NBA Skills: Dominating Kuroko no Basket

"Ah, I'm craving some snacks!" Murasakibara sighed as he lounged lazily on the bench, looking completely unmotivated.

"It's alright, Atsushi. Practice is over, so you can snack soon. Let's take a quick break first" Akashi replied, catching his breath, his chest heaving as if he'd just finished an intense game. Sweat trickled down his face, soaking his uniform—clearly, the tough training was wearing him out.

"Yeah, coach's workouts are no joke" Shiro sighed. However, unlike the others, Shiro had gradually adapted to the intense training. Over time, his endurance improved, and his skills sharpened.

Just then, Akashi turned to Shiro with a curious look. "By the way, Shiro, what have you and Aomine been up to lately? You haven't been walking home with us after school" Akashi's eyes showed genuine curiosity.

"We've been hitting up the other gym to train with a friend. Actually, Akashi, I think you should meet him" Shiro replied, recalling how Kuroko's unique abilities had been discovered in the original series. He was determined to nudge things in that direction.

"Oh? Alright then, let's all go meet him after. It'll be a good chance for us to meet your and Aomine's new friend" Akashi looked to Murasakibara and Midorima, checking their reactions.

"I'm in" Midorima responded simply.

"Yeah, whatever." Murasakibara muttered, seemingly uninterested but not opposed.

.....

"I'll be blunt. You're just not a good fit for this team. I know you've worked hard, but your ranking has dropped. You don't have to quit, but the choice is yours"

Kuroko dribbled his basketball absently, mulling over coach 's words. It felt like he was the only one left in the world.

"What should I do…" he murmured. Despite all his effort, he hadn't made any visible progress. But he also knew his friend Ogiwara was waiting to challenge him for an intense match!

Lost in thought, Kuroko's basketball slipped from his hands, bouncing right over to Aomine.

Aomine, noticing his friend's downcast look, walked over with concern. "Tetsu, what's going on?"

Kuroko looked up, trying to muster a smile, but his eyes revealed his sadness. "I... I might be leaving the team."

"What? Why?" Aomine's face was a mixture of shock and confusion; he couldn't understand why Kuroko, who loved basketball so much, would consider quitting.

"I love basketball, but I'm not really helping the team…" Kuroko answered, clearly disheartened.

"Come on, there's no such thing as an unnecessary player! Even if you don't play much, how can you say you don't help the team when you stay later than anyone else? I won't say that not giving up guarantees success, but giving up means you'll definitely get nothing!"

Aomine spoke with conviction, not wanting someone as dedicated as Kuroko to quit the team. Kuroko's expression softened, a glimmer of hope returning to his eyes as he looked at Aomine.

At that moment, Akashi and the others walked into the gym.

"Akashi?" Aomine was caught off guard by their presence.

"We haven't seen you and Shiro around lately. So, this is where you two sneak off to practice!" Akashi teased.

"Yeah, the other gym is always packed, so we've been training here. Shiro, you're late!" Aomine shot back, mock complaining.

Akashi turned to Shiro, curious, "So, where's this friend of yours?"

"Uh, right there" Shiro replied, gesturing at Kuroko, slightly exasperated at how easily Kuroko blended into the background, even among the Generation of Miracles.

Everyone looked over to where Shiro was pointing and finally noticed Kuroko standing right in front of them, all visibly surprised.

"Huh? Has he always been here?" Murasakibara asked, casually munching on a snack stick.

"I'm intrigued by this teammate" Akashi said, his eyes scanning Kuroko with curiosity. Midorima, standing beside him, seemed a bit unsettled. He knew Akashi well enough to understand that if someone caught Akashi's interest, that person was far from ordinary.

"Excuse me, could you spare a few minutes with me?" Akashi asked Kuroko, sensing that Shiro had brought him here with a purpose.

Though a bit puzzled, Kuroko nodded and followed Akashi to the other side of the court.

"What's Akashi planning?" Momoi, her eyes wide with curiosity, asked Shiro.

"Maybe he's trying to help Kuroko. Don't worry about it, Momoi. I need to get back to training" Shiro smiled, giving Momoi's head a gentle pat before bending down to pick up a basketball.

"Wait for me, Shiro!" Aomine shouted, rushing over to join him.

Meanwhile, Akashi set his bag aside and motioned for Kuroko to take a few shots.

Kuroko wasted no time, lining up his shot with intense focus. But each attempt hit the rim and bounced away with a loud clang.

Akashi couldn't help but laugh lightly "This is the first time I've seen someone work so hard and get nowhere"

Kuroko froze, a bit shocked. "Hearing that… kind of hurts, you know"

Akashi's expression turned serious. "Sorry, I didn't mean to discourage you. It's just… surprising."

Kuroko watched Akashi nervously, wondering what he'd say next.

"You're not unathletic, and you have the experience and the training. But even with all that, I can't sense anything from you. Your presence… it's like it doesn't exist." Akashi's expression was solemn. "This is a rare trait. Athletes naturally radiate a presence, a sort of energy, but you… it's like you're invisible."

"But that's not a flaw—it's a strength. With practice, your 'invisibility' could be a powerful weapon for the team."

"Using a lack of presence… Is that even possible?" Kuroko asked, his gaze hopeful.

"Sorry, I've said all I can. If you figure it out, come see me" Akashi hoisted his bag onto his shoulder and left Kuroko with his thoughts, rejoining the group.

Kuroko stood there, mulling over their conversation.

"What did you two talk about?" Aomine asked eagerly as Akashi returned.

"Just a little chat, as Shiro suggested. Anyway, it's late, let's head home" Akashi gave Shiro a meaningful look before leading the group out of the gym.

"Shiro, what was that all about?" Aomine turned to Shiro, confused.

"You'll find out soon enough!" Shiro smiled, turning to Momoi.

"Momoi, sorry to keep you waiting. Let me walk you home."

"Mm-hmm!" Momoi chirped, gathering her things. Walking home with Shiro was her favorite part of the day.

Aomine scratched his head, watching them leave. "Why is everyone acting so mysterious? Am I missing something?"

Akashi stepped outside, where Midorima waited by the door. "Is he the sixth player you mentioned?"

Akashi glanced at Midorima and replied, "Did you hear us?"

As they walked home together, Midorima adjusted his glasses, unable to hold back his curiosity. "Do you really think he'll change?"

"Who knows? I sense potential, but we've only just met. We're not friends, and I have no obligation to give him more advice" Akashi said indifferently.

He glanced back toward the gym. "I've lowered the line for him. Whether he climbs up or not is up to him."