As a Team, We are the Strongest A.K.A. Are all Captains Scary!?
Rated: T
Warning: Language, make sure you don't mind that! OOC! The Author has no idea what they're doing!
Parings: Who needs OTP or Ships, when you have a life! ((No refunds))
[A/n]
Oh. When did I start this reaction fic? Ah, in February, and I've last updated in March since I'm doing this with Interlude. I've taken such a long break, so, I might have become rusty on writing the characters. Don't expect perfect reasonable in Character reactions. Also, it'll take a while before I start editing stories again.
Edit: Reviewing my own story had made me realized there's little reaction. Looks like the Omake would be on hold.
Do you plan to read another fiction or regular fiction in the future?
No, I don't plan them reading any other fiction besides what Forlorn Story Teller had made. The bonus stories would be OMAKE or stories related to the Eclipse of Kuroko Tetsuya. As it'll take more time to copy stories and make their reaction on the same book. Especially when I'm losing motivation to make reactions, as I'm doing another story right now.
[Update: Creatively block, and I am planning to make another reaction fic, although, it won't be the KnB anime/manga]
Hiroshi gulped down the water and open the book to read out the title, "As a team, we are the strongest."
The Generation of Miracles excluding Kuroko and including Kagami and Tōō's members couldn't help but feel they're being targeted with the title. While Kuroko and Seirin nodded at the name of the chapter, after all, they've won through hard work, and as a team!
"You don't call a simple act of friendship, teamwork."
(Aida Kagetora to Seirin Team).
"Otou-san?" Riko whispered as she heard her fathers voicing out the wise quote.
While the players sweatdrop at the scene before them, and couldn't help compare the Seirin's captain's furious expression to their own respective captains... Now they think about it, as all captains scary? Is that supposed to be required when someone is in the position?
Kagami was used to scary peoples, ranging from his mom to random street things in America. Alex was scary too when she was in her Spartan mode, and don't forget Tatsuya who was never above tricks and deceit to get his way.
Himuro raised an eyebrow and looked at his surrogate brother with an amused smile plastered into the raven head beauty's face. Seeing the redhead was spewing bullshit excuses. The Yōsen's small forward patted the taller male's head, which led for the main Power Forward of Seirin's to blushed, realizing Tatsuya's intention all along. Himuro being evil isn't that far it seems.
Okay, the last one made Tatsuya sound a bit like a villain but that was not the point here.
'Lie! Tatsuya is very evil! A vile older brother! Nothing can my mind!' A certain tiger player hotly thought.
His list of scary people was never ranked but he was sure his mom was on the top if he ever bothered. Now that list had two new additions, Hyuuga Junpei and Aida Riko, his new captain and coach. He had no idea why oh why... He agreed to take responsibility for challenging Kuroko one on one last night. Then again Kuroko never elaborates the responsibility part to him, but maybe the bastard was doing this on purpose.
"But didn't Phantom-kun already warned you, Tora-kun*?" Takao, being the mischievous little shit he is, provokes the tiger without a second thought.
"I! No he! No... Kagami... Argh! Other me didn't know! He barely knew the coach nor Taichou*!" Kagami tried to defend his counterpart, which didn't convince anyone who didn't think it was a teasing matter like Shūtoku's Point Guard.
"Mmk," The raven head didn't bother to hide his amused smile.
And for the aerial player seeing the smile, a vine emerges on the tall redhead player's head, "And don't call me Tora!"
"So... It's you who challenge Kuroko-kun?" Riko looked scary enough daily with her coach from hell attitude she displayed yesterday, but now she was scarier in her mama bear attitude. "I told him to rest, so why you just have to screw that precious off day I forced on him!" Since when was a day off forced? Kagami wondered.
The rest of the players, who didn't know Kuroko or anyone who isn't from Teikō, also wondered this. Fortunately, their questions were answered.
Riko scoffed, "When I met a troublesome overworking Kōhai*!"
Kasamatsu raised an eyebrow, from what he'd gather from the book of the youngsters were reading, Kuroko is quite hardworking till he drops dead and be admitted to a hospital, but the former Captain of Kaijō believed they're exaggerating quite a bit. Considering the full year he'd spent with one Miracle member, Teikō seems pretty lax with talented people.
Hyūga saw confused glint his fellow f̶̷̶o̶̷̶r̶̷̶m̶̷̶e̶̷̶r̶̷̶ captains and Izuki's fellow vice-captains, he decided to explain it out loud, and maybe somewhat scold Kuroko indirectly.
"Kuroko is quite hardworking, to the point we force to tie him down or bribe him to take a break, which damages our wallets quite a lot," the players' sweatdrop at the last part said loudly, "And any punishment we gave him or threaten to double or triple fold his training, he'll just take it, so it won't be punishment." The players look thoughtful at the bipolar captain's explanation.
While Hyuuga eye twitch and a vine pop on the glasses teens fist when the History Otaku. The trouble of the teal-haired phantom player of Seirin had put them to force him to rest. Junpei sighed, as he couldn't help but think about how Kuroko's former captain handle this.
"You have guts firstie..." Hyuuga hissed as his glasses glinted under the light.
Seriously... What's their problem with one measly one on one game? It was not like Kuroko was going to drop dead because of it or anything!
A wooden pencil broke in the female brunette coach's hand out of frustration, "In the future, he will! Make sure you don't do it again! And if you did..." Aida threatened the tall redhead Seirin player.
"I didn't even do that! It was the other me!" Kagami shamelessly pointed the blame on his alternate self, even if they quite the same, both physically and personality-wise.
Riko's eye twitch, "It's still you Baka! You're both of the same!" The female coach waved her clipboard, tempted to fling it to a Bakagami's head, and hopefully make him smart. ̶̷̶A̶̷̶n̶̷̶d̶̷̶ ̶̷̶m̶̷̶a̶̷̶y̶̷̶b̶̷̶e̶̷̶ ̶̷̶v̶̷̶e̶̷̶n̶̷̶t̶̷̶ ̶̷̶o̶̷̶u̶̷̶t̶̷̶ ̶̷̶h̶̷̶e̶̷̶r̶̷̶ ̶̷̶f̶̷̶r̶̷̶u̶̷̶s̶̷̶t̶̷̶r̶̷̶a̶̷̶t̶̷̶i̶̷̶o̶̷̶n̶̷̶ ̶̷̶a̶̷̶t̶̷̶ ̶̷̶i̶̷̶t̶̷̶.̶̷̶
On second thought forget killing the guy for leaving an ominous note of prediction of if he played against the Miracles. Kagami still wanted to be breathing and playing basketball, revenge on Kuroko would wait for later.
"Argh!" He definitely didn't deserve to get this Boston Crab to lock on him! Kagami groaned in pain as Riko, the girl who was barely half his size, locked him in a painful position. "Give up! Give... Give up!" He moaned painfully as slamming his palm against the floor repeatedly.
Was this girl really a basketball coach? She should be a female wrestler instead!
Riko sighed as she released the redhead that crawled out to stay away from her. This was the first practice session and Kuroko despite already being warned accepted the challenge. If she didn't know him, Riko would have threatened to triple Kuroko's training menu as punishment. But let's face the fact that despite his low stamina and tendency to fall asleep in the middle of training Kuroko was a training freak, and if not stopped the boy could go on practicing until he ran out of battery. So, the threat of triple training won't work on Kuroko. That sneaky phantom player still taking every chance in his off day to touch a basketball, and Riko really wondered what's the point of establishing Kuroko-kun's annual day off if it was easier to tie him down in a roll of futon for him to get more efficient rest.
Riko blinked, forgetting her frustration, and took a note of her counterpart's thoughts since they usually tie-down Kuroko to the bench or a chair.
And unknown to Riko, Seirin's Phantom Players is thinking of multiple escape plans on avoiding being tied into anything. While thanking and praying for his counterpart's expense.
The reason she gave him a day off this time or rather ordering him to be that the basketball idiot slept in a public court after exhausting himself a day before school started, luckily it was spring, so the weather was quite warm.
Wakamatsu let out a pained smile on why his senpai draws the short end of the stick or straw, whatever. It's just unfair on how Seirin got the most normal Miracle. Wouldn't it be nice to have a polite, and hardworking Kōhai? Sure, he may be weak, but, the blonde rather have the weak over the rude, lazy, and perverted one. A little worry isn't much.
Imagine their panic when they found the teal-haired teen sleeping like the dead the morning before the first day of school. The Fujiwara's were so worried; hopefully knowing someone would be worried sick would stop Kuroko from his bad habit. She didn't expect him to stop completely though but at least he should ask someone from the team to accompany him so they would be less worried.
Riko noted down to have someone keep an eye on Kuroko, but the only problem is who?
"Are you okay Kagami-kun?" Kuroko asked worriedly to the Power Forward who sat on the bench rubbing his sore waist.
"I thought I almost saw the light," Kagami said in a depressed tone, looking up as if recalling the painful experience.
Kuroko raised an eyebrow, as expected of the coach; Kagami was properly punished or rather scarred for life. "You are exaggerating, you are nowhere near dying Kagami-kun." On the first day, someone was already traumatized, and the toughest looking one to boot.
"I have a question," Kagami said in a dazed voice.
"Yeah?" Kuroko asked curiously. "What is it?"
"What's wrong with the captain one minute he seems like an okay guy and the next he is cussing and acted like a banchou (gang leader). Is it a split personality or something?" He asked curiously.
Izuki looked up in a moment of inspiration, "Banchou split is–" The Point Guard stop in mid-sentence to only see his captain looking at him murderously. The Ikea-man of Seirin quietly wrote the rest in the notebook, without saying it out loud.
Kuroko sighed at that, "Something like that, but it's just how he acts when in clutch mode, so expect him to be cussing in the heat of a match."
"Seriously?"
"And when he is extremely annoyed and angry, you will get used to it," Kuroko assured him.
Kagami nodded hesitantly, "One more question then."
"Yes?"
"Can we play one on one again?" He asked eagerly.
Fukuda paused to look at the text and the audio he'd heard and seen. And it seems the other players shared the same opinion.
"Wow... Kagamichi is like Aominechi," Kise pointed out, which all of the Miracles except one agree.
Kagami and Aomine both bristled, "I'm not like that Baka/Aho!" Both Power Foward shouted in disagreement. And it took 3 seconds for both basketball idiots to process what happened, "Hah?! Who are you calling Baka/Aho!?" Both asked each other at the same time again. "Stop copying me!"
The tall redhead basketball player's body twitches, as he realized if he and the Aho continued arguing, Kuroko would intervene by jabbing a sensitive muscle since he doesn't know what part of the body. "Tsk..."
[A/n: I've honestly wanted to make Kagami ask the same question to Kuroko, but I can't fit that in this if only an alternate timeline of reaction can be made.]
"..." Kuroko stared at the taller teen; on second thought, he's not properly traumatized or just too stupid.
"Oi! I'm not stupid!" Kagami proclaimed loudly, which the rest ignored or responded in an eye roll.
"..."
Kuroko turned around, facing the coach and captain who were discussing the training menu of the day. "Coach, Kagami-kun is Okay... He is nowhere near dying."
"Oi!" Kagami yelled, did he have to announce such a thing?!
"This means we can do the mini-game," Kuroko said with a gleam on his eyes.
Kagami at once brightened at the idea of playing with their seniors, he didn't really get the system of competition in Japan but from the explanation, his fellow freshmen provided to him yesterday their seniors were no slouch. This would be fun!
Kuroko, Hyuuga, and Riko watched as Kagami grinned while rubbing his hands together. They sweat-dropped at the sight; this guy was so easy to read. Izuki suddenly came out from behind them and tapped Kuroko's shoulder, "Ha ha ha... What a pure-hearted kid, so unlike that surrogate brother of his."
The Mirage shooter tilted his head and look thoughtful for a moment. It seems the 'They' in the last chapter may be the Seirin, but why are the Seirin in America?
Hyuuga nodded in agreement, "Yeah to think this pure-hearted basketball idiot grew up with a black-hearted man like him..." Himuro Tatsuya was not a bad person, but no one could deny he was black-hearted when the situation calls for it.
"Your quite hypocritical saying he's a black-hearted man when you are yourself, captain!" Izuki cheerfully pointed out, which earned the Egal-eye player a heated death glare. And Shun totally didn't cower from the glare. Nope.
"You are not one to talk about being black-hearted captain," Izuki said which earned him a glare of death from Hyuuga. "On second thought, forget what I said," he said sheepishly.
Kuroko sighed; Izuki always got on their captain's nerve then again, it's just in Hyuuga's nature. "Izuki-senpai, I will count on you."
Akashi subtly managed to not look uninterested at what Seirin's Phantom player said.
Izuki smiled at that then raised his fist, which was accepted by Kuroko. "Of course, after all... I am your eye in the court."
Akashi inwardly frowned at the implication until it hit him. Of course, Kuroko might've been effective with any light, but one can... What a scary combination, more than the Light-Shadow duo.
While Izuki perked up.
The corner of his lips twitched, "Yes..."
Izuki grinned then a struck of inspiration came to him, and everyone in the vicinity who knew his lame pun groaned. "Eye... Which means spy! Kanchō!" Kuroko and the rest of the Seirin Team got a bad feeling as to where this pun was heading towards, their captain especially. But no one moved to stop Izuki's scribbling and his mouth spoke out the pun of the day.
"Kaichou ga Kaichou ni kanchou shimasu - The spy is giving an enema to captain."
"..."
"..."
The black-haired teen paused to read the words he'd wrote to only realized how wrong it sounded regarding him, and any type of captains in the room.
Hyuuga cracked his knuckled in an imitation matter, "Iiiiizuuuuuuuukiiiiiiii!" He shouted, to punch Seirin's vice-captain's head. Hard.
While Fukuda was trying to stop any form of laughter escape his mouth, as he can't afford to die yet. So, Hiroshi settled on drinking water before continuing to read and trying to look at the screen at the same time.
Unfortunately, Izuki was loud and loud enough to be heard by all occupants of the gym. Hyuuga was seeing red and his fingers were itching to tear Izuki apart and stuffed him in a matchbox. Kuroko looked stoic as ever but if you looked closely his left eyebrow was twitching. Riko looked torn between a laugh and scolding Izuki.
Mitobe, Tsuchida, and Koganei who was seating on the bench crossed their fingers and prayed for Izuki's soul. The first years looked scandalized although they didn't really get whom the spy was referring to, to hear the word enema and captain in one sentence was enough to scar their minds with the image. Kagami on the other hand stared at Izuki, wondering if the PG was crazy or just too stupid. He had to be, to make fun of their scary captain! Blinking he returned to his daydreaming and fiddling with the ball in his hand.
Izuki himself just realized what he said and how wrong it sounded regarding him and Hyuuga. He didn't mean it that way or talking about Hyuuga who happened to be a captain!
Hyuuga crackled his knuckle, smiling at the eagle-eyed PG, and Izuki gulped at the sight of the murderous captain. "Kuroko, do you mind if I kill your precious senpai over there?"
"Well... Izuki-senpai should see this coming." Kuroko said helpfully.
Izuki gulped, "Kuroko... Help me please?"
"Take responsibility for your actions." The phantom player advises then turned to their captain who was now grinning like a psycho, the sight would have scared any normal person, but with a former captain like Akashi... Hyuuga looked like a cute kitten.
A vine was visible on Hyūga's forehead, indicating the bipolar teen was pissed. What's with people younger than him who are trying to make him pissed?
Not that Kuroko would ever say it out loud; he was never one to be suicidal. "Just keep him alive so Izuki-senpai can still participate in the mini-game."
"Roger," Hyuuga said with a maniacal grin as he grabbed a hold on Izuki's shoulder.
"NOOOOOO! Save me Kurokooooo," Izuki wailed helplessly.
The freshmen excluding Kagami (who was stilled daydreaming), wondered if it's not too late to withdraw their application and go to a saner club or better yet transfer to a different school.
Aomine unexpectedly came to the second day of practice much to the Tōō's upperclassmen's shock.
Tōō was also shocked, as they didn't remember the Blue-clad teen came to the second day of practice.
Of course, they were not expecting much because Aomine just took a nap on the stage of the gym after he tossed the ball to the hoop; easily a couple of times, or maybe it was shot but it looked more like tossing to them.
It was impressive that none of them missed though.
The screen showed a cute chibi form Aomine carelessly throwing a bunch of basketballs.
"Uh..."
The players looked disturbed, as they've never considered thinking the lazy pervert player to be cute. If anything, they're quite disturbed. And if anything, if Aomine wasn't in his head thinking why his counterpart went to practice, then he'll be quite offended to see such faces.
Wakamatsu grunted at the sight of napping Aomine, it seems that he just came to mark himself as present in this practice session with those half-hearted shots. Yeah, he could say he did do something to Momoi later this way. The Center of Tōō wanted to yell at their ace but stopped himself since Imayoshi told him to ignore Aomine as much as he could. Imayoshi already had too much on his plate to deal with a fuss this early at the start of the new school year.
The Center however couldn't help but wonder how that Akashi and the phantom player handled a player as troublesome as Aomine. The skill was one thing, but they couldn't have let Aomine loose in Teikō, especially since there was a whole team of players the same level as Aomine to handle. Especially that Sixth Phantom Player who was Aomine's partner. While his reputation was vague from the rumors, what he heard from Imayoshi said this guy was decent at least. Not to mention putting up with this kind of guy for three years.
Aomine opened one eye when he felt someone's shadow blocking the light, "What do you want senpai?" Aomine asked lazily.
Wakamatsu gritted his teeth, remember Kōsuke... The captain is counting on you to not start a brawl with this brat, he chanted on his mind. So how should he start a nice and civil conversation? Which NBA player is your favorite? What're your favorite sports drink? That sounded friendly... Yosh!
Aomine blinked, was the conversion going to happen much earlier? Oh, this is going to be awkward as hell. Considering Wakamatsu blurred out why he and Momoi aren't a couple at some point in the conversation. Of course, Aomine–
"What kind of guy is the sixth phantom player?" Wakamatsu blurted out without second thought and then froze when he realized what he just asked.
"The f*ck?" The dark-skinned teen cursed in confusion.
"Language, Aomine-kun." A certain polite member of the Generation of the Miracles scolded his ex-light.
But Aomine ignores his ex-partner, as he's sure his alternate self wouldn't take the question lightly considering his counterpart and Tetsu's counterpart terms with each other isn't great.
While Wakamatsu grimace when he heard the alternate version of him had said. The lighter blonde wouldn't be mad if his Kōhai would react rudely, as he already saw the somewhat past of the Generation of Miracles.
Aomine sat up then blinked owlishly at him, mouth agape at his senior. Wakamatsu blinked back; this was unexpected... Aomine looked like he was caught off guard by this question. Wakamatsu couldn't help but felt a bit smug to see Aomine in this situation.
Aomine jolted, realizing what kind of his face he was making in front of Wakamatsu.
"None of your business." He hissed; it was meant to sound indifferent but Aomine was never that good at hiding his emotions.
"I asked nicely! At least don't use that kind of tone at me!" Wakamatsu snapped and the ace didn't even dignify it with a response. "WOI!"
Aomine scowled, "Shut up!" He yelled angrily as he jumped off of the stage, and then went out of the gym in record time without running. Wakamatsu would have called him out but Aomine emitted an aura that made him stop in his tracks.
Imayoshi sighed silently, as the creepy physic black-haired former captain felt tired, even if the problem isn't directed at him.
There was silence as all members of the basketball club of Tōō watched the exit of their ace. It was their coach Katsunori followed by Imayoshi who broke the silence with their entrance. Imayoshi raised an eyebrow at the state his fellow players were in.
Katsunori crossed his arms, ready to launch a lecture for stopping their practice. "What's going on here?" He demanded.
Imayoshi sighed, "I saw Aomine stormed off just now, who set him off?" Then he turned to Wakamatsu who flushed a deep red, in that state he won't be able to answer coherently for sure.
Unexpectedly it was their timid SG who approached the coach and captain, "Anooo... Aomine-san was talking with Wakamatsu-senpai the suddenly he yelled angrily, everyone was startled... and then..."
Katsunori rubbed the bridge of his nose, "He stormed off like that?" The coach finished, "Wakamatsu, come here for a while."
The Center groaned, "Hai!"
The Tōō's coach crossed his arms as he stared down at Wakamatsu who sat on the bench located in the secluded corner of the gym. "What were you talking about with Aomine-kun?" He asked curtly.
Wakamatsu grumbled, "I asked what kind of guy the phantom sixth player is..."
"..."
"... Why would you ask such a question?" Katsunori asked tiredly.
He didn't have much personal information about the Generation of Miracles since they were such a secretive group and Momoi won't spill.
The Teikō graduates raised an eyebrow, physically or mentally. They're not quite secretive, especially with Midorima unless Oha-Sha 'warned' him to be extra careful with secrets.
Judging from how protective Akashi Seijūrō was with his former teammates, each of them was tight-lipped about it too. Since the very first time he laid his eyes on Aomine, he knew this child was lonely on the top and it was painful to watch.
"... What?" Aomine whispered in confusion. As he doesn't understand what his current coach's thought about him.
While in the captain's area, all of the Captains in the area with the exception of Okamura, all have the same thoughts. The first time they've met their own respected Miracles, they couldn't help but worry for them, as they saw them withering. It's a miracle that they got their own reality check. Pun intended for a certain bad joker.
He was not one to sympathize but watching such a talented player withered on the top of his pedestal would send any professional coach like him to tears. Exaggerating maybe especially he didn't shed any tears, but that's not the point.
The five prodigies in the Generation of Miracles couldn't help but frown, it may have been directed to their former Ace, but the comment of a talented player withered on the top of his pedestal was indirectly aimed at them. And they couldn't help, but remember third year of middle school, it was such a dark time for them, and for other middle schoolers.
Wakamatsu was a talented Center he scouted all the way to Okinawa, the teen was hotheaded, but he would be a good captain after Imayoshi retired. If only this boy could get along or at least be civil with Aomine...
"I'm curious..." Wakamatsu said hesitantly, "Of what kind of guy partnered with that... Aomine." The word bastard was on the tip of his tongue but held it because Coach undoubtedly wouldn't appreciate the foul language regarding a teammate.
The corner of his lips twitched at the answer, "Is that so?" He wondered demurely, and the continued. "I met him one..." that time the boy came with his former captain after he sent the refusal letter because Katsunori tried to snoop around about them after that. Let's say facing Akashi Seijūrō was not a pleasant experience, especially if a verbal argument was involved.
Shoichi pushed his glasses up to his bridge nose, while silently plotting how to win against the small redhead captain. Just to see if he's worthy enough to be in his and Makoto-chan's little 'club'. Although he's sure the redhead captain would be in either way, but Kuroko Tetsuya on the other hand...
Wakamatsu looked up to his coach, "Eh?"
Imayoshi tilted his head to the side, "You met him, Coach? Can you tell us then?" He asked curiously.
Katsunori tapped his chin in a thoughtful pose, "I don't see why not." He replied, "Hm... How to describe him..." He wondered thoughtfully, "I guess you could say he is the very opposite of Aomine."
"No shit, Sherlock," Wakamatsu quietly grumbled.
"Eh?"
"He is very short for a basketball player while Aomine is tall..." He began the comparison, "He is soft-spoken and polite and very reserved. Overall a very pleasant boy." Katsunori concluded.
Wakamatsu couldn't resist commenting, "he and Aomine sound like day and night."
Katsunori coughed, "that statement fist them more than you think." Especially considering their skin tone, eye, and hair color.
"Heh?!"
Imayoshi quirked an eyebrow, "But they worked well right?"
"Yes," Katsunori said, inwardly snorted at the statement. "Now... Continue your training."
"Hai!"
The reason he wanted Kuroko Tetsuya for Tōō was more than just his skill as the phantom player but compatibility with Aomine.
Aomine sat straighter, not bothering to hide his interest in why his coach wanted Tetsu on the team.
The tanned teen might didn't need help any more with his current skill but Katsunori could get someone else as the light.
Both former and current lights of Kuroko Tetsuya bristle on the prospect of having another partner, that isn't them.
While Kuroko sighed at both faces of the basketball idiots, who he both called best friends. While he doesn't mind anyone being his light, the only problem would be his distaste of individual play as he knows he won't be compatible with that player.
Teiko's coach was his former teammate when he was a national payer, and he was given the privilege to watch prized videos of Teiko's team in the preliminaries of their second year.
There were many videos of Teiko's Generation of Miracles taken throughout the years but the only ones Teikō took themselves showed the full extent of the skills of the ultimate team. Especially only on their phantom player could be seen, videos were taken by outsiders only showed the ball as it flew all over the place. Katsunori could still recall vividly the short video his former teammates reluctantly showed him. The light and shadow duo of Teikō, their play was a work of art that left even a former national player like him in awe. It was perfect synchronization between the free-spirited play of Aomine and the refined phantom player of Kuroko Tetsuya.
Such a waste to unable to acquire another half of the trump card of the Generation of Miracles.
Kuroko sniffed, he wondered why he sneezed in this warm gym.
Tatsuya looked in awe when he heard Taiga's partner sneeze. Himuro may not look like it, but he doesn't believe in the 'sayings', like you sneeze randomly because someone is talking about you. But to see and hear the old saying was correct had somewhat awed the black-heart teen. Tatsuya wondered what other sayings are correct.
He was watching the match between first years and second years, and frankly, he was not happy to be left out. Clipboard papers and pen in hand as he wrote down his observation. The coach was still punishing him for accepting Kagami's challenge last night it seemed.
Riko blinked then grinned as she wrote what she'd heard. Good to know there's a punishment that Kuroko hated and not enjoyed.
While Akashi's eyes gleamed full curiosity, intelligence, and intrigue, considering he'd only witness thinking a bit in choosing the next regulars for Teikō. It'll be interesting to see the one person who seems to go beyond his expectation and which he can't predict fully.
So far Kagami had dominated the game by playing as a solo super scorer, not that the Power Forward completely neglect his teammates, but it was obvious Kagami used to be assisted not assisting. This was not a bad thing actually, especially since this team was formed just a few minutes ago when their seniors were playing as a team since last year. They were doing a pretty good job holding their own ground.
Well... they were holding this match to see the freshmen's skill not bullying them, if this were a real match, Kagami wouldn't be to move if seniors decided to put Mitobe and Tsuchida on him. It's just about the time when the seniors wanted to see how Kagami fare against the double defense.
Kagami sighed, as he remembered his training with Mitobe-senpai, the training is quite tiring, not like he's ungrateful for it. He used the experience whenever he'd to block anyone who's a threat on scoring at Seirin's basket.
True as predicted, Kagami was overwhelmed by the double team. Kuroko frowned at the frustrated face Kagami made, it's not even a minute yet and Kagami was already frustrate. Kuroko sighed as he noted to get Kagami to practice dealing with pressure defense.
"What do you say?! GIVE UP?!" Kagami yelled as he pulled Furihata's collar and the poor freshman yelped.
Temper control too might have to come first before anything else. Noted.
Riko noted everything what Seirin Phantom player's counterpart had made, as she wanted to compare her notes the first time she'd made during the first day.
Kuroko walked to Kagami who was still busy terrorizing Furihata and didn't notice him coming from behind and then kneeled Kagami that the redhead to let go of Furihata out of shock. "Calm down."
Kagami turned around with a murderous glare that directed at the phantom player and the freshmen as one distanced themselves as they looked at Kagami like he was some sort of wild tiger on the loose. "Kurokooooo..." Kagami growled.
He would have tried to teach a lesson to Kuroko but stopped when the phantom player called their captain, "Captain, it's enough already... We can stop now."
Hyuuga blinked at Kuroko, "Ah, okay... Then."
"Huh!?" Kagami half-shouted since Tiger-boy is quite confused about why the match had ended early. And it seems, he's not alone. Another thing to add to the list of different things in their timeline.
Kagami couldn't believe his ears, "HEY! We've not decided the winner yet!" Then pointed at Kuroko, "And why we should listen to this guy?! Or stop playing just because he says so!"
Hyuuga smiled at Kagami then calmly walked toward the taller teen, and faster than Kagami could react the captain jabbed him on the forehead sharply. Clutch mode in full power, "Aren't ya getting cocky brat?! Did you hear what we said before the game started? This is to assess your ability, not a real match got it!" Kagami opened his mouth to protest but another jap silenced him, "And if not, you are making a fuss like that we would have continued until the winner is decided as you want! Whose fault do you think we stopped the game?! Huh? HUH?!" Hyuuga glared harder, gritting his teeth as he grabbed Kagami's collar roughly and intimidated Kagami to the point the redhead was shaking and nodding frantically. An impressive feat, considering Kagami was at least half foot taller than the captain. "That's a no way to act in court!"
Everyone in Kagami's age couldn't help but feel terrified of the glasses Otaku Captain. Most of them didn't show it.
While Katsamatsu nodded at the method of his junior captain's to discipline his own troublesome talented Kōhai.
Izuki sweatdropped at the sight as he grumbled in low voice, "You are not a shining example yourselves, captain."
Kagami gulped as looked down guiltily, it was his fault to lose temper so quickly because his teammates wanted to give. It was annoying but he shouldn't have lost his temper like that. "I am sorry."
Hyuuga sighed then took off his glasses and wiped them with his shirt, it was not clean but that's the least of his concern. "Everyone making mistake, as long as you reflect on it..." Kagami nodded guiltily, "First years! Come here for a sec!" The captain yelled and the freshmen ran to oblige the captain's call. Kagami has something to say to you Furihata."
the brunette blinked at that and looked at Kagami hesitantly, "Uhm..."
His voice was rough but it sincere and Furihata nodded, Kagami was scary but it seemed he was just short-tempered but not a bad guy. "I am sorry too; I shouldn't say that kind of thing to my teammates..."
The captain smiled as Kagami and Furihata exchanged a handshake, then clapped once to draw their attention. "Yosh, I guess that's all for the training session for today." Kagami's face fell at that, he wanted to play some more!
Riko laughs softly at the face Kagami made, "Don't make that kind of face, we are only done with training... After this, it would be a review session about your performance we've seen today. And after that..." She trailed off rubbing her palms together, "We will announce your training menu." She said as winked at the freshmen who shuddered at the star that came out of her wink, for some reason it left them with a foreboding feeling.
They had no idea how correct they were.
One hour later...
Kuroko stared at the paled face of first years at the sight of the training menu Riko made for them, each of them received different training menus for certain days (personal practice) and the same for the period of practice session together.
The female brunette paused for a second to process what she'd heard since she'd never had enforced any personal practice. The B-size female wondered if it was Kuroko's alternate version suggested it, seeing and hearing the punishment her other self gave to the petite teen.
Let's say they wouldn't get the color back to their face anytime soon, except for Kagami who manage to look amazed and horrified at the same time at the piece of paper Riko gave him. Judging from his blush it seemed Kagami had reached the temper control part.
It was never pleasant to be told you are too emotional and had to fix it. Akashi had berated Aomine many times when they were in their first year, especially if the tanned teen when got into the habit of not listening to the coach when he was too excited by playing with strong opponents. When this happened, Kuroko was always been ordered to somehow wing it and get the basketball idiot to stick to the plan one way or another.
The center and soon-to-be captain of Tōō shoulders shagged, it seems there's a limit of Akashi and Kuroko's control over the bas–Ahomine.
At the same time, it was also why Aomine shone the brightest among Generation of Miracles, but also the same thing that broke Aomine by the end of second year's national.
Oh. That went tragic quickly.
He closed his eyes, deep in contemplation. The human heart was strong but at the same time so fragile too...
Kuroko closed his eyes and took a deep breath, to remember a certain redhead's eyes. Aomine's aura. Momoi's voice tone.
"This is impossible!" A rather fat freshman complained to Riko, "This is too heavy! I can't do this."
"Hm, I don't remember that freshmen during the first day," Koganei said out loud, ignoring the irritation in the air as they already expected what's going to happened next.
"Neru Kurai, Class-A, he 's one of the few to bailed when we're about to do first years entrance exam," Riko informed. "Although, he's much more fat on the screen."
"Yeah! What is this personal training menu? I can't dedicate all my time to club activity!" Another complained. "I have a girlfriend you know?"
"Are you kidding me?!"
Kise looked at the screen in complete disgust since the first few lessons he'd learned when he was under Kurokochi's care, was to love unconditionally, be hardworking, and many more righteous lessons.
Soon there were a total of five freshmen complaining to Riko and Hyuuga about their training menu and so on, only Kagami and the trio didn't complain. It was not like the trio was not freaked out the slightest by the training menu, but Kuroko could see they were the type to work hard and despite the variety of expressions they made at the paper, they had enough determination to make it through. It was not like Riko's menu was unreasonably heavy, she was always taking their young undeveloped body in mind and put safety about anything else despite her tendency of threatening to double training. Her menu was efficient and on par with any of the professional coaches of veteran schools. However, for the eyes of inexperienced players and those without the dedication, her menu looked like a list of torture.
And those kinds of players... Were...
"Lazy people."
"Pussy's."
"Weak-willed."
"A Big–"
"–No need to become toxic," A familiar voice cut through on whatever the basketball player was about to say, "If anything... No, Fukuda, continue." Rōtasu commanded the substitute center, leaving no argument as she'd left without a trance.
Hyuuga scoffed, "Very well, then you can go to another club that's more considerate to your fucking private time..." Then his eyes hardened, "This club had no place for whiny brats who have no dedication for basketball, and if this is what it takes for you to give up, please leave immediately." Then doubling the killing intent, the whole team of second years gave their best glare to the complaining freshmen, in which they wisely excused themselves while apologizing for their unworthiness.
"Huh."
Momoi looked at the female beside her with curiosity. And for Riko to see the look the younger had given her, she decided to explain to her how the other four had gone out of the club. Considering the other only left either pulled out by the club by force didn't show up at the rooftop, or was just there to check out the club. If anything, the dropout freshmen didn't complain about her training menu.
Maybe it was Kuroko's suggestions that made them quite pale to get out of the club right away.
The freshmen trio and Kagami blinked when they realized only four of them left and couldn't help but nervous when the seniors gave them the best they could muster, "So, it's only four participants for our next test?" Riko beamed cheerfully, "But first of all congrats for passing the first test!"
"...?" "What?" "Hah?" A bunch of Seirin basketball club members said in unison. As that never happened in their timeline.
"Heh?"
"What test?" Kagami asked in bewilderment.
Kuroko smiled at the trio and Kagami, "Congratulations..."
"I seriously have no idea what you guys are congratulating me for..." Kagami grumbled, followed by the trio who nodded in agreement and they wondered if they just made a wrong turn in their life.
The next day...
"I WILL DEFEAT THE GENERATION OF MIRACLES AND BECOME THE NUMBER ONE BASKETBALL PLAYER IN JAPAN!" This was the test? No big deal! What's to worry about with yelling your dream for the world to hear on the rooftop? Kagami thought as he hopped off the railing then turned to Kuroko who stared at him with his usual blank expression but there was a hint of disbelief and awe. That's with his usual blank expression but there was a hint of disbelief and awe. "That includes you by the way!" He said as jabbed a finger in the phantom player's direction.
"Eh?" Kuroko looked genuinely surprised, well... Genuinely as possible with his expressionless face.
Kagami nodded with his counterpart's words, "Oh, that reminds me, Kuroko!"
"Hai?"
"After we're done react or some shit, let's play one-on-one!" Kagami openly challenges the phantom player.
Tetsuya blinked, "Aa. Didn't I already lost to you?" The teal-haired teen asked.
The younger waved off, "Yes, but that's when you don't know how to shoot," Kagami informed carelessly, "But! Now you know! It's time for a rematch!"
"Ok."
"Huh?"
"I accept."
Kagami grinned at the positive toneless response.
Kuroko was pretty surprised at his ambitious dream, though the part of defeating Generation of Miracles was including him was kinda... Well... "Can you please stop trying to challenge me already?" Kuroko asked tonelessly.
"NEVER!" Kagami yelled, grinning mischievously.
"NEXT!" Riko ignored them in favor to push Furihata to get his vow done already instead of thinking five minutes speech about his dream, seriously... It's good they were into this, but they had not much time until teachers came!
Riko also ignored Kuroko who pulled a megaphone out of nowhere, opting to not ask where he got that from. "Kuroko, you are next." Actually, Kuroko didn't need to do this test, because given the chance Kuroko despite all reserved brining of his, always charging head-on first when he set his mind on something. He sometimes had his moment of childish curiosity; the whole reason came to participate was because he wanted to try it and also...
BAM!
"BASKETBALL CLUB! IT'S YOU AGAIN!' The familiar voice of their teacher echoed through the air.
Much to Kuroko's disappointment, the teacher didn't really notice his presence and thus did not even look at him when scolding them.
Kise couldn't help but feel pity for his former instructor, as he remembers when the coach was scolding them for something he rather not remember, Coach seems to forgotten to include Kuroko in the rant. And the blonde model wanted to know why his beloved mentor stayed, so Kise asked to only greeted by a sad answer. And no, Kise never thought about Kurokochi being a masochist like every else in the room who didn't know Tetsuya.
Thus... Kuroko's adventurous stunt to know how it feels to get scolded by a teacher (who always ignores him most of the time) failed spectacularly. Riko was not sure what comment about this curiosity of Kuroko; he wasn't a Masochist, is he?
Shūtoku High School
Ōtsubo couldn't say they would be used to Midorima and his antics anytime soon if anything their coach's demand to try at least getting to know Midorima wasn't helping. Because the more they knew the green-haired teen, the more they felt alienated from the number one shooter of Generation of Miracles. Ōtsubo had to snap Miyaji out of his stupor after he watched Midorima rambling about bad nails and started doing his annual nail care. The action itself wasn't that bad but Midorima's rambling was another matter entirely. Kimura was still pissed about a bouquet of rose Midorima brought yesterday as a lucky item; he spent the rest of the practice session in the infirmary because of severe allergies. Ōtsubo himself was almost at the end of his patience when Midorima refused to join a mini-game he arranged because Cancer's luck today is bad.
Midorima inwardly frowns at the description of his senpai's thoughts. The green-haired teen couldn't help but feel sad and a bit guilty at his attitude. It's not his fault that's what Oha-Sha predicted it was Cancer's luck was at the second to the last.
And Takao...
Let's say Midorima was getting creative in just three days in Shūtoku to get Taoko off of his back, and so far, did not have much success in prying Takao off of him.
"So... We'll he Jan-ken-pon in every traffic light?" Takao asked as eyeing the cart with interest. He wondered how Midorima managed to get this.
"Yes, if you can accept this condition you may follow me," Midorima said in a disinterested tone but it was a challenge.
Takoa unexpectedly grinned, "Bring it on Shin-chan!" Another failure.
The coach should be glad Takao hadn't given up getting to know Midorima, and hopefully, they could just dump Midorima on Takao from now on.
"And they dump him to me indeed," Takao mockingly said in a serious tone, "Shin-chan is sure a handful!" Kuzunari chirped and smiled slyly when he saw the No. 1 shooter is tense and gripping the arm of his chair hard.
The school year just started, and they needed Midorima to dominate, no... TO protect their throne as one of the Three Kings of Tokyo. Since all of Generation of Miracles scattered to different schools, it was a given for schools without any of them have their chance to win close to zero if not none. Seishinkan and Seiho were already restless this year because only Shūtoku managed to secure one of Generation of Miracles.
He wondered how other schools dealt with Midorima's former teammates, especially since yesterday while Takao was pestering Midorima to ask who his best friend in Middle school was, Midorima snapped at the hawk-eyed teen. He didn't know what to think when Midorima of all people remarked his former teammates were all nuts then stomped off angrily. They couldn't be the worst right? Ōtsubo wondered if they should count that as a blessing or not Midorima was the one in their team, then again...
"It's a blessing." Seirin's captain randomly said.
"Huh?" Shūtoku's former captain and center confusingly said.
"Kuroko said, Midorima is the most sanest and normal," Izuki, Seirin's vice-captain elaborate before the bipolar captain was able to.
Taisuke stared at the two like they're aliens from another planet. As the older male doesn't believe what he's hearing.
"This cart is so heavy to pull!" Takao whined as he pulled it with the bike.
"Count this as muscle exercise," Midorima replied curtly.
Don't count your chickens before they hatched indeed.
Misdirection to be frank was like a magic show in the middle of the court, it was all about trick and deceit. Kagami himself was not unfamiliar with this trick that was rarely used even in street basketball in America. It was not like it was hard or anything, but the extended people would use it was just once in a blue moon, it was not about being physically fit but whether or not you're observant enough to pull it off. Like a magician on stage where attention was on him, drawing the attention of the audience to one hand and preparing the next trick on the other hand. Kagami had fake and other tricks of basketball drilled into him by his teacher since a young age but the life of him he never taught someone would specialize in a complicated trick such as misdirection to this extend.
As he watched as Kuroko stole a pass intended for him, he couldn't help but gritted his teeth in awe and frustration. The ball didn't stay with Kuroko for long as it soared through the court in one smooth arc to Izuki.
So Kuroko is playing with us, meaning our Kōhai has no chance of winning. I pity them.
Kagami wondered if Kuroko was even thinking about whom he passed the ball to before he cut the pass line between Kagami and Fukuda. He tried to mark Kuroko, in the hope if he locked his eyes on the phantom player the phantom play could be stopped.
"That's quite dumb of Kagamichi," Kise stated.
Taiga of course went into full defensive mode, waving, saying incorrect words, and most importantly, bullshitting that anyone can see through it.
It was of course futile, especially when a certain orange orb bouncing just in the corner of his eyes. It was so easy for Kuroko to slip in like water then reappeared as he please. Kagami now realized what he felt when playing against Kuroko back then, the teal-haired boy was a strong player in his own right but a different kind that made him unique. Kagami now understood why Kuroko told him to not put the phantom player in the same light as him, he was a shadow and he played for the team to shine and not himself.
He was a team player through and through... And this team also...
Kagami did a fast cut to fool Tsuchida and escape his defense, bit easily stopped again when Izuki was already there to assist. He could only grunt as Tsuchida who was free scored, and the game went in their favor.
Riko noted the scene that played through, it's a shame it mostly focused on Kagami's stance or face or back and not the entire game. But beggars can't be choosers, considering the fact she'd learned many things that are different. Izuki seems to be quite fluid with Kuroko, was it because of his eyes? How do they help? Can they do the same?
This was another mini-game 4 on 4 Kuroko proposed, and Coach agreed right away to show the freshmen the way Seirin played. Kagami at first was skeptical why they wanted to show Seirin's playstyle, he thought he has already seen enough. Seirin was an offensive team with a fast run and gun as their specialty, a team with solid teamwork. Izuki, Tsuchida, Koganei, and Kuroko were chosen to play against Kagami, Fukuda, Kawahara, and Furihata. If Kagami thought Seirin's display of teamwork from before was solid, the one they showed was on another level. At first, Kagami's team gained an upper hand in the first five minutes first Kagami's team gained an upper hand in the first five minutes with him scoring most of the time. Then suddenly the defense became tighter and when they still score, Kagami could tell it became harder to score. It was as if the opposing team was always a step ahead of them. Kuroko even didn't bother to score himself or rather he let his teammates take the spotlight.
Kuroko's team was not overwhelmingly stronger than them especially since Kagami was obviously the most powerful scorer. Kagami was well aware their captain and Mitobe played more often than Tsuchida and Koganei who were reserve players. Izuki was obviously also more brain than brawl and while he did a good job as a PG it was obvious; he was not athletic as the other. While the freshmen other than Kagami were less skilled, they were good at assisting and scored when Kagami was not free. But even so...
"Uooooh!" Kagami scored with the last dunk right before the timer hit zero.
The opposing team stood as they watched Kagami landed on the ground, panting heavily and seemed ready to kneel over. His teammates were not far as they were sprawled on the ground, wincing and grimacing as their muscled screamed in protest.
Riko noted down to put stamina training in her boys' training menu. Kuroko's seems to be fine, not sweating much, then again, they didn't look like they're into the game much.
The score was 38-35 in Kuroko's team's favor.
"This suck!" Kagami grunted, "I lost... But what was that? And why are none of you as tired as us?"
Izuki chuckled at that. "You did well... And you are tired just because you are too immersed in the game."
Kagami raised an eyebrow at that, "Whatever senpai, that's an awesome game anyway... You win even though I scored more than anyone."
the captain smirked at that, "Well about that..." He trailed off demurely then turned to Riko, which earned him a curt nod from the coach, "Remember Kagami... That basketball is a team sport, the winner is the strongest team, not the strongest player."
Kagami raised an eyebrow at that, "But a strong team made up of strong players right..."
Hyuuga waved his hand as a lopsided grin formed on his lips, "That's true, I won't deny the importance of individual skill at all freshmen..." His tone turned serious and at one the freshmen tensed, "Weaklings teamed up together is just pathetic."
Kagami inwardly rolled his eyes; he could get used to this man in clutch mode.
"However... Remember well that in Seirin, even if no one in our team is the strongest player in court, as a team we are the strongest."
Hyuuga continued, "Teamwork in our team is not just an empty word, and I expect you to drill this to your brain freshmen."
They gulped at the threatening tone Hyuuga used but at the same time awed, "But brain alone is not enough though..." Suddenly all seriousness evaporated and the freshmen sweat-dropped at their captain who had turned off his clutch mode.
"Well, it's pretty simple of you just do one thing, right Kuroko?"
Kuroko couldn't help but feel his alternate senpai knows his past already. Maybe that's may Aida's alternate version of her intervention.
The Phantom player was not pleased suddenly all attention was on him; he was never comfortable with it. But if his captain said so, "It' nothing complicated... What's the most important for the team is for you to think about what you should do for the team." He repeated the same as he told Kise back when he was the copycat's player instructor. "And act accordingly to it..."
Riko nodded in agreement as she observed the reaction freshmen made, the trio looked confused but awed at the same time while Kagami... was plainly confused. "You guys will learn that with time... And one more announcement."
The second-year knew that smile and wink added with a girlish pose Riko made with one hand on her hips and another on her cheek, it was anything but bad news for the freshmen for sure.
"I have decided Kuroko-kun, you'll be their personal instructor from now on!"
Silence~
"EEH?!"
Kise smiled with a twinge of envy, considering he had only been with Kuroko for 2 years and Kurokochi's new teammate gets for him 3 years of being their instructor. How unfair.
"Before your break starts, I want to know your choice on whether or not your going to stay on watching/reading an OMAKE?" The young female adult asked the occupants in the room. "It's not required for you to sit this through, it'll take five minutes of your time." Rōtasu elaborated.
One by one, players left, to only leave 10 people left sitting.
"The Machinators..." Kan began, as she couldn't help but feel a bit of glee in her.
Tora - Tiger | The tiger is the largest living cat species and a member of the genus Panthera. It is most recognizable for its dark vertical stripes on orange-brown fur with a lighter underside.
Taichou - Captain | It means captain. Don't confuse it with another word, like Danchou.
Kōhai - Junior | It's what seniors call the new or younger people in their area, whether school or workplace.
Started| 04/24/2021
Ended | 04/25/2021
Edited |