A/N: Surprise surprise I'm back heh! This is a super looooong introductory chapter into the setting (roughly) as well as the main Original Character for this series :) Most of it include stuff from the original chapters and the first anime episode, but oh well.
Please please read until the end because most of my own stuff is at the end heh.
If it gets too much after a while, just take a break! Go and look at all the spoilers on Facebook and just jump into a feels fest.
Okay here goes!
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Words: 8,009
Storyline taken from: Chapters 1 and 2; Season 1 Episode 1
Warnings: Lots of original content from the manga/anime (oops); Mild Language? (I need help with the rating ;_; I don't know whether I need to push this to a T or not. Let me know!)
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Teikou Middle School Basketball Club.
A super strong school with more than 100 club members, boasting several successive championship wins.
But even in that glorious history, there is still a team that can without fail be called the "strongest"…
A generation with five players with a talent like you would see once in ten years.
They are known as the "Generation of Miracles".
But…there was a strange rumour about the "Generation of Miracles".
Despite nobody knowing him and not being in any match records, there was still one more person the 5 geniuses acknowledged as superior…
The phantom sixth member.
Chapter 1: I am ... and this is our story.
"Aren't you interested in rugby?"
"Have you ever played shougi?"
"If you're Japanese then you should play baseball!
"Swimming! It feels super! Haru can vouch for that!" "Leave me out of this."
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.
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"Bring a snowplow! I can't move forward!"
"…we haven't moved more than five meters in past ten minutes…"
"… That's it! Let's go the bulldozer way!" Waves arms frantically.
"You're taking it too far—
"Wait you nearly hit that kid!"
"Huh what kid—
"Eh?! He was there just now?!"
"I-I didn't notice him either… I only saw him when his shoes squeaked while dodging your flying arm."
"…urgh kids nowadays."
"He couldn't be a senior, so he has to be our age considering that he's wearing our uniform…"
"…With blue hair I would have spotted him during the morning assembly just now! I saw this freaking tall dude with red hair and weird brows! Urgh he looks like a mafia."
"His invisibility is probably a tad too much I guess…"
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"Ah! You! Do you like books? How about the literature club?" Walks past.
"Uh? Erm, no, this is a manga, so…"
"Well, manga are proper books too. And you must read novels as well, right?"
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"Hey I can't seem to find where the baseball club designated area is."
"Hmm? Just look at the notice board over there."
"Oh right. Erm, ah it's next to the basketball club."
"So you've decided to join baseball?"
"I'm just going to try it out. I heard that the star player Yamamoto joined the club last year! As a fan I want to see his skills first-hand!"
"Joining because of a star player. Heh, fanboy much?"
"S-shut up! At least it's better than the basketball club! I saw the number of sophomores they have, it's barely enough to form a team!"
"Hmmm the manager is kind of cute though, if she was sexier I would have joined the club in a heartbeat."
"Tch pervert."
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"Wow. There are so many clubs trying to get new members."
"Urgh. I think they are too enthusiastic. Someone should totally form a "going home" club?"
"Stuuuupid –"
What's the point of having a club if…
"—if its purpose is just to go home?"
"Lots of points. You can just go home and play video games or something, instead of staying cooped up in the school gym being all sweaty and stuff. And it's mandatory to join a club for this school, so why not a go-home club?"
Snickers. "Heh, well you can try applying for a new club registration. Since this school is barely a year old there aren't that many clubs yet as compared to other high schools."
"Not that many clubs, but their level of enthusiasm to get freshmen is killing me."
"And why wouldn't they? It's a chance to grab some talents and actually make their clubs flourish through tournaments and competitions! It's quite hard to actually achieve something with only a bunch of second years anyway. Oh, but I've heard about the basketball club in this school. Although they only had first years last year, they managed to become one of the top four schools in Tokyo!"
"Blah. That's only a name. And I heard that they were—"
Thrashed.
"—in the end and did not make it to the actual Interhigh."
"Heeeh? You seem to know quite a bit about the club."
"Only because it's basketball. My middle school team was—"
Utterly crushed.
"– right at the beginning of the tournaments so I had nothing else to do but to watch other people play."
"Maaan, that sounds—"
Demoralizing.
"Well, you feel hopeless at the beginning. But eventually you'll—"
Accept that it's reality.
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"Well write your name and student ID number here."
"Then… the middle school you come from and your goals?"
"Ah. That is arbitrary, so you can put anything you want."
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"…Ten people so far. Maybe we'd need a bit more…" I wonder how the invitations are going… everyone, do your best to bring back promising guys!
Sweats profusely. "…I brought back… a new student…"
Uh?
"Is this the basketball club?"
Looks up. He's huge!
"Y-yeah." Brought back… isn't it the other way around?!
On top of that, what is that guy…?! He's got the intensity of a wild tiger! Ah, snap out of it Riko! Clearing her throat, she starts talking.
"I think you know already, but our school was barely opened last year. All the upperclassmen are still just second years, so somebody with your build will definitely—"
"I don't care about that—"
Urgh he dares to interrupt me—
"—give me the paper. I'll just write my name and go back."
…his middle school is in America? Oh, I see he trained from the source… that's kind of amazing!
Kagami…Taiga-kun? No matter how you look at it, he doesn't seem like an average guy.
"…You didn't write your goals?"
"… None in particular." After crushing the paper cup into a ball, he threw it backwards without a glance…
And it hit the dustbin.
"After all, basketball is the same no matter where you go in Japan."
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"Ah, you forgot to pick up a registration paper."
"Eh? Errr… Kuroko… Tetsuya…" Although I've been sitting here all day, I don't remember at all.
…wait. Wait wait wait wait—
"He came from the Teikou basketball club?!"
"Eeh? That famous one?!"
"On top of that, if he's a first year now that means he was from the 'Generation of Miracles'?! Waah, why did I forget the face of such a golden egg?!"
"And that guy came back from America…what's with the freshmen this year?!"
/
"I'm the boy basketball club's coach – Aida Riko. Nice to meet you!"
"Eeeh?! It wasn't that old dude in the corner?!"
"That's the advisor, Takeda-sensei."
"Wait. So she's not the manager?" "Damn, I was looking forward to having a manager fawning over me." "Dream on!" "Never mind that, is it even allowed?! To have a student as the coach?!"
"…Well then—
"Take off your shirts!"
"Eehhhhh?!" What else could she be up to?!
Aida Riko-san. Her father is a sports trainer. He always records data in order to make training menus. It's a special skill she gained after spending everyday at his workplace looking at muscles and data. By looking at someone's body, her eyes see all of its abilities and stats. Well, nothing less to be expected from a coach…
"Guh?!" What the hell… these numbers are far above everyone else's… they can't be the stats of a freshman! On top of that, I can't even estimate his potential…this is…
Judging from her reaction after looking at Kagami Taiga, it affirms my calculations. He is –
Raw talent!
"Coach! I think that's all of them!"
"U-uh? Oh okay…wait! Where's Kuroko-kun?!"
"Ah that guy from Teikou Middle School…" "Eh?! Teikou?! You mean, that Teikou?!"
From what I remember he always gets the same reaction every time he introduces himself.
"Well, I guess he's taking the day off today. Let's start practice—"
"Erm… excuse me.
"I am Kuroko."
… … …
"Kyaaaa!" "Wah, what?! Wooh?!" "Since when were you here?!"
"I was here the whole time."
"Seriously?!"
I didn't notice him in front of my eyes!? Eh? Just now, he said he was Kuroko?! Eeh?! It's like he's invisible!
"Eh? Then that means this guy is from the 'Generation of Miracles'?!" "He couldn't have been a regular…" "Of course not. Right, Kuroko-kun?"
"I have played in matches though."
"See just what…huh?" "Eh? ….eh?!" "EHHHHH?!"
I can't believe it!
Kagami could only sweatdropped. …what the hell is this guy?! …wait…
"Err do you need something? Kagami…right?"
"Hey I need to ask you something. About Teikou Middle School and the whatever of Miracles…"
/
…the 'Generation of Miracles'… if it's these guys then maybe—
"Hello."
"Gwoh?!"
"You ordered a lot of burgers. I guess you are still growing up, right?"
"W-where did you come fro— wait, what are you doing here?!"
"I have been sitting here for a while, watching people."
…this guy was from the best of Japan? And wait… watching people?!
/
Kuroko Tetsuya. His stats are low. All his abilities are below average. And he is already at the peak of his growth. He looks nothing like a regular of the strongest team. But like they say…
Looks can be deceiving.
/
"What I'm looking for is not playing basketball for fun. I want to play in matches that make my blood boil at full strength.
"…but I've heard a nice thing earlier. It seems like there are strong guys called the 'Generation of Miracles' in the same year. You were in that team right?" Kuroko gave no reply to that.
"I can guess the strength of an opponent to some extent too. It's like strong guys have a peculiar smell about them.
"But you're weird. Even though you should reek of weakness… you don't smell like anything at all. Your—"
Your strength is odourless.
"—I want to see for myself. You, from the 'Generation of Miracles', what kind of guy you are!"
"…what a coincidence. I was thinking of playing against you as well.
"A one-on-one."
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.
.
He is…he's desperately weak!
Even with that body size, there are guys who became first-class players thanks to their skills. But that guy… his dribbles and shoots are those of an amateur…
He's got nothing redeeming. He's –
Not even worth playing against.
"Don't mess with me! Did you hear what I said?! You're overestimating yourself if you think you can win against me like that!"
Sigh. "Of course not. Isn't it obvious that Kagami-kun is the strongest? I knew that from the beginning."
"Are you picking a fight?! What's your goal?" And what's with that sigh?! He's seriously pissing me off!
"I wanted to see Kagami-kun's strength directly."
"Huh?! …geez…" What the hell am I doing… he's just weak to the point he doesn't smell like anything at all… I feel like an idiot…
"Err…" Kuroko stretches the ball out to him.
"Ah. It's alright already. I'm not interested in weak guys. I'll give you one last advice.
"It's better if you give up on basketball. No matter what kind of beautiful things you can say about effort, it's an undeniable fact that you need talent in our society. You have—"
No talent for basketball.
"…I have to say no to that."
….?
"To begin with, I love basketball. On top of that…
"It is a matter of point of view. I do not care about who is the strongest."
"What did you—"
"I am… different from you. I—"
I am a shadow.
/
"Let's hav game!"
"…a match against the seniors, that means…"
"Do you remember what they told us when we joined the club? Their result from last year—"
Last year, with only freshmen, they made it to the final league of Interhigh. Promising information, but whatever happened afterwards is what I want to know. If they are strong…
What led to their fall?
"Seriously?! That's completely out of the ordinary…"
Kagami gave a smirk. "Now's not the time to be scared. Of course it's better if the opponent is strong rather than weak, right?
"Let's go!"
The moment the game started, Kagami swooped in and managed to score a powerful dunk against the seniors.
"Ooooh?!" "Waaah! What was with that dunk! Awesome!"
It's more than I could have ever imagined! With that—
Such destructive force for such unpolished, intuitive play. Not bad. His firing power is that of a monster...
But, he's not the only monster around.
"Hey, that's insane…" "The freshmen are in the lead?!" "I can't believe the first years are this strong." "But, well, Kagami's doing it all by himself."
Rather than that…Tch! That kid still has me on edge—
One of seniors managed to steal the ball from Kuroko's possession.
"The ball was stolen?! From this guy again?!" "Focus!"
— For all the profound things he says, he can't play for shit! Guys—
Guys who are all talk—
—Pisses me off the most!
—Pisses him off the most.
"S-so high!" "Nothing can stop Kagami now!"
"…we can't let that happen now can we?" "Time to put them in their place." "It's on."
…?!
"Three guys?!" "If they go that far, Kagami…" "On top of that…"
"Even when he doesn't have the ball, there still are two guys…" "They aren't letting him touch the ball at all!"
Hmmph. It's time for us to shine. With a gleam of his glasses, with unhesitant fluid movements he shot a three pointer.
As the first years struggle to defend and score without Kagami, and the seniors doing all they can to subdue said monster, the point gap slowly decreased. Eventually, the second years led 31-15.
"…they're really strong after all…" "Actually, there was—"
No way to win from the start.
"It's enough already—" His sentence was cut off when a large hand grabbed his collar.
"Enough already?! What the hell is with that?"
Jab. "Please calm down, Kagami-kun."
"Y-y-y-y-y-you bastard…!"
.
.
"…seems like there's a dispute." "Kuroko… now that I think about it he is here too…"
Sigh. Even I, the referee, completely forgot him at some point…hmm?...Huh? Seriously?
How long has he been in?
It's starting.
"Excuse me could you pass me the ball?"
What is this uncomfortable feeling? Could it be… that something unthinkable is about to happen?
Whoosh.
E-eh? Since when did I have the ball?!
"Hurry! Shoot!" "Er…ah yes!"
"It… it's in?! How did he get that pass through just now?!" "I don't know, I didn't see!"
Again. Again and yet again. Kuroko performed perfect and accurate passes to his teammates for them to score.
"How the hell does he do that?!" "Before you even notice it, the pass goes through and they score?!"
…he is making use of his lack of presence to relay passes? On top of that, the time he keeps the ball is extremely short! He's already hard to notice from the beginning…could he be diminishing his already weak presence even more?
Misdirection.
A technique used in sleight of hand. He is drawing his opponent's attention away from himself. To be more accurate, he is not using his lack of presence –
— but directing his opponent's attention elsewhere!
Even Kagami was flustered. …this is Kuroko's…
Flabbergasted, Riko could only watch on as she recalls something. He is the invisible regular of Teikou who excelled in passing. I've heard rumours, but I didn't think he actually existed. The —
The phantom sixth player of the "Generation of Miracles" – Kuroko Tetsuya.
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"Wah I can't believe it!" "One point difference?!"
"Damn, each of them would be bothersome on his own, but…" With the two of them playing together like this, we have no way of stopping these attacks!
Due to the flustered movements of the seniors, Kuroko easily intercepted a badly thrown pass.
"Damn it!"
"Wooh!" "Go, Kuroko!"
As he made the final dash towards the basket, he attempted a layup.
The basketball hit the rim. "Win this for us—"
Before bouncing off.
"..." …huh…
The ball came in contact with Kagami's hand. "That's why weak guys piss me off."
And with the final dunk to conclude the match in their favour—
"At least score properly, idiot!"
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.
Kuroko could only give a faint smile.
"Waah! The freshmen won?!"
Haha! Those guys.. well… as allies, they'll be reliable…
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.
"Whew. What a match. Kagami, Kuroko, do you want to hang out?"
"Urgh. I need to meet a teacher before he leaves the school today."
"Kagami-kun got into trouble and has to answer for his actions."
"S-shut up!"
"Haha, that's too bad then. How about you, Kuroko?"
"Yeah I would like to know more about the phantom sixth member as well!"
"I'm sorry, Furihata-kun, Fukuda-kun, Kawahara-kun. I have something on later, so I can't join you guys."
"Ah, well. Maybe next time then."
"You guys can leave first. I think I left something in the locker room."
/
"…Why are you here again?"
"Kagami-kun is the one who came to sit at my table. And it is because I like the vanilla milkshake here."
"Go sit elsewhere."
"No."
Pissed. "…Don't go thinking that we're friends now…"
"Like I said, I was the first one to sit here."
"…" Kagami could only fume in silence at the enigma known as Kuroko Tetsuya.
Sigh. "…here," he tossed over a hamburger from his huge burger stack, "I'll give you one.
"But I'm not interested in weak guys. I'll acknowledge you are worth one piece of all that."
Deadpanned. "…Thank you."
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"How strong are the 'Generation of Miracles'? If I were to play them now, how would I fare?"
"…You'd be destroyed instantly."
"Urgh… Do you have to put it like that?"
"…The five prodigies have each gone on to play for their own schools. One of these schools will stand at the top."
"…Hahaha! Nice! That's the kind of thing that lights a fire in me. … I've decided!
"I'll crush all of them and become Japan's best player."
"….. I don't think that's possible."
"Hey!"
"If you have hidden talent, I wouldn't know. But, from what I've seen, you wouldn't even reach their feet. You can't do it alone. I've also decided."
"Huh?"
"I am a—"
Supporting actor. A shadow.
"— but the stronger the light, the darker the shadow, and the more it accentuates the brightness of the light.
"I'll be the shadow to your light, and make you the best player in Japan."
"…Ha! Look who's talking. Just do whatever you want."
"I will do my best."
/
"W-wait! Why wasn't I told of this beforehand?"
"…Hehe. Coach asked me to keep it a secret from Captain."
"It's not Koganei-kun's fault. She specifically requested that I keep this as low profile as possible."
"…Never mind that. Is she useful to the team?"
"Although I haven't seen what she is capable of, her eyes told me everything…"
/
"…You didn't write your goals?"
"… None in particular." After crushing the paper cup into a ball, he threw it backwards without a glance…
And it hit the dustbin.
"After all, basketball is the same no matter where you go in Japan."
With that, Kagami stalked off without a glance back, brushing past a brunette approaching the basketball club counter.
"…he sure is scary. Do you know how freaked out I was when he suddenly towered over me just now?! And those quadruple eyebrows! I felt like I couldn't see the sunlight ever again—"
"Urgh stop being so dramatic Koganei—"
"Excuse me."
Upon hearing a feminine voice, Riko and Koganei stopped talking and turn to face the owner of the voice.
"Sorry for interrupting, but is this the basketball club?" A girl slightly shorter than Koganei with short, silky, ebony hair asked politely.
Riko and Koganei could only stare at her, dumbfounded. What a beauty…
Although she does not have any exotic looks or whatever, her demeanor was that of grace and sophistication. Smooth, pristine, skin seemed to shine brilliantly, and her face is angelic as well. With soft, smooth features, the way her long eyelashes brushed against her cheeks just stunned both the second years. Even behind the thinly framed glasses, they could make out the intensity the obsidian eyes lashed out at them, all the while gazing at them in a gentle manner. Such an ethereal creature.
Adjusting her glasses, she lightly cleared her throat after receiving no response from the dazed sophomores. Snapping out of it, Riko stuttered, "A-ah. Y-yes this is the basketball club! How may we help you?"
"I would like to ask if this school has a girl team."
"Oh. Ah…I'm sorry… because our school is quite new, a lot of clubs have not been formed yet. That applies to the girls' basketball team as well." Riko could only smile apologetically at her.
"That's not an issue! You can form your own team here, Beauty-chan! I'm sure there are other girls with the same interest as you!" Koganei barged in. I mean, wouldn't it be great if the club can actually have girls?! We can train together, hang out together, and—
Whack. "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking."
"I'm sorry."
"But he's right. As long as you have the determination and passion, why not start your own team? That's how the boys' team was formed last year." Giving an encouraging smile, Riko urged her to do so.
Seeing how pale her complexion is, I doubt she has experience in basketball though... she probably wants to try something new I guess...
"I know that."
"Ah that's right—wait, what do you know?"
"I know. How this school… how Seirin High School basketball club was formed last year."
"Uh…huh… so you know about us—"
"But I don't know how the club was destroyed last year."
Riko jolted upon hearing that. "…what did you say—"
"Would senpai like to enlighten me on that matter?"
"…brat are you here to pick a fight—"
"C-calm down, Coach! I don't think she mean any harm!"
She gave a small chuckle.
"W-what are you laughing at?!"
"Ah, no," giving a faint smile, she continued, "it's just… heart-warming to see the coach being so protective of her team. And I apologise for my rude comment earlier, I meant no hostility."
Calming down a bit, Riko eyed her apprehensively. "… you know I'm the coach?"
"Being the only high school female coach for a high school boy's team in Japan, I think it would be a surprise if I don't."
"Whoa! I didn't know Coach is so famous…"
"Well, if people bother to even pay attention they would know as well."
"Anyway, I'll just take that as a compliment. Feel free to approach us for any help with recruitment of members and stuff! I can offer my analytical skills to you."
"Ah. That would be nice. Thank you, Aida-senpai."
"Ah yes. We haven't asked for your-"
A paper dropped to the ground.
"Ah, you forgot to pick up a registration paper."
"Eh? Errr… Kuroko… Tetsuya…" Although I've been sitting here all day, I don't remember at all.
...wait. Wait wait wait wait —
"He came from the Teikou basketball club?!"
"Eeh? That famous one?!"
The bespectacled teen kept quiet throughout the outburst.
"On top of that, if he's a first year now that means he was from the 'Generation of miracles'?! Waah, why did I forget the face of such a golden egg?!"
"And the guy earlier came back from America…what's with the freshmen this year?!"
"Riko-senpai."
"H-huh? You're still here?" And what's with the sudden change in the way she addresses me by my given name? We just met! And I still don't know her name!
"I've changed my mind. I'm not going to form a girls' team anymore."
"Eh? Then..."
Staring straight at Riko, she flashed out a sweet smile.
W-what does she want?
"Would you guys like to have a manager for the boys' team?"
/
Kagami Taiga and Kuroko Tetsuya.
Their styles and builds are different, but they are both aiming for the seat of the "strongest".
/
"The test to be accepted as an official member will be held on Monday, 8.40 a.m. at the rooftop!"
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.
.
Boys' basketball club, qualified for the Kantou1 tournament on their first participation!
"…heh, maybe this basketball club is actually quite amazing?" Kagami was reading an issue of the Seirin Student Newspaper placed on the bulletin board.
"It is amazing."
…
"Argh!" To say the least, Kagami was spooked. Again.
"Bastard! Can you just appear normally for once?! Stop jumping out of nowhere!"
Kuroko only stared back with unexpressive blue orbs.
Pissed, Kagami grabbed his head with more force than necessary. "You're picking a fight? You're picking a fight right?! Answer me!"
"…I am not."
I seriously can't believe it… this guy who is usually just invisible… to think he was called the phantom sixth player in basketball…
But wait, why? The other players of the "Generation of Mircales" all went to bigger veteran schools, right? Why didn't this guy go as well?
/
And so on the following Monday at 8.40 on the dot, the first years are greeted with the sight of Riko smirking devilishly at them, arms crossed, the morning breeze around them like the devil's whisperings.
"Fu fu fu. I was waiting."
Kagami could only sweatdropped. "…are you an idiot?"
"Is this a duel?"
Kagami scratched his head. "It's true, I forgot but…speaking of Monday…
"Isn't it five minutes before the beginning of the classes' morning assembly?!"
"Hurry up with the test!"
Riko grinned. "Before that, there is one thing I have to say. Last year, I made a promise when the captain asked me to become the coach.
"We're playing basketball to aim for the nationals! If you're not ready for this, feel free to go to another club!"
"…Ha? What do you…"
"I know that you guys are strong. But I want to check something more important than that. No matter how seriously you practice, you'll always stay weak if you're thinking 'maybe one day, I'll do it' or 'as long as I can'. I want you to have a big, concrete objective and the will to achieve it no matter what.
"That's why now, from here, you will shout your class number, name and goal for this year!"
"Giving a gleeful grin, she added, "on top of that, if you can't do that here, next time I'll have you confess to the girl you like completely naked!"
"Eh?!"
"Haa?! I didn't hear about that!" "Well, they did say when we were invited to the club…!" "But to think you'd have to go that far…?!"
"I said it earlier, but you really need a big, concrete hurdle! If you're thinking of 'let's pass the first round' or 'I'll do my best', I want you to fix that!"
"W-wait! So she's serious?!" "The teachers will be angry after that…"
Kagami only sighed. "Isn't that too easy? It won't even be a test." With that, he strutted to the railing and hopped onto it.
"Class 1-B, seat 8, Kagami Taiga! I will defeat the 'Generation of Miracles' and become the number one in Japan!"
"… I was surprised…" "What's that about?"
Waah, they're doing it this year too after all. Coach sure is pushy, heh…
Heh. Interesting.
.
.
.
"Sorry, I'm not very good at shouting. Is it alright if I use the loudspeaker?"
"U-un, I guess…"
"Koraaaa! The basketball club again!"
"Tch, they're quick this year."
Riko could only grit her teeth and bear with it as she and the first years were chided by the teachers.
…I did tell her to come to the rooftop as well. A manager is also a club member. And she didn't even turn up…
/
"You want to be the manager?"
"Yes.. would that be a problem?"
"No problem at all! Come on, Coach! We need the extra help!"
"Shut up! Don't recruit her just because you want a manager in the club!"
"I'm sorry."
"Well, our team doesn't have a lot of members—"
"I know that."
"Don't. Rub it in."
"I apologise."
"As I was saying, we don't have a lot of members. Hence, I am still able to cover the duties of a manager on top of being the coach. If you are thinking a manager is one who only helps with the equipment, recording stats and stuff, then we don't need you."
"C-coach, that's too harsh…"
"If you can't provide anything of value to the team, then I suggest you look elsewhere for a club—"
"I don't think like that."
"…what?"
"What made you think that I believe a manager just needs to stand there and look pretty? I'm a close acquaintance of the basketball team's manager in my middle school, so I know her job scope pretty well. And I know your requirements for a manager."
"…try me."
"A manager is someone who looks after the welfare of the team. That's the first and foremost role of a manager. While she or he may not be physically involved in the team play and practice, a manager needs to know basketball well enough to understand the strategies meted out by the coach or the players so that some helpful tips could be given at times. It's good if the manager can also think of a few strategies herself and discuss with the coach or teachers how the team has been progressing and what other possible routes we can take as a club together. A manager also handles the administration stuff as much as possible such as registering for the upcoming tournament or ensuring that every member has drinks during practices and actual matches. He or she should look out for possible friendly matches with potentially strong school teams and unofficial competitions for the team to participate in to increase their exposure to games and such. Last but not the least, a manager should keep an eye on the physical and psychological well-being of the members and be willing to lend a helping hand when they need it."
"W-wow."
"If you need one, I can be the mascot of the team as well to attract more students to join—"
"N-no need to go to that extent!" Heaving a heavy sigh, Riko pinched the bridge of her nose.
"…Fine. I understand your intent. If you are really that keen to join our club, please meet at the rooftop—"
/
…and I was looking forward to what she can really accomplish in our club. She does seem promising… oh well, it won't really hurt us if she suddenly backed out.
…urgh! I just realized I still don't know her name!
/
"…do they have to be that angry because I spoke too loudly?" It was in the evening and Kagami was at his usual fast food hangout.
"I hadn't done anything and I still got scolded…"
"Pfft!" Kagami choked on his burger. …should I just change stores?! We meet here just too often.
"And it has become quite a problem. It seems I won't be able to fulfill my part of the promise anytime soon."
"Ha?"
"Since this morning the rooftop has been heavily guarded. What will I do if I'm unable to join the club?"
"…There's no way that will happen, you know."
After thinking for a while, Kagami decided to raise the question that had been plaguing his mind.
"More importantly, something has been bothering me. To begin with, you were considered good enough to be called the phantom sixth player, right?
"Then, why didn't you join a renown veteran school like the other guys?
"Do you… have a reason to play basketball?"
"…The middle school I was at was really strong at basketball—"
"I know that already!"
"— but there was only one simple rule over there… that was—"
百戦百勝2.
Winning is everything.
"— what was necessary for that sake wasn't teamwork. The 'Generation of Mircales' was just basketball based on overwhelming individual skills that were the strongest…but, you couldn't have called that a 'team' anymore—"
A team of stars does not make a star team.
"— I was playing well with these five people, but… I felt like I was missing something important…"
"…So, what is it? It can't be… that you want to take down the 'Generation of Miracles' with your basketball skills?"
"I used to think like that but…"
"…Seriously?!"
"I'll crush all of them and become Japan's best player."
"But… rather than that, in this school…"
"We're playing basketball to aim for the nationals!"
"…I was moved by you and senpai's words. Right now, the most important reason for which I'm playing basketball… is because I want to make you and this team the best in Japan."
"…Still saying those embarrassing stuff as usual! Aah, whatever, as long as I get to crush the 'Generation of Miracles'.
"And it's not 'I want'. You will make us number one!"
/
Kagami walked in to his class only to see all of his classmates crowding around the windows.
"Hmm? What's the fuss?"
Glancing over the glass, realization dawned on him. "…Ha!"
I will make you number one in Japan.
In big, bold kanji on the schoolyard, Kuroko's heartfelt thoughts could be felt by the entire school as said enigma rubbed his nose with his hand, revealing a chalk-stained sleeve.
Riko could only looked on at the declaration in amusement. Heh… the fun starts now!
/
Since the remaining members were forbidden from shouting from the rooftop, they had to declare their goals during their club activity time, and their numbers went down from 15 people to 6.
/
"Argh. If they already pushed the entrance ceremony for the freshmen by a week then might as well not have it at all. Having it later than on the first day of school kind of defeats the purpose."
"I would have to disagree on that, Kagami-kun."
"..." He did not have the energy to argue with him about the absurdity of appearing out of thin air anymore.
"The only reason why the entrance ceremony was held back for Seirin is due to the previously ongoing renovation in the school hall which was unexpectedly delayed. While students may already have warmed up to one another in the previous week or so, the entrance ceremony must still be held.
"In April, throughout Japan, new students are entering school as first years. This milestone in their lives is marked by the Entrance Ceremony (入学式) at most schools. These ceremonies are nearly as important as graduation ceremonies, and nearly as formal, congratulating the students on their achievement as well as instilling in them a certain level of respect and awe for their new position. It may also help them jump into the closed group dynamics of schools in our country by providing a communal experience for the entering class to have together.
"The ceremony is attended by the students and their families—ah, I see my grandmother. The children dress in their school uniforms while parents dress formally or in colourful kimonos. The old, graduated students of the school as well as the families are seated in the gym and the new students march in to a round of applause—just like now, welcoming us. The principal would then address the gathering, and the homeroom teachers would be introduced—although we already knew ours—"
"O-okay! I'll never ever look down on the importance of entrance ceremonies again, okay?! Urgh. I didn't expect you to go into a full-blown rant about it…"
"Well, I was just taking this time to explain to Kagami-kun about one of the formal proceedings we have here in Japan. You lived abroad for most of your life right?"
"Uh…yeah…thanks, I guess…"
Just then, he noticed a student walking up on stage. "…Kuroko, what is she doing up there?"
"She must be the student representative then."
"Student representative?"
"Student representatives would be asked to make short speeches as well. They are usually the current student council members, other students who have made quite a number of achievements…
"Or the freshman who scored the highest for the entrance exams."
/
"The first years are having their entrance ceremony now, right?"
"Hmmm? Yeah…they will be late for today's practice."
"I wonder who is the student representative for their batch, though."
"Hah? Why are you interested in those kind of stuff, Koganei?"
"Haha I just don't understand how some people can score so well for their school work. It baffles me."
"Aho! The answer is simple!"
"Hmm? You know the answer, Hyuuga? If that's the case why aren't you the top student—"
"That has nothing to do with me, Izuki" Lowering his voice, he added, "besides I was going to say…
"These people…aren't humans. They are—"
Monsters.
"Did you say something, Hyuuga-kun?"
"C-crap! She heard me!"
Riko gave an angelic smile. "Please. Grit your teeth."
"Noooooooooo—"
"Hah! You deserve it! You shouldn't have said anything while Coach is here. She was one of the top last year after all."
After dealing with Hyuuga's stupidity, Riko paused. Speaking of that… that kid seemed to know what she was doing. And she looks like the intelligent type too… should I just look for her after all?
Ah! No! She was the one who approached us first! I can't just rid myself of my woman's pride and look for her first! If she wants to join, she has to prove her tenacity!
Bzzzzz.
"Eh? The sound system…?"
"An announcement? At this time? School has officially ended long time ago…"
"Thank you for making this arrangement for me."
"Huh? Who's that?"
"I am sure everyone present, including the seniors who are busy with their club activities, are confused as to what is happening."
The voice was broadcasted throughout the school, and everyone pause in whatever they were doing and listened.
"I am a freshman student representative for this year, after scoring the highest for the entrance exam to Seirin."
"She's the representative? But why is her speech being broadcasted to other areas in the school?"
"While many may expect the general speech prepared by a student representative is to encourage the other students that they can achieve anything with enough hard work, the..."
"Real world doesn't work like that."
"You've got to be good at whatever it is you are doing or want to do, before you talk about achieving results."
"Wait… her voice sounds familiar…"
"A few days ago, when the clubs are frantically trying to recruit new members, I chanced upon this rather interesting club."
"Ah! She is…!"
"It was the basketball club."
"It's Beauty-chan! I don't believe it! Not only does she have the looks, she has the brains as well?!"
"Huh? Koganei, what are you talking about? How to you know her? And 'Beauty-chan'?"
"Ah she is—"
"Wait. Let's listen to what she has to say about our club. I'll explain it to you guys later."
"Why would I say it is interesting? Even though they seriously lack in members—"
"…"
"— and their future looks bleak—"
"Bleak? Bleak?! I'll show you what's bleak when I'm done with your face—"
"Calm down, Coach!"
"— the members at the counter were still happily bickering about how scary the guy with the quadruple eyebrows was."
Kagami choked on his saliva. What the hell?! Does she want to start a fight—
"And no, Kagami, I don't wish to start a fight with you. I was merely quoting from Koganei-senpai."
She stared directly at Kagami in the crowd.
W-why?! Now Kagami will kill me for making fun of his eyebrows…!
Kagami's eye twitched. "Huh—" W-wait. She… knew what I was thinking?! What is she, some kind of mind reader!?
"No I am not."
"Stop reading my mi—!"
"I-isn't that Kagami's voice?"
"Uhhh. If we can hear him from the sound system I can't imagine how loud he is in the hall…"
"Kagami-kun. This is a formal ceremony." Kuroko firmly clasped a hand over Kagami's mouth before more students turn and look at them.
"…" How is this anything close to formal?!
"As I was saying—"
"—saying, the basketball club seemed to be carefree even with the obvious lack in members to have proper training schedules."
Riko was beyond pissed. "How long does she want to ridicule us?!"
"The sophomores were probably thinking, 'It's okay. As long as we can get our hands on some decent members, we should be able to do it this year. After all, we were so close last year!'
"...that is exactly the kind of mindset that I want everyone to shed. 'Tch, I was so close to getting what I want, I'll definitely be able to do it this time round.' 'Man, if only I hadn't made that careless mistake, I could have been elsewhere now.'
"Or, 'If I had gotten more three pointers in, if I had remained focus, our team wouldn't have been…
"Thrashed."
"—last year."
Hyuuga could only give a humorless laugh. That brat, she totally saw through my heart.
"All these wistful thinking, discard them. Attack whatever problems you have like a brand new person. It doesn't matter how close you were to your goal in the past. It doesn't matter. What matters is the present, and the future. Work towards these two rather than dwelling on the past, because no one can stay truly stagnant."
…
Everyone was left speechless and stunned after that tirade.
Taking a deep breath, the student representative continued.
"Finally, I would like to fulfill the promise I have yet to keep. Even though the basketball club seemed to have a bleak future ahead of them with the serious lack in members—"
"Can she stopped with the bleak thing?!"
"—they are still selective about the members joining their family. They make sure they pick the best of the best, and the new members have to overcome their fear by proudly declaring their goals for themselves and the club. That is what I found interesting about the club.
"I am sure everyone present, including the seniors who are busy with their club activities, are confused as to why I place so much emphasis on the basketball club in my speech.
"This is because—"
"I am joining the club."
Kagami's eyes bulged out. She…She is joining?! Urgh I don't think I can get along with her…
"I am here to fulfill the promise, of declaring my goals for myself as well as for the club. I am—"
/
"I'm sorry, Furihata-kun, Fukuda-kun, Kawahara-kun. I have something on later, so I can't join you guys."
"Ah, well. Maybe next time then."
"You guys can leave first. I think I left something in the locker room."
"Oh. Okay see ya!"
After waving goodbye to the other first years, Kuroko turned back and walked towards the locker room.
"Heh. You noticed me?"
"It had to be hard not to."
"Since when did you learn how to lie like that, Kuroko Tetsuya?"
"I didn't lie. I really left something in here. It's in your hands."
"It is just insurance in case you did not see me. But I guess I worried too much."
"Yes you did. Can I have my phone back?"
"Sure,sure."
…
"After Kagami made the dunk, you smiled."
Kuroko did not reply to that.
"…Heh. Must be ecstatic huh? Having such a powerful player as your new light."
"…I'm sure you have something to tell me."
"Haha. Yes of course."
/
"Oh! The first years are back!"
"Sorry for being late."
"No worries! That must have been one hell of an entrance ceremony!"
"Well, what happened after that?"
"The teachers just quickly and as discreetly as possible gestured her to stop and get off the mike. She took longer than necessary for her speech and they had to speed up the remaining events."
"Boring."
"And how does she even persuade the school to broadcast her speech to the entire place?"
"…let's just not question it."
"Wah… I can't wait to see her. Koganei and Riko seemed to have been heavily affected by the newcomer."
"Positively and negatively."
"Well, Coach? What do you think?"
"What?"
"She did keep to her end of the promise. And I can tell she has guts, talking to the whole school like that."
"…but her personality pisses me off a bit."
"Well, it's good to be feisty I guess…"
"Fine. I guess she's in."
"Hooray! You're the best, Coach! To days with Beauty-chan—"
"Aho! Anyway, why didn't she want to let the others know about her beforehand?"
"Hmm? She said something about allowing her to quietly analyse what each member is capable of and have a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses."
"…Wait, quietly analyse?"
"Yes, she has been observing you."
"N-now that you mention it…"
"I've been feeling like I was being watched or something…"
"W-when we were trying to recruit new members there was a girl staring at us from behind a tree…"
"And I do remember seeing this girl sitting in a corner reading while we had our practice last week…"
"Kuroko, did you know about this?!"
"…I've seen her."
"Urgh. As I thought, only the same kind can see one another."
"That is an absurd sentence, Kagami-kun."
"What did you say?!"
Admist the bickering, confessions of a girl appearing everywhere now that they thought about it came spluttering out as horror dawned upon them.
"That's not analyzing! That's downright stalking!"
"…how rude."
Whipping their heads so quickly they got whiplashes, their jaws dropped as the subject of topic strolled into the gym.
"Beauty-chan!" Koganei was the only one ecstatic to see her. The others were still trying to recover from the shock.
And the whiplash.
"One, I don't stalk. That is just plain degrading. Two, I wasn't just staring, I was gathering information about your physique and abilities. Do not misunderstand my intent."
"…O-okay we understand!"
"Well, since you're here, do you want to formally introduce yourself to the club?"
"Yes, Riko-senpai. Ah, how do you think of my speech?"
Recalling the way she had made fun of the club, Riko could not help but be pissed again. "I feel like slapping you."
"Ah. Just as I thought. However, I meant no—"
"Yes yes, you meant no harm. I know." Despite being blunt and crude, Riko could not help but to take a liking to the first year.
Just a bit.
"Good afternoon, everyone. It's a pleasure to meet you. I have become an official member of this – I did right, Riko-senpai? You know you cannot do without me—"
"Yes you are accepted! Just move on!"
"I hope to be acquainted with you all and let's bring the team to the top." With a smile, she ended off her introductory speech.
Mah, I guess that's why I can't bring myself to really hate her. Smiling as well, Riko asked, "Well, we all heard your goal over the sound system. How about reiterating it again here?"
"Must I?"
"The manager has to listen to the coach."
"But I'm not just any manager, and Riko-senpai you are just not any co—"
"Just do as I say, dang it!"
"I am here to fulfill the promise, of declaring my goals for myself as well as for the club. I will become the —"
"I am the manager of Seirin High School. I will bring the team to top, no matter what obstacles we are facing in the present; no matter what obstacles we will face in the future."
"I hereby stand in front of everyone, to declare my determination and strive to be the very best, to do the very best, to make the very best out of everyone.
"And I will—"
"I will achieve it."
Such is the promise I have ever so bravely uttered all those time ago.
"I am Komeze Kiseki. Thank you."
"I am Komeze Kiseki."
And this.
Is Our Story.
Fin.
/
Kantou1: From what I've checked on Google, it just refers to the Nationals? Lol correct me if I'm wrong.
百戦百勝2: Teiko's motto. Literal translation is "Ever-victorious".
Information regarding the entrance ceremonies in Japan is taken from a few sites! Check my profile for the links :)
/
Author's Note:
Urgh took me two full days to churn this chapter out :'D Although most of it are dialogues from the original manga/anime, I thought it is necessary to include them in this chapter to have the right flow.
And gosh, that ending. Haha I didn't planned it until I decided to include her full declaration at the end. I kind of like it hehe. What do you think? :D
Personally, I like how it turned out, although it was much much much lengthier than I had expected :P
School is going to start soon, and I have not really touched on the holiday homework urgh. So I doubt I can make another update soon. But do leave your thoughts and comments on my OC as well as what you think of the way I write and the usage of Itallics and bold sentences! Lol if you're confused just ask! :P I was just experimenting hehe. And what do you think will happen next! :D As mentioned before, I'll keep the storyline as close to the original series as possible, so yeap the next big thing would be the friendly match between Kaijou and Seirin! :D
And urgh, this week's chapter has made my dislike/hate for Akashi disappear into thin air. Urgh.
Ta-ta for now!
Saxhyske :3
Check below for the bloopers lol. My bloopers will generally include some funny/stupid typos or slipups I made while writing the chapter, or the actual bloopers by Fujimaki haha.
/
Bloopers
1.
"…You didn't write your goals?"
"… None in particular." After crushing the paper ball into a cup, he—
…Pfft. Wait.
I meant.
.
.
"…You didn't write your goals?"
"… None in particular." After crushing the paper cup into a ball, he threw it backwards without a glance…
And it hit the dustbin.
Before falling off.
2.
Kagami walked in to his class only to see all of his classmates crowding around the windows.
"Hmm? What's the fuss?"
Glancing over the glass, realization dawned on him. "…Ha!"
I will make you number one in Japan.
In big, bold kanji on the field, Kuroko's heartfelt thoughts could be felt by the entire school as said enigma rubbed his nose with his hand, revealing a chalk-stained sleeve.
"Heh. Trust that kid to do this kind of thing. Well, it's his style I guess… it's just that…"
…
"Kuroko! You forgot to signed off with your name!"
"I'm sorry."
And since he forgot to sign the message in the schoolyard with his name, it was thought to be one of those mysterious unexplained circles…
…and became one of Seirin High's seven mysteries.