Dispute

"It's been a while since we've chatted like this. How's your injury?"

Kise tossed the basketball in his hand casually, catching it with ease. His tone was light, but his attention was subtly focused. He walked side by side with Kuroko, with Shiro and the others following closely behind.

"I'm fine now. Nothing serious" Kuroko replied in his calm, almost detached tone.

The group found a quiet spot in the park and settled onto an empty bench.

Shiro turned to Kuroko and said, "By the way, we ran into Midorima earlier."

Kuroko paused for a moment before shaking his head lightly. "Honestly, I don't get along with him."

Kise chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah, that guy always acts like he's better than everyone else. But you can't deny it — his three-point shooting is insane. Especially when his Cancer horoscope is in a good phase, it's like he's unbeatable!"

The others nodded in agreement, acknowledging Midorima's skill. As a member of the Generation of Miracles, his prowess was undeniable.

Kise grew serious for a moment. "Still, today's game made me realize something. Kagami is improving fast. Like us in the Generation of Miracles, he's got an extraordinary talent. Sure, he's still a challenger who hasn't fully matured, but his pure love for the game and the thrill of competing against strong opponents... Someday, he'll reach our level."

Kise's praise was genuine. After all, very few players had ever pushed him to such an extent. If not for the hard training he'd put in over the break — and his recent brush with Animal Instinct — he wasn't sure he'd have emerged victorious in today's match.

Shiro nodded slightly, but he remained pragmatic. Unlike the original story, where the Generation of Miracles had drifted apart, this stronger and more united group would pose an even greater challenge for Kagami to overcome.

"What are you wandering around for?" Kagami's sudden voice broke the calm. He slapped a hand on Kuroko's shoulder, his tone a mix of annoyance and concern.

Turning to the group, Kagami added, "Why didn't you guys say anything when you took Kuroko? Everyone's been looking for him. Coach is lecturing us nonstop, and it's driving me crazy!"

Kagami's grumpy expression earned a few chuckles from the group.

"Hey, enough joking around! Switch out already!"

A brash voice echoed from the basketball court nearby, drawing everyone's attention.

A group of rowdy guys, dressed in flashy, rebellious outfits, was trying to take over the court.

"We were here first. Respect the queue" protested one of the high school players who had been using the court.

"Queue? Who cares about that?" One of the guys stepped forward menacingly.

Another guy, grinning slyly, held him back. "Chill. Let's settle this with basketball. What do you say?"

The high schoolers hesitated but eventually agreed. However, the gangsters broke the three-on-three agreement, throwing in extra players to tip the balance.

"What the hell? We agreed on three-on-three!"

One of the high school players protested, only to be shoved to the ground.

"We never said anything about sticking to three-on-three" one of the gangsters sneered.

Kagami muttered, "What's with these guys? They look like trouble."

The unfair game continued until one of the high schoolers got kicked after speaking up, prompting laughter from the gangsters .

Shiro suddenly stood up. "Let's go"

The others looked confused, unsure why he wanted to get involved.

Shiro simply smiled and pointed toward the court.

Everyone turned to see Kuroko, spinning a basketball on his finger, standing calmly before the gangsters . One of them flinched in surprise and stumbled backward.

"Who the hell are you?"

Kuroko's voice was steady and unwavering. "This isn't how basketball is played. Violence has no place in this game."

Another gangster muttered, "What's this guy's deal?"

"Kuroko!" Kagami and Kise called out in unison, worry evident in their voices.

Without hesitation, Shiro led the group toward the court.

One gangster grabbed Kuroko by the shirt, lifting him slightly. "Who do you think you are, lecturing us?"

Another gangster laughed. "Fine. Let's settle it with basketball. Five-on-five!"

Shiro stepped forward with a confident grin. "Mind if we join in?"

Kagami frowned at Kuroko. "What were you thinking, trying to play the hero?"

The gangsters, initially dismissive, suddenly realized they were outmatched. Standing before them were towering players: Shiro, Kagami, Nijimura, and even Kise — all of them near or over 190 cm.

Kise flashed a radiant smile. "Perfect. Five-on-five it is. Let's play."

The gangters hesitated, sensing they were up against true basketball talent. Yet, they had no choice but to proceed, albeit nervously.

From the sidelines, Momoi and Kawamura watched the scene unfold, eager to see the game that was about to begin.