""Class, this is Kuroko Tetsuya, he will be joining us the rest of this summer but he will, again transfer once he finishes this term. Kuroko-kun, can you please tell us about yourself? Kuroko-kun?" Komoe, who was busy introducing their new classmate for now was not surprised to see the boy gone. Eh? Where did he go!?

"Doumo. I'm Kuroko Tetsuya. Nice to meet you."

"Eeeeeh!?"

For the first time, the class sees him as Kuroko sighs.

Here we go again…

"I didn't notice him immediately!"

"Since when did he got there?"

"His presence is surprisingly almost non-existent!"

"Hey, don't you think that guy is strange?"

"Yeah! We didn't even see him from the start! What is his ability?"

"Are you kidding me? Look here, when I didn't focus on where he is, I thought that he's already gone!"

"What is his level? I'm curious."

"That was a lot of reactions, that's for sure," Kagami said to his partner.

"I can't control my lack of presence, Kagami-kun," Kuroko sighs.

But most of all…

"Eeeeeekh!? Y-you!"

The one who shrieked last was none other than a certain spiky haired boy—the infamous "God of Pestilence" who goes by the name Kamijou Touma.

"It's at least comforting to know that he'll be classmates with someone he already met," Akashi said, "Kuroko will be able to adjust easier."

"Eh? Kami-yan, you know him?" Tsuchimikado asked suddenly as Fukiyose also glanced at the spiky haired boy, seemingly getting curious as to why the two seemed to be familiar with each other.

"Ah, it's good to see you again, Kamijou-kun," Kuroko just deadpanned as by now, all the attention is now darted towards the tealnette.

"Eh? You two knew each other?" Komoe asked suspiciously, seeing a similar reaction from the class.

"Uh, he helped me yesterday." Kamijou, scratching his head sheepishly replied with a chuckle. And with a nod from Tetsuya, Komoe then decided something as she grinned like a Chesire cat.

"Ugh…she's like our coach when she thinks about how to make us suffer," Hyuga was creeped out by the pinkette teacher's smile.

"Since you already knew each other then, Kuroko-chan you can sit next to Kamijou-chan at the back. Kamijou-chan, I can entrust his tour around the school with you right?" With a wide grin, Kamijou then answered 'yes' in an energetic manner, seeing as he can pay his debt to the teal-haired boy who remained standing in front of the class. "But first, you have to properly introduce yourself to us Kuroko-chan."

Sighing, the tealnette nevertheless then took the floor and cleared his throat, "Ohayou, minna-san, I'm Kuroko Tetsuya from Seirin High School. I attended Teiko Middle School and played varsity basketball in those two schools. I also had good marks in humanities, history, and geography and my favorite snack is a vanilla milkshake. Nice to meet you all." He then concludes with a bow.

"That was actually more than what you even said back in our team traditions," an annoyed Riko felt like she needed to redo their team introductions the moment their practice restarts in the future.

"Okay then," Komoe replied, "You may take your sit."

Kuroko seemed to hear some of his new classmates' whispers as he walks towards the direction of Kamijou's desk. His hobby of sharp yet discreet human observation is functioning functioning in his benefit as he observes them interact with each other.

"T-Teiko!? You mean that famous school outside of Academy City!?"

"Yep, that school that hosts that famous basketball team."

"Basketball team? Ah, you mean those feared Generation of Miracles."

"Didn't know we were that famous," Murasakibara drawled.

"What can you say? We're simply that good," Aomine felt too proud for his own good.

Everyone twitched at what the Touou ace said.

Generation of Miracles? I heard of that group once. Fukiyose said to her mind as her brown eyes narrows towards Kuroko, who high-fives with the guy she claims to "hate" from the bottom of her heart.

Kuroko sighed, seeing that his new classmates were talking about him, not that he cares anyway. He then looks at his front, where he sees Kamijou grinning at him fondly, "And here, I never thought you would attend here. I was thinking you would go to schools such as Nagatenjouki or Sakugawa High."

"It seems that it's perfect here," Kuroko replied as then starts a conversation with the boy of spiky black hair, "After all, having a summer class here isn't really my objective but rather, a form of activity to help me prevent getting rusty in academic matters."

"Good job making use of your free time to improve your grades, youngster, even if it's just the secondary goal," Nijimura praised his former kouhai.

"Eh? So if you're not here for summer class, then what's your main goal?" Kamijou asked, his curiosity piqued.

Kuroko seemed to flinch as he was hesitating to tell to his newly-found friend about his plan to take down the Generation of Miracles—all by himself if necessary. It was quite ironic since he himself never had the word "independent" in his dictionary when it comes to basketball as he valued teamwork and having fun at the sport over meaningless victory—such as how Teiko mercilessly toyed around Meiko and his best friend's school. But seeing that he just introduced himself as a member of the Teiko basketball team, he felt like it would be nice if he at least tells the spiky haired boy why he is here, "My middle school basketball team had one core principle and that is winning is everything. Instead of teamwork, we pushed the individual talents of the Generation of Miracles to win. Nothing can beat us but at the same time, I felt like we weren't a team."

Everyone from the Generation of Miracles, sans Kuroko, looked away or looked down to avoid everyone's accusing stares.

"I know we got over it but it still pisses me off slightly every time I remember it," Kagami grumbled.

"What? Kuroko told you about that?" Takao asked.

"He told the whole team before our match against Rakuzan which is why we were doubly motivated to win the whole thing," the redhead Seirin ace replied.

For some reason, Kamijou can feel a tinge of pain in his heart while listening to Kuroko's story. I don't understand it wholly but I can tell he is somewhat pained by his past.

"Pained is an understatement," Kagami sighed. He himself can only imagine the clusterfuck that was Kuroko's third year in middle school.

"The five prodigies approved of it but I felt that something was lacking," Kuroko added.

"Uhm…so what? At least, you are winning, right? And what do you mean "five prodigies?" You said you came from a school with a strong team so I guess you should count yourself in," Kamijou interjected.

"That's right, Kurokocchi! You're one of us! Don't count yourself short," Kise agreed with the statement.

"Yeah, Tetsu. You're the reason that Bakagami barely managed to stand equal against me," Aomine just had to use this moment to make fun of Kagami.

"What the fuck did you say, Ahomine?!"

Only through the intervention of Akashi did the two stop themselves from fighting it out more violently.

Kuroko paused for a minute before replying, "I used to think that way but right now, I don't know. I also know winning matters so I don't exactly know what's wrong with it. But if anything, the moment we've become strong, the once happy team became a lonely one ironically because of winning. We've may have conquered the top but we aren't the same anymore. And let me correct you on one thing, Kamijou-kun."

The raven only listened closely.

"I'm not truly a prodigy despite having teamed up with the Kiseki no Sedai but rather, they're the true prodigies. As a matter of fact, I'm a shadow. The ace of our middle school team was my light. The two of us were complete opposites, like the moon and the sun shining brightly at different ways. My basics in basketball were mediocre to terrible as best while he transcends above the rest of the miracles," Kuroko was referring to Aomine on this as he went on, "But the stronger the light, the darker the shadow, and the more it accentuates the light."

The shadow that was silhouetting over alternate Kuroko due to the bright sunlight was adding a dramatic description to what alternate Kuroko was saying.

Kamijou can't tell if he was picking up but he listened anyway.

"When we all separated to join our choice of high school teams, we all swore an oath that whoever comes on top is the strongest," Kuroko continued, "Of the six regulars, I was the weakest out of them. I was able to find my new light in Seirin High School but apparently, it wasn't enough as we were beaten horribly by my former light in the Interhigh preliminaries. It was painful for us to take but we took it as a cue to become stronger. Right now, they are now training but I decided to separate myself for now. My real goal why I'm here in Academy City is to become strong on my own. I wanted to be strong enough to be able to stand to my feet to help my team win against them. But most of all, I wanted to be strong enough to force the Generation of Miracles to recognize my style and to make them love basketball again."

"That was very dramatic…" Everyone genuinely said.

"But Kuroko was able to accomplish his goal so good job, brat," Nijimura said, "If you're not satisfied, we can torture Aomine instead.

Said tanned teen shivered at the half-joking statement of his former senpai.

Kuroko finished his somewhat long explanation as to why he was here in Academy City. Kamijou was dumbfounded. I don't know why but I can tell this guy must have gone through something so painful. But it's amazing that he still had a very tough and positive personality. In fact, I can say that I can relate to him.

"Wow…that was simply so dramatic!"

The two turned towards the source of a third voice and it turns out to be none other than Tsuchimikado, Aogami, and Fukiyose, who was curious at what they are talking about and thinking it must be something perverted, she took it upon herself to discipline the two but the moment she actually heard what Kuroko was talking about, she was speechless.

"Yeah, it was so dramatic that I don't even know if I understand all of it," Aogami said in a shrugging matter.

"Way to ruin the very solemn mood," Hayama grumbled.

"He could have just shut his big mouth," Kasamatsu said.

"I hate to admit it but I also didn't understand it as well," Fukiyose gritted her teeth upon realizing she doesn't understood it at all, "And I'm pretty sure Kamijou didn't understood it as well, considering it's him."

"Is she a tsundere or what?" One of the unnamed Touou players said to no one in particular. "She keeps bringing up the Kamijou guy for no reason."

"Probably between borderline tsundere and just pure violence," Takao replied.

"Hey, I'm here you know," the mentioned boy grimaced.

"It doesn't matter," Kuroko replied as he smiled towards the spiky haired boy, "I'm pretty sure that deep inside his heart, Kamijou-kun understands my words. Arigatou for listening to me, Kamijou-kun." He then bowed deeply in respect to the boy, who only sweat dropped as well as Fukiyose and the reckless pair of blue and yellow.

"Why are you even bowing to them, Kuroko?" Midorima sighed.

"That's my alternate self, Midorima-kun," the tealnette replied.

This guy can't be helped being over-polite!

Eeeeh!? Does he need to do that?

You're strange, Kuroko.

"By the way, Kamijou-kun," Kuroko suddenly asked the boy, "We're only half day today, right? Do you have some free time with me later? I wanted to personally show you something. My style of basketball."

"Ohhh…I'm pretty sure they will be amazed at Tetsu-kun's unique style…" Momoi squealed.

"Of course," Akashi replied.

Kamijou only nodded and was about to say something but…

"Then I'm going with you two," Fukiyose declared, "You can't say no and I don't care what you will say. Who knows what Kamijou would do to you but…"

"Did she really have to be a stick-up-your-ass right now?" Aomine snorted.

"If anything, it's good that there's someone like her to keep leash on the idiots in that class, nanodayo," Midorima countered as he pushed up his glasses.

"Excuse me but," Kuroko cut her off, "First of all, I was only asking Kamijou-kun out and not you. I didn't even invite you. Second, stop treating me like a child, please. I'm pretty sure he's not that bad of a person."

The whole class just stammered seeing dictator Fukiyose Seiri getting defied—and by a newcomer, nonetheless.

"Pretty much damaging to her mentally if she's used to getting her way too much," Kasamatsu drawled.

"And he was disobeyed by someone new to the class, lol," Takao laughed.

"I wonder if that's how Akashi felt when he lost for the first time," Kagami muttered to himself.

The Forehead Delux simply bit her lip, seeing that Kuroko had a point after all. "Sorry Fukiyose but I'm with Kuro-yan on this one," Tsuchimikado said, "It's not like Kami-yan would do something so bad. Even a playboy like him is too much nice for such ulterior motives."

"Fine!" Fukiyose ran her hand in her face, "But the second I hear something bad happens, don't expect that I would be kind to the four of you." She then leaves and takes her seat. Kuroko didn't know how to react to a sassy girl like her. On the hindsight, he knew he shouldn't be surprise with such people. His coach, after all, proved to be even scarier.

Yeah, pretty much scarier. All of the Seirin boys agreed mentally.

After classes had ended, Kuroko, Kamijou, Tsuchimikado, and Aogami decided to eat in a nearby restaurant. The short day was quite fun, at least for the Phantom Sixth Man. The class had started with Komoe being the homeroom teacher. The class had played some games, with Kamijou being forced to participate since this game is the only way to salvage his low scores. The class also got another lecture on Esper abilities and Personality Reality, the latter of which Kuroko suddenly listened with great interest. From how he understood Komoe's explanation, a Personal Reality refers to the reality created by students who undergo the Power Curriculum Program, and replace their normal reality and sense. As explained further by their teacher, it is a type of reality that is unique for each individual, and is the very foundation of an esper's power. Specifically, it is the source from which all esper powers and phenomena are brought into the real world. In other words, it's like delusions and strong faith for your own potential that is turned into a reality, depending on how the person sees himself. Kuroko thought to himself as he jots down everything in his notebook. Strong faith for your own potential, huh? He suddenly was reminded of Kiyoshi's words when he first met the Uncrowned General when the latter was released from the hospital.

Is that all you can do? Believe in your potential a little bit more.

Those words echoed in his blank mind and they are still stuck in his thoughts as currently, the four brightly-colorful heads are now sitting in the table. While the other three had ordered such heavy food, Kuroko simply ordered two pieces of sandwiches and five large cups of vanilla milkshakes, which he started to sip anyway.

"You really should eat more, Kuroko," Midorima pushes up his glasses while reminding his former Teiko teammate.

"And eat more burgers too, Tetsu!" Aomine suggested gleefully.

"Is that all you're going to eat, Kuro-yan?" Aogami asked curiously, eyeing the large number of milkshakes in his front in contrast with the merely two chicken sandwiches, "And I knew you said you're a vanilla milkshake addict but I never knew you're this obsessed with that shake."

"I had the same reaction when I first saw him devour all those vanilla shakes," Kagami grumbled.

"I like them." Kuroko's reply was stoic as he continued to slurp on the desserts.

But as they continue to eat, Kamijou continue to ponder upon the words of his newly-found friend, who seemed to be busy with his milkshakes. I just can't believe guys like them still exist. But one more thing, he says he wants to get stronger but how will he do that?

"Just how would you get stronger, then?" Tsuchimikado unconsciously decided to ask the question for Kamijou as Kuroko stopped sipping the shakes. He looks like he was hesitating to answer before he finally replied, "I do have some ideas but I don't know how to start. My shooting is almost non-existent and my dribbling is poor. Plus, my stamina isn't that strong. My forte really is about passing and misdirection."

"Misdi—what?" Aogami seemed to get lost.

"Misdirection is simply the art of trickery," Tsuchimikado smiled, "It's a technique which diverts the opponents gaze, allowing its user to disappear out of sight. It's mostly used in street magic and circus."

"For someone who looks as idiotic as Kagami, he seemed to be very knowledgeable," Akashi said, ignoring the redhead Seirin ace's indignant yell of "Hey!" as he intently observes the blonde.

"Agreed," Midorima nods.

"Well…I don't know but that explanation doesn't look concrete," Kamijou said, yawning ashe finishes his plate of chicken and potatoes.

"Well, of course. Not everyone will get it the first time," Akashi shrugged.

"The first time Tetsu did it back in Teiko, everyone was baffled at all of his passes slipping from their eyes," Aomine added.

"It would be better if I showed it to you three," Kuroko said as he brings out a basketball which he had to pick up from their dormitory before going to the restaurant with the three idiots, "I would be able to demonstrate it to you three."

"Eh? Can they even play basketball?" Kise asked, quite surprised to see alternate Kuroko inviting his temporary classmates to a basketball game.

"We wouldn't know until we actually see them play," Kasamatsu sighed at the somewhat stupid question of his former kouhai.

So after they all ate in the restaurant, they all paid their bills immediately and it caused another commotion as the waitress didn't notice Kuroko at all until the latter went up-close to her, causing the poor lady to scream in fright and in turn, causing unwanted attention from all the other customers in the place.

As expected. Everyone who knows the Phantom Sixth man thought.

"Man, I really can't believe that poor waitress didn't see you until you walked closer to her. Your presence really is week," Tsuchimikado joked.

"People I meet often say that to me," Kuroko deadpanned as they are now walking in the streets to find a nearby basketball court. Luckily, they spotted a street court not far from the student dormitory of three people in the group as they immediately walked towards the place. Kuroko smiled as he didn't know until this very moment where he can continue playing. At least, I can practice in this place.

"Looks like no one's even using the court for a long time," One of the players from Shutoku commented.

"I agree. Looks very dusty without traces of even being used once," another one replied.

Seeing that the court is deserted (since it's almost not being used), they immediately entered it and they all removed their white uniforms. "Okay, first and foremost, I wanted Aogami-kun to stand there in the left wing." The other bluenette did as he was told and began to move in the corner left. "I wanted Tsuchimikado-kun to stand before me as if he's guarding me." The blonde then walked closer as he places himself in front of Kuroko. "Lastly, I wanted Kamijou-kun to stand in the right wing of the court." The spiky haired boy did as he was told and went to the right corner.

"That porcupine-head better get ready for the experience," Aomine smirked.

"I just hope his hand could receive Kurokocchi's passes," Kise whistled.

Midorima pushes up his glasses once again, "Kuroko's not stupid to just simply do a full-powered version of his Ignite Pass especially to someone who doesn't even play basketball."

Kuroko then passes the ball to Aogami and yells, "Now, here's how I do my simple tap passes. In basketball, the primary target of the players is always the ball so they never took their eyes off the leather basketball. I take advantage of that quirk in passing. When the ball is being passed, I redirect it to the one who is free. Aogami-kun, pass it to me." The bluenette did as he was told as he then throws the ball to Kuroko, who was just merely looking at the blonde in the eye (or his shades). In a split second, the ball was tapped very fast by Kuroko in one hand even before Tsuchimikado was able to react and it ended up in the hands of Kamijou, who was merely stunned to just see the ball get fast into his possession. Wait…what was that!? The ball looked like it made a curve the moment Aogami passed it to Kuroko. I didn't even notice him touching…hold on! I think I got the idea of playing style.

"I think I get the gist of his playing style," Kamijou suddenly said while holding the ball, "Since he said that players don't take their eyes off the ball, then they can get confused by these passes and they won't be able to respond. Coupled with his lack of presence, he would be able to pass with ease to free players."

There were a few in the crowd who were impressed with how Kamijou Touma quickly narrowed down the mechanics behind Kuroko's seemingly invisible passes.

"Well, that was quick," Hayama said.

"He's smarter than he looks. I'd probably give him props for that," Otsubo can't help but praise the spiky haired boy.

Kuroko was about to comment that he was right when somebody else spoke earlier.

"It's probably that girl with the huge forehead," Kimura Shinsuke said while scratching his back with a back scrubber.

"Yeah, probably."

"I didn't even knew Kamijou can explain something given his stupid brain."

The four people turned towards the source of the voice and were all very much surprise to see Fukiyose, who was standing on the sidelines while eating a healthy bun.

"Fukiyose-san, what are you doing here?" Kuroko asked with a slight suspicion that she's been stalking the four of them even while they were still in the restaurant.

"I do believe she's stalking Tetsu-kun!" Momoi said with an exaggerated expression.

"Why? Can't I even be allowed here?" The girl with large forehead haughtily replied as she puts her hands in her hips as a show of authority and confident, "I'm simply making sure that you don't get influenced by these three idiots."

"Well, at least she had Kuroko's welfare in her mind…probably," Koganei wasn't too sure of what he said.

"Maybe she hates the three idiots enough that she won't let Kuroko-kun be influenced by them," Riko added.

Feeling that she's someone who's too stubborn for her own good, Kuroko then decided to end the day by saying while seemingly disregarding the fact that she's there, "Well, arigatou guys for accompanying me anyway. Let's all go home right now." He said as he motions Kamijou to go along with him. Going with the flow, he and Kuroko began to move out of the court, only to b stopped by the Forehead Deluxe, who shouts, "H-Hey! The second I came here, you decided to leave! Just what were you really doing here!?"

"Kuroko just demonstrated how his basketball style works," Kamijou said blandly, "And it's pretty amazing when you actually see it."

"Pffft! Alternate Kuroko just ignored the girl completely!" Takao laughed loudly. "That's so bold of you!"

"More importantly, Kamijou-san had the same expression that I have when Kuroko-kun first showed his passes during the team's scrimmage during the opening school year," Riko said.

"I have decided," Kuroko suddenly said as he faces the spiky haired boy, "Tomorrow's a Saturday, right? Are you free tomorrow at 7 am?"

"Yeah, why? I'll just have to buy a book tomorrow and that's in the afternoon." Kamijou replied with a slight curiosity at what his dorm mate planned to do.

'I'll tell you once we meet tomorrow," Kuroko said, picking up his basketball as he then waves his hands as a sign that he'll go ahead to the dorm, "If you'll so something else for today, then I'll just call it a day. See you later in the dorm—"

"Wait! I'll also go home with you, Kuroko," the spiky haired boy suddenly interjected as he ran to join the tealnette, "Take care guys!" He said to his two idiotic friends and their class president as he then leaves them to join Kuroko. The remaining three were just bewildered. "It seems that everytime Fukiyose appears, Kuroko disappears. You're jinxing it!" Tsuchimikado joked with a chuckle.

"Sh-shut up!" The Iron Wall Girl growled.

Most of the audience laughed at the interaction of the five students on the screen.

Meanwhile, the two boys of black and blue are already on their way towards their dormitory. As Kamijou was busy thinking what he would cook so he can satisfy his partner and gluttonous freeloader of a nun, Kuroko was still basically thinking of the same thing that has been hounding him since his loss against Aomine. How will I become stronger? I can't even shoot or dribble properly and passing is my only forte. Suddenly, he then felt his phone vibrating as he pulls it out.

From: Shirai Kuroko

Subject: How's your first day in school?

Message: I know you'll say that it's just fine so scratch that.

"She should have just gotten straight to the point," Kagami groaned at what he feels is an unnecessary message.

Kuroko just low-key chuckled at this message. Typical of Kuroko-san. Suddenly, something hit him. Oh yeah, she's from Judgement so she must know a thing aboutmy particular goal. Quickly, he then types a message.

"Oh…" Now, many in the audience can somehow see where this is going and are now excited for it.

"Looks like we will get to the best part," Imayoshi smiled in his own creepy way.

To: Shirai Kuroko

Subject: How to become strong in the game of basketball

Message: Kuroko-san, please forgive me for telling this but the truth is, I'm actually here basically because I wanted to become strong. I was about to tell you this yesterday but you left earlier than expected so I decided to tell you now. I was basically having some problems on where to start to become strong. You know that my misdirection only relies on quick tap passing and my fundamentals suck as well as my stamina. I needed some help.

After sending and waiting a reply, he immediately receives an incoming text from his cousin. Well…that was fast.

From: Shirai Kuroko

Subject: I never expected this

Message: But you said you wanted to becomes strong and yet, you keep telling yourself that your only forte. I think you needed to really work on your basic fundamentals of shooting and dribbling. Just simply bemoaning your failure in not being able to learn the basics properly is just unacceptable.

"Very harsh but very true at the same time," Kasamatsu shrugged. It was a fact, after all.

"Just like what Kiyoshi said but more straight-forward," Hyuga said.

For some reason, Kuroko felt touched and pricked in his heart at the same time when Shirai, for once, berated him for thinking such things. Ku-Kuroko-san… He didn't know why but for some reason, he felt she was right at this moment. I see. I see now why Kiyoshi-senpai said that I had to believe in my own potential. He felt like he wanted to cry a bit but he held back as he then sends his message.

To: Shirai Kuroko

Subject: I'm Sorry for acting so weak

Message: I think I know what to do now. But on another side, I think by trying to learn some new techniques, I would gradually abandon my style, which has become a part of who I am. I don't know what to do.

After a minute, he then receives another reply.

From: Shirai Kuroko

Subject: You really are an idiot

Message: I understand that your misdirection thingy and flashy passes are your signature styles so that's something I won't touch anymore. I'm not saying that you discard your current style. I'm simply saying that you should create a new style for yourself that can maximize what you have. If you just stick with the current state of your present style, then you won't really progress at all.

"She's not really holding back," One of the coaches present in the audience said.

"It's good for Kuroko's growth," Izuki thought it was a good move on Shirai Kuroko's part.

"I see," he muttered to himself. He was reminded of Komoe's words in their lesson in Personal Reality. Personal Reality is being cut off from proper reality and achieving one that differs from ours. If you strongly believe and hold on to that alternate reality, your powers would grow. Now, he isn't really planning to advance some esper powers on his own but he thought a bit about the pinkette's words. If I replace my current reality with something that is stronger than Aomine-kun and the rest, I might be able to become—no, I will do it.

He then sends a message to Shirai again.

To: Shirai Kuroko

Subject: I needed some help

Message: I know this is too much but can you help me become stronger? I just need to have some idea about the basics in proper dribbling and shooting and I'll sort out something for the rest. Can you also help me figure out how to boost up my stamina? You know very much that my stamina's also lacking.

"Well, it's a good thing that you're alternate self already thought on stocking up on stamina, Kuroko-kun," Riko had a smile that signaled to the bluenette that she would do more than just that when everything is said and done, "You were to focused on technique and skill in the past."

"Alright coach. I will keep that in mind."

After sending another one, he again receives a reply.

From: Shirai Kuroko

Subject: Argh…

Message: But fine then. Since my 'onee-sama would be away tomorrow since she said she needed to do something, I would be glad to help. And don't worry if you think I won't be able to help. Like you, I also played basketball in physical education classes and in intramurals so I know a thing or two on what I will teach you. About your stamina, well I do have something in my mind but I would just tell you tomorrow. Is 7 am ok for tomorrow?"

Kuroko chuckles as he then replied a 'yes' on his phone. After a while…

From: Shirai Kuroko

Subject: All set

Message: My 'onee-sama' is already here so if you don't mind, I have to go. See you tomorrow and I love you!

"Onee-sama?" Kuroko raised his eyebrows at the word for big sister. That must have been a close friend of hers. He then folds his phone and to his amusement, they were now standing in the building and when he turned to his left, he saw Kamijou glancing at him like he got freaked out.

"Anou…what's wrong?"

"Well…it looks like you just spoke to someone that's important," Kamijou replied while they are taking the elevator. Kuroko simply nodded, "Oh…" the tealnette suddenly said, "I actually do not need your help anymore tomorrow at 7 am. I already have someone who just answered my problem."

"Is that so? Good luck then," the spiky haired boy said as he walks out first, "See you tomorrow." As the elevator goes up one more floor, Kuroko was now very certain on what he'll do despite having no real concrete answers yet.

I'll attain my own Personal Reality to become stronger.

The sun was barely up, but Kuroko was wide awake. He got up out of his bed and put on simple shorts and t-shirt as well as his Gel Hoop basketball shoes after taking his bath. He then took his basketball and went out to the same street basketball area where he and the Delta Trio had just went to. He then began to dribble the ball as he blankly looks at the hoop. Today is the day I'll slowly make my own Personal Reality. He then picks the ball up and shoots it—and as expected, it didn't go in. It didn't discourage him further as he then began to dribble and dribble some more as he was running. For almost an hour, Kuroko warmed up his body as he awaits the arrival of a certain twin-tailed teleporter. He dribbled, made some notoriously bad layups and jogged. Until…

"Kuroko's/His/Tetsu's/Kurokocchi's/Kuroko-kun's/Tetsu-kun's form is so terrible!" Almost everyone cried out as they watched the abomination that is Kuroko Tetsuya trying to play normal basketball.

"Is passing all that Akashi taught you?!" Takao can't really believe it now that he is watching it this close.

"Yes, if we're referring back to my time in Teiko."

"I see that your form's really terrible."

Glancing over to his left, the tealnette saw his cousin now coming inside the court with a bag containing bottles of sports drinks. "Knowing you, I'd waste time if I'll go to your dormitory so I decided to gamble and go straight here."

"Lucky for you, I was already here, Kuroko-san," Kuroko smiled as he wipes off the sweat in his face.

"Well, we have no time to waste, Tetsu-nii if you wanted to become stronger," Shirai said in an urgent tone as she joins her cousin on the court. The tealnette then passes the basketball to the smaller Shirai, who then motions that they do a one-on-one. When both were on their feet, Shirai stood in front of Kuroko in a defensive stance as if telling him to go and try to get past her. Kuroko moved to the left then right, but every time he did so, Shirai would move to match him.

"She had better form than Kuroko, which is so sad." There were a few in the crowd that felt pity towards the Phantom Sixth Man.

Kuroko merely continued sucking on his vanilla milkshake.

"Tetsu-nii, if you're being blocked, you have to move faster and smarter than that." Shirai smiled at him. "Even someone like Shirai Kuroko would never be stopped by a simple block such as this." Startled at the statement, Kuroko paused a while and in that moment of hesitation, Shirai stole the ball out of Kuroko's hands. She chortled loudly as she made her way to the net, and made a smooth layup.

"She does look like she can play basketball, at least on a middle school level," Akashi commented.

"That's not fair, Kuroko-san," Kuroko frowned, "Of course, you had more skills since you're in Judgement."

"Life's not really fair, Tetsu-nii," Shirai shrugged. Kuroko just shook his head at Shirai. In truth, he hated when his ball gets stolen.

"Oh…" Now, that was news to everyone.

"So how do you suppose I get pass blockers the way a normal player would or at least you would?" Kuroko couldn't help but smirk at his own cousin. Shirai had an expression of surprise by looking at her cousin's smirking face, but then it changed to playful grin.

"Oh shit! Somebody better take a photo of that!" Aomine yelled.

"On it!" Kise complied as he took out his phone and quickly snapped a picture of Kuroko smirking. "I'll post it in our GoM plus Momocchi group chat!"

"Oi, Kuroko, aren't you bothered by what they are doing?" Kagami asked while sweatdropping at his partner's former Teiko teammates.

"Not in the slightest…" Kuroko shrugged. He was used to the antics inside the world of the Generation of Miracles.

"That's quite simple, Tetsu-nii," she began, continuing to dribble the ball. She dribbled until she reached Kuroko and looked at him dead in the eyes. "I would confuse my blockers," she said as she swiftly moved to the left and then to the right. "Moving like that, or…" she broke off, Kuroko seeing Shirai's eyes look to the left. Seeing his cousin shift a little, Kuroko thought that Shirai would've moved in that direction. However, to his shock, she went right, leaving him in a state of shock. But then he heard Shirai talking. "…I'd deceive them by making them think they know which direction I'm going."

"It's the eyes, isn't it?" Kuroko asked.

Shirai nodded as she explains. "In my experience, my opponents are always looking at my face and not the ball as they want to know where I'm going to move next. A person's eyes often tell where they intend to go next, be it passing the ball or simply trying to outwit their marks. So if I look left, the defense is going to assume that I'm going to go left, so I would quickly cross over and go right instead."

Every coach present took down notes about what Shirai said about taking different directions.

Kuroko made a mental note of this. One way to get pass blockers is through the deception of the eyes. For Kuroko that seems easy enough but he knew that the trick won't work every time. He then brought his mind back to reality, as he felt a soft tap on his shoulders. Turning sideways, he saw Shirai trying to catch his attention.

"Kuroko-san, what are you doing?" He asked.

"You spaced out for a while there." She sighed.

"Ah, is there another way to get pass blockers? That trick won't work every time."

"Of course, there's the cliché but an optional way to get past your opponents." Shirai perked up. "You force your way through."

"In other words, it's like how players like Aomine and Kagami play," Midorima said, "Like she said, it's cliche but once perfected enough, it can be a game changer depending on how the defense reacts."

Kuroko look at her like she was some crazy kid, "Force? Wouldn't that pick up a foul?"

"No and that would be unnecessary if you have some necessary tools. Using your body's speed, you can get pass regular blockers. What you would have to do is continuously move left and right at a speed. Doing that, you build up momentum to make a break at whichever direction, leaving your opponents in your dust." Looking at Kuroko's face, she knew that the boy was trying to imagine it. "Much like how your former light in Aomine gets pass when he's blocked though I would suggest you should build up your speed and stamina first." In this instant, she basically her cousin's face light up as though struck with a brilliant idea.

"Well, that's basically how I learned to play streetball so maybe Tetsu's going to be fine…" Aomine shrugged.

Both cousins lay on the court, panting for air after almost four and a half hours in just trying to build up Kuroko's fundamentals. The latter was the worst affected since his body isn't as strong as the body of Shirai, who has been exposed to a lot of dangers and physical tasks intended for men. Simply put, Kuroko was tired and worn out. Shirai sighed at this as she gets up to get their sports drinks. She made a mental note to do some speed and stamina training for her cousin. So far, in terms of moves, he's able to get pass a single block which she drilled hard on her cousin until he finally made a clean dribble and as a result, he surprised his cousin by being able to now perform simple crossovers and such. However, this is just the start, Kuroko knows that it's still a long path before he finally is able to master what he needs for an improved style of his misdirection.

"More than basketball, I can't believe someone of Shirai-san's age would be heavily involved in police matters," Hyuga said.

"Mou, I wanted something similar to Judgment in our lifetime. It sounds fun!" Takao apparently has other ideas.

Nevertheless, it was a good start. At least, I have laid the foundation of my Personal Reality.

Suddenly, the two heard Shirai's phone suddenly went off and Kuroko swore he saw his cousin's eyes widened out like this was some kind of emergency. Quickly getting her phone, Shirai then listened to her caller and with every second passing, it looks like this is important as Shirai listened with great urgency. After she finally puts down her phone, she then said, "Sorry tetsu-nii but I really have to go now! Judgment's duty is calling. I'll just text you when I'll give your modules for your stamina and speed training. Bye and I love you!" Before his eyes, Shirai simply teleported herself away. That's why I like my cousin. Kuroko can't help but feel proud to have such a wonderful cousin whom he can fully depend for the moment. And right now, what can I do for the moment?

"What a convenient power…" Kasamatsu whispered, thinking how much it would have been useful to get away from Kise when he was still playing high school basketball.

He then decided to go to a nearby fast food chain where he could eat some lunch. I'm very famished at the moment but I'm also pretty lazy at the moment boiling some eggs. He then got up from his feet and had to drag himself towards their student dormitory due to his body very tired. He only replaced his upper shirt with a fresh white t-shirt as he was getting lazy to even take a shower. He removed his shoes and socks and decided to put on slippers to have his feet freshen up by natural air. After getting his money and some things, he then went out of the student dormitory and began to walk.

Using his map of the city, he navigated his way towards a certain fast food restaurant in Academy City: Macronall Hamburger. It caught his attention as he was searching his map so he decided he might as well go there. While he was walking in the streets, Kuroko was busy using his exceptionally sharp human observation to watch those he passes by. He notices a group of security bots patrolling nearby while a cleaning robot is busy sweeping a nearby park. When will Tokyo eventually have these kinds of technology? Kuroko wondered as he came from a place where cleaning and garbage collecting is still done primarily by men.

"Guess it's not only you," Takao really hated cleaning the gym of Shutoku.

"Yeah. I don't really like mopping our gym, especially if the rookies would just mess it up all over again," Kobori added.

After wandering around the streets, he finally found the two-storey restaurant which is lying on the opposite street on the other side of the road. Kuroko then walked faster to be able to get inside the building but as he did, he didn't expect to meet a familiar trio of idiots and a silver-haired loli.

"Are…you are all here as well?"

Needless to say, Kuroko suddenly ran into the trio of Kamijou, Tsuchimikado, and Aogami as well as Index, who was tagging along with the three of them. Apparently, the four had originally decided to go to a desserts store called 326 Ice Cream, which sells sweets at a ridiculous price of ¥3,600 but the store was closed by the management for the day so they decided to go the the hamburger restaurant.

"Even if it's open, I wouldn't buy that unreasonably expensive ice cream," Hyuga's eyes bulged at the price of the desserts.

And so, Kamijou ended up treating the four of them into the restaurant as Index was jubilant in chanting, "Shakes! Shakes! Three shake drinks!" as all of them begin to take the stairs so they can get a vacant table in the second floor. The spiky haired boy sighed as he realized how much money he had lost for today.

"Thanks for the treat, Kamijou-kun," Kuroko deadpanned while holding his tray of a vanilla milkshake and a burger.

"The burger's so small!" Almost everyone yelled upon seeing the size of the burger that the alternate Kuroko chose.

"I can see Kuroko-kun doing that," Riko sighed.

"Sorry Kami-yan!" Tsuchimikado mockingly apologized.

"Letting you treat us!" Aogami connected it as they all went upstairs.

The boy wasn't amused at all. "So…it was all my treat in the end." He didn't have the energy to complain though so he quietly follows them upstairs. When he finally was able to step his foot in the second floor, he head Index shout, "Touma! Over here!" He saw the nun waving while strangely, the three other guys haven't yet sat on a table where they are standing next.

'Oh so you found a place in this crowd—heh!?" Kamijou though wasn't able to react properly when he saw that the table they were supposed to seat in was occupied by someone else. Looking further closer, the boy saw that it was woman sleeping in the table. She has long, straight, black hair, and is seen wearing miko outfit—the one being used by ancient Shinto priests who perform shrine functions, perform ceremonial dances, offer omikuji fortune telling, sell souvenirs, and assist a Kannushi in Shinto rites.

"Looks like someone who is Midorima's type because of Oha-Asa," Akashi made a half-hearted joke.

Everyone from the Shutoku basketball club snickered at that while Midorima was flustered.

"This looks suspicious for me," Kuroko said in his usual monotone voice as he began to bite his notoriously kiddy-sized burger before sipping his vanilla milkshake.

Suddenly, the sleeping girl began to wake up and speak slowly even though she hasn't yet raised her head, "S-"

"S-" Kamijou wondered aloud as he scoots closer to the girl in shrine clothes, "Eh? Are you sick or something?"

The woman then began to sputter, "Spent all my money on food…" At her monotonous reply, every one of them simply stared at the girl as she continued to lie down in her sleeping position. Suddenly, the four boys (Kuroko simply got dragged here already, not like he can do anything) then decided to choose who will be the one to talk to the girl by playing a familiar hand game. "Saisho wa gu, jan-ken-pon! Jan-ken-pon!" The boy with spiky hair ended up losing the fight as Kuroko blinks, seemingly amazed that he actually won a pretty simply game. I used to lose a lot on these one against Midorima-kun when we were in middle school.

"Eh, really, Shin-chan?" Takao didn't know that his partner was very good at rock, paper, and scissors.

"We do it when we have to decide on matters that we can't simply agree on back in Teiko," Midorima replied stoically.

Kamijou, seemingly having no choice, then decided to ask the girl, "Anou…you said that you spent all your money on food or something?"

"The ¥100 hamburger…" The woman began to speak more clearly, "I had lots of coupons for them so I went ahead and ordered thirty of them…" Kuroko was reminded of Kagami's huge appetite for burgers and his black-a-hole stomach, which continues to amaze him to this day how he can hold up such large amount.

"Yeah Kagami. How do you hold that much?" Takao asked in a genuine manner.

"Etou…I had a huge body?"

"You got too much of a deal there, dumb girl," Kamijou carelessly replied, earning a silent treatment from the lady, "Ah, no! It's not like that! I…uhm…"

"Frustration meal," the girl continued, "Cost of train ticket to home, ¥600. Total assets, ¥500."

"Hnnn…" Kamijou scratched his head as he then thought of something, "Can't you borrow the train fee from someone?" Suddenly, the girl, as if hearing something amazing, finally stood up from his sleeping position and looked at the boy whom she was conversing with, "That is a great proposal!" While Tsuchimikado and Aogami kept taking photos of her, the girl, who looks like a typical Japanese teenager, just kept staring at Kamijjou, who is beginning to get unnerved, "Wh—why are you staring at me? Hey, don't look at me as if you're expecting something from me!"

"¥100, too much?" the girl tilted her head, as if trying to get something out of the boy.

"It's still too much for me," Kasamatsu shrugged. He's not the type of person to waste money recklessly.

"It is," the spiky haired boy defended his stance, "I will not lend something I will not lend."

The girl seemed to be frustrated at his stubbornness as she turns her glance away and frowned while whispering, "Tsk…can't even let me borrow a mere ¥100."

"Who's the idiot that doesn't even have ¥100?" Kamijou, not liking that got just got tagged as a selfish guy, roared.

"Anou…here, I have an extra ¥100 in my wallet…"

"I'm pretty sure she did not see you, Kuro-chin," Murasakibara said in a bored manner.

The miko girl suddenly heard another voice speak to her. She swore she can see only four people in front of her; Kamijou was there still speaking like an idiot, the blondie and the bluenette still busy taking photos of her and Index was too busy slurping all her shakes. But then, who is that…

"Excuse me but here I am…"

Finally looking up, the girl then saw Kuroko, who was still waving a bill on his hands as he tries to catch her attention, He partially succeeded as the girl finally noticed his mop of light, blue hair and his pale face. "Eeeeeeehk!" the girl screamed in the face of the Phantom Sixth Man, "Since when did you get here?" Her eyes widens out as she scrutinizes at Kuroko, who was merely unfazed since he was sued to this kind of treatment.

"I was here with them since the beginning," Kuroko explained softly, "Since I have an extra bill, you can take this so you can go home." He then places the money in front of the miko, who was very touched at the gesture and takes the money as she said, "Thank you. What's your name?"

"I swear she looked like she got attracted to Kuroko," Kawahara said in a blank manner.

Momoi, who heard Kuroko's teammate say that, shrieked angrily as she stomped her feet, "No, she did not!"

"Kuroko Tetsuya. And yours?"

"Himegami Aisa."

Wow! You're a woman killer! The three boys who are with him said in both awe. Suddenly, before they can even react, Himegami already stood up and even before Kuroko was able to speak further, he moved out of her table as to their surprise, a group of men wearing formal attire was actually waiting for her in the end of the stairs. She leaves with them without saying good bye to Kuroko and company.

"Eh? Is she a VIP or what?" Ogiwara asked. It's very unusual to see a miko princess get fetched by a group of men in black, after all.

Who are they? Does she even know them? Kamijou wondered as he watches them go down.

Unfortunately for him, his question would be answered just a few hours from now.

Sneak peak for the next chapter!

Kuroko Tetsuya finally manages to get some help form his cousin. But things are just bound to get more awry. After meeting Himegami Aisa at the restaurant, Kuroko was asked by his dorm mate to look out for Index in the evening as Kamijou claimed he would be out for some serious business.

Unfortunately for the tealnette, Index got away while he was busy talking with Kagami and the rest of the Seirin basketball team in his phone. The moment he realizes the nun is gone, Kuroko then set out to personally find her, leading him to a place called Misawa Cram School, where he would realize that this city is more than what meets the eye. Basically, it would be his first time plunging into the Magic World, where only a few in this city even knows about. Can his Misdirection even win against Aureolus Izzard's Ars Magna?

See you in the next chapter!

"Well, where's that stupid angel?" Aomine drawled, "He should appear at any moment, right?"

Unfortunately for the Touou ace, no one appeared.

"It appears that I have to play the next video," Midorima sighed as he pressed the button to move to the next episode.