The Athletic Royals: Shiroma Version

Part 4[revised]

"Takeuchi-sensei, I believed Shiroma had asked you to dismiss the first strings," Kato said as she appeared in front of the coach.

Takeuchi jumped and nearly screamed in surprised.

"Takeuchi-oji-sensei, you squeal like a little girl." Shiroma said as he walked by Kato. "I thought I told you I didn't want to see a single first stringer here."

Takeuchi started sweat very heavily.

"Well...y-you see-"

Shiroma held a bandaged left hand up, interrupting the coach.

"I have no time for your excuses. I'm going to take over. With or without your approval."

Takeuchi took a double take on his two star managers, one of  them being his secret star ace. Both wore a slightly dark grey uniform with the words "MANAGER/COACH" printed in white across the front. Stitched on the back of their uniforms in a royal blue thread were their surnames. A serious look was written on both their faces. He gave them a hesitant nod of approval.

Shiroma turned to the court without hesitation. He blew his whistle. "First string, off the court! Practice is over for the day."

Groans were heard all over the gym. "You're not our coach/captain!" was heard from a corner. A couple of murmurs mumbled in agreement.

Shiroma twitched in annoyance.

"I mean it! Time is of an essence, and the second string needs the full court gym today for their practice game." He glared coldly at the first string. "So get your arrogant behinds off the court and go home."

"Kurokochii!" A certain blonde yelled as he emerged from the locker room. "What are you doing here?!"

Shiroma quickly took a step back from the incoming bundle of energy- but the blonde was quicker. He had already glommed the manager.

"When did you get here? Did you came to see me play against Midorima?" The blonde asked question after question. "When did you get as tall as me? Last time you were only 5'6"."

Shiroma turned red with irritation. Kato took a step back, obviously avoiding the K.I. Shiroma was recklessly leaking out.

Using his hands to grab the other boy's arms, Shiroma twisted them and got out of the blonde's grasp. Then Shiroma tossed the blonde over his(Shiroma) head.

"I don't know who you are, or this 'Midorima,' but my name is not 'Kurokochi'." Shiroma said to the groaning blonde lying on the floor. "And it looks like you have gotten the wrong announcement. There is no practice game for first strings. In other words-it's a second string vs second string game. No first stringers allowed. Go home."

Takeuchi sweated nervously. "Shiroma, careful now. That's one of the aces. Please don't scratch him."

Kise furiously nodded in agreement.

Shiroma looked down at Kise while Kise looked up at him. Their eyes met, daring each other to blink. Blue and yellow lightning bolts clashed against each other between them. Then Shiroma gave him a startling sadistic smile.

"So you are Kise." He said. His blue eyes turned a frosty color, sending goosebumps down the blonde's back. "I've heard a lot about you from Yukio-san and my brother. You are, apparently, very hard to handle."

"Shiroma, you're going sadist again," Kato reminded her fellow manager. She looked at her watch. "Shutoku should be coming out of the guest locker rooms soon."

Shiroma's sadistic grin widened. "I changed my mind. First string-you are not going home at all. Instead, all of you will be on garden duty for the rest of the week for the rest of the week. Enjoy helping the garden club with their plants and earthworms."

Kise fainted.

"Was that really necessary?" Kato asked Shiroma as he walked towards her.

"Sometimes, in order to build character and discipline, it is necessary to break one's spirit." was his reply.

"And yet a man once said, 'It is easier to build strong boys then to mend broken men.' Surely you don't want to risk sending him into a coma. You will be paying his medical bills from your own pocket after all, Shiro-kun." A voice said behind them.

"Tenri-san," Shiroma greeted as he faced the girl. Several boys stood behind the girl. "What are you doing here? I thought you didn't want to have anything to do with basketball?"

Tenri squirmed. "Kuro-kun's fault that he is such a stickler for promises. I could say the same to you. I thought you went Rakuzan with Akahana! Why are you here at Kaijo?"

"Economic racists. I transferred out in less than an hour."

"So you had your fair share of those selfish bastards as well." Tenri twitched. "Now, please tell me why is a blondie on the floor?"

"He's an arrogant first stringer." Shiroma and Kato said at the same time.

"I see." Tenri critically eyed at the unconscious blonde. She turned around to face her own players. "Second string, sweep this dog aside. We need space to play."

"Hai, Manager!" The scared boys pulled a broom out of nowhere and swept Kise aside.

"It's been only one day and they're already scared of you Midoten!" Miko teasingly said to Tenri.

"..." Tenri sighed. "Takao-san, keep Miko out of my hair and help her with her managerial duties." She faced back towards Shiroma and glared at him. "Let's get this game done and over with, Prince."

"I agree." Shiroma ferally grinned. "May the best manager win, Countess."

Lightning flashed between the two opposing managers.

"Takeuchi-sensei, please sit down. You don't want to miss this game for nothing." Kato said with a mysterious look. "This is just a taste of what their generation can do."