"That was terrible!" Saten said as just minutes ago, they have witnessed Seirin's Kamijou Touma go down very hard to the hardwood court. And when they spotted him bleeding, Misaka can't help but feel very angry at the fact that not only was that 'idiot' hurt but because she thinks it was just right for her to follow him here. And now, that idiot just got hurt down there! Though she also felt very mad at the fact that Yomikawa and Komoe didn't do much to discipline him despite scolding him. But more than that…
Just who are those three girls? Maybe they are that idiot's former classmates.
Misaka would have gone down herself towards the court but was stopped for two reasons: she was still bottling up feelings for the boy and she knew getting close to him would only result in her going out of control. Another reason: those three women.
Just who are they? They are from his former school so why would they suddenly barge into Seirin's team that easily?
"Shirai-san," Uiharu suddenly spoke up, "I know your cousin's school is very strong but why do they insist on playing only benchwarmers? Isn't that quite a bit…disrespectful towards the other school?"
"Hmmm…" the twin-tailed teleporter just hummed as she looks down towards her cousin, who was just stoically watching the game, "I don't know. Maybe that's how basketball works. I'm not really much into basketball after all."
"And to think your cousin just happens to be one of those so-called Generation of Miracles…" Misaka raised her eyebrows towards her kouhai and perverted roommate.
"It's not like I can make him go to Academy City!" Shirai defended herself, "When he was younger, he was offered a chance to study in Academy City by his auntie but he declined as he said he just want to play basketball. He did end up playing for Teiko High and subsequently became the Phantom Sixth Man of the Generation of Miracles."
"That was some wonderful career for a guy like your cousin," Saten was genuinely amazed, "I was wondering: since you said that your cousin had a weak presence and we have seen it for ourselves, what power could he have if he did undergo the Power Curriculum Program?"
"How should I know? He didn't even study in Academy City," Shirai sighed as that exact moment, Seirin's Yagi manage to score a dunk, "But I did toyed on that idea for sometimes. Maybe he was just destined to play basketball, after all."
The girls then continued to watch the game, which featured Kashiwaki scoring majority of the points to finally pull up his team despite being down as 30 – 55. The Seirin bench didn't disappoint as they were relentless at close range, with Yagi powering his will in underneath the shaded lane as his 6'5" frame proved to be useful in scoring putbacks and slams.
"I'm just curious though," Saten said in a sing-song voice as she gulps every last bit of her popcorn, "How Shirai's cousin play is very strange to me. Doesn't he pass the ball too much? I mean, I admit his passes are awesome but still…"
"He's an outlier when it comes to technical aspects of that game," Shirai, now getting tired explaining, spoke up, "He's not that well-versed with the fundamental parts like normal shooting and dribbling so to make it up for that, he compensated by making up specialized passes that maximizes the use of misdirection and his natural lack of presence."
Misaka only nodded as she then took a glance at the tealnette from afar, who was busy talking with Kagami who was still clutching his head from the pain that was the result of Aida's strong punch. Kuroko's cousin does look weird. But I can tell from his stance that he's a veteran when it comes to games like this one. And if it's true he's a passing specialist, then there would be no reason not to call him a genius.
Misaka had heard about the Generation of Miracles when she was just in her freshmen year in middle school. Teiko Chugakko. They were the strongest middle school basketball team back then. They were famous enough to even reach to the news portal in Academy City. And I didn't expect to even see them personally…right now and on the other side of the bleachers across the court.
#
"Akashicchi, that was terrible, neh?"
Kise's vice was heard babbling as he was basically depressed to see Kamijou get badly injured in the court.
"It was very unfortunate to witness something serious," Akashi said in a sullen voice as he narrows his eyes towards Kashiwaki, who continued his one-man play, "This Kashiwaki-kun is quite grating my nerves. Midorima, what do you think?"
"He's no good at all," the green haired shooter of Shutoku replied while pushing up his glasses in disgust, "I have to admit he got some decent skills to leas this untalented group but to be honest, if they would play in the regular Interhigh, they won't stand a chance. Plus, his leadership his erratic, if not worse. Judging by the faces of his teammates, you can tell they are now being losing their composure under pressure from their number four, who isn't looking like a captain ironically."
"No shit," Aomine sleepily replied as he stretches his body, "Even if it's twenty minutes, I would still crush this scrubs by myself. Hey Kise, do you have some more fried chicken there? Give it to me."
"Heh!? But Aominecchi, this is all I have…" Kise was cut off before he can even finish his sentence as Aomine suddenly stood up and walked towards him and casually just grabbed the Kaijo ace's bento box before the latter can even protest. The blondie can only wail as Aomine immediately tore off every bit of meat from the drumsticks in the lunch box.
"Kise-chin, you're so noisy," Murasakibara drawled, seemingly getting annoyed at the high-pitched voice of Kise, "Please shut up or I will really crush you."
"Stop fighting, you two idiots," Midorima sternly scolded them, "Kise, I know for a fact that whatever I say to you would only pass through your other ear but do have some decency to shut your mouth for once, nanodayo."
"Let him be, Midorima," Akashi only mused at the all-too familiar situation in front of him, "It's not like we can do something about him."
"Hidoi! You are all so mean to me!" Kise cried again once more as he wipes his fake tears.
#
"What a pleasant surprise to see you here…"
Kumokawa's voice was laced with both sarcasm and shock as she suddenly found herself facing against Shokuhou's cute face the moment she stepped out of the clinic where Kamijou and the two girls are currently staying. The beauty senpai can feel her own blood curdling and her throat drying as she began to look at the Mental Out with suspicion. What is she doing here? What does she wants?
"Ara, ara. Is it bad to watch the game as well?" Shokuhou's voice was rhetorical in tone as she kept a smiling face, "If it wasn't for you suddenly meddling out there, I could have taken care of my own prince there." She said haughtily, annoying Kumokawa to no end thought the latter decided to keep it civil for now and she motioned to the plastic bag that the blonde girl is carrying.
"I know I told you about Kamijou's game but I didn't think you'd actually attend here," Kumokawa sighed as she crosses her arms.
"If Misaka-san and her minions can attend," the fifth-ranked Level five winked, "There's no reason why I shouldn't be here. By the way, I have a favour to ask from you."
"And does that involve that thing you are holding?"
"Yes. Please…give him this…"
#
"I want to go back there out…"
Fukiyose nearly choked upon hearing the voice of her secret crush suddenly telling her that he wanted to go back. Even Himegami, who was stoic for most of the time, was rather shocked to hear the spiky haired boy request something so ridiculous.
"What for!? You're already injured and besides, you have your teammates out there," the busty girl snarled as she attempts to force down the bandaged boy back to his bed, "I don't want you getting hurt, you know!"
"Are? But why are you here, actually?" Kamijou asked, quite confused, "Komoe-senseiand Yomikawa-sensei might be needing you out there already. It's best if you just come back there…"
"Knowing you, I can't leave right now," Fukiyose shut him up, narrowing her eyes on his, "Because the moment I take off my eyes from you, you would be gone and the moment I see you again, you would be back out there in the hardwood with your team."
"Well…of course that's how it should be," Kamijou replied as against the Iron Wall Girl's wishes, he stands up in his bed and began tying up his shoe laces, "Didn't I say I'm no longer our former school's student but a player of Seirin? Besides, I promise Kuroko and Kagami that with them, we would be taking the basketball world by storm."
Hearing this kind of reasoning from the boy, Fukiyose can only stare at him as he sits upward in his bed while adjusting his basketball leggings. Normally, she would either head-butt him or simply punch him so she can force him to follow her command. But right now, she can't do it because of two things: he was injured right now and there is something in what he said that stopped her from doing anything else. Maybe letting him go right now is a right choice. I don't know if it's obvious but there must be something especially significant to him which is why he wants to go back there. He could have chosen to just sit here, take it easy and just rest but he still chose to go back there and play with all his strength.
"Fine," the girl finally relented reluctantly.
"Eh? Are you sure about that?" Kamijou asked in surprise. Even Himegami was surprised at how her best friend easily decided to let the boy off the hook. Seiri?
"Can I even stop you, baka? If you're going back there, then you'll have to at least regain every bit of your strength," Fukiyose replied, "Now, lie down there for a minute!"
"Nani!?" Kamijou squeaked as he tried to break away but the Forehead Deluxe simply gripper her hands tightly into his shoulder and quickly pushed him down into the bed. As soon as he was lying on his back, Fukiyose then cracked her knuckles as she shadows over the boy despite being shorter in height (since he was lying on the bed).
"Before you get back to that game, I'll give you one of Seiri's special massage techniques. It's very effective that it can immediately give you some needed adrenaline." She then ties her hair into a pony tail as the boy can only watch her face suddenly entering into a dark one. A devil disguise in a cute face.
But before he can even say anything, Fukiyose's hand rose upwards and in an instant, it slapped hard in his back.
Ouuuuuuuuuuuch!
#
"Coach, please let us in!"
The voice of Kagami was heard as slowly, the former school of their third ace began to catch up in the dying seconds of the third quarter as the Seirin rookies can barely keep their lead. Kashiwaki, knowing that Kamijou is now out of action and the main Seirin players aren't in the court right now, had taken advantage of this as he scored all of his points, mostly in the perimeter. Still, this does not mean the guys in black aren't just going to roll over and die as Yagi was the one keeping their team afloat. Kashiwaki then scored the buzzer beater as the Seirin now leading only eleven at 66 – 55.
"You still did great, especially for rookies like you boys," Aida began to talk as the rookies then sat on the bench, all drenched in sweat, "But I had to admit that the loss of Kamijou-kun as well as your inexperience has taken a toll on you guys. Remember, this is nothing compared to what your senpais have experienced in the past. This is just an appetizer."
The freshmen players nodded.
"But right now…Kuroko-kun and Kagami-kun," the coach then looked at the two with a sense of urgency, "We can't let afford to let this one slip away. As fellow second years, take down Kashiwaki-kun! Hyuga-kun, Teppei…"
"Kamijou-san…"
Everyone's heads turned the moment they heard that voice. Looking sideways, they were practically shocked to see their injured teammate suddenly coming to join them despite the bandage tied in his head. As if nothing happened to him, he casually joins them on the bench as he leans into the huddle.
"Ka-Kamijou-kun!? What is the meaning of this!?" Aida shouted frantically as she sees her wounded player now ready to go and play.
"I'm playing, coach…"
"Chotto matte! What are you talking about!?" the brunette coach blocked Kamijou's path.
"Our lead has been cut down to eleven," he was just stubborn, "If I can change anything by going out there, please let me play coach. Besides, I'm already fine thanks to Seiri's super strong massage." He grimaced, remembering how strong she was as evident by her handmark imprinted in his back.
Seeing that he won't back down and their time is now running out before the fourth quarter starts, Aida had no other choice but to give in for now, "Fine! But if I determine that there is an even little risk, I'll be swapping you out immediately!"
"Hai!"
#
"Where were you? Is Kamijou-chan fine?" Komoe immediately blurted out the moment she saw Fukiyose and Himegami now coming back to their bench. The latter decided to return to her seat in the rows of plastic chairs occupied by her class while the former had returned to their team's bench.
"Yes, sensei…he's going to play…" she stuttered, the worry and grief evident in her voice.
"What?" Yomikawa, hearing this one, turned her head towards the bench of the other school and true to Fukiyose's words, she saw Kamijou now prepared to enter the court despite the apparent bandage in his head. Despite not anymore studying in their school, the Anti-Skill lieutenant is still worried about the spiky haired boy as she gapes upon knowing that the latter still intends to play.
"Where were you?"
Yomikawa heard Kashiwaki practically snarl against Fukiyose, who merely harrumphed and ignored him before she turns her back to give some instructions to their number 8, who was merely nodding. Infuriated by her outright dismissal of his presence, the slick man can't help but feel enraged as he violently grabs her shoulder and forcibly spun her around to face him. Fukiyose was shocked by what he did as her frozen, brown eyes met with his blazing, black eyes flashing red.
"Hey! What do you think you were…" Fukiyose started to say something but was immediately cut off by Kashiwaki.
"I was asking you a question, dammit! Were you at that bastard's team, right!?" Kashiwaki was shaking in anger as he holds the girl's shoulders in tight grip, "You better answer me or else…"
"Or else what?" Fukiyose replied in an irritated voice as she tried to get off from his hold, "Will you get off me already? It's very unpleasant for someone like you to touch me like this. Besides, I don't see any reason why I should answer your question. You already know anyways."
The moment he heard Fukiyose's reply, Kashiwaki can't help it but feel offended as unable to contain his accumulating anger, he was prepared to physically assault her when instantly, number 13 player felt the alarming furore of their main player himself and quickly pushed himself between them, "Come on, guys! We shouldn't be fighting like this!"
"Stay out of it, bastard!" he then kicks their forward and was ready to swung his fists when Yomikawa finally intervened by smacking Kashiwaki with her baton that she brought in her bag.
"Stop at once, Kashiwaki!" Yomikawa shouted as she repeatedly beats him in his scalp. The slick haired man winces in pain as he covers himself, "Everyone, get ready for the fourth quarter. It will be our last ten-minute game."
Quietly, Fukiyose brushed off herself before finally giving a last minute instructions to their point guard. Komoe only watched the entire bench prepare as they all revitalize their loss energy by drinking plenty of water as well as the busty teen massaging the legs of one of the players. After the preparations, the whistle of the referee was heard, signalling the start of the fourth quarter. Quickly gathering up, Kashiwaki and his teammates stretched up as they prepare to go in. Noticing that the boy he just hurt back was going to play, he gritted his teeth seeing that he was unable to crush his spirit.
"I just hope you don't do anything dirty…"
Kashiwaki chose not to reply to the Forehead Deluxe as he only grins, "I'm disappointed how I can't crush that piece of trash's spirit. Oh well…maybe I'll just have to destroy him totally."
"You're free to try…" Fukiyose only replied, inwardly believing in the strength of Kamijou. Please, put him in his place at once!
The fourth quarter started with an inbounds pass from Kiyoshi to Kamijou, who merely stood there while dribbling the ball. You're nothing but a piece of trash! Kashiwaki smirked as he jugs all the way towards their goal to defend. What will he even do now that he's badly hurt?
He wasn't expecting his next move, though.
Once he had the ball in his hands, Kamijou merely entered his shooting form despite the fact that he'll have to shoot it whole court, not that his teammates would complain since they all knew one of the boy's special weapon aside from his speed, agility, and his uncanny yet smooth ability to set his teammates up (since he's a point guard, after all).
"That…That's…" Kise can't help but stutter upon seeing Kamijou do that one shot that only Midorima can do and the blondie can copy in a limited time.
It's his version of the High Projectile Three! It's his own adaptation of Midorima's shot! Fukiyose widens her eyes as she realizes that the spiky haired boy had actually intended to save everything from the first quarter for this final period. At this rate, he'll really go all out! That means no one would be able to finally stop him…
The opposition can only watch in utter confusion and awe as the ball was released in an abnormally high manner. In a matter of seconds, the ball came crashing down in a beautiful arc and it ended up swishing inside the net.
"Prrrrrt!" The referee blows, signalling that the basket counts as another official puts the scores at 69 – 55.
Seeing what just happened, Kashiwaki can't almost believe at what he had just noticed. Turning his head, he was angry as he spotted Kamijou looking at him as if daring him, "Come. Bring it right now!" Unable to contain his anger, the slick man then took the ball and thundered his way, not caring if he had teammates or not. Stopping at the three point line, he jumped early as he attempts to make a shot.
However, it didn't came.
"Shit! That was so fast!" Aogami commented as all of the sudden, Kagami came out of nowhere and he proceeds to block Kashiwaki's shot with his jumping power. The latter can only sweat drop in nervousness as he witnesses the true strength of Seirin's number one ace. What a jump! How far can he climb that high!?
Catching the ball, Hyuga then passes the leather basketball to their number sixteen point guard, who dribbles it down with such speed that Yomikawa claims is much more common among Western or European players. Kamijou has turned quite into a monster.
Trying to stop him, number 8 and 13 tried to put up a fight by double teaming him but Kamijou merely brushed them off by performing a swift crossover and turnaround dribble to his left, leaving his two defenders frozen in their feet.
"I'm not letting you!" Kashiwaki angrily shouted as he tries to stall his offense but Kamijou's absurd change of pace and direction made the former slip in the floor as the latter was pushed to the corner. Yomikawa thought that he would turn it over but in a split second, Kamijou made a shot far away from the sidelines. Eh? There's no way he can make that shot! Is it a hook shot or what!? Kashiwaki thought aloud as he watches his opponent release it one-handed. His thoughts however are shattered when he saw the ball bounce off the glass board before it hits the ring.
"What was that!?" a female student from the class of the certain high school said in shock, "What's with Kamijou-kun's tricky movements and absurd shots!? They are very hard to defend!" Tsuchimikado and Aogami were too stunned to even speak as they watch their friend and former classmate went back to defend.
"Touma's style is that of an explosive one," Fukiyose explains to Yomikawa, who had the same sentiments, "From what he told me, he patterned his offensive style after unconventional movements derived in a genre of basketball called street ball. That and his natural strength coupled with his nurtured experience in past games is the reason he had an arsenal that can't be stopped by conventional means alone."
"Add to that is his teammates," Kumokawa, who just came back and joined just in time to hear their discussion, piped in, "Kagami's jumping ability, Kuroko's misdirection, Hyuga-san's clutch shooting, and Kiyoshi's power and rebounding ability…all of Seirin's starters each have their own specialty and skill that complements each other with Kamijou being in the center of it. Basically, if his teammates are the cogs, then he is the chain that binds and sets them up together. Because of his smart play making and their exceptionally strong firepower, they create a strong offensive juggernaut that's very hard to deal with, especially if they hit their stride. It's very opposite of our team, whose…" The beauty senpai wasn't able to finish as she glumly looks at their team who seemed to run out of gas right now.
Not wanting to give up, Kashiwaki decided to go up against Kamijou and tried to do a quick release but even before he managed to even enter his shooting motion, the ball was already stripped out of his hands by his mark, who grabs it and passes it to a running Kuroko, who catches it with ease and performed his Vanishing Drive before finishing his play with his awkward but effective Phantom Shot. Shirai smiled in a proud way watching his cousin who gives a high five to his teammates.
"It's not over!" Kashiwaki gritted his teeth as he was forced to pass it to number 8, who, in his haste, was forced to shoot out of panic. As a result, the ball merely bounced off the ring and Kiyoshi cleans the area for a wide rebound as his two smaller opponents had no chance of even trying to slow him down due to his larger frame. The Iron Heart then passes it to Kamijou, who initiates a fast break.
Chasing angrily, Kashiwaki blocks his path as he sees the spiky haired guard going towards his direction. With his momentum, he can't possibly stop now! I'll shut him down at once. He then stretches his arms in an attempt to block his path. But in his surprise, the boy merely stopped so fast that Tsuchimikado even noted it. Kami-yan's got a more powerful body right now with how he easily decelerated from his running form. What a sturdy legs he got.
Kamijou then leaped up and so did Kashiwaki but the latter sensed something strange as how his mark is holding the ball. Are you fucking kidding me? He'll casually throw it in a Frisbee-style manner!? His self-dialogue was broken the moment Kamijou threw the ball instantly, cutting in the air like a knife slicing through a butter.
And, with Himegami's eyes surprisingly bulging out, the ball simply bounced off the backboard before eventually going in the ring.
"Prrrrrt! Basket counts!" The referee signals the official in the able to add two points to Seirin's score tab.
"Th-That was crazy!" Aogami screeched in his seat, "My eyes can't even follow it!"
It's a full-throttle version of Aomine's Formless Shot! Aida gasped as she realized that her injured player is now going all-out. Kamijou-kun, don't be too reckless!
"Don't get ahead of yourself!" Kashiwaki gnashed his teeth but as he was desperate to prevent the limited momentum they got in the third quarter from collapsing, he was forced to pass it to a free number 8, who had no qualms in trying to attack the basket as he wanted to attempt a layup. But when he did so…
Twack!
"It's Kiyoshi!" Yomikawa can only mutter under her breath as she realized that they still have to deal with the brunette center. As if it isn't enough that Kamijou's already out of control, the other five are also intimidating to handle as well! Komoe was worried right now. Yomikawa-chan, can't we just ask the referee to stop this game already!? She hated seeing her students getting hurt, physically and mentally.
"Don't even think of taking me lightly, kid," Kiyoshi smiled as he towers over the number 8. Grabbing the rebound, he passes it to Kuroko, who performs an Ignite Pass towards the running Kamijou, who then redirects it into an alley-oop pass towards Kagami. Sensing what they are planning to do, Kashiwaki and number 13 quickly closes in and jumps at the same time to try and block the red headed power forward but Kagami dunks anyways and in doing so, he blows out the two like they were nothing and they ended up falling to the floor.
"Taku…" Kagami muttered to them as he was fixing himself, "I thought that you guys had it in you but boy was I wrong. To be precise, you don't have any talent at all nor do you really love this sport. Let me tell you one thing, though. It's better if you quit now." He then leaves then to defend back as Kashiwaki, all shaken up from what he heard, stood up with his fists clenching in a fused feeling of anger and pride shattered.
From there, it all went downhill for Kamijou's former school.
Kashiwaki and his four teammates still put up a brave fight but nevertheless, due to the wide gap in terms of talent, brute physique, and stamina, they were all steamrolled by the guys in black as back-to-back, they all made their shots with little opposition. Kamijou had broken out his offensive style, Kagami had entered a semi-zone state, Kiyoshi and Hyuga was in their tip-top forms, and Kuroko…was being Kuroko with his passes. When the final buzzer was sounded, every Seirin starter was already drenched in sweat and is heavily gasping for oxygen. Meanwhile, Yomikawa and Komoe only can only stare blankly at the scoreboard as they quietly accepted their loss.
121 – 59
But despite their loss, Fukiyose only closed her eyes and sighed as she remembered Kamijou, who is now sitting on the bench as he was surrounded by his teammates. Suddenly, she suddenly realized that they are huddling much more quicker than it should have been towards the boy and they are in hushed tones. Feeling an alarm surging in her nerves, she suddenly excused herself from Komoe and she ran towards the Seirin bench. Feeling the same thing, Kumokawa decided to follow the Forehead Deluxe and so does Himegami, who was curious by this set up as well. Pushing herself into the crowd of taller players, Fukiyose didn't mind the shout of Hyuga, who was inquiring "What the hell are you doing here!?" and quickly glanced at Kamijou, who was holding his bandage tightly and was telling his coach, "I'm fine, coach! I swear…"
"No! You're not fine!" the busty girl glared at the boy, who was frozen upon hearing her voice, "I'm sorry for intruding but you don't have to act brave right now! Your cut in your head got larger, right?"
Feeling that he was caught, Kamijou made a small smile than said, "I never thought that you would do something like this, Seiri. Well…I had to admit that I'm feeling a bit dizzy at the moment but I'll be able to hold up…"
"It is just as I said," Aida sighed as she re-ties the bandage in his head, "Let's go to Sasaki General Hospital later."
"Then we'll come," Kumokawa said as she drags Himegami along, who was already getting shy, "We won't be doing anything since it's still an hour before 11 am and I'm pretty sure that goes the same with you all guys since you're all drained."
What' with this outsiders intruding into our team!? Hyuga annoyingly thinks in his mind as he watches Fukiyose help their coach replace the bandages into their guard.
"Dammit!"
Everyone turned around to see Kashiwaki, who was just sitting on the bench and contemplating something, now stood up, shaking in anger, "I can't accept this! I can't accept this shit! I can't accept losing to that team with a scum, a blockhead, and a midget in it!" He continued to hurl out invectives towards Kamijou, who is being shielded by Fukiyose and the rest of the Seirin team despite being restrained by some of his teammates and Yomikawa. But there is something in his words that quite stirred up the rainbow miracles up above in the bleachers.
"Did he just called Kurokocchi a midget!?" Kise, unable to contain his anger, spitted out as he crushes his paper cup.
"That sore loser. I don't mind kicking his ass right now," Aomine seethed as he looks at the still-raging Kashiwaki.
"His luck must have been bad, nanodayo," Midorima's face is darkening.
"I'll crush him…" Murasakibara, for once, didn't even think of eating his potato chips as his hands grips in anger.
Surprisingly, Akashi, the one who is the most protective of Kuroko, didn't even say anything yet. But as he scans the whole area, he saw Kashiwaki suddenly getting something in his duffel bag and quickly went outside. Alarmed, he saw the whole Seirin squad still in the area so he acted quickly and ordered his teammates, "Guys, follow me." He then stood up and blankly made his way to the stairs. Not knowing what their captain intends to do, they nevertheless followed suit and when they did, they had an inkling on what the Rakuzan point guard wanted to happen as out of the ordinary, he walks up to Yomikawa, who is busy giving some water to her players.
"Kantoku," he suddenly said to the startled Anti-Skill lieutenant, "If it doesn't hurt you, we want to have a practice game with you all as well and it would be in an hour."
"Huh!?" Yomikawa snarled as she looks towards the smiling Akashi, "What for? Can't you see that we just finished a game!? Besides, what's with your sudden request?" Undeterred, Akashi then pulls out his phone and texted something. When he was finished, he then said, "You see, there is something in your team that's just sticking out so we decided to play it out. Besides, you can't go home right now if you don't accept it."
Yomikawa was about to shout at the red headed Akashi for his rude manners when suddenly she receives a text coming from their school bus driver. Opening it, she was shocked to read it. "Yomikawa-san, the police suddenly impounded our bus and they said we can't go home without a proper release." The text said.
"Just so you know, I requested that course of action," Akashi looked straight into Yomikawa's eye, "If you don't accept this, I guarantee there would be consequences." Seeing that she had no other recourse, the Physical Education teacher bit his lip as she mutters a single, "Okay…" and quickly walks away. Suddenly, Akashi then faced Aomine and said, "Aomine, let's separate from them for a moment since I have a task for you to do." The two then segregated themselves from the group and the red head then whispered something to the Touou ace. Kise swore he saw Aomine's expression grew into a state of confusion and quickly, he then sped off and he went outside.
"What was that, Akashi?" Midorima asked as he takes out his Shutoku jersey from his bag, "And what the hell is the match even for!?"
"You'll see, Midorima," Akashi smiled as he walks away again, this time towards the Seirim team, who are prepared to go right now, "I know everything after all. Besides, there's something I must take care for a moment." He then walks towards the team, who was confused at the bizarre turn of the events, and quickly talks to Hyuga, "Hyuga-san, it's better if you stay put for a second."
#
"That shit…"
Kashiwaki let out a low growl as he cocks a .45 pistol in his hands. He was wondering how easily he managed to smuggle out the weapon in the checkpoint of Academy City's Anti-Skill force but it didn't matter to him right now. All it matters is his deranged intention, resulting from the humiliation of suffering a beat down in the hands of one Kamijou Touma and jealousy of losing the woman who resisted his efforts.
"If it comes down to this, I'll kill him. And I'll kill her too. If that's what she wants, it's better for them to both suffer and just die…at least, he won't enjoy her for the lifetime…"
"Yo…"
The slick haired man was taken out of his thoughts as out of nowhere, a tall, dark-skinned man suddenly appeared before his eyes. Who the hell is this shit?
"What the hell do you want?" Kashiwaki bitterly said as he tried to conceal away his weapon.
"What? Can't even be polite?" The man mocked him as he walks closer to the slender man, "Well, that's got to be expected from a sore loser like you. Listen to me, whatever you plan to do against them, I suggest you give up on it."
Having a feeling on what he wants to do, Kashiwaki let out a laugh and said, "Huh!? Who the hell are you, idiot!? I can do what I want, dumbass. Stop running your mouth."
"I wouldn't interfere if you just accepted your loss," the man answered, his eyes darkening as he steps a bit closer, "You should realize that Kamijou, Bakagami, and Tetsu are all light years away from your current state. I had to admit your dead ass body is athletic but it's nowhere near their skill level."
"Oh, so you personally knew that scum, heh?" Kashiwaki let out a smug as he bows his head, "If that's the case, then let's start with you!" At once, he then pulled out his gun which he concealed in his shorts but the man was even faster. Before the trigger can even be pulled, the taller guy quickly kicks Kashiwaki hard in his chest, causing him to let the firearm slip from his hands and fall to the floor. Trying to recover, the latter got punched in his face which caused him to black out for a moment as he crashes hard into the floor. Glancing over the incapacitated Kashiwaki, the man then strides past him and quickly picks up the gun, which is actually an M1911 with silver grips, and two extra loaded magazines. He then fishes out a phone and quickly scribbled something in his message. After a minute, he then receives a reply.
As expected of you. Good job and you may keep the gun secretly for souvenir purposes. Don't worry. We'll get you a gun license in the near future so for now, I got you covered from the police. As long as you don't use it for wrong purposes, that is.
Grinning, he quickly takes possession of the gun and quickly retreats. At least, I gained something for today besides the game.
#
"Well. You are all cleared," Akashi said as Kuroko and the now large group consisting of the Seirin team and three of Kamijou's harem watches him anxiously, "Bring Kamijou to the hospital right now so his bleeding can be treated immediately."
They decided not to question Akashi right now even though Kiyoshi wanted to question him about his insistence of requesting a practice game from the other team. But he knew better than that since it was Akashi they are talking about.
"Well…that's that…" Aida cleared her voice, "We'll all go to the hospital except for the rookies. All the freshmen, stay behind and take care of the gym after their practice game. Asahina and Yagi, I expect that you take care of the rest of the equipment." The two rookies only nodded. And so off whole Seirin team and their new friends go. But unknown to them, another group of five middle school girls decided to follow them all along stealthily.
Meanwhile…
"Eh…coach….you can't be joking!" Number 8 suddenly shook in fear as he realized that they are going to take on the Generation of Miracles in the court, "That guy with purple hair is freakin' huge! How are we supposed to stop him!?" He had no concrete idea yet on how tall Murasakibara is but he can tell that he's larger than Kiyoshi and just a while back, he thought the Iron Heart is already the tallest guy he had met in his life.
"Not to mention that the rest of them are also intimidating," Number 13 shivered in nervousness as he sees Kise dunking the ball in their warm up.
Yomikawa chose not to reply but it was obvious she didn't want this as she can only look at the team with worry, "Oh my…I wish they don't suffer badly," Komoe was understandably upset with this, "Oh and where's Kashiwaki-chan? He should be back for now."
As if on cue, the mentioned man suddenly appeared and his horribly disfigured face was immediately spotted by the Physical Education teacher, "Kashiwaki! What the hell happened with your face!?" He immediately gets an ice pack to relieve the pain stemming from his black eye.
"Well…well…sensei…" he was stuttering as he tried to talk it out with his coach but his mind was clouded in thoughts of both fear and anger as he tries to recall the face of the man who just punched him awhile back. Suddenly, he began to feel goose bumps when he felt that that guy was just nearby. I don't know why but somehow, I feel that I'll meet him again.
"By the way, where's Seiri? And why aren't we even packing yet?" Kashiwaki refused to answer the question and instead diverted the topic towards a certain Iron Wall girl who just left with their opponent.
"Oh, Fukiyose…" Yomikawa gave off a small smile and said, "You see, her former classmate was taken to the hospital and she begged off to stay here so she can come with them.
"And mind explaining why you let her get away with it?" Suddenly, the boy was suddenly irritated that their teacher just brushed off something he would brand as treachery to their school. But Yomikawa simply shrugged it off as she knew there's nothing she can do anymore. "If I were you, you just focus on our next sudden scrimmage. Perhaps, that can help you make up with her," the tall woman barked at him as she walks away towards Komoe. Kashiwaki was suddenly startled to hear that they had another practice game today at this day. And in a short notice? Though he can't complain. If this means making up to Fukiyose, then he'll gladly take it. So he takes a ball and began to dribble, unaware of the kind of opponent that they'll face.
But as soon as their remaining twenty minutes of warm up is over, the certain high school's five was lined up against the Generation of Miracles, all of them in their respective Rakuzan, Shutoku, Yosen, Touou, and Kaijo playing uniforms and the fact that they were all towering and shadowing their counterparts is enough to make them shit in their shorts.
"What a waste of time, nanodayo," Midorima grumbled as he pushed his glasses up while wearing his orange jersey, "Well, I'll just rain in three point shots to get this game over."
"Akashicchi…you do know that they are from Academy City," Kise asked quite worriedly as he was in his blue jersey, "Doing something such as impounding their bus is quite too much."
"Don't worry, Kise. I have taken care of that even before I had ordered it impounded," Akashi smiled as he looks into the eye of number 8, who trembled in fear, "They are outside Academy City so no need to worry about their law enforcement. I am absolute and I know everything."
"Akachin is right. There's no way he won't be able to do something like that," Murasakibara drawled, "But still, this is a pain in the ass. I'll just crush them so the game would finish faster."
"Say, where is Aominecchi?" Kise asked, looking around, "The game is about to start and he isn't—"
"Gomen, Akashi!"
The four guys turned to see their fifth member and scoring machine suddenly came running towards the center position while he was removing his jacket and pants to reveal his black, shiny Touou jersey.
"You're late, Aomine but I'll let it pass for this once," Akashi mused, "And say, I expect that you have taken care of it."
"Pretty much as you have ordered, cappy," the tanned power forward made his way into the line, instantly putting him in front of Kashiwaki, who, upon seeing his face, finally realized something.
This…This man…
"Yo," Aomine casually called out Kashiwaki, "Thanks for that weapon of yours anyway. Well, I'll just have to play it so hard so when we win…you won't be able to even hold a basketball in your lifetime." He said this with a darkening aura surrounding him.
Kashiwaki was shaken out as he and Murasakibara then goes to the center circle for the tip off.
Not that he would be able to get it anyway, owing to his 208 cm opponent.
#
Naturally, the seniors and second-years of Seirin are all worried about Kamijou. Right now, he was inside an operating room in the first floor of Sasaki General Hospital where the doctor there told them that while he would be able to get a discharge the same day, they'll have to stitch his cut and apply antibiotics on it to prevent infection in his head. They also decided to let Fukiyose and Himegami accompany him there. Feeling the atmosphere suddenly getting heavy, Kiyoshi decided to go to a nearby exit which is just right beside their waiting area so he can get some fresh air. But as he was stretching his arms, a hand with a can of cold coffee suddenly appears in his right side. Astonished, he looks at his right side.
It was Kumokawa Seria.
"Kumokawa-san…" Kiyoshi awkwardly spoke as he reluctantly accepts the can from the beauty senpai, "Thanks."
"No worries. What's your name? I gave mine a while back so it's just fair you gave me yours," Kumokawa inquire for the Iron Heart's name.
"Kiyoshi Teppei," the brunette big man replies as he open the coffee, "By the way, I think I already saw you once in that okonomiyaki restaurant after our game versus Shutoku." He remembered that was the first time he actually saw someone other than Kagami and the other GoM shut down Midorima.
"Ah…that was me, alright," Kumokawa chuckled as she was holding a plastic bag, "How is he right now?"
"Kamijou? Uh…" Kiyoshi had to carefully select his right choice of words, "The doctor says he would be fine and will get discharged today but he'll need some minor stitching in his wound. I'm positive thought that he would be fine." He then kept quiet, not sure how to start a conversation with someone he doesn't even know that personally. This is getting awkward. He then noticed Kumokawa nod at him as they both face the blue sky upwards.
"That boy is really something else, neh?" she decided to do the talking, "Despite everything that happened to him, he still comes back in his feet and keeps moving forward. That game alone reminded me of his indomitable spirit."
"Yeah…" Now, Kiyoshi can't help but agree to her, "He's a strong one. I remember that his debut game against Kaijo, he requested to be in the starting line-up. Riko and Izuki even agreed to that since he was too damn stubborn. But judging by his talent and his love for the game, I can't even complain. If there is anything that I want to see, it's that he becomes equal in footing with those prodigies." He was referring to the Kiseki no Sedai who, unknown to them, is currently busy in demolishing a certain basketball team from Academy City at the moment.
"I wanted to say thank you," Kumokawa faced the taller teen and smiled, "It seems that my cute kouhai finally found peace with you guys in Seiri High. His time in Academy City wasn't bad at all but to be honest…" She bit her lip, realizing that she had said too much. "Oh well…it's just that it is better for him to be here."
"Ah…now that you mention it…" Kiyoshi was there when they first went to Kamijou's house and that was the time when Takao accidentally found that green diary that ultimately revealed his amnesia to Kuroko and Kagami, "I did hear some things about him when he was still studying in Academy City. To be honest, it was all bizarre for me." Like Index.
"Is that so?" Kumokawa raised her eyebrows for a second but returned to her warm smile, "The important thing is that he's playing the sport he loves and he is in a team like yours…"
"You're right…" Kiyoshi replied, seemingly relieved.
On the other side of the hall way…
Kuroko was just coming back from urinating in the washroom. He had to admit that he felt so exhausted after their practice yesterday where he name-dropped a certain onee-san that he thinks Kamijou likes and more certainly because of their game awhile back. Now that I remember it, Aomine-kun and the rest are playing them. I hope it was a good game. Or that's what he thought.
He was already coming back to their team in their waiting area when he noticed something very different coming from an alley in the left side. Deciding to stop for the moment, he then walks in the left hall way and there, he found four (or rather, five) familiar faces to him.
"Kuroko-san."
"Eh!? Tetsu-nii!?" The voice of Shirai Kuroko was heard panicking as Misaka was tempted to quickly stuff her mouth for being too noisy, "Don't get the wrong idea! I didn't plan this!"
"Oh," Kuroko said as he then looks at the rest of her friends, who all looked surprised. "Oh, I'm surprised that Shokuhou-san is with you as well."
"Huh!?" Misaka was surprised to hear the name of her arch-rival coming out from the passing specialist's mouth, "How the hell do you know her? And for your information, she just tagged along with us when she saw us there." In fact, why the hell is she there in the first place!?
Kuroko was tempted to say, "Uh…you're being too hypocrite right now" but he decided to say, "After the game versus Midorima-kun and Shutoku High, we spotted her eating with Kumokawa-san and Himegami-san and that's how I knew her name. By the way, why are you all here in the hospital?"
"I just wanted to know how my prince is doing!" Shokuhou opened her mouth before Misaka can even say anything, "How is he doing!?"
Kuroko was further disturbed at how he called his best friend and teammate but he answered anyway, "He would be fine though he would need a few stitched to close his wound. Other than that, we would take care of the rest. I think you all need to go back to Aca—"
"I can't accept that!" Misaka yelled, startling the tealnette slightly, "That idiot just heard himself already and I can't simply leave him alone right now…"
"He'll be fine," Kuroko said, unperturbed and not afraid of the fact that he's facing a Level 5 right now, "Besides, if it was that bad, he would not anymore bother to play in the fourth quarter. It might sound ridiculous for you but injuries like those are quite common or rather light in any basketball game. I myself had that experience just last year." He decided to keep is as that as Kise had already apologized for that incident. He then closes his eyes and added, "Kamijou-kun is a warrior. I saw that when he took down Kise-kun and Midorima-kun. There's nothing to worry on your part now."
"Well…I'm just worried that stubborn idiot would just do reckless things…" Misaka stuttered as she retorted back. Seeing that she won't back down for the moment, Kuroko merely blinked and said as he walks away, "I won't stop you if you want to go and see him but that would mean waiting for the whole day before he comes out. Oh and I'm just worried that Kuroko-san's studies would get stalled if you all don't go back to Tokiwadai. Well…best of luck…" He then walks away, leaving the five in the hallway.
"Wow. I never knew he had that caring side for you," Saten said as she looks at Shirai with her eyes twinkling.
"It's the way he's been," Kuroko sighed but inwardly, she was grateful for what her cousin said, "Now, what do you plan, onee-sama?"
"I suggest we go outside and wait," Misaka harrumphed as she was stubborn, "Oh and Shokuhou, you don't need to come along, you know."
"Coming from someone who suggested following the Seirin team without them knowing," the Mental Out mocked her, indicating that she would stay as well, "It would be a waste of I don't come as well." After that, their eyes locked together in a glaring contest.
Shirai, though, separated the two of them as Uiharu and Saten merely watched the whole scene with awkward faces as they gave out vibes of I-Know-I-Should-Be-Doing-Something-To-Help-But-I-Don't-Know-What feelings.
#
The clock has struck quarter to three in the afternoon.
Kiyoshi and Kumokawa rejoins the team, to the surprise of Hyuga, who swore he was cheating right now on their coach even though they already broke up. Aida, meanwhile, was giving off an awkward smile while the rest of the team could care less. Izuki kept saying puns such as "Statistically…. 9 out of 10 injections are in vein" and "I once heard a joke about amnesia, but I forgot how it goes." Not surprisingly, their captain, already not in a mood to even smile, was inches from holding their Eagle Eyed point guard into a strangle while Koganei was sleeping. Tsuchida was just amused at what is happening while Mitobe simply watched everyone else to their usual stuff. Kuroko, for his part, just sat on the floor and read on of his light novels while Kagami was already sleeping on another bench beside the tealnette and was snoring loudly. Suddenly…
"Kantoku!" Furihata was heard shouting in the hall as he, Fukuda, and Kawahara were all coming back from outside the hospital, "We bought sandwiches just so we can alleviate our hunger from not having eaten lunch yet…oh and we got a text message from Yagi."
"What did he say?" Kiyoshi asked.
"Eh…as expected, Akashi and the rest won but the score is shockingly…wide," Kawahara responded as everyone just stopped doing their stuff (Kagami woke up just in time) to see the results being sent in the mms. Hearing the word "wide" the seniors at first simply shrugged it off as they went to check the score but they weren't just prepared for what they are about to see.
171 – 10
"Eh!?" Koganei was stumped to see the final score very lopsided. Even Kuroko was slightly surprised at this. As far as he can remember, the last time they had an opponent score around a similar figure, Teiko's score would end up just below 110. And even if their middle school team scores around more than 150, that would mean their opponent (at least, in their third year where their power is at its peak) would be around 40 or 60. He would have at least expected the latter but this one…
"You all heard Kashiwaki curse out, right?" Kagami was heard talking, "He must have pissed off Akashi or anything so. Hence, the score."
"Yeah, but still…" Aida can't find the right words to choose on how to describe this game. It's just instant massacre!
"Guys…"
Everyone turned to see Fukiyose and Himegami now emerging from the doors, "In a minute, Touma would be getting out now and he's fine. The doctor said that he should at least try to avoid harsh activities for a week to make the healing a hundred percent. Other than that, he's already fine now." She said it in a way that made her feel relieved.
The rest also felt the same way as they received the news. "Damn and I thought Kamijou would die that moment," Izuki exclaimed, only to get smacked by Hyuga who chided him about using the right choice of words. Five minutes later, Kamijou finally emerged from the room, the small stitch barely visible but made obvious my another bandage. "Guys…I'm okay right now!"
"You better be, Kamijou-kun. We would still have lots of fun before summer vacation starts," Aida said with a grin, "And I won't hesitate making you run ten laps around the school after you have healed finally." The Falcon Eye user shivered at this. The latter then looks at Fukiyose and said, "Thanks for being with me all this time."
The Forehead Deluxe was taken aback at this as she began to get flustered. What does he means? Does he means today or the whole time since I knew he transferred!?
"T-That was nothing, baka! It's just human nature to help you as your former classmate!" Fukiyose was stuttering, something that Kuroko actually caught.
"Well guys, let's all go to the nearest restaurant," Aida said and she spoke to Kumokawa, "You can all go too."
"Huh? Why?"
"Well…you all have been helpful to us," the brunette coach replied, "Besides, we in Seirin always look out for each other. And that policy extends to those that are very important to each of our member. And that includes the three of you."
Hyuga just made a bland stare at their coach. Eh? So you're saying you would do that same with that crazy girl in NL jacket, Index, and most especially, that annoying Biri Biri!?
"Eh? So you're saying that crazy girl in NL jacket, Index, and most especially, that annoying Biri Biri is also a part of the family?" Izuki had just voiced out what the shooting guard had thought.
"Eh? Well…" Aida was silent for the moment, "Maybe I can make an exception for Index-san and the girl with that pole but the brunette one…" She admits to herself that she isn't a fan of Misaka Mikoto.
"No need for such details!" Kiyoshi said, showing off his goofy smile.
#
Needless to say, they all went to a restaurant that serves Western food. To say that it was fun was an understatement. Kamijou and his three friends are all seated in a three-person table in one corner while Fukiyose and the two other women are on another three seater table. The rest are in a longer dining table that fitted them all.
And so, the lunch, albeit belatedly, was very noisy. Koganei was busy playing his food to the point that it caused irritation on both Hyuga while Izuki was busy making puns out of the food. Meanwhile, Kamijou was discussing to Kuroko and Kagami about what they plan to do in the summer vacation since according to him, "Even if it's still mid-June, the break is just going to be there around the corner." Kuroko responds by telling they still have Saturday practices in the national team starting the first week of July and it would become a regular one when the vacation begins. The spiky haired boy sighed as he forgot that one. Yeah. Just my luck.
After he was finished eating, Kamijou excused himself from the team so he can get some fresh air. Going outside the building, he stretched his arms as he looks up into the blue sky. Ah, what a beautiful day indeed despite the injury. In his dazing, he didn't realize two people that are actually walking towards him. And when he did notice them, it's after one of them actually spoke.
"Hey, Kami-yan, do you have a minute?"
After ten more minutes…
"Ah…I think I ate too much," Kagami groaned as he and the large group now walks out of the building. Kuroko just made his small smile as Fukiyose just kept quiet. Himegami just followed in her back while the beauty senpai was busy scrutinizing the area. Dammit! I haven't even given this package to my cute little kouhai! It pains inside me that it came from Shokuhou but still, I know very well of their past history to just simply disregard her wish.
"Well guys, let's all go home now and get you revitalized!" Aida said as she looks at the three other women in their group, "And perhaps, the three of you should go home right now as well."
"Say, where is Kamijou?" Tsuchida suddenly said as he doesn't seem to see their spiky haired guard who said he'll breathe in some fresh air. Suddenly realizing that the boy wasn't really there, the whole group began scanning around the place, hoping to see if the boy was just around but to their dismay…
Nope. He's really missing.
On the other side of the street…
Kamijou was just following the two familiar pair of guys in Tschimikado and Aogami as the three are now walking in a nearby playground that they deemed is safe enough that no one will interrupt them as they talk things aloud. As they enter the place, the spiky haired boy saw that there is also a street basketball court here where there are three guys playing. Seemed like it's so fun, huh? And here, it's like old times now that I'm with the lolicon and siscon. Though he can't really complain much. They were still his friends after all and they were a part of his life.
"It's been a while since we talked like this, Kami-yan!" Tsuchimikado said with a chuckle as they finally stop by a bench, "How's your injury by the way?"
"It's fine," Kamijou answered in a stoic way as he looks upon his two old friends, who were still smiling in a funny way.
"By the way, our school, or in your case former school, lost big time," Aogami said.
"Well…it's to be expected, to be honest," the spiky haired boy answered, "After all, they faced the Generation of Miracles. Aomine…Kise…Midorima…Murasakibara…Akashi…they're all powerful with a different sets of skills that complement each other as a team. That's one thing that I learned after I fought two of them in a practice match."
"Yeah but I'm surprised that you spoke their names like you know them personally," the blondie inquired.
"Well…I don't know if you'll believed me but I'm their teammate in the national basketball team," Kamijou replied, prompting the two to be surprised at what he said, "Because of that, I realized why they were called prodigies."
"And to think this playboy even managed to have a chance to become known world wide, that would be frightening," Aogami gasped.
"And please, could you just stop with that disease thingy," Kamijou was slightly irritated, knowing what the bluenette is going to say next.
"You've changed a lot, Kami," Tsuchimikado said in a loud whisper.
"What do you mean?"
"Well…first off, you seemed to be physically stronger just like what I said before the game and you seemed to radiate an air of confidence. Heh…was it a result of becoming so good in basketball?" The blondie asked sincerely.
Kamijou chose not to reply. Well, I don't know why but I think it's not the right time to say something.
"Well…tell us, why did you just left our school without even telling us," Aogami was being serious for once as he sits up straight in the chair, "And we're surprised to hear you have started playing basketball by the time we heard about your whereabouts. And since when did you really have gotten so good? I mean, those tricky movements of yours in the fourth quarter, your whole-court shot, and your impeccable passes. Those would not even be possible without sufficient training."
Seeing that they are now being serious, Kamijou heaved a sigh as he answers, "Well, to be honest, I don't know."
The lolicon and siscon made a weird expression. Eh!?
"About me leaving the school, actually I don't know why I left," Kamijou said, "It's true that my bad luck isn't really going away so I really let is as it is but I'll never forget that one day when Fukiyose and I had a great chase which resulted in me getting hurt but in doing so, that's where I discovered my talent for basketball." Or technically, I rediscovered it. He then pulls out a ball from his duffel bag and began rolling it in right hands.
"That time, I initially started playing basketball to escape the depression of getting beaten up from Fukiyose, the jeers of our classmates, and, well, you know the next thing that I'll say," Kamijou grimaced at those memories, "But as the time passes, I realized how much I actually began to love the sport. That's why by the time I transferred to Seirin, I was immediately impressed upon meeting my seniors and most especially, Kuroko and Kagami."
Tsuchimikado twitched in irritation upon hearing the name of the red headed guy whom he had an argument with that morning and almost had a fight if it wasn't for a certain Forehead Deluxe.
"The two of them loved basketball from the bottom of their hearts," Kamijou continued, "They have also been through rough times like me but still, they still take the sport more seriously than anything…more than anyone else would. That's why I took an oath to be the best with them. I practiced hard to achieve that. The touch of the ball…the squeak of my Kobes…the swish of the net…those feelings has become all too etched in my heart. That's the reason why I fought so hard not only in today's game but also against Kise and Midorima, the two prodigies."
The two pair of idiots was silent for a moment, pondering his words. Then suddenly, Tsuchimikado smirked.
"You really have grown and levelled up, my friend," the blonde backstabber said, "So let me guess, you are no longer interested in black bunny girls like old times?"
"I don't have any time for that non-sense, Tsuchimikado," Kamijou sighed, "I'd rather spend my time with my family or friends."
"Hmmmmh…" Aogami hummed, "But you know, Kami-yan? That way you are acting now could really break the Iron Wall Girl's forehead…"
"It isn't even funny, you know…" Kamijou was already getting tired with the old jokes that he is hearing right now.
"Oh…I see. So that's one thing you haven't accepted yet," Tsuchimikado smiled smugly, "One more topic that we can discuss right now. It's about Fukiyose. You still seemed to be dense when it comes to girls, no? Let me tell you one thing though. You successfully penetrated her defense."
The spiky haired boy thought they were just messing around so he was about to rebut back when the blondie continued to speak.
"I know you'll say that I'm joking so let me get straight to the point," The dark shades of the blonde gleamed, "If you don't know anything, it's the fact that she had a little crush on you since we were first years and that she's just a tsundere."
Kamijou just made a weird expression.
"Well, it's true though that she hates those who she thinks is lazy which is why we were always beaten black and blue since we are the unproductive ones in the class," Tsuchimikado chuckled at those memories, "But the moment you left, that was also the moment she changed a bit. She still regularly beats us but sometimes, we would see her just staring into the sky as if she's in deep thought. And the very moment she had the first lead and where you were at that time, she skipped classes which actually left Komoe-sensei in shock."
"Can't you see it?" Now, Aogami was talking seriously, "The way she called you by your given name, the way she regularly visits your school, the moment when almost everyone from our class is cheering for Kashiwaki, she's actually more thrilled to see you make your shots, the moment she cried away from our views when you still insisted on playing despite your injury, that time when she pushed her way into the crowd of your taller teammates just to see if you are okay. You are totally blind, Kami-yan!"
"Well…just tell me what you think," Kamijou said exasperatedly though the crying part actually left him baffled, "She said she's doing it since I'm a former…"
"Classmate? Yeah right. As if she's going to tell you right away the real reason. Heck, even your two teammates aren't stupid to actually see it," Tsuchimikado smiled, "Well…that's not it, actually."
"Then what is it?" the spiky haired boy asked. The blonde grinned further before he said in a clear voice.
"It's obvious, Kami-yan. It's obvious that with the way you have become, she had fallen in love with you."