Azure: '... When will I be able to find that one type of person again?'

Azure shot a three with Kise trying to block him, before turning around to go back on defense.

Score: 94-40 Tooh

Kise: 'He... I just don't get how this guy does it! Is he even trying against me?!'

Azure: 'Even against Ryu, he didn't last long enough for me to really get into it. I desperately need someone who can keep up. I dropped 50 points in 1 half.'

The Kaijo players all went up to defend, but seemingly having anticipated a move, Azure blocked a shot from Kasamatsu. It was no secret that he was disappointed.

Azure: 'If I can't struggle even a little, then what's the point of playing at all? Even when I switch to playing more defense than offense.'

Ryu watched the game, folding his clenched hands.

Ryu: 'That guy... He's got better scoring abilities than Midorima Aomine and I, his defensive range seems to be even more than Murasakibara's, and he's even more skilled than Akashi. He's got a property of every player in the Generation of Miracles. Even if Kise can finish that copy of Aomine, it's worthless in Azure's presence.'

Ryu gritted his teeth, with the others seeing this.

Ryu: 'Coming to see him play from this view has only made me realize that I'm even further than I thought.'

Azure: Let me guess, your cutoff for Kise to copy Daiki was 15 points.

Kasamatsu: 'H-He knew?!'

Azure: I guess you didn't expect me to go in on the defensive end though. Though let's be honest here.

Kise got the ball again, as his movements changed while Aomine was on him.

Kasamatsu: 'He did it, but-'

Kasamatsu noticed Azure was gone, before looking over, seeing him swipe the ball out of Kise's hand, with his Divine Eye active.

Azure: An imitation of the second best player wouldn't have helped you one bit. Save your body the strain if that's the best you can do.

Kise: 'E-Even after all that time... It meant nothing to him!'

Azure: 'Up next is Seijuro Akashi I hope. I desperately need a challenge.

The game continued, as the gap in the scores only increased. When the game did finish, the difference between the two teams was so wide it would seem like the numbers came out of a video game.

Score: 160-52 Tooh

Kuroko: '... They more than tripled the score.'

Daiki: 'Rakuzan will be our greatest challenge, but now I'm not sure if even Akashi can keep up.'

After lining up and thanking each other for the games, the teams left to their locker rooms.

Wakamatsu: ALRIGHT!! WE'RE THE WINNERS OF THE INTER HIGH QUARTER FINALS-

The center was immediately splashed in the face with water.

Imayoshi: Do we have to do that after every game?

Sakurai: Hold on, where did Azure go to?

Daiki: He dipped out of here the first chance he got.

Wakamatsu: Come on, I know we crushed those guys, but why aren't we more excited? Even that jackass gave it all he had towards the end.

Daiki: ... You're joking right?

Imayoshi: I guess most of you don't know.

Sakurai: What do you mean by that?

Imayoshi: That Azure hasn't shown us everything. Not even close to it.

The listening players were in awe.

Daiki: Yup, but he can't exactly get there when he has opponents he can defeat normally.

He smirked once saying this.

Daiki: But if he does get to a point where he can go all out, even the Generation of Miracles working together would be hard pressed to stop him.

TIME SKIP!!

Ryu: UGHHHH, I can't believe we have to miss that game!!

The Seirin players were leaving the building, as Ryu didn't seem too pleased.

Ryu: Azure going against Rakuzan might have been a tipping point!

Hyuga: Ahh stuff it with the complaints! Just practice to make up for it!

Ryu: '-_- How the hell does that make sense?!!'

In frustration Ryu closed his eyes, but once he reopened them, he was shocked to see a certain giant with the aid of his Beast Eye. He stopped dead in his tracks to turn around before a purple haired teen rounded a corner.

Ryu: ... Was that Mura?

He shook his head, continuing to walk.

Ryu: 'What am I missing? How can I reach the next level and stand on the same stage as Azure? Is it my finishing? My ball handling? Hell, is it my defense?'

He began to compare his every skill to Azure, finding X's at almost every comparison, before reaching one conclusion.

Ryu: '-_- This guy is better than me at almost every facet of the game... ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!'

TIME SKIP!!

The time for the finals of the Inter High tournament had arrived, as Azure was tying his shoe laces.

Azure: The last Miracle in the tournament. Let's see if there's any difference.

Azure although later than the others on his team walked towards the court. When he did, he saw the Rakuzan team in layup lines. What surprised him is that not a single person missed their layups, including the benchwarmers.

Azure: 'Of every skill in basketball, the Layup is the most basic. The fact that they have it completely polished with the same rhythm is saying something.'

When Azure did step on the court, there was a minor change in their routine. Some players began to slow, with their shots hitting the backboard before going in. The only ones exempt were 5 players.

???: Holy crap, did anyone else feel that?!

???2: Yeah. It feels like the flow of the rest of the team was thrown off.

???3: That, and this sudden shaking.

The team looked at Azure, who stretched while glancing at them.

Azure: 'Looks like not a lot of them can stand my presence though.'

Daiki: Azure, get your ass over here and help me warm up.

Azure: Yeah yeah, hold on.

One final individual walked up, with him having red hair.

???: You're Azure Kaito, correct?

Azure stopped in his tracks, turning around to see the redhead.

Azure: Seijuro Akashi.

Akashi: So you are familiar with me.

Azure: Of course. You're on a list of people I want to go up against.

Seeing this, Daiki walked up as well.

Daiki: Akashi...

Akashi: It's been quite some time, Daiki.

Daiki: Still got that look in your eye. Nothing's changed it looks like.

Akashi: Why would it need to? You know I've never lost. I have never been wrong, and that won't change. Because I always win, I am always right.

Azure: *Snicker*

Akashi: Huh?

Azure put a fist to his mouth, before laughing. This caused the Rakuzan Starters, and Daiki to freeze.

Azure: Never lost?!! That's absolutely perfect!!

Akashi: ... Would you mind stating what's so funny, Kaito?

Azure ceased his laughing, smirking.

Azure: Sorry, it's just so fitting! I get to end another one of the Generation of Miracles' unbeaten streak! At first I was hoping I could get the other's too, but you more than make up for it!

He turned, with Aomine looking at him as if he had lost his mind.

Daiki: 'This man has no sense of true fear and it terrifies me.'

Akashi: ...

Elsewhere, Ryu felt as if somebody had just done the impossible.

The players lined up, as getting a look at them, Azure realized that the Starters were the Uncrowned Kings.

The ball was thrown up by the ref, with Azure winning the jump ball against Nebuya.

Nebuya: 'Damn, this guy has crazy reach!'

Daiki caught the ball, and unlike what usually goes on for a normal team, he chose not to pass the ball back to the point guard. This caught most of the Rakuzan members off guard, as Aomine drove in.

Daiki: 'Get real. If I touch the ball then 9 times outta 10, I'm going to score.'

Hayama ran in to try and stop the teen, but Aomine stopped, before speeding over with a crossover to his right.

Hayama: 'Damn, he's quick even for me!'

Daiki drove in, before jumping for a shot. Nebuya had ran to try and block, however like usual, Daiki switched the ball to his other hand, before flinging the ball in.

2-0 Tooh

Daiki: Don't get so wrapped up with Azure that you forget you're dealing with me too.

Akashi: ... I see that you're both serious about this. Very well.

Once Rakuzan was in possession, Akashi brought the ball up, having marked himself against Azure.

Azure: 'This soon?'

He began to dribble, going at a pace that Azure seemed only moderately impressed by. After finding a small gap, Akashi was able to pass right to Nebuya.

Nebuya: NICE PASS!!!

After backing Wakamatsu down, the center was able to score an easy layup, equalizing the score.

Daiki: 'Seems like he's plotting something already.'

Satsuki watched, understanding.

Satsuki: 'I see. Akashi wants to bring Azure's focus to him to allow his teammates to dominate and score. It's honestly really genius... But.'

As Rakuzan got back into position to defend, they were shocked when Azure shot the ball once they got to half court.

Akashi: 'A half court shot?'

Azure: I don't like my time to be waisted.

The shot went in, as the crowd cheered.

Azure: I'm glad you're setting things up, but you're gonna have to play a little quicker, Seijuro Akashi.

Kotaro: Woah, he didn't do something like that in the last game!!

Nebuya: What is he, the green haired kid?!

Mibuchi: If we have to deal with this all game, we're in trouble!

Akashi: I don't believe anyone should be worried this early in the game.

Akashi began to bring the ball up. Azure stood in front of him, waiting.

Azure: 'Now to see what they've got.'

Akashi: You seem very insistent on standing against me, Azure Kaito.

Azure: Yeah, well I've never really been one to accept authority blindly.

Akashi: Well be warned.

Akashi began to dribble the ball, before red rings seemed to appear in his eyes.

Akashi: I never forgive those who defy me. Not even my own parents.

Azure seemed slightly thrown off, as right as he would about to move, Akashi reacted, doing a crossover to the right, putting Azure off balance.

Azure: '... The fuck?'

Akashi: So lower your head.

Azure had to stretch a hand out to the ground to prevent fully falling, as Akashi quickly passed the ball to Mibuchi, who shot a three, tying up the score.

Azure: There's... No way in hell.

Azure got back on his feet, genuinely surprised.

Daiki: Oi, Azure! The hell is up with you, there was a chance you could've caught up!

Azure: Sorry man... But you didn't tell me that this could end up as a mirror match.

Azure smiled widely.

Azure: I've got an opponent that can also see into the future? This is awesome!

The game progressed, as Azure finally seemed to have the struggle a bit. As Akashi was stepping up to defend him, Azure tried to step back. Unknown to him, he was still in range of the Emperor Eye, and while he went to shoot Akashi was able to get a hand on the ball, making Azure's shot fall slightly short and hit the rim, allowing Nebuya to grab the rebound.

Nebuya: 'He was even able to get a shot off?! What kinda of monster is he?!'

Azure: 'Okay, that pace doesn't work.'

Once Akashi got the ball, he quickly passed it to Hayama.

Daiki: 'What's he up to?'

While in thought, Aomine was still fast enough to start marking Hayama.

Hayama: Woah man, you're fast as hell even off the ball! Sei-Chan was right!!

Daiki: The hell are you giggly about?!

Hayama: Alright then. I think you're good enough to handle 4 right off the bat.

Daiki: 'Four?'

Hayama began to dribble the ball harder, as the sound made could be heard from the crowd, causing some spectators to cover their ears.

Daiki: 'Is this guy for real?!'

As Kotaro dribbled, the ball seemingly vanished, as Aomine had been passed.

Wakamatsu: GET BACK TO DEFEND YOU IDIOT!!!

Daiki quickly turned trying to do so, but when going for a block, Hayama managed to do a double clutch, scoring on the ace.

Score: 7-5 Rakuzan

Daiki had genuinely been caught off guard, surprised as Hayama ran back.

Daiki: ... Did this mother fucker...?

Imayoshi: Hey, get your head back in the game Aomine.

Daiki: He really just used 4 fingers to dribble the ball against me... Oh HELL NO, AZURE TAKE A BACKSEAT!!

Azure: Dude, chill out for a sec.

Azure still seemed confident, looking at his partner.

Azure: I'll help you score, but only if you help me out a little too.

Daiki: ... Eh?

Azure: Akashi wants to plays games, fine we can do it his way. I'm gonna make your OLD LEADER realize that there are still levels to this that he doesn't understand.

Tooh brought the ball back up the court, as once again Azure was faced with Akashi. However this time he slowed the pace of the game down far more, putting Akashi on edge.

Akashi: '... Even though I hate to admit it, this Azure Kaito is far more skilled than people realize. The ability to slow down and make everyone, even the other team match your play speed.'

Akashi stepped forward again, and as Azure dribbled, he moved completely to the side, before delivering a behind the back pass to Daiki.

Daiki: 'Now I understand.'

He caught the ball, before scoring with a three.

Daiki: 'Stepping out of the Emperor Eye's range to become unpredictable. Don't know what your aim is, but it's still genius.'

Rakuzan got the ball once again, as this time Mibuchi was passed the ball.

Mibuchi: Looks like your tactician wants the score to be as even as possible.

Sakurai: I-I'll make sure to help him out, sorry but he's scary!

Mibuchi seemed like he would be going for a 3, though he actually went forward to draw a foul, with the ref blowing the whistle after he shot.

Mibuchi: Sorry, but you don't know what scary is until you've played with our Sei-Chan.

Sakurai: A-A FAKE?!

Mibuchi also made the shot, which shook some of the Tooh players.

Imayoshi: Damn, they're relentless.

After getting to the free throw line, Mibuchi made another shot, widening the score.

Score: 11-8 Rakuzan

Sakurai: I-I'm sorry! I shouldn't have let him-

Azure: Don't trip over it, I know you're no match for him at the moment. For now you guys have just gotta keep trying your hardest.

Imayoshi: ... You've got a plan don't you?

Azure: Yup.

Imayoshi: ... Eh, what the hell? Just trust the Ace on this one boys.

The game continued, as even though Azure hadn't scored, or stopped Akashi, they were in the game better than the rest ever were.

Score: 30-30 Rakuzan

The end of the first quarter was nearing, as Akashi was against Azure once more.

Akashi: 'What is this...? Their's such a feeling of unease on the court now.'

Akashi looked at Azure, and it seemed that there was a jet black aura around him.

Akashi: 'Simply put... There's no way-'

Azure: 'That he's gonna risk doing anything right now.'

HIT THE MUSIC!!

The quarter ended with neither Ace making any moves, causing the entire court to become confused. Once that time did occur, Azure smiled.

Azure: Yup, all backed up now.

He turned back and smiled at Akashi cockily.

Azure: Thanks for falling right into place.

Akashi: ... I'm sorry?

Azure: You'll understand soon enough.

The players returned to their benches, as Azure stretched.

Azure: Yeah, I picked it all up coach Harasawa.

Harasawa: All of it?

Azure: Not one piece unanalyzed.

Imayoshi: So you gonna let us in on the big secret dude?

Azure: Well take a listen and then you'll get it.

After a talk between the players, the game began once again. Azure was once again going 1 on 1 with Akashi, smiling.

Azure: Once again, those eyes of yours are impressive. However, you've got a long way to go before you can hope to catch up.

Akashi: 'Arrogant fool.'

Akashi looked into the future, seeing that Azure would pull up for a jump shot.

Akashi: 'There!'

As Akashi reacted, he saw that he was a step too late, as Azure shot. No one was more shocked to see this than Daiki, who broke out in a cold sweat.

Daiki: 'The hell did he just do?'

Azure turned around with a smirk, walking back to defense.

Azure: I figured all of you out, Emperor.

The shot went in, as the crowd cheered.

Score: 33-30 Tooh

Hayama: Is he for real?!

Imayoshi: Oh it's real alright. We're gonna take the lead for a bit.

Rakuzan went on the attack, but much less aggressive than before.

Akashi: 'How on earth could be have done that?'

Azure: Even when I don't go all out, I'm a decently perceptive guy. That, and something else.

Azure stepped forward, as once he did Akashi made a pass behind Azure.

Akashi: 'No matter perceptive someone may be, no one would expect a second phantom.'

Akashi had passed to where Mayazumi would be, as he prepared to tap the ball to Hayama. Before he got the chance though, Aomine had intercepted, shaking all the Rakuzan players.

Azure: I slowed myself down to find out how each of you played. I know your strengths, and weaknesses. Every flaw, habit, and even the rhythm of your breathing.

Azure cracked his knuckles, as Aomine raced down the court to score with a slam dunk.

Azure: You may think you're smart, but I'll tell you this now, and I'm gonna say it only once.

Azure's eyes glowed a bright silver.

Azure: I've gone into countless mental battles on the court. I play on a higher dimension then you ever have, Akashi!!

CHAPTER END!!