THREE

"Alright, everyone line up."

The freshmen stood in a straight line facing the second-years. Hyuuga checked the time and frowned.

'She's running late.' he thought. Just then, the doors opened and Riko walked in with her normal expression as if she didn't just watch something unnatural. Her eyes scanned the first-years before standing in front of them with her hands on her hips.

"I'm the basketball coach, Aida Riko. Nice to meet you," she smiled.

""EH?!""

"She's not the manager?"

Takumi looked amused as he stood lazily with his hands buried in his pockets. Everything basically progressed the same as the anime and it came the time when they were asked to take their shirts off.

""EH?!""

They all took it off stood nervously as Riko passed by and studied them. When she started telling them their weaknesses, they couldn't help but gape in awe. Hyuuga explained how she learnt the skill and Takumi couldn't help but be impressed.

'Even if she observed her father, it's amazing to think how she easily picked such a useful skill.'

Riko went to each of them, overlooking Takumi on purpose then appearing in front of the tiger. His stats were still the same as the anime, which were said to be through the roof however, unlike the original plot where Riko was dumbfounded, she was merely impressed at his raw talent. His stats were high but no where near Takumi's.

"All that's left is Kuroko-kun. Kuroko-kun, are you here?"

"Hai,"

Riko shrieked and jumped when the boy appeared in front of her.

"How long were you there?"

"I've been here the whole time," Kuroko said in a flat tone.

'There's no way this guy was starter at Teiko.'

"The kid from Teiko?"

"Teiko? You mean with the generation of miracles?" Koganei asked.

"Though I don't believe he's a starter," Hyuuga muttered lowly.

Kuroko didn't seem offended but said, "I played in games."

"Right of cou -- HA?!"

Takumi chuckled quietly. These guys were just simply too hilarious.

"Take off your shirt," instructed Riko. Kuroko nodded and took off his t-shirt to reveal a pale chest. He wasn't anything impressive, maybe you could say he was toned but he still looked incredibly weak. Riko's eyes widened for a second but returned to normal. She was most likely wondering how he became a starter for such a strong team.

"A-Ano coach, you forgot one person," Koganei said pointing at Takumi who yawned. At that, everything turned to the tall boy who just gave a lazy smile.

Riko rolled her eyes, "I've already seem his stats."

"What? When did that happen?" asked Hyuuga looking confused.

"At lunch." Riko ended the topic before the guy could ask more. "Alright everyone, let's start practice."

----------------------

Kagami bounced the ball of the street court and shot it at the rim. It went straight in.

Though his body was playing, his mind was on two certain people; one who was practically invisible yet rumoured to be part of a strong team, and the other who he felt for sure was hiding his true abilities.

He took another shot but it didn't go in because he suddenly realised there was another person on the court. The ball bounced of the rim and fell into Kuroko's hands.

"When did you get there?" Kagami asked with a deadpan expression. How did this guy pop out of nowhere?

"He's been there the whole time," another voice spoke before Kuroko could answer. The duo turned to the source of the third person and saw Takumi leaning against the fence observing them.

"Yo,"

"Takumi-kun, what are you doing here?" asked Kuroko slightly surprised. The boy prided himself of being very observant and yet he had no idea Takumi had been watching them. Kagami just looked ticked off that someone interrupted him.

"Takumi," Kagami said. He narrowed his eyes and tossed the ball to him. "Let's play a one-on-one,"

Takumi caught the ball with one hand and spun it on his finger smirking.

"No thank you."

The reply must've caught Kagami off-guard because he blinked and went silent.

"I have no interest in playing a meaningless match however, I think Kuroko there wants to play you," smiled Takumi throwing the ball back. Kagami looked confused and turned to Kuroko who stared back.

"Is something the matter Kagami-kun?" Kuroko asked.

Kagami frowned and walked closer to him, "Something's off about you. The weak should smell weak and yet, you don't smell like anything at all. Takumi smells strong which is why I wanted to play him, but you have a match with me,"

"As Takumi-kun stated, I too wanted to play against you," Kuroko then removed his jacket. "One-on-one,"

Takumi snickered internally and took a seat on the bench. As expected, Kagami completely thrashed Kuroko though the latter didn't seem to mind it.

"Oi, what the hell was that?! You're so weak!" shouted the red-head.

"I thought it was obvious I wouldn't beat you. Kagami-kun is far stronger than me," Kuroko said with an impassive face. That must've pissed the red-head off since he reached to grab Kuroko's shirt but was intercepted by Takumi.

"Now now, let's not fight," Takumi said with a close-eyed smile. His hand slowly tightened around Kagami's wrist making the latter flinch.

'W-What the hell is with this grip?' thought Kagami.

"Kuroko, you shouldn't say things so misleading. You anger people easily like that," Takumi told him while releasing his grip on Kagami's wrist. "And Kagami, don't just assume things and think before you act. Getting hotheaded and angry for petty things won't do you any good,"

Normally, Kagami would've retaliated but his trained instincts told him not to piss this guy off. Something about him was more dangerous than those thugs in America.

Kuroko looked at Takumi and turned back to Kagami, "You're right. My apologies you misunderstood me Kagami-kun. The thing is, I'm not the same type of player as you. I'm what you refer to as a shadow, someone who supports the team from the background. I was curious to see your abilities and what you're capable of,"

Kagami too glanced at the tall boy who was still smiling and clicked his tongue. "Whatever,"

Takumi chuckled, "That's not really an apology but I understand. Baby steps right?"

The colorfull head duo just stared at him with deadpan expressions making Takumi cough.

"A-Anyway, I think you two best get home now. We still have school tomorrow and a practice match with the seniors. Wouldn't want you guys tired right?"

"As if," Kagami scowled. Takumi shrugged.

"I'll head home now. See you tomorrow, Takumi-kun, Kagami-kun," Kuroko said after putting his jacket back on.

Takumi stretched his arms and walked to the exit, "I guess I'll go home too. Stay safe phantom, tiger,"

'Phantom?'

'Tiger? That bastard gave me a nickname!'