One More Chance

Years have passed since I cured my mother. I looked at the mirror and what greeted me was a handsome-looking youth with black hair and crimson red eyes. My body had become more defined as my abs were just only starting to show.

That was me as I washed my face and got ready for my daily routine. Ever since I turned 8, I started exercising.

My exercise routine consisted of a 20 minute run just around my house, 40 push-ups although if I notice that it would get easier; I will increase it by 5 more each time. 40 sit-ups. 20 squats and that's about it.

I have to take good care of my body of course. Not only that, this was also the weakness of the Kiseki no Sedai. Their bodies couldn't hold their abilities resulting in injuries; the prime example of this was Kise. Another example was Aomine injuring his elbow during one of his games against Kise. Even Murasakibara, in the last moments of one of his games against Seirin; couldn't jump because of the strain in his legs caused by long durations of playing.

This was the weakness of the Kiseki no Sedai, they had talent surpassing anyone of their generation, yet they have the physiques of a high school boy. This is a double edged blade for them and that is not how I wanted to go.

What I focused on first was my stamina. Stamina is a very important part inside basketball. Of course, what's the point of being the fastest dribbler around if after just 2 laps around the court you just get tired. Basketball is fast-paced and players have to be agile, strong and are able to do sudden and explosive moves. This means that this will eventually wear players out if they were to repeat what they were doing for long periods of time.

This was the importance of stamina. I wanted to build my foundation surrounding stamina and endurance. That was my goal right now since I don't want to rush and use weights that could possibly injure me in any way.

I left the house and started my routine. I first warmed-up. After a few minutes of warm-up it was time for me exercise. I laid the exercise math on the ground as I started to lay down. I first started with push-ups which took me at 3 minutes to complete. When I noticed it was easier this time, I did 5 more slowly as I adjusted my form.

After that, I did the sit-ups which took me 3 minutes and 2 minutes with the squats. I then started running. It was very early in the morning so it was just me who was awake at the time. I enjoyed the view of the house and looked at the familiar window, this reminded of the time that my family and I looked at the stars during night time.

I smiled as I reminisced that happy memory of mine. I snapped out of my thoughts as I ran and ran until the 20 minutes were over.

*Huff* *Huff* *Huff*

I was standing still as I practiced my breathing.

I then cooled down for 10 minutes as I went back to the house. Everytime I finished working out, I would take an ice bath. The purpose of the ice bath is to help my muscles recover faster.

It was even more freezing cold than the usual because it was still morning.

I then recalled everything eventful that happened throughout the years. Now that I think about it, apart from moments with my family, I have nothing at all. Right now, i had finished my last year at elementary school. I had no friends because people were too scared to even approach me. Though, I had my fair share of pursuers.

'Who wouldn't like a handsome young master like me' I narcissistically thought. Sei-chan was developing all right. Once Sei-chan also finished elementary, that is also the start of the canon.

All in all, I was still pretty sheltered. So it was about time to have the talk with my father.

.....

After my bath, I wore my clothes as I left my room in order to go to my father's office.

When I opened the door, I saw his expression change when he saw. Not going to lie, I do ask for some ridiculous things which were troublesome.

My father then said

"What is it?"

I then proceeded to talk.

"Dearest father, I think it's about time you let me spread my wings and fly. I want to study abroad even if it's only for a year."

My father nodded and said

"Accepted, although just as you said, it'll only be for a year."

I then heard a voice behind me saying in a chilly-tone

"Is my Aki-chan going to leave his mother?"

I then had a wry smile in my face as I showed my cutest expression possible. I had to swallow my pride just for this.

"But mother, I want to experience the world. I have no friends here. I have no one to talk to. Maybe going abroad will change my perspective in life too. So please mother"

I pleaded hard as I saw my mother's resistance slowly fading away.

She hugged me and looked at me straight in the eyes as he she held me

"Promise me that you'll take care of yourself ok?"

I nodded as she had tears in her eyes because if her child was clingy then she was even more clingy.

"Ahem" my father then interrupted us as he said

"I agree, but I will assign a caretaker to take care of you during your stay."

I nodded as we have reached an agreement.

My father then continued

"Your flight will be arranged next week."

I again nodded as I left the room, leaving my parents behind

After I closed the door, the two then conversed about my situation

My mother asked my father

"Why did you agree?"

My father then retorted back

"We all know that he's not normal, people like him needs to be experienced at such a young age. Let's not forget he was the one who cured you. Not only that, he has his businesses to handle"

Me curing my mother was never brought into light as my parents kept it as a secret. It sounds abnormal for a child like me to be able to do things that most people won't even be able to accomplish in their life. But what I was thankful about was despite that I was abnormal, they still accepted me and loved me. For that, I want to always make them happy.

After I left the room, I saw my little brother staring at me.

"Why will you leave, Nii-chan?"He asked with sorrow filled in his eyes.

I patted his head and then said

"Your Nii-chan will come back ok? You're already grown up so don't cry. I'll promise to come back as early as possible"

Sei-chan then replied,

"I accept, but you will have to play 1-on-1 against me"

I then answered him excitedly

"You're on. "

...

We were now at our court as I passed Sei-chan the ball. He looked at me intently as we were both restless at what we had in store for each other.

Testing my defenses, Sei-chan shifted his hip towards the left side as he initiated with a hesitation move to which he combined with a crossover to pass me. He then drove to the rim as he tried to make a lay-up. I could see there was a smile on his face when did that but what he didn't expect was a hand right behind him as I blocked the ball.

"It'll take a lot more than that to score against me, my little brother" I taunted him for a bit to which he didn't reply

It was now in my possession as I went for a offensive position. I dribbled the ball immediately as I started to walk while dribbling slowly. Sei-chan looked at the ball intently, looking for any chance to steal the ball.

I then changed to my left hand as I initiated with a crossover towards the left side. Sei-chan smiled as he looked like he expected this. I internally smirked as when his hand was about to reach the ball, I took a step back and pulled up.

"What!" Sei-chan exclaimed

The distance was far too great for him to contest it so he only looked at the ball flying as it went in

*Swoosh*

After that we played until the score was 21-2. Of course it was me who won as Sei-chan hasn't even awakened his emperor eyes yet. I knew I would still beat him, though the result won't be as great. We both slumped to the floor, desperately catching our breath.

*Huff* *Huff*

"When I come back, you better give me some competition"

Sei-chan who was tired replied

"Yeah."

We bumped our fists as we watched the sunset.