The second quarter ended with the scoreboard showing Shūtoku 43 – Seirin 28. Kuroko Tetsuya stood by the court, breathing heavier than usual.
Kuroko's gaze unconsciously followed Takao Kazunari's back.
"Kuroko, are you okay?" Aida Riko asked, noticing his unusual state.
Kuroko bowed slightly. "Sumimasen, Coach."
"It's not your fault," Riko shook her head. "No one expected Shūtoku to have someone who could counter you. Let's go back to the locker room and rest a bit."
"Coach," Kuroko suddenly said, "I want to go outside for some fresh air. Is that okay?"
Riko was surprised. "Go ahead, but don't be long. Be back before the third quarter."
"Thank you, Coach." Kuroko nodded and headed toward the exit.
"Hey, Kuroko!" Kagami caught up and grabbed his shoulder. "You—"
Kuroko didn't turn around. "Please let me be alone for a while, Kagami-kun."
"Kagami," Hyuga said, stopping him. "Let him go. This is something Kuroko has to face sooner or later."
Izuki patted Kagami's back. "He's not the type to be crushed so easily."
Kagami scratched his head in frustration.
Meanwhile, the Shūtoku players were heading to their locker room. Takao glanced back toward Seirin's bench, a faint smile on his lips.
"What are you looking at?" Midorima asked.
"Nothing," Takao replied casually.
Midorima adjusted his glasses. "Don't get too cocky. Knowing Kuroko, he'll find a solution soon."
"I hope so," Takao smiled wider. "That's what makes it fun."
Outside the gym, Kuroko leaned against the corridor wall and took a deep breath.
He looked at his reflection in the window. Takao felt like an invisible wall separating him from his teammates.
Kuroko took out his phone and paused on the name "Ogihara-kun." After thinking for a long time, he didn't press call.
Cheers echoed faintly from inside. The second half was about to start.
As Kuroko turned back, he saw his reflection between two walls… and an idea flashed through his mind.
If Misdirection was seen through, what if he used it against them? If Takao could see everyone… what if he only let Takao see himself?
Kuroko quickened his pace.
"Kuroko still hasn't come back…" Riko paced nervously.
Hyuga said, "Let's go on first. Let him rest a bit longer."
"Koganei, you're in!"
"Yes!"
Both teams returned to the court. Takao looked at Koganei. "Oh? A substitution? Too scared to come out?"
Before Koganei could answer—
"Sumimasen, Coach, I'm late!"
Kuroko ran over, but the lineup was already set. Riko decided to keep him on the bench a little longer.
"Kuroko, rest for now. We'll put you in later."
"Okay, Coach."
"So? Did you figure it out?"
"I have an idea."
Riko nodded in relief.
Shūtoku inbounded. Takao easily crossed half-court, shook off Koganei, and passed to Miyaji for a layup.
Seirin attacked next, but Izuki missed. Kimura grabbed the rebound.
"Fast break!" Takao sprinted forward, but Kagami slid in to block.
"Huh? Surprised?" Takao laughed. "You left Shin open?"
He passed behind him—Midorima caught and shot.
Swish!
The arena roared.
Shūtoku controlled the rhythm. Takao assisted three straight plays, and Midorima kept raining threes.
"Coach, let me in!" Kuroko said.
Riko saw his determination and agreed.
Koganei subbed out. "It's up to you now, senpai!"
Takao whistled. "Yo, finally here."
"Sumimasen, I tried to come earlier, but I was late."
Takao blinked, speechless.
Kagami whispered, "Got a plan?"
"I have an idea. We'll see if it works."
Takao drove and passed to Midorima. Kagami rushed him—
Pump fake.
Kagami jumped.
Midorima stepped right and shot.
Swish!
Cheers exploded.
Kuroko caught the ball under the basket.
He spun 360 degrees and whipped his arm—
The ball flew like a meteor across the court!
"Kuroko!"
Kagami leapt, caught it mid-air—
Boom!!!
A thunderous dunk.
The entire arena erupted.
"What just happened?!"
"A full-court pass…!"
Midorima's pupils shrank behind his glasses.
Takao stared seriously. "So you can pass like that…"
Midorima muttered, "Using my shot as the start of your play… as expected of you."
Kagami pounded his chest. "Great pass! Keep it up!"
Kuroko looked at Midorima. "Sumimasen. If I let you win so easily, I'd be in trouble."
Hyuga laughed in disbelief. "Kuroko, I've never seen a pass like that. Now the game's rhythm is back!"