I do not own any of the Naruto or Kuroko no Basuke characters. Their ownership resides solely with Masashi Kishimoto and Tadatoshi Fujimaki.

Normal speech - "Kurama"

Flashback – kurama

Sound effects – kurama

Chapter 8

"So let me get this straight. Let me see if I can figure this out. Allow me a moment to wrap my mind around this. Please just…"

Everyone else just rolled their eyes and let Kiba carry on his monologue in the background. Himawari was sleeping on the carpet with Kurama and Akamaru on either side of her. It was evening and the had gone down an hour ago. Earlier in the day after the GM had given Naruto his instructions and expectations for the upcoming Summer League happening in Vegas, Shika called everyone else for a discussion concerning the future of their entire family. It was Temari who brought everyone's attention back into focus.

"I agree with Sakura and Kakashi. We should all try and go to Vegas. Not only will it give Naruto a huge support base but it'll also show Sony that we are still all very much involved in each other's lives. They have already contacted most of us here. It's a good idea to show them that the faith they out in our family is not misplaced."

"Temari has a point," everyone turned to Jiriaya, "we need to show everyone that we will be there to support and protect Naruto. Whether he likes it or not, Naruto is basically representing each and every single one of us when it comes to the public. The way Shika and Sony have planned this out is that while Sony sponsors all the businesses our big family is involved in, we will also be able to use Naruto's name and face to draw in more attention from the public. I know some of you may think that we are just using Naruto but it's not like that at all. You are his family. This is his way of repaying you for everything you have done for him over the years. You have helped him, now let him help you."

"I also think we should have plan a schedule for groups of us to go to the home games at the Staple Center." All eyes turned to Choji as he added his opinion. "It'll make sure Naruto always has someone in his corner as well as someone to take care of Hima-chan during the game. Naruto gets a certain amount of free passes per game for family members and friends, so all we have to do is give our times and stuff to Shika and he can sort everything else out."

Before anyone else could say anything on the matter, Kiba makes himself known again by bouncing around in front of everyone.

"Hello! Back to the main issue at hand! They want Naruto to go and dominate the Summer League with none of the regular members of the roster except for Nick Young. Nick Young! The teammate that has it out for Naruto! Is no one else at all concerned about this?!"

"Kiba calm down!" Shika rolls his eyes as he shouts at Kiba. "This was planned between me and the higher-ups. Even though he was the number 1 draft pick, we need him to have a good showing at the Summer League so that we can entice other players into wanting to play for him. We also need for him and Nick Young to get along better because Young is currently our best shooter beyond the arc besides Naruto."

"Where is Naruto anyway? Doesn't he have to be in Vegas in two weeks?"

"He got permission from the coach and Magic to go and get some specialized training done. He will meet us in Vegas for the opening game."

Naruto was panting for breath. Sweat was pouring down his face onto the floor as he struggled to catch his breath through the training mask he was using to strengthen his lungs.

"Again!"

At the command Naruto raced down the right side of the court as fast as he could before catching a ball at the 3-point line and going up for a dunk before landing and racing towards the other side of the court to repeat the process. This continued for another minute before he was told to stop.

He was allowed a 10-minute break before he was told to go to the free-throw line. His opponent got in front of him and started dribbling the ball.

"Now I don't want you to defend yet. Just watch and listen." His opponent begins to dribble the ball in more peculiar movements. "You have to continue watching his body movement as well as his eyes. However, the area you need to focus on the most are his hands when handling the ball. A really good ball handler can get the ball to do almost anything as soon as he sees his defender move. You already know all this but you are going to have to be able to focus on all three key areas during a game. You are especially going to have to keep up your concentration levels when you are in the final minutes of the game and its all up to you to stop the PG or the closer from making the play that gives your opponents the lead."

Naruto tries to keep his concentration up but the lack of oxygen he is getting because of the mask is making it really hard. Just as he loses his focus, the feeling of the ball hitting his face brings him back to reality. He rubs his sore forehead before getting in his defensive crouch again and watching his opponent's movements.

"I know you are tired but that mask is the best substitute we have to replicate the immense pressure you'll be feeling in the game. Due to your position you'll often be the first line of defense. With the way you explained things to me, it'll be your job to lock down the opposition's most dangerous players. Now I can't help you with the Centers and PF's you'll be facing, they are much to big for either of us to deal with effectively, but I can definitely prepare you for other PG's and SG's."

Naruto was struggling with listening to what was being said as well as keeping up with the exercise. Even though he wasn't moving, the mental strain that he was putting his mind through, as well as the mask he was quickly starting to hate, was ensuring that he was quickly becoming fatigued.

Just as he was about to lose his concentration again, everything started to slow down to a crawl. He could see every small movement made by his opponent. Without a conscious thought his body started moving on its own. He reached out for the ball before noticing the angle it was in his opponent's hands. He quickly pushed off with his left foot to jump to the right in anticipation of where his instincts told him to be. As his eyes caught sight of the ball coming towards him from behind his opponent's back, he quickly reached out with his right hand to knock it away. Just as he was about to reach the ball a hand quickly came out of no where to bounce it away from him. Naruto stumbles to the ground after missing the ball while his opponent casually does a lay-up.

"Not bad. You are getting better. Daiki was right. If you went up against us in high school then you would have surpassed us long time ago. As it is right now, as much as it irritates me to say you are stay levels above us. The only reason you 1v1 skills are below your other skills is because you never had anyone to push you past those limits. But do not worry," Naruto looks towards the door as three figures walk into the gym, "we'll make sure to bring those skills up to par by the end of these two weeks."

Naruto was too tired to do anything more than nod his head as Daiki Aomine walked towards him with a red head on his left side and a golden head on his right. He brings his attention back to the shortest man in front of him. While he was easily the shortest in the gym, Naruto knew he was looking at a very dangerous player.

"Allow me to show you," lightning flickered in the eyes of all four men in front of him, "why it is foolish to stand before the Emperor of the court."

Naruto's family and friends were all sitting in the bleaches of the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas, waiting for the start of the match that would feature the Lakers in their first game of the Summer League. None of them have seen Naruto since he went away for his specialized training except for Himawari who he made sure to Skype each day. Shika was currently on the phone speaking to one of the people who helped Naruto.

"How was he?"

"To be completely honest with you, he completely terrifies me. I thought that the growth rate of my former team was remarkable but his over shadows ours' be a wide margin. Granted, we aren't on the same level as the NBA greats but we could still easily become key member on most of the teams at this current time."

"Do you think he is ready for the real thing? I know that it's the Summer League right now but I need to know if he can handle the important players in the league."

"I think he'll be okay after a few games against each of them. Playing against the normal NBA caliber players will be good for him for now but he has to test himself against the best players so he can sharpen his skills even further."

"Okay, thanks for everything Seijuro. I definitely owe you one."

"It was nothing. Just make sure he knows that we will be coming for him in a couple of years."

With that the line goes dead and Shika puts his phone in his pocket. When the teams walk onto the court right before the start of the game Shika takes Himawari to the commentators box for her usual ritual with Naruto. The Lakers were up against the Cavaliers.

As Naruto walked towards Himawari, Shikamaru couldn't stop the shiver of excitement that went up his spine. It was that Naruto changed physically; he just gave off an even more dangerous feeling than before his training trip. He looked to be more confidant in himself. He walked like he already knew the outcome of the match.

"Hey Ruto, how was the trip?"

Naruto looked at Shikamaru after he gave a hug and a kiss to Himawari. The look in his eyes froze Shikamaru where he stood. It was the same look he had when they used to go to the youth camps, before he changed his playing style.

"I'm tired Shika."

After saying his piece Naruto went to take up his position on the court while Shika took Himawari back to the family. When he got there all the guys noticed a change in Shika. It was Sasuke that asked the question on everyone's mind.

"What's wrong? What did Naruto say?"

Shikamaru was too shook up to respond to the question so Himawari answered for him.

"Daddy told Uncle Shika that he was tired." Everyone noticed the change that overcame the young men after hearing what Himawari told them. They each gained a serious look while they stared at Naruto on the court.

It was finally Obito who couldn't stand being left out of the hoop any longer.

"Will you please just tell us what the big deal is?"

"He said the exact same thing to Shika right before the game where he stopped playing the way he wanted."

"He had a different style of playing?"

"He's a scorer." Most eyes turned to Kakashi. "I only know that because I helped him suppress his natural instincts on the court. What you are about to witness during this match, is the style of basketball that Naruto has always forced himself not to play."

The entire arena was simply in awe at what was just witnessed. Right from the get go Naruto completely dominated the entire game. Naruto was outscoring the entire team the Cavs brought to Summer League. To add insult to injury, he was involved in almost all the points the Lakers scored.

However, it wasn't just offense that Naruto was dominating. His lock down defense of the opposing PG was so intense that the Cavs had to consistently switch out players because they were tiring out too quickly. With his extraordinary speed Naruto was also putting a stop to most of the fast breaks the Cavs tried to pull, managing to get three chase-down blocks.

At half-time the Lakers were leading at 67 – 34. Naruto having scored 35 of those points. Not all of his teammates were happy about his performance though.

"What the hell man?!" Nick Young makes his displeasure known on the bench during the half-time talk. He stands in front of Naruto who is taking a sip of his energy drink and talking to the coach of the strategy for the second half. "You keeping the ball all to yourself isn't helping any of us anytime to show our skills! I have been open in the corner at least a dozen times yet the ball doesn't come my way!" Naruto keeps ignoring Young, which just infuriates him even more. "Don't ignore me dammit!"

Young smacks the drink out of Naruto's hand causing the entire team to take note of the ensuing fight. Even the audience started to pay attention to the Laker's bench with a couple of cameras swiveling their way to capture the moment.

Naruto looks up at Young with his face set in his usually bored expression when he's really feeling good about the game. His eye however, told an entirely different story. Young flinches back at the intense gaze being sent his way, the tension increasing as Naruto struggles to control himself.

When he eventually speaks, it's in a quiet tone that's laced with fury.

"I have given everyone an equal amount of chances when I have been on the court. Just because I have scored most of the points doesn't mean no one else is getting chances at the basket. And about the ball coming your way? You're fucking lazy on defense, treating this like a game in the park. When the ball has come your way you miss your shots or cause a turnover. Of course I'm not going to pass the ball to you! But if you really wanna showcase your skills then I'll let you." Naruto gets up from his seat and stands face to face with Young. Even though Young was a good couple of inches taller, it was Naruto that was winning the intimidation battle.

Suddenly Naruto's face changes into a vicious grin, not even trying to hide his bloodlust any longer. The look in his eyes changing to one that promises pain and humiliation for anyone standing in his way.

"In the next quarter I'll make sure you get the ball much more. For every shot you take, I'll take one straight after. Lets see the skills you boast so much about."

Naruto walks onto the court giving off a very violent aura. Up in the stands, the guys were the first to take note of this.

"Uh-oh. Looks like Young finally caused Naruto to snap."

"What a fucking dumbass!"

"There's a reason he kept the 'kitsune' side of him locked up. Guess Naruto is letting him out to play."

Starting off the third quarter, Naruto calls for a screen. He drives to the left before twisting his body to the right. While all the defenders move to where they think the ball will be going Naruto flicks it behind his back with his right hand, straight into the surprised hands of Nick Young who is waiting behind the 3-point line in the left corner of the court. Not expecting to actually get the ball, Young takes a moment before shooting the ball. However, that moment proves to be costly as a defender appears in the air before him to block the shock.

Naruto races back to stop the fast break by getting in front of the Cavs' SF who grabbed the ball. As he watches the SF drive right, he feels a presence on his left-hand side. Quickly, using his right foot as a pivoting point, Naruto twists to the right. Dodging the screen that tried to block him, he smacks the ball out of the hands of the SF. As he sees a teammate reach for the now loose ball he races up the court, right into the same position Young was in. he calls for the ball and as soon as it lands in his hands he jumps up and releases it, watching it all the way as it rattles into the basket.

The next time the ball is in his hands Young decides to drive to the basket for a lay-up. As he jumps in the air a defender jumps with him, causing him to lose his concentration and miss the hoop. Naruto, anticipating that Young would miss, runs forward and jumps in the air just as the ball begins to come back down, only to slam it down for a put-back dunk.

This continued for the rest of the quarter. Whenever Young made a shot, whether it went in or not, Naruto would answer back with one of his own. At the end of the quarter Naruto was 8 – 8 when it came to field goals made. Racking up an amazing 54 points in three quarters.

The coach decided to let Naruto rest for the rest of the game but the message was clearly sent out to everyone watching: Naruto Namikaze was ready for the NBA.

"And we are back here on First Take. With me, as always, Mr Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless. With the NBA season soon upon us, a lot of attention has been placed on this year's Summer League, especially on one Naruto Namikaze. Gentlemen, your thoughts?"

Stephen A. indicates to Skip that he should speak first. Skip glances down at his notes to gather his thoughts before he looks back up, swaying from side to side like he is know to do.

"I am going to say this right now before anything else: people are putting Naruto Namikaze on too high of a pedestal too quickly. He hasn't played a single NBA game yet. Some are already talking about him being the next big thing in basketball. Yes, he has had a good couple of game in the Summer League but that's just it! We need to take a step back and re-evaluate this young man before stating how good he is."

"I would just like to say that I respect your opinion on the matter, but I am going to have to go against what you are say." Stephen A. gets fired up. "This kid can straight up ball! He is making the most difficult of shots look almost effortless! He is basically everywhere on the court doing almost everything. Even from the few matches I have seen so far, no one can keep up with him. If his shots from beyond the arc ain't going in, he can just as easily attach the rim. This kid can score from anywhere. And his vertical? This kid has got some serious bounce! Give him a few years and he'll be a younger, shorter, faster Kobe and MJ."

"Its Summer League! Anyone can look good in Summer League!"

"I'm going to respectfully ignore the rubbish coming out of your mouth. The level of intensity that this young man has is the same level I have seen in Kobe 'Black Mamba' Bryant and the great Michael Jordan!" Stephen A. looks straight into the camera. "Put me on record right now: Naruto Namikaze will be the next great thing in basketball!"

It was the finals of the Summer League in Vegas. Ever since the first game of the tournament all talk and attention has been focused on Naruto. Naruto was doing exactly what the GM told him to do, utterly dominating the tournament. Going into the final he was leading the tournament in both scoring and assists: 43.8 ppg and 11.4 apg, all without even playing a single minute in the 4th quarter. Analysts were losing their minds at the numbers Naruto was putting up. Scouts had pages of notes written about him.

Naruto was the first one in the arena that day, a good few hours before the game would even begin. He was going through a light warm-up routine to loosen his muscles and get rid of any nerves he might have. Even though it was just the Summer League, Naruto wanted to prove his worth as soon as possible. As he was in the center circle dribbling the ball he hears footsteps approach him from behind. Without missing a beat, he dribbles the ball through his legs before turning his body around to face whoever walked onto the court.

"I remember being in your place before my first season. I know what you are feeling right now. You wanna make a statement. State your claim and all that." Kobe walks to a random ball not to far away. He picks it up and spins it in his hands while staring off into the stands. "As much as I hate to admit it, I can't keep doing this for much longer. Maybe two or three more seasons. I want one more ring to put me on equal footing with him."

Naruto stares at Kobe before sitting down and gazing into the same stands. The silence between them not uncomfortable as both men are lost in his own thoughts.

"I tracked your career from the beginning. To be honest, you were never my favourite player. I liked watching the flashy plays of Iverson or someone like that. But then I found myself emulating you. I used to play old tapes of you until they broke, learning everything I could. Yes, you were flashy but only because your basics and fundamentals were so high that they allowed you to be. I decided a long time ago that I admire you the most out of everyone that has ever played the game. It's because of that admiration and respect that I will help you get that 6th ring but make no mistake," they both slightly turn their heads to find themselves once again having an intense stare down, "I will the top spot on this team before you retire."

"Then give me that challenge I know we both crave." Kobe answers back with a challenging smirk.

Naruto had sweat pouring down his face as he tried to catch his breath after the 3rd quarter. The Lakers were up against the Warriors and things weren't looking too good for them. The Warriors were fielding a team that consisted of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, two up and coming stars of the Warriors roster. This was the toughest game that Naruto has been in since he got drafted. Even though he was keeping the Lakers close in points, 76 – 83, Naruto was basically on his own against the two stars.

It was his first taste of true NBA caliber players and he was absolutely bursting with excitement. He had to focus most of his attention on Thompson who could practically score the ball from anywhere while mostly leaving Green up to his teammates to deal with. On top of that, the Lakers got off to a bad start when Young flat out refused to be a team player; hogging the ball until eventually the coach pulled him out of the game.

He glanced towards the section of the stands where he knew his family were and smiled at the posters he could see and the cheering he could hear. He glance court-side and made eye contact with Kobe who just inclined his head in a gesture that practically demanded 'get it done'. The pressure was at an all time high. The expectations raised to new levels after the latest podcast on First Take. Most people would have felt overwhelmed but Naruto wasn't most people.

Alive.

Naruto felt alive. Walking on the court to start the 4th quarter, everything was so vibrant, his senses heightened as much as they possibly could be. He couldn't keep the shit eating grin off of his face.

Whole game long Naruto and Klay have been dueling it out with both of them having over 30 points, leading their teams in scoring. While the Warriors had Green to help out in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game, the Lakers only had Naruto to make opportunities for the team.

Having the ball inbounded to him, Naruto signals that he wants a 1v1 with Klay. While the team shifts to the left side of the court, he takes Klay to the right and angles his right shoulder to face Klay while dribbling the ball with his left. With the shot clock running down Naruto drives left but performs a quick crossover to his right and sprints to the hoop. Just as he releases the ball a big hand comes out of nowhere to smack it against the back board.

Without any conscious thought his body lands and sprints down court. Just as Klay jumps up to release from beyond the arc, Naruto's hand is already coming down to smack it out of bounds.

The arena erupts into fever pitched cheering after witnessing the amazing sequence of events. Many in the crowd unbelieving of the fact that what they were watching was a mere Summer League game. Throughout the game Naruto, Thompson, and Green had put on a show; hyping up the crowd with every big play made. With the score at 88 – 96 and the game drawing to a close, most in the arena thought that it was game over. Naruto had other plans.

Without waiting for Klay to set up a defense Naruto stops and releases a quick 3 which rattles its way home. Not going back on defense, he takes a gamble and sprints forward to intercept the inbound, surprising everyone when he actually manages to get it. Green steps up to block Naruto's path to the basket but he takes a big step back behind the 3-point line before pump faking to shake off the intense defense. When he sees Draymond he the air he instinctively jumps up, looking for body contact, and releases the ball. Everyone watches the ball with baited breath as a whistle sounds, indicating a foul. As the ball falls towards the hoop…

Bzzzzzzt

... the buzzer sounds.

Naruto looks at the clock in shock, staring in disbelief at the triple 0's staring back at him. While the Warriors celebrate their victory, Naruto hangs his head in defeat. Unable to believe he ran out of time.

The sounds of whistles being blown brings him back to reality. He looks around to find the refs trying to establish order on the court. Once done they indicate for Naruto to complete his 4-point play. Keeping up a strong front, Naruto makes his way to the free-throw line. As he gets ready to take his shot the crowd acknowledges his efforts in the game by giving him a standing ovation. After making his shot he walks around the court congratulating the Warrior's players, head held high all the way.

Finally, as he walks down the tunnel in solitude, he allows the tears to fall freely down his face.

Lakers 95 – 96 Warriors

let me know what you think. i know i make naruto out to be almost unbeatable but even the best players experience loss. i don't want him winning every single game he plays in