9 Chapter 9 : Defeat

Shin started his dribble slightly low from his previous dribble moves, a bounce from his left and did a quick crossover to his right then returned the ball to his left. To which Kagami remained unfaced by this series of moves.

Kagami was watching closely not affected by what Shin was doing. When suddenly Shin moved to his left, Kagami immediately blocked Shin's path preventing him from moving past him.

Shin seeing this made a quick crossover to his right which Kagami also anticipated and again blocking Shin's path.

Shin then turned his back against Kagami who was slightly surprised but still pressed on Shin watching him closely.

As Kagami was very intent to stop him this time, Shin with his back leaning on Kagami, did a quick shoulder feint to his left while he bounced the ball in front him.

Surprised by this move Kagami went to his left to try to block his path but instead Shin made a move to his right. (Look for Kyrie Irving's Half Spin on Steph Curry on YouTube)

Kagami muttered "Crap!" but still he quickly followed Shin. He was vent to stop him to turn this game around.

But still Kagami was a step late from Shin, with enough space Shin did a step back then motioned for a shot. Kagami was closing in on Shin's side and made a slight attempt to block Shin.

To which Shin smiled as he saw Kagami was very cautious this time of his fakes. Shin then did a lightning dribble towards his left hand quickly made his way to the basket showing the ball on his right hand ready for a layup.

Kagami who saw Shin dashed through his block attempt couldn't help but thought "SH*T! I forgot about that lightning dribble too", still he quickly followed Shin from behind as he didn't give his all on that block attempt.

Seeing Shin ready to release the ball for a layup, he immediately jump from behind Shin to block the shot. He thought "I can make this block, it's my turn form now on".

But to his shock, Shin didn't release the ball from his right hand. It was another fake. Kagami who was already in the air couldn't help but curse "F**K!".

He thought Shin didn't notice him as he gave his all on that block. He was sure Shin was ready to release the ball. Then he suddenly remembered Kiyoshi's Right of Postponement. "So that's what it was" Kagami thought.

Kagami could only watch Shin did a turn when he flew past him and shot the ball. Kagami then crashed on the floor, his legs lost all of its strength. (Look for Steph Curry's fake on Chris Andersen on Youtube) (Kyrie Irving's Half spin plus Curry's fake)

KIYOSHI: What a player. That series of fakes will surely get you. I thought Kagami will be able to block him at that point but it was another fake. If it was me, I would surely fall for it. I didn't think he would be able pull another fake from how fast he dashed towards the rim.

HYUGA: Not only that, that half spin he did to confuse Kagami was incredibly fast. That barrier jumper after that half spin, then the lightning dribble plus Kiyoshi's right of postponement everything was perfectly exucuted.

Kagami could only sigh and shake his head in disappointment as he watch Shin approach him.

Shin then gave a hand to Kagami to help him get up. As Kagami was getting up, Shin praised Kagami "Not bad, you almost had me there".

Kagami could only nod and said "Yeah I thought so too".

Shin the said to Kagami "I'll have this last shot to win. So be ready". Kagami nodded again looking down. As Shin looked at Kagami, he could see that Kagami lost his will already.

He was annoyed at this point but calmed himself down. "No point getting mad over this. Well, I'll just end this match already".

They arrived at the same position from the start. Kagami was still defending but he was lost in thought.

Seeing this, Shin could only sigh. He checked the ball to Kagami, then returned the ball to him.

After Shin caught the ball he immediately shot the ball, turned around and heads to Kuroko without looking back if the ball had missed the rim.

Seirin's team was watching Shin's last shot, but they were surprised that Shin was already going over to them. What's even worse is that Kagami never attempted to block it.

He was still there looking dazed as if he didn't realize that the ball had already been shot to the basket.

A "swish" could be heard as the ball entered the rim, Kagami also dropped down on the floor looking exhausted.

Koganei, Izuki and Other member's of Seirin ran towards Kagami with a worried look on their face checking him if he's okay.

IZUKI: Kagami, you okay? why did you suddenly dropped down on the floor?

KAGAMI: I'm okay, just a little exhausted. Help me up let's go over to them.

"Why am I this exhausted" Kagami thought, as they made they're way towards Shin and the others.

Shin called Kuroko,

SHIN: "I think I should go now Kuroko. See you again".

He then turn towards Kiyoshi and said " Thank you for letting me play. It was fun and I'm sorry for the troubling your practice"

KIYOSHI: Not at all, It was a good game. So what school are you attending now?

SHIN: I haven't thought about it yet. I just came back last week wanting to know how the others are doing then I heard about the Winter Cup finals between Seirin and Rakuzan. That's why I came over to watch it.

Never did I expect that I would see those familiar faces already. That game was very intense by the way, so I came down and wanted to congratulate Kuroko. But seeing your exhausted and happy faces I didn't stop you guys. By the way Kuroko?

KUROKO: What Shin?

SHIN: Were you really that emotional? pfttt! ha ha ha crying all of sudden. Hearing those cheers from everybody?

Kuroko with a vein on his forehead looked at Shin with a threatening gaze while Shin did the same.

In there heads they looked like they were talking saying "Kuroko: Don't push me too far Shin or I'm gonna say it, Shin: Go ahead do it. Don't think I wont also say it".

Kuroko sighed and calmed himself down. Remembering himself to not engage with this conman.

Shin seeing Kuroko calming himself couldn't help but burst another laughter.

Riko and Hyuga couldn't help but wonder about what's going between this two.

KUROKO: So where you've been all this time Shin?

SHIN: America. I met a pretty interesting person over there who helped me find my way back in basketball. I went there when I quit at Teiko. I was there for 3 or 4 yrs maybe, can't recall now.

But Kuroko didn't miss the sad look Shin displayed when he mentioned about where he's been.

Kagami who just came close to them had a surprised expression when he heard about Shin coming back from America. Kagami was slowly having an idea of going back to America in order to get better. He wanted to challenge himself to get to a place where the best players gather.

KAGAMI: So you also went to America?

Shin only nodded and didn't say anything after that.

Noticing that Shin wasn't telling anymore, he didn't ask further as he thought Shin had his reasons.

Kiyoshi suddenly interrupted between them and asked Shin "If it's alright can I talk to you after we finished everything here?"

SHIN: Sure no problem. I also don't have any plans after this. I will just wait for you at a convenience store 2 blocks from here. I'm craving for an instant ramen after that game.

KIYOSHI: Alright.

Shin then changed his clothes and prepares to leave but he approach Kagami 1st, shook his hands and says "thank you". He then called Kuroko and gave him a teasing smile, to which Kuroko just ignored after seeing him.

SHIN: Yo! Teppei? I'll be waiting.