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One thing bizarre about the SeiRaku match is that, well, I'm not bitter that Rakuzan lost, if anything I'm sad because I understand why they should lose - that they were BUILT to be defeated. All those ridiculous villainization and rookie mistakes were to boost up Seirin and the power of friendship, and please don't let me start with quasi-Emperor Eye and True Zone which is just upgrade versions of what Rakuzan already did with their 8/10 teamwork. The SeiRaku match wasn't bad because Seirin won, it was bad because Rakuzan was treated unfairly from the start, but towards the end Fujimaki just couldn't keep the pace going and started boosting their team playing, which ended up in Seirin HAD TO become more OP to counter.

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In the KuroFes interview (a section was made for each position's top 3 in popularity polls), when being asked "Is there anything you want to improve/reflect on?", Mayu was the only one who answered with a FULL No because he felt good the way he is now. Like for others they at least noticed (or were told) one or two points, though it didn't mean they'd actually fix it (Aomine or Murasakibara for example), but Mayu just had to be that guy and said I love myself enough not to care (or maybe he just doesn't have friends lol)

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Rakuzan is so wild because wdym the basketball starting members are also in the FILM CLUB? Those 5 oddballs in one room thinking of ideas for a movie? Damn that's understandable why they're so tolerated towards Akashi's chuuni behaviors

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MayuAka's charm point is that they aren't friends, nor proper senpai-kouhai, nor close enough that would brag about being partners 5 seconds in front of everyone. They just know each other so well that have to be the one to care for another. They don't change accordingly and probably can't stand each other's guts, but there's always a hint of genuine affection that will show when the right time comes. And when that moment came Mayu wouldn't be so proud of it (Akashi might), instead he just shrugged and probably thought welp can't be helped that I'm emotionally capable of handling this red-head bastard.

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Each GoM + partner pairing in the last episode's ending

Words can't describe how much I love them. Work well as both romantic and platonic couples, not to mention MuraMuro MidoTaka MayuAka are like the Holy Trinity of Fujimaki queerbait era lol 😇

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Love how anime Oreshi tried to confront Bokushi and seemed to understand how much the Rakuzan team meant to him, but manga Oreshi made it all about himself and his memory with Teiko gang. Even after Rakuzan's loss and literally the whole team was shown sad and disappointed, he was the only one smiling, and you know he didn't fake it. I'm not saying Oreshi didn't care about Rakuzan, but that would be more reasonable since he never actually spent time with them. Have an insane headcanon that at some point, Oreshi wished for Boku's defeat because he couldn't fathom the idea of Rakuzan loving Boku so much. He might have observed them through Boku's lens - watching all of their bonding fun time and still couldn't get it. He viewed Boku as his weakness (the worse version of himself), not an actual human, while to Rakuzan, Bokushi was everything and he made them stronger. Rakuzan is that one part of memory truly belonged to Bokushi, which Oreshi would later inherit. He had to learn to understand why Mayu didn't give up on him, saying his last year wasn't so bad, why the UK chose to stayed with him, and most importantly, why everyone still believed in him that they kept him as captain despite his failure.

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I'm just 90% sure Oreshi fell in love with Mayu immediately because of Bokushi's affection

The other 10% is he already had a crush on Mayu after a whole year watching him through Bokushi

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I've just added some details in Akashi and Mayuzumi's relationship pages on the fandom wikipedia!!

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Another MayuAka image song for me (more like Mayu->Bokushi and their toxic relationship hehe)

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I CANT GET OVER MAYUAKA IN THE NEW OFFICIAL ART

MAYUYU!! LOOK AT HIM

HIS EXPRESSION. THE FUCKING SMIRK HES HAVING THE TIME OF HIS LIFE HERE. GOD HES SO CUTE IM RATTLING THE BARS OF MY CAGE

And of course. Akashi looks so adorable....his pose is so cutsie!!

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No one asks but,

Here's my top 10 favorite KnB characters (with the obvious one being excluded)

10. Furuhashi Kojiro

Apparently one of my 2D types is guys with dead fish eyes, but Furu is slightly more than just that. I love how he's straight up ruthless and never hesitated with the rough play, possibly enjoyed it the most out of all KiriDai players. And even though his stats are average and even weak on special ability aspect, he has a decent observing skills and I love how he could read and explain Hanamiya's plan when Seto just got on court. Also it's funny Fujimaki confirmed he's a sadist, his type being masochist but his hobby is gardening??? Either flowers are quiet and obedient as he likes or that gotta have sth with to do with Hanamiya's name having Hana in it lol

9. Himuro Tatsuya

Himuro is, first of all, the definition of beauty. I honestly can't tell if Fujimaki hated handsome guys because he had to draw them SO DAMN GORGEOUS in every frame. Jokes aside, I love how the Yosen arc focused more on Kagami's relationship with Himuro, and Himuro's jealousy towards Kagami though might seem too extreme, I kinda get him on wanting to be recognized by his true strength. KnB did a really good job in depicting realistically petty teenage drama irl and Himuro is such a great example.

8. Kise Ryota

Honest thought: Kise's too gay for me not to like him. At first I didn't even think of him as attractive (partly cuz KnB anime artstyle wasn't my type back then), but his huge ass crush for most guys in his life gave him wonderful character development. I love how he started off being this arrogant, two-faced bitch, but once you got his attention, he'd dedicate his whole life for you. The way he went all the way to Seirin for Kuroko, learned to love basketball because of Aomine, encouraged (though in the form of mocking) Kagami during the Seirin-Yosen match, and most importantly did all his best to win for Kasamasu and Kaijo was so wholesome.

7. Haizaki Shogo & Nijimura Shuzo

The one part of Teiko memory I actually cherish, and it's such a wasted potential we never got anything from this relationship or the characters individually. I get that Haizaki was being used as a tool to boost Kise and made the GoM seem better, depsite that he had SO MUCH potential based on his raised by a single mother, grew up to be delinquent background. On the other hand Nijimura's irrelevance to the main storyline bugs me so much, like Fujimaki didn't know what to do about him once Aomine took the PF spot, so the whole sick dad -> move to America thing became the excuse to conveniently get rid of him.

6. Akashi Seijuro

Prior to Mayu's debut I never really cared about Akashi, and even after his backstory was revealed all I felt was like "erm okay?" like it was too late and technically no one's responsible for his daddy issues. Still, since part of Mayu's job was to observe him, I tried to look at Akashi through Mayu's lens to see if there's something I could understand, as time goes by I finally learned to love him as an independent character and he's officially my baby princess now.

5. Momoi Satsuki

Maybe I've said this in one of my previous post before but now I'm gonna say it again: Momoi doesn't get enough credit for being a devoted friend to other GoM members. When I saw her cried because the team fell apart I started sobbing too, the same thing happened when I watched the OVA. I'm still not comfortable with Fujimaki's kink when it came to big boob girls, still I'm grateful that he didn't make Momoi's character just revolved around Kuroko and instead made her just as passionate as regular players during matches.

4. Sakurai Ryo

So there'd always be one character you hopeleslly fell for because of their seiyuu, and in my case it's Sakurai. I love is his suimasen, he can suimasen for being born 50 times a day and I'd gladly embrace him and tell him he's my baby 50 times. Not to mention he's competitive, has big, round puppy eyes, can cook and Aomine loves it so much to let him be on first-name basis - what's not to love!?!?!

3. Takao Kazunari

I love how at first it was Takao who approached Midorima, but he never talked about himself until Midorima noticed him also staying late for practice and started asking. He is undeniably the most positive character in the whole series, and the ShuRaku arc will always hold a special place in my heart. Might look annoying and simple-minded, but Takao's silent hardwork and determination to prove to everyone he's the best GoM partner are truly admirable.

2. Kasamatsu Yukio

Yeah finally we get to Kasamatsu, aka the reason I'd forever HATE Extra Game/Last Game. My friend and I often joke about him being the "only normal" character, but honestly I just feel Kasamatsu is too perfect as a captain and too good of a person for Kise (still love their relationship!), and Fujimaki could've done so much more if he let Kaijo win more than once (Kise deserved those losses tho, just feel bad for the others).

1. The Uncrownded Trio (Kotaro & Reonee & Eichan)

Refuse to pick one favorite cuz I love these three equally 🥺 It's hard to explain everything in only one paragraph, so I promise will make a more detailed post later on. Right now all I can say, is since Fujimaki already revealed he built Rakuzan characters based on the whole team dynamic, I can safely say the relationships they have with each other and with MayuAka is the reason why I fell so hard for them (I know Reo + Akashi and Kotaro + Mayu are popular but for personal preferences I'm into Kotaro + Akashi and Eichan + Mayu as well, like soooo cute).

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MayuAka Rooftop First Meeting: Manga VS Anime Differences

About 2 days ago, I decided to rewatch KuroBasu anime out of boredome, and as you would've expected, I rushed straight to season 3 episode 18 just to catch of glimpse of dear Mayu (bruh it's been 10 years and I still memorize his debut episode). Next on episode 19 ofcourse we got MayuAka and their fateful encounter on the rooftop, but one thing I realized after reading the manga, was that the anime cut off a whole CHUNK of their crucial lines which really indicated the way Akashi tried to lure Mayu into following him, how Mayu saw through his intention thus refused, and Akashi became interested and started expecting more from him - not as the "replacement" of already existed phantom 6th man, but a "better" new model.

Fyi this is how they were like in the anime:

M: It's rare that someone even remember me.

A: Yes you remind me of my acquaintance, and that was?

M: Light novel, it's kinda cool.

A: Oh reading, also similar to him. Anyway I want you to become the phantom 6th man.

M: Nah I only play when I feel like it.

A: Interesting, you'd surely surpass Tetsuya.

As a former anime-only fans, I swear the scene never existed in my head and even when I watched again, it just felt too dry and soulless, like the anime staff didn't even bother. Here is what actually went down in the manga (all translations were done by me):

"I want you to become the new phantom 6th man. You possess the same natural trait, but by observing the practices it appeared to me that your ability might be on equal ground or even higher than him. I will teach you his techniques, take off your resignation and recommend you into the first string. What do you think?"

Okay so initially, Akashi's intention was to make Mayu be Kuroko's replacement, but he didn't just ask and expect Mayu to say yes immediately. He first acknowledged Mayu's efforts in practicing, therefore proved he had enough reasons to believe in Mayu's ability. However, from his wording, I think at this stage Akashi still felt somewhat skeptical, as he put it "MIGHT be on equal ground or higher". He wasn't sure how much of a use Mayu could be, so he wanted to take full control in the process, meaning Mayu didn't have to do anything other than accepting that request. And as Akashi was expecting a Kuroko 2.0 he obviously thought Mayu would give in - if he was that passionate, if he really loved basketball as much as Kuroko. And how was the result?

Mayu saw RIGHTTTT through Akashi's plan. The anime cut the first part out so it seemed like Mayu just started bragging about self love, but actually he was aware that Akashi was looking down on him, therefore he talked back. "I don't know how you think of me, but I love myself" - he corrected Akashi's assumption that he loved basketball - well maybe, as long as he still enjoyed it. Then he corrected Akashi's assumption that he was disappointed and desperate to join the team - if Akashi's only intention was to make him a passing tool then fuck it, he didn't need handouts. Mayu even went as far as to say "welp it just means I'm that weak of a player" so Akashi would be fed up and stopped bothering with him. Being in Rakuzan for 2 years probably taught him enough cruelty of life, Akashi's shameless evil scheme was just a plus one. Notice how Akashi was stunned the whole time - not that noticeable but he made Akashi SURPRISE guys!! Finally we go to the most important parts:

"If I don't feel good then there's no meaning in playing basketball."

Akashi's eyes opened wide, as if he was fascinated. This man, Mayuzumi Chihiro, seemed similar to Kuroko on the surface, actually resonated more with Boku's personality. This kind of pride (don't seek for other's validation), this kind of attitude (only play when things go his way) and such unapologetic self-love are absolutely perfect for a Lonely King who has long cut ties with his old teammates and wanted to prove teamwork meant nothing without winning. At first, he sure thought Mayu was average, but now he truly expected Mayu to be capable of surpassing Kuroko, even called him "the phantom PLAYER (no 6th man this time) who'd surpass Tetsuya" - his intention to let Mayu into starting line was clear from the start.

So to answer the question if Mayu really was Akashi's (jokingly but not fun so pls stop) rebound, I'd say Yes and No. Akashi's motive suggested it, Mayu's surname suggested it, but if we look pass the surface and dig a LITTLE deeper then it'd be obvious MayuAka's relationship was much more than that, and the whole SeiRaku arc was to show how Mayu influenced Akashi and ultimately changed him, shifting the whole team's dynamic.

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It might seem super outdated but should I make an analysis on MayuAka's first meeting? Manga-based ofcourse, the anime left out some crucial lines of Akashi's that I think led to ppl getting the wrong idea and really bought that "rebound" joke (which aged like MILKKK)

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It's 2025 I hope ppl already moved on from that dumb "Rakuzan should've won" argument and realized how much it meant to Akashi. He was being such a brat and it's a miracle the other 4 never turned their back on him when they had every right to (pls don't mention the pre-flashback scene, he abandoned them why'd bother anything else). No one blamed him for the loss even though it was Rakuzan's first loss in 5 years - they kept him as captain and the UK even felt responsible to be there for him (not that they haven't already, but they also asked Akashi to be honest about his feelings). At some point I think they value playing basketball with Akashi more than winning because Akashi is indeed the strongest + coolest player they've met, but he's still their kouhai/younger bro figure so they tolerate his chuuni ass even if he said "I'll gouge my eyes out" in front of everyone. As a Rakuzan stan it genuinely made me happy that the official staff saw their potential and establish them as found family in the goods or anniversary animations.

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Though I often ramble about Mayu's deep understanding when it comes to Akashi, it never occurs to me why he even bothered that much =)))) For one thing we know he didn't really appreciate Akashi for bringing him back, as it had been made very clear from the start Boku considered him as a tool and the UK trio was nothing more than those annoying, two-faced coworkers. He could've just stopped giving fucks, he could've just not cared (like other characters stated "moving without emotions") and stuff after getting overwritten, yet he still observed the team closely and chose to believe in Akashi when things started falling apart. I haven't seen many pointed this out, MayuAka is a fascinating of the "A fell first but B fell harder" trope for the sole reason that there's no other way to explain Mayu's unshakeable faith in Akashi, to the point he refused to think the alien on the rooftop he made could be defeated that easliy. It's not a "You're strong so ofc I expect you to pull this out" sorta typical expectation but more like "THAT was enough for you to give up?" kinda very rude insult/encouragement, which Mayu had every right to say.

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HAPPY MAYUAKA DAY!!!

I finally got the time to go to the Fukuoka Exhibition (very late actually, the exhibition ends on May 5th) but it was a very cool experience! I literally stood 5 minutes at The Talk panel just to consume every MayuAka fragrance left, not many people were there to witness my simping ass anyway =)))) Those standees I could've bought on mercari with cheaper prices, yet damn the inner demon just whispered in my head, luring me to buy them as souvenirs and welp, I gave in with little to very much regret (am I 😶‍🌫️)

I also wrote a Rakuzan-centric fic with a little MayuAka element (just for surprise) 2 days prior, it's in my mother tongue but hopefully ggtrans does its job properly (and pls read with your head emptied it's pure gag): https://archiveofourown.org/works/65207914

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