"So what do you want to talk about, Misaka-san?"

The voice of one Uiharu Kazari is heard as a group of four middle school girls are now gathered in an area near the Child Welfare Facility of Asunaro Park, which is located in District 13. This place is home to Child Errors or in layman's term, an orphan who have been abandoned by their parents and guardians in Academy City. And right now, the figure of Misaka can be seen standing while being surrounded by her loyal and caring friends in her own kouhai Shirai, Uiharu, and the high school-looking Saten Ruiko.

"I want to get straight to the point," Misaka said as she keeps her head low, "And I'm sorry if I had to call all of you but…"

"It's fine, onee-sama!" the perverted Shirai said in jest as she proudly pounds her chest with her fist, "You can always rely on us anytime and anywhere. Just say it and we'll handle it for you!" Despite the teleporter's melodramatic proclamations, Misaka paid no heed to it as she knew she was pressed against time and at least, she is assure that she had very supportive friends. "Hey guys, do you want to go outside of Academy City?"

All of the sudden, everyone grew quiet as Misaka suddenly found herself being thrust into a difficult position. In honesty, she should have expected this reaction. Of course, they would think like what I would do there. For someone of Shirai's likes, Academy City has everything at its disposal, from fine schools, daily allowance (for Espers Level 3 and above) to fine living and advanced technology.

"Eh, Misaka?" Saten was dumbfounded by what her older friend said, "I don't want to question it but why exactly do you want to go outside of Academy City? Are you trying to engage in some kind of adventure? Why don't we just wait for the summer vacation to arrive? July's just in the corner anyway."

"Yeah, Misaka-san," Uiharu backed up her friend and Sakugawa schoolmate and classmate, "Besides, we have Judgement duties—"

"Let's just hear first what onee-sama has to say!" Shirai, getting quite irritated at how the two spoke with her sissy, cut the two of them, "Onee-sama won't make any requests from us if she knows it's unreasonable!" The two, seeing the teleporter ready to strike the two of them, decided to close their mouths and argue no more.

"I'm not sure if you're all amenable to this but…" the Level 5 at first hesitated but seeing the face of her friends laced with concern, she gathered up her courage and continued, "I wanted to research on a high school in Tokyo."

Once again, everyone fell silent again and this time, Shirai wasn't able to say anything as she was too shocked to hear what her upperclassman just said.

"Eh, onee-sama," the flirtatious teleporter pieced her words, "I know it sounds rude but why would you do that!? I mean, Academy City is the city of our dreams! Why would you try to find a shitty school outside the walls of this place? You're more than—"

"Uiharu," Misaka suddenly said, ignoring Shirai's cries, "Please search up the location of Seirin High School. I need to find someone there."

Suddenly, Shirai eyes widened as if she just heard a cruel joke. Seirin? That school? She gasped as if she realized something. Did I just hear right? How can onee-sama know that school!? She mentally freaked out as she suddenly remembered a certain cousin from the world outside of Academy City.

"Onee-sama! Just what will you do in that place?" Shirai calmed herself down before asking that question, "I know that you are now graduation but there are a lot of better schools here…"

"It isn't that, Kuroko," Misaka clarified, "It's just that, I am trying to find someone and I have to go to that place to find him. So if I'm not bothering you all, I wanted all of you to accompany me." The truth is, Misaka didn't really want to bring someone along but since this is outside of Academy City, she knew she'll have a hard time finding her location. While she did manage to go to Hawaii and Indonesia, that was because she had companions and this one is no different since she had stayed and trained hard in Academy City for so long.

"Misaka, just who is this person?" Saten curiously asked as she licks a Popsicle. Just then, she suddenly gasped and widens her green eyes, "Could it be a prospective boyfriend!?"

Uiharu also added, "Really, Misaka-san!? I knew someone like you can find a suitable boyfriend. I really envy you! He must be…"

"NO!" Shirai screamed angrily as she glares at the two, "Onee-sama can never, ever fall into something like that! She didn't even let that creepy troglodyte near her and…"

"Shut it, Kuroko!" Misaka yelled as she threatened to zap her kouhai with her electric shocks, "And that idiot didn't have anything to do with it!" Technically, that idiot was the reason Misaka asked them to come together.

"Oh yeah. I haven't seen that guy yet," the pretty-looking Saten said aloud as she finishes her Popsicle, "Well, I'm pretty sure Misaka have something more important to say. So, when will we go outside of Tokyo, Misaka?"

The three younger girls waited for their senior as Misaka thought deeply before finally, she replied.

"Girls," she looked at the three, "Would it be fine if we go out tomorrow? It's Saturday, after all."

#

"Such misfortune…"

Currently, the pair of Kamijou and Fukiyose is now in New Life, a famous store in downtown Tokyo selling ointment, olive oil imported from Greece, organic fruits and vegetables, white meat, spices, etc. The spiky haired boy could only stand and watch as he sighed, thinking about the events that happened some minutes ago.

"Dammit, some dog just pooped on my duffel bag while I'm waiting for the traffic signals to clear my path," Kamijou wailed inwardly, "And right now, I have to wait for that she-devil here when I could have used this time to eat with Kuroko and Kagami at Maji Burger. Seriously, why is life so unfair to me!?"

"Kamijou!" the sound of the voice of Fukiyose echoed through the hall, "I have bought everything I need so please carry it outside." The boy could only pale in shock as she saw the girl pushing what looks like a huge bundle in a pushcart.

"Uh…Fukiyose…don't tell me you'll be dragging all of that by yourself…" the boy could only mutter as he eyed the pushcart which is full of ointment, carrots, beets, nutmeg, Greek olive oil, laurel leaves, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and saffron.

"Of course, you'll be the one dragging this until I'm finished here," Fukiyose huffed.

"Damn my rotten luck," Kamijou can only cry in exasperation as the two large cloth bags which the busty girl had already paid were shoved into the waiting hands of the spiky haired boy. Knowing her, I should have seen this one coming.

"Don't worry, Kamijou," Fukiyose suddenly said as if reading what's on the boy's mind, "I'll carry your duffel bag and soiled extra pairs of Kobes." She offered as she took the lighter bag which the boy usually carries whenever he attends to their basketball practice.

"I'm honestly surprised you know that brand of shoes…" The spiky haired boy wasn't able to finish what he'll say as he got cut off by the Forehead Deluxe slapping his cheeks so hard.

"You really take me for an idiot, baKamijou," Fukiyose got offended by the Imagine Breaker user and Seirin guard's remarks, "Besides, I should be questioning you on why these are the only things you bring to school." She then began to rummage through the duffel bag despite the boy's silent protests and found only his Seirin jersey, an extra white shirt, two bottle of Gatorade, a Spalding basketball, and some basketball leggings.

"We're all excused from attending classes for this day," the boy explained, as if trying to explain what's wrong with the picture, "So I decided that to decrease my load, I didn't bring my school bag this day since they'll be an extra weight to carry."

"I see. Hey! I said that we'll eat out today, Kamijou!" Fukiyose suddenly exclaimed to the boy, "Please, bring me to the nearest and cheapest restaurant that we can afford!"

"Eh…" Kamijou then remembered that they are now on a de facto date (not that Fukiyose would admit it). Now that he thought of it, he then thought of the okonomiyaki restaurant but he knew that it would be a hassle since it's a bit farther from their current location. Suddenly, he then thought of something else. I know she rarely eats at places like this but I have no other choice!

"Fukiyose, I know you're a health nut but the only place that I know only offers different burgers, fries, desserts, and ice cream," the boy sounded so apologetic, "I wish there is a nearer restaurant that suits your diet but…"

"I'm fine with that," Fukiyose suddenly replied, startling the boy, "It's not like it would be bad if I try to eat in a fast food chain once in a while." This statement caught Kamijou in surprise as he knew that the girl isn't a fan of fatty foods.

"O-Okay! Then off we go to Maji Burger!" the boy awkwardly exclaimed as they now walked together in another direction. As they were walking, they talked a lot of topics, particularly what position the spiky haired boy is playing in the Seirin basketball team, how Index and his grades is doing, the Generation of Miracles and their teams, how evil their coach can be, his reliable senpais, and most of all, Kuroko and Kagami.

'So you're saying this Kuroko guy is a member of the Generation of Miracles even if he doesn't look like one?" Fukiyose couldn't believe it at first and it's understandable since the tealnette's style is quite deviant from how basketball players usually do.

"His style is mostly based on passing and distributing the ball," Kamijou explained while they continued walking, "But he uses his near-invincibility and his quick flick of the ball to redirect a pass to a teammate. In other words, he's a master of misdirection and that's the reason he earned the title "Phantom Sixth Man of the Generation of Miracles."

"Misdirection?"

"For example," Kamijou patiently explained as they stop for a moment and puts down the two bags. He then took his duffel bag and brings out his Spalding ball, "Here, watch me." He then gently and casually throws the ball in his back while looking straight at Fukiyose. "See?" He then picks up the ball and puts it back in the duffel bag. The he gave it to the busty girl while he gets the two heavy cloth bags again.

"See what? I don't get it. You just three it backwards and I only watch it fall down," Fukiyose frowned, still not getting the concept of misdirection.

"That's the point, Fukiyose," Kamijou smiled as they continue to walk, "You were looking at the ball but not at me so I was able to redirect your attention like your line of sight got distorted."

The Iron Walled girl had her eyes widened, as of getting now the idea of what Kamijou has been talking.

"In basketball, players usually keep their eyes for the leather so in any case, be it in offense, defense, a steal, or a fast break, they'll be ready," Kamijou further explains, "But in Kuroko's case, he uses that one motion to be able to keep out of his mark's vision so he usually do tap passes to make it look like the ball is curving suddenly. Add his lack of presence and you got a real-life phantom."

"I see," the girl said, quite impressed at how the misfortunate boy explained it, "I'm surprised that for someone so stupid, he was able to explain something so complicated."

"I don't know if you're complimenting me or insulting me," Kamijou wailed, not like Fukiyose minded her cries of protest.

In a few minutes, they were now on their destination. "This where me, Kuroko, and Kagami usually hangs out after heavy practice," the boy explained as he then pushes the door with his body since his two hands are full. After the two of them were able to enter, Kamijou volunteered to get their orders while the girl waits in their table. After minutes of walking around, they were able to find a table suitable for the two of them since it's in a place where they can see the city landscape and the area isn't that crowded with a lot of people.

But as soon as Kamijou then went to the cashier's line, he then met someone he didn't expect he would see in this place.

"Are? Misaka-san?" the boy was practically shocked to see a familiar person standing in the back of the short line.

And no, it wasn't Misaka Mikoto.

Rather, that person was none other than the Level 5's mother, Misaka Misuzu.

"Oh, who was that…oh my!?" the young-looking (despite her age) and pretty woman was astounded to see the boy whom she almost kissed once while she was drunk at the time when she planned to take her daughter home, "Kamijou-san? I'm surprised to see you here. How are you now?"

"W-Well…I'm f-fine…hehehe…" the boy stammered as he fell in line with her, "Anyway, what are you doing here as well?"

"Me and Mikoto-chan actually lived in the Kanagawa Prefecture but I'm currently finishing my college studies here in Tokyo," Misuzu smiled as she then scanned the boy. The latter then made a weird expression. Eh? Isn't that the same place where Kise and Kaijo are located?

"By the way, you look like you are skipping classes," Misuzu pressed on, "Academy City is safely-guarded and this place is obviously outside of the walled city."

"Uh…about that…" Kamijou then was reluctant to reveal that he already transferred schools but upon seeing Misuzu's curiosity, he decided to reveal it anyway, "I actually transferred to a school here…"

The last sentence stunned the young mother, "Huh? Why? Aren't you satisfied in Academy City? That city is an opportunity for you to have abilities like what Mikoto-chan attained…"

"It isn't just about Esper abilities, Misaka-san," Kamijou cut her off, "I'm sorry to interrupt you but it isn't just that. Lately, I was playing basketball when someone just came along and said I had the potential to be a great cager." He was referring to Sekiguchi. "Since Academy City doesn't offer any basketball-related stuff or even a decent varsity team compared to other sports, I was recommended to transfer here so here I am, standing right in front of you."

The brunette woman stood in front of Kamijou, with her face bearing an expression of uncertainty which was only covered by her sweet smile.

"I see? So you're pretty good at basketball, I suppose? Well, I can't judge you for that," the older Misaka replied, "So what school did you choose?"

"Seirin High School, Misaka-san,"

"Hmmm…I don't know but I think I heard that school somewhere before so I think you will do good at that craft of yours…oh my…I'm already the next one in the service…"

After Misuzu got her order, which was revealed to be a take-out pack, he then bade good bye to the boy, "Good luck. Do you want me to tell this news to Mikoto-chan?"

"Uh…no thanks…" Kamijou sweatdropped as he then remembered that the biri biri still doesn't know yet that he was already gone. But I'm pretty sure she'll notice it anyway in a few weeks so I'll just let her realize it for herself.

After watching the young mother leave, the boy quickly moved up to order their food from the cashier. After paying for what he ordered, he immediately carried the tray and got back to their table. There, they continued to chat while eating. The spiky haired boy had ordered a large soda, French Fries, two teriyaki burgers, and a packed hamburger (presumably for Index) while Fukiyose was already content with a Cherry Sundae and fries.

"What's with you eating so much?" the Iron Walled girl asked as they continued to chat.

"It's not like I do this every day. Besides, this is rare for me to have some treat for myself since Index is always the one who makes my wallet thin," Kamijou replied as he gobbles his food, "So yeah, it's Saturday tomorrow so I guess you'll have something to do tomorrow?"

"Actually, I'm free tomorrow so I guess I'll visit you in your school tomorrow again, if you don't mind," Fukiyose suddenly said.

Hearing the girl's reply made Kamijou stop eating as he thought he was daydreaming. Am I hearing doubles or she's really serious? She wouldn't earn the title Iron Walled Girl for no reason ever since she seemed to be pretty immune to the boy's Kami-yan Disease. And she's acting pretty chummy right now!?

"Ah…you see…" the boy then suddenly remembered what the team had talked about earlier this morning, "Tomorrow, we'll have a morning practice with the regulars as well as the rookie players and I'll have to attend tomorrow since I don't want to be killed by my coach. Besides, coach Aida said that she had brought a foreign trainer to help me hone my skills."

"Then we can have the whole afternoon for ourselves!" Fukiyose pressed on as she pouted, "You should honestly stop making such lame excuses and…"

"But that wasn't really an excuse," the boy answered, "And it's not like I want to do some drills consisting of shuttle running, jogging, and foot drills while under the hot sun."

"Fine! But we'll go out tomorrow afternoon!" Fukiyose hush the boy up before Kamijou can say anything further, "No complaints!"

"Ugh…fine, you win," the spiky haired boy felt compelled to say yes to her request.

After they ate out, the boy then brought his former classmate to the nearest bus station while dragging her two cloth bags with him. Before they eventually parted ways, Fukiyose muttered something to Kamijou's ear but the latter didn't understand it as it was too fast. Either way, I might not like what I was about to hear. He then watched as the bus had finally moved out on the station while he was standing there in the pavement, pondering on what to do.

Oh yeah, I had to go home and give this burger to Index before she kills me. Such misfortune.

#

The sound of the roosters crowing and the birds chirping can be heard along the early dawn at almost 4 am as the spiky haired boy had woken up feeling groggy. Shit, I was having a good sleep when I remembered that today will be our practice session despite the fact that it's Saturday. Oh well…I chose this so I'll stick with it. He then got up and as he was about to enter the bath room, he noticed that Index is still sleeping so soundly as well as Othinus. This brought a small smile to Kamijou's face as he enters the bathroom. At least, she didn't attack me when I arrived at home so late. Oh yeah, we have Saturday training today and I'll have another eat-out with Fukiyose. And for some reason, I feel like one of these days, something weird is going to happen.

He then took a bath for a good thirty seconds and as soon as he got out, he then dried himself up and soon, he began to put his basketball attire. But as he went to his wardrobe, he then notices two shoe boxes lying idly in the closet. And it is in Nike and Jordan markings. Strange, who the hell put this on my room!? He then walked closer and as soon as he was near, he then saw a white paper with sentences taped on one of the boxes. He then knelt down and took the paper. As soon as he began to read it, he didn't know how to respond.

Dear Touma,

I heard from your mom that you just got accepted in the Japanese Men's National Basketball Team. Congratulations on making it this far, son! Lately, I have been busy with my business associates so I wasn't able to congratulate your personally. Don't worry son. I have bought these two pairs of shoes for you. I know you like the Kobe sneakers but I hope you'll also like the Jordan shoes.

Your Loving Dad,

"Oh yeah, dad's already asleep by the time I arrived last night," the spiky haired boy muttered to himself as he then takes a glance at the two boxes. Curious enough, he then opened the Nike box and when he did, he saw that the brand new pair of Kobes in the box is one that can only be bought overseas. I have done enough research to say that this particular pair is a low cut version of the Kobe 9! And this is the EM Black Laser Crimson colorway! I heard that this is particularly comfortable and has a good grip on the floor, especially for fast-running point guards. Oh man, thanks dad! He then spotted the Jordan box and he then opened it, revealing a pair of Jordan CP3 X "Infrared" shoes. This one isn't bad. Dad can be really cool despite his obsession with lucky items.

At that moment, he then remembered Midorima and the stuff he usually carried every day.

After putting a pure black sleeveless shirt, a pair of Lakers shorts, Nike slippers, and his socks, he then stuffed all his equipment in his duffel bag and went downstairs. But as soon as he got down, he realized that Index had already woken up and stealthily went down to the kitchen while he was busy scanning his new shoes.

"Touma! Touma!" the English nun yelled as she could while she stuffed her mouth with omelette, "It's Saturday so let's go out and play!"

"Sorry but I can't go out with you today," Kamijou sheepishly apologized as he sat down on the table to eat his plate filled with fried rice and leftover meat from last night's dinner, "As much as I like a break, there's no way I could slack off in practice now especially with coach being a demon."

"But Touma…" Index pouted and then grumbled, "You think nothing else other than basketball!"

"Well…I could say the same thing to you except that it's always food," the spiky haired boy shot back as he began to chew his breakfast.

"Hey! I always helped Shiina in the house chores, Touma!" Index retorted as she continued eating, "Besides, you always sleep when you go home and you're also becoming a glutton lately."

"It's not like I can help it," Kamijou sighed as his mother brought him a glass of fresh orange juice, "Practice is too brutal that even a single training menu will kill me off, not to mention a doubled or tripled exercise. So I had to eat up and sleep so I can replenish all my drained stamina." And at least, I put all the nutrients I eat to good use.

"Then let me go with you to Seirin!" Index suddenly exclaimed, her green eyes shining, "I want to watch you…"

"Hey, Index-san!" Kamijou's mom suddenly cut through the air like a knife slicing butter, "I want you to help me set up and clean this house. We'll have visitors later on."

As much as Index wanted to refuse, she then thought that having visitor would also mean having lots to eat, "Oh…okay, Shiina!"

As Kamijou finishes his breakfast with the glass of juice, he was glad that his mom had just saved him from having to bring another spectator into their school.

After securing his objects, he then kissed his mother in her cheeks and he immediately exited through their front door. Immediately, he spotted Kuroko waiting outside of their house. After exchanging greetings, the two immediately walked in the streets, talking about random stuff such as Academy City, the five schools of the Generation of Miracles, last year's Interhigh and Winter Cup tournaments, Kamijou's daily misfortunes and Index. After a while, they met Kagami in another street and so, the three of them walked together. Kamijou can't help but admire the early morning sky, which was baby blue in color like Kuroko's eyes while it was still dotted by powder, pale stars.

"Why does coach have to make us attend so early!?" the voice of one grumbling Kagami just shattered the serene atmosphere surrounding the second year trio of Seirin.

"Katoku said that she wants all of us to be finished by 1 pm so we can have some rest in the afternoon until tomorrow," Kuroko patiently explained, "By the way, your eyes seemed to be red like blood. Did you not sleep again?"

"Sh-Shut up!" Kagami retorted, "Well…I was pretty excited about what Alex will teach us today so I ended up not being able to sleep…"

"Souka…" Kuroko can only sigh at his idiotic current light, "You really are a basketball baka, Kagami-kun. And I'm surprised that you haven't compensated Alex-san for everything she did to help you improve your style in basketball, not to mention she'll also be in our training today."

"I pay for everything she does in Japan," Kagami replied.

"Uh guys…" Kamijou, not understanding the conversation at all, suddenly spoke up, "Just who is this Alex that you two are talking about?"

"Oh yeah, you haven't met her yet," Kagami said as he takes out a basketball to roll it in his finger, "She was my master and trainer in basketball back in the United States."

"She? She's a girl?" Kamijou asked incredulously.

"I don't see anything wrong with it," Kuroko responded, "After all, our coach is female and our former scout is also a female." He was apparently referring to Momoi.

"I see…hehehe," Kamijou nervously chuckled as they continued to walk. Along the way, they met an old woman who was selling cheap but warm cups of hot, brewed ginseng tea. "Hey guys, who wants ginseng tea? Alex said they're good for our battling stress," Kagami suddenly said as he took out his wallet, "I'll treat you two guys for this once." Eagerly, the tealnette and the raven agreed and they immediately walked up to the old woman, who gladly served them three large porcelain cups of the smoking drink. As the three gulped it down, they felt freshened up and at the same time, heated up, which is perfect for their playing condition. Kamijou, for his part, felt quite peaceful as for once, he began to experience a far more normal life (saved for the daily doses of misfortune that he still encounters every day). After mouthing off "arigatou gozaimashita" to the old woman, they continued walking until they finally reached Seirin High School. Immediately, they entered the gates which was surrounded by a tranquil aura (since it was a Saturday, after all) and proceeded to the basketball gym.

Once they were inside, they found out that all their seniors as well as Furihata, Kawahara, and Fukuda had just barely arrived as well. Only the freshmen and Aida Riko were still not yet in attendance. "All the seniors, start jogging outside of the gym!" Hyuga yelled as he puts on a sweatshirt, "All the juniors, you can go ahead with your fundamental drills. First will be free throws and every miss is worth three push-ups! Then after thirty minutes, begin shooting in the perimeter!" After that, all the seniors then proceeded to the outside of the gym. The rest then began to go to the free throwline. Kamijou then grabs a lone basketball lying around and began to drive to the hoop with it when suddenly, he felt very off. Though he did made the layup, he swore something was wrong. He then got hold of the ball and as soon she he touched it more tightly did he realized something. This ball got really soft and its surface is really wearing off! Maybe this got used so many times. Oh well, I'll just go to the locker room and find another available basketball so I can swap this one and that no one will have to use this worn-off ball.

He then excused himself from the free throw routine and quickly went to the basketball club's equipment room. Sprinting, he quickly reached the room and when he entered it, he found out that it was quite large and had tons of gear and equipment assorted and stacked. There are a lot of basketball nets, hoops, cones, whistles, some weights, and…oh there it is! He then found a steel rack which was filled with orange balls, with Wilson brands on the top, the Spalding balls on the middle, and Molten ones (the original eight-panel ball) on the lower rack. As the spiky haired boy was about to grab one, he then heard what looks like a snore in another section of the room. He would have ignored it if it wasn't for the fact that the tone looked familiar.

Eerily familiar that it raked Kamijou's flesh.

Unable to contain his curiosity, he then looked around the room until he found another door which he presumed is a closet. And this is where the sound is coming from. Tiptoeing closely on the door, he slowly touched the brass knob and twisted it. As soon as the door quietly pushed back, he then took a peek inside and from there, he froze on his spot.

Kamijou was right in saying that it was a closet as it was filled with clothes but that wasn't the problem. He then noticed a girl sleeping on a bench and this wasn't an ordinary girl. She looked to be around the age of a middle-schooler. She is seen wearing a uniform consisting of a white undershirt with an N.L logo on it topped with a white jacket with red and blue sleeves also sporting the N.L logo. She also wears a miniskirt with the same color theme as her jacket. She wears a dragon-tail like spiritual item under her skirt. Kamijou's stomach crawled as he realized the price of having a good morning with ginger tea, a good breakfast, Index not insisting to come with him at Seirin, and his new Kobe sneakers was this. And it wasn't good.

The girl's name was Lessar after all.

Yes, the seductive member of New Light and Kamijou knows from the start why she is here. Though I can't comprehend how the fuckin' hell did she manage to track down my school!?

As if on cue, Lessar began to wake up and as soon as he saw her target, she smiled so seductively, "Oh, long time, no see, my little boy toy! You sure are brave enough to take a peek here in the closet where I am sleeping. I could have been nude here or…maybe that's what you really were hoping for?"

Waking up from his trance, Kamijou immediately acted on instinct and quickly slammed the closet door shut and moved away from the room. He could hear Lessar shouting "Hey! That was uncalled for!" as he grabs a ball (not anymore caring whatever brand it is) and quickly exits the equipment room. He then relocks the equipment room and was already running towards the basketball gym. As soon as he re-enters, he was met by a surprised Kagami and Kuroko.

"Eh? Kamijou? Where have you been? I thought you just get a replacement ball," Kagami asked, oblivious to the situation that their trio member is now facing.

"It looks like something happened in the equipment room," Kuroko asked, his blank face still showing thought deep inside, he was quite concerned at the sight of their fellow second year quickly gasping for air.

"Something…just…" Kamijou tried to make an excuse but suddenly, he heard a foot step behind him. Such misfortune!

"How dare you lock me inside the closet, Lover Boy!? Be thankful that I only burned just one piece of your basketball in the gym? Who knows what could have happened if I really got angry."

Kuroko and Kagami then looked at Kamijou's back as the boy simply yelped at the incoming Lessar, who was walking towards the three. "Anyway, I knew you're questioning how I was able to locate your new home. Well, it's just very simple, to be honest. School records show where you have transferred. You really think I won't be able to find you?" Lessar then turned to face Kamijou's teammates, who were too shocked to even talk. Introducing herself as if nothing happened, she said, "Hello! I am Lessar and I'm a friend of Kamijou Touma here. Are you teammate's of Touma?"

Silence then engulfed the three for a good ten seconds before Kagami erupted, "What the hell is this, Kamjou!? First, that weird-looking nun, second that former classmate of yours, and third, this…this…child-like girl?"

"Kamijou-kun…" even Kuroko was too shocked to even say anything.

"Hey, Lessar…" Kamijou said weakly, "You do realize that we are having a basketball practice at the moment? I would appreciate if you go somewhere else. We can…"

"I can wait here, Lover Boy," Lessar than snuggled up closer to the misfortunate (or rather, fortunate) boy, "Anytime, I'll always wait for you so when you're finished, we can…"

"Take me back to United Kingdom?" Kamijou abruptly cut her off.

"Yay! We're both on the same page!" Lessar clapped and giggled, "So let's…"

"Sorry but I'm not interested," Kamijou replied with firmness as he began to dribble.

"Why not!? You always say that, you know!" the most hyperactive off all New Light members groaned and then whined, "It's that Leivinia bitch from Dawn-Colored Sunlight, isn't it? Have you already been recruited!?"

"How many times would I have to tell that I'm not interested in joining ANY magic organization, no matter what it is," Kamijou sighed, feeling a headache would come along the way, "Besides, do you even know what Birdway does to her members? If anything, I wouldn't even be able to run had I been there. I'm a normal high school student who just happened to have phenomenal skills in basketball."

As the two continued to argue, Kuroko and Kagami could only watch in confusion. Lessar? Leivinia Birdway? Dawn-Colored Sunlight? United Kingdom? Just what the hell have you been through, Kamijou!? Kagami thought wildly, though not surprising. Kuroko was having different thoughts.

In fact, he narrowed his eyes at Lessar, who was still aggressively trying to seduce their teammate into joining their magical organization. It was shattered however when Kamijou decided to speak up.

"Okay! Fine! We can talk later as long as you just sit in the sidelines," Kamijou gave up as he then motioned Kuroko and Kagami to go ahead and he will follow. Just as they were about to re-enter the gym, the boy then asked, "I have to remind you that since this is outside Academy City, your clothes might make you stand out and I don't want coach to beat me up with her…"

"It's fine, Lover Boy," Lessar confidently said as they pushed the gym doors, "After all, I might be here to take you to United Kingdom but that's not all to it. Basically, I'm here since the magic faction is now trying to track down and capture a rogue magician who is trying to experiment a potion that can cause a plague in your country and in effect, can cause another world conflict."

"Eh?" Now this concerned the boy. A plague that can affect my countrymen? Who in their right minds would do such thing!?

"Essentially, it would involve our faction, the science faction, and the basketball faction," Lessar explained as she then sits in the bleachers. Kamijou then found something strange about what she said and was about to ask something when Kagami shouted that he haven't even made his free throws yet so he decided to save it later. For now, basketball comes first.

#

"Okay, Alex-san, we'll wait for you!" Aida giggled in the phone as she comes in Seirin quite late. She had been stuck in the traffic for some minutes so she was obviously late. But thankfully, she managed to pull through and now, she is walking at the school grounds. She then spotted the seniors now running outside of the gym while they were sweating profusely. It's really nice to cultivate talent, she thought as she then remembered that the younger ones are now supposed to be doing their fundamental drills. She then made her way into the gym and once she entered, she was pleasantly surprised to see all the second-years and the rookies now in the free-throw line. She can see that almost all the ones who were doing push ups were the freshmen players and so far, Kamijou remained on top without even missing any of his shots. As expected of him. She was just about to go to the corner and fix some paper works containing sets of offensive strategies when suddenly, her eyes caught something very weird.

"Uhm…little girl…who are you?" she then turned towards a girl who was shorter than her. Aida had to admit that her clothing is way too insane to watch; red-and-white striped socks, a white jacket with the N.L logo, and a bladed pole, the latter which made the coach stagger a bit.

"Oh? Hello, I am Lessar and I am a friend of Kamijou Touma," the girl said as if nothing was wrong, "Is there something wrong?"

Suddenly put off by how Lessar spoke to her, Aida then answered, "Yes, there is something wrong. I'm the coach of Kamijou-kun and these boys and honestly, I don't know why but this is an exclusive affair for those involved in the Seirin basketball team and needless to say, you're not even a member of this team. I would appreciate if you go outside and wait for your friend there. You are disturbing our training session."

"Oh? So really want threesomes, eh? Fine, Lessar-chan can really play dirty at this point if that's what you want," the New Light member smiled as she was prepared to brandish her pole at the coach, who suddenly got frozen in her spot at the sight of the weapon being used. Thankfully, a miracle happened.

"Lessar, no!" Kamijou came rushing into the scene, "Kantoku, please forgive my best friend! She is someone I haven't seen in a long month! Can she stay here, please!"

"Definitely no, Kamijou-kun!" the brunette coach yelled as she was exasperated. It was slightly understandable. After all, who wouldn't get insane after meeting a crazy, gluttonous nun, and a busty, pretty-looking lady?

"What's happening here, Riko?"

Everyone turned as they all saw Kiyoshi now retuning inside the gymnasium, "We heard the two of you shout so we thought something bad is happening."

"It seems our lovely kouhai here brought another woman in our practice session," Aida smiled so sweetly that Kamijou didn't know whether to trust that smile or not, "It really seems that Kamijou-kun really needs more than being locked up in a Boston Crab Hold." She then cracks her knuckles as her deadly aura is oozing of her.

The poor boy can only watch in horror as their female coach walked closely to the two of them when thankfully, Kuroko decided to speak up, "Kantoku, how about we let it slide for this day? We'll only waste our time in this ruckus and besides, it's not like Lessar-san is disturbing us in our free throw routine. There isn't anything wrong if she just watches us practice, right?"

Hearing this argument by the tealnette, Aida then dropped her fists and quickly gave it a thought. After that, she sighed, "Well…it looks like she's quite normal save for her clothes and that pole. She can watch in the sidelines. Okay, boys! Go back to practice!" Kamijou was then relieved. Thank you very much, Kuroko! Damn it, Lessar! I should have punched you back in London. He then watches the New Light member gleefully jump in victory.

Meanwhile, some kilometers away from Seirin High School, a taxi from Academy City is cutting through traffic towards the heavily-guarded gates.

#

"Hey, Shin-chan!"

The voice of Takao was heard echoing in the gym of Shutoku High School as his green-haired partner is busy shooting some three-pointer. It was evident in his facial expression that he desired to get revenge for his loss against Seirin though he knew at the same time that he had to drop all his animosities at them temporarily for the sake of playing for the country.

"What is it, Takao?" Midorima grumpily asked as he began to shoot on his right hand, a sign that the lefty shooter is strengthening his right-ball handling and shooting just in case an emergency calls for it.

"Look at this magazine," the Hawk Eye user flips through the SLAM magazine, "It says that the Russian basketball team has qualified for the Olympics and that they have one scary player! Look at this, his height is so tall he's even bigger than Murasakibara and Jason Silver!"

Midorima then dropped his basketball and walked towards the point guard. Taking the magazine, he then read it and Takao swore that for the first time, he actually saw the number one shooter of the Generation of Miracles flinch in fear, "Aleksandr Shpagin. 22 years old. Number one pick in the NBA Draft. Recorded a career-high 18 blocks, shattering Elmore Smith's record of 17 blocks and Manute Bol's 15 swats for a rookie. Standing at 7'1" with a 7'9" wingspan and weighing 117 kg," Midorima read the information, "It seems like he'll be able to swat about half of my shots, nanodayo."

Takao only shrugged as he then took a ball, "Well, I do hope Murasakibara and Aomine would be able to do something against that monster. They're the strongest center and power forward we had on the team."

"The team won't only center around the two of them, baka," Midorima chided his partner, "Such vital statistics have a drawback and we'll exploit on that. Plus, we have players like Akashi and Seirin's Kamijou who can penetrate fast like a mouse despite their heights. We'll ride on a high-paced game."

"Souka demo…" Takao chuckled as he then begin dribbling, "Isn't Jason Silver of Jabberwocks a fast one as well despite his hulking body?"

Midorima bit his lip as he saw Takao's point. He wasn't wrong on that, nanodayo.

"We'll see," the shooting guard said as he resumes practice, "No one can be sure until the final buzzer has been blown."

#

Lessar delightly sat on a plastic chair as he watches her Lover Boy and his teammates now doing shuttle runs on the gym. During the duration of time, she also tried to pet Tetsuya Nigou, Alaskan Malamute puppy who was the team's mascot and Kuroko's dog, hence the nickname given to the black-and-white canine. But for some reason, the puppy kept ignoring Lessar as it was too busy playing with a basketball. What a strange puppy.

"Prrrrt!" the whistle of the coach was heard being blown, "Take some rest, boys! We'll immediately resume when Alex comes here!"

Every one of them heavily perspiring and breathing heavily as they all went to their bags to drink their water and sports drinks while the others change their clothes. Kamijou was sweating profusely as he then returned to the bench. "Damn, this runs will really kill me if I wasn't that strong." He then went to where Lessar is sitting, "Lessar, what the hell do you a plague? And how come you mentioned three factions?"

"To start with, have you heard of the term "Freemasonry?" Lessar asked as she unsuccessfully tried to grope into the arms of the boy.

"Uh…yeah, I think. Isn't that a group of fraternities somewhere in Europe? And please, stop groping me at this place. They might get the wrong idea!" Kamijou shrieked as he drinks his bottled water.

"You're no fun," Lessar pouted but she continued anyway, "As I was saying, I am here to chase down the one who's suspected to cause a plague. I can't reveal the details yet but apparently, he belonged to a radical clique of the Freemasons who are able to use magic. They're not a cabal but they're still powerful enough to cause havoc. As for his intentions, we don't even know yet. That's why I need your help."

"So you're working alone?" Kamijou asked.

"Hmmm…nope but that's still a secret," Lessar teased him.

"Okay but seriously, what do you mean the basketball faction?" the boy pressed on, "Are you pertaining on my team?"

"You're correct at one point except for the fact that it isn't only Seirin which is involved in this," Lessar continued, "Since the rogue magician came at a time when the Olympic Games is being held here, I expect that he'll strike at a time where there will be a lot of people watching. Since I heard that those so-called Generation of Miracles are quite famous here, I expect that their games might be targeted."

"Hold on," Kamijou stood up, not being able to comprehend what Lessar is saying, "Are you saying that we'll be targeted? I'm on the national team, you know—" He then bit his lip as he realized his slip his tongue. Not good!

The seductive Lessar's smile widens as she replies, "You're playing in the Tokyo Olympics as well? Then this will make it easier. If you help us, this crisis will be over in no time but that might mean they'll be involved too. By "they" I am referring to those who'll play basketball in your games."

"Don't you think that's quite too much?" the spiky haired boy replied as he cannot imagine Seirin, Kaijo, Touou, Shutoku, Yosen, and Rakuzan being involved in the dark affairs of the Magic World. Heck, I don't even think that it's possible they know anything about magic. He thought that if someone like Misaka can barely handle the powers of the magical side, he knew that his teammates won't do even better. What the hell can Kuroko and Kagami do against the likes of Stiyl, God's Right Seat, Gremlin, and the Golden Dawn? Besides, they had nothing to do with this so why…

"Prrrrt!" the brunette coach again blew her whistle, "Gather around boys! Alex-san is here!"

At hearing their coach telling them to stand up, Kamijou had to cut his chat with Lessar and immediately re-joined Kuroko and Kagami on the center circle. As soon as everyone had gathered around in a semi-circle manner, the spiky haired boy then saw a blonde green-eyed Caucasian woman standing in the large circle with their coach. She was wearing thigh-high boots, green jacket, and a white shirt underneath. Woah…she looks hot even in her glasses. And she's even taller than me! Wait…is this the Alex that Kuroko and Kagami is telling me about?

As if on cue, Aida said, "For those who's just new here in our team, this is Alexandra Garcia, Kagami-kun's trainer back in the United States and a WNBA veteran. She'll help us become stronger for our incoming campaigns!"

Murmurs and whispers followed due to the fact that some of the new players are quite shocked to have an experienced pro player as their trainer. WNBA? Isn't that the counterpart of the NBA? Who knew I could have a professional as a coach? Kamijou himself was surprised at this development.

"All the seniors have your own fundamental training. As for the second years and rookies, go have your jogging outside of the gymnasium!" Aida blared at them.

"Hai!" everyone answered in unison but as all the players are about to move out, the brunette coach suddenly stopped the second year trio from even moving from their places, "Kamijou-kun, you'll have your own training with Alex. Kagami-kun and Kuroko-kun, just stay here and you'll have your stamina endurance training with me!"

"Eh, coach, why?" the spiky haired boy asked dumbly.

"To train you, idiot," Aida sighed, "Of course, I told her about your raw potential so I have decided that from now on, you'll have one-on-one sessions with her. Now go and don't make her wait for too long!"

"Oh, okay coach!" the spiky haired boy then was about to go outside to meet the American trainer when suddenly, he got tackled on the ground.

"Ittai! Dammit, Lessar, what do you want now?" Kamijou then stood up to see the New Light magician standing beside him.

"Of course, I will go with you outside, Lover Boy!" Lessar squealed, "We don't know what that blonde might do to you so I'll be there just in case she wanted a threesome…"

"It's embarrassing to say such obscene things here, Lessar," Kamijou sighed, "Well, if you're just going to watch me, then let's go."

In a few seconds, they are now outside and immediately, Kamijou spotted Alex, "Uhm…hello…so you're…uh…Alex-san that I'm hearing."

"Yes, Kamijou-kun," Alex chuckled, "By the way, I heard a lot of things about you from Taiga so I'm quite excited to see what kind of potential do you have. Come, let's go to the nearest public court since we don't have that much time."

Kamijou and Lessar then followed the former WNBA player on the nearest street court and when they did manage to get there, he then notice a man in black jogging pants and blue shirt standing there as if he was actually waiting for their arrival. And who is that guy? Wait, I don't know but I think I saw him in one on the CDs that I watched. Maybe…

"Tatsuya!" Alex said in English, which Lesssar mentally noted that her accent is very laudible and well-refined, "I was quite surprised when you said you have free time but here is Taiga's teammate and he's playing with you."

"You were the one who called me Alex," the man noted, "Luckily, I have a free time from our training with Yosen so I'm willing to lend you a hand! Besdies, I can't wait to play against one of Taiga's strong teammates. But I have yet to inform Taiga that I'm here."

"His English is somewhat comprehensible despite sounding like he learned it from American cops," Lessar commented.

"That wasn't the issue here," Kamijou replied as he then took a look at the man. He's certainly taller than me so I bet he's playing either the two or three position. And Taiga…oh yeah…if Alex knows Kagami, then there's a chance the man knows him as well.

"Kamijou!" Alex then called him out, "This is Himuro Tatsuya from Yosen High School. He's Taiga's surrogate brother and a main player from Yosen High School. Those two were my students during their middle school days at America. Tatsuya, this is Kamijou Touma, their second year point guard."

"It's nice meeting you, Kamijou Touma," the now third year shooting guard of Yosen stepped forward to extend his hands to the startled Kamijou, who didn't expect this. Damn, so that is why he looks familiar. He's Murasakibara's teammate if he came from that Yosen team!

"Uh…sure, man…so you'll play with…uh…us?" the Imagine Breaker user then replied with his somewhat passable English as Lessar rolled her eyes with Kamijou's English accent.

"I see your English is somewhat understandable," Himuro chuckled as he shakes hands with Kamijou, "Fine, we can speak Nihongo since we're in Japan and Alex can understand Japanese, Kamijou."

Was that supposed to be a compliment? The spiky haired boy inwardly thought as he sees Himuro grabs a ball that was passed to him by Alex. "As a first test," the latter said, "You'll have a one-on-one versus Himuro. It will be up to ten points. I want to see how you stack up."

After those words, Kamijou can't help but position himself as Himuro gets the first possession. He's stance is fine and calm and his aura seemed like that of an assassin. Dammit, I have to be careful. Kamijou inwardly noted as the two faced off against each other.

Suddenly, Himuro leaped up to attempt a jumpshot and Kamijou then reacted by jumping as well. However, as soon as he was airborne, he realized that that was a fake. Shimatta! It was a fake. But not only that, it was a perfect one. This is my first time seeing a perfect fake. But as Himuro rolled pass him, the Seirin floor general managed to catch up due to his reflex and agility and in no time, he stopped Himuro from being able to dash towards the hoop. This caused the Yosen shooting guard and current captain to freeze in a moment. He's fast. No…he's even faster than Taiga and much more flexible. He's a worthy opponent! He then rise up to make a shot and Kamijou then jump as well. But to his shock, the ball passed through his hands. The latter was stunned. Wh-What was that!? My timing was perfect to block a simple shot but it passed my hands instead!? He could only watch as the shot went inside perfectly. Suddenly, it hit him. Now that I think of it, I remembered something about what Kagami said.

"Impressive," Alex mumbled to herself as the possession switched with Kamijou getting the ball, "Despite Tatsuya getting the first point, Kamijou's speed is stunning enough to make him think twice of attacking the basket."

With Kamijou holding the ball, he then faced off against the older Himuro. So that's the Mirage Shot that I heard. It's pretty impressive as well as his smooth transition that's blinding as if I am watching a refined dance. But there's no time to think about it! He then made dribbled to his right without warning as Himuro closes him on the same direction but as soon as the latter's weight is on his left side, Kamijou made a quick switch and in a split second, he dashed through his left, leaving Himuro in the dust.

"Impossible!" Alex was stunned as Lessar, who was watching as well, was amazed, "That's a high-speed crossover but I haven't seen any Japanese player other than Aomine do a similar move. Kamijou reminded me of those streetballers from the Rucker Park!"

Himuro then gave a chase towards the fast-breaking boy but as soon as he caught up, he then saw Kamijou just stopped as fast. Oi oi…that's an impressive stop. He got strong legs and feet. Himuro then jumped as well but was stunned to see Kamijou's version of the fade away shot. And his form is almost like he's lying parallel to the floor. Himuro then tried to block the shot but he failed due to his opponent's far release point and his unorthodox fade away. The ball then swished without even grazing the metal hoop.

The two then restarted the match with Himuro saying, "I see. Playing you personally, I can tell that you're a strong player. So I'll really go all out against you."

"Hmmm…sounds fun, Himuro," Kamijou replied while giving off a small smirk.

Meanwhile, even as the match is still progressing, Alex have already concluded something in her mind. Kamijou Touma…he really is a strong player. Perhaps, he isn't yet on the level of those monsters but I can tell that he'll eventually reach their level and stand with them on equal footing. His raw strength is already evident and his motor skills and fundamentals are sharper than what I expected. Perhaps, he's the opposite of Tatsuya who relies of polished orthodox moves but right now, they're evenly matched.

#

"They are really working hard," Aida said as he watched Kuroko and Kagami do some squats in their swimming pool. Since the coach knew that stamina is always an issue for the two of them, especially the Phantom Sixth Man of the Generation of Miracles, she made it a personal mission to help them level up their endurance.

"Well, I'll have to see Teppei and company's progress. Kuroko-kun, Kagami-kun, just continue doing what you're currently doing until I come back later," Aida then went out of the swimming pool to return to the basketball gymnasium.

But as soon as she got back just in time to see Hyuga already hitting ten of his free throws, she then heard a knock on the main gym doors. Who could this be?

She then opened the door and as soon as she did, it revealed four people. They look middle school students. The brunette coach replied. The girl, who looks like to be their leader, got a familiar brown hair that Aida even commented that she looks like a younger version of herself (the coach haven't cut her own brown hair yet as she promised she'll keep it long until Seirin reached the finals of the Interhigh and Winter Cup). A girl in pig tails who is wearing a similar uniform as the first girl is behind her and it seems like she doesn't want to be here. The two other girls, who were wearing a different set of uniforms, are smiling warmly. Oh my, the two girls in white uniforms are so cute, especially the one with flower headbands. Oh wait…

Pushing out those thoughts, she then asked, "Who are you guys and what do you want?"

- Author's Notes –

Nijimura Shuzo: So folks, that's the end of this chapter. And seriously, I can't wait for my debut in this story. Honestly, what's taking it so long?

Stiyl Magnus: How the hell are you even sure you'll even be there?

Nijimura Shuzo: I play basketball so of course I'll be there. If anything, I would be surprised if you did appear. You and Kamijou Touma don't really get along since the start of the Index Arc.

Stiyl Magnus: Don't even talk like you know everything, you basketball idiot.

Nijimura Shuzo: Yeah right, coming from someone who almost tried to burn Kamijou with your…

Stiyl Magnus: Shut up!

Nijimura Shuzo: Fine, don't be so mean that you'll use Innocentius here. So anyway folks, thanks for taking the time to read this chapter. I was disappointed that it was slow in progress but at least, it's on-going.

Stiyl Magnus: I wish there's a part in the story where that Kamijou will get hurt so seriously.

Nijimura Shuzo: Hey, there, stop wishing ill against my fellow Japanese dude. Index won't like it you know…

Stiyl Magnus: I don't want to hear it from someone who led a team which valued victory over everything.

Nijimura Shuzo: Now, now, don't anymore bring that up. The Generation of Miracles and Kuroko are okay now.

Stiyl Magnus: Whatever. Hurry up and finish this stupid segment.

Nijimura Shuzo: Sorry, sorry, Stiyl. Well dear reader, thanks for reading us and let's see each other on the next chapter. Meanwhile, we'll go off and watch the third episode of Index III.

Stiyl Magnus: Care to comment and review?