Chapter 2: The Phantom with a Killer Instinct

The basketball bounced with a sharp, rhythmic echo, filling the otherwise silent gym. Kagami Taiga caught the ball, arching an eyebrow at Kuroko's sudden shift in demeanor. There was something different—an intensity hidden behind those usually lifeless, turquoise eyes. Not the calm, passive Kuroko he'd known. This Kuroko radiated something… dangerous.

Confidence?

No—something more.

Kagami smirked, eager for the challenge. "You're acting weird today, Kuroko. You sure you're not sick?"

Kuroko didn't flinch. "The only sickness here is complacency."

That wasn't a Kuroko thing to say. Not even close.

Kagami bounced the ball once, the grin fading slightly as he noticed Kuroko stepping forward—shoulders squared, posture sharp, like a predator stalking prey.

"One-on-one," Kuroko declared, his voice flat but layered with something new: conviction.

[Skill Activated: Mamba Mentality - Level 1]

Competitive Drive Boosted.

Focus Sharpened.

Instinct Calibration Active.

Kagami chuckled, dribbling confidently. "You? One-on-one? Against me?"

Kuroko simply nodded. No trash talk. No bravado. Just that piercing stare.

Let's see what you've got then, Kagami thought, lunging forward with explosive speed, driving straight toward the basket. His instincts told him this would be easy. After all, Kuroko wasn't built for offense. His strength was in passing, not defense.

But the moment Kagami tried to cut past—

SLAP!

The ball was gone.

Kagami blinked, stunned to see Kuroko standing a few feet away, spinning the stolen ball on his finger with mechanical precision.

What the hell just happened? Kagami's mind raced. He was fast—no one at Seirin could keep up with his first step. But Kuroko had read him like an open book.

Kuroko didn't say a word. He simply pivoted, dribbled once, and launched into a fluid jump shot. His form was clean—unnervingly so—shoulders squared, elbow tucked, wrist snapping with perfect follow-through.

Swish.

The sound of the net was crisp, echoing louder than it should in the empty gym.

[New Skill Unlocked: Perfect Form - Level 1]

Increases shooting accuracy and mechanical efficiency.

Kagami stood frozen. Kuroko… can shoot?

The silence stretched, broken only by Kuroko casually retrieving the ball.

"You rely too much on your raw strength," Kuroko said quietly, tossing the ball back. "But strength without purpose is just wasted motion."

Kagami gritted his teeth, his competitive spirit flaring. Alright, Kuroko… if that's how you wanna play.

The next few minutes blurred into pure adrenaline.

Kagami attacked relentlessly—drives, spin moves, jump shots—but Kuroko's defense was razor-sharp. He wasn't physically stronger, but his anticipation was terrifying. He wasn't reacting to Kagami's moves; he was predicting them.

And when Kuroko had the ball?

Efficiency.

Precision.

No wasted dribbles, no hesitation. Just pure, unrelenting offense.

The score?

7-0.

All in favor of Kuroko.

Kagami, panting, wiped the sweat from his forehead. This isn't the Kuroko I know…

Kuroko finally spoke, voice calm, breathing steady despite the intensity.

"Basketball isn't about talent alone. It's about obsession. Discipline. Focus."

Those words didn't belong to Tetsuya Kuroko.

They belonged to Kobe Bryant.

[System Update: Mental Synchronization at 15% Complete]

The Mamba's mindset is fusing seamlessly with the host.

Kagami finally managed to smirk, despite the frustration boiling inside. "Alright, Kuroko… I don't know what's gotten into you, but I like it."

Kuroko walked toward him, the ball cradled under one arm.

"Good. Because this is just the beginning."

Later That Day – Seirin High Locker Room

Kagami slumped onto the bench, chugging water, still processing what had happened. Kuroko was different—not just in skill but in presence. It was as if he'd undergone years of growth overnight.

Meanwhile, Kuroko sat quietly, towel draped around his neck, staring at the floor.

I can feel it, he thought. This body isn't built for power. But I don't need power. I have something better.

His mind drifted to memories that weren't his—packed arenas, championship rings, last-second shots. The fire that burned inside him now wasn't just about winning.

It was about domination.

It was about legacy.

It was about inspiring others to chase greatness.

[System Notification: Mission Unlocked]

Primary Objective:

• Lead Seirin to the National Championship.

• Defeat the Generation of Miracles.

• Inspire the next generation of players.

Kuroko stood, gripping the basketball tightly.

I wasn't brought here to be a shadow.

I was brought here to change the game.

[End of Chapter 2]