Kamijou only stared weirdly at Tsuchimikado and Aogami after hearing the explanation of the former about Fukiyose and her loving him so much. Eh? Am I missing something? There can't be no way she'll fall in love with me. Besides, her sudden 180 degree personality change is because I might have done something productive in her eyes and there is no way she'll ever fall in love with me after all the beatings I had to endure under her hands. In fact, that Kashiwaki dude just confessed…no wait…
"You're just messing me up, guys," Kamijou stubbornly said as he frowns while continuing to spin the ball in his hands.
"Very hard-headed, I see," Tsuchimikado said in a chuckling manner as he looks at his favourite butt monkey, "Well, I won't blame you, nya, if you think that way for now. But I can tell you that someday, you'll eventually fall for her as well. It'll be in a matter of due times."
"That's ridiculous, Tsuchimikado," the spiky haired boy retorted, "Besides, why are we even talking about her right now?"
"Hmmm…so blind, Kami-yan. Can't you see how heartless you are with what you are saying!?" Aogami wailed as he flails his arms, "Dammit! It's like you are mocking us just because you have hooked up so many girls into your harem collection!"
"That's stupid—"
Bam!
"Teme…Why'd you disappear like that, Kamijou!?"
Tsuchimikado and Aogami only blinked as they see their old friend suddenly get bumped lightly in his right thigh. And when they shifted their attention, they saw a familiar pair of dark red and baby blue standing right there. The blonde backstabber just clicked his teeth, realizing who they are.
Tsk…we got more company than we expected.
Ten Minutes Ago…
For almost thirty minutes, the Seirin team were all desperately looking for their missing Falcon Eye guard as Fukiyose and company volunteered to help them. When they realized that Kamijou is already missing, they immediately spread out around the vicinity and began their fruitless attempts at locating the boy. Hyuga was beginning to lose his patience as evident in him kicking Izuki's butt when the latter tried to make another pun again. Koganei commented that this isn't normal and that they had to double their efforts in locating the boy.
Meanwhile, Kuroko and Kagami were paired together to try and find their other trio in another area.
"Taku…where the hell is he!?" Kagami can't help but grumble in annoyance as he and his partner where circling around the streets in hopes to find their friend, "I wanted to rest now, dammit!"
"I'm surprised. He's not someone to do something like this," Kuroko muttered as he keeps his eyes open in every nook and cranny of the place. But while they kept walking, they accidentally passed by a street basketball court. Kagami smiled at this as unconsciously, they both stopped to watch a group of three students play. Street ball. It's been a while since I last saw a game like this in the Winter Cup. He was referring to his second battle with Aomine in his thoughts as the light-shadow duo watched the scene. But in doing so, an unexpected scene uplifted before their eyes as the players' continuous moving unintentionally revealed a figure faraway. It didn't take any seconds for the two to realize what—or rather, who, it was.
"Anou…isn't that Kamijou-kun?" Kuroko asked, squeaking.
Kagami clicked his teeth in annoyance before replying, "No mistake. That's him. And it looks like that bastard Tsuchimikado just abducted him away for no good. Come on, let's hurry before something else happens."
The two then briskly walked to catch up with their friend and before they can even notice, Kagami took the three people by surprise as he proceeds to lightly hit the spiky haired boy in his tight, "Teme…Why'd you disappear like that, Kamijou!?" he roared as the boy in question slightly got shaken up. Kagami then shifted his view point and saw Tsuchimikado and Aogami staring at him with some hints of disgust.
Unperturbed, Kagami then gave out a rough greeting, "Yo."
"Were you listening to our discussion?" Tsuchimikado asked,his dark shades glinting.
"We had no business with whatever you three are talking about," Kagami answered, "I'll ask you one thing though: What the hell are you kidnapping Kamijou for!?"
"Hah!?" Tsuchimikado was slightly taken aback by this accusation, "What? Who cares if we talk to Kami-yan a little bit? He's our old friend, mind you." He said the last part with an undertone of laced venom.
"We can't go home without him," Kuroko stepped in, seeing that this might lead into another fight, "Kantoku simply won't stop talking about responsibility towards our teammates unless we return with him. If that's all, excuse us and we would be leaving. We've been looking for him for almost half an hour."
"You're no fun, you know that," Aogami replied, "You all get mad over a little reunion between oldies?"
But as the four guys continued to bicker on, they didn't notice the spiky haired bot suddenly left upon noticing a commotion in the street court.
…
"Come on, you've had enough!" a group of five college students suddenly and were busy arguing with the three boys that were spotted earlier on by a certain pair of blue and red playing in the basketball court, "Give someone else a turn!"
"We just got here!" one of the three boys retorted back despite the obvious danger of trying to stand up against the older and much numerous guys, "Wait for your turn!"
One of the college guys was about to try and pick a fight when he was held back by what looks like to be their leader, "Now, now. Why don't we settle this with some basketball? If we lose, we'll have no qualms about leaving. If you three lose, you'll not only lose your time in the court but ultimately, we'll get possession of your ball…" He said this with a snicker and a darkening glare.
Despite wanting to chicken out upon hearing the deal, the three boys' manly pride is just too much and they reluctantly agreed to the terms and conditions sets by the older boys. And so, they went on to play a three-on-three game. The younger boys managed to score the first point and even grab a steal but in the feast break process, one of the college guys who isn't playing suddenly jumped into the court and intentionally bumped into the guy with the ball, causing the latter to crash into the concrete pavement.
"Huh!?" the boy was seething with anger over the dirty move, "Hey! What was that!? It's a three-on-three!"
"Huh?" The leader of the gang sneered as he walks close to the fallen boy, "I said we'd play basketball. I didn't say anything about a three-on-three."
"What are you saying?" The younger boy replied, "That's not fair—"
Suddenly, he was cut off as the leader kicked him instantly in his gut, causing him to curl up like an infant while holding his stomach in pain. Not being contented with what he did, the college student even kicked him as he steps on his head, mockingly saying, "Huh, what did you say? Sorry, I didn't hear you!" After being satisfied in being a sadist, the bully was turned around and was about to finish off with the two other younger boys when suddenly, he instead encounters a boy with a jet black spiked hair rolling a ball.
"There's nothing fair about this, you damn bastard!" The spiky haired boy pushed the rolling ball close to the college jock's nose, causing the latter to winch in slight pain and stepped backward. "What the!? Who the fucking hell are you and who do you think you are!?" The bully growled as he sees the boy helping his victim.
"This isn't basketball," The spiky haired boy remained unshaken, "Besides, violence is bad."
Close by, a group of four familiar faces stopped their bickering and were watching with shock and surprise the moment they saw this scene unfold.
"What the hell is he doing!?"
"Kamijou-kun…"
"Kami…"
"Well…very typical of Kami-yan…"
Back to the street court, the five college guys were all stunned to see that the boy who just entered the scene looks like a mere high school student and yet, he had the guts to even stand up against the five of them. The leader of the group was gritting his teeth as one of his cliques suddenly lashed out at the boy, who looks like to have a bandage on his head, "Huh, who do you think you are, you scrawny punk!? Some kind of super hero?"
"Fine then," the gang leader smiles as he recovers from that little stunt he got, "Hehehe…there are still really guys like this these days, huh? Makes me want to beat them up and humiliate in front of their hot chicks. We'll settle it then with some pretty basketball, what do you say?" The five then gathered and lined up, facing the boy in an attempt to intimidate him.
But even before the boy can say anything, the group of four familiar boys with brightly-colored heads suddenly showed up.
"Mind if we play too?" the boy with teal hair suddenly spoke, his pale presence actually frightening the college students as they all jumped in shock.
"Why'd you get involved in something that's not your business, teme?" the tall, red headed guy berated they spiky haired boy, "And for the records, why the hell did you let those two clowns join us, Kuroko!?"
"Eh? Can't we not join?" another bluenette replied, "The more, the merrier!"
"Hey, don't you dare look down on us," the blondie followed as he removes his white uniform, "We learned that sport in school so we would be fine."
There's five of them and besides, Kamijou-kun's injured. The tealnette sighed. Well, we just have to get this done with right away.
The five college males now shivered in nervousness upon seeing the composition of the team. The red head's huge and tall!
#
"Baka-Touma!"
Fukiyose was already irritated that they still haven't found any trace of the boy she secretly likes (or that's what she thought) as she, Himegami, and Kumokawa were now walking rather aimlessly in circles. Even though she got the coach's number (yep, Coach Aida trusted the Iron Wall Girl so much that she gave her own personal number), it wasn't even enough to find that boy. Dammit! Where did he go off this time!?
"Where did Kamijou-kun go this time?" Himegami squeaked as she was looking around, "He can't be that far, though."
"Who knows where my cute kouhai goes," Kumokawa smiled as she leans closer to the unsuspecting Fukiyose and whispered something on her right ear, "Don't be a worrywart. I'm pretty sure your boyfriend is just safe out there."
Immediately, Fukiyose almost swung her elbows as she sputtered at what the beauty senpai just told her.
"Wh-wh-wh-what are you talking about!?" the Forehead Deluxe spluttered, trying in vain to remain calm, "That's total non-sense! What kind of crap are you spewing!?"
"For someone who claims to hate Kamijou-kun, you're pretty defensive," Himegami squeaked as she made the blunt comment, "Just who was it that ran first into their bench when he got injured?"
"What's with you two talking about me?" Fukiyose glares at the two, "We're helping them find that guy and the first thing you do is talk about is about this…this…"
"Someone's getting antsy, I see," Kumokawa offered a mocking smile as she plays it coy. Fukiyose then was about to say something more when suddenly, she felt her phone vibrating. Deciding to let the beauty senpai get away for now, she fishes out her mobile device and read the message that was sent to her.
Where are the three of you? We still haven't found him so we decided to go to where you are located and we'll restart our search anew.
~ Aida Riko-san
"It seems they are also unsuccessful," the girl muttered to herself as she sends another text containing their current location and the fact that they haven't found Kamijou as well. After some few minutes, the whole Seirin team appeared and they are already exhausted and famished despite the fact that they had just lunch more than thirty minutes ago. "I can't believe this!" the coach angrily blurted as she crushes a paper cup in her hands.
"Besides Kamijou, where the hell is Kuroko, Kagami, and the three other second years? They should been here as well by now," Hyuga said as he had sent a text message to the red head, "Don't tell me they are gone as well."
"They do that," Aida says as she throws away her paper cup, "And expect that their training would be quintupled in the next two weeks before summer vacation." The boys shivered upon hearing the threat of their brunette coach. Damn! They will be dead by the time summer vacation has officially started!
Just then, they heard a sound of feet running in the road. Looking up, they saw a running Kawahara far from the distance.
"Isn't that Kawahara?" Kiyoshi asked.
Izuki only nodded.
"Senpai! Kantoku!" Kawahara panted once he managed to reach the large group, "We saw Kamijou in a street basketball court not far from here! And he's playing some hoops with a group of older boys!"
"Nani!?" the coach was angrily surprised as this revelation, "The doctor already told him not to engage on physical activities and this is what he does in the same day!? That konoyaro! I'll really make sure he suffers a lot when all of this is done! Come let's go and tell Kuroko-kun and Kagami-kun to—"
"Uh…about that," the bald second year scratched his head as if he's actually hesitating to say something else, "We also spotted the two of them and they joined Kamijou in playing as well."
"Nandatto!?" Hyuga blurted out as, seemingly getting into his fiery Clutch Captain mode as he was prepared to punish anyone who tries to defy him, "I sent them a message and instead, they defy me, huh!? Especially Bakagami since I ordered him to bring the spiky haired kid when he finds him! Come, let's go!"
The large group then found themselves running as wild as they can as Fukiyose was in a mized state of pure anger of finding out that the boy violated the doctor's ruling and worry that the boy had just violated the doctor's ruling (and it could reopen his head wound). After two minutes of running, they spotted Furihata and Fukuda nervously smiling at them as they stand beside the street basketball court. And when they reached the court…
"Teme…oi, Aogami! Do something about your horrible shots! Your air balls are making my head ache!"
The group suddenly heard Kagami shouting angrily to a certain bluenette, who was just smiling it off. After everyone has reached the place, they were all gaping at the scene playing in front of them. The Seirin trio as well as Tsuchimikado and Aogami were all facing off against the five college students, who seemed to get worn out in every second that passes. So it's not surprising that the guys with colourful hair are leading by a huge margin. Although…
"Hey, can you make it slower for us!?" the blonde backstabber was complaining to Kuroko as they ran back to defense, "You're all too fast!"
"Well…we can't help that, Kamijou-kun," the tealnette, who was wearing a plain white t-shirt, replied in a monotone way, "We're quite used to this run-and-gun attack formation so if anything, you must do something about it." Tsuchimikado only scowled at the passing specialist's reply but only kept quiet instead. The opposing player then passes it to his free teammate but instead, it was stolen by Kamijou, who removed his jersey jacket that revealed his black sleeveless shirt to distinguish himself from their ace, who wore a red shirt.
"Go, run!" the guard shouted as he brings the ball down. As soon as they are in their opponent's goal, he used his Falcon Eyes and he quickly spotted Aogami, who was shouting, "Hey, pass it to me, Kami-yan! I won't mess it up, this time!" Snorting, he nevertheless made a smooth, no-motion pass to the bluenette despite Kagami, who was a safer choice, being also free. Sadly, he again messed it up as the ball only head the sides of the backboard as Tsuchimikado failed to get the rebound due to facing off against a taller opponent.
"No offense but that blue haired kid is actually messing up their offense," Tsuchida commented as the game goes on.
Still, it's very impressive that they can keep up with their fast-paced offense considering they don't even play that sport. Fukiyose noted mentally. Maybe with a harsh training, they can become decent players. Wait…that's not the problem right now! She then refocused her eyes in the match, just in time to see Kuroko steal the ball and as everyone runs back into offense, he makes a watered-down version of his Cyclone Pass in order for Aogami to receive it properly. He did got it (with a sting in his hands) as he finds himself open for a layup. But to his horror, the ball simply bounced out of the ring despite already being a close shot.
That was an unguarded layup and yet, you still missed it! Kagami angrily thought.
"Don't worry. It only gets much better," Tsuchimikado smirked as he suddenly launches himself airborne and stuns his hastily-formed teammates by dunking it one-handed. "This is the Delta Force at its best!"
Kamijou only snorted at that. It's been a while since I heard that stupid name of ours. Nevertheless, he runs back to defense and quickly spoke to the blondie, "I'm quite surprise you can actually make a dunk."
"As long as I don't hold it, I would be fine," Tsuchimikado explains. Kamijou just raised his eyebrows at that. After thirty more minutes, the game ended with the expected victory of the guys with colourful heads. The five college players were all lying down in the floor, sweating heavily and breathing desperately as if it's their first time inhaling oxygen in more than a decade. Kamijou then taps the shoulders of the three boys who were all amazed by their skill.
"Well…that was fun!" Aogami said as he puts back his uniform.
"It would be more fun if you stopped chalking upshots without much success," Kagami shrugged as he gets his duffle bag.
"But nevertheless, we all had fun," Tsuchimikado said as he slings his arms in the shoulders of the spiky haired boy, who just gave off a small smile. It feels like old times, again. I hate to admit it but I actually miss this few memories we had. Or what's left of it.
"Well…let's all go out now. Kantoku must be worried right now," Kuroko said, not realizing that their coach has been preparing a death sentence for the three of them.
And that just what exactly happened when they were all taken surprise by the fact that the whole team was actually watching the three of them. Not even feeling the murderous intent of their captain, the five joined them as if nothing bad had happened but as they walked closer, Aida immediately beat the heads of their trio with her slapping fan.
"Ow, what was that!?" Kagami cried in pain but was immediately cut off as the coach kicked his face brutally.
"You rascals!" Aida was livid as he kept kicking their Bakagami in such sadistic way, "You two have some guts disobeying your seniors, huh!? And you, Kamijou-kun! Why the hell did you disappear without even telling us!?" She even ignored the crying protests of their Seirin power forward, who had to used his hands to protect himself.
"Uh…about that…" Kamijou stammered at seeing their ace getting assaulted by their smaller but brutal coach. "You see…this old friends and former classmates of mine just took me to this park without any chance for me to ask permission to you guys. They said it would just be a short talk." The coach then looked at his two old friends, who were smiling innocently as if they did nothing wrong at all. He then stopped kicking their ace, who was already covered in dirt and dust.
"Okay, I'll forgive you for that but why the hell did you play street ball when the doctor ordered you not to do any harsh activities?" The coach asked, in slight worry.
"Actually, that wasn't my aim, coach," Kamijou defended his actions, "Those guys whom we played against are actually hurting some group of kids who got to play first in that court. I just wanted to tell them how wrong they were and well…"
"Huh!? So you basically tried to go against people older than you!?" Hyuga was simply aghast to hear his kouhai's reasoning, "Didn't you think you can actually get beaten black and blue had not Kuroko and Kagami stepped in as well!?"
"Well…I'm sorry captain but I can't stand seeing someone powerless get hurt," the spiky haired boy replied, "Those bullies were too much and it would hit my conscience even more if I just watched them and did nothing."
"You should have first thought of the consequences, though," Izuki face-palmed, "Like Hyuga said, if those four didn't came to the rescue, who knows what could have happened to you?"
"I can hold my own against them," Kamijou stubbornly said.
By now, Kumokawa just smiled as she sees the whole interaction of the Seirin team as something amusing. Are they always like this? Fukiyose, meanwhile, didn't know how to react on what Kamijou had just said. On one end, she wanted to scold him very harshly for his reckless decision to throw himself into a conflict that he had nothing to do with but on another hand, she wanted to commend (and even hug him) for actually doing something right for once. The beauty senpai seemed to have read her mind as she pushes the small package that came from a certain Mental Out into the hands of Fukiyose.
"Huh? What's this?" the girl with large forehead asked in confusion as she eyed the package.
"Before we all part ways," Kumokawa whispered, "Please, give it to him. It would mean a lot to me if you passed it to him." Fukiyose raised her eyebrows as she looks at the package.
"Well, we'll all be leaving right now," Aida then said as the whole team are now complete, "Please, take care. Oh and Fukiyose-san, you're free to visit us anytime. It's a thanks for what you have done to us for today."
"It's nothing," the mentioned girl murmured and watched as they all prepared to leave. She then gets hold of Kamijou, who was about to turn his back, "Eh? What is it, Seiri?"
She quickly gives the small package into the boy's hands and said, "Well, someone there wanted to give it to you but she's too…shy. Well…take care of yourself and promise me that you won't do anything reckless or very stupid."
"I promise," Kamijou smiled as he takes the package and he rejoins his team. As she watches them finally go their own ways, Tsuchimikado smiled, "Very interesting to finally see Kami-yan with a good team? He never had that last school year."
"Well…that was because you kept tormenting him with your non-sense," Fukiyose said in an obvious sign of irritation. Aogami was about to retort about that but he kept silent over the fear that he'll be targeted sooner or later.
"Well, let's all go home!" Kumokawa said brightly as everyone just followed her. Himegami, meanwhile, was mumbling something about not being able to say anything.
Meanwhile, the Seirin players were all peacefully walking down the road when Kamijou suddenly became curious of what the package contains and quickly opens it. To his surprise, it was actually a pack of expensive Godiva chocolates with an inscription saying, "For my prince."
"Eh!?" Kagami was the very first to notice the chocolates in his teammates' hands, "That's a pack of Digovas. It's one of the very few chocolates that I actually enjoy eating."
"Really? What about you Kuroko?" Kamijou asked when he noticed the tealnette looking at the sweets as well.
"I actually like that brand. It's not everyday that I can eat it very often…huh? What's this" Kuroko suddenly felt his flip phone vibrating so he pulls it out and he checks the message. He was surprise at the contents he just read.
Sorry Tetsu-nii for suddenly calling like this but we have a little problem. Onee-sama was following that troglodyte and his two companions in a street court when for some reasons that I don't know, she suddenly argued with Shokuhou-san about something and they had a brief cat fight which ended with the two of them falling in a puddle of mud. We're in your house right now so they can get a fresh bath and clean clothes so I informed you in case you don't know.
~ Shirai Kuroko-san
The tealnette blinked at the message that his cousin sent and quickly, he then spoke to his two friends and said, "Anou…do you all want to accompany me to buy new basketball shoes? I know the store's far from here but I'm pleading for once."
"Eh…sure," the spiky haired boy replied, "What do you say, Kagami?"
"Well…I don't see anything bad in it. It's still early in the afternoon, anyway," Kagami scratched his head as he agrees to go with the three. Kuroko then sends a reply to Shirai.
Well, take care and have fun. I might not be able to reach you there, though since we'll still got to school for some debriefing. Just say hi to mom, dad, and grandmother for them to know that you are there.
~ Kuroko Tetsuya
What was that? Kamijou noticed the tealnette typing so fast. Unknown to him, Kuroko just saved him from an almost frightening encounter.
#
For the next two weeks, the Seirin players who are also in a national tour of duty were all working their asses off to whip their bodies into game shape except for a certain spiky haired boy, who was forced to seat out for a week to week as prescribed by his doctor to prevent the tear in his head wound from reopening. As he watches his teammates do their regular drills, he decided to so some little exercises of his own by training his hands. He started this one after he saw Kiyoshi busy catching large, rough rocks that are being lobbed by their coach with just hid one hand. The brunette center explained that he is busy strengthening his hands so that when he's grabbing rebounds, he just needed to do it with a single hand as opposed jumping with the hands raised up, the vertical leap isn't that high since all the energy had been split. Seeing the logic behind his reasoning, Kamijou decided that he'll try this exercise too.
And so, he asked his coach to help him do the same exercise, which the coach gladly complied with. At first, he had difficulty doing it with a single hand since he was used to catch rebounds using his two hands. Damn, this is pretty hard! He muttered to himself as he again failed to catch another razor-sharp rock. He couldn't complain, though. Since it's hard at first, by the time I get it, that means I have improved a lot. The notion of improving himself is what's keeping him focused as he was determined to become stronger. By the end of the week before he can rejoin in their drills, he managed to finally catch large rocks one-handed.
Aside from these simple exercises, Kamijou has been doing some simple tricks with the basketball in his hands after watching some clips in the Internet. He learned to roll the ball with the palm and wrists, not just only the finger. He also has been practicing his dribbling to polish it further as he's doing this while seating on a chair. As much as he wanted to play already, he knew he would be a dead man if he tried to force his way into the scrimmage as his coach has already warned him about the implications of his defiance. Just my luck.
Besides those normal routines, his luck is still there, biting his ass although he himself has already gotten used to it by now. For instance, he discovered that his bento box has been infected with ants when he left in in their gym one morning and wasn't able to retrieve it during lunch time since it was locked. Fortunately, Kuroko has been kind enough to give him a piece of chicken sandwich and some vanilla milkshakes.
Add to that, not only does Fukiyose and Misaka (more like her barging in for the latter) visit the boy in his school. Heck, even Tsuchimikado and Aogami visited him one Friday afternoon when he was just on the last day of sitting out for his total recovery. Kagami twitched at this, not totally liking Tsuchimikado a bit though Kuroko said that he's okay with the two staying in their school. Their coach wanted to kick them out of their session but chose not to as her focus for now is her players who is quite amused with their ace's hot headedness as he was busy arguing with the blonde backstabber again.
But even before that fateful Friday, Misaka was already in the gym, waiting impatiently as the members of the basketball team was just starting to get changed. Seeing the spiky haired 'idiot' chatting casually with Kuroko and Kagami as if she wasn't physically present, Misaka became very infuriated and shouted at the top of her lungs, "What the hell is wrong with you!?" But before she can even use her electric powers, an unexpected event suddenly happened.
Kuroko walked calmly towards the raging Misaka and bluntly speaking, he took out his black wristbands and used it to slap in the face of the Railgun.
"Ouch!" Misaka winced in pain as she holds her cheeks in anger at her kouhai's cousin, who merely stared back and replied in a serious tone, "I think you needed to behave here. From what I heard, you actually zapped a camera of a student here. Be careful since you've become somewhat notorious here, Misaka-san." Hearing the reasoning of the tealnette, the Railgun only huffed as she crosses her arms. It wasn't my fault that he was stalking and taking pictures of me. The rest of that day was somewhat chaotic, with Izuki more than energetic enough to annoy Hyuga with his puns, Kiyoshi doing his goofy smiles, and Misaka…
Well, she was more than glad enough to help Kamijou with his arms exercises as she is intentionally throwing the razor-sharp rocks at him harder, which is making the boy actually getting nervous in every moment that she would be prepared to throw a rock to his face. Is she trying to kill me!? Nevertheless, he decided to let it slide as slowly, he started to catch the rocks one handed with ease. After a while, Misaka then immediately decided to come back to Academy City since she'll have some projects to do in their school. Kamijou sighed feeling relieved that a she-demon had left.
And after that chaotic Thursday and an annoying Friday, there comes the physical Saturday where Kamijou finally was able to rejoin his teammates after a week of being excused from attending their regular practice. And coincidentally, this is also the time where Fukiyose, in her short shorts and pink tank top, decided to visit him as well, hearing from their coach that they also held Saturday practices when very important events (like the Olympics) is being held. Bringing in a packed bento that she cooked herself, she surprised the startled Kamijou who was on a thirty-minute break with his teammates before they resume. "Eh, Seiri, what are you doing here?" the poing guard asked blankly as he stares at her top, which made him actually go hard. No! No! This is Fukiyose we're talking about! She'll kill me if she caught me thinking of malicious things!
"W-Well…" the Forehead Deluxe stuttered, not wanting to flush in embarrassment as she held out the packed lunch she made, "Of course, you're a friend and a former classmate of mine so it's just my obligation that I check on you every now and then!" She harrumphed as she pushes the bento box, "Go on, taste it!"
"Uh…okay…" Kamijou merely nodded and then took out a pair of choptsicks before opening the box. To his surprise, it was very well-prepared, with fried rice on one side and a combination of ox tongue dish and boiled broccoli on the other. He then began to eat as Fukiyose only watched him intently, "Well?"
"It was good," Kamijou honestly complimented the dish, "It's my first time eating ox tongues so this is a first time for me. Still, I never knew you could cook well."
"Hmmmph!" Fukiyose put up a fake, arrogant façade while deep inside her, she was very happy that her cooking was complimented, "It's just right for someone who follows a healthy path." Unbeknownst to the boy and perhaps, to Fukiyose herself, all the Seirin boys who are watching the whole scene unfold in front of them are suddenly feeling envious and jealous of their teammate not only because he got himself (albeit, unaware) someone who makes dishes for him but also the girl had very large chests, which they noted is larger than Momoi's.
I don't know what's going on!
I'm unbelievably jealous, Kamijou!
Kamijou, you lucky bastard!
I hope you die, kouhai!
Someone, who makes good bentos? I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm envious of Kamijou-kun.
Shut up, Kuroko! You have that Momoi girl.
Kagami-kun…I don't like Momoi-san that way. Besides, her level of cooking is the same as that of our coach.
Oh, and speaking of the coach…
"Oh my, Kamijou-kun has someone who prepared lunch for him?" the voice of Aida was heard as she was re-entering the gym, "My, don't worry about that, boys! I have also cooked for you some packed bentos." The sounds of boys almost wanting to puke out and vomit was immediately heard upon hearing the coach saying that as Aida went inside with a bunch of tied boxes that seemed to be like prepared food packs.
"Co-coach!? Do tell me that you ordered that from Maji's or in Bomber Steak!" Hyuga squeaked aloud upon seeing the bundle that their mentor is carrying.
"What are you talking about, Hyuga-kun?" Aida said in a sing-song manner as she unpacks the small boxes, "I like how you all worked hard to make yourselves battle-ready everyday so as a reward, I made a homemade traditional dishes of tempura (battered shrimp), yakitori (skewered chicken), and java rice. Here, take one!" She smiled as she reaches out a small bento box to Hyuga, who only took it out of courtesy and was actually shivering at the thought of its contents…or whatever decent-looking matter left in it.
And when they all opened it, it was expected, or rather, more than what they expect.
"The tempura's badly burned that it looks like charcoal," Izuki could only stare in horror.
"Is it me or does the chicken looked like it was still fresh," Kuroko's face blanched upon seeing fresh spots of blood in his skewer.
"Well…the rice looks okay but…" Kagami looks like he was ready to throw up, "Who in their right minds would want to eat something like this shit!?"
And so, everyone was forced to go outside of the school to buy food for themselves as Aida simply went to a corner nearby to go and hide in shame.
#
It was a sunny Monday morning and Itsuwa had just woken up
She checks her new room, which is actually the new home for her and for her fellow Amakusa Christians, who were all brought home by none other than Kanzaki Kaori, who decided to bring them all home in Japan so that they can all restart a new life of normalcy. However, this does not stop their magical activities and their willingness to help someone in need as Tatemiya Saiji, their substitute Supreme Pontiff, had actually put up a small foundation intended to help Japanese kids who don't have lunches to eat.
"You're up, Itsuwa, huh," her grandfather, Isahaya, smiled at her as she was just getting out of her room. He was an old man with a receding hairline and gray hair.
"Yes, grandfather," the pretty Itsuwa said as she scrubbed her eyes, "I still have some work to do so I'll be on my way now." She then went inside their bathroom and began to take a bath. After doing that, she then dried herself and quickly wore her usual clothes, except that she had an apron with it. She then walked into their kitchen where she saw some of her Amakusa comrades busy cooking their breakfast. Smiling at their effort, she then picked up the cart of milk bottles with varying sizes (that had to be carted off by a wagon) that were scheduled to be sold in the various houses of the modern Japanese village every morning.
"Is Tatemiya-san here?" she heard one of her comrades asked the guy who is frying some bacons and eggs.
"No," the guy said, "I think he's still asleep since he's dead tired from distributing takoyaki boxes to school kids from the other town."
Itsuwa just sighed at that as she prepares to load her products in her motorcycle with a sidecar in it. After being prepared, she then rode it and sped off in the streets
Her first stop was a traditional house with a household of nearly ten children. She sold one gallon of milk which is worth ¥400. She then hopped into another house with just a mother and her two children and she sold three small bottles each costing ¥40. She did these throughout the whole households in Tokyo until at last, she knew she only had to sell a dozen or more of their products, which were all made by one of their members who happened to come from a family that owns a dairy farm.
After a while, she suddenly passed by a large school with maroon-ish walls. Seirin High School? I've never heard of that school huh and this is my first time passing by this area. She then decided to stop by at a nearby convenient store in front of the school as she decided to rest first. She then got out of the motorcycle and was about to enter into the store to get herself something to eat when suddenly, she heard a noisy commotion coming from her left side.
"You see, I'm making this new kind of dunk after seeing that bastard Silver's windmill and…"
"I never knew you would stoop that low to become flashy, Kagami-kun."
"Dammit…what the hell do you mean, Kuroko!?"
"I'm still sleepy since Index kept nagging about her snacks."
Itsuwa almost chocked upon hearing the last voice. Wait!? That voice!? No, it can't possibly be him! He should be in Academy City, after all! Just to make sure she wasn't hearing things, Itsuwa decided to go back to her sidecar and pretended to fix something so that he can clearly see if she's just imagining things.
And the moment her eyes caught sight of him, she almost fainted in shock and surprise.
"Ka-Kamijou!?" Itsuwa can't help but suddenly said in surprise as the three, incoming boys with of black, blue, and red were all walking towards her direction. The black-haired Kamijou was wearing his usual black tank top while Kuroko and Kagami were sporting white and deep red shirts, respectively. All of them are wearing their Seirin jogging pants. The boy with spiky haired boy raised his eyes at surprise in meeting an old friend he met in Academy City.
"I-Itsuwa!?" the boy stopped as his two companions also stopped, seemingly surprised at the sudden exchange, "I-It's a long time since I last heard of you in England. How are you now and…what are these milk bottles for?" Kamijou then took a glance at the crates of milk with various size, "Should you be in a shrine or what?"
"Anou…well, you see…" Itsuwa was obviously getting shy as she explains the Amakusa's present occupation, "You see…priestess-sama decided to bring all of us home so that we can start a new life without sacrificing our ideals and so, we decided that all of us would be engaging in business."
"Business?" Kamijou raised his eyebrows, "Than what does Kanzaki do this time?"
"Ah…" Itsuwa was contemplating whether she should blurt out that her superior is actually not that very competitive when it comes to matters like these, "Actually…she's very busy with her own "business" and she rather not have anyone disturb her."
"I see…"
"Oh…do you want to buy a bottle?" Itsuwa suddenly remembered her quota for today and she gathered all her courage in asking the boy to buy some of their products, "It's okay if you don't want to but…" She stopped talking as her cheeks were reddening in bashfulness and embarrassment. The spiky haired boy misinterpreted this as some sign that she'll be in trouble if she doesn't sell all of the bottled milk and decided to help immediately, "Uh…Kuroko and Kagami, do you want to buy? I'll wanted to try it out." He glances over the light-shadow duo, who were merely watching the whole scene play out.
As if suddenly understanding what the boy really meant, "Don't worry, Kamijou-kun. I'll buy one, too." He had a feeling that his current light would have declined. "I'm sure Kagami-kun won't mind, either. Kagami-kun, you know what to do." He then stares at the red headed power forward, who was taken aback by what his partner just said.
"Kuroko, teme!" Kagami suddenly cursed, "I never said anything about…"
He didn't finish his sentence as the former Kiseki no Sedai sixth man suddenly jabbed his ribs so hard that he jolted from his current position in pain.
"Kagami-kun said he will," Kuroko innocently said before Kagami can even retort back. "Oh…my phone's ringing. It must be captain." He then fishes out his flip phone and true to his word, it is indeed coming from their clutch captain.
Oi, where the hell are you three!? You're all three minutes late. You're lucky the coach isn't even present so hurry your asses up!
~ Hyuga Junpei-senpai
Kuroko suddenly have an idea. He then typed a message back to their captain. After he does that, he looks at Kamijou, who was merely gazing at him. "Don't worry, Kamijou-kun. Help will arrive."
"Huh?"
As if his question has been answered, all of the seniors as well as Furihata, Fukuda, and Kawahara are all heard running outside the school premises and dashes through the gate. All of them then ended up gathering near where the four are all standing. Itsuwa was very surprise at this. The-they're so tall! And they all look physically strong as well! He stoles a look at Kiyoshi, who came running like a Papa Wolf rushing in to defend his baby cubs.
"Kuroko! You said you need desperate help!" Hyuga roared, seemingly as if he got fooled by their junior, "But what the hell is this…"
"We do need some little help. She said is following a quota but she won't seem to sell enough," Kuroko decided to go straight to the point, "We hope you can all buy that milk bottle. It looks fresh and we don't want to drink coach's lemons." He remembered that one time she prepared honey lemons and they all ended up eating Mitobe's refreshments instead.
Kiyoshi looked at the milk crates and quite scratched his head before finally deciding for the team, "Well…it's been long since I have drunk fresh milk. Yosha, let's all buy it, boys!" Hyuga was near to smack the Iron Heart for deciding so quickly but seeing that all of their teammates suddenly queuing in line in front of Itsuwa who immediately served them, he had no choice but to go with the flow and lined up as well. As Kiyoshi, who gets a large bottle, passes him by, Hyuga barked at him, "Next time, don't think of even deciding for the team before I eventually speak." Kiyoshi simply smiled as quickly, Itsuwa's sidecar quickly decreased in weight as eventually, she had no more milk bottles to sell as all of it was bought by the players.
"T-Thank you! Kamijou-san!" a grateful Itsuwa said to the spiky haired boy, who merely said, "Uh…don't thank me. Thank Kuroko for it. It was his idea, after all." Itsuwa then turned around to try and thank the boy but surprisingly, he cannot find the tealnette. Heh? Where is he?
"Anou…what do you need?"
Itsuwa almost felt he heart go into her throat as she jumps in fright upon seeing the pale boy, whose presence is lacking as always.
#
After Itsuwa has left in high spirits and the boys had finish off their milk, they all eventually returned back into the gym and they all began their usual drills. Hyuga was relieved beacause it was only three ten minutes after they had gulped down fresh milk that Aida immediately came back. She looked like she was busy talking to someone in the phone as he enters the gym doors in a hurried manner. After speaking to that someone, she closes her phone and immediately joins her players for their regular practice.
"What's that, Riko?" Kiyoshi asked in curiosity as he dunks the ball with ease, "It looks like you are in a pretty serious business."
Aida replied as she crosses her arms, "I need to talk to all of you, especially Kamijou-kun. It's very important for him to hear this." After that, she decided to get over with it and blew her whistle, "Boys! Gather around!" At once, everyone stopped what they are doing and they all quickly ran towards the center circle where the coach is standing. Once they were all gathered, Aida didn't skip a beat and quickly said, "As you all know, almost every one of our starters is in the national team. Because of that, all of those would be in the national team would be prepared by my father so starting from July the first, my dad would help in overseeing this team."
A mixture of awe and fear (since Aida's dad is known to be overly protective to the point of pointing a gun at their heads) prevailed over the team.
"Another thing," the brunette lady cleared her throat, "As you all know, our school has a short-term study abroad program. Our sister school is in Los Angeles where Kagami-kun used to live and trained basketball under his master. Apparently, Alex-san just happened to be associated with that school and their regular varsity team as well as her own street basketball team are all her protégés. Right now, she is holding a free tutorials as well as a local tournament sponsored by And1." Kagami's ears perked up the moments he heard the famous brand mostly associated with street basketball.
"Kamijou-kun…" Aida then said, "She wanted you to attend there. In America."
This news surprised all the players as the spiky haired boy suddenly gasped upon hearing his name being mentioned as the one chosen to participate. In America, the land of basketball, no less.
"Eh, me?" the boy pointed to himself. But I'm supposed to be unlucky, right?
"Yes," Aida confirmed it, "Apparently, she said you have more room for improvement and she wanted to train you personally with the little time she had." She then smirked, "Consider this as a preparation for the Olympic's very physical game. It would help you so much."
Now knowing that he isn't dreaming after he touched his head with his right hand, Kamijou then said, "I get it, kantoku. So when will I go there and how long is the training?"
"Your flight towards America would be this week on Friday morning," Aida explains, "And you'll stay there for a week and four days so by the time July 15 comes, which is five days before summer vacation, you'll be able to return to school immediately and be able to catch up with your lessons." Kamijou merely nodded as he grimaced mentally. Yeah, my damn homeworks. Just my luck.
"Oh and one more thing," the coach then added, "Alex said that it's a must that you need to bring at least a companion there in America for emergency purposes as well as other reasons that she didn't specify. I'm expecting that you'll say "no" to that so before you say anything, there are incidents in the past where visiting players ended up in unexpected situations such as unfamiliarity with the place, finances, and someone to run to when other dilemma happens. For that reason alone, it's required now that you bring a companion. Oh and for your information, Alex is willing to pay all your food and sheltering there and the same for at an estimated three other people that you would like to bring. You can call someone in your mind now. You're excused." At that point, Kagami butted in.
"Hey, since he'll be going to America anyway, he can just choose me as his companion, right?" Kagami sounded logical there.
"I was thinking of that but…" Aida then turned serious, "You do know that you had the lowest grades out of the three of you? Before you can even think of something like that, you should know that you'll miss at least a week of lessons and being the Bakagami that you are, I'll say no." Kagami only sulked at that. Kuroko then squeaked, "Sorry if you want me to accompany you but my parents won't allow it if it's not an official school activity."
"Well, all except Kamijou-kun. Return to your drills!" she blew her whistle as a signal for the resumption of the training as Kamijou then moved towards the side lines. A companion, huh?
"Oh, and one more thing," the coach glanced sideways, "I don't recommend bringing Index-san with you there. We don't know that much if Alex had the same patience you had with sister-san."
Yeah, right. He boy groaned as he remembered his partner. Let's just see about that.
As everyone continued their training, he then sat down on the bench and thought of someone he could bring.
Okay. Let's face it. Index would still force her way through though that doesn't mean I'll try. I'll just mark her as possible.
Misaka might end up making a scene there with her sparks so no.
Tsuchimikado…nope. Just nope.
Aogami…not even a choice.
Kagami's not an option as well Kuroko right now since they're not free.
Kumokawa-senpai…eh…I just feel like it's wrong…
Suddenly, he had some idea and so, he started typing a certain message to someone. I know it's not the best option but I hope she doesn't mind.
#
Meanwhile, in a certain high school in Academy City, things are still the way they are before except that Kashiwaki shockingly transferred back to America after a certain practice match in Tokyo. Fukiyose was busy listening to their teacher while Himegami is doing the same thing. Tsuchimikado and Aogami are asleep in their desks.
After the teacher has left, everyone then returned to their talkative selves as they knew lunch time is coming right now. Himegami and Fukiyose then silently went to the school roof top where they can have their lunches peacefully but as they were about to eat their meals (healthy bread for the Forehead Deluxe's case), Himegami's phone suddenly buzzed. The latter fished out her phone to check her message notification. Her heart beat skipped the moment she saw that it came from a certain spiky haired boy. She was so engrossed in it that Fukiyose instantly noticed it and raised her eyebrows. Hmmm…what did Aisa just read. She then walked closer to her best friend out of curiosity and when she was able to come closer, just enough for her to see the message, she gawked.
Hey, there Himegami. I'm sorry to text you in a short notice but this is important. I've been selected to go to America to undergo training for a week and four. Uhm…the coach said I cannot go there without a companion and I'm allowed to bring up to three people. If it's not so bad, would you want to accompany me? Well, I know that you still have classes there and I won't force you if you can't.
~ Kamijou Touma-kun
"America?" Fukiyose's eyes were wide in shock as Himegami was startled upon hearing the voice of her best friend.
"Eh, you read it too?" Himegami was shivering as at this point, she's nervous, "Well…I wanted to accompany Kamijou-kun but we have classes and…"
"Well, that's not gonna be a problem for us," Fukiyose said, harrumphing, "I'm smart enough and it wouldn't hurt to take off for a while. We can ask Komoe-sensei to excuse us."
"Us?" Himegami knew she wasn't being rude but she just thought. But it was only me whom Kamijou-kun invited! Don't tell me you're gonna invite yourself!
But she wasn't able to say anything as Fukiyose fishes out her phone and texted something.
Oi, baka-Touma! What is this that I'm hearing about you going to America for training? If you just need a companion, then we'll accompany you.
~ Fukiyose Seiri
After a while, she immediately receives a reply.
Eh!? But Seiri, I might be chipping your time away. You don't need to force yourself!
~ Kamijou Touma
Yeah right. Fukiyose rolled her eyes as she sends another message.
And yet, you had no qualms inviting Aisa. That's very suspicious. It's my duty to safeguard your well-being from slipping back to the old ways. No buts! I'm going and she's going as well!
~ Fukiyose Seiri
"He won't even be able to deny me," she whispered as for some reason, she's getting nervous. Why am I acting like this? I just need to accompany the two of them, right? Or am I acting a bit, jealous?
Far away, a spiky haired kid just muttered, "Fukou Da."
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
TIME: 9:30 PM
"It looks like he has accepted, Eddy," the green-eyed Alex said to her black American player, about a year older than Kamijou, as she was busy reclining in her chair. Currently, she is living in an apartment complex which is near the sister school of Seirin High.
"I see," the black player, who is sporting a Rastafarian-style braids and sports band, said pleasantly as he replays a video containing all the games of the spiky haired boy in the screen at the wall, "To be honest with you, I was sceptical at first before I saw his videos. But right now, I'm impressed from what I saw. I didn't expect that there are Japanese players of that calibre. His height is of typical Japanese standard but his speed and agility is impressive. It's rare to see Oriental players move like that. I'm looking forward to teaming up with him, even if it's temporary."
"Of course, I'm happy to," Alex smiled, "By the way, he'll also play for the Japanese National Team in the Olympics."
"Well, I'll look forward to that, Alex," Eddy said as he serves himself a cup of coffee, "In fact, if he were to grow a few inches more, he might even be considered to play in the NCAA and eventually, the NBA. Hmmm…him, me, Ben, Sebastian, Tyrone, Shelvin. It looks like we'll be a good team. But you know, I think this Kamijou Touma guy needs some few polishing, like he needed to learn a few more tricks. His handling is good but from what I see, there might be a few instances where he's too predictable…like he's merely following a cliché pattern. It may look unbeatable there in Japan but it won't work consistently here, especially in the NBA."
"That's why I invited that kid," Alex explained, "He has a lot of room for improvement. Actually, talent-wise, he can surpass Taiga and Tatsuya. Remember those guys I tutored? Well, I'll just look forward to him this coming Saturday morning."
"Count me in," Eddy then remembered something, "But you know, that Russian guy playing for the Lakers?"
"Shpagin, you mean?" Alex raised her eyebrow.
"Ah, yeah. That dude. I have to be honest with myself. I wouldn't want to face that beast in the court." Eddy confessed, "His large wingspan can be a cause of concern for international teams due to his ability to cover the whole perimeter area."
"He's an old-ball center," Alex replied, "His defense is a no joke and his even stronger than Jason Silver of Jabberwocks."
"Silver and Nash Gold, huh? Well, I heard that they'll play for the US national team," Eddy shrugged as he mixes sugar in his coffee.
I can't wait then. Alex smiled smugly as she drinks her own beverage.
"As expected,"
As of the moment, Kamijou Touma has a hard time explaining to Index why she can't go with him to America. Just some moments ago, he had already broken the news to her mom and dad and as expected, they were all genuinely shocked and surprise. Shiina then told her son that he should take care of himself in every match that he faces while Touya was simply ecstatic that his son would become a superstar. It's not that instant, dad. Kamijou said in a sighing manner as he then boots out his passport to be able to finally start packing up his things. But right now, he had to talk it put with Index, who was being stubborn again.
"I wanted to go to America, Touma!" Index stomped her foot as she was beginning to tantrum out again, "I wanted to go with you, there!"
"How many times do I have to tell you that it's not as simple as that," Kamijou was nearing the end of his patience, "Look, the only reason why I am being sent there is because I'll train under a basketball mentor. Also, she's not that rich that she can buy you all the food there in California. She'll kill the two of us if you do that. And lastly, they are not allowing someone your age to go here!"
"But still," Index harrumphed, crossing her arms, "You'll still bring me there, right?"
"No." Was the curt reply of the spiky haired boy.
"Nani, Touma! So unfair!" Index said as she began to waved her hands in anger, "I'm already being behave here and I was helping in the dishes and yet, you still treat me like that!? Touma, baka! Touma, aho! Touma, too mean!"
"Hey! It's not like I don't want to bring you there," Kamijou then tried to calm her down, "But you see, we don't even know if Alex-san would even be generous enough to—oouuuuuch!" He was cut off when Index then leaped up in his head in anger and began to bite him forcefully.
"Dammit, Index! That hurts!" Kamijou was desperately trying to get her fangs off his head, "Okay! Okay! I'll send a message to Alex! Just let me go!"
"Hey, what's going on here?" Othinus was aroused from her sleep by the commotion now happening, "Why is Index biting human for no reason at all when they were just peacefully talking awhile back?"
NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, EARLY FRIDAY MORNING
Kamijou groaned as Index was laughing in a victorious manner. She still managed to come along, after all.
"Fukiyose said that they'll be waiting in the terminal," he said to himself as he was currently dragging his large luggage bag containing his extra clothing, basketball sneakers, hygiene kit, clothes for Index, and other stuff. He also had a large backpack as well as headsets in his neck.
"And why do we have to bring other people?" Index asked suspiciously as she was carrying Sphynx—yes, they notified the airport in advance that they'll be bringing a pet—in her habit. Othinus was stuffed in the teen's pocket. I just have to tell them that it's a doll.
"They are supposed to be the proper ones who should accompany me according to our school," Kamijou worded it in a way that it won't sound bad, "And we're supposed to meet them in the terminal." Index only huffed as the reply.
After a few minutes of roaming around the airport, he finally spotted Fukiyose and Himegami in a bench. They are also bringing luggage but in contrast to Kamijou, who wore a simple jacket and jeans, Fukiyose and Himegami are wearing pink and blue sweater respectively as well as tight jeans. The Forehead Deluxe was wearing a pair of clog shoes and a scarf in her neck. Damn! She looks like a model.
"What's with that look?" Fukiyose raised her eyebrows, "Come one. Let's go now before the plane leaves us!"
"Yeah, I know," Kamijou groaned. Just my luck.
An hour later…
"I'm somewhat surprise you were able to afford this business-class seats…"
The airplane is now airborne and right now, Fukiyose and Kamijou are seated together in the left-side corner of the business class section of the plane while Himegami and Index are seated behind them.
"When my mom found out that you'll be coming along as well, she clamoured to my dad that he pay for this ridiculously-expensive class," the boy sighed as he remembered his father surprisingly agreeing to it as well, "I said its fine if I took the economy class but apparently, my mom is relentless."
"Well…your mom's quite nice," Fukiyose only said as she makes herself comfortable in her seat, "And actually, this is my first time being in a business-class section. It's some sort of an experience since it's not everyday that I travel by an airplane." She then felt sleepy with the cold breeze of the air conditioning unit coming in and soon, she fell asleep as her head tilted in the shoulder's boy, not that the latter mind it.
Kamijou then remembered that he would also miss out probably the first two regular sessions of the national basketball team. But Kuroko got me covered there as well. He then looked over the window and watched the oceans and seas.
Well, America here we come.