TWO

"Reading and walking is a dangerous thing you know." I said placing a hand on the smaller boy who flinched and turned around.

Kuroko seemed stunned someone actually managed to spot him though his face was inexpressive. He tilted his head and waited for me to continue.

"If you're looking for the basketball club, it's over that side," I said pointing. "I was heading there as well,"

"How did you know I play?" asked the short boy.

"You're the sixth phantom of Teiko aren't you? A member of the generation of miracles," I smiled as he seemed at a loss for words. "Don't bother thinking how I noticed you. I was simply interested."

"I see."

"I'm Yoshida Takumi by the way but I prefer to be called by my first name."

"Kuroko Tetsuya. Nice to meet you," he said. "Do you play basketball as well?"

We started walking to the club table.

"I do. Basketball is an interesting game that deals with not just strength but strategy and team work."

"Team work...." muttered Kuroko. He seemed lost in thought so I didn't say anything till we arrived.

The coach of the Seirin team and the captain were sitting at the table gaping at the beast in front of them. I managed to catch some of their words.

"No reason for joining?" Riko asked. Kagami stood up and crushed the plastic cup in his hand before walking away.

"It doesn't matter. Basketball's the same every you look in Japan,"

I coudn't help but snicker. The kid's in for a surprise.

"A-Ano, are you here to sign-up for the basketball club?" asked Riko looking at me. Hyuuga looked at me with a gaze of admiration? Or was that envy?

"WE are here to sign-up," I said.

"We?"

I threw an arm around Kuroko's shoulder making the boy look at me in confusion. It was only then did the seniors realise there was someone else with me and they gasped.

"E-Eh? How long was he there?" stammered Hyuuga.

"I've been here the whole time," Ah there it is. The famous line.

"But -- I didn't even notice you," Riko muttered.

"So can we sign the form?" I asked taking a seat. Riko seemed to snap out of her thoughts and quickly handed us the forms which Kuroko and I filled out.

"Eh?! You're from Teiko? THE Teiko?!" Riko gaped.

"I am."

The two seniors seemed skeptical. They were probably thinking there was no way Kuroko was on the starting lin-up. Oh well, they'll learn soon enough.

"Yoshida-kun, your reason for joining the club is blank..."

I slowly stood up and stretched. "That's because I don't have a solid reason. For now it'd be for fun but who knows. Going forward, I might become invested in the club,"

Without waiting for them to say something, I walked away waving.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

At lunch time, I sought out Riko in the second-years hallway. Students stared at me as I walked by and I could here their murmurs.

"Who is that? A first-year?"

"Wah, he's so handsome and tall,"

"Why's he here?"

I feel flattered.

"Takumi,"

I turned around to see Izuki looking at me with a curious gaze. "Did you need something from the second-years?"

"Ah, actually I'm looking for Aida-san,"

"Coach? She's --"

"What's this?" another voice appeared and I saw Riko approaching us holding a stack of papers.

"Oh coach, Takumi-kun was looking for you," Izuki said.

Riko looked at me tilting her head, "Can I help you?"

"Hai. I'll be straight with you, you are able to ascertain people's physical stats just by looking at them without clothes right?" I said.

Hers and Izuki's eyes widened.

"How'd you know?"

"It doesn't matter how I know but that I'm right. If that's the case, you're going to be checking our stats this afternoon correct?"

"Yes," Riko replied with a suspicious look.

"That's why I came to you now. Please check my stats in private, Izuki can come too if you don't trust me," I said bluntly.

"Ehh? Why?"

"Just...please," I made puppy dog eyes though I doubt it looked good on me. She hesitated for bit before agreeing.

"Very well. Let's do it now since I'm free."

She walked into a class and dumped the stack of papers on the teacher's table before leading Izuki and I to an empty room.

Making sure there was no one around, I took off my shirt and watched as she looked up and down my body. The two's eyes widened upon seeing my scars.

"This...is this why you wanted me to assess it in private?" Riko asked.

"...sure," I said averting my eyes. I wasn't really ashamed of my scars but it was too troublesome to explain to people why I have them.

I can't exactly say I'm part of the yakuza and this was the result of 'training' and fights. Also, I have tattoos on my back and forearms so unless I have no choice, I'd rather not display them in school.

But the next thing, Riko's jaw dropped staring unblinkingly at my body. Izuki looked at her.

"Coach?"

"This...what kind of freakish stats is this? I can't see your limits," said Riko in a shocked voice. "You'd be too overpowered on the court,"

"EH?" gasped Izuki.

I started buttoning up my shirt and smiled. "I figured as much. I thought I might as well tell you straight, like I said, I'm joining this to have fun but I also want to see up close how far Seirin will go. I don't mind if you don't put me in games but please let me join the team,"

"But this is only your physical stats. I still need to see your basketball ability,"

"I figured as much, here --" I handed her a CD. "I'd prefer you watch it by yourself though,"

Riko looked at the CD then at me with a complicated gaze. "What's your goal?"

Seeing her serious face, I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Who knows..."

And then I left the room.

---------------

[Third person POV]

Riko sat in class, her mind drifting to a certain freshman. No matter what, she just couldn't seem to get his monstrous physical ability out of her mind. It was just too unreal. The boy also gave off a very mysterious yet dangerous vibe but he also appears friendly -- an odd contrast.

There was definitely something off about him. He didn't seem like I regular high-schooler. Perhaps the CD he gave might have some answers. With stats like his, she had no doubt his skills were just as good although she insisted to check them. It's good to be cautious.

After class ended, instead of heading straight for the gym, she made a detour to the computer lab and plugged the CD in the player.

Her eyes watched the screen carefully and widened in amazement and disbelief.

This guy...