The gym buzzed with a mixture of shock and anticipation. Seirin High, once trailing by double digits, had clawed its way back into the game—not through flashy plays or brute strength, but because of one unexpected factor:
Tetsuya Kuroko.
But this wasn't the Kuroko anyone remembered. Gone was the quiet shadow who disappeared in the flow of the game. In his place stood a player with razor-sharp instincts, confident movements, and an intensity that made even the most skilled opponents hesitate.
Across the court, Ryota Kise wiped the sweat from his brow, his usual playful grin fading into something more serious. His golden eyes narrowed as he studied Kuroko, the gears in his head turning rapidly.
"You've really changed, Kurokocchi," Kise murmured under his breath.
But he wasn't worried.
He was excited.
[System Update: Mamba Mentality Core - Active]
Opponent Analysis Enhanced.
Focus Level: 85%.
Second Quarter Begins
Kaijo's coach barked instructions, but Kise barely listened. His attention was locked on Kuroko, intrigued by the transformation. If Kurokocchi can evolve… then so can I.
The whistle blew.
Kaijo had possession. The ball found its way to Kise, who dribbled with his usual fluid grace. But this time, there was no cocky flair—just pure, focused intent.
Kuroko moved in to defend.
Kise smirked. "Let's see if you can stop this."
With explosive speed, Kise performed a perfect crossover, mimicking Kagami's aggressive driving style. But Kuroko didn't flinch. His eyes tracked Kise's footwork, not the ball.
Anticipation. Timing. Precision.
As Kise shifted for a layup, Kuroko struck—his hand shooting out like a viper.
Steal.
The crowd gasped.
Kuroko sprinted down the court, Kaijo's defenders scrambling to catch up. Kagami called for the pass, but Kuroko ignored him, driving straight to the rim.
A defender leaped to block.
Kuroko pivoted mid-air, switching the ball to his left hand and releasing a smooth floater.
Swish.
Seirin's bench erupted in cheers.
Kaijo 26 - Seirin 25.
Kise stared, stunned for a split second before his grin returned—this time, filled with genuine excitement.
[Opponent Skill Activated: Perfect Copy Mode - Level 1]
Ryota Kise can replicate any move he witnesses with 90% efficiency.
Kaijo inbounded the ball quickly. Kise caught it near half-court, his golden eyes gleaming. Without hesitation, he mimicked Kuroko's exact drive from moments ago—the same pivot, the same floater—executed flawlessly.
Swish.
The score flipped again.
Seirin's players exchanged worried glances. Kagami gritted his teeth. "Tch… he copied Kuroko perfectly!"
But Kuroko remained calm, his mind sharper than ever.
"Copying is easy," he muttered softly. **"But there's one thing you can't imitate—the mindset behind the move."
[Skill Activated: Killer Instinct - Level 1]
Increases offensive adaptability under competitive pressure.
Kuroko advanced the ball, guarded closely by Kise now.
Kise's smile grew. "I've got you figured out, Kurokocchi."
But Kuroko didn't respond. Instead, he executed a rapid hesitation dribble, faking a drive before pulling up for a mid-range jumper.
Kise reacted instantly—copying the hesitation, anticipating the shot.
But it was a trap.
Kuroko pump-faked, watching as Kise flew past him. Then, with surgical precision, he stepped forward and sank the shot effortlessly.
Swish.
"You copied the move," Kuroko finally said, his voice calm. "But not the intention."
Kise's grin faltered slightly.
[System Notification: Mental Synchronization at 35% Complete]
New Trait Unlocked: "Mind Over Motion"
• Allows prediction of an opponent's response based on their tendencies and habits.
Halftime Break
The buzzer echoed through the gym, signaling halftime. The scoreboard showed a tight battle: Kaijo 34 - Seirin 33.
Seirin's players collapsed onto the bench, panting and drenched in sweat. But Kuroko stood tall, barely winded, his focus unbroken.
Kagami stared at him, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Kuroko… what's gotten into you?"
Kuroko didn't answer right away. He simply stared at the court, his eyes distant but burning with purpose.
"I've been given a second chance," he finally said. "And I'm not wasting it."
Riko glanced at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. There was something different—not just in his skills, but in his very essence.
Kaijo's Locker Room
Meanwhile, Kise sat with a towel over his head, his smile gone, replaced by focused determination.
I can copy his moves, he thought, but I can't copy what's driving him.
His fists clenched. "I'll figure it out. I'll surpass him."
[Halftime System Update]
• Mission Progress: Challenge the Generation of Miracles - In Progress
• Primary Rival Identified: Ryota Kise
• New Objective: Force Kise to reach his limit—and break it.
To Be Continued…