A question I often ask myself when "shipping" this OTP is: "How will these two be present in each other's lives?"
With NijiAka, I find that they are not completely opposite at all; on the contrary, they share some very subtle points of connection. Both of them crave victory, but the way they feel and express that desire carries different shades.
In the harsh environment of Teiko, Nijimura is like a true "big brother." Aside from Coach Shirogane and Sanada, he is the only one who genuinely cares for his juniors. He doesn't view them as mere geniuses, but as kids who need to be nurtured. He notices how the outburst of power is hurting Aomine, worries about Midorima's eccentricity, and with Akashi, he chooses to invite him for snacks on the way home in a completely natural way.
However, I also don't forget that Nijimura is also influenced by Teiko's "Victory is everything" mindset. He doesn't oppose that system; in fact, he remains an exemplary captain who always worries deeply about the team. The reason he chooses Akashi as his successor is because he believes in his strategic vision and rationality-he wants to entrust the pride and the winning streak of Teiko to the most deserving person.
As confirmed by the author Fujimaki, Nijimura had a rebellious and hot-headed past; it was that very desire of "not wanting to lose to anyone" that forged such a strong leader in him.
It is precisely because of that complexity-being both fiery for victory and yet knowing how to restrain himself thanks to his past stumbles-that Nijimura becomes a role model whom Akashi admires. He respects him not because he is superior, but because he is the only person who dares to pat his shoulder, dares to scold him, and dares to invite him out for a bowl of noodles or a cool ice cream. In a world that only knows how to worship or obey, Nijimura is the only one who shows Akashi that he is also just an ordinary boy.
Nijimura might not be able to pull Akashi out of the desire to become the best, but he has managed to leave behind in his heart a warm truth: That whether you win or not, this world still has many lovely and gentle things waiting for you ahead.
