Chapter 3: The First Test - Seirin vs. Kaijo

The sun cast long shadows over the freshly polished wooden court as Seirin High's basketball team gathered in the gym, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. The crisp sound of squeaking sneakers echoed as players warmed up, but all eyes subtly drifted to one person—the usually invisible, quiet presence of Tetsuya Kuroko.

But this wasn't the Kuroko they thought they knew.

Gone was the passive demeanor, replaced by something sharper, more focused. His movements were fluid, controlled, as if every step served a purpose. His turquoise eyes, once distant and empty, now burned with a faint yet undeniable intensity.

[System Update: Mamba Mentality Core - Active]

Focus Enhanced. Competitive Drive Boosted.

"Today's scrimmage is against Kaijo High," announced Riko Aida, Seirin's sharp-eyed coach. Her clipboard slapped against her palm as she paced the court. "They've got one of the Generation of Miracles—Ryota Kise. He's a natural genius, a copycat who can mimic any move he sees. Don't underestimate him."

The name sent a ripple through the team. Kise was a prodigy, dazzling on the court with both skill and charisma.

But Kuroko didn't flinch.

Ryota Kise… huh? His mind flashed with memories from Teikō—flashes of Kise's effortless talent, his natural flair. But talent alone never impressed Kobe Bryant.

Kuroko's fingers tightened around the basketball. "Let's see if he can copy this."

Pre-Game Warm-up

Kagami jogged over, dribbling with his usual fiery energy. "Yo, Kuroko! You ready for this? Kise's no joke."

Kuroko simply nodded, shooting a three-pointer with flawless form.

Swish.

No rim, no hesitation.

Kagami blinked. Okay, what the hell? Kuroko never shot like that. In fact, he barely shot at all.

Kuroko caught the rebound without missing a beat. "Don't rely on me to just pass anymore. I'll handle my part."

Kagami smirked, his competitive fire ignited. "Damn right you will."

[Match Start: Seirin vs. Kaijo High]

The gym buzzed with energy as the game tipped off. The ball soared into the air, both teams surging forward like waves crashing against each other.

Kaijo's star, Ryota Kise, stood out immediately—tall, confident, his golden hair shining under the gym lights. His smile was casual, but his eyes sharpened the moment they locked onto Kuroko.

"Oh?" Kise grinned as he jogged to his position. "Kurokocchi! Long time no see."

Kuroko didn't return the pleasantries. "I'm not the same person you remember."

Kise laughed. "Really now? Guess I'll find out soon enough."

First Quarter

Kaijo dominated the first few minutes. Kise's effortless moves dazzled the crowd—perfect crossovers, sharp drives, and elegant fadeaways. It was like watching a professional toy with high schoolers.

Seirin struggled to keep up, the scoreboard ticking against them: Kaijo 14 - Seirin 6.

Riko clenched her fists from the sidelines. "We can't stop Kise's rhythm!"

But Kuroko? He remained calm.

"Sub me in."

Everyone turned to look at him. His usual role was to come in later, as a surprise element. But now, his voice was filled with authority.

Riko hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. You're in."

[Skill Activated: Clutch Instinct - Level 1]

Calmness under pressure enhanced. Tactical awareness boosted.

As Kuroko stepped onto the court, the energy shifted.

Kaijo's players didn't even bother marking him closely—just the shadow, they thought. But that was their first mistake.

Kaijo's point guard casually dribbled up the court—until Kuroko appeared out of nowhere, his hand striking like a cobra.

Steal.

Without missing a beat, Kuroko sprinted down the court, pushing the ball ahead with perfect control. Kagami was already moving to receive the pass—but Kuroko didn't pass.

Instead, he drove straight to the hoop.

A defender jumped to block, but Kuroko pivoted sharply, faking left, cutting right, and pulling up for a mid-range jumper.

Swish.

The crowd went silent.

Even Kise's smile faltered slightly.

Commentary from the Sidelines:

"Did… did Kuroko just score?"

"Not just score—he dominated that play!"

The next possession, Kaijo was cautious. Kise took control, dribbling confidently as he analyzed Kuroko.

Let's see if you're really different.

Kise executed a lightning-fast crossover, trying to blow past Kuroko.

But Kuroko didn't bite.

He stayed perfectly in position, reading Kise's body language like an open book. The moment Kise hesitated—

Another steal.

This time, Kuroko sprinted forward and—just when everyone expected a pass—he launched a three-pointer from deep.

The ball soared in a perfect arc.

Swish.

Seirin's bench erupted.

Kagami stared, wide-eyed. "Who the hell is this guy?!"

Even Kise was stunned. His playful grin faded into something more serious. "Kurokocchi… you've really changed."

Kuroko simply stared back, expressionless.

"No. I've just stopped hiding."

[System Notification: Skill Upgrade Unlocked]

- "Killer Instinct" Activated: Increases offensive efficiency when facing high-level opponents.

- Mental Synchronization with Kobe Bryant: 25% Complete.

The game raged on, but the momentum had shifted.

Kuroko wasn't just a shadow anymore.

He was the one casting it.

[End of Chapter 3]