The next morning, Kamijou had woken up with a clear feeling of excitement. Today's my first day of regular practice with the basketball team. He then looked at his clock to see that it was still 4 am. He then stood up, fixed his sheets and pillow, and stretched for a bit. He then took a glance at the sleeping Index, who was snoring so loudly and the calm dollhouse of Othinus. He smiled as he then took his towel. We have been through a lot of shit and stuff. I'm glad that for once, we get to experience normalcy.
As he enters the bathroom, then remembered that last night, he had reviewed the CDs about the Generation of Miracles so he can have a more vivid observation of the Generation of Miracles. And come to think of it, our first opponent next week Monday is none other than that blonde copycat, Kise Ryota. I had a somewhat similar ability to his but our position's the biggest difference. He's a small forward so it makes sense that he should be an all-arounder. On the other hand, I'm a point guard so my main job is to bring the ball, set plays, and free up my teammates. Oh well, it's not good overthinking a lot of things. Better get myself washed up first.
After at least thirty minutes, he was already finished taking a bath and is now putting in his uniform without the gakuran. But as he was gathering his school bag and Nike duffel bag, he was suddenly disrupted by Index, who had just woken up, "Touma, are you sure that there are no magicians in that new school of yours? You know how much I'm unstable when my dear Touma happens to encounter one, especially that we're not anymore in Academy City."
"So far, everything's been normal," Kamijou replied then grimaced. Well, I don't know if anyone can count Kuroko's near invisibility and Kagami's inhuman appetite as normal.
"Well, I'll be off the school, Index," the spiky haired boy added as he proceeds to go down, "Are you sure you don't wanna come? You'll have to help mom in the kitchen if you're going to stay here the whole day as an exchange for hogging the television."
"I can do chores, you know!" Index pouted as she puffs her cheeks. Just then, Othinus had gone out of her doll house and saw the Imagine Breaker user now about to leave, "Human, where are you going?"
"I'll be off to school, Othinus," Kamijou explains, turning his back one more time, "Index will give you food so don't worry." Hopefully.
Once he went down, he headed straight to the kitchen to eat breakfast. He spots his mom and dad in the table busy chatting while eating rice, eggs, and honey-soaked ham.
"Good morning, dad, mom," Kamijou greeted them as he sits down on the table to eat his food.
"Good morning, Touma-san," Shiina greeted back as she gives her son a glass of milk, "I forgot to ask it last night but have you been accepted in their basketball team?"
"Yeah mom," the teen replied as he swallows a spoonful of meat in his mouth.
"That's great, son!" Touya was elated to hear the good news, "So are you in the starting line up or in the bench?"
"Coach haven't decided yet on that," Kamijou replied as he hurried to eat his food, "I'm already a regular but from what I hear, the starting line up will depend on the matchup against an opponent. Besides, I can't simply demand to be put immediately since I had a senior who plays the same position as I do."
"That's fine, Touma," his father patted his shoulder, "I'm pretty sure your big break will eventually come as long as you work harder."
"Thanks dad," the teen replied as he savors his every food he takes. This is only the third time I get to enjoy normal breakfasts that I didn't have back when I was in Academy City.
After eating, Kamijou hurriedly brushed his teeth and dashed towards their front door. As he was outside, the rays of the sun were scattered already and he was already set to go.
"Good morning…"
"EEEHHH!?" Kamijou shrieked as he turned around.
It was none other than Kuroko.
"When did you get here?" the frightened raven asked as the tealnette merely responded with a 'I've been here the whole time'.
"Well…since you're here…let's walk together," the spiky haired boy and the invisible phantom then began to walk. At first, they were walking quietly and then as minutes passed by, Kamijou decided to start the conversation by asking something, "How did you know that I live in that particular street?"
"I actually don't know," Kuroko immediately responded, "But by coincidence, my house just sits across yours on the opposite side of the road so technically, we're neighbors. And by the time you went outside, I was already outside as well and that's where I spotted you."
"I see," Kamijou was amazed by the fact that the phantom sixth man of the Generation of Miracles has been his current teammate and neighbor. Well, at least he's a lot better than Tsuchimikado.
After sometime walking, Kuroko notices something in the distance, "Wait, Kamijou-kun. That's Kagami-kun right there. We usually meet here in this intersection. Come, let's hurry up." And before the spiky haired boy knew it, he was running with the tealnette to meet the startled tiger, who was actually busy listening to some rock songs in his headsets.
"Oh…Kuroko…Kamijou…good morning," the Seirin ace awkwardly greeted as the three of them began walking together towards their school, "How come the two of you are together."
"I just realized we were neighbors a while back," it was Kamijou who answered, "And we decided to walk together."
"Oh…I see," the red head tiger muttered as they eventually reached Seirin High School, "Well, we'll see you later in the gym since Kuroko and I are classmates in Class 2 – B."
"Alright," Kamijou responded as they went to their separate classrooms. For once, the latter was glad that he was attending a normal class. Woah…I haven't experience something bad as of now. Until…
Thump!
The boy suddenly fell on his butt as he unintentionally collided with someone. Raising his eyes, he found out that he just accidentally bumped into a girl. He somewhat drooled. Shit! She's so pretty and smart looking! The mentioned female sported a wavy, waist-length, red hair with a slim body and a bit shorter than the Imagine Breaker user. Her bosom's also quite large, though not as large as Fukiyose's, in Kamijou's eyes.
"Oh…shit…I'm sorry!" the boy shrieked while apologizing as he realized the books of the woman had spilled to the floor, "I'm really so sorry!"
"It's fine…I know you didn't mean it…" the girl chuckled before making a weird gesture to Kamijou, "Hey, aren't you that Kamijou-kun that was in the basketball club?"
"Huh…how did you know that?" Kamijou asked curiously as he picks up the girl's things and gives them to the owner.
"Silly!" the girl chortled quite a bit, adding to the boy's confusion, "I don't know if you're on your right mind but we're classmates! By the way, I'm Hayashi Ichiko and you're the one who made that funny oath of the basketball team. In fact, every girl in our class talks about you."
"And?" Kamijou didn't know what to say at this point.
"Considering the competition in high school basketball," Hayashi started as they began to enter their classroom, "Many of my friends found it quite amusing that you're aiming for the top dog status in the whole of Japan especially that the Generation of Miracles plus the seniors of our school have already made their mark."
"I see," the boy replied as they sat on their desks, "But we won't know until I try. Oh, and I'm surprised that we're seatmates as well."
"I'm surprised, too!" Hayashi smiled sweetly, "Oh my…our homeroom teacher is here now!"
Everyone in the class had kept quiet as their teacher had arrived but while everyone was busy scribbling in their notebooks, Kamijou swore he heard two guys in the back telling something like "Damn! That new kid managed to talk to the class goddess while I'm here still hoping I can even say hello to her!", "I envy that Kamijou a lot!" "Why him!? Why not me!? I'm good-looking as well!"
For some reason, this feels like déjà vu, Kamijou sweat dropped.
#
"That Kamijou's absent again!?"
The hysterical voice of Fukiyose Seiri has echoed through out the certain high school as classes in their room is about to start.
"Do you know why Kami's been absent?" Aogami, who was quite drowsy, nudged Tsuchimikado.
"Well…I don't know how to say it but…" the blonde began to explain.
Yesterday
"I don't know what's up with that no-good Kami-yan but I'll definitely find out!" Tsuchimikado talked to himself as he was heading out back to his dorm from his school. He is nursing a bruise in his head, which was a result of Fukiyose's beating.
Since he knew his room is just besides the dorm room of their third idiot member, Tsuchimikado was thinking that he will be able to get his answers as to why he was recently a no-show in school.
Once he reached to Kamijou's door, he then knocked twice but there was no response. Quite irritated, he knocked once again, this time accompanied by a kick in the door. When no answer came, Tsuchimikado was forced to go to their apartment keeper to lend him a spare key. Why the hell isn't he answering? He was also unresponsive in my calls! The blonde was gritting his teeth as he opened the door after unlocking it. Pushing the doors with exaggeration, he shouted, "You're not going anywhere, Kami-yan!"
But to his surprise, he didn't saw anyone.
No Kami-yan, no Index, no Othinus.
In fact, the room was bare, with only dust accumulating and a rat hiding out.
"What!? Where the hell is Kami-yan!? Where is Index!? Where are their things!?" Tsuchimikado frantically looked around to confirm that there really is no one in the room. When he confirmed his worst fears, he immediately gritted his teeth harder. I just saw them last Saturday here before I was gone on Sunday to meet with Maika on their maid school!
Relocking the door, he went down with a heavy shoulder as he returns the key he lent.
Present
"That bastard Kami-yan!? Where the hell is he then!?" Aogami shrieked as he thought of something else, "He must be out there already spreading the feared Kami-yan Disease!"
"Now that you mention it, that's pretty horrible!" the blonde joined his cries as they began to shake in fear of the upending doom that was the disease of the spiky haired boy, "It's over! The world is ravaged with that playboy's disease!"
Sensing that they were going to start all over again, Fukiyose stood up and beat them down unconscious again. The pair ended up lying on the floor.
But as the dust settle, the Forehead Deluze found herself unsettling as she takes her seat. Where did Kamijou go this time? Is he even coming back? He should at least tell me if he would be absent for long! I…I…I…I miss him…no! I miss beating his ass! That's it, Seiri! You only miss him because there is no one to vent your anger to!
Meanwhile, Himegami could only watch in amusement as she noticed her best friend quite thinking so deeply. So you really care about him, Seiri. But I'm sorry that I can't tell you where he is. I promise him to keep it a secret, after all.
#
After classes in Seirin have ended at 3 pm, Kamijou and Hayashi went together outside for no reason as the former is heading towards the washroom to change into his practice gear.
"See you tomorrow, Kamijou!" Hayashi sweetly bade farewell as she immediately goes out of the exit doors. Kamijou smiled for a bit as he waves his hand back. They had a somewhat good day, with the exception of their science class when Hayashi's attempts to mix incompatible chemicals resulted in it exploding in the unfortunate boy's face. Damn rotten luck.
After changing his gear, he then proceeds immediately outside to go to the gym building. On the way, he was joined by Kiyoshi, who greets him, "Good afternoon there, Kamijou. It seemed like you're ready to rock and roll in our basketball club." He gives off his signature wide (and stupid-looking) smile.
"Maybe…hehehe…Kiyoshi-senpai," Kamijou responded with a chuckle and a nervous laugh as they pushed the gym doors together. They were greeted by a sweating Hyuga and his newfound pair of friends in Kuroko and Kagami.
"Hurry your asses up!" the megane captain roared as the newcomers hurried inside, "We're up against Kise and Kaijo next week!"
"Hai!" Kiyoshi and Kamijou promptly answered as the former quickly removes his sweat shirt and joined his fellow upperclassmen while the latter put on his Kobe sneakers and quickly joined his fellow second years, some of them teaching the few rookies who are present.
Taking a ball, Kamijou then proceeded to exercise his drives. Maneuvering as if there is an imaginary defender, he calmly drove his way to the metal hoop as he made a double clutch layup. He's a light-footed guy, Izuki, who was observing him, couldn't help but admire his flexibility.
"Wanna play some hoops!?" Kagami, who was sweating from dunking the ball, suddenly challenged the Imagine Breaker user as Kuroko merely watched him do so, "I can't wait to see how you stack up against me!"
"Uh…sure…" Kamijou wasn't sure how to respond but nevertheless, he accepted it as another learning experience for him. Let me see how Kagami plays.
After playing jankenpon to determine the possession, Kagami was now dribbling the ball in front of the smaller teen. Suddenly, the red head power forward was able to get past the raven as he then attempts a lane up dunk but to his surprise, the weight in his hands disappeared.
You attempt mostly slam dunks, Kamijou mentally noted as he then grabs the ball and he then faced off against the taller teen, "You're strong but I don't think you could stop this…"
"Hah! Let's see you do it!" Kagami grinned like Joker as Kamijou inhaled and exhaled. Immediately, as he was about to motion to his right, he suddenly "left" the ball on his left side. What's this!? He can't be possibly do this! Kagami inwardly said as he then tried to steal the ball but in a split second, the spiky haired boy grabbed it like a quick cat and dribbled past the Seirin ace.
Crap! It's a change of pace! Kagami angrily gritted as he chased after the fast-breaking teen but the instant he caught up, he jumped way too early and ad he was airborne, he noticed his opponent going into his fadeaway. But Kagami noticed something eerie.
What's with his form!? It's almost as if he's lying parallel to the floor! Before he knew it, Kamijou was able to release his shot that his mark cannot even graze his nail, earning him a point.
"Kuso!" Kagami cussed aloud as Kamijou was stretching his arms, "Please, one more—"
"Kurokocchi!"
At this, Kagami and Kamijou frozed to their spot as the former recognized the whiny voice. Turning, he was aghast to see the annoying ace of Kaijo waving at them. But that wasn't the only person he saw.
"The fuck, why are all the Generation of Miracles bastards here in our gym!?" he shouted as soon, he spotted Aomine, Midorima, Murasakibara, and Akashi as well behind Kise, who was the first to greet their Phantom Sixth Man.
"Guys, I'm surprised that you all went here," Kuroko was dumbfounded himself as all his former Teiko teammates barged in without even asking permission from Hyuga and coach, who were likewise shocked to see them pay a visit.
"What's wrong with seeing Tetsu, huh, Bakagami?" Aomine mocked his Seirin counterpart, much to Kagami's chagrin, "And it's none of your business if we're here."
Before Kagami could retort back, Akashi shut him up, "You better keep quiet especially that our business with Kuroko is with him alone. Remember, we can bar you from being able to don the national colors." Hearing this, Kagami almost lost his composure as he was forced to shut his mouth while the rest of those in the gym sweat dropped. Bokushi was gone but some of his psycho attributes have been passed to the real Akashi!
"Kuroko," Akashi then offered his hands to the tealnette, "We have planned a surprise dinner near Midorima's school. If you're free, we would like to get you now today." He then motions at Midorima, who was holding a cactus in a small pot as his lucky item.
"I'm sorry, Akashi-kun but I have to decline," Kuroko respectfully bowed to his Teiko captain, "Our coach is preparing our team for the mini tournament next week and coach wouldn't want us slacking today. I'm truly sorry."
"I see," Akashi closed his eyes, "Well, we'll be eating at 6 pm later so you can simply catch up with us. And by the way, who is that spiky haired boy in your team? I swear I haven't seen him in our past games.
"Oh, him?" Kuroko then stole a glance at Kamijou, who was quite nervous at this point. So they're the Generation of Miracles I have seen from the CDs and heard from the both Sekiguchi, Kuroko, and Kagami. They really look intimidating! But that red head one got me shitting for real. What does he want now!?
"Oh, that's Kamijou Touma-kun, Akashi-kun," Kuroko then introduced their point guard, "He's a second year new recruit and he plays the same position as yours, Akashi-kun."
"He plays point guard as well, huh?" Akashi's smile then turned wide that Midorima swore he could feel a killing intent on it, "Kuroko, meet us later at Midorima's school at 6 pm straight. Bring Kamijou-kun with you along. And if possible, don't bring Kagami. That's all. Thank you very much—"
"Wait a damn second!" Kagami roared, annoyed at the fact that he was being left out, "What the hell's with this rough treatment!? You can't possibly—mpppph!"
Aomine slapped his hands into the Seirin ace's mouth, "Just accept what Akashi's says, you dimwit. It's clear: you can't come along."
"Anou, Aomine-kun," Kuroko then intervened, "Please, don't smother our ace. We'll still need him in our future campaigns."
"Tsk!" Aomine replied as he lets go off Kagami, "You're lucky Tetsu's your teammate, you hoodwink."
Kagami really wanted to strangle both Akashi and Aomine but the former had already walked towards Aida and bowed respectfully, "I'm sorry if I disturbed your practice. We'll be leaving now. Just dismiss Kuroko and this Kamijou-kun earlier."
"O-Ok, Akashi-kun…" the coach stuttered as he watches the rainbow gang leave the gym quietly, "Well…boys, practice resumes now!" But as everyone continued doing their drills, Kagami is obviously not in the mood to even dribble a leather.
"Dammit! Damn that shorty and his superiority complex!" he angrily complained as Kuroko and Kamijou watches him, "Add to that is that annoying Ahomine. Dammit! I must get back—ouch! Kuroko, what was that for!?" He holds his cheek that was slapped with his shadow's black wrist band.
"You should know how Akashi-kun does things by now, Kagami-kun," Kuroko patiently replied, "I'll repeat it. It's Akashi-kun we're talking about here. I'll understand though if you want to punch Aomine-kun in the jaw but that's because he's a fellow idiot like you."
"Please stop joining them!" Kagami angrily twitched at the compliment, "It pains me to see you still following orders from your former—"
"BAKAGAMI!" the coach was annoyed at the red head's complaints and decided to smack him in his scalp with a slapping fan, "Keep your voice low! Triple training for you! "
"Eeeeeehhh!?" Kagami almost fainted upon hearing his training menu got multiplied.
#
"Shit! My boy's aching!" Kagami was crying literally as he, Kamijou, and Kuroko are already packing their bags to go out of the gym. But for the latter two, they'll have to prepares themselves for a dinner with the tealnette's Teiko teammates. Realizing how intimidating Akashi can be, Kamijou can't help but shiver to his bones. He isn't even an Exper, a Magic God, or even someone of Biri Biri's status but for some reason, his gaze and composure signals authority and demands respect from everyone.
"Why does Akashi want me to come with you to your dinner?" the Imagine breaker user finally asked aloud to Kuroko, "That's your dinner for the old Teiko team, right? I mean, I'm basically grate crashing into your gathering."
"Akashi-kun must have had his reasons," Kuroko replied as he sips another vanilla milkshake, "I don't know what that reason is but I'm pretty sure he's already interested in you in making you his sub." I mean, what more reasons can it be? But I'm surprised he had already picked out Kamijou-kun despite meeting him only a while back.
"Huh? What sub?" Kamijou's eyes grew like saucers.
"The next Olympics will be held in Tokyo this August and because Japan's the host, the national basketball team got a free ride in the Olympics' Basketballmatch and right now, we're hastily forming the regular team," Kuroko patiently explained, "While the core would be made up by me and the Generation of Miracles, the rest of the spots would have to be fought over in the tryouts. If anything, the problem right now is that the best Japanese ballers from the B League and all of the best third years last year who are now college freshmen are questionable for the team since they would have to ask permission from their mother clubs and that's quite a tough process."
"I…I see…" the spiky haired boy stammered. Wait!? Me, in the national basketball team!? Am I dreaming? Am I imagining things!? But still, that Akashi had just only met me so I have to keep expectations low…
"Wait, hold on," Kamijou suddenly interrupted, "Does this Akashi have some kind of authority in the national basketball team? I mean, can he even insert me?"
"If you don't know, the Akashi clan is an influential family in the whole of Japan," Kuroko explained further, "I don't know about Academy City but in the rest of this country, they're quite well-known. His father is a powerful lawyer and at the same time, a business man who had links with the MEXT and the Japanese Basketball Association. Everyone from the elder Akashi's relatives had posts in the government, commercial banks, industries, and some big-name companies."
"That's…amazing," Kamijou didn't exactly know how to respond to that kind of power the family of Akashi holds, "Well…is Akashi's mother then holds the same influence?"
Suddenly, Kuroko's expression turned sullen as he sips another round of vanilla milkshake, "Well…he lost his mother when he was young. But I'd rather not talk something so personal…"
"Oh…I'm sorry…" Kamijou can only mutter those words as he looks into Kuroko's face. What was I thinking? I don't know but I felt that it was a big mistake asking those things. But still, it kinda suck to lose your parents at a young age. Oh well…it's not my story to know…
"Hey, you two better be on guard against Akashi's psychotic tendencies," Kagami, who hasn't spoke for a while, warned the two as he separates to go on his own way home, "I hope you two get out alive on that—OUCH! Oi…what was that for, you little shit!?"
"There's no need to worry, Kagami-kun," Kuroko, who had just slapped Kagami's face with his black wristband, gently explained to the brutish red head, "Akashi's other half has already disappeared so you don't have to be that paranoid."
"Tsk…well, I'm gonna see the two of you tomorrow," Kagami then waved his hands good bye.
#
"Thanks for buying! Come again!" the cashier smiled brightly as his customer had took the paper bag filled with vegetables, milk cartons, and proteins.
Going back to her dorm, Fukiyose had a normal day, including beating up the perverted pair of Tsuchimikado and Aogami for the second time in the day as well as attending her usual lawn tennis club. If anything's weird, it's the fact that the guy he loves to always smack to death is a no-show for three days.
What the hell's up with that idiot Kamijou? Fukiyose can't help but think out aloud, her mood visibly darkening. It's not that I have feelings for that guy, though! I-It's just strange that he again disappeared when the new year's barely begun. I'm quite surprised Tsuchimikado and Aogami had no idea where Kamijou is right now. But more so, Aisa's feeling strange right now. What is really going on? Is there something happening right now that I don't know? Wait, maybe Kumokawa-senpai knows something about this but…argh! I don't feel like speaking to her!
She then entered her room and immediately, she dropped herself carelessly in her soft bed. She was tired from overthinking a lot of things. I don't have to worry. When Komoe-sensei returns next week, Kamijou's sure to be in a big mess, with me as his executioner.
#
The moment they have entered the restaurant, the group of the rainbow-haired prodigies plus a certain spiky haired boy with jet black hair and dark blue eyes have maintained an eerie silence, with the exception of a certain blonde small forward babbling about the release of his new magazine, only to be shut up by the carrot-looking man who is holding a matryoshka doll as the lucky item prescribed by Oha Asa.
"So…what shall we eat?" Kuroko, who just finished sipping his seventh milkshake, decided to break the tension by asking their choice of food, "I'm quite starving from today's practice."
"That's so surprising of you, Tetsu," Aomine can't help but be shocked that his former shadow is actually in the mood to order anything other than another batch of vanilla milkshakes.
"If anything, you should be glad that Kuroko's eating more than usual, nanodayo," Midorima sardonically said to the Touou ace, "Well, with you being in the same table as him, he'll be compelled anyway to eat his food."
"Oi, what was that supposed to mean, you bastard!?" Aomine retorted back as he was inching to give the Shutoku shooter a piece of his mind.
"Eh!? Midorimacchi, Aominecchi, please calm down!" Kise intervened as he tried to stop any incoming nasty glances from the heated pair of green and blue.
"Kise-chin, please keep you mouth shut. It's annoying," Murasakibara drawled as he glared at the copycat and ace of Kaijo.
"Heeeeh!? Why are you always so mean to meee!?" Kise cried out loud as Kamijou was quite sweating at the fact that he got the somewhat unlucky privilege of seating beside Akashi. Shit! For some reason, I can feel a dark aura emanating from this Akashi that's just supposed to be just a regular human. Is it just me or it's that this guy beside me is someone as sinister as Stiyl? Come to think of it, they both have red hair.
"So," Akashi began to speak, much to the shock of the spiky haired boy, "You're Kamijou Touma, no? Well, as a part of the introductions, I would like to know where you came from."
"Well…" Kamijou was obviously getting nervous at the fact that he feels like he's being interrogated, "I came from Academy City."
"That city," Akashi grew even more interested, "Tell me, what is your Esper level and what kind of power do you possess? Did you attend middle schools there like Nagatenjouki Academy or Tokiwadai?"
Sweating even more, Kamijou can only gape as he's feeling as if he's ready to shit. Wait? This guy knows something about Academy City? What is he, a seer or a spy!?
"Sorry but I'm only a Level 0," the boy confessed though he had no plans to reveal yet the mysterious power residing in his right hand, "And no, I didn't attend any of those schools and Tokiwadai, by the way, is a middle school and is an all-girls academy."
"Oh…" Akashi cleared his throat as if he made a mental lapse, "Well, I was hoping that we can cross paths together the next time we meet again as opponents in the hard court…and here comes our food that I have pre-ordered. Please do eat a lot."
The moment the food was served, Kamijou can't believe it. I heard from Kuroko that he came from a rich family but this!? He's filthy rich! He eyed the assorted platters of roasted duck meat, cooked vegetables, venison, ham sandwiches, fruits, fried potatoes, corn soup, etc.
"Yay!" Murasakibara squealed like a child that juts got his new toy as he was about to grab the duck leg with his bare hands when Midorima slapped his hands away, "Oi, Murasakibara! Try using your fork, nanodayo! And stop being in a hurry to eat. It's embarrassing to our guest here." The Yosen giant then sulked as he pouted.
"Good job, Midorima," Akashi lauded the carrot's efforts to lecture their giant teammate, "Well, let's give our thanks first."
After blessing their food, the six Teiko temmates plus a certain spiky haired boy began to eat. While eating their food, Kise and Aomine had a mini competition on who's going to eat more as they intentionally left out Murasakibara owing to his strong appetite. Midorima kept himself busy by filing his left hand finger nails while the other three finished his food. Kamijou though was eating his serving rather fast as he knew he had to get home. But at the same time, he was thankful. Free food for once? I'm already happy with that!
After dinner, Kamijou and Kuroko already went home earlier as the rest had their obligations on of their own. While walking towards their street, Kuroko suddenly gave his companion a small pack from his duffel bag.
"Huh? What's this? A CD?" Kamijou asked in bewilderment as he gets the package from the teaalnette.
"Those CDs are recordings of our streetball match against a famous streetball team from America called Jabberwocks," Kuroko explained as they were closer to their houses, "I just feel like by showing them, you might be able to get a grasp of a more sophisticated streetball techniques. Well, see you tomorrow, Kamijou-kun." He then went ahead and entered their home.
Sophisticated streetball techniques? And from America? Hmmm…gotta check this one out! Kamijou inwardly exclaimed as he hurried to enter their home.
#
"Touma! Why are you so late in going home?" Index asked, visibly worried as she meets Touma in their room with Sphynx on her lap.
"I had a meeting with our basketball club," Kamijou purposely left out the whole dinner thing for fear that he might trigger the temper of his partner and end up getting bitten in his head, "Hey, did you feed both Sphynx and Othinus?"
"She did feed me, human," Othinus had just come out of her dollhouse, "Anyway, why are you so late going home and did you eat already?"
"We were dismissed late from our basketball meeting," Kamijou repeated what he answered to Index a while back, "And yes, our coach already provided us with sandwiches to eat during the meeting." Once again, he purposely left out the dinner part.
"But Touma," Index suddenly cried out at hearing the word sandwich, "You should have at least brought one for me!"
"Coach only made enough for the players," Kamijou made a smooth lie while not actually aware how "great" the cooking of their coach could be, "And since it's night time, I think I have to take a rest now. Index, did you help mom in the house chores?"
"Yes!" the English nun made a thumbs up, "I helped Shiina clean and uproot the weeds in the garden while Sphynx was busy chasing after the rats in the bushes! Then I helped her clean the house!"
"Good to know you're being useful for once," Kamijou drawled as he lays himself in the bed.
"Hey, what was that supposed to mean!?"
Eight hours later…
"Shit, now I can't sleep!" the spiky haired boy got awaken by the fact that he needs to go to his toilet to urinate. After attending to his bodily needs, he checks the time and that it read "3:00 A.M."
Suddenly, he then noticed the pack of CDs that Kuroko gave to him when they were walking home.
You might be able to get a grasp of a more sophisticated streetball techniques.
The tealnette's words echoed through his head as he then gets a hold to the package. A more sophisticated technique, huh? Perhaps…maybe…just maybe…I could copy them as well. He then eyed the laptop that is lying in his PC desk. Quickly taking a seat, he opened his laptop and once it began to load, he quickly inserted the first CD. The first CD was the first half of the Jabberwocks – Vorpal Swords match. Nevertheless, he first minutes of the action alone was enough to blow him away.
Damn! That's one hell of a match! I have watched the Generation of Miracles play together at Teiko but this!? It seems like this is the team at their best form! And what's with that move from the blonde whose name looks like Steve Nash? Could I do that!? Could I!? And woah, a battle of power and height! Shit, it makes me look like a dwarf!
After watching the first compact drive, he then turned to watch the second half of the match, which was on the second CD. Like the first CD, it blown him away. That Kise is basically what I heard as the zone. Shit! He's really unstoppable with his copycat ability even if he had a time limit! And Nash…huh…he also had an eye!? It looks like my eye seemed to be the weakest among all the eye users out there.
He then stood up and inhaled and exhaled. Minutes later, he found himself donning his basketball gear plus a hoodie with a jacket. I can't just simply stare and admire them. If I do that, I won't be able to overtake them and become the best as I promised! I'll have to make myself stronger! He then went outside of the house and began to jog as furiously as he could.
#
The third week of May had just passed and now, it's another new week and this time, the sounds of squeaks can be heard in the largest astrodome in Tokyo for it's the week where the pocket tournament that Aida had announced last week will be held. For a tournament which is not so important compared to the Interhigh and Winter Cup, it did garner a lot of viewers as the seats began to be filled with various audiences. Meanwhile, the hardwood court is now being occupied by the Blue Elites and the Black-and-Red cagers as they are beginning to do their usual warmups. It has become an uproar since it will feature a battle between the crowd-favorite Kise Ryota versus the rising trio of Kamijou, Kuroko, and Kagami, who were being scrutinized and repeatedly being watched out by the Japanese high school basketball enthusiasts and reporters, alike.
"Wow! This is quite nerve wracking," the spiky haired boy said aloud after he made a smooth layup as he then passes the ball to their ace, who proceed to dunk it, "Speaking of which, where the hell is Kuroko now?" Although he is now using his Falcon Eyes, the fact that he's not really there means he isn't present yet.
"Kuroko said he'll do something in the locker room so he'll be slightly late," Kagami answered his question as he then glared at Kise, who seemed to be in tip-top shape, "That Kise bastard…I'm pretty sure that he added something to his copy ability so we better be ready. By the way, did you get your jersey already?"
"Uh…yes…here," Kamijou replied as he removes his Seirin jacket and jogging pants to reveal a black-and-white plying uniform with red lines (the 'away' jersey) as well as a similar colorway for the shorts, "My number's sixteen and that's fine for me."
"I see but what's with that?" Kagami asked something else as he points into Kamijou's legs.
"Oh this?" the Imagine Breaker then motioned at his basketball leggings, which is coupled with his long NBA shocks and his usual pair of Kobes, "It's easier to warm up as well as run ahead with greater distance when I'm wearing these."
"It looks nice…"
Kagami jumped in fright as he then notices Kuroko had already arrived, "You little runt! Stop showing out of nowhere!"
"But I was already here five minutes ago," the shadow explained, "Well, the game's about to start. Kamijou-kun, I heard that Izuki-senpai will be the one starting."
"Ah…right," Kamijou chuckled at the fact the he forgot it was his senior who'll be in the starting lineup, "Well…huh!?" For some reason, he then raised his head and for an instance, he saw two familiar figures among the crowd, "What the!? That's Himegami and Kumokawa-senpai! She really skipped classes just to watch this one, huh? Oh yeah, I forgot that I told her she can get tickets online just last Thursday night." Suddenly, he then saw that the game is about to start and he saw Kuroko and Kamijou conversing with Kise, who seemed pretty confident that he can take this one away. Feeling a surge of adrenaline, he decided to do something. He then approached Izuki, who was tying his shoe laces.
"Uhm…Izuki-senpai…I know this is rude," Kamijou suddenly exclaimed to the startled Eagle Eye user, "But for this once, can you grant me a favor?"
#
"I can't believe this…" Fukiyose lamented while sitting in their class while waiting for Komoe, whose supposed return last week was delayed by the Academy City directors and so, she's able to return only this day, "Now Aisa is skipping classes? First, that baka Kamijou is now officially absent without leave and next is Aisa as well? I mean, what will she even do in Tokyo, buy some ginger like what she said? There are better herbs here being sold in the stores. I even had a bundle of them at my dorm!"
"Ara…so you really care about Kami-yan, nya!" Tsuchimikado, who was unsuccessful in finding their best friend, teased the Iron Walled Girl as he was busy eating some pocky with Aogami.
"Another word and I'll kill the two of you," her now dark, brown eyes glared at the two, sending a chill in their spines.
"Good morning, class!" the squeal of Komoe Tsukuyomi was heard as everyone was glad their homeroom teacher was back, "It's nice to see you again, you lovely children! I'm sorry if I missed a lot of our sessions due to my tough job. Now, let's check the attendance!"
But after checking the whole attendance, Fukiyose was quite surprised. Huh? He didn't even mention Kamijou's name? Wait a minute! What was that supposed to mean!? She then stole a glance at the two idiots behind her and notice that they have a similar reaction to hers. Not being able to stand it any longer, she decided to voice out her concerns.
"Komoe-sensei!"
"Yes? What is it, Fukiyose-chan?" the minute teacher turned her eyes into Fukiyose.
"I don't know if you all notice but it seemed that you forgot to check Kamijou's attendance even though he's already absent since last week," the girl grunted.
"Kamijou-chan? Huh? You don't know?" Komoe asked in surprise.
"Don't know what, Komoe-sensei?" Tsuchimikado, now getting curious as well, joined in.
"Well, I didn't get the details but apparently, according to the school records and by the confirmation of the principal here, Kamijou-chan is no longer studying here. That means he already transferred to another school. It's so sad that the boy whom I treated like a son is already gone," Komoe explained.
For nearly ten seconds, everyone was silenced by what they just heard. That bastard, playboy Kamijou had just transferred!?
"EEEEHHHH!?" Fukiyose's scream shattered those ten seconds of silence as the revelation hit her so hard. Then where did Kamijou transfer!?
#
"I never expected to see you here, Himegami-san!" Kumokawa smiled to her kouhai as they make themselves comfortable in their seats. The two of them were lucky to get a sit that was at the front so that means they can watch the game closer, "By the way, did you also get your tickets online?"
"I did," the Gemstone replied nonchalantly with some hint of tameness. She rarely spoke to Kumokawa as they weren't really close in the first place so she was quite timid.
"Oh, it seemed that Kamijou-kun will be in the starting lineup. This'll be fun to watch!" the Beauty Senpai squealed as she eats her popcorn.
Meanwhile…
"Are you sure about this, Izuki-kun?" Aida asks the Eagle Eye user as they and the rest of those in the bench watch the Seirin five consisting of Kamijou, Kuroko, Kagami, Hyuga, and Kiyoshi line up on the center circle with Kaijo's own lineup to start the traditional greetings and handshake.
"At first, I was hesitant but then, I saw his eyes and they were like burning with rage," Izuki explained, "I don't want to destroy that passion within him so I decided to let him be for now." He then smiled. At least, I'm glad that Seirin had a bright future after we seniors graduate.
Meanwhile, Hayakawa Mitsuhiro, the new Kaijo captain after Kasamatsu Yukio already graduated, was quite surprised that Seirin decided to send in a new face instead of Izuki which prompted him to ask Nakamura Shinya, "Hey, do you see that new boy ove(r) the(r)e? The one with spiky hai(r)."
"I don't know. It looks like he's a new recruit," Nakamura answered, which is quite surprising since he normally doesn't understand what his new captain is saying. Even Kise was quite baffled at this. Are you all underestimating Kaijo, Kagamicchi, Kurokocchi, and Kamijoucchi? Oi, Oi, don't get your hopes up! We'll win this!
Unfortunately for him, he doesn't know what will happen next.
The referee then whistled as the ball was tipped in between Kaijo's freshman center, whose height stands at 195 cm, and Kiyoshi. Unfortunately, the rookie had longer arms so he managed to win the tip in. Feeling enraged at the thought that they are being underestimated, Kise then decided to do one thing: use his improved version of Perfect Copy. While nothing different from the one unveiled during their fight against Jabberwocks, he added some elements into his game to enable him to last ten minutes instead of five into the game. It also helped that he was busy improving his physical build.
So when he released his first half-court shot, he was successful, earning his team the first three points for Kaijo and the whole game. He then turned to Kuroko and Kagami, "Are you being so cocky by sending only a new recruit as your point guard? Don't you all dare underestimate us!" He then joined his team to defend their goal.
"Hey, I'm starting to heat up as well, you know!" Kamijou yelled as he grabs the ball from Kiyoshi's inbound pass. We're not underestimating you, Kise. I simply want to see how I improved a lot. He then entered his shooting motion.
"What the fuck!?" Hayakawa was shocked to see this as the rest of Kaijo could only watch as the ball, quickly released by the spiky haired boy, made a high-rise arch before crashing into the ring, with no hint of grazing. The crowd was wowed (and at the same time, stunned) by Seirin as they were able to tie the game.
"Shimatta! Kise…oi…Kise!" Nakamura yelled to the shell-shocked blonde, who could only stand there. Th-That's Midorimacchi's three! How was he able to do that!? Wait..could it be that…he had the same ability as mine? No way!
He then grabs the ball and faces Kagami, who was smirking, "I was enjoying that reaction of yours. We're not underestimating you, Kise. In fact, it's the opposite. That's why we decided to send our best lineup here."
Shit! Kise then realized that right now, he might have the Perfect Copy ability but he's facing three equally strong opponents (plus Hyuga and Kiyoshi) in Kuroko, Kagami, and now, the guy who just had the same ability as his. I'll have to merely overpower them through sheer force! He then drove as fast as he could using Aomine's agility and spun around and dunked with Murasakibara's Thor Hammer technique. Take that!
"Kise-kun really improved," Kuroko muttered as he passes the ball to the spiky haired boy, who immediately brought it down to Kaijo's goal with his own agility. His speed and agility! It reminds me of Aominecchi! Kise inwardly screamed as he saw Kamijou break the ankles of Hayakawa and Nakamura, who all tried to defend but weren't able to.
"I'm not letting you!" Kise growled as he jumped up but to his surprise, the ball was gone. In a split second, he saw Kagami already in the process of dunking the ball, which was just on the hands of the Imagine Breaker a few seconds ago. Frozen, he could only watch as the red head ace quickly slams the leather into the metal hoop.
"Yosh!" he raise his fists in victory as he fist bumps his shadow and their spiky haired teammate.
That pass, Kise thought while swallowing hard what he just saw, That was a no-motion pass! I think I saw that kind of move being executed by Nash Gold just a few months back! Hold on! He can do that to!? He gritted his teeth. If that's the case, then I have no choice!
He then went up to his captain Hayakawa, "Hayakawa-senpai, please let me guard Kamijoucchi myself!"
"Huh!?" the rebounding specialist was shocked out of his wits, "I know that he's a(l)so ta(l)ented but who'(ll) hand(l)e Kagami then!?"
"It doesn't matter," the blonde spoke as if he's already getting fired up, "We'll let Nakamura-senpai handle him! I'll take on their point guard!"
Meanwhile…
"Oi, oi, I don't believe this!" Kasamatsu, who attended this pocket tournament as a spectator, "I know that spiky haired guy might have a similar talent to that Kise but he'll leave out Kagami just to mark him!?"
"I don't blame him entirely for that," former Touou captain Imayoshi Shoichi, who tagged along, commented, "You'd feel the same way if you saw someone trying to copy your technique. That number 16 guy…it seemed like he had a copying ability like Kise. That two moves he did were obviously patterned after Midorima's long distance shot and Aomine's agility. But as for that no-motion pass, I don't know where he learned that but I have to admit that's one of the riskiest yet effective passes that you can use in basketball."
"I don't see Kaijo winning this, to be honest," another Kaijo alumni, the flirtatious Moriyama Yoshitaka, muttered, "Well, it's true that Kise had improved drastically in terms of physical ability and skill execution but so did Seirin. Add to that is the addition of that number 16 guy and the retention of the core of Seirin's key players like the brutal duo of Kuroko and Kagami, the seniors consisting of Hyuga, a healthy Kiyoshi, an improved Mitobe, and their control tower Izuki. Seirin will be a tough nut to crack this year, along with Rakuzan, Touou, Shutoku, and Yosen."
"I see it the same way," former Shutoku captain Taisuke Otsubo, who also joined them, sighed, "I don't know why but I fee1 like Midorima and Takao would have their hands full against them. Kuroko and Kagami, plus the seniors, are already a pain to deal with and yet, Seirin managed to land their hands into a unpolished gem…wait, did he even came from a prestigious basketball school."
"I don't know about that," Imayoshi waved his hands, "But from what I heard from Aomine when I visited Touou last week Friday, he was scouted by Akashi because he looks interesting and he also said that he came from that place called Academy City."
"Academy City?" Kasamatsu twisted his head as if he heard a brutal joke, "You mean that absurd sovereign city-state where alleged superhumans called Espers are being developed? Well, I'm happy at the fact that I'm a normal human but if that's the case, Seirin sure is a lucky one in getting that kid."
"Oh shit…" Moriyama cursed, "Look there. Kise seems to be at the losing side of their one-on-one.."
#
Kuso! The blonde copycat raged mentally as he turned it over when he tried to verse Kamijou by copying Kasamatsu's turnaround dribble. But in a split second, the Imagine Breaker user managed to predict Kise's pass course by using his Falcon Eye.
With Kamijou dribbling the ball, Kise caught up. Hesitating, the former then decided to let their offense set up first before making a pass motion to Hyuga. Seeing this, Kise tried to reach out his hands in an effort to steal it but in an instance, he made another no-motion pass.
"Seriously, Kise's useless against him!?" Hayakawa whispered to himself as he saw the ball land in the waiting palms of Kagami, who them slams it down even before their center could notice. Kaijo's score hasn't move since Kise's slam while Seirin had added another score to the gap.
Once Hayakawa inbounded it, Kise immediately dashes to Seirin's goal to meet the waiting Kamijou. I know we had a similar playing style but don't get ahead of yourself! He then executed one of Aomine's signature plays of leaving and grabbing the ball but once he did manage to get pass the spiky haired boy, his Kaijo teammates were more shocked.
Huh!? That number 16 managed to tail and keep up with him!? He's insane! Nakamura could only watch as Kamijou quickly stole the ball from behind Kise's weak side and immediately, he makes a quick past to a running Hyuga, who managed to make a three pointer. "Dammit!" Kaijo's center cursed as he inbounds the ball but once he did just that, Kuroko sneaked out of nowhere, "What the!? Ku(r)oko!?" Hayakawa snarled as their ball got stolen by the Phantom player and it ends up to the hands of the waiting Imagine Breaker, who proceeds to charge to the paint wildly.
"Not so fast!" Kise shouted as he jumps up to block the shot but to his horror, he saw that the raven's form is almost parallel to the ground and as he released his fadeaway shot, he knew he can never block that shot. As a result, it's already 12 – 5 in favor of Seirin. Due to hi shock, Kise didn't realize that five minutes had already passed and that would mean his copycat ability would only last until the entire quarter.
Suddenly, he felt urged to really go all out. Kamijoucchi's really a strong opponent, on par with Kurokocchi and Kagamicchi. I really had to give it all!
Suddenly, he grabs the ball and before Kamijou could react, Kise made a combination of Midorima's long distance release and Sakurai's quick release, enabling to finally break Kaijo's stagnant score.
"Kagami-kun, Kamijou-kun," Kuroko, who had been quiet, decided to call the two before inbounding the ball, "I think Kise-kun is already awakened but from what I see, his copy ability can only last until this first quarter. In contrast, Kamijou-kun can hold out until the final stages of the fourth quarter as long as he uses moves that is on compatibility with his physical build. But for now, let's go along with Seirin's run-and-gun attack."
With that, the two teams, within five more minutes, decided to attack with guns blazing. Kise and Kamijou both began to trade blows one after another. But while Kaijo's score did increase, they weren't able to catch up that easily due to the fact that Kise is facing three aces at the same time, not including the seniors Hyuga, Kiyoshi, and Izuki, who is benched. The blonde, while managing to go all out to the point of almost going into the zone, is already beginning to get dizzy while Kamijou was still fine though his legs did start to wobble due to the increased speed and pace of the game. This intensity is so unbelievable! Kamijou noted as he brings up the ball, Not only that, it seems the defense of both teams can't really do anything now! He concluded as he made a swift crossover to get pass a fuming Hayakawa and used his Falcon Eyes to make use of Nakamura as a screen. This move baffled Kaijo as it collided both the ash blonde megane and their freshman point guard. The first quarter buzzered as Kamijou scored the final basket by making peremeter jump shot. The score was 34 – 20 in favor of Seirin.
Shit! Kise suddenly cursed aloud when he felt his legs began to feel a sting of pain. The high-paced play and the fact that my ability only increased to ten minutes have made a huge burden to my legs!
#
"Is Kise going to be okay?" Kagami asked as he, Kuroko, and Kamijou, who is still fine, are all perspiring heavily due their offense centered around them.
"I don't know but it seems like Kise-kun had began to get worn out," Aida answered as he distributes the towels, "For one, he hasn't yet recovered physically from your battle with Jabberwocks despite improving his skill and also, I think he isn't yet used controlling it. But that isn't our problem anymore. Kamijou-kun, are you fine?"
"Uh…yes coach," the spiky haired boy answered as he drinks his Gatorade.
"Good job, you three, especially you Kamijou-kun," the coach cheered the three, "The three of you would be benched. Izuki-kun, go out now! The rest, try to slow down the pace, if ever!"
"Hai!" the players answered in unison.
Meanwhile…
"Please, coach!" Kise begged coach Takeuchi Genta, "Please, let me play just one more quarter!"
"I shouldn't have done this," the fat Kaijou mentor sighed, "Kise, it looks like you still have to recover fully from your streetball match with those bastard Jabberwocks. Now, you'll only damage your legs if you play further." Plus, knowing you, you would give it your all especially Seirin's got a player with a similar playing ability.
"Plus, this is just a pre-season game," Nakamura assured him, "You should concentrate more on the Olympics team and in recovering your health. You're our ace but at the same time, you should also be healthy 100 percent."
With that, Kise could only watch in frustration as for the rest of the game, Kaijo did all they could to try and erase the gap but Seirin's reliable seniors didn't allow it and swiftly, the game ended in a 101 – 69 ending with the black shirts coming on top. After the game, all the players lined up in the traditional "thanks for the game" call and bow.
"Man, you're really stupid," Kagami commented to Kise, who was shaking his hands, "But still, you have improved rapidly as well that you don't like you still have to recover from the match. Honestly, you frightened us in the first quarter."
"I'll show you who's the stupid one in the Interhigh, Kagamicchi," Kise grinned as he grimaces from the pain in his legs, "By the way, Kamijoucchi, you really are awesome! We faced off only in the first quarter but I felt so happy facing a strong opponent like you!"
"Uhm…yeah..thanks?" Kamijou didn't know how to respond to that, "By the way, I noticed this from the beginning that we met in that dinner but really, what's with the -cchi suffix?"
"Kise-kun tends to add that suffix to those he seriously respects," Kuroko explained it for him, "So be happy that Kise-kun calls you that."
"Oh? I see," Kamijou muttered as they watch all the rest of the Kaijo players get reprimanded by a fuming Takeuchi and he actually shuddered at seeing that. Just then, his phone rang. Such misfortune, who could this be? He then fishes his gadget out and when he read it, he was quite confused.
'Hi, Kamijou-kun! Congratulations on winning your very first high school basketball game! You were really fantastic! Hey, do you have a minute? I'm with Himegami-san at the moment and we're just outside the dome. Let's meet each other!' his Beauty Senpai texted him.
Oh yeah, the match was so intense that I forgot they were watching as well, Kamijou groaned as he picks up his duffel bag and went up to his two friends, "Hey, Kuroko, Kagami, I'm sorry but can I go ahead? There's someone I need to meet outside.
Ten minutes later…
"I'm happy that we meet again, Kamijou-kun," Kumokawa winked to the incoming kouhai in his Seirin jacket and jogging pants. Himegami gave off a black stare, though she was actually very happy to see him again deep inside her.
"Kumokawa-senpai…Himegami…you go all this way just to meet me?" Kamijou rised his eyebrows as the two, "Besides, I had to leave both Kagami and Kuroko just to meet the two of you."
"Kagami? Kuroko?" Himegami asked, "Who are those people?"
"They're my teammates," Kamijou replied.
"So, why don't we go to the nearest restaurant!?" Kumokawa suddenly suggested out of the blue, "Don't worry, it'll be my treat!"
"Huh!? Wait!?" the younger boy began to panic. What does she plan to do now!? I didn't even get a say on this! But before he can even protest more, he was already dragged by the two women in the nearest taxi. Damn rotten luck!
#
The restaurant was a typical Japanese okonomiyaki place with a lot of tables with cooking trays for the okonomiyaki dish. One can say this place looks like a hub for those who are too poor to even afford dishes at more expensive places. But in reality, this place is very clean with a beautiful view of nature in its window. People also come and go here everyday not just only to eat but also to chat together.
"Hey, I'll flip it for you!" Kumokawa said ecstatically as she takes the fork of the startled spiky haired boy, who was still busy contemplating his match against Kaijo.
"Hey, you don't have to do this…" Kamijou protested, to no avail as Kumokawa immediately flips his food, "Hnnn…hey, Himegami, how's school life?"
"It's the typical one," the Deep Blood user answered as she began to eat her own food, "By the way, Seiri and the two friends of yours are already worried about you. Do you really have to keep it from them?'
"Well…" Kamijou quite hesitated, as seeing that he's quite feeling a bit guilty about not informing the three. But I'm pretty sure those two would have messed up big time, especially Tsuchimikado and as for Fukiyose, well, she beats me all the time!
"Y-You know…" Kamijou tried to answer, "How the hell can Fukiyose be worried about me when all she does is beat me up everyday morning whether I say something indecent or not? It's not that I don't want to tell but.."
"But what?" Himegami pressed on, "Kamijou-kun, Seiri deeply cares for you. She really didn't want to admit it nor do I but really, she really cares for your well-being. In fact, I can say she had feelings for you that's even greater than our friendship but she's quite a tsundere, you know."
"Huh?" Kamijou can't believe his eyes as what he's hearing. Himegami's speaking more deeply than usual. And Fukiyose a tsundere? Pffffft! That's quite too funny to even imagine!
"Well…I just want to have a fresh start in my life…" Kamijou stuttered.
"You all think too deeply!" Kumokawa butted in their conversation, "Besides, Kamijou-kun have a basketball career which is as bright as the sun. I think he should focus on that at this moment."
Himegami can only nod as Kamijou heaves a sigh, "By the way, you're going home just tonight, Himegami? I think a taxi cab to Academy City is unavailable at this time for the moment."
"You're right there, Kamijou-kun," Himegami answered, visibly sad.
Seeing this, Kamijou then thought for a moment and then suddenly, he removed his Seirin jacket, "Himegami, you can have this one…"
"What? Me? This one?" the Gemstone can hardly believe as the white jacket, with black-and-red striped portions on the sleeves as well as the name "SEIRIN" emblazoned on the upper left side of the breast part.
"Since you'll be going home just tonight, I think it's best if I give you my jersey jacket since these nights are pretty sure to get chilly as the weeks passes by," Kamijou explained, "Besides, if you're going to be sad just because I'm gone, perhaps that jacket could be a good souvenir. I can always ask for a spare from our team anyways so you can have it."
"R-Really!? T-Thank you so much, Kamijou-kun…" Himegami was so ecstatic that she immediately tried it out on her, which revealed to be slightly large for her body size, not that she cares anyway. Kamijou's jacket!? I – I'm really wearing his jacket!?
"You might want to ask two jackets, for me, right?" Kumokawa, now feeling a bit envious at this, lustfully turned to the spiky haired boy, who now shivered at this.
"Hehehe, I'll try, don't worry," Kamijou nervously chuckled as he began to sweat drop. Dammit! Did I actually do the right thing by giving my jacket? Now, I got stuck in this!
"But really, you should at least tell Seiri where you study now," Himegami brought him out of his imagination, "I can tell that she could suffer inwardly if you don't tell her.."
"Alright, I'll see what I can do," Kamijou placed his palms on his forehead. The truth is, I'm not yet prepared to reveal it to her. And even if I do reveal it, chances are, Tsuchimikado will get a word of this and who knows what doom he can bring upon me, our team, or Seirin High School, in general. But then again, they were also a part of my life so…
"We'll see you again on your next game versus…what was that school again?" Kumokawa asked as she stands up.
"Shutoku High School on Thursday," Kamijou answered as he was reminded of a certain carrot. That is where Midorima Shintaro, the shooter of the Generation of Miracles, play. No doubt he'll be an even bigger challenge than Kise. "By the way, where are you two going right now?"
"I'll accompany Himegami-san in buying some ginger herbs to make her excuse believable," the Beauty Senpai replied as they then went out of the exit door, "Good luck, Kamijou-kun!"
"H-Hai…" the boy only muttered as he watches them leave.
Well, I had to report back to school before coach tackled me to the ground!