest player on the team but it's a different matter entirely when you're speaking so openly against me. If you only listen to force, then force I must use." He picked up a basketball and dribbled it. "A one-on-one. The first to take five points wins."

"Akashi-!" Midorima started without even taking a step forward. Something about the way Akashi was acting gave him chills and made him unable to stop Akashi's declaration of war. As Momoi, Kise and Midorima hoped for Himeragi's return or for anyone to stop this, the game began. Because they all had so much trust in Akashi, they were shocked by Murasakibara's powerful blocks that stopped Akashi from scoring. The score was 0-4 and the look in Akashi's eyes changed to one of desperation.

"I thought you were harder to beat… But I guess that's it?" He took another look at the score and wondered if there was even a point to finishing the match. "Honestly… I'm a little disappointed. Yeah I don't think I can listen to someone this weak. Nope~" As Momoi looked on in horror, she wished more than ever that Himeragi was here.

"I… Akashi Seijūrō, am going to lose? No, something like that… I can't let that happen…! I must win because otherwise…" the moments when he dropped his hardened facade to spend time with Himeragi and the other basketball team members flashed in his mind. Then the strict words of his father left the last impression on his mind before he emptied his thoughts.

"Mukkun, please stop this! This game doesn't mean that Akashi-kun is weak!" Momoi pleaded but to no avail. Murasakibara didn't listen to her.

"Akashi-kun, don't!" Everyone looked at Himeragi, who just arrived and was already trying to deter him from doing something when he was about to lose to the player that openly went against him. As he stood there listening to her voice, he realized there was history between the two. As Akashi marched over to grab her wrist, he held a staring contest with her for a few seconds to ascertain whether or not she knew that, before deciding that it didn't matter. He could not forgo a moment to reclaim his title as captain.

"I'm sorry," she heard him whisper as she tried to stop him before he let go of her wrist and walked in front of her. The air in the gym changed, as for some reason, everyone felt a heavy pressure to stay where they were, unable to move. Despite hearing her voice, he forced his second ability to the surface as the aura around him suddenly intensified.

"I, who always wins, am always right." He slapped the ball out of Murasakibara's hands and out of bounds. Murasakibara began to shake when he saw the persona change in Akashi. "You're getting ahead of yourself Atsushi. Don't make me angry. I'll kill anyone that opposes me, even my parents." Murasakibara's mentality was shaken to the core; Akashi's gaze pierced right through him and made him lose all the strength in his legs, leading to Akashi easily scoring a three pointer. When Murasakibara once again slipped when he tried to obtain the ball from Akashi, he sat on the gym floor in shock, as everyone watched in horror. Himeragi refused to keep watching and jumped into the match, stopping Akashi's lay-up. Surprising everyone, the ball rolled over to the sidelines and she hugged Akashi with her entire body to stop him from moving.

"B-Body check?!" Kise and Midorima were the most horrified by the turn of events. Murasakibara was still quite shaken but also confused by what Himeragi was doing.

"Isn't it enough now? You would've won the match." she said, as Momoi gasped at what was happening. Akashi and Murasakibara were immobilized. No one moved. "Whether or not you win, you're amazing, Akashi-kun." He didn't move because he recalled her saying that exact phrase when they were younger. With the addition of his mother's words, Akashi suddenly realized the girl locked away in his memories was Himeragi all along. "That goes for all of you in the First String! Mukkun, of course you're strong and an amazing center. But you think I'm going to let this fight slide? Our school wins because we put our trust in our leadership!" No one looked away from her when she yelled. She was right; they had all been afraid and couldn't move an inch to do anything. "Since no one lifted a finger to stop this fight, I'm going to tell Sanada coach and punishment involving increased footwork will be imposed!" Now everyone groaned. Although it was right that they should have been punished for letting this situation escalate, laps and any type of agility practice were… horrendous.

"Eh… please don't, Azu-chin. I get it… I'll keep coming to practice, isn't that fine?" The look on her face showed that it was not fine, as Kise gulped for Murasakibara.

"About that… It's fine. Do whatever you want. Just keep winning all our matches."

"What are you saying Akashi?! That's exactly the opposite—" Midorima realized that this was the Akashi with the cold personality he feared from before and became hasty. The sound of his sneaker hitting the gym floor got Akashi to look in his direction.

"I realized it during that one-on-one. At our level, it's pointless to try to get everyone to work together. I can even say that it's even more efficient to not work together." Himeragi side-glanced at the current Akashi. She could see why others were afraid of him and sighed.

"What…? But that sounds as if you're saying we should abandon team play…"

"That's right. It's only natural in order to win, we choose the form of play that best allows players to maximize their strength. For us the 'Miracles,' team play is only a hindrance. So yes, that's exactly what I want." Midorima and Murasakibara looked in Himeragi's direction, realizing that she wasn't particularly perturbed by this new decision.

"Since Akashi-kun has made the decision, we should obey it." Himeragi said, as Kise and Midorima called her name, as if to stop her from complying. It wasn't like her and if she just gave into listening to this Akashi they would feel even more lost. "However, if you don't come to practice or pull something like this during practice, you'll face the consequences." For some odd reason, this Akashi's intimidation was not enough to make Himeragi waver, as she talked like she normally would. After sighing, Akashi stepped forward. He supposed she was right.

"Whether it be your underdeveloped physical abilities or punishment from the head coach, you skip practice, at your own discretion. That's all for today." His frightening gaze made everyone obey as they cleared out. Murasakibara no longer had the energy to argue. Akashi, without a doubt, could have scored that last lay-up and defeated him within a minute.

"Mukkun." Himeragi stopped him and held onto his shaking left hand. Kise and Midorima stayed to watch, wondering where Himeragi stood in this mess. "I'm angry that you openly opposed the captain." she said, depositing a bag of cookies into his hand. He was shocked because of the irony of the situation: she was scolding him and rewarding him at the same time.

"Azu-chin…" He didn't really know what to say, besides the fact that basketball was becoming a pain and he thought that if Aomine could storm out, he could too. This was precisely the reason Himeragi couldn't allow Aomine to just leave without getting some sort of retribution for it.

"Rest well and cool down, Mukkun. I understand why you did it but right now, you all are a team. If this happens again, I promise you, it will end even worse, for all of you." The look on her face wasn't angry but rather, pensive, as she probably thought of the worst outcome already. Midorima noticed her point about them being a team "right now" and nodded his head, understanding that no matter what was said at this point, it wouldn't help the current tension. When they all left, Akashi turned to Himeragi, who stayed.

"Vice President," she couldn't detect any affection in the way in which he called her by her title and turned around. "I am the captain of the Teikō basketball team. Do not overstep your bounds and interfere." Himeragi knew she couldn't abide by that because if an internal conflict happened again, she would be attempting the same behavior, even if she knew she couldn't.

"I honestly think that if a situation arises, I won't listen." she said, still not frightened by his demeanor. "You're not a different person. You're Akashi-kun. Yes your eye color changed and your eyes got a bit smaller [I think] but you haven't changed." The memories that both Akashis had hidden away were resurfacing, now that they recognized her. But that was what irritated them the most: why was she here now?

"Oh really?" When he stepped closer, she stayed where she was, knowing it was a tactic to scare her.

"Please stop trying to intimidate me. Because you've accomplished your goal of earning everyone's respect, you don't need to go as far as to isolate yourself like this."

"You seem to be misunderstanding my notion of success and thereby my happiness." When he pinned her to the wall, she looked up at him with furrowed eyebrows. While she was assessing his demeanor, he was assessing something unrelated: whether or not she shared the same memories as him. She didn't seem to remember and he thought it was better off that way.

"You won't believe in the memories we've all shared… Will you?" Those sanguine matters… he disposed of them right after winning the match against Murasakibara.

"It's over, the idea that we can just enjoy our time as miracles." His realistic statement hurt her and they both knew that. But Himeragi was tenacious; she still had so many things she wanted to say.

"I know you care for team play." The more he heard these optimistic ideas come out of her mouth, the more he wanted to end the conversation.

"I can understand if you're saying that from the lens that I am a point guard but I can easily shift the team's offense strategy to individually scoring. So, that's enough, Vice-President." She figured he'd keep up this change in the way he addressed and decided to throw it right back at him.

"President!" she yelled as his eyes narrowed. "Your true power lies in your ability to bring out their strengths, just like how you instructed Kuroko. No matter how much you continue to deny it, I still believe this to be true." He needed some time to properly process the change in his personalities but as usual, her words made him introspective. What she said was certainly true of his former personality but given this girl was close to that Akashi, he was putting up more of a fight, even after the switch happened. He stared into her resolute eyes for a few seconds, before withdrawing his arm from the gym door.

"I don't believe in what you say I believe in. The current me… no longer believes in the past." he said, turning to leave. Himeragi missed his implication about the past being further than what she was expecting but she remembered something he promised to her and Shirogane.

"What about our promise to keep the team together?"

"The team is together. It will be more efficient if it focuses on individual scoring." His heterochromatic eyes widened as he smiled, having conviction that this was the best answer. Himeragi's eyes widened, unable to read into his gestures because there was nothing to read into: his one and only answer was victory. Believing this was odd, she stayed quiet, trying to analyze a way into his mind, around this topic, since he wasn't budging. But he didn't want to play this game and walked away.

"Please think of other things, besides victory!" she said, not stopping him in his tracks, as she realized her last resort was futile after all. As Himeragi accepted that Akashi didn't care for harmony as much as she did, she fell to a crouch, realizing that she was shaking the entire time.