Chapter 5
Walking towards Maji Burger, Taiga Kagami couldn't help but replay the earlier game in his mind. The dominance and elegance with which Kaito played, combined with Kuroko's unique abilities, created a terrifying combination. Kagami's smile grew wider as he realized the potential they possessed. He felt fortunate to be in Japan for basketball.
Upon arriving at Maji Burger, Kagami ordered an unusually large amount of food and settled at what he believed to be an empty table. To his surprise, Kaito and Tetsuya Kuroko were already seated there, enjoying their meal. Kagami requested that they leave to avoid being mistaken for friends, but his request was denied. Resigned, Kagami let out a sigh and offered Kuroko and Kaito one of his burgers, acknowledging Kuroko's efforts on the court. He then turned his attention to Kaito, issuing a challenge. However, Kaito simply responded with a deadpan expression and a burger in his mouth, calling Kagami an idiot. Kagami couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance.
As they left the restaurant, Kagami turned to Kuroko, seeking answers about the true strength of the Generation of Miracles and how he would measure up against them. Kuroko responded coldly, stating that Kagami would be instantly destroyed if he were to face any of the Miracles. This irritated Kagami, who pressed further, asking how he would fare against Kaito in a rematch. Kuroko's reply was even more blunt, emphasizing that he would be defeated even more convincingly. Kuroko recalled Kaito's incredible strength during their first year, and now he was curious to see how the current Miracles would match up against him.
Taking this as a challenge, Kagami declared his motivation to defeat them all and become the best player in Japan. However, Kuroko denied him once again, asserting that such a goal would not be possible alone. It was at this moment that Kuroko made a decision of his own. He looked at Kaito, promising to become his shadow once more and make his name resonate throughout Japan. With basketball not being widely recognized in the country, Kuroko aimed to make Kaito known as the best player in Japan, along with the rest of the Seirin High basketball team.