STEPBROTHER (HAIKYUU X KUROKO NO BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMP)
25

Amid the 15-minute halftime between the two quarters and the 3rd, Akashi wanders into his mind, ignoring the presence of his own team and cheering of Shiratorizawa students who are vilifying their school.

The glare of his eyes thirsting for Victory began to radiate clearly, though at that moment he did not once turn his gaze which continued to look down with a body sitting slightly bent and a small towel wrapped around his neck.

"I can't let Teiko lose, insult kiseki no look and belittle me." Akashi's mind gripped his hands.

Anyone can surely realize that the noble teenager who became the leader of Kiseki no sedai was being enveloped by feelings of anger.

Until Akira alone did not dare to approach Akashi, even though at this time they still need direction and guidance Akashi as their captain.

"about!" call Akashi straight up, "As long as I think strategically for us, please make sure your mood improves as I return."

Akira did not ask much and just nodded, he did not even dare to look into Akashi's eyes and let the senior walk away from the field building in a step that tried to remain calm.

After a few steps away from the building, he stared at the phone screen for a moment and had crossed his mind to contact the members of the kiseki no look at that time. However, before he could make a group call with them, he suddenly abandoned his intentions and switched to contact Nijimura.

With a tone that remained calm, Akashi opened the conversation first when the ringtone of the call was connected. At that time, Nijimura was seen working part-time as a cashier in one of the supermarkets while doing his campus duties.

"What's up, Akashi?" asked Nijimura who did not mind taking Akashi's phone in the middle of the busyness.

"I'm confused, Nijimura Senpai. I'd like to ask your opinion, are you busy right now?" ask Akashi.

Nijimura shook her head, "No, really. Just tell me what you want to ask me, I'll give you quality advice like always that we do whenever you feel confused or worried."

"Senpai, are there times when we stop trusting our team Anggara and play alone? Sorry, i-i mean... Can I be selfish for a quarter? I'm afraid to be the Akashi I used to be, but I also don't want us to lose and be humiliated by the opposing team. What do you think, Senpai?" tanya Akashi made Nijimura smile.

"You seem to have started loving victory, Akashi. I didn't expect your defeat in the Winter Cup to make you start to appreciate the victory and feel afraid of defeat. Finally you really look like a teenager in general" said Nijimura, who was proud of his junior, although his words were a little harsh to Akashi's hearing.

"Oh yes, your question was really quite surprising to Akashi. But I think do it if that's the only way you can do it now. And the answer to your fear, isn't it that you've committed to yourself that you'll never be as ruthless as Akashi once was? What are you so afraid of now? I believe you are the perfect leader and a great member. So stop doubting yourself, try to trust yourself. "

"So, what's the conclusion senpai? You talk too much until I can't summarize the core of your conversation" lamented Akashi who made Nijimura laugh amusedly at his Junior's innocence.

Akashi smiled with satisfaction at Nijimura's reply, "Thank you, Senpai. Your answer satisfied me a lot and gave me a reason to keep trusting my own team. I really darkened my eyes for a moment against them" Akashi said.

"It's good that it makes you understand. Then the spirit of the match," said Nijimura relaxed.

"Thank you again, Senpai. Then I hang up the phone and I'm sorry to have taken your time again, Senpai." Akashi immediately hung up the phone call after getting an agreed response by Nijimura.

Nijimura herself could only shake her head as she stared at the phone screen, "I have to thank you, you always trust me every time you are in the middle of your worries. It would be nice to have a sister like you" muttered Nijimura as she resumed her work.

While Akashi returned to the building after overcoming his worries, without much ado Akashi made a circle with his members.

"Can you trust me to play alone for the 3rd quarter?" ask Akashi.

"What do we mean is we don't have to touch the ball during the 3rd quarter and let the senpai in control there?" ask Akira.

"Yes, I know this sounds selfish. But we have to keep winning now and I want to rule the whole of quarter 3 completely, after which I will hand the whole last quarter over to you. So, I hope that during the 3rd quarter you can learn to observe and analyze the cohesiveness and cooperation of the Shiratorizawa team. I want you to be observers now, can you?" ask Akashi.

And it seems that Akashi's words just now were very convincing, to the point of making the entire members nod in unison. Perhaps at first they were surprised at Akashi's notice, but having listened to Akashi's words just now has led them to believe that sometimes analysing opponents is also no harm and believing the whole Quaternary is the best thing they have to do.

"Alright, we agreed with your strategy just now. And we will give all our trust to Akashi Senpai" Akira said. Akashi just nodded along with the sound of a whistle that signaled the third Quarter could start now.

With an excited step and a calm mind. Akashi stepped foot into the match area and did not forget also he released his Eyes patch to the surprise of all spectators including Team Member Shiratorizawa who did not know the news. Even some of its members were shocked for a moment when they realized that the alleged eye pain they believed was not right because they also did not know the incident that happened to Akashi a few weeks ago.

"Bas on the disabled!" yelled Akio who instantly dribbled his ball with a quick step. Akashi just smiled with a calm face while waiting for the arrival of Akio in front of him.

****

Who is going to win?