The crowd buzzed with anticipation for the next day's games, filled with excitement because they would feature two more members from the famed Generation of Miracles. Their expectations were high, and they couldn't wait to watch these upcoming matchups.
Alexandra exchanged her farewells with Seirin, and they, too, began to leave the stadium. But a sense of unease was evident on every face as they walked together.
Izuki's thoughts echoed their collective concern. "So, we're going up against these basketball prodigies again this winter?"
Kiyoshi, typically cheerful, wore a contemplative expression. The matches they had just seen were a powerful reminder of the need to become even stronger.
Kagami's emotions were mixed. Thoughts of facing these formidable opponents stirred his excitement and determination. A confident smirk graced his face; he was eager to take them all on.
But then, Kagami remembered that there were more Generation of Miracles members playing in the matches the next day. He couldn't help but ask, "Hey, can't we stick around to watch the matches tomorrow too? Don't you guys want to see them?"
However, Kagami's suggestion earned him a strong grip from Hyuga, who shook Kagami's body with irritation.
"You think we don't want to? But where's the money, huh? You think we're rich?" scolded Hyuga.
Kagami could only helplessly nod as Hyuga continued, "And even if we could, our coach's dad would kill us if we stayed longer, you dumbhead!"
The rest of the Seirin team observed this quietly, their lips twitching as they felt rather speechless.
After releasing Kagami, Hyuga turned to the others, his voice ringing, "Winter will be here soon. Let's get back and train harder!"
His shout attracted the attention of onlookers, but the Seirin players echoed their approval with a resounding "Yes!"
In a different section of the stadium, a tall teenager with green hair strolled casually along a corridor, sporting stylish black sunglasses.
"Quite the games, huh, Shin?"
A voice suddenly broke his calm demeanor, and he turned to find someone leaning against the wall. Adjusting his glasses, the green-haired teenager responded, "How did you spot me, Takao?"
"Anybody could spot you with that terrible disguise," Takao remarked with a helpless shake of his head.
Midorima's brow furrowed at the personal affront. He shook his head and continued his stride, exiting the stadium.
Takao matched Midorima's pace, walking beside him, and remarked, "Those guys are like real monsters, aren't they?"
Midorima replied calmly, "Why? There's a monster right in front of you."
Takao quickly looked at Midorima and quietly mused, "Well, you've got a point. We've got our own monster, too..."
Midorima gave a subtle smile in reply.
Takao chuckled and mirrored the smile, saying, "Winter's gonna be interesting, isn't it?"
They strolled through the crowded corridor, where many people were conversing about the previous matches and eagerly discussing the upcoming games involving other members of the Generation of Miracles.
And what caught them the most was...
"I'm itching to see Fukuda Sogo Academy take on Too Academy..."
"Absolutely! I wish their game were tomorrow, too."
"Patience, folks. The best things come to those who wait. We'll get our showdown in two days..."
The crowd's conversation buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming semi-final clash between Fukuda Sogo Academy and Too Academy. The excitement was palpable, and they couldn't wait for the thrilling showdown.
Walking along the bustling corridor, Seirin's members couldn't help but overhear the excited chatter about the upcoming semi-finals.
"Kazama against Aomine, huh?" Hyuga pondered aloud. His teammates shared the same sentiment. Kagami, curious, turned to Kuroko for insights.
"Kuroko, you know both of them well, right? Who do you think will win?"
Kuroko's response was uncertain.
"To be honest, I'm not sure," he admitted with a slight shake of his head.
As they watched the Generation of Miracles in action, Kuroko couldn't help but feel increasingly astonished by their abilities, even though he had been playing with them for three years.
These guys were simply extraordinary.
However, Kuroko's thoughts briefly turned to their shared past at Teiko. He slowly spoke, "If we look back on the past..."
"...Back then, Aomine and Kazama used to have one-on-one matches regularly. It happened so frequently that everyone at Teiko would clear the court to watch them go head-to-head," Kuroko reminisced, recalling those distant memories.
These revelations left the members of Seirin in a state of astonishment. Kagami shared in their amazement, commenting, "So, it's similar to how Aomine and Kise are, huh?"
Kuroko nodded in agreement and added, "Yes, that's right..."
"Initially, Aomine was in a bad mood after Kazama left Japan. Nobody dared to challenge him to a one-on-one match," Kuroko explained, letting out a sigh. "But Kise's arrival seemed to rekindle his enthusiasm a bit..."
Kuroko took a moment to collect his thoughts, searching for the best words to convey his point. He continued, "But, it was different from Kazama..."
He paused again before stating, "Kise couldn't win a single game against Aomine. It didn't provide Aomine with the challenge he yearned for, ultimately leaving him longing for the excitement that defined his time with Kazama..."
Kuroko continued, "This craving for stronger opponents drove Aomine to seek challenges repeatedly."
It's also why Aomine began to feel bored and lose his passion.
Kuroko explained that Tsuna's departure from Teiko catalyzed Aomine's transformation. It ignited his desire for formidable adversaries.
As his teammates listened intently, Kiyoshi inquired, "So, did Kazama ever win a game against Aomine?"
Kuroko paused, his expression thoughtful, as he considered the question. Seirin's players grew anxious, and some swallowed nervously while waiting for Kuroko's response.
After contemplating, Kuroko spoke, "...That's not quite right to put it that way."
"What do you mean? Did he lose to Aomine like Kise did?"
Furihata, looking puzzled.
Kuroko's frown deepened, and he shook his head. He met his teammates' eyes and began, "Actually, it's the opposite..."
"...Aomine had never won a single game ever."
Time seemed to freeze as their eyes widened in utter disbelief.
Their minds raced furiously, struggling to digest this seemingly ludicrous information. It was as if reality had taken an unexpected turn, leaving them baffled and shocked.
How could that be? Aomine, the ace of the Generation of Miracles, couldn't even win a single one-on-one?
Kagami, his eyes wide with incredulity.
"...That's hard to believe."
"I do agree that it was indeed quite hard to believe..."
The others shared similar sentiments, racing to comprehend this unexpected twist. Kuroko gently refocused them, asserting, "...but it's the truth."
---
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