Everybody knows Teppei detests being called “Iron Heart”, but he also dislikes being grouped into the Uncrowned Kings.
The title does imply that he is outshone by other (younger) players, though this really doesn’t bother him in the slightest. He knows others will have more skill than him and perhaps be stronger than him. He feels that if he were to think he’s one of the best, he’d be arrogant and foolish. Two things which he is simply not. He also feels kind of sorry for the five labeled the Generation of Miracles, after all.
He minds the title more than he minds the people that are grouped into this category with him. These people include; Hanamiya Makoto, Mibuchi Reo, Hayama Kotaro and Nebuya Eikichi.
First, Hanamiya, the man who was behind his broken knee and near death on the court. He has obvious reasons not to like him, though he doesn’t particularly like or dislike him. Their major difference in personality makes it only natural for them to butt heads and disagree a lot with one another, though Teppei’s approach to Hanamiya is to remain himself. Honest, kind and civil. Whereas Hanamiya lies and acts, Teppei is truthful and remains true to himself.
Their opinions differ greatly. Hanamiya has great skill and is undoubtedly smart though due to this and most likely other reasons, he looks down on others he views as lesser and doesn’t care about the skills of those that may be stronger than him. Kiyoshi fits perfectly into the mold of what Hanamiya hates in a person and is an obvious target for him.
Their approaches and style of play are completely and utterly different. Kiyoshi plays honestly and professionally. He plays for fun and enjoyment. He wins for his team and because it’s his ultimate goal to be the best in Japan with his team. He doesn’t easily let the taunts and comments from the opponent get to him (though this also depends on the player at times). Hanamiya cheats, plays dishonestly and uses dirty tactics not only to win, but to crumble the moral a player has both mentally and physically. Not only that, but he takes joy in doing this. That little fact, disgusts Kiyoshi. Hanamiya also doesn’t care about winning the game, but winning against his opponent. Kiyoshi enjoys basketball whether he wins or loses, but just like any other player he plays with the intention of winning.
Hanamiya is someone he doesn’t want to be grouped with because of these attributes and their obvious differences. Being grouped into the same category as him doesn’t exactly put Kiyoshi in a good light or portray him as he truly is.
Second, the Rakuzan players, Reo Mibuchi, Hayama Kotaro and Nebuya Eikichi.
Teppei doesn’t have much of an opinion on these three. After all, he hasn’t been face to face with them often and if he has it was in middle school. They didn’t create much of an impact on him to particularly remember, though he knows of them and knows they are on par with his own skill.
He has more respect for them than he does Hanamiya as they don’t resort to the same dirty tactics. Naturally, he doesn’t care for their uppity personality and superiority complex. He’s indifferent towards it, though he’s sure they’re easy enough people to get along with.
Reo isn’t his personal rival. He wouldn’t face off with him during a game considering their difference in specialties, though Teppei does admire his skill. He didn’t pay much attention to the words exchanged between him and Hyuuga or Koganei. He wasn’t particularly worried. He trusts his teammates and admires their abilities much more to be worried.
Teppei takes notice to Hayama’s wild personality and seemingly short temper, especially when someone with less skill is proven to be able to damage his pride (which all three Rakuzan players seem to suffer from – overconfidence and a overwhelming sense of pride). He’s a worthy opponent, though Teppei thinks he’s a bit high strung and a sore loser when it comes to his abilities being challenged and him losing in that challenge.
Though he thinks it’s something Hayama could work on and improve.
Teppei finds him to be a great, if not a hard opponent to deal with and get passed. Admittedly, he annoys him a bit, but lights the fire of desperation and desire to win. He’s a bit stubborn, but Kiyoshi is as well. If he had to pick an Uncrowned King he liked it would be him. He’s loud and over competitive, but Teppei knows he’s a nice and friendly guy when it comes down to it.
Though, they all seem to have the same habit. Underestimating their opponent.
Teppei views everyone as equal to him. To be looked down on so blatantly is a bit frustrating, though he’d be lying if he said it wasn’t a benefit. .
He doesn’t like the superior attitude they have or the jeers they may make. He feels when a player has overconfidence, it will evidently lead to their downfall.
Teppei rather not have the spotlight on him at all, but on his whole entire team. If the spotlight is unable to be off of him, he rather be known as completely different than his peers (the overconfident Crownless Generals), he rather be viewed as equal to others.
Kiyoshi wasn’t born with the ability of being a good basketball player. He practiced and gradually got better. He loves the sport and takes every chance he gets to play it. Teppei simply used his advantages to the best of his ability while playing. He feels if someone enjoys the sport enough and commits to it, they can reach any level of skill they want to reach. To be labeled as someone so great is something he cannot make sense of, especially since he didn’t reach the level of skill he has alone. He had help from his friends and teammates.
In conclusion, he views the title as useless and has an empty meaning. Not only that, but he rather be separate, but equal to the players he’s grouped with. Though, whether they feel the same way or not, he has no clue.
baratheonpilled
theartofmadeline
ellievsbear
turnnoffyourmind
kaledo-art
janainaart
snowghoul
