"Even so, I hope to become stronger."
An expected result.
Looking at Kuroko who had an expression of "I have made up my mind," Yuuto wasn't surprised by his choice.
No one wants to be a shadow for a lifetime.
Just like when Aomine questioned, "Besides passing, you can't do anything."
Kuroko's response was, "It's because I can't score that I pass every ball with all my might."
He doesn't not want to score.
On the contrary, Kuroko desires to score and do other things more than anyone else.
"Good, in that case, let's start."
"Start with breaking through with the ball."
Kuroko nodded, but didn't know exactly what to do.
Yuuto called over Sora, who was holding a laptop watching anime, and whispered a few words in her ear.
"Now, try to break through Haizaki."
"Ha? You let this guy Tetsuya pass me?"
Haizaki laughed, laughing presumptuously.
Not that he is arrogant, but with Kuroko's snail-like athletic ability, even if he stands still, he is confident he won't let him pass.
"Try and you'll know."
"..."
Haizaki noticed Yuuto's smile, and a bad premonition suddenly rose in his heart.
Then.
Kuroko stood very seriously in front of Haizaki. He dribbled slowly, trying to break through from the left.
Haizaki stared at him closely.
Although he felt in his heart that the probability of Kuroko passing him was infinitely close to zero, since that guy Yuuto dared to do this, he must have his reasons.
He concentrated, not letting go of any movement.
Suddenly.
At this time, Sora suddenly ran onto the court, breaking into Haizaki's vision.
"What does this woman want?"
This woman is simply making trouble unreasonably.
"Forget it, ignore her. Deal with this guy Tetsuya first, otherwise I'll be looked down upon by that bastard Yuuto again."
Haizaki's brain lost focus for a moment, but he quickly made himself concentrate again.
Result.
The Kuroko in front of him disappeared.
"When?!" His pupils dilated sharply, turning his head with difficulty and incredulity.
Actually...
He actually didn't notice when Kuroko passed him at all.
"Understand?"
"Hai, I somewhat understand."
Kuroko couldn't hide the excitement in his heart, hands trembling uncontrollably.
"Hey, what riddles are you playing? How on earth did this guy Tetsuya do it?" Haizaki felt he had lost all face.
Can't beat Yuuto, fine.
How could he be passed by Kuroko silently?
"It's Misdirection."
"Misdirection? Isn't that thing only for passing?" Haizaki blurted out subconsciously, but immediately came back to his senses.
"It's you guys." He pointed at Sora.
Recalling what happened just now, all the weirdness happened after Sora broke into his field of vision.
That moment of distraction...
"That's right. Kuroko's dynamic vision is very strong; he can capture the moment you are distracted."
"But what's the use of this? This woman can't be on the court during a game."
"So this requires our cooperation. When Kuroko passes people, break into the opponent's vision in the most violent way."
This works too!?
Haizaki admired Yuuto's quick wit too much; how did his brain come up with this?
"Work hard. There is still plenty of time before the main National Tournament starts. I hope you can master these skill packages as quickly as possible."
"Hai!" Kuroko responded loudly, seizing the time to practice.
The next day.
The team had no game.
Yuuto didn't arrange high-intensity practice for the members; just practicing was mainly recovery training.
He spent a lot of time observing Haizaki's practice, or personally accompanying him as a sparring partner.
He is very interested in Haizaki's Phantom Bubble skill package.
Of course.
Nothing much can happen in one day.
The second day.
They got on the team bus again and set off.
Arriving at the arena.
As the currently most popular team in Tochigi Prefecture, Yuuto and the others were approached by reporters as soon as they got off the bus.
Haizaki, who scored the highest points in the last game, was asked a sharp question.
"Haizaki-student, we investigated and found you were previously a member of Teiko Middle School and had clear appearance records. For what reason did you come to Okukozome? Is it your personal problem, or because of those rumors?"
What rumors?
Nothing more than Haizaki having a bad reputation locally back then, being a relatively well-known delinquent nearby.
Among the students Teiko worried about most, Haizaki's name was at the top.
They didn't point out Haizaki's past directly, entirely out of respect for Yuuto.
But the people of Tochigi Prefecture don't want this guy to stink up Homi Academy's signboard.
Facing this sharp question, Haizaki's expression became a bit ugly.
This can't be helped.
Tochigi Prefecture people instinctively dislike guys from big cities, not to mention Haizaki Shōgo has such a "reputation."
However.
Before he could speak, Yuuto had already put his arm around Haizaki's shoulder and said, "There is only one reason he came here. It was my tireless invitation during the summer vacation. Haizaki couldn't stand it and agreed to come to our team to play."
"Yuuto-kun, are you saying that you invited Haizaki-student to play at Homi Academy?"
"Of course. I know some people have heard some rumors about Haizaki, but rumors stop at the wise. Don't believe in fabricated things; learn to think independently. We still have a game, goodbye."
Saying so, he led his teammates into the arena.
Inside the door, Haizaki shook off Yuuto's hand from his shoulder forcefully.
"Tch, who wants your help? Do you think I care what those people say?"
He didn't want people to see his miserable state.
But after the teammates walked a bit further, he still whispered, "But, thanks."
"When you put on this jersey, you are my best brother. Family doesn't speak two languages; no need to thank me."
Yuuto patted his shoulder smilingly.
He felt this guy Haizaki must be extremely grateful to him in his heart right now.
Satsuki was right; these brats' minds are too easy to understand.
In fact.
Haizaki indeed felt a warmth in his heart at this moment.
A sense of satisfaction of finally finding a friend who can understand him.
Kuroko watched silently from behind the team, then the corners of his mouth rose.
Choosing to come to Okukozome in the last year of middle school.
It's really great!
...
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