A/N: Again, I apologize for my poor grammar... But I hope you will enjoy this chapter! Have fun reading it~! /wink

Here is a quick shout-out to those who have reviewed my story:
Xxdreamergirl95xX and CherryPop0120; Thank you for showing your support to my story! ^^ You don't know how much your words had motivated me... /cried

Edited: 31/03/14

Disclaimer: I do not own KnB. Except for my OC-desu. -bowed-

As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.

- Antistheness

Undercover

Izanami's POV

Ever since I've matured and started to have my own ways of thinking, I have always find everything to be a pain in the neck.

Eating is a pain. Sleeping is a pain, Waking up is a pain, Going to school is a pain. Living is a pain; Everything is nothing but a pain to me. But what I am doing now is even more pain in the ass.

I, Garicia Izanami, sixteen year old, is currently going through a deep crisis. And the demon who put me through all these ordeal, is none other than my dear sadistic coach; Aida Riko.

Right. I should start from the beginning. It all started from a piece of paper. Yes, you didn't hear it wrong. However, don't overlook the value of that 'piece of paper'. That paper is capable enough to turn the fate around. The fate of the two man who I vowed to make them the number one in Japan, that is.

"Ne... Riko-san~ Please, I beg of you!" I begged. bowing my head in an 180 degrees angle earnestly.

"No can do, Nami-chan. I understand your feelings but, they can't just play in official match straight away. They're still trial members after-all." Riko sighed apologetically.

At first, I thought that after the practice match between the freshmen and sophomores had ended, Taiga and Kuroko-kun could finally be able to play in official matches along with the second years from then onward. But I was mistaken. Later did I realized in order to become a full-fledged member of basketball club, they have to have a membership form given by the coach.

Somehow, I had overheard the conversation between Taiga and Hyuga-senpai this morning. Leading me to seek permission from Riko-senpai regarding them being full-fledged members. However, from the looks of it, it won't be that easy.

"I'm willing to do anything you asked! So please, let Taiga and Kuroko-kun play in the official match! I beg of you, Riko-san!" I pleaded. Trying to sound as sincere as I could. Not knowing I had just dug my own grave.

"... Anything I ask, you said...?"

*Gulped*

With quiver voice, I answered. "Y-Y-Yes...?" I felt goose pimples all over my body when she said that. I have a bad feeling about this...

That smile on Riko-san's face definitely was off. The vibe she was giving off were reek of wick and danger. It wasn't a pleasant one. Too petrified to move, I could only accept the tragedy that's going to befall me and let myself dance around in the palm of hers. For the sake of Kuroko-kun and Bakagami, I'll definitely do what I can to help! Even if it means sacrificing myself!

And here I am. Hiding behind the bushes in Kaijo High's school yard and camouflaged myself with grass and weeds decorated on my head. "The plan is going smoothly, and I've successfully sneak into their school premises. Boss." With hush tone, I reported my status over to the coach through our phones.

"Good! Now, be careful and don't let yourself get caught. Find their gymnasium quickly and scout them before anyone notice you!"

"Roger."

Beep

That was what I said. But there is no way I can do this!

Thanks to my beloved coach, I've ended up being an undercover and an illegal trespasser. I would be done for if anyone were to find out I infiltrated their school. Besides, it's not like I could just pull out after having gotten these far. 'I've got to keep going!'

Hooray to the countless ninja-related-manga I had read, I was able to pull through this on my own. Well, just barely though.

After going through a pits of hell, I finally arrived at the destination; The Gymnasium of Kaijo High.

"... Huge." I gulped as my throat felt dry all of a sudden. And was rendered speechless upon seeing the size of their gym. Eyes wide as saucers as I scanned the building with my mouth agape. As expected of a veteran school for sport, they surely didn't disappoint me. However, what came next was totally out of my calculation.

"Kyaaa~ Kise-sama~!"

"-The hell!?"

I was swept up in an instant by a tsunami of fangirls prancing their way to the gym hysterically. It was the most disastrous event I had ever encountered in my life. My instinct has always told me; 'Never-mess-with-girls' and 'Stay-away-from-them-by-all-means'. Despite me being a girl as well, fan girls are on another level. They're not the same species as us human. If you're careless, you will die a horrible death with no bones or ashes remain.

Hence, I was pushed into the gym by the madness of fan girls. Fortunately, I didn't get stepped to death.

"That was a close one..." I muttered. Wiping the cold sweats off my forehead with my hand. It seemed like I let down my guard too soon. I'm still inside the enemy's turf after all.

'Wait... I can take advantage of this situation-!' I bumped my fist against my palm when a light bulb has lit up in my head.

Since I already got dragged into this, why not make the best out of it? Therefore, I blended into the crowd of girls and nimbled my way as near to the court as possible. In this way, no one would notice my presence and I can execute my plan smoothly. Killing two birds with one stone. Ain't it nice?

"Nene, doesn't Kise-sama look splendid today~!? As if he's glowing~" Fangirl A spoke in pure ecstasy as she watches her 'Kise-sama' in a daze. "What're you saying!? Kise-sama is ALWAYS splendid!" Fangirl B retorted and added on. Making a big fuss over the way how they should compliment their idol.

I sweat-dropped. A tad curious about who is this 'Kise-sama' they spoke so fondly of.

"Everyone! Don't slack off and continue running!" However, my attention soon was brought back toward the main reason of why I'm here. My gaze traveled to the court; The Kaijo High basketball club was doing their everyday drilling. Running laps around the court, practicing their shoots, doing sit-ups and so forth.

However, there's a particular guy stuck out like a sore thumb; A blondie.

'Wow... is he a delinquent or something? It's amazing that he can still play basketball without getting an earful from the teachers...' I pondered as I watched the blonde male got through the other players' screen easily. He dribbled his way to the basket, and did a flashy dunk. Effortlessly.

"Kyaaa~! Kise-sama is so cool~!" That one action of his, brought an instant uproar to all the maiden's hearts in the court. It was then I start to realize he's the 'Kise-sama' everyone spoke so highly of.

Hurling silent curses at the culprit behind my misery, I spat through gritted teeth. "... So, it was this dude who put me through this shit, huh...?" A wave of ominous and menacing aura seethed out from all pores on my body. Sending those hormonal girls to back away from me meekly. Was that woman intuition? Well, it was good that they isolated me. Even I wouldn't know what I'd do when I'm boiling like this.

For a second, Kise shuddered as a chill ran swiftly up his spine. Causing the nape of his neck to tingle. "What's wrong, Kise?" Kasamatsu Yukio, the captain of Kaijo High basketball club, asked the model half-worriedly. Quirking his brow at the blonde for his trembled state.

"E-Eh? Nothing... I thought I just felt a really perilous gaze piercing through my back somewhere... haha." He tried to dismiss the bad feeling he felt earlier by laughing. Only earning himself a kick on the head from his captain as a prize.

"I-It hurts! What're you doing, Kasamatsu-senpai!?" Kise cried. Unable to comprehend what just happened.

"You fool! You should concentrate yourself on the training than to care about your anti-fans!" Kasamatsu roared. Clearly agitated by whatever the blonde tried to do or said. It might be jealousy because of his kouhai's insanely popularity, or it might be just a way to show his affection. Well, whatever the case is, that kick just now was what I'd call SPLENDID. All my rage had dissipated in an instant. Way to go, Kasamatsu-san!

What an interesting team. The amity in their club is quite similar to us Seirin when we were training...

"Oh no! Kise-sama got hurt on his head-!" Fangirl C shrieked in a high pitch tone, before the rest of them start to panic and rushed forward. The gym has two floors; The first floor is mainly preoccupied with players doing their activities and training. The second floor are meant for spectators to watch their training. Mainly the fangirls. In other words, I'm actually standing at the second floor along with the rest of the girls. Letting myself drag into chaos again. Helplessly.

"S-Stop! It's danger-" Too late, as I could felt a rush of blood rushing up my brain and was sick to my stomach at the horrendous sight; I was falling.

Ah... damn!

In the end, due to all the pushing from the girls, I lost my balance and fell over the railing. A haze of fear surrounded me as I watched my surrounding spun a good 180 degrees in air. All I ever wished for before executing this mission of mine, was just hopping I could survive and make it back to Seirin in one piece! Was my dream that far-fetch? Was it so hard to be granted?

Shutting my eyes tight, I could only wait for the bone-breaking impact before entering an eternal slumber. Looks like I've got to break my promise with Kuroko-kun and Taiga about making them the top in Japan...

...

However, no matter how long I've waited. The impact never came. And occasionally, I could hear some gasping and murmuring in the background. I opened up my eyes slowly. Only to find myself in a position I never once thought it would occur to me; The blondie picked me up in the nick of time and carried me in a bridal style.

My eyes widened, as I blinked my long-lashed eyes disbelief and gave a small gasp. Trying to process what just happened like a super computer. When I finally registered what is happening right now, my face was instantly flush red. Somewhere deep within me, my heart was swelling with happiness that I was saved by such a romantic way. However, on the other notes, I was perturbed. Mainly because of the person who saved me.

"Are you alright?" Kise asked. The close proximity between our faces has made me scrunched up my face in discomfort as I arched back.

Grudgingly, I answered his concern with a nod. Should I be happy that I got saved in such a surreal way by the guy who put me through all these misery, or curse myself that now my cover has been blown? I batted my lashes. Contemplating what I should do to get out of these mess.

"Really? That's good to hear... Here you go." He gently put me down on the floor like how he would handle a baby, "Judging from your uniform, you're not a student from our school. Are you?" The blonde male asked, as I fidgeted under his intense scrutiny. D-Did he... found out?

Keep your cool... Calm down. And think rationally! Izana!

Despite of what my mind said, my expression was clearly shown otherwise. Beads of sweat cascaded down my face like a waterfall definitely didn't help me to think rationally. If I got busted here... How am I suppose to face Riko-senpai!? Not to mention there are still the membership forms to worry about.

"Ah! Could it be, you came all the way here just to see me?"

"... What?"

"I see~ It must be that case. If not, why would you come here all the way from your school? You must be a fan of mine, right?" Kise reasoned out pompously, as he flashed me one of his dazzling smile that he always showed to his fans. But it didn't make things better. Instead, he was adding fuel to fire. In my case, that is.

*Twitch*

Although I'm grateful that this guy is a simpleton and the thought of me being a spy never crossed his mind. However, it's not like I can betray my conscience and pretend I'm one of his fan when I'm clearly NOT. I strongly refuse to be lump together with the likes of those horny fan girls. Nope. Crossing my arms in an 'X' mentally to emphasize my point.

"Curse you, Kise! Why do you always get to hog all the chicks to yourself!? Life is so unfair..." Moriyama sobbed. While the other players nodded their head in sympathy. Well, I could sympathize with him. Life is indeed, unfair. A very good example would be; The Generation of Miracles.

They are strong. So strong that one would doubt whether they are humans or not. They were chosen ones. They are gifted. Their power, their awakenings, probably were already decided since they were born. Or maybe even way before. It would definitely frustrate anyone who isn't as gifted as them. But what else can they do? No matter how hard they worked, how much effort they had put into, their strength are still million miles away from the Generation of Miracles. They couldn't do anything. That's why Tatsuya always told me; "Don't expect life to be fair." Indeed. We can only accept the fact and get over it. That's reality.

That was what I thought, as well. Just like the rest of them.

"That woman... could it be that she purposely fell so that she could get Kise-sama's attention?" My ears perked up when I overheard my name being mentioned in the background. Probably from one of those fan girls. Judging the thorns and venoms dripping from each and every syllables. Their slanderous accusation of me was so funny that I could die laughing while rolling on the floor. Really.

With bangs hovering over my eyes, casting a shadow to my expression. I muttered darkly under my breath, "...Me? Falling purposely? You must be screwing with me..." Risking one's life in order to gain a stranger's attention whom might not even aware of your existence, is foolish.

Picking myself up and dusting off my wrinkled skirt, I glared at the blondie in front of me. Seething with anger, I approached him with heavy steps. Kise froze for a second there. Looking dumbfounded and lost at my change of demeanor.

"You... Do you know what you've done? First, I nearly got trampled to death by your fans. Then, I got pushed by your fans over the railing and almost break my frigging bone. And now I got bashed by those lovely fans of yours!" I snarled at the blondie as I pointed my finger accusingly at him. This is why I can't stand (1) Ikeman! Guys like him always tend to piss me off and bring misfortune. Wherever they goes, there will always be fuss. Their existence totally break the harmony and peace in our society! They should be eradicated, for the sake of humanity. Don't everyone think so?

"Too bad, I'm not your fan. In fact, I think I've just become your anti starting from today." I snorted. Ignoring the deadly glares from his fans as I continued, "My name is Garcia Izanami. I'm a manager of Seirin High basketball club. And I definitely didn't skip school just to come all the way here to see- Whoever you might be." I deadpanned. Stressing out the last part of my sentence so that hopefully, my message could get through that thick skull of his. Judging from Kise's slackened jaw, I assumed he had received it. Good.

The regulars from Kaijo were stunned by my introduction. One of them, however, kept his cool and spoke. "Seirin... You said? Why would a student and Manager of their basketball club be doing here?" That's right. It was none other than the captain of Kaijo's basketball club. My newfound favorite senpai-whom-I-deeply-respected.

"Why else? To gather data on the opponent that we're going to face in Interhigh. Of course." I replied. Unfazed by the questioning stares and askant look given by the club members. I admit that I jumped to conclusion too fast. But my guts have been telling me that one day, we will go up against them. And eventually face all members of Generation of Miracles at some point. If Taiga and Kuroko are going to stand at the top, they will have to face them. Sooner or later. So I'm not entirely wrong when I said that.

"Wait a second! If you're from Seirin... Then, that means Kurokocchi is there as well! Right?!" Kise asked excitedly. Beaming at me with his golden orbs. "That's right. Kuroko-kun is on our team too." I affirmed the blondie. Already feeling annoyed by his star-ish beam that was shining on me like a torch light.

"Wait again!" Now what!?

"You said your name is Garcia Izanami, right? Where have I heard that name before...?" Kise pondered hard as he tapped his chin with his finger. He was sure that name sounded oddly familiar to him though.

Seeing his exasperated look, I sighed. Though he has the look, he lacks intelligence. Who am I to talk? At first I didn't recognize him either. Well, you can't expect me to remember all the guys I had defeated in the past. Right? (Although it's in a game) But after looking a little more carefully, he resembled the pitiful guy who I had mopped the floor with two years ago. Due to his pathetic record, my impression on him was quite vivid. So, I decided to lend a helping hand to him as a token of thanks for saving me earlier. "The arcade. Does it ring any bell to you?"

"Arcade... Arcade... Ar- Ah!" He gasped. Eyes threatening to pop out of its sockets while pointing shakily at me. "Y-Y-You are that girl-"

"Yup. I'm that girl who managed to kick your ass in just three minutes two years ago."

I smiled, albeit not a genuine one.

"T-That's because I wasn't playing seriously! That's why I lost..." Kise lamented over his loss. Clutching his head as his past defeat came haunting down on him like some sort of nightmare. Now, a dark cloud was seen hovering above him. He hunched in a corner lifelessly. Drawing an imaginary circle on the floor as he twirled his finger round and round in a sulking manner. That topic was a taboo to bring it up! He thought no one was supposed to know about this dark secret of his other than his former teammates!

If only he could have a 'undo' button in his life...

"Erm... Garcia-san, why are you hiding behind me...?" The tall macho guy, Kobori Koji, known as a Center in their team, asked as he peered behind his back. Looking at me confusingly as he tried to force a smile.

"Because I'm allergic to ikeman like him."

"... Ha?" Everyone sweat-dropped from my comment. Is she serious?

Taking advantage of Kobori's back that looked as huge as a mountain, I used it as a shield from Kise. I began to eye warily at the sulking blonde situated at a corner. As if he was contagious or some bacteria. Haven't I said that I despise good-looking guys?

This comedic act soon was brought to an end after I heard an overly familiar voice reverberating the gym.

"Thank you so much! We look forward to the practice match next week."

This voice...!

"Riiiiikoooo-sannnn~~!" I launched myself into the arms of our coach standing at the entrance. Crushing her in a bear hug as tears of anguish trickled down my face. "Y-You are strangling m-me, N-Nami-chan..." Riko choked out as she struggled to get away from my iron grip.

"Ah. Sorry, Riko-san!" Hearing her complaint, I quickly loosen up my grip. "You don't want to know what kind of hardship I've been through today..." Eyes brimming with tears again as I recalled back the countless of times when the Grim Reaper had passed me by. It's a miracle that I managed to survive all that.

Riko patted my back gently. Soothing the rise-and-downs of my shoulder as she cooed, "Sorry, Izana. I made you gone through something terrible. Hadn't I? But everything's okay now."

I sniffed. Wiping the excess tears that flowed out of my eyes away as I looked at her in relief.

"So, how did the scouting goes?"

Ah. Crap.

I froze momentarily upon hearing the sudden inquiry. Eyes wandering around except the interrogator, "Y-You see... I kind of got sidetracked. H-Hahaha..." I laughed anxiously, before staring at the ground as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.

"Ho. So you mean, you've failed...?" I gulped. Why is this happening to me again...?

Riko heaved a long sigh, before putting her hands on her hips. "Maa. I guess it can't be help. Let's go back already, Nami-chan." She didn't pressed the issue further. Much to her junior's stupor.

"E-Eh? That's it?"

"Yeah. Why? Did you thought that I'm gonna punish you for that? You can't be serious~"

"B-But, I failed to fulfill your request and the membership forms-"

"If you're talking about the membership forms, actually, I planned to give them from the start."

"What!?"

"I just thought that it might be great to test your resolve too, that's why I ordered you to come to Kaijo High."

From the start, I should have known. Yet I was too into the thought of helping Taiga and Kuroko, I didn't notice it. Well, it is not like I am angry or anything. In fact, I was relieved. Relieve that Riko-senpai was actually planning to make them a full-fledged member right at the beginning. Although today I had experienced quite a roller coaster, it was worth it.

With that, I left the Kaijo High's gymnasium with my coach. Smiling. Didn't even bother to look back to my life savior and his friends. Or should I say, I had already forgotten about them since ages ago?

"... They just left." Kobori said. Scratching his head as if whatever just happened was a fleeting dream.

"Ah... By the way, it's the first time a girl had treated you like that. Kise." Kasamatsu said to his junior, who was now back to his energetic self. Kise gazed enigmatically at my retreating form. She didn't fawn over me. She bad-mouthed me. She talked vulgarly. She didn't sugar-coat my words or pretended. No annoying octave pitch or falsetto in her tone; She acted herself.

It was a first for the model to ever encountered someone like me.

Fascinated, Kise pursed his lips in a self-satisfied smirk as his eyes sparkled with amusement. "You're right. She's really... intriguing."

(1) Ikeman = Good looking guy

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