Kuroko no Basket: Honored One

The match had ended.

Kirisaki Daiichi, champions of Kanagawa, advanced powerfully into the Top 8.

Takeuchi Genta didn't say a single word. After a simple handshake with Tendou, he led his team off the court.

They looked calm—collected even—as they left with straight backs and heads held high.

But once they returned to the locker room, Kasamatsu Yukio asked his teammates to leave him alone. He stayed behind by himself.

Sitting there in the now-empty locker room, he could no longer hold it in.

He clutched his head—and wept bitterly.

Once he stepped down as Kaijō's captain, he was just a player who desperately wanted to win.

This scene stirred the emotions of many watching in the real world.

—

Tendou, after switching off the screen, turned around to see a familiar figure approaching.

"What kind of wind blew the young master here?"

"The weather report said it's a southwestern wind today," Akashi replied with a small, humorous smile.

He approached from the distance, holding a bottle of water, which he handed to Tendou.

"I remember you're not a fan of carbonated drinks."

"It's not that I don't like them. I just avoid them for the sake of my body and physique."

Tendou accepted the water, unscrewed the cap, took a sip, and smiled.

"It's been a while, Akashi."

The former captain and vice-captain of Teikō were reunited at last.

Their presence drew attention from everyone nearby—

People couldn't help but cast curious glances at them.

One was Tendou Kageyoshi, the Demon King who had defeated multiple Generation of Miracles members.

The other was Akashi Seijūrō, the absolute emperor who ruled Rakuzan.

Even if they did nothing but stand next to each other, the sheer aura they emitted was overwhelming.

"I never expected you to choose a team like Kirisaki Daiichi. Then again… that is very much your style."

Tendou's style?

There was nothing he couldn't do.

The two found a bench and sat down, chatting like old friends catching up after a long time.

But despite their civil tone, the air between them crackled with tension—

So sharp that bystanders were gulping nervously just standing nearby.

On one side was the Demon King who had already taken down multiple Miracles.

On the other, the unshakable leader of high school basketball's most dominant powerhouse.

"You choosing Rakuzan didn't surprise me either," Tendou replied.

"A powerful alliance is the most natural thing in the world. Just like corporations forming strategic partnerships for mutual gain."

"So, tell me… have you decided on your future bride already?"

"My life is my own. Not even my father can force me into a decision I don't want."

Tendou chuckled.

That's the Akashi family's heir, alright.

But he wasn't interested in debating Akashi's "absolutism" today.

Instead, he asked directly:

"So, why are you really here?"

"To discuss something." Akashi's tone was polite, but firm.

"I intend to have all Generation of Miracles members withdraw from this year's Winter Cup."

"You must've seen it too—Kise's injury wasn't an accident. His body couldn't withstand his own evolution."

"Against other schools, we'll win without issue. But if we end up facing each other, things like Kise's injury will happen again."

He used the word "discuss," but there was no mistaking the underlying force in his words.

This was Akashi Seijūrō holding back.

If it were anyone else in front of him, and not Tendou, he'd likely already have pinned them to the ground—like he did when he first met Kagami…

With a pair of scissors.

"I won't withdraw, Akashi."

"Because of your promise to Riko?"

"No."

I've got 99% injury resistance. That risk you're worried about? It doesn't apply to me.

Akashi's eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't press further.

"In that case… we'll meet on the court."

To this day, he still hadn't let go of that first decision by Shirogane Kōzō.

That moment had cast doubt on his ability.

In Shirogane's eyes, Tendou was stronger than Akashi—

The only possible reason Tendou had been made Teikō's captain.

And that—Akashi could never accept.

No one had ever questioned his abilities before.

But it didn't matter now.

He would prove that Shirogane had made the wrong choice.

That he, Akashi Seijūrō, was the best.

That he was the one and only absolute ruler.

...

"So? How'd it go, Seijūrō?"

As Akashi walked away, Rakuzan's players gathered around him.

"Get ready. This year's Winter Cup—we're going to settle this once and for all."

The moment they heard that, they understood.

The Miracle King hadn't backed down.

If it were anyone else, they'd have already warned them to prepare for incense and a funeral.

Anyone who went against Akashi usually met a bad end.

But if the opponent was Tendou…

That was a different story entirely.

...

This scene—

Was witnessed by Seirin's players as they were leaving with the rest of the crowd.

They were all curious—what were these two Teikō titans talking about?

Even Kuroko was deep in thought.

But Alex Garcia was thinking about something else entirely—

Her mind was still replaying the match she'd just seen.

At that moment, she made a decision.

"I need to talk to Taiga. Mind if I borrow him for a bit?"

Of course, the Seirin team had no objections.

What right did they have to get in the way of a mentor and her disciple?

After reminding Kagami not to be late for training tomorrow, they left.

...

It was already dark by the time they reached an abandoned street court.

"Couldn't we have talked about this in front of the others, Alex?"

"This is about why I came to Japan."

Alex's expression turned serious.

Her only reason for coming was to teach Kagami Taiga her signature move—Meteor Jam.

She already knew what had happened between her two disciples.

And she was here to help them face off—fairly.

In her mind, Tendou's image flashed again.

Himuro Tatsuya had already learned her Flare Shot, and to balance things out, she had decided—

Kagami needed Meteor Jam.

At first, that had been her plan.

Because she didn't believe anyone in Asia could surpass those two.

But now…

The power of the Generation of Miracles had far exceeded her expectations.

If things continued as they were, Kagami and Himuro might never even get the chance to face each other.

Players like Tendou?

Even in the U.S., they would be considered prodigies among prodigies.

That boy had eyes like Steve Nash—

His athleticism, instincts, and natural gifts were all elite.

There was no more time to wait.

"You also need to fix your dominant-hand problem," she added.

"Otherwise, when you face the Miracles, your off-hand is going to be a huge liability."

Kagami was a textbook righty. His left hand was awkward and weak—

In mid-air battles, that made him an easy target.

Ironically, it had been Midorima who originally pointed out this flaw.

Now, it circled back again—this time from Alex herself.

"There's still time before the Winter Cup prelims."

"Taiga, your training from here on out is going to be brutal. Get ready."

"Bring it on." Kagami's expression was unwavering.

"As long as I can beat Tendou—there's nothing I won't do."

That match against Kirisaki Daiichi was in the past now.

The wound in his heart had been healed—by his teammates.

Now, he would never fall into despair again.

Now—he would fight to defeat Kirisaki Daiichi and Rakuzan.

...

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