A/N: Yayz an update for you guys. This chapter is a bit shorter than the last two but I couldn't really find a better spot to end it without going on for another two thousand words. Oh and some details about the match have been changes on the grounds that I can't remember every detail precisely. Also it's currently midnight where I live so bravo for dedicated authoress' ne? (Yes I actually say ne? in real life as well.)

-Chapter Three-

Game day came struck at the pace of a bullet train. One minute she'd been dragging Ryou out of Seirin's gym whilst said teams regulars looked on in confusion the next it's the end of the school day four days later. Fridays were generally the calmest class wise. The peak in the middle of the week was over and now everyone was just tired or thinking about what they'd be doing on the weekend. Kisa herself was more concerned about the practice match. It would be an opportunity to see how the team worked together and each member's individual talents in a mildly pressured situation. Perfect for his to finalise most of her notes.

Beside her Kise twitched with anticipation whether it was excitement for the game or anxiety to see his previous 'Kurokocchi' again she couldn't tell. The blond's clinginess to Kuroko had always confused her, yeah sure the passing specialist had been his mentor but that really didn't justify Kise's Kuroko obsession. Okay, scratch that the copycat was clingy to practically anyone he respected Kisa included.

With half an hour left of the school day most of the class was twitchy and unfocused doodling on their notebook pages rather than actually doing maths. Kisa found maths boring on a good day being incredibly skilled with numerical problem solving having been in a highly advanced stream back in America. Now she was stuck doing normal maths in a normal first-year class, recipe for incredibly bored genius you bet. Lines of square roots negative x's combined with fractions and other random numbers along with diagrams of complicated composite shapes sprawled across her page. Notes written in both Japanese and English in varying different colours of pen, If any of her classmates had looked at the page they would have been thoroughly confused for Kisa the mess of numbers and symbols was normality she'd tried to solve worse problems before.

"Kisacchi." Ryou's catlike golden eyes were stretched wide as possible attempting to look innocent. He poked her shoulder with his pen in the most irritating manner humanly possible. She glared back green eyes narrowing slightly in annoyance.
"What do you want? Unlike the rest of you I'm actually trying to do work." Kisa sighed turning back to her work hurriedly tapping away at her calculator for a few seconds before writing down whatever result the device came up with.
"Help me, it's hard." The blond whined putting on his most convincing pout. She didn't even bother to acknowledge him continuing to work through the problem meticulously intentionally working slowly to antagonize her childhood friend longer. "Please, Kisacchi. Azumane-sensei will get mad if I don't finish it."

"No," Kisa retorts blandly letting her notebook shut with a satisfying slam slipping it into her satchel along with her laptop and pens. Kise just kept looking at her with wide puppy-dog eyes. "Fine." She breathed out reaching across between their desks grabbing his notepad and beginning to write down the steps to get the answer leaving the actual calculating to the blond. She dropped the book back onto Kise's desk exactly five minutes before the bell was due to ring the copycat moving to begin bashing numbers into his calculator immediately.

"Thank you Kisacchi!" Kise beamed turning off his calculator and tearing out the pages of his notepad stapling them to the back of his assignment sheet. Kisa just sighed shaking her head in a fond manner. It was classic for the blond to leave assignments until a day before they were due and rush to finish them on time completing his task moments before the task was due.

"Students, you may leave hand up your assignments on the way out." True to form their teacher announced they could leave right as the bell rang. Students scrambled to leave shoving stuff into their bags throwing assignments onto Azumane-sensei's desk before sprinting out the door to end of week club activities and after that the weekend. Kisa trailed behind putting her things away calmly slinging her bag over her shoulder before leaving the classroom only those who were rushing to finish their assignments left behind.

"You coming to practice immediately Kisacchi or do you have stuff to do first?" They walked together down the middle of the hall Kisa having to crane her neck in order to see above other students' heads.
"I'm coming for the first half hour then collecting Seirin. No you can't come with me." She added the second comment before the blond could even ask. If she were being honest he'd follow regardless but at least she'd warned him about the beating he was bound to get if he did.
"But I wanna see Kurokocchi." Kisa didn't even bother gracing him with a reply instead increasing her pace in order to make it to the gym faster. Kise ran after her whining about something or other the entire time, she'd given up paying attention to the blond's muses ages ago.

"Come on Ryou, we'll both get yelled at if we're late." Once outside the building they both started jogging towards the first gym. Students looked at them strangely as they ran past particularly as Kisa was able to easily keep pace with the unusually tall blond despite being tiny. They reached the gym in record time Kise immediately diving for the changing rooms Kisa to the female toilets also to get changed. School uniform was uncomfortable for her mostly because hers was far to big and therefore felt like a tent otherwise she just really hated skirts.

Five minutes later the entire Kaijou team was assembled in practice gear. They split in half First-string regulars and a couple of reserves on one side and everyone else on the other. Coach Takeuchi stood before the regulars staring the group of 7 down with beady eyes. Kisa stood to the side watching them calmly. The group was all in playing uniform looking proud. Takeuchi's eyes landed on Kise who fiddled animatedly with his top tucking it into his shorts over and over again.

"You won't be playing Kise, the other regulars will bring in a landslide victory." The large man spoke with a definite tone glaring down the melodramatic blond. "Go get changed into normal practice gear." Kise didn't even bother attempting to process knowing he'd get nowhere sulking away to the changing rooms. Kisa tried not to laugh at the coach's sore underestimation of Seirin. They may have been a newly created team but the profiles she had seen spoke of a powerhouse in the making. She made a bet with herself that Kise would be playing within the first quarter. The other regulars were strong and Kiryu wasn't a weak small forward by any means but Kise was the teams' ace.

"Miyazaki, you are to watch the game but give no strategy advice. It's also your job to make sure everybody else continues practice as normal on the other half-court." Takeuchi's beady eyes seamed to bore holes into her very being as he stared her down with an intensity she'd only ever seen from the Generation of Miracles.
"Yes, Takeuchi-sensei. I also need to leave now in order to collect Seirin." Kisa spoke calmly refusing to let the coach's intimidation methods get to her. She'd grown up with two brothers both significantly taller than her and a near bat-shit insane father, nothing really got to her anymore. The coach just grunted his consent for her to leave.

"Miyazaki-san said she'd meet us here." Riko sighed looking around standing at the Kaijou gates. The Seirin team stood behind her all with varying looks of wonderment on their faces. Compared to Seirin Kaijou was huge and almost regal looking. The architecture combined both traditional Japanese structures with modern and western themes giving the school an almost archaic look. Neatly cut grass and Sakura trees lined the path leading away from the entrance cherry blossom petals littering the concrete.

"I apologize for leaving you waiting Aida-san, Seirin." Kisa skidded to a halt before them black hair billowing in the gentle breeze. Instead of the Kaijou uniform she wore black jeans, a dark blue t-shirt, grey hoodie and purple and white basketball shoes. She panted slightly from exertion faintest red tint on her cheeks from running the reasonable distance from the gym to great them. Riko opened her mouth to reply before a black and yellow bullet came flying past latching onto Kuroko with ease.

"Kurokocchi, long time no see!" Kise exclaimed clinging to the blue-haired teen crocodile tears spilling down his cheeks.
"You saw me 4 days ago Kise-kun." Kuroko deadpanned not even moving to detach the blond from his neck. The rest of Seirin just looked on in amazement. Yes, Kuroko generally had the patience of a saint but anyone would get annoyed with a 5-year-old-stuck-in-the-body-of-a-15-year-old hanging off of them. When they'd first met Kise he'd appeared mature and worthy of the Generation of Miracles title it only took 5 minutes past that for the blond's immaturity to show. Now they weren't sure whether they were dealing with a spoilt kid or a basketball prodigy.

"Ryou, get off Kuroko. And I thought I told you not to come." Kisa glared at her childhood friend who just continued to lounge over Kuroko without a care in the world.
"Kisacchi…"
"You're lucky I can't be bothered throwing something at you. Seriously get back to practice idiot." Kisa's voice was edged with steel as she stalked towards Kise glaring with icy eyes. The threat was left hanging in the air but Kise briskly untangled himself from Kuroko evidently knowing he'd pushed the limits as far as they could go.

The pair of Kaijou first-years had a brisk whispered discussion before Kise sprinted off into the distance leaving Kisa standing before Seirin alone hair and jacket dancing in the wind. Most of the team looked confused having only briefly seen Kisa at their Monday afternoon practice when Kise had invaded and now seeing the girl properly was somewhat shocking. They'd all expected her to be taller and more athletically built given the deadly aim she'd exhibited with a basketball only days prior. Instead they were faced with a short, ridiculously skinny and weak looking girl with a sickly complexion.

"I also apologize for the interruption. Please follow me, the match is due to start soon." With that she turned on her heal leading the Seirin team away from the gates into the heart of Kaijou high school. The team whispered amongst themselves as they followed closely behind Kisa. It appeared as if Kaijou wasn't taking them seriously. Sure Kisa was being a good escort and gave off a polite vibe but arrogance radiated off Kise in such a way that said 'we'll win no matter how hard you try dumbasses.'

"What do you think you're doing Kise, I already told you you're not playing." Coach Takeuchi barked at the blond who was busy making sure his singlet was tucked neatly into his shorts. Kasamatsu just looked on from the side watching the ace get scolded with mild levels of amusement, it served the arrogant kouhai right. He needed a good scolding and by someone else other than Kasamatsu himself or Kisa.

"We're here." Speak of the devil and they will appear. Kisa's quiet voice just reached the captain's ears as she led a team of twelve teens dressed in black, white and red uniforms lead by a brunette girl who he assumed to be Seirin's manager into the gym. They looked more threatening than he thought they would. Sure most of them were on the small side but the one player that really stood out (the large redhead with funny eyebrows) took up the intimidation factor of three people.

"We're not using the full court?" The brunette girl asked Kisa as the team set their things down next to the bench on the opposite side of the gym to where Kasamatsu crouched tying his shoelaces.
"The coach decided the other players wouldn't get anything out of watching the match so they're going to continue practicing on the other half court." Kisa replied calmly observing the Seirin team as they warmed up together mostly through a set of passing drills.

"Miyazaki" Takeuchi yelled across the gym prompting the small 14-year-old to mutter a brisk apology to Riko before darting across the gym to stand before the large man.

"Yes coach?" She spoke as sweetly assuming as per usual that she'd done something to aggravate the coach unnecessarily. It was easy enough to do, even Kasamatsu agreed the coach had a short temper and he really wasn't one to talk on the matter.
"First gather the regulars together than make sure Blondie is practicing." Takeuchi ordered glaring down at her in the most intimidating way a middle-aged fat guy could manage which to be honest wasn't overly intimidating. Kisa just nodded making a set of hand gestures at Kasamatsu prompting the captain to do her first job for her before walking off to drag Kise over to the practice second and third string members.

"Moriyama, stop eyeing off Seirin's manager, Hayakawa calm down, Kobori, Kiryu… wait neither of you is actually doing anything really. Huddle." The regulars (and substitute small forward) all flocked towards Kasamatsu as if he were the shepherd and they the sheep. Moriyama shot one final wink over his shoulder at the brunette teen leading Seirin. The group of 5 gathered in a small circle arms over each other's shoulders.

"Okay, this match shouldn't be hard but that isn't reason to take it easy. Coach has chosen to play without Kise on the court and Miyazaki isn't aloud to give us strategy advice we're effectively on our own. Let's go." Kasamatsu spoke with finality team splitting apart immediately to line up. Hayakawa as per normal even for a practice match brimmed with enthusiasm Kobori attempting to hold the overexcited power forward down. Moriyama continued attempting to chat up Seirin's manager or coach, Kasamatsu couldn't tell which for the life of him and Kiryu tried to look at everything but the redhead standing before him. Kasamatsu nearly felt sorry for the brunette first-year, nearly, the brat was good enough to win himself a place on the first-string reserve set he better prove it.

"Make this a clean match, this is a training exercise for both teams. The coaches will be watching your performances closely." Kisa almost sounds exasperated standing in the middle of the court whistle around her neck basketball slung under one arm. "And yes I know how to referee before anyone asks." Her eyes stray to both teams for a second particularly Seirin's captain who looked like he wanted to say something. The entire Kaijou basketball club had found out very quickly that their weak looking manager was far from it. She knew how to play basketball incredibly well becoming a powerhouse pocket rocket if given the reason to play. They'd only see her take up a challenge once and from Kise none the less when a set of second-string players had challenged her legitimacy as a manager claiming she must have known nothing about basketball. Then the pair of first-years had decided to play a one-on-one game to prove a point, Kisa didn't just know basketball, she could play basketball incredibly well for someone her size.

"Let's go." With that the whistle was blown with incredibly force ball flying into the air Kobori just about touching it before the overzealous redhead of Seirin land smashed it out of the sky towards what appeared to be empty space only for it to end up in the hands of number 5 moments later. Kasamatsu sidestepped blocking the dark-eyed teen with ease only to have the ball seemingly disappear again as the Seirin second-year dashed past passing off to the side still to a seemingly empty piece of court. Just as the ball was about to bounce out of bounds a small blue-haired guy (Seirin number 11 Kasamatsu would later come to recall) materialised tap passing through Kiryu's legs to number 10 who leapt into a dunk swinging on the hoop for a few moments striking a victory pose once he'd landed grinning from ear to ear.

That's when the realisation the idiot had bought the hoop down with him hit the entire contents of Kaijou's first gym.

The whistle slipped from Kisa's mouth in an almost comical manner eyes growing wide as she looked at Kagami hoop held victoriously in his hand. Until he realised everyone was staring at him that is. Then the redhead recoiled rather violently stumbling backwards looking at the hoop in bewilderment. Kuroko to his credit just took it in his stride walking straight over to Coach Takeuchi and presumably asking to use the full court, given the reaction that came next anyway.

"Miyazaki, organize the full court. Blondie you better be ready to play. Kiryu you're back on the bench." Takeuchi bellowed not even regarding the people he was ordering around instead opting for glaring at Kagami. Who hadn't moved from his spot still staring confusedly at the hoop in his hand. Kisa almost felt sorry for him, she'd been on the wrong end of the coach after only three weeks to know what it felt like. She enjoyed being a manager it took a lot less physical energy than playing but kept her overactive mind entertained, she also really didn't like Coach Takeuchi it was mindboggling how he even got hired in the first place.

"Second and Third string clear away the practice stuff. Naotsugu, Shiroe you're in charge of mopping the court I'll raise the curtain." The second and third-string members just stood frozen looking between Kagami and the hoop-free backboard in amazement. Kisa sighed hardening her gaze adding an extra edge of harshness to her voice. "That means get to it, we can't afford to break the game for too long." She snapped clicking her tongue for emphasis before striding away towards the curtain and bleachers control panel near the door.

True to form 5 minutes later the court was ready main hoops lowered into place for cleaned and dried impeccably broken hoop dealt with. The two coaches after a brief argument coming to the conclusion that Kaijou would pay for the damage itself since the bolts were rusted. Kisa stood in the centre of the court again sandwiched by Kobori and Kagami whistle clamped tightly between her teeth ball in hand ready for the toss up. She blew the whistle with far more force than necessary shrill ringing echoing around the gym as the ball was thrown into the air with as much force as she could manage. If Seirin was going to issue a challenge like that Kaijou would pay it back without a second thought.

Kagami is first to reach the ball again springing into the air with a superhuman jumping ability. He propels the ball towards where he believes Izuki to be only to have it intercepted by Kise who snatches the ball out of the air transitioning into a dribble effortlessly. The blond sprints down the court with ease dodging around any defender that comes into his path. He leaps forcing the ball through the net swinging on the rim for a moment letting the bolts creak beneath his weight before landing smirking much like a cat that got the cream.

After that the game dissolved into faces paced organised chaos the teams matching each other point for point. If Kise were to make a dunk Kagami would answer right back with another, Moriyama or Kasamatsu land a three pointer Hyuuga and Izuki would make a shot in reply. Hayakawa miss a rebound? Mitobe Seirin's silent centre would snatch it right out of the exuberant teen's grasp. Despite years of practice watching fast-paced games thanks to the Generation of Miracles Kisa was having troubling keeping up barely registering one point before the next would go in. It was one of those games she wished she could have watched as a simple spectator not as manager analysing the game but enjoying the high-level action instead.

"Time out please Miyazaki-san." Riko seemingly materialised at Kisa side making the younger teen jump slightly.
"Noted." She responded eyes never leaving the match dismissing the brunette with a wave of the hand. It didn't take long for calling a time out to be plausible. Kagami landing yet another dunk only moments after the request was given. Kisa blew the whistle again making a T shape with her hands before letting the noisemaker drop from between her lips. "Seirin, Time out."

Kise trotted over to the Kaijou bench eagerly grabbing his water and gulping about half of it down without thinking before plonking himself on the bench. The other regulars weren't far behind. Not even 10 minutes into the game and they were already starting to show signs of tiring. None of them had expected Seirin to be this strong but it was the knowing smirk on their managers face that set them all on edge.

"You saw the profiles before this didn't you Miyazaki." Takeuchi growled staring down the small 14-year-old fire burning in his eyes.
"Maybe, I also knew Kuroko before thanks to Teikou. If you're implying I knew this match would be hard and possibly should have warned you then you are correct Takeuchi-sensei." Kisa made her best attempt at looking innocent flicking her bangs out of her eyes and making the perfect angelic face complete with puppy-dog eyes, batting her eyelashes for extra effect.
"Warn us next time. You're job as manager is to keep the team prepared Miyazaki not leave as barely hanging on to a team we should be thrashing."
"It will get easier."

4 of the 5 players on the bench regarded her curiously after that, Kise just looking on from where he sat with a towel around his shoulders superior smirk plastered on his pretty-boy face. The pair made eye contact for only a moment Kisa inclining her head ever so slightly in confirmative manner before turning back to the team. This just made the others more curious. They all knew the pair were childhood friends and attended Teikou together for a time but for both to know a team's weakness screamed suspiciousness.

"Kuroko's misdirection will not last the entire 40 minutes. The more he uses it the more we get used to it." Kisa started calm demeanour returning completely ignoring the coach's annoyed grunting.
"Because he's slow and his only talent is passing Kurokocchi's misdirection is possibly the only thing preventing him from being useless to a team." Kise continued golden eyes glinting dangerously with contempt.
"Therefore it is also possible to force misdirection to run out." She took up where the copycat ace had left off. Kasamatsu was the first of the Kaijou regulars to catch on to what the first-year duo was hinting at. The remaining three picking up the line moments later.

"Basically we need to shut down Kuroko." Moriyama asked tilting his head to the side in mild confusion. "How are we supposed to corner someone who's invisible though?"
"That, I haven't figured out. Not yet anyway." Kisa sighed looking down at the floor examining the cracks between the wooden planks. "We can just hope to do our best or let it run out by itself."

"Leave it to me." Kasamatsu spoke with finality rising to his feat. The other regulars followed Kise brining up the rear still looking rather catlike with an all-knowing grin.

"We won't loose this game, Kisacchi. Not to Kurokocchi."

A/N: Thank you so very much for reading. Next time the conclusion of the match and Kise antagonizing Kuroko about Kagami's growing abilities and infinite potential. Oh and an explanation as to why Kisa doesn't actually play basketball despite being reasonable at it. (or part of an explanation anyway) So please follow favourite and review if you enjoyed as it really encourages me to write more for you guys.

Thank you so, so much
-Angel