MidoTaka

MidoTaka is the slash ship between Shintarou Midorima and Kazunari Takao from the Kuroko's Basketball fandom.

EPISODE 4 - Take Care of the Counter Attack!
Episode 4 marks the first official appearance of both Midorima and Takao in the anime. They appear to be on unfriendly terms, because Takao is pulling Midorima on the rickshaw and Midorima refuses to pedal. Takao tries to ask Midorima questions about the practice game they are watching, but Midorima just tells him to pedal faster before the game ends. Takao snaps back by saying it is his fault for reading horoscopes.

EPISODE 5 - Your Basketball
After Midorima confronts Kise, they are interrupted by Takao, who is tiredly pedaling the rickshaw. It is revealed that Midorima left Takao to pedal alone in traffic. At this point in time, Takao refers to Midorima as "Midorima".

EPISODE 7 - You'll See Something Amazing
After Seirin's match against Shinkyo, they decide to watch one of Shuutoku's matches. Before the match, Taiga Kagami greets Midorima, who responds with "Do I know you?". Takao is seen in the background thinking "You know who he is. Why are you being so proud?". Later, Takao pulls Kuroko aside and tells him that Midorima is "just a tsundere", to which Midorima denies. The two are then called back by their coach. During the match, Midorima scores one of his signature three-pointers and turns away before it goes in the basket. Takao catches up to him and asks "Won't the senpais be mad if it misses?". Midorima proudly replies with "I never miss my shots". At this point in time, Takao refers to Midorima as "Shin-chan".

EPISODE 8 - Now That I Think About It
Takao asks Midorima to watch tapes of Seiho's past matches to prepare for the Winter Cup. Midorima refuses at first, but when Takao says he has nothing better to do, he complies. While watching the tapes, Takao comes to the conclusion that they will be playing Seiho in the finals, which Midorima reluctantly agrees to.

EPISODE 9 - To Win
Midorima and Takao make a brief appearance while observing the Seirin Vs. Seiho match.

EPISODE 10 - I Can't Have That
Before Shuutoku's match against Seirin, Midorima stays behind in the locker room to remind himself that he has done all that he can to assure the team's victory. When he exits the room, Takao is leaned on the wall next to the door, waiting for him.

EPISODE 11 - That's Not It
When Takao guards Kuroko, he says "Shin-chan would say it's our fate to fight against each other". Takao and Midorima assist each other during the match, Midorima taking care of Kagami while Takao guards Kuroko.

EPISODE 12 - What Is 'Victory'?
During halftime, Midorima tells Takao that his hands are the key to his success, to which he lets out a soft laugh. When Seirin's defense improves, Takao comments, "Well done, but our Midorima is even more unstoppable".

EPISODE 13 - I Believed in You
After Seirin wins the match, Takao smugly tells Midorima that "Oha Asa has to be wrong sometimes". He replies with his usual "shut up".

EPISODE 14 - You Look Just Like Him
While looking for a place to eat dinner, Takao and Midorima accidentally run into Seirin and Kaijou. Due to the storm outside, they are forced to eat there (against Midorima's protest). Takao says he wants to talk to Kasamatsu so that Midorima is forced to sit with Tetsuya Kuroko, Taiga Kagami, and Ryouta Kise. Takao is flipping some food and accidentally flips it far enough to land on Midorima's head, interrupting Midorima's rant about why he plays basketball. Midorima doesn't have to turn around to know who did it. After dinner, Takao tells Midorima that he will pedal the rickshaw without doing rock-paper-scissors as they usually do. Midorima smiles in return.

EPISODE 15 - Don't Make Me Laugh
Takao is seen attending the Serin Vs. Touou game with the rest of Shuutoku, but Midorima is nowhere to be seen. Kiyoshi Miyaji asks Takao where Midorima is and Takao check his texts to see that Midorima has responded with "I don't want to".

EPISODE 20 - I Don't Want to Be
Takao and Midorima seem to be in the gym for extra practice along with their captain, Taisuke Ootsubo. They start talking about Teppei Kiyoshi and Takao asks Midorima about him, only to correct himself since he is under the assumption that Midorima did not attend the Seirin Vs. Touou match. However, when Midorima gives an in-depth analysis of Kiyoshi's play style, Takao calls him out. Midorima makes up the excuse that he just happens to live nearby, but Takao shoots back that he lives far away and in the opposite direction of the arena.

EPISODE 21 - Let's Get Started
At training camp, Midorima and Takao bump into Kuroko and Kagami while they are in the bathroom. Shuutoku and Seirin later play a practice game against each other. While Midorima and Takao are taking a bath, Midorima explains how Kuroko's basketball works. Takao responds with, "That's great, but you've been talking to a lion this whole time", because there is a lion fountain between them. Midorima looks flustered and goes quiet.

EPISODE 22 - I'll Win Even if it Kills Me
Midorima is lecturing and helping Kagami while Takao and Kuroko watch in the bushes. Takao tries and fails to contain his laughter. After Midorima is done talking with Kagami, he goes over to the bush Takao and Kuroko were hiding behind and says, "Let's go, Takao". Takao responds with a playful "What? You knew?". While walking back to camp, Takao and Midorima talk about their upcoming match against Seirin.

EPISODE 25 - Our Basketball
Takao catches Midorima as he leaves the Touou Vs. Kaijou match, to Midorima's surprise. Takao teases him about his choice of disguise (a pair of sunglasses) and then talks about the match that just occured. He says, "This winter should be fun", which Midorima responds to with a smile.

EPISODE 28 - Start!!!
Midorima is sitting in the locker room. Takao enters the room noticing his lucky item "carved wooden bear". Midorima reveals that he bought it from his regular antique store. Takao asks if he hadn't already had one. Midorima replies that this one is bigger. Takao says that their upperclassmen are all there waiting for them so hurry up and bring that thing, it looks heavy, though.

EPISODE 29 - There is Only One Answer
Before the Seirin Vs. Shuutoku match, Takao gets Midorima from the locker room to tell him it's time for the game. On the bench, Takao begins to ask Midorima if he's scared, but he stops himself when he realizes he's in deep thought. He calls Midorima a "starving beast" and realizes that he'll be focused on Kagami for the match. In a flashback, Takao watches Midorima practice his shots and they talk about Kagami's improvement. Takao says, "It's creepy when you act weak, Shin-chan" and Midorima replies with, "Don't jump to conclusions, fool".

EPISODE 30 - I've Been Waiting for This
Instead of attempting to make a three-pointer as he usually does, Midorima puts away his pride and passes to Takao. When he does so, Takao says, "I've been waiting for this". Later on, Midorima passes to Takao again, only for Takao to pass it back to him once he gets closer to the net. Takao tells him "Don't miss", to which Midorima replies, "Quiet, fool". On the bench, Shinji Koganei comments, "Just now, was he [Midorima] smiling for a second?". Later, Takao overhears Seirin's benchwarmers discussing Midorima's "change". He thinks, "He hasn't changed, though. Not much, anyway". Takao reflects on his relationship with Midorima, saying they're not friends but he acknowledges his abilities and can't hate him when he sees him practicing endlessly, without tiring. He then notes that once in a while Midorima smiles when they're playing.

EPISODE 31 - I Surpassed It Long Ago
After Midorima makes another three-pointer, Takao compliments him by saying "Amazing, Shin-chan". He then immediately asks if he's okay since he's approaching his limit. Midorima says, "Fool. I surpassed my limit long ago" while smiling. Takao looks surprised but then laughs and says, "What a man".

EPISODE 32 - Give Up
Takao finds Midorima with Satsuki Momoi, Kise, and Kuroko and Midorima immediately leaves with him and the rickshaw.

EPISODE 36 - Don't Be Ridiculous
Midorima and Takao are shown in the locker room. Midorima runs out of hand tape while wrapping his fingers, so Takao tosses Midorima's hand tape to him and Midorima smiles.

EPISODE 55 - I Know None of That
There is a flashback to Midorima and Takao after practice. They watch Miyaji stay late to practice until Ootsubo tells them to leave him be. Takao and Midorima listen to Ootsubo as he talks about the other upperclassmen. Ootsubo gives Midorima an idol fan from Miyaji, because it is Cancer's lucky item for the following day. Takao laughs at the fact that Midorima is into Oha Asa and Miyaji is into an idol. In the second half of the Rakuzan Vs. Shuutoku match, Midorima is defeated by Seijirou Akashi and falls down. Takao runs over to help him up after Akashi scores a point. After being motivated by their upperclassmen, Takao talks about how much he appreciates them, to which Midorima agrees. They then stand up and agree to show Rakuzan what they have up their sleeves.

EPISODE 56 - I Will Offer Them
There is a flashback to when Midorima and Takao meet on the first day of school and their practices after that. It is revealed that Takao often stayed late with Midorima after practice and competed with him because he lost to Teikou in junior high. Midorima asks why Takao didn't tell him about it before, and Takao laughs at how ridiculous that statement is. Back during the Shuutoku Vs. Rakuzan match, Midorima and Takao reveal their move, the Sky High 3-Pointer. From the audience, Kise notes that Midorima is only able to take shots that he is absolutely confident in. Midorima and Takao repeat the Sky High 3P several times. Junpei Hyuuga notes that and are "the light and shadow of Shuutoku". Rakuzan starts double-teaming Takao so he doesn't pass to Midorima, but he still finds an opening. However, Akashi predicts this and stops the pass.

EPISODE 57 - It Will Make Me Laugh
After losing the match, Midorima and Takao walk back to the locker room with the rest of Shuutoku. Takao teases Midorima as usual, saying "Huh? Shin-chan, are you heartbroken?". Then his facade breaks, his voice turns somber, and he apologizes, saying he can't cheer him up right now because he is also devastated. Midorima replies with "I know".

EPISODES 67-74
Midorima and Takao give commentary on the Seirin Vs. Rakuzan match.

EPISODE 75 - Many Times Over
Midorima and Takao are shown practicing. Takao states how Shuutoku will suffer now that all the upperclassmen are gone. Yuuya Miyaji reminds them that he is becoming their new captain, which reassures them.

EPISODE 75.5 - The Best Present
Oha Asa announces that Cancers have terrible luck for the day, so Midorima calls Takao to buy him his lucky item. Takao uses this as an opportunity to get Midorima to where Momoi asked him to. He pedals the rickshaw with Midorima in it to the basketball court where the other Miracles are and refuses to give him his lucky item until he gets out. They meet up again later on for Kuroko's birthday party. During the credits, Midorima seems concerned about something. When Takao asks what's wrong, Midorima tells him his lucky item is missing. Takao laughs at this.

Movie - Last Game
Midorima and Takao watch Miyaji as Strky plays against Jabberwock. During the Vorpal Swords Vs. Jabberwock match, Midorima and Akashi replicate Midorima and Takao's signature move, the Sky High 3P. Takao says that he is happy they were able to pull it off but also regretful because the move they worked hard to perfect was pulled off so easily.

Fandisc Special - Let's Chat
Takao pedals the rickshaw and Midorima to Maji Burger to meet up with the rest of the Miracles plus Kagami. While talking about the second Seirin Vs. Shuutoku match, the Miracles talk about how surprised they were to see Midorima passing to someone. Takao says that he was also surprised.

OVA - Idiots Can't Win!
Midorima and Takao are prepping for the upcoming exams. Midorima and Takao are eating lunch together on the roof before Kise calls Midorima on his phone. Takao overheards Kise asking for Midorima's lucky pencil, so he asks Midorima if he can have it. Midorima tells him he must have his pencil with him to "prepare for any and all occasions". During an exam, Midorima looks for his lucky pencil and finds that it has been replaced with a note from Takao saying "Borrowing it for a sec!". In the seat in front of him, Takao is using Midorima's lucky pencil.

Season 1, Volume 4
Takao is picking up Midorima from his house to go to a practice match, but Midorima refuses to get close to him because Cancers and Scorpios are meant to have bad compatibility that day. He could not find anything that closely matched the description for Cancer's lucky item (something cute with round eyes). Takao says that he has something that fits the description at his house, so Midorima demands that they go there immediately. Midorima sits in the very back of the cart, causing Takao to worry about him falling off. Midorima insists that he's fine, but when Takao starts pedaling he falls off immediately.

When they get to Takao's house, Takao gives Midorima his grandmother's hugging doll. Midorima asks if it's okay for him to borrow it, since it is a family keepsake. Takao assures him that he'll make an exception for him and that it's fine as long as he takes good care of it. Midorima and Takao test out if the doll is the right lucky item, but they get drenched by a sudden downpour. Takao apologizes for the doll not being the right item, but Midorima tells him that he knew it would not be easy to find his lucky item. Midorima says that the best course of action is to go to his usual shop.

When they arrive at the shop, Takao points out various things with cute, round eyes. However, Midorima already has most of the wide-eyed mascots on him (a Ketty-chan phone strap and Noraemon socks). Midorima finds a vintage version of a mascot he already owns and he spends 35,000 yen ($350) on it. Takao realizes that Midorima is going to extreme lengths for his lucky item. They test out the 35,000 yen mascot but are splashed with water by a truck. Midorima then says that they are going to an arcade that he has frequently had good luck in. Takao comments that they'll be late for the practice game, but Midorima says that it doesn't matter.

Midorima asks Takao to help him win a specific toy (an old man named Peter). from the claw machine using his eagle eye. Takao says that's not how it works, but he agrees anyway. Once their time is up, they have collected more than fifty goat toys, but not the toy of the old man that Midorima wanted. Midorima refuses to leave without the toy, so he brings the goats to one of the workers and trades it for the Peter toy. Midorima reveals that he lied about wanting to give the toy to his sister moving to America to the workers. Takao says that Midorima is "playing dirty", but Midorima dismisses it as doing what he has to. They test out the toy, only for Midorima to be buried under a pile of boxes.

While walking with the rear-cart, Midorima and Takao run into Kuroko. Seeing that Kuroko has cute, round eyes, Midorima tells him to get in the cart. Takao tiredly pedals them to the practice match. After the match is over, Midorima thanks Kuroko, but then is hit directly on the head by a basketball. He tells Takao not to come near him until the day is officially over and then walks away.

Season 2, Volume 3
Midorima and Takao are oil painting outside for art class when Midorima tells Takao that Scorpio is ranked 8th that day. A bird's droppings fall onto Takao's oil painting and he attempts to blend it in with the sky in his painting as Midorima watches in horror. The next day, Scorpio is ranked tenth and Midorima becomes increasingly worried. Takao tells Midorima about how the art teacher liked his painting when he is interrupted by a fly baseball. As Midorima continues to warn Takao, a flowerpot drops from above and just nearly misses Takao. Midorima is grateful that he brought Takao's lucky item for the day (a tiny magnifying glass).

The next day, Midorima calls Kuroko to ask to borrow a book from him. He says that it is his lucky item, but Kuroko catches him, knowing that Cancer's lucky item is a pineapple. Takao laughs about the situation when Midorima tells him about it, but Midorima tells him that he would have been hurt had it not been for the magnifying glass he brought the day before.

A day later, Takao realizes that he has a cold after basketball practice and gives him his lucky item (the three wise monkeys), which he says cost around 50,000 yen (or around $500). Midorima offers to pedal the cart home because Takao cannot in his condition. Takao rejects his offer and says they should just walk instead.

The following day, Midorima calls Kuroko again to see if he has the sequel to the book from before. Kuroko says he doesn't have it and figures out that Midorima needs it for Takao again. He tells Midorima that he can get a copy from Seirin's coach, Aida Riko. Midorima brings Takao to Riko's place to pick up the book, but they end up staying there and talking about the book series with Riko. Riko gives Takao a foot massage that makes him fall asleep.

The next morning, Takao wakes up feeling much better. Scorpio is ranked 4th, but Cancer is ranked 12th. Takao reveals that he set up a game of tag with Seirin's basketball team because Cancer's lucky item for the day is a rival. Midorima refuses to go along with it at first, but then Takao reminds him that Scorpio's lucky item is a dear friend while making puppy eyes. Midorima concludes that his fortunes have hit rock bottom.

Season 2, Volume 5
Izuki and Hyuuga go shopping together on their day off to buy Izuki's little sister her birthday present. The two go to "Fancy Shop Twinkle Star" which sells character merchandise, cosmetics and miscellaneous goods for students. Since the place is likely to be filled with only girls, Izuki and Hyuuga feel embarrassed to enter the shop. While hesitating in front of the shop, they bump into Midorima and Takao. Midorima comes to the shop to obtain his lucky item. Takao comes along because he thought it would be fun and needed to take pictures of “Midorima in Fancy Shop”. Midorima and Takao go into the shop without hesitation, followed by Izuki and Hyuuga hiding behind them. While choosing the present, Takao says that Hyuuga and Izuki are so close and look like a couple shopping together. Hyuuga says "why!? you idiot!" and Izuki starts asking Takao about Midorima. After they finished shopping, Takao invites Izuki and Hyuuga to have lunch together with him and Midorima.

At Maji Burger, Izuki and Hyuuga are surprised when Midorima drinks Oshiruko while eating fries. Takao apologizes and says Midorima's such a weirdo. Hyuuga then points out that even though Takao says that, the two are always together. Takao replies that Hyuuga and Izuki are always together as well. Then the four talk about Eagle Eye and Hawk Eye. Midorima compares hawks with eagles, says that hawks are smaller and tells Takao that it's his loss when it comes to size. They discuss some more topics until Takao finishes his drink. Takao offers to get them seconds and Midorima says he'll go too.

After Takao returns with a shake, Izuki makes a pun which Takao doesn't understand at first. But when Takao finally realizes it, he compliments Izuki. Then Midorima returns with French fries. Takao tries to take some fries but Midorima tells him off, saying those are bad manners. Izuki makes one more pun which Midorima doesn't understand and takes seriously. Takao enjoys this. Noticing Izuki's present is for his little sister, Takao brings up this topic. He reveals that he has a little sister too and so does Midorima. Takao also states that Midorima never lets him meet her even though he usually meets up in front of Midorima’s house. Then the four talk about their position (both pairs being point guard and shooting guard pair). They start analyzing Seirin and Shuutoku styles of play, following by commenting on some players individually. Izuki praises Hyuuga as his team’s captain. And as they’ve been playing together since middle school, they have a great understanding of each other. “We’re counting on you,” he says. Takao responds that if it’s about reliability, they have an absolute scorer too. And as a point guard, he’ll bring out the best of him, says to “Ace-sama”. Midorima just drinks Oshiruko without replying. Since Takao tells him to say something, he replies that he does everything humanly possible. Takao states that he’s shy and asks Izuki to give him some advice to communicate with people (though he is warned by Hyuuga). Izuki suggests Midorima to communicate with lots of puns which Midorima doesn’t really understand.

Takao, pedaling the rear-cart, talks to Midorima, sitting in the rear-cart, that he laughed so much that his abs hurts, which Midorima doesn’t understand why. Takao tells Midorima that the latter has no social life at all and he should be more flexible. Then he brushes it off with “Well, that wouldn’t be interesting, huh. It’s fine. Shin-chan should stay as Shin-chan”

Season 3, Volume 3
Takao bikes to Midorima's house with the rear-cart, explaining that he had already watched Oha Asa and seen that Cancer's lucky item for the day was a piano. He says that he assumed Midorima would be set on bringing a grand piano to school then jokes about how ridiculous that would be. Midorima stay quiet, even though he had attempted exactly that earlier. Midorima shows Takao what he chose to bring instead: a tiny, pink toy piano borrowed from his sister. It makes Takao burst into laughter. Midorima sits in the rear cart, which Takao calls out by saying they have not done rock-paper-scissors yet. Midorima wins anyway.

During practice, Miyaji gets irritated by the noise the piano makes while Midorima runs. Takao jokes about it and tells Miyaji not to worry about it. Later, Shuutoku has a practice game. Takao passes to Midorima, who effortlessly scores. The upperclassman criticize Midorima for not passing to Kimura when he was open. Midorima apologizes, saying that he was certain he could make the shot. Takao sees that Midorima is looking down and lightens the mood by saying that Midorima is "no longer self-centered" when it comes to basketball, so he doesn't have anything to worry about. He then does an impression of Oha Asa's fortune for the day saying that the piano was meant to bring harmony. Midorima tells him not to talk to him with that voice.

In class, Takao is doodling Nakatani (who is their teacher) and starts laughing to himself, calling it a masterpiece. He gets Midorima's attention and shows him the drawing. Midorima reminds him they're still in class and calls his drawing dumb. Nakatani notices that Takao isn't paying attention and calls him to the front. He asks Takao to write a sentence in English about a friend. Takao writes "He is good at playing basketball." The teacher asks him to write another sentence and he writes "He can see nothing without glasses." His last sentence is "He always comes to school with a lucky item." Midorima realizes that Takao is talking about him and snaps at Takao when he returns to his seat.

This time, Takao draws Midorima with his tanuki figure. He shows it to Midorima, who accidentally throws his toy piano at him in anger. Takao catches the piano but falls down. Midorima asks, "Are you okay?". Takao replies that he's fine, but Midorima finishes his sentence with "toy piano", indicating that he was worried about the piano and not Takao, which he feigns offense to. They bicker for a while, and the noise attracts the attention of Nakatani. He takes Takao's drawings and is amused by the one of Midorima. However, when he gets to the drawing of him, he asks Takao to come to his office after class. After he leaves, Midorima calls Takao a fool.

Takao meets back up with Midorima at lunch and complains about the extra assignments he got as punishment. Midorima comments that he excels at English anyway. They see that the line for lunch is already long. Then, Takao spots Ootsubo and Kimura and asks them if they can get bread for him and Midorima. They begrudgingly agree and Takao asks for the special yakisoba bread. Midorima hesitantly declines the offer, but Takao encourages him to ask for something. Midorima then asks for red bean bread. Ootsuba questions if that is really enough, but Takao assures him that red bean is Midorima's favorite (and Midorima does not deny this). The four (mostly Kimura) talk about pro-wrestling until they are able to get their bread. Takao and Midorima pay back the upperclassman and Ootsubo, working as a librarian, mentions that Midorima needs to renew his books. Takao states that Midorima loves to read then asks what book he is reading. Midorima says that it is a book about physics and he and Ootsubo discuss it for a short while before they leave to eat lunch. Takao tells Midorima was talking to their seniors with "harmony" like Oha Asa predicted. Midorima is flustered but affirms the statement.

Takao is in the music preparation room when Midorima comes in to tell him they don't have to clean it. Takao is about to head back to class but notices that Midorima is lingering. He asks if Midorima wants to play the piano for a bit and Midorima says he isn't completely at ease with just a toy piano. Takao says that he also wants to hear Midorima play. Midorima sits down and starts playing. Takao is impressed and jokes that he can only play the Flea Waltz. Midorima then proceeds to play the Flea Waltz. Then, Takao asks if Midorima has been playing anything but classical recently. Midorima starts playing Catal Rhythm, a song Takao recommended to him. Midorima insists that he just happened to come across the music but Takao is amused by how he remembered the song title despite how disinterested he seemed. Midorima continues to deny that he was interested in the song. Midorima continues playing the song and Takao starts humming along. Miyaji comes into the room after their performance and asks who was playing the piano. He is shocked to see Midorima and praises him for how good it sounded. Midorima bashfully thanks him and Takao states that Midorima is just good at using his fingers. He asks if Midorima can play a specific song, but Midorima doesn't know it. When Miyaji looks disappointed, Midorima promises to learn the song and Miyaji says he'll lend him a CD of the song. Takao brings up "harmony" again, which Midorima just responds to with "shut up".

After practice, Takao and Midorima see their seniors again. Takao explains that he brought the rear-cart because he was thinking of Midorima, which Midorima dismisses by saying he never would have brought an actual piano. Midorima says that he is used to sitting in the cart, so he doesn't feel weird about it. Takao suggests that they all ride the rear-cart to Majiburger. They play 5-way rock-paper-scissors to decide who pedals the cart and Miyaji loses in the first round. They all bicker as Miyaji struggles to bike. Takao asks Midorima to give Miyaji some words of encouragement and Midorima just plays the Can-Can only the toy piano. Everyone but Miyaji starts singing along at the song's climax. Miyaji is barely able to move the bike and shouts in agony.

DUET SERIES, Volume 3 Mini-Drama
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DRAMA THEATER 3rd GAMES
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Shintarou Midorima's Extremely Unlucky Day
When Midorima arrives at school, Takao immediately asks him what happened because he looks like a hot mess. Midorima explains how he was snagged by a truck, was sprayed by a garden hose, and fell down an open manhole. When Takao shows concern, Midorima says it has nothing to do with him. Takao argues back that it has everything to do with him since he might also be affected by his bad luck while he's around him. Midorima then get drenched by the water from a student's flower vase. Takao laughs at him. Midorima accuses him of enjoying his suffering, which Takao denies, saying that he's really worried about him. He follows Midorima into the locker room so he can change into a new set of clothes. Midorima reveals that he missed Oha Asa's broadcast and only figured out that his lucky item is supposed to be something red. Takao convinces Midorima to wear a red handband (owned by Takao's sister) he has. This is the first time Takao is able to successfully persuade Midorima to do anything for him.

Midorima collects many other red objects from other members of the basketball team. Ootsubo gives him a knitted red wool sweater, handbag, hat, haramaki (bellyband), lap blanket, coaster, stuffed animal, pair of mittens, and scrub brush; Kimura gives him a bell pepper, tomato, apple, and strawberry; and Miyaji gives him one of his (washed) t-shirts.

At lunch time, Midorima and Takao eat in the classroom. Midorima opens his bento to realize that his mother accidentally wrapped a dictionary instead of his lunch. Takao goes into a laughing fit once again. After school, Midorima decides to skip practice and head home. Takao agrees and volunteers to go with him, which irks off Midorima. Midorima says, "...It feels strange to have you worrying about me". Takao sees that Midorima is uncomfortable, so he makes up the excuse that he "might actually just want to see a few more of Shin-chan’s amusing episodes...". Midorima becomes less tense and, as Midorima packs up his things, Takao realizes that Midorima is embarassed to be being helped by him and their teammates. Takao smiles but tries to hide it from Midorima.

On their walk home, Midorima and Takao encounter a little girl who has lost her balloons in a tree. Takao tells Midorima to help her, since the balloons are red and might also be his lucky item. Midorima jumps to grab the balloons at the same exact moment that a wall crumbles onto the spot he was just in. It turns out that the girl was also a Cancer who followed Oha Asa and the lucky item Midorima needed was a red balloon. Takao stares in shock at the destroyed sidewalk, and the little girl gives Midorima one of her balloons as a thank-you. Takao remarks how good it is that Midorima didn't die and how serious Oha Asa's horoscopes are.

Who Submitted This Letter?!
Takao writes a letter in Basketball Monthly’s “FORUM” (the column where they publish letters from readers) about Midorima.

“''I am a fan of Midorima, a basketball player at Shuutoku High School. A few weeks ago, I saw Midorima riding in a bicycle trailer on his way to the venue for a game. Before that, I saw him riding through the city in that same bicycle trailer. Do you suppose Midorima never takes a turn pulling the bicycle trailer? I would like to see him pull it sometime.”''

Signed, The Fan with a Hawk’s Bird’s-Eye View

Midorima immediately knows who the writer was, saying there’s only one person who comes to his mind. He tells Ootsubo that he’s going to go tell the writer of the letter in person that he will not be pulling the bicycle trailer.

Takao, Director of Sightseeing
Outside a store in the old arcade, Akashi is in Tokyo at the time being. He would like to go sightseeing to familiarize himself with the area. Midorima and Takao see him. Takao suggests Akashi take their bicycle trailer for a spin. The rule is to play rock-paper-scissors, and whoever loses has to pull the bicycle trailer. Takao loses to Midorima and Akashi, so he ends up pulling the bicycle trailer. After returning to the arcade, Akashi says it was quite fun and thanks Takao. Midorima agrees, saying it was all thanks to Takao’s excellent suggestion. Takao sighs and says that he is just not good at rock-paper-scissors. Midorima tells him not to worry because he himself, too, has never beaten Akashi at rock-paper-scissors.

Fanon
MidoTaka is a very popular ship in the Kuroko no Basket fandom. Since they are shown to have a close relationship early on in the series, many fans started to ship them in earlier seasons.

In fanworks, Midorima is usually portrayed as a "tsundere". There are also many works creating different scenarios involving Oha Asa's daily horoscope, since Midorima is such an avid believer in it.

On AO3, MidoTaka is the most written ship for both Midorima and Takao. They are also the 3rd most written ship in the fandom.

Quotes
"Once we go back, he'll probably start quietly shooting again by himself. Endlessly, without tiring. When we see him doing that, even though he's weird and annoying, no one can hate him."

- Takao about Midorima, "I've Been Waiting for This"

"Once in a while when we're playing together, he'll smile."

- Takao about Midorima, "I've Been Waiting for This"

"My first impression of Takao wasn't good."

- Midorima, "I Will Offer Them"

"I played against you once in middle school and lost. (...) When I finally got into high school, the guy I swore to defeat became my teammate."

- Takao to Midorima, "I Will Offer Them"

"If anything, I just wanted you to acknowledge me."

- Takao, "I Will Offer Them"

"They're like the light and shadow of Shuutoku"

- Hyuuga about Midorima and Takao, "I Will Offer Them"

"Midorima was absolutely silent. Takao quickly set the headband in place on Midorima’s head. Takao grinned…or rather, he smiled in satisfaction. That moment marked the first time since they had started attending Shuutoku High School that Takao had successfully managed to persuade Midorima."

- Shintarou Midorima's Extremely Unlucky Day

"What, your brain short circuits when you get embarrassed? When are you gonna learn to be honest with yourself?"

- Takao about Midorima, Shintarou Midorima's Extremely Unlucky Day

"A smile quirked at the corners of Takao’s mouth, but he was careful to keep this expression hidden from Midorima while he sent a text to Ootsubo to let him know they would be absent from club activities."

- Shintarou Midorima's Extremely Unlucky Day

"I have never doubted any pass from him ever since our first attempt, not even for a second."

- Midorima about Takao, Last Game

Fandom
FAN FICTION
 * Midorima Shintarou/Takao Kazunari tag on FanFiction.Net
 * Midorima Shintarou/Takao Kazunari tag on FanFiction.Net

TUMBLR

Trivia

 * Takao is a Scorpio (Nov. 21) and Midorima is a Cancer (Jul. 7), making both of them water signs.
 * Midorima and Takao won the Best Pair Award in the KUROFES Polls, with 4722 votes.
 * Midorima and Takao can be seen together in five endcards: Episode 11, Episode 22, Episode 31, Episode 56, and Episode 75.
 * Takao can be seen wearing one of Midorima's shirts in the endcard for Episode 31.
 * Takao has been beating Midorima at rock-paper-scissors more often.
 * Midorima and Takao sing together two songs from the DUET SERIES ("To Aru Shinja no Kakan na Mainichi"/"The Resolute Everyday Life of a Certain Believer" and "Ashita e Tsurete"/"Carry It with You to Tomorrow") and two songs from the SOLO MINI ALBUM ("Way To Victory" and "RESIGNATION?"). RESIGNATION? also features Akashi.
 * Takao has a character song dedicated to his and Midorima's relationship, titled "Ace-sama ni Banzai" or "Cheers to Our Ace".
 * They are partners. In a basketball sense, of course.
 * Both Takao and Midorima have younger sisters.
 * According to Takao, Midorima isn't used to asking others for help and one must be flexible to get used to his weird habits.
 * Kagetora Aida calls Takao and Midorima "Middle Part" and "7:3 Part" respectively (referring to their hairstyles).
 * MidoTaka Day is June 10th and TakaMido Day is October 6th. The dates (6/10 and 10/6) correspond with the pair's jersey numbers. Midorima is #6 and Takao is #10.