LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 54: The Problem
"Ring, ring..." Just as Akashi was about to step onto the court, the sound of a phone ringing echoed from the bench. Looking confused, he reached into his bag, pulled out his phone, and saw Haizaki's name on the screen. Without hesitation, he showed the phone to Nijimura.
"It's Haizaki."
Nijimura turned sharply, his expression darkening.
"What? Hand it over!" He grabbed the phone from Akashi.
"Haizaki, where are you?!"
"Sorry, man! I caught a cold! Cough, cough!" On the other end of the line, Haizaki faked a cough, but his tone made it clear it was just an excuse.
Nijimura's anger flared. His aura turned menacing, and his face twisted in frustration. With no other choice, he turned to Sanada, who was nearby.
"Haizaki's not coming. Says he's sick."
Sanada pondered for a moment before turning to Shiro and Kuroko with a serious expression.
"Kuroko, get ready. You're starting today in Shiro's place. I want to see how you and Akashi work together on the court. That okay with you, Shiro?"
"Sure!" Shiro answered quickly, seizing the rare chance to rest a little. After all, the day was meant to test Kuroko, so it was a win-win situation.
Meanwhile, Kuroko froze in place, wide-eyed as nervousness overtook him. Sweat trickled down his face.
"Don't worry, Kuroko. You'll do great!" Shiro said, patting his shoulder reassuringly.
Kuroko nodded, still nervous and at a loss for words.
...
The game was about to begin. The players positioned themselves around the center circle for the tip-off.
"Relax, Tetsu" Aomine said with a grin, glancing at his friend. But then he noticed Kuroko's trembling legs.
"Wow, you're shaking like a baby deer learning to stand!"
The whistle blew, and the ball was tossed into the air. Murasakibara leaped effortlessly, tipping the ball to Akashi.
Dribbling smoothly, Akashi glanced at Kuroko.
"Don't be nervous, Kuroko. Take it slow..."
BAM!
A loud crash echoed across the court. All eyes turned to see Kuroko sprawled on the ground, trembling and looking like he might collapse again.
He had tripped over his own feet and fallen awkwardly.
"Sorry! Just tripped! I'm fine!" Kuroko quickly stood up, trying to play it off as nothing.
Akashi smiled wryly and pointed to Kuroko's face.
"You say you're fine, but..."
Two streams of blood were running down Kuroko's nose, drawing shocked stares from everyone.
Sanada immediately called a timeout to tend to him.
"Incredible" Murasakibara muttered, turning to Aomine.
"Tetsu..." Aomine said, concerned but unable to suppress a grin.
Midorima folded his arms and shook his head.
"One second on the court, and he's already subbed out. Must be a new record."
"Agreed" Akashi said, sighing.
"Shiro, you're up" Sanada instructed.
"Alright" Shiro replied, though he seemed disappointed to lose his chance to rest.
...
When Shiro took the court, the team's rhythm transformed. His precise passes and sharp attacks dismantled the opposing defense. The scoreboard shot up, and the crowd roared with cheers and applause.
...
During a break, Sanada checked on Kuroko.
"Has the bleeding stopped?"
"Yes" Kuroko replied, holding a tissue to his nose.
"Good. Get ready to go back in."
Kuroko returned to the game, determined to improve. But soon, he made a critical mistake: a pass meant for Murasakibara went straight out of bounds.
"Out of bounds!" the referee announced.
Murasakibara approached Kuroko, placing a hand on his head.
"What's with that pass? Are you messing with me?"
"I didn't mean to!"
"I'm gonna crush you!"
"Please don't!"
Meanwhile, Midorima observed closely.
"I think I get his style. There's potential, but it's still too inconsistent"
...
After the game, the team gathered outside the court for lunch.
"What's that?" Murasakibara asked, eyeing the dark aura emanating from Shiro's lunchbox.
"A bento that Momoi prepared. Want some?" Shiro asked, visibly hesitant about eating it himself.
"No way! That looks cursed!" Murasakibara replied, backing away in disgust.
Shiro turned to Kuroko.
"Kuroko, about your performance today..."
Everyone gathered around, curious to hear the feedback.
"Please tell me where I went wrong," Kuroko asked earnestly.
"You need to work on your timing" Shiro began. "In the first-string games, everything moves faster. If you hesitate, you'll miss your chance."
Akashi added, "Also, your presence control is key. To make your misdirection work, you need to stay calm and hide your emotions. Keep your determination inside, but never let it show."
Kuroko took a deep breath and steeled himself. With a blank, determined expression, he replied:
"Understood. I'll do better."