Second String Practice Match

It was another beautiful day for the students at Teiko. The sun was shining, and the teachers weren't giving them any assignments to do. Not only that, they heard that Teiko's Junior High basketball club had won the first game for the school year. Everyone was in high spirits and doing great.

The basketball club members were now inside the court, all lined up and ready to receive their coach's instructions for their practice and training this afternoon. Shinoda in the first string lines, beside them were the second strings, and on the other side was the third strings' line.

"Alright everyone, for today we will be practicing drills first, and then proceed to a practice match." Everyone was excited to practice and improve their skills. After the game against Nambara, seeing how talented Shinoda was made them eager to train harder and catch up to him. Even the seniors felt determined.

All the strings were divided into groups and were given a specific area in the gym to practice. They were first given the bulldog drill to help their dribbling skills while running at a high speed. "This will require you to keep your head up when dribbling, which is essential during a game when looking for an open teammate." The coach's voice echoed through the gym.

That was how most of the afternoon passed by. With the coach giving them drill after drill after drill. When they were finally given a break, everyone felt like their limbs were about to fall off. All except for Shinoda who wanted to practice a new move of his.

They all used their 15-minute break differently. Some were drinking water, eating snacks, some were chatting. Shinoda on the other hand was planning on his next move to practice. A move that is stronger than my last move. The blond knew that it is a must to improve his skills, that he shouldn't be stagnant.

A sharp sound rang in their ears when they heard their coach's whistle. They all began to form their lines once again for the next part of their training. "For this afternoon's practice, I want it to be composed of second strings." Their head coach, Sanada, adjusted his eyeglasses while looking at the clipboard. "This will give you the opportunity to gain experience and exposure. So do your best."

No one noticed a small light blue-haired teen perking up at the coach's words. His presence was lacking, but if one would look in his eyes, there was passion to play basketball in it. The coach began calling out the names selected to play. "Where's Haizaki?" The coach kept looking at his clipboard when he asked. One of the students shrugged his shoulders in reply.

Letting out a sigh, the coach turned to another second-string player sitting on the benches. "Kuroko, you're on the starting lineup in his place." The coach's decision made the light blue-haired teen shocked, but he immediately complied and happily fell in line. The others however were confused. "Who's Kuroko?"

"Do we have a teammate named Kuroko?"

Those who weren't second strings were happy that they get to watch. They were still exhausted from the drills, so having extra time to rest made them happy.

"Let's have a good game!" Two straight lines greeted their opponent. When the buzzer sounded, the players in the court changed. Their exhaustion earlier disappeared and their drive to win became obvious on their faces. One of the players was dribbling the ball in place. His eyes were scanning the opponents near him.

When he passed it, a teammate with light blue hair caught it and went in for the shot. As the ball soared, everyone held their breath but was utterly disappointed when the ball didn't even reach the hoop.

"W-What?" Everyone was confused at what they saw. Their eyes went to the students who threw the ball. A student in the same team glared, "Dude! This is a practice match! Take this seriously!" Kuroko turned to his teammate emotionlessly. "I am taking this seriously."

Akashi, who was looking at the game with sharp eyes, raised a brow. Hmmm… He continued to watch the game with observant eyes. Only then did they realize who they were talking to. It was an unfamiliar face! All the players turned their eyes on a light blue-haired teen. "I didn't know we have a guy like that in our team."

Their conversation was cut short as the referee continued the game. It was still in the first game and Kuroko's teammate was dribbling the ball. Seeing that all of his other teammates were being guarded, he threw the ball to the only open player. Kuroko was fully ready to catch it when it suddenly slipped through his fingers.

"Oi!" His teammates couldn't hold their anger. They watched speechless as their opponents took the opportunity and score another point for their team. Some of his teammates were glaring at him while others were exasperated. The one who passed him the ball was about to confront him when the referee suddenly blew his whistle.

The game continues. They ignored how annoyed they were and protected their basket from the other team. One of Kuroko's teammate was able to steal the ball and rushed it across the court, passing the centerline. Unfortunately, he was met with an opponent. As he was facing off with another player, he decided to dodge the player and drive the ball himself.

As he took a few step backward, he was suddenly met by resistance behind his back. "What on earth!" He yelled in shock as he tripped, the teen he bumped into also fell on the floor. The ball rolling on his side.

The blow of the whistle halted the game as his teammates helped him up. Turning to look at the reason why he fell, the player gritted his teeth. "Watch where you're going- you again?!" He saw the familiar-looking teen who he almost forgot again.

Now, it wasn't only him that realized Kuroko's presence, the audience was now beginning to notice him. "Was that player there before?"

"Huh, I didn't see him there before."

"Was he on the team the whole time?!"

Everyone had a surprised expression on their faces. They were confused and shocked at the presence of Kuroko who they just noticed. "Oi! Can't you even help us in the game?" The light blue-haired teen had a soft look on his face as he remained silent while getting up from the ground.

"I was here from the start." His teammates continued to stare at him, not knowing what to do with this teen. "Why were you standing behind me silently? Because of that, we lost an opportunity to score."

Kuroko was about to reply when blood suddenly began to drip from Kuroko's nose. "H-Hoi! Are you alright?" They asked in worry as Kuroko started to wipe it off. The coach had no choice but to substitute Kuroko out early in the game. "You can try again next time." He comforted the teen.

The light blue-haired teen nodded his head and remained silent as he sat on the bench. He didn't realize a pair of striking eyes staring at him.

Akashi was standing a few meters away as he continued to observe the silent but attentive teen. Interesting… he's presence is very low, but his skills are there. Several possibilities and Kuroko's potential were running around Akashi's thoughts. If he could be developed and trained… the talent he could possess.

His silent musings were interrupted when he heard gasps and sounds of disbelief coming from behind him. Looking to see what was causing the commotion, Akashi himself was surprised when he saw Shinoda performing a new move. Another one?!

While everyone had been watching the practice game, Shinoda was practicing alone in another court. He was trying to activate and perfect this new move of his for the next game. Thunder breathing total concentration.

Shinoda was taking in deep breaths, trying to expand his lungs' capacity. He was in deep concentration as he tried to feel and allow the oxygen to reach every cell in his body. A few veins were bulging and surfacing in his arms as he felt his heart rate and blood circulation increase.

Almost there. Concentrate. Snapping his eyes open, Shinoda began to bounce the ball back and forth between his hands. The pace was normal in the begging. But the more he bounced it, the faster it became.

Without any warning, Shinoda dashed straight towards the basket, locking his eyes on the hoop. As he was about to enter the three-point line, there was a slight break in his concentration, causing the blond the trip and fall.

"Eh?" Shinoda blinked in confusion as his face planted on the floor.

The whole gym was silent, even the players in the other court were staring as they watched Shinoda getting up. An apologetic smile was on the blond's face. "Hehe, looks like I need more practice."

Everyone had the same thought. M-more practice?! What kind of monster is he?!

[Author's Note]

[By the way Haizaki is in the second string because Shinoda took his spot. If you would like me to include more of him in the chapters I can manage that. Love all the positive feedback you guys are giving!]