This is the longest chapter I have ever written in any story. So, since Kise doesn't attend Kaijo in this story, I made an oc to somewhat take his place and made Kasamatsu more knowledgeable about Kuroko's skill. Hope it doesn't confuse you and please enjoy.
Saturday arrived and Seirin was walking down Kaijo Private high school's path, staring at their surroundings with undisguised awe.
"This place is huge. You can really tell when a school is devoted to its athletics"
Kagami, who looked awful, had bags under his eyes.
"Kagami-kun, the look in your eyes is worse than usual" Kuroko commented
"Shut up. I had trouble sleeping. I was a little too excited."
"What are you, a kid going on a fieldtrip?" Kuroko teased, not that anyone could tell with his straight face.
"What'd you say?"
"Taigacchi, Kuroko-san. You ready for your match today?" Kise said, popping out from behind Kagami.
"Kise, what are you doing here? Didn't you all have your own practice today? You're not slacking are you?" Kagami questions the blond.
"I'm not." Kise says with a pout. "Practice was cancelled and I remembered that you were having a match today. So I wanted to check your team out and make sure YOU'RE not slacking."
"Well make sure you watch closely cause we're gonna win this." Kagami responded confidently.
"I'll be cheering you on then" Kise says as he leaves before any of his fangirls notice him.
Inside the gym, you could see that the court had been divided and that some of the Kaijo players were having regular practice. Up in the bleachers, Kise manages to find a seat away from his fangirls.
"We're playing on half a court?" Riko asked Kaijo's coach, "The other side's being used for practice?"
The Kaijo couch looked up "Oh, you're here. Welcome. I'm coach Takeuchi." He looked confused "Which one of you is the coach?"
Riko sighed "That's me" Riko declared proudly.
"You? You're not the manager?" he asked astounded
"I'm Coach Aida Riko" she introduced herself "We look forward to playing with you today"
"Uh, yeah" the coach nodded
"So umm… what is this?" Riko asked looking at the split court
"Exactly what it looks like, we've only made simple arrangements for today's game" was the Kaijo coaches reply.
"Arrangements, huh." You could see the forming irritation on everyone's face.
"There won't be enough to learn from this game to make it worth watching for the guys sitting out" the other coach said bluntly.
Riko was twitching with anger. "I see" was all she could get out.
"We're having the other players practice as usual so we don't waste time. Despite the arrangements you'll be playing our regulars. I hope you won't let us triple your score" The coach waved and walked off leaving Seirin looking beyond mad.
Seeing his prized player, a prodigy by the name of Hayame Mino, getting ready the coach stops him.
"Mino, why are you wearing your uniform" the coach asked "you're not playing. I know we've got stars from all the middle schools but you're on a whole different level."
"Don't do that coach" Mino looked from his team back to the coach. "Even if they're terrible, practice is practice. "
"If I let you play it won't even be a game anymore." the coach said
"They think we suck." Kagami said "They're treating this like a side show to their practice"
"Just listen to him" Hyuga said annoyed
"I haven't been this pissed in a while" Izuki added
"Let the practice game between Seirin High and Kaijo High Begin" One of the Kaijou students announced as the players lined up.
The referee looked around confused before calling out "We're about to get started so Seirin please have your five lineup."
"There's five of us" Kuroko said hand raised
The entire team let out a yell, even the ones practicing stopped playing to stare.
"What the hell?" A player from Kaijou yells.
"He's got no presence"
"He's one of their starters?" they whispered.
"He was right in front of me and I didn't even notice." said Kobori of Kaijo
"What about you Kasamatsu?" Moriyama asked his captain
"Me neither" he replied back
"Wow,he really has no presence. So Taigacchi and Kuroko-san are starting. This ought to be interesting." Kise whispers in the bleachers.
"This is ridiculous" The Kaijo coach said "After all their boasting I'd thought they'd have some decent players."
Riko was taking this time to observe the Kaijou team. "Ouch" was all she could say.
"What's wrong coach?" Koganei asked
This doesn't look good, I can't see everything through their clothes, but their numbers are why higher than average, Riko thought. Our physical numbers are way behind honestly so it's not surprising for a nationally strong team. We've got Kuroko-kun and Kagami-kun but how far can they carry us.
The whistle blew and the tip off started. Kaijo got the ball first. Kasamatsu dribbled down court leisurely "All right, one. Let's keep it up."
Kuroko appeared out of nowhere suddenly hitting the ball away from the unsuspecting senior.
"What?" Kuroko dribbled as Kasamatsu ran to catch up "Where did he come from?" he caught up to Kuroko quickly. He's slow
Kuroko passed back to Kagami who had caught up to them as well. Kagami ran past Kasamatsu and jumped dunking the ball so hard it ripped right off the backboard.
"All right!" Kagami yelled before noticing the rim in his hand. He gaped "WOW!"
"What? He destroyed the hoop!"
"You're kidding I don't believe it" Yells were heard from around the court.
Up in the bleachers, Kise was laughing " Even with the band on, you're still freakishly strong. At least now you can use the full court." he says, talking to himself.
"That thing's dangerous one of the bolts are rusted" one of the players complain.
"Even so that's not normal"
"This thing is bigger than I thought" Kagami looked a bit sheepish
"I'm so sorry." Riko bowed apologetically to the coach.
Kuroko walked up to him and bowed as well "I'm sorry we broke your hoop. Since we can't play like this could we use the full court?"
The coach looked pissed. Kaijo began clearing the court and lowering the nets to get ready for the game as the broken hoop lay in a corner.
"Guess you don't suck as much as coach assumed, huh." Mino laughed while speaking to Kagami "I've never seen the coach like that before."
"You should tell him that's what he gets for underestimating us" Kagami shot back obviously still riled up.
"How much do you think a replacement hoop will cost" Kuroko said solemnly as he walked away from the two.
"Huh? We have to pay for that!?" Kagami looked after him in disbelief.
"Well let's hope you live up to my expectations then. I need a real challenge so I can take on the so called "Generation of Miracles." Mino says walk away from the two still laughing.
"Let the game resume" The Kaijo referee as the full court was set.
They dribbled down the court going back and forth so quickly it was hard to keep track of the game.
What is this? Riko watched, trying to follow the players in the match.
"What's with this high paced play?" Koganei said, also trying to keep up with the game.
The current score was Seirin- 16 were matching each other basket for basket with Kaijo just barely keeping the lead.
"It's only been three minutes since they started" Riko says. It's like their beating each other without bothering to guard. The defense is doing everything it can, but both teams' offenses are too strong.
Hyuga had the ball facing off against Kasamatsu. The other four are just as intense as that little prodigy. This is almost more than I can handle. If not for Kuroko and Kagami they'd have won this game already
Hyuga passed to Kuroko who passed quickly to Kagami. He ran before jumping and going into a fade away.
"From that speed he's going into a fade away?" An onlooker yelled out. Mino caught the ball however and rushed back down court before doing a fade away of his ball made it in and Kaijou scored.
Hyuga dribbled the ball down court looking focused until, "Captain" the voice came out of nowhere. Hyuga jumped to the side nearly losing the ball as it revealed Kuroko right behind him.
"Where did you come from? Why are you talking to me?" Hyuga questions.
"I want a time out. This high pace is taking a toll on my body" Kuroko explains, wiping his face with his sweatband.
"What? How can you be so weak?" Hyuga asks incredulously.
"Also we need Kagami to cool down. It seem like the harder Kagami-kun plays, the harder their number 7 plays in reaction. At this rate, it'll take everything we have to keep up, and it will only get worse."
He's talking more than usual. Is the situation that bad? Was the thought Hyuga had before calling for a timeout.
With Kaijo's timeout
Kasamatsu turned to Mino. "You should be able to handle Kagami, but what do you think is up with that invisible Kuroko guy."
"Hmm, if I had to say something, it would be a nuisance." Mino says after thinking.
"That it is but there is a way to deal with it apparently. But it takes time." Kasamatsu begins. "The kid seems to be playing with a technique called misdirection."
"Misdi-what now?
"Misdirection. Number 11 is must be highly observant to be able to do this continuously. He creates the illusion that he's disappeared so he can pass the ball around." Kasamatsu begins explaining more.
"Wait how do you know this? This isn't a play you see every day." Moriyama asks.
"There was an article in Basketball Monthly about a player that specializes in misdirection. I just remembered it. But the person said that they can only do it for a limited time since the opponent start to get used to it" Kasamatsu explains to his teammates.
"So we just have to wait to get used to it before we can deal with him?" Kobori questions.
With Seirin's timeout
"We have to deal with Mino-kun first" Riko stated.
"I can't believe Kagami can't handle the guy himself" Hyuga sat pensively "Should we put another guy on him?"
"What? Hey wait…" Kagami paused for a moment. "Please"
Kuroko interrupts " I'm sorry but there's also another problem. Because of the unexpectedly high paced play, my effectiveness is already wearing off."
"Wh-What?" Hyuga and the others looked at him with gaping mouths.
"Why didn't you tell us something so important sooner" Riko raged as she pulled Kuroko into a head lock.
"I'm sorry but you didn't ask" Kuroko waved his arms apologetically his voice still deadpan despite it all.
"Do you not say anything unless you're asked?" Riko yelled I must not have been thinking. I was stupid to think we could pull this ridiculous strategy off without risk.
The whistle blew. "Your time out is over."
Riko let out a cry of despair "All I got to do was hit Kuroko!"
"Let me stay on him… please" Kagami asked Riko before they went out
"Why are you acting so polite?"
"I have a feeling I'm about to get something" Kagami said and then turned and jogged back out to the court without waiting for an answer
"Hey wait" they stopped and turned
"Switch from man to man to zone defense; keep solid defense on the inside, and move to stop number 7 quickly. Stopping Mino is your first priority. Also slow down your pace Kuroko-kun. Just don't let the gap get too big. Can you do that?"
"I'll try"
Mino had the ball but he stopped short, noticing that Kagami, Izuki, and Hyuga were on him.
"They're defending the middle" someone from the audience observed
It's just a box one and one. Kasamatsu observed they're following up with Kagami to stop Mino. He sighed I don't believe this.
Mino passed over to Kasamatsu who took the shot and scored. Everyone cheered
"Are you underestimating the Kaijo regulars? This is too pathetic" Kasamatsu told them with a smirk.
Hyuga wiped his sweat away "Man this is tough."
Riko was concentrating closely at the match, obviously trying to figure out a better defensive strategy. Kagami, who had the ball, saw Kuroko and passed but the ball was stolen by Moriyama and Kaijou quickly scored again.
"I see. I think I'm getting used to it" Moriyama said, smiling to himself.
"This isn't good" Izuki stared at the scoreboard 25- 33 for Kaijo
"What should we do Izuki?"
"Damn it, the gaps getting bigger" Koganei said from the bench
Mitobe had the ball he passed it to Kagami who jumped to score but Mino jumped too and blocked it easily.
"Out of bounds, white ball" The referee shouted
A whistle sounded "End of first quarter" The score was 27- 35 Kaijo
"I see. Yeah that could work" Riko smiled faintly at their plan "Kagami-kun looks like you finally cooled down."
"No. I was always-" Kagami tries to speak but is interrupted.
"You were really pissed" Hyuga and Izuki said together
"You're a hot head Kagami" Koganei told his fellow player.
"But Kuroko-kun and Kagami-kun, your coordination will be key. Can you do it?"
"Yeah. Probably." Kagami shrugged "we'll wo-" He was suddenly hit in the ribs by Kuroko. He gripped his side painfully "You bastard, where did that come from?
Kuroko looked up at him face blank "You want to beat their Mino-kun don't you?"
Kagami looked up "Of course I do" he hit Kuroko back
"Well then" Riko stood arms crossed.
The referee blew the whistle "Let the second quarter begin!"
"Take care of the counter attack!" Riko yelled as they walked back onto the court and both sides cheered for their teams.
Mino had the ball first and he scored an easy shot. Hyuga got the ball next and he too scored. Mino came back and scored score was now at 29-39 Kaijo
Hyuga had the ball, Kaijo's defense is still man to man. He passed to Izuki who passed it to Kagami. Kagami squared off against Mino.
"Something's changed, right?" Mino wondered. Kagami dribbled quickly toward the basket with Mino running along beside him trying to figure out Kagami's next move.
Just another drive? Maybe another fade away?
While Kagami was running he passed back behind Mino who turned just in time to see Kuroko pass back to Kagami successfully cutting around Mino.
Ugh, now they're coordinating with each other, thought Mino as he watched Kagami go for a layup and score.
Kagami had the ball again and again he passed to Kuroko. Mino followed quickly Again? It won't work this time.
But Seirin was one step ahead as instead of Kuroko passing to Kagami, he passed to Hyuga who scored a three pointer.
The score was now 34-39 with Kaijo only having a 5 point lead.
Hyuga laughed pushing up his glasses "Have you changed your minds, first ye-" he turned to look and stopped as they were already walking away from him.
"Number 4's really going for it" Kobori commented to his captain.
"We should be worried about Kagami" Kasamatsu shot back "He and Kuroko have started passing back and forth to each other."
"Kagami's just started passing the ball instead of just receiving it. Does that really change much?"
"It changes everything." Kise remarked quietly as he watched Seiren begin to catch up.
"It changes a whole lot, dumbass" Kasamatsu said "Kuroko's passing and Kagami's one on one were two separate offensive patterns. They only had two options. Now that they pass to each other they have more options, making their offense stronger. " Kasamatsu finished
And Kuroko's time limit hasn't completely ran out yet Riko thought while smirking. Kagami-kun and Kuroko-kun. With those to we can...
Kagam began dribbling down the court with Kuroko right behind. Kagami passed and Kuroko missed it causing the ball to bounce off. They both looked at each other and Riko sweat dropped.
Well, we'll probably just barely make it
Mino grabbed the ball and moved, but was cut off.
"Not so fast" Kagami said but it was Kuroko who was marking Mino not Kagami. Mino hesitated.
"What?" Everyone else in the gym looked confused as well.
"Kuroko's on Mino" Kasamatsu looked surprised. Kuroko and Mino stared at each other
"Who's the guy on Mino?" One of the spectators asked.
"Isn't he the guy that passes a lot" another questioned
"I don't remember him doing anything other than pass," another spectator recalls
"He doesn't stand a chance!" Was the general consensus.
"I will not lose to a bunch of nobodies. I am far better than any of you in Seiren." Mino growls out. "I don't know what you're up to, but you can't stop me." Mino rushes past Kuroko, only to get stopped once more, this time by Kagami.
"Wrong, we're not going to stop you." Kagami smirked
"We're taking the ball" Riko smiled, watching the play.
Kuroko hit the ball out of Mino's hand from behind. What? A back tip? They took advantage of the second I hesitated! Mino mentally shouted.
"It doesn't matter how amazingly you play against us" Kagami said "We're trying to let you through" Kagami grinned. Mino looked back shocked as Seirin scored
"Damn it! A simple double team would have been better" Kasamatsu yelled Not even Mino can react in time to an invisible guy coming up behind him.
"I just won't run by you then." Mino said reasonably " I do know how to shoot a three pointer." He got into position, but Kagami put his hand on Kuroko's head and jumped up slamming the ball away from him.
They got me, Seiren's number 11 is covering below and their number 10 covering up top Mino thought, becoming angry.
An outside shot takes too much movement Kasamatsu observed These guys are a pain. Kuroko's the one making this happen. He's the most worthless guy on the court and he can't do anything by himself, but… I don't believe this!
Kagami hit the ground "Fast break" He yelled. Mino, looking pissed, turned to follow him and in the moment his hand drew back hitting Kuroko across the face. Kuroko gave a small gasp and hit the ground Mino looked back in shock. Kuroko sat on the ground he looked up and everyone gasped as he had blood running down his face.
Watch out for the next part of the match. Please review and let me know what you think.