Teppei challenges Kagami to a one-one-one match for the right to become the Ace for Seirin on the way to the Winter Cup. The next day Seirin begins the first of 3 consecutive days on practice matches so each player can be evaluated and placed on a specific training regiment during the summer. Seirin uses only the 5 freshmen in the game. Kuroko continues to pass to everyone, but it is Kagami's strength that gives them a 43 – 41 win using only the freshmen the entire game. After the match Teppei admits he was trying to help Kuroko change his mind focus and overcome his self-imposed limits, but he's afraid Kuroko himself won't realize it. After talking to the Captain, Kuroko realizes it isn't his teammates that need to change, and Kagami isn't trying to leave him behind. He realizes he needs to change his style of play and improve to help take Seirin to the next level. Though he isn't sure what areas to adjust, Kuroko agrees to become stronger during the summer so he and Kagami can form an unbreakable duo during the Winter Cup.