Chapter Three

                                    

                                          
Kurokos p.o.v
                          
I walked into the gym after the first day back at school. It was the day we recruited new players. After winning the winter cup, there were more than there were last year. Coach observed them all and made the final decision of who would do best on the team and who wouldnt.
                          
It wasnt the amount of people who wanted to be on the team that had me shocked though, it was what came next. Since our third years were graduating this year, they wont be around as much. Between collages and making the most of their third year, coach announced a new captain.
                          
I looked at her cautiously, hoping maybe I could sneak out of the situation. Nope. 
                          
Kuroko, come here. She smiled, and I looked ahead.
                          
Kuroko?
                          
Whos Kuroko?
                          
Wheres Kuroko? were the questions that arose from the first years. 
                          
Im right here.
                          
There were some screeches. When did you get here? a random first year asked, and I sighed. 
                          
Ive been here the whole time.
                          
Kuroko, come on.
                          
I made my way to the former captain and coach. Kuroko, youre the sole reason we got through this season. Yes, Kagami helped, but only because you taught him how to channel his anger towards the Generation of Miracles and beat them. You carried our team, and we want to give you a position that allows you to continue making our team great. Hyuuga said, and I looked away.
                          
Kuroko, trust me, youll be great. I was cautious at first too, but soon youll just melt into your role, and it will be natural. Kuroko, congrats, youre the new captain. He said, and I bowed to give my thanks.
                          
Dont be easy on them. Im still your coach and I will hit you. There are going to be training menus for the days we arent here I assure you. Coach said, and I nodded. Mid-way through practice we got a face call from Kagami, and he formally greeted the new members before asking how the rest of us are doing.
                          
When we informed him on what happened, he put his fist the screen and said only six words. 
                          
I knew you could do it. He said, and I smiled.
                          
I returned his fist, and we talked about how the NBA is treating him. After a while we hung up, and Furihata took the liberty to explain who Kagami is, where he is, and reminiscing our good times.
                          
The rest of practice was great, well, not for the first years who called us machines for being able to keep up with coachs regimen. We all shared a laugh at that. After practice, Hyuuga pulled me aside and handed me the jersey with #4 on it. I smiled, and he relayed some information that made me happier. Even Kiyoshi wanted me to be captain, which made me feel better about the position.
                          
We walked to the crosswalk together where we parted ways. That night was peaceful, but the next day wasnt. As soon as I stepped on campus, I groaned. He came again this year, much sooner than last year too. 
                          
Kise-Kun, we no longer have morning practice. I said, and his face dropped.
                          
Kurokocchi, when did practice change? 
                          
When I decided that I dont like waking up at ungodly hours to practice in the mornings.
                          
So, you made that decision?
                          
You sound like a captain, making team decisions and all.
                          
I am the captain.
                          
Kurokocchi thats- wait, what?! SERIOUSLY?!
                          
Then it got worse, because he followed me around all day, and sat outside my classes. Then when he came to practice, the first years were ecstatic until the second and third years acted so casual.
                          
Thats Kise Ryouta from the Generation of Miracles! One first year said to another, and Kise chuckled.
                          
Im not going to lie, I came for the same reason as last year. Kurokocchi, come to Kaijo with me. Kise said, more dramatic than necessary. Of course, this something he would pull. I played along and bowed before declining like I did last year. Like last year, he also pretended to cry.
                          
Now shoo, get out of our practice. Youre not allowed to steal our moves. I said and kicked him out.
                          
But Kurokocchi!
                          
No, you have been around all day, youll survive. I said and locked the doors. It was then when the second and third years let it out. 
                          
You guys never fail to amuse me. Izuki said, and we started practice. Coach left us quite a menu, and a list of days she would be gone so that helped. Hyuuga did stop by to see the third years about some activity, and Hyuuga assured me that once Inter-High came around, they would be ready and in the best shape. 
                          
Practice wax good, and so was school. Just as they promised, when the Inter-High preliminaries came around, the third years showed us their new coordination and moves. We left the first years reeling, and coach had a meeting with me, so we could decide who the regulars would be. 
                          
Finally, the day came when Inter-High was the next day. Kagami had called, wishing us luck and wishing he could be there. Kiyoshi called to and greeted the team for the first time. Then we had to explain who Kiyoshi was.
                          
After we explained our history with Kiyoshi, the third years went on to say he still played a huge part of everyones lives, which I could vouch for.
                          
Alright, today is a rest day from coach. You are not to go off and work yourself to hard if you do practice. Last minute injuries are never a convenience, and just because you arent starting doesnt mean we wont put you in if we believe you can influence the game. Now our regulars will be,
                          
Kuroko Tetsuya #4
                          
Izuki Shun #5
                          
Hyuuga Junpei #14
                          
Mitobe Rinnosuke #8
                          
Furihata Kouki #12
                          
Please dont be sad if you arent starting, we are still evaluating your skills. I finished and ended practice. As usual, I went home, toke shower, brushed my teeth, and went to sleep.