Chapter 8: Reunion of Light and Shadow
Kaito finally rises from the bench, walking towards Kuroko and positioning himself in front of Kise. As Kise notices him standing beside Kuroko, Kaito asserts that Kuroko cannot leave, for the First Light and Shadow have reunited. Kise's eyes widen in surprise at Kaito's declaration.
In a flashback
Kise recalls a training session at Teiko when he was a new member of the team. He sees a picture of the Teiko basketball team with someone in the center holding the trophy, but he notices that the person is no longer a part of the team. Intrigued, Kise asks Kuroko, Akashi, Aomine, Momoi, Murasakibara, and Midorima about the person in the photo. They reminisce about their memories with their old friend, Itoshi Kaito, who was the captain and ace during their first year at Teiko. Attention shifts as they notice Momoi blushing. Unbeknownst to the others, Momoi is thinking about her crush on Kaito, stemming from him saving a ball before accidentally hitting her in the face. The Generation of Miracles deadpan at Momoi's blushing and let out exasperated sighs. Kise then learns that Kaito was the first light for Kuroko and that they were all the same age before getting scouted by Royale Madrid. Kise becomes even more intrigued about Kaito's strength.
Returning to the present
Kise looks at Kaito in shock and exclaims, "You're Kaitocchi!" Confused by Kise's reaction, Kaito gazes at him with a perplexed expression, unfamiliar with the nickname. Kuroko intervenes and explains that Kaito is one of the miracles who joined after Kuroko left. Kise adds the suffix "cchi" to names he deems strong or worthy of his acknowledgment. Kuroko respectfully declines Kise's invitation, expressing that his perspective has changed since middle school and that he has already made a promise to Kaito to defeat the Generation of Miracles together. Kise playfully feigns tears, behaving like a child. His curiosity about Kaito's strength intensifies.
Meanwhile, Kagami observes the scene with a smile, satisfied that he will be facing a formidable opponent. Kaito supports Kuroko's challenge, solidifying their determination to face the Generation of Miracles together.