~Second Quarter – Kuroko's Basketball~
第二季: 黑子的篮球
Through My Heart
Chapter 6 - Special Talent - 天赋
"You keep dribbling until you reach the hoop and then you push the ball up," Aomine let out a sigh as he demonstrated how to do a layup one more time to both Kuroko and Miho.
The girl watched intensely, "Alright...let me try again..."
After a week of practicing, Miho could finally manage to dribble the ball without it falling out of her range. She had to admit to herself, she was quite pathetic at the sport.
The bluenette put on a determined expression as she dribbled the ball up to the hoop and tried not to just stop like she had the previous time. Instead, she got the ball in position and pushed it up into the air, only to have it fall straight back down.
"Eek!" Miho gasped as she dodged out of the way.
Both Kuroko and Aomine sweat dropped. Even Kuroko could at least manage to shoot the ball during a layup...
Aomine shook his head in disapproval, "Are you like, incapable of playing sports? Just...shoot the ball!"
Miho sighed, "It's not that easy! I feel like I'm going to crash into the wall if I don't slow my speed down at the end of a layup!"
Aomine shook his head, "Ugh...just keep trying. Tetsu even got it...!"
Annoyed, the bluenette picked up the ball again. This time, she would definitely get it in! She was going to show that dumb basketball idiot to not make fun of her!
The girl's eyes observed as Aomine did another layup. She analyzed the timing of his jump and his shot...
Letting out a sigh of preparation, Miho snapped her eyes open and tried the layup again.
"Concentrate...don't slow down too much...push the ball up..."
Whoosh.
Miho watched in amazement as the ball actually went through the hoop, "Wah! Te-chan, Dai-chan! I did it! It went in! It actually went in!"
Aomine and Kuroko turned to her, "Really? Do it again!"
Miho deadpanned at this. The only time it went in and they didn't see it. Well, she guessed that she could do it again...
Clunk.
With that, the ball bounced disobediently on the rim of the hoop and landed on Miho's head.
Aomine blinked before bursting out into laughter. Even Kuroko covered his mouth to stop his laughing.
Miho glared at the two, "I really did it once! Argh!"
These even practices were great. Despite the teasing and mocking, Miho enjoyed spending her time with these two boys. Before she knew it, she was laughing at herself alongside both Aomine and Kuroko. For the first time in her life, she felt genuinely happy.
.-.-.-.
"I want Kuroko Tetsuya promoted to the second string," Miho announced and bowed to the three coaches.
Watanabe widened his eyes, "That guy that just recently stopped throwing up?! Why?"
"Explain your reasoning, Nanase," Shirogane narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.
"As I said before, Kuroko-kun has something different from the rest of the players. If he gets promoted, I'll personally train him to discover his ability and put it to use. I promise I can do it...!" the bluenette bowed again.
"That's absurd! You may have discovered something about the four first years but that's because they are geniuses and have amazing growths and potentials. They would've discovered their skills sooner or later without you. Don't think so highly of yourself!" Watanabe scolded.
Shirogane turned to Sanada, "What is your opinion on this, Sanada?"
The first strings' coach pushed up his glasses and stared at Miho, "I think we should give her two weeks. If she cannot come up with something in two weeks, then we'll demote him to the third string."
Miho widened her eyes, "T-Thank you!"
"We don't have that kind of time! Isn't it better for her to use her so called skills on improving the players that can for sure to be used than some weak third string boy?" Watanabe argued against Sanada's decision.
Shirogane motioned for the arguing to stop, "Nanase, I admit that you have a great ability. Your technique reading and such has improved a lot as well. However Watanabe is correct. If he truly has the skill, then he should be able figure something out himself. I do not want you to waste your time training someone that we might not be able to use. However, I will keep my end of the promise. Tomorrow is the fall test for the third strings. You can observe him until then."
Dejected, Nanase gave a small bow, "Yes, thank you very much. I'm sorry for making such an absurd request."
Shirogane nodded, "You should head to class now."
"Yes, sir," the bluenette nodded and walked out of the door.
Sanada silently watched her leave.
.-.-.-.
"Nanase Miho from class 7-1, please report to the office," the school intercom sounded.
Miho snapped up from her History research and saw Midorima push up his glasses.
"You should go," he stated.
Miho nodded, "A-Alright..."
She walked out of the library with a sigh. Today was the day of the fall test for the third strings. There was no way that Kuroko was going to be promoted without something special. She had racked her brains hard last night to come up with something that only Kuroko could do. He has a ghostly presence so he could specialize in something like stealing the ball, right? He could be an invisible force that taps the ball out of the opponents' hands... Whatever it was, she needed more time to work with him to develop his skills.
Shaking her head, Miho stepped into the office to find Sanada standing there, looking at her.
"Watanabe has called in sick today. You'll be in charge of the third strings' fall test today. This is an order from Shirogane," the coach sternly told the girl.
"Yes..." Miho nodded, "Thank you for informing me, sir."
When she turned on her heels and was about to leave, Sanada spoke out, "Nanase, don't do anything that you'll regret. Failing to follow orders will get you exiled from the club. Don't risk your position for a player."
Miho paused, "...I won't let you down, Coach Sanada."
With that, she walked out of the office. So Sanada believed that she would raise Kuroko into the second string... She was sure that Shirogane was testing her loyalty to Teiko's club by giving her this job. It was almost like a trap to lure her in...
.-.-.-.
Miho widened here eyes and cursed aloud as she did the testing, "...Damn it...!"
The standards were very high and there was no way that Kuroko could make it to the second string. In fact, he would probably ranked second last, if not last.
Miho remembered what Sanada told her before she entered the gym.
"Also, Nanase. Shirogane requested for you to recommend the members who score the lowest five on the third string test to drop the club.
Miho stood there paralyzed at this, "S-Sanada-san! I-I can't possibly...!"
Ignoring her protest, Sanada turned and walked away with a dark expression.
Pressing the whistle to her mouth, she shakily blew it. All the players gathered up around her.
"F-For the fall test...this time, n-nobody's going up to the second string...!" Miho bit her lip as she announced, "You all should think about what you're missing when you're practicing...! That's all!"
At that moment, Sanada walked into the gym and stood beside the girl, "I'll do the recommendations. I understand that it's hard for you since he's your friend...good job not messing up."
Miho nodded and ran out of the gym. Why was it so cruel?! She knew that Kuroko worked harder than most of the first stringers and loved basketball even more that Aomine. Thus, why did this have to happen...! She could only hope that he wouldn't quit the club. The girl sat outside the gymnasium and collapsed on the ground.
She felt so useless. Even after a month, she couldn't quit grasp what Kuroko's special skill was. Not wanting to lead him the wrong way, she had kept quiet about it and not spoken about it to anyone.
"I'm sorry..." a whisper came from behind her and Miho stood up to see Kuroko walking with a crestfallen expression while staring at the sky.
She widened her eyes when she saw him collapse and start crying at a lamppost.
"Te-chan...!" Miho gasped and ran over.
The boy turned around with tears in his eyes, "Nanase-san...tell me, what should I do... What should I do...?"
His expression looked like one of a person who's lost all the hope in the world. Miho could only kneel down beside the boy and hug him while he clung to her.
She had a horrified expression on her face and she could feel her own tears falling down. Miho remembered the times when Kuroko would talk about basketball with that glimmer of hope and love in his eyes. She remembered the determination that would be in his eyes when they played against each other in basketball.
Nanase Miho was unsure herself of what he should do, but she knew that he shouldn't quit basketball. He couldn't quit basketball.
"Don't quit," Miho whispered and released the boy, "You can't quit. I haven't told you this, but I think you're hiding a talent—something that's different from Dai-chan and the rest of the players. Come on let's go see Dai-chan."
With renewed determination, Miho dragged Kuroko to the gym where they always practiced and saw three familiar figures by the door.
"Oh, Miho, Tetsu...!" Aomine waved with a smile at the two.
Akashi, Murasakibara and Midorima turned around, "Miho...?"
Setting his eyes on the light blue haired boy, Akashi narrowed his eyes, "Miho, who is he?"
"Oh...we always practice together," Aomine stated.
"Huh~ I don't remember there being a person like that..." Murasakibara stared at Kuroko.
"That's because he's not in the first string," Aomine stated.
"Huh...I see. Hey, let's go already~ Nana-chin, do you have sweets today? I haven't received sweets from Nana-chin for a long time already," Murasakibara happily asked Miho.
Miho was about to reply when Akashi cut in, "...No, wait. I'm a little interesting in him. Fascinating...I've never seen his type before."
The blue haired girl widened her eyes and met Akashi's gaze, "Sei-chan! You think so too? He's hiding a talent entirely different from the rest of you, right?"
Akashi looked at Miho, "Of course you would notice...so you went to the third string for a month just for this...? Would the rest of you mind going ahead of us? I need to discuss this with Miho for a bit."
The three other boys stared at Miho and Akashi for a while before nodding and shutting the gym door after they left.
Akashi nodded and turned to Miho after they left, "Miho, mind if you explain your observations for the past month?"
The bluenette let out a sigh and told the vice-captain all about Kuroko's hard work and determination.
"...I see. As I thought, you're very interesting. It's the first time I've ever seen...someone who is so serious about basketball, yet has no fruits to show for their labors," Akashi muttered to himself.
At this, Kuroko deadpanned and the atmosphere around him darkened, "I am sorry...I'm currently no in the right state of mind to hear those words."
Akashi sweat dropped and waved his hand, "Ah, I apologize. I didn't mean it that way. I'm impressed. From what I've heard from Miho, your physical abilities are low, but your reflexes aren't bad. It's not as though you're not smart, and it seems your sports IQ is rather high. Looking at your history and the amount of practice, you have a decent amount of experience. Yet, despite all of that, I don't feel anything when I look at you. This is an extremely special situation. Usually anyone who plays sports to a certain extent and gains experience will begin to emit an aura of strength or weakness. It's unconscious and uncontrollable. To put it more broadly, you lack presence not only in your daily life, but also as a sports athlete. I'll repeat, this is a very special situation. It's not shortcoming and on the contrary, this is your greatest strength. On top of that, you attracted Miho's attention the first moment she glanced at you."
The bluenette laughed, "Well, it was just a coincidence at first, I think. But I started thinking that if he could take advantage of his lack of presence, it would become a great weapon. However, I wanted to observe him a bit more during practices, that's why I requested the coaches to let me observe the third string for a month. I was unsure of whether or not it could actually work..."
"Take advantage of my lack of presence...? Is something like that...even possible?" Kuroko whispered.
Akashi was silent for a while, "Whether it's possible or not if up to your ability. Miho and I won't be able to tell you much more. What we told you just now is not something you can find within established basketball teachings. It means you'll have to invent a completely new style. You'll have to discover it through trial and error. In order to create an entirely new style, you'll have to believe in yourself. Even if it was something either Miho or I could teach you, you'll fail if you're only half convinced."
Akashi paused and gripped Miho's hand as he walked towards the door, "Miho won't be able to supervise you in the third string from now on. She's have her own training duties to do with us. I also have my own practicing and vice-captain duties. We don't have to time to hold your hand and teach you step by step."
Miho stared at the boy as she was being dragged away by Akashi, "Te-chan, we believe in you. I have always believed in you, so you have to try hard, alright?"
Akashi nodded, "I'll also give you some hints. One is, that in order to create something new, you'll have to discard established concepts. Another is, that while you may have a strength, this does not change the fact that you yourself, is still weak. You should use your ability for the team, not for yourself."
With that, Akashi opened the door but then paused again, "Oh yes, one more thing. This isn't a hint but even if you come up with an answer, we probably won't be able to test its effectiveness through the regular periodic test. When you know, you'll have to come see me or Miho. We'll recommend you to the coach and captain and have them test you in a different way."
Akashi gave the boy a smiled before dragging Miho out of the gym and then closing the door.
"S-Sei-chan..." the girl whispered in awe at his way of handling things. There was no way that she could've told him all of that just by one glance. Miho would've hesitated and worried if what she was doing was right.
The red haired boy smiled at her before releasing her hand. After that, they both turned and noticed Midorima leaning against the wall.
"Shin-chan..!" Miho widened her eyes while Akashi smiled.
"I see you were listening, Midorima," the vice captain noticed.
The three started their walk home, "I was curious about the guy who caught yours and Miho's eye. But I still can't believe it. Do you two seriously think that he can become useful on the court?"
"...We'll see. Miho's opinion of him and mine are completely different. To me, he's just a stranger I just met. It's not my duty to take care of him. However, Miho seems to have grown attached to the boy...?" Akashi smiled at the girl suggestively.
The bluenette stared at the sky, "I thought Sei-chan was pretty amazing, telling him everything like that. But then again, I guess it's because he's a good friend of mine that I couldn't make him throw away everything he's strived for so far and create a new technique. I know that I won't be able to help him much since nobody knows what he's completely capable of, other than himself. But I'll definitely help him when he needs it."
Akashi patted the girl's head, "Miho, you're too soft. His style...you should let him figure it out on his own. If he fails, then you'll just be wasting your time, right?"
Miho stayed silent. She was grateful to Akashi overall. Without him, Kuroko would've given up on hope by now. However, he now has a renewed determination.
A small smile creeping up her face, Miho stared up into the sky, "...Yeah."
.-.-.-.
Kuroko stood in the empty gym and picked up the ball on the ground.
He has decided. He will grasp onto this glimmer of hope and not let go. He would not let Miho's efforts go to waste.
He would stand back up again and fulfill all the promises he had made over the past year—to Aomine, to his childhood friend, and to Miho.
A/N: Disclaimer - I do not own KuroBasu of any of the characters.
OMG. WOW. I HAVE NOT UPDATED IN FOREVER. Okaaay... SORRY. I'm really sorry for not updating in so long. School is so busy...feels like it has been three years since it started already...ugh... Well, my school life aside, I am currently having an extremely unhealthy obsession with Rivaille/Levi from Shingeki no Kyojin/Attack on Titan. Gah, he's so cool... *Starts fangirling all over again. Don't worry though, I am still completely obsessed with Kuroko no Basuke. Can't wait for the new chapter of the manga to come out...!
Okay. Hoops is still going. I'll update it once the Heart arc is finished, I think. Which.. at this rate, is not going to be finished for a while. But I really wanted to update this time because of your amazing reviews. I was so mighty happy when reading them! Thus, if you want a faster update, please review! They really spur me on!
Anyways, please review, and I love you all!
~Yuvi