Shintarō Midorima has been featured, meaning it was chosen as an article of interest.
“
Man proposes, God disposes. I am a man that proposes, I always carry my lucky item of the day with me as my horoscope said. That's why my shots never miss.
Midorima has dark green hair parted to the left that doesn't reach his eyes. He has light green eyes and wears black-framed glasses that are framed on all sides except the top. He is very tall, being the second tallest from the Generation of Miracles. He bandages his left hand outside of matches, so that nothing can influence his left-handed shot. He also files his nails for the same reason. Midorima is often seen with a lucky item, that varies from a stuffed frog, to a bear, to a potted cactus. Out of games, he wears his school uniform: a black jacket that is strapped all the way to his neck and black pants. He plays with jersey number 6 at Shūtoku, and no. 7 at Teiko.
Personality
Midorima with his lucky item
Midorima is usually very reserved. He feels no need for fooling around, although Takao tries to persuade him many times (often ending up with him annoying Midorima). Acting kind to opponents is very hard for him, while his friend Takao has no problem with that. Very confident in his abilities, he often acts high and mighty around others (mostly his teammates). He strongly believes in the Oha Asa horoscopes and is set at ease when he hears that his zodiac sign, Cancer, will have a lucky day, even going as far as carrying a so-called "lucky item" with him everywhere.[1][2] He also believes in blood types compatibility, as shown when he said Kuroko's blood type A and his blood type B don't get along.[3] His motto is "Man proposes, God disposes", which means doing your best and fate will decide the rest. Takao once commented on his preparation for matches, ranging from filling his nails, taping his fingers, listening to the Oha Asa horoscopes, and carrying his lucky item of the day accordingly, as some sort of obsession.
Midorima's determination to win against Seirin
Midorima harbours a reluctant admiration for Kuroko, he seems to resent the fact Kuroko is able to stand against members of The Generation of Miracles despite his lack of natural talent and that he chose a new and relatively unknown team like Seirin. He thinks that Kuroko is stupid to choose a school who cannot use his strength.[4]
Despite usually being calm, he snapped during Shūtoku's match against Seirin High in the Winter Cup. He told Takao to stop fooling around and had the intent of destroying Seirin completely. Takao compared him to a dangerous wild beast.[5] During the same match, Midorima also let go of his pride and began playing with his team in order to win. He never relied on others in the past, but now puts winning up front and plays as a true team. In the successful teamplay, he was also seen enjoying the game and laughing, which he rarely does.[6]
Midorima gives Kagami a hint to beat Akashi
Takao often calls him a tsundere, because he tends to help people but denies doing so. Midorima has good insight and is able to understand other people's abilities easily, like Kagami or Kuroko's. He sometimes gives them advice under the guise of scorn and criticism. He helped Kagami with his aerial understanding[7] and pushed Kuroko to play by himself, leading to the development of the Vanishing Drive. Further more, he shared his theory about Akashi's dual unique ability with Kagami and Kuroko.[8]
As revealed in the flashback, when the Generation of Miracles started to grow arrogant, Midorima was different from the rest. He never stopped practicing and still valued its importance. When the Generation of Miracles would make a bet on getting the most points in a game, he would not participate because all he wanted to do is fulfill his role. He went along with the situation as long as they were winning, although it annoyed him. The other fact that shows that he differs from other the Generation of Miracles is that so far, he is the only one who has had the guts to stand up against Akashi. His passionate hostility towards Akashi during the Winter Cup semi-finals is an example of this.[9]
History
Midorima in Teikō
Midorima joined the basketball team when he entered Teikō Junior High School and because of his exceptional shooting accuracy and shooting range, eventually belonged to the regulars of the team. Some time in those three years, when Akashi was made captain, Midorima served as vice-captain. They held captain meetings, but would often just play shogi in the meantime. Akashi was and still is a shogi-expert and Midorima could not win once against him, a line of thought Akashi would pull through to basketball, but denied by Midorima.[10] Midorima would often compete with Akashi in other areas as well, such as the results of the exams where Akashi always placed first.
Midorima argues with Murasakibara
When Kuroko entered the first-string in Teikō, Midorima was questionable about his abilities. However, when Kuroko proved his worth to the team, Midorima accepted him and was amazed by his skills. During his second year, Midorima got into an argument with Murasakibara resulting in the two not getting along. Their dispute was solved by Kuroko who proposed a three-on-three match to show Midorima and Murasakibara the merits of team play.[11]
Midorima notices a change in Akashi
When the Generation of Miracles talent began to bloom, Midorima was the only one who continued attending practices understanding their worth while the rest skipped and only showed up during official matches.[12] Midorima didn't participate in the Generation of Miracles bets which they made to keep themselves entertained, due to their opponent being too weak for them. Midorima was also one of the first to notice a change in Akashi, along with Kuroko.[13] The two would meet up and come to the conclusion that there are two personalities inhabiting Akashi's body.
On the day of the graduation, Midorima met up with the rest of the Generation of Miracles where they made an oath to battle each other in high school, in order to determine who is the strongest. The winner of the Winter Cup would determine who is the strongest one within them, including Kuroko who is also a part of their oath.[14]
Story
Introduction
Midorima and Takao after practice
At the same time Kuroko joins the Seirin basketball team, Midorima does the same at Shūtoku. Before the practices started, Takao approaches him and introduces himself. Midorima is surprised that Takao knows him, but Takao explains that he's pretty much a celebrity in high school basketball. Takao then makes fun of Midorima's lucky item and his way of speaking, which irritates Midorima. When Midorima stays behind for late practice, Takao regularly joins him. Midorima notices that it seems like Takao is competing with him and he asks Takao about that. He replies that he once played against him and lost. He wanted to defeat Midorima, but when he saw they were at the same high school team, he changes his mind and was now trying to make Midorima recognize him.[15] Takao declares that he'll become better than Midorima and calls him Shin-chan, much to Midorima's annoyance.
Seirin vs Kaijō
Midorima reunites with Kise
Midorima is first shown during the match of Seirin vs Kaijō. He is seen sitting in a small open trailer behind a bicycle, which is ridden by Takao. They are riding towards Kaijō High to see the practice game of his Midorima's former teammates.[16]
Because the bicycle was stuck in traffic, Midorima left Takao behind and went up ahead, to just make it in time to see the final plays of the match. After Seirin's victory, Midorima approaches Kise. He tells him it was an unpleasant match and spouts the saying "Man proposes, God disposes". Kise asks if he came to see Kuroko as well, but Midorima responds that Kuroko is not even worth mentioning, because he joined an unknown, barely created and weak school. Takao eventually catches up to Midorima and after saying to Kise that he should give up on his revenge, Midorima leaves.[17]
Interhigh preliminaries
At the first round, Seirin High was playing Shinkyō Academy. Midorima and Takao went to watch and while Midorima says it was to check out the foreign exchange student, it was actually to see Seirin.[18] Midorima and his team won through the first rounds of the Interhigh preliminaries.
Midorima with Takao and Kuroko
At the fourth round, Shūtoku High had to play against Kinka High at the same gym where Seirin had just played their game against Meijō Academy. Seirin won when Shūtoku High entered the court, led by Ōtsubo. Kagami goes to greet Midorima, but Midorima pretends to not know him. Kagami raises his hand and Midorima thinks he intends to shake hands, but Kagami takes Midorima's hand and writes his name on it with a marker, with the motivation to make him remember. Takao joins the conversation and tells Kagami and Kuroko the results of last year's Interhigh final league. Midorima says to Kagami that they will surely lose again. Kuroko contradicts this and says that the match hasn't been played yet. There is tension between Midorima and Kuroko. He leaves them by saying that they have to make it to the finals first.[19]
The team starts warming up and Midorima asks Ōtsubo if he can play today. Ōtsubo is surprised because Midorima previously said that his horoscope was bad. Ōtsubo agrees, since their coach asked him to forgive three of Midorima's whims a day. He warns Midorima not to pull that more than two times or he'll get mad. He concludes by saying that as long as Midorima scores, there's no problem. In the match, he amazes everyone by shooting three pointer after three pointer. Shūtoku's threat has now spread from the inside to the outside. In the audience, Kuroko tells his team that Midorima never misses and while he says that, Midorima sinks in another one.[20] While seeing this, Hyūga speculates that Midorima is hiding something more crazy.
Semi-finals
Finals
Midorima along with his team, Shūtoku make it to the Inter-High Preliminaries Final round where they faced Seirin High. Before the game begins, Midorima confronts Kuroko commenting that he didn't think he would make it so far, and that the decision he made was wrong and foolish.
The tip-off between Kagami and Ōtsubo in which Seirin leads with the ball and a Kuroko-Kagami alley-oop but is blocked by Midorima who calls it disappointing. For the first two minutes of the game neither of the teams is able to score a point, until Takao passes the ball to Midorima who scores a three pointer. Kuroko then picks the ball back up using a Cyclone Pass, making the ball fly past Midorima and leading to Kagami scoring Seirin's first points.
Kuroko's pass flies past Midorima
Midorima realizes with Kuroko on the court he won't be able to make a gap in the score because of his passes. Takao beings to mark Kuroko and seeing his passes get stopped, Midorima comments it's too bad. Seirin takes a time out, and during this Midorima tells Takao that he respects Kuroko but dislikes him due to his decision to join an unpopular school with a newly formed team that couldn't bring out his full potential. When the game resumes, Seirin stills attempts a come back, but fails. Midorima then displays his shooting range by shooting a perfect three pointer from the center line. Kagami counters his shot display by doing a self alley-oop. Feeling mocked by this, Midorima then shoots from the other side of the court with all of Seirin including the bench and Riko shocked and overwhelmed. The first quarter ends with that shot.
During the break time between quarters Midorima asks the coach to have the ball for the whole quarter, which makes the entire team angry and ask to throw things at him. Takao comments on how he loves how self-centered he is. The coach then agrees to let him do this, Ōtsubo comments that he's already at his limit and will follow through since the coach said it's fine, but still puts pressure on him.
The second quarter starts with Kuroko blocking Midorima in the hopes that he'll be able to steal the ball from behind. Takao screens Kuroko out, leading to Kagami trying to block Midorima. Midorima passes Kagami and Kagami comments that he isn't just good at shooting, but is fast as well. As Midorima continues to shoot his long range shots, the Seirin second years are relying on the three of them instead of Kagami and Kuroko. No matter how many times they score, Midorima is still unable to be stopped by Seirin, with Midorima's shooting, Kagami begins to laugh and decides to stop working with his team.
Kagami blocks Midorima's shot
During the half time break, Midorima files his nails commenting his shots depend on his nail work. The third quarter begins with Midorima making the first shot. Takao passes the ball to Midorima once again, but Kagami jumps high enough where the ball was barely touched by his finger causing the ball not perfectly going in. Midorima asks Kagami of his sign, with a response of Leo. Midorima then says that his Horoscope is always right. Kagami then figures out that the more distant Midorima is from the basket, the more time it takes to form the shot. Midorima is still able to shoot the ball but Ōtsubo dunked it in for him. Kagami then enraged steals the ball from Midorima attempting to make another shot. Due to Kagami not relying on his team anymore, Midorima's shots become more and more difficult to block due to the amount of times Kagami jumped. Kagami begins to push himself even more making Midorima able to block his dunks more easily. The third quarter ends with Shūtoku leading.
Kuroko stops Midorima from shooting
The fourth quarter begins with Seirin scoring the first points Midorima also observes that Kagami isn't playing on his own anymore, but that his stamina has also run out. Kagami uses the first of his last two super jumps to block Midorima's first shot in the game. Kuroko then sneaks out of Takao's Hawk Eye using an Ignite Pass to Kagami, dunking the ball and passing Midorima. With Kuroko being able to use his Misdirection again, Shūtoku is called on a time out. With only two minutes remaining Midorima continues to shoot due to Kagami unable to jump high anymore. Hyūga makes Seirin's final shot, making the score 82-81. With only two seconds left, Takao passes the ball to Midorima, and with Kagami unable to jump anymore, Shūtoku has secured their win. However, Kuroko swats the ball out of Midorima's hands ending the game in Seirin's favor. After the game Midorima stands outside in the rain, receiving a call from Momoi but hanging up. He gets another call, but Aomine answers knowing he lost. Midorima warms him of the Championship League, but Aomine asks him why he's saying that and it's gross. Aomine lastly says that the only one who can beat him is himself.
Midorima told his team that he wouldn't go to the final league to watch, but went anyway, although under a "disguise" (he just put on a pair of shades).
Kise found out he was there and recognized Midorima instantly. In his defense, Midorima told Kise that he was just coincidentally there. He informs Kise that Aomine isn't playing yet, but that Seirin is still losing. He also says that while Aomine isn't there, Momoi is the real danger.[21] Kise comments that she had Kuroko as love interest in Junior High school and Midorima didn't know. He then says that it doesn't matter if her team played against her love, she still wouldn't show any mercy. When the game ends, Midorima leaves and Kise questions him if he's surprised at the results. Midorima tells him to be worried about Kuroko instead of him due to Kuroko's style being crushed by Aomine.
Summer Training Camp
Midorima encounters Kagami and Kuroko
Midorima and Takao wake up one morning and Takao complains about where they're staying, thinking they're going to see a ghost or something of that nature. To both their surprises, the two spot Kuroko and Kagami who just finished brushing their teeth. Midorima then questions the two why they're in the same area, Kagami returning the question. Takao then answers saying that it's a tradition for Shūtoku to train by the beach every year, Midorima accuses Seirin of taking a vacation as well. Riko then comes along hold a knife with blood, scaring Midorima into asking what school Kuroko attends. Later on in the gym, Shūtoku and Seirin (except Kagami) begin practice matches against each other in the gym. Kuroko goes one-on-one with Midorima, surprising him but fails and Midorima scores. He then comments that Kuroko has gotten to the point where he is making ridiculous plays and that he already knows of Kuroko's limits. Midorima reveals to Takao that Kuroko cannot direct his attention away from the ball , that is the reason why he doesn't hold the ball when passing, but he also comments that if he overcomes that, he might develop a dangerous weapon in the future.
Midorima blocks Kagami
While Kagami is practicing his jumping in a parking lot with a basketball hoop, Midorima bumps into him while drinking a chilled can of red bean soup. Takao overhears the argument the two are having along with Kuroko and is laughing. Midorima states that he has lost faith in Kagami, questioning if he thinks he can beat Aomine in the air. He says that Kagami only has half the answer he needs to defeat Aomine, and will correct the mistake that Kagami has made. Midorima continues to block each of Kagami's dunks and finally tells him the reason he's blocked everything is because he knows that he'll just dunk, he then leaves along with Takao. The next morning, Kuroko thanks Midorima, but Midorima says he only taught Kagami what he did because he's an idiot.
Although he wasn't seen until after the game by Takao, Midorima did attend to watch the Quarter Final match between Kaijō and Tōō, watching his former teammates, Kise and Aomine face each other. After the match is over, he passes by Takao who knew that he would watch the match. He also states that Midorima should stop thinking he's managed to disguise himself just using darker colored glasses. Takao comments that both Kise and Aomine really are monster, with Midorima telling him to not tell him something he doesn't know, and that he's also in the presence of a monster. Takao says that the winter will be fun, with Midorima smiling as they leave.
Winter Cup preliminaries
Midorima is seen sitting in the locker room, taping his fingers, when Takao comes in, telling him that the second-years have already gathered to leave for the Winter Cup preliminaries. At that time, he gets a text from Kise that says "Good luck". Irritated, he responds "Die".[22]
Final league
Midorima along with his team, Shūtoku make it to the Final League of the Winter Cup. In the first match, Shūtoku dominated Kirisaki Daīchi High, leaving Midorima in disgust due to none of the main players being present during the match, he also notes that Hanamiya is an unpleasant player. As both Shūtoku and Seirin sit on the benches before the start of the game, Takao compares Midorima to a starving beast, and Midorima claims that the only thing he can think of is beating Seirin.
Kagami blocks Midorima's shot
The tip-off between Ōtsubo and Kiyoshi begins with the ball be in Seirin's possession until Takao steals it. Kimura then attempts a pass to Ōtsubo, but fails, this then turns into Midorima taking the ball in an attempt to shoot it, but is however blocked by Kagami. The ball is once again given to Midorima but blocked once more by Kagami. Midorima then states that if there is a limit to the amount of times he shoots the ball, the same is for Kagami and his jumps. As Midorima keeps attempting to shoot, he is still being blocked by Kagami, he then notices that Kagami is starting to tire out. Miyaji is able to steal the ball away from Hyūga, and Kagami jumps in front of Midorima when he tries to make a shot. Instead of shooting, Midorima fakes going for a shot, but the ball is barely touched by Kagami which makes Midorima's shot miss. Midorima once again goes for a fake in front of Kagami, but Kagami turns back around jumping again, but won't make it, so Kiyoshi also jumps in order to try and stop Midorima's shots. But to team Seirin's surprise, Midorima passes the ball to Takao instead of shooting.
Midorima passes to Takao
It is then revealed that this was Midorima's plan all along, shocking all of his team mates before the start of the game. Even his captain, Ōtsubo was surprised at this, due to Midorima's pride. With Midorima now passing, Shūtoku finally becomes a true team. Seirin then subs Kuroko out and switches to their Run & Gun Speed Style Basketball, but are still unable to stop Midorima from shooting, even with Kagami and Kiyoshi guarding him. The second quarter then ends with Shūtoku leading by 2 points.
Vanishing Drive on Midorima
The beginning of the third quarter starts with Midorima passing the ball to Takao, which then leads into getting the ball returned back and scoring a 3 pointer, Koganei also wonders if he saw Midorima actually smile. When Midorima is again handed to ball, he goes for a shot, with an attempt by Kagami to jump which he wasn't able to, Midorima makes another shot in. Midorima notes that Kagami has already reached his limit. Seirin notes that Midorima has changed, and Takao says no one can hate him and that he smiles at time to time when he plays. Kuroko is subbed back in and Midorima suspects that he has something up his sleeve. Kuroko then goes one-on-one with Midorima, in which Midorima questions this, saying that Kuroko's Misdirection doesn't work when he holds the ball. Midorima is then surprised by Kuroko's Vanishing Drive not knowing what happened and being unable to stop it. Seirin then ties the score at 76-76.
Midorima blocks Kagami in the last second.
The fourth quarter begins with Seirin scoring the first points. The ball is then handed to Midorima shooting a perfect shot, and is questioned by Takao if he's at his limit yet. Midorima states that he has surpassed his limit long ago. The crowd roars both Seirin and Shūtoku's names rooting for both teams which turns the game into a point war. Kuroko then his his Vanishing Drive on Takao, and passing the ball to Kiyoshi, Kiyoshi then attempts to score a point, but Midorima attempts to stop him from behind, he however fouls him for two points. Kiyoshi makes the first of his two shots, tying the score at 104-104, but misses the second one. Kagami gets the offensive rebound and is about to dunk but Midorima blocks it in the last second. The time runs out leaving the score between the two teams tied. They both agree that it doesn't end there.
During the final match of the league, Midorima and Shūtoku face Senshinkan High and secure both their wins, qualifying for the Winter Cup.
Midorima appears at the Winter Cup building when the Generation's captain, Akashi, called the Generation together. As always, he carries a lucky item with him, this time a pair of scissors. Kise asks him to put that away, saying it's dangerous. When Murasakibara is unable to open his pack of chips, he asks for Midorima's scissors, but Midorima refuses. Akashi arrives and after dealing with Kagami, departs again. He leaves the Generation with the words that they haven't forgotten their oath. Midorima is later seen watching the match between Seirin and Tōō.[24] When Kuroko unleashes his new pass, Midorima analyzes this new skill and compares its spiral rotation to that of a gun.[25] He also analyzes Kagami's tactical battle simulation later on in the match. He does the same thing with Kuroko's Vanishing Drive and Misdirection Overflow. Midorima and Takao attend the major Seirin matches and win their own matches as well.
1st Round
During the second day of the Winter Cup, Midorima and his team, Shūtoku go up against Ōnita High, which is home to one of the tallest PG's in Japan, Keisuke Kobayashi, but Midorima gives his team a lead by 40 points letting him advance to the second round.
Semi-finals
Midorima's threes against Rakuzan
Shūtoku High is set to play Rakuzan High in the semi-finals of the Winter Cup. This markes the reunion of the Generation of Miracles' captain and vice-captain. Before the match, Midorima is seen in the locker room with his lucky item, a shogi piece, a strange irony of fate. When Miyaji asks what place his zodiac sign is, Midorima replies with 2nd. They then enter the gym and later line up on the court. Midorima says to Akashi that he will definitely not lose. Akashi replies that it's impossible since he never loses. The tip-off is given and Midorima gets the ball from Takao. He says to Akashi that will teach him defeat and scores a mid-court shot.[26]
During the first quarter, Midorima goes on by shooting normal three pointers. After the time-out for the second quarter, Midorima asks Akashi if he can afford holding back. Akashi replies that he won't reveal his trump card so easily and that it won't even be necessary to. After Midorima gets double-teamed, he gets back on this when Hayama shows his true skills and reconfirms his earlier statement to Midorima.[27]
Midorima blocks Hayama
Later, Mibuchi confronts Midorima about the difference in skill between his teammates and Midorima's team. He states that everyone else is a hindrance. Midorima denies this, knowing how much the others have worked to get where they are. When Hayama gets past Miyaji again, Midorima blocks him. He gets rid of his double team with the help of Kimura’s screen and later lures out Nebuya to send a pass towards Miyaji, who dunks it. Midorima states that not a single member on his time is a hindrance.[28] He later ends the second quarter with a three pointer, bringing it to a 39 – 39 tie.
When going to the locker room, Midorima passes Kise. Kise compliments him on his not-too-bad situation, but Midorima tells him that the real fight has yet to begin. The second half starts and Akashi is guarding Midorima. They stand still for a few seconds, but then Midorima goes up fast and without hesitation, battling with his height. Unfortunately, Akashi foresees this move and slaps the ball out of his hands when it was still at the height of his chest.[29] Akashi goes for a fastbreak and scores.
Rakuzan then leads with a 14 point difference against Shūtoku. Midorima is unable to make any shots due to Akashi who is guarding him. Akashi performs an ankle break on Midorima, creating a 20 point gap in the score. The rest of Shūtoku all tell Midorima to get back up and to continue playing. Takao then comments on how he wants to continue playing with the other third year starters on the team, which leads to Midorima telling Takao that they'll show them what they've got. Midorima then prepares himself in shooting form and jumps up receiving the pass from Takao making in a three. When seeing this, Hyūga comments that they're just like Kuroko and Kagami, a light and shadow pair. By cooperating with Takao, Midorima does lose a fair amount of accuracy, but in doing so, Midorima is beginning to pressure Akashi more.
Takao's pass is stopped
Despite pressuring Akashi, Midorima still falls to his ankle breaking strategy. Akashi then goes for a lay up, but is surprised by Midorima who was able to catch up to him and attempt to block him, but Midorima fails as Akashi passes the ball to Nebuya, but then stopped by Ōtsubo, who hands the ball to Takao. Midorima then scores another 3 from getting a pass from Takao. Both Midorima and Takao then double team Akashi, but to their surprise, Akashi scores in his own basket. This motivates Rakuzan and have them score, making a comeback. Akashi then states that Midorima will no longer be able to touch the ball any longer.
Takao is then double teamed by Mibuchi and Mayuzumi, but successfully passes them, passing the ball to Midorima, who is in position to shoot. Akashi stops the ball from making it through shocking everyone, he then makes a lay up. Akashi notes that the weakness to their cooperation is since Midorima is left handed, the passes will always come from the left, this was all part of Akashi's plan in the first place. Rakuzan then continues to score, leaving a wider gap in the score. Midorima attempts to stop Akashi from making a final shot but fails, ending the game with a score of 86-70.
Midorima congratulates Akashi
After the game is finished, Midorima offers Akashi a hand shake acknowledging his defeat, telling him that Shūtoku will win next time. Akashi declines telling him to be less compassionate if he wants to win. Midorima and the rest of Shūtoku line up and thank their audience for cheering for them. As Shūtoku leaves, Takao asks if Midorima is heart broken, and tells him he can't help him, as Takao is seen crying. Midorima then also comments that losing really is difficult, while crying as well.
Midorima gives Kagami a hint to beat Akashi
After Seirin's match against Kaijō, Kagami forgets his ring and goes back to find it. Midorima is seen to have found it and gives it back to him. Midorima then tells him that he's still not at the same level as Akashi just because Seirin was able to make it to the finals, with Kagami asking him what he means. Midorima then wonders himself whether to tell him since it wouldn't change anything. Midorima warns Kagami to understand what he's up against, in which Kagami replies Akashi's teammates. Midorima tells him Akashi doesn't need his teammates. Takao along with Kuroko find Midorima and Kagami together. Takao calls Midorima over telling him they have to leave. But before the two leave, Midorima tells Kagami he relies on one person while Akashi is not one, but two people.
Third place match
For the Third place match, Shūtoku plays against Kaijō High. The match wass totally one-sided as Kaijō's ace player, Kise cannot participate due to his leg injury. Shūtoku wins easily by using Midorima's long range shots. After the match has ended, Midorima approaches Kise and said that their match is postponed. Kise agrees and states that they'll have to make way for the main match of the day: Seirin High vs Rakuzan High.[30]
Finals
Eventually, both teams come to watch it live action and witnesses Rakuzan's true strength and how Seirin almost fell apart, thanks to Kuroko, they're on fire once again. But all were shocked, even the other Generation of Miracles' when Akashi started to show his true strength. What amazes him more was Kuroko's plan that tooked down Akashi with his own version of the "Emperor Eye" in collaboration with Kagami. He called it the "Emperor Eye Plan". The match continues and Seirin eventually caught up, 90-92. However, the real Akashi awakens and Midorima's hypothesis proved to be correct as Akashi's second ability have just strengthened his team, granting them access to a 'zone-like' state.
Once again, Rakuzan's overwhelming strength left Seirin in despair again as they have all reached their limit but seems like the opposing team still won't budge. From the crowd, Shigehiro shouts at Kuroko and started the refueling shout-outs for Seirin. Eventually the other Generation of Miracles (except Murasakibara) and those whom Seirin beat in the past followed through. Regaining their hope, Seirin managed to make a comeback victory with Kagami entering the second door of the Zone which is the "Direct Zone Drive". Everyone leaves and were pleased with the results.
EXTRA GAME
He watched the Exhibition match of Team Jabberwock vs Team Strky with his teammates on TV. They see Miyaji as one of the participants. However, a supposed friendly match turned into a total humiliation, leaving him speechless while the others are angered.
He was called out by Kagetora Aida along with other Generation of Miracles, Kuroko and Kagami to play for "The Dream Team". Upon meeting, he expresses his uneasiness and seems to start a rivalry with Aomine, which Akashi insists that they forget. When Kuroko and Kagami arrived, they proceed to start things up.
Skill
Physical Ability
9/10
Technique
10/10
Stamina
9/10
Mental Strength
8/10
Special Ability
10/10
Midorima's shot
Besides his shot, Midorima is also very fast and strong. He is smart during matches and is able to fake his shot very fast and bypass his opponent easily. He is also very proficient in defense, in his match against Kagami during the training camp, he surpressed him overwhelmingly. [31] He also blocked Kagami's first dunk attempt at Inter High and training camp by jumping later than him. Midorima has also been seen making mid-range shots while contested. Midorima can also perform a chase down defense block as seen in the match against Rakuzan when he blocked Hayama.
High Projectile Three
Midorima's half court shot
Midorima is mostly known for his incredible shot. Midorima always shoots with his left hand and he bandages his fingers in order to not let them affect his shot. If Midorima is not sure he will score, then he will not shoot. He mostly shoots off the catch, and he is able to create space for his shot. He can shoot the ball from anywhere outside the three point line and the ball flies with exceptionally high arc.
Limitless Range
Midorima's full court shot
Another thing that is incredible about his shot is the distance. Midorima has shown that he can score from the half court line[32] and even on the opposite side of the court.[33] He has trained this for at least four years. It is an incredible feat because in reality, most full-court shooters do it with a gridiron-like throwing motion, while he does it with a normal jump shot, a great testament to his overall strength and endurance because it is so repeatable for him. Also, because the shooting percentages are so low that it is normally used at the end of the quarter or at the end of the game as a buzzer-beater. Since Midorima can shoot from the other side of the court, this stops the opposing team from starting a fast break because he is already on defense. [34]
According to Junpei Hyūga rather than the score the true horror of Midorima's shot is the deep psychological impact to opponents. This especially true since most players would freeze on their spot as watching the ball fly with abnormally long air time until it reaches the hoop.
So far, the only ones who have ever been able to stop Midorima's shots, are Kagami by blocking his shots[35], Kuroko by blocking his dip off a pump fake, and Akashi by stealing the ball before Midorima could bring it above his head[36]. If a turnover occurs from his side the court, it gives the opponents great court position and a closer shot.
He also did this off the court when he shot a box full of dessert onto the motorbike rider that knocked down Momoi.
Sky Direct Three-Point Shot
Cooperation with Takao
Midorima and Takao have recently developed a play that uses Midorima's shooting abilities and Takao's accurate and fast passes. This technique consists of Midorima shooting without the ball and during the process of shooting receiving the ball in his hands, passed by Takao. If the pass goes through and the shot is untouched, this play is almost impossible to stop, especially with Midorima's shooting and Takao's passing. This play is a huge gamble though, something Midorima had to overcome by trusting his teammates greatly.[37]
Takao and Midorima made this play to counter Akashi's Emperor Eye, since the height difference leads to Akashi simply not being able to steal the ball because it is out of his reach. The technique is a combination of Midorima's perfect shooting and Takao's perfect passing. However, as Midorima is left-handed, the passes from Takao must come from the left side.
It is also used in the game against Team Jabberwock, however Akashi is the one passing to Midorima. Takao said that the two is the most suited for this skill.
Perfect Accuracy
Midorima has near, if not perfect accuracy, being able to calculate the distance to the net with precise precision despite shooting with a incredibly high arc, which Hyūga remarked is a difficult feat. Midorima can hit shots from anywhere on the court. He also has phenomenal accuracy with things other than a basketball, as he has hit a thief on a motorbike with a box of dessert from a considerable distance.
Midorima and Takao have a strange relationship. When they first met, Takao told Midorima that he saw him in Teikō, and made it his goal to beat him, but now that they're on the same team, that goal no longer exists. Instead for Takao, his new goal is to be acknowledged by Midorima. Takao calls Midorima "Shin-Chan" in which Midorima does not respond lightly to. They are comfortable enough with each other to bicker and even beat each other up, albeit comically. This is shown when Midorima drags Takao out to hit him after Takao accidentally throws food on Midorima's head. Takao is also shown to take great pleasure in teasing Midorima, as shown in the PSP game Kiseki no Shiai, in which Takao constantly breaks Midorima's lucky items on purpose. In the Ng-Shuu episodes, Takao is also shown imitating and teasing Midorima, annoying him greatly.
During the period of Akashi's captaincy, he would often play shogi with Midorima (who was vice-captain), in which the latter never won any of the matches. Midorima shows much respect to Akashi, albeit appearing somewhat grudgingly, even when he graduates from Teikō Junior High and enrolls in Shūtoku High, where Akashi is no longer his captain. Before the Winter Cup, Midorima allows Akashi to borrow his scissors (the day's lucky item) despite refusing Murasakibara earlier on.[38]
Midorima notices a change in Akashi
During the Rakuzan vs Shūtoku match, Akashi admits that he acknowledges Midorima's skills and in turn, Midorima is also fully aware of Akashi's formidable skills, and acknowledges his strength, something which he rarely did for others. After the match, Midorima offers a handshake to Akashi, though the latter refuses it, wishing to remain as Midorima's enemy.[39] Midorima does not show any signs of anger but merely laments that Akashi was still the same and insists that Shūtoku would emerge victorious the next time they battle again.
At the time when Akashi awakened to his Emperor Eye, Midorima was one of the first to notice, along with Kuroko. Midorima later on came to a conclusion that another Akashi must reside within the Akashi they knew, this is something Midorima would discuss with Kuroko, and later on this theory would be proven by Akashi himself.
Midorima also appears to be competitive with Akashi, where he often asked Momoi for her class notes and about the material and quality of her pencils, convinced that it had to do with her good grades and wanting to improve to beat Akashi.
Just like the other members of the Generation of Miracles, Kuroko and Midorima acknowledge and respect each other's skill. Kuroko admitted that he has a hard time getting along with Midorima, a sentiment Midorima shared partly because of their supposedly incompatible blood types (Midorima's being type B while Kuroko's is type A , there's a certain belief that people with blood types A and B do not get along). Midorima also did not like Kuroko's choice of high school, saying he could not stand the fact that he acknowledges Kuroko, who in spite of his lacking physicality is skilled enough to stand as his equal, and yet he went to a new and unknown team who could not utilize his power to the fullest.[40] Midorima has so far shown good understanding of the theories behind Kuroko's skill, the opposite of Aomine whose understanding of Kuroko is by instinct and their former partnership.
Kuroko once bluntly stated Midorima is so smart but sometimes he is dumb when arguing over the best basketball technique with Kise. In Kuroko's opinion his three-pointer is amazing but the worth of points only goes so far, and that Kagami's dunk that bring up team's morale can't be measured in comparison.
When Midorima and Kagami first meet, Midorima questions Kagami who he is (although he already knew beforehand), instead of shaking hands, Kagami decides it would be funny to write on Midorima's palm his team name, number of his team, and name, which Midorima did not take too lightly. In the beginning of their rivalry, Midorima did not think of Kagami as his rival, not until recently after his defeat. While training during the summer, Midorima was the one who told and taught Kagami he wouldn't be able to win against the Generation of Miracles in an aerial battle due to his predictable dunks, and exposing his weak off-hand skills, where he can't do double-clutch moves or dribble with his left hand. He would rather not have him lose until their rematch as well. When their rematch finally came at the Winter Cup preliminary finals, Midorima finally accepted Kagami as a true rival. When Kagami forgets his ring after his rematch with Kise, Midorima found and returned it for him, also making Kagami aware that there is "two" Akashi's.
Midorima is not particularly close to any specific Generation of Miracle members other than Akashi and Kuroko. While he does argue with Kise frequently, his relationship with the remaining three (Aomine, Murasakibara, and Kise) is neutral. Midorima views them as old middle school teammates and acknowledges them like that. Perhaps they do not hold as much importance in his eyes as Akashi and Kuroko. For example, when all the Generation of Miracles are summoned by Akashi, Midorima refuses to lend Murasakibara his scissors (lucky item of the day) but agrees to letting Akashi borrow them. Nevertheless, Midorima respects his former teammates and never fails to take note of their skills when viewing one of their games, often discussing the games and player's skills with Takao or whoever happens to be next to him (eg. Kise).
Midorima, like the other Generation of Miracles, views Momoi as their old middle school manager and friend. Midorima has no grudges or heavy opinions against Momoi, he merely comments on her skills and ability to collect and analyze data. He also finds Momoi annoying, when she contacts him on his phone after he loses to Seirin. He hangs up immediately, and Momoi is shown being very irritated. It is also shown that Midorima is indifferent to Momoi's life outside of basketball, for instance, when Kise is shocked that Midorima doesn't know about Momoi's crush on Kuroko. Nevertheless, Midorima respects Momoi, often asking her for her class notes to improve his grades and beat Akashi.
The senior regular members of the team are often annoyed at Midorima’s selfish demands, particularly Miyaji who usually responds with frightening threats. Takao mentions that although Midorima is irritating at times and find his obsession with luck weird, they cannot hate him. Midorima also believes in his teammates, believing that there isn’t a single player in the team who is a hindrance.
Quotes
"There's no way I wouldn't be aware of how many shots I'm capable of. My limit... I passed it long ago."[41]
""I'm always right"? Don't make me laugh, Akashi. Don't talk as if you know everything, when all you've had was victory. Come, Akashi. As promised, I'll teach you defeat."[42]
"There's not a single player on this team who's a hindrance."[28]
"This is a gamble. More than I need to believe in myself, I must believe in my teammates. Even if I do everything I can, it's not enough. But I don't feel any uncertainty. In this team, everyone is doing everything they can!"[43]
"... It's not over yet! Don't give up...! There's no shame in falling down...! True shame is to not stand up again...!"[44]
On the first character poll, Midorima ranked 2nd, with 1478 votes. His "specially-made rolling pencil" ranked 30th, with 21 votes. He ranked 6th on the second poll, this time with 936 votes.
The kanji 緑 (Midori) in his name means green, hinting to his hair color.
In the entire series, Midorima has never missed an untouched shot.
According to Kise, Midorima has a funny accent.[46]
Midorima has rarely been seen smiling in the series.[47]
Midorima's first name was supposed to be Ryōhei instead of Shintarō.
If Midorima had an alternate job he would be a doctor.
He hates cats, because he got scratched.
His favorite food is red bean soup, especially the canned ones. He is shown drinking the canned red bean drink quite often and even drank the chilled one in summer. He is seen drinking red bean soup, but not green bean soup.
His hobby is playing chess/shogi and listening to classical music.
He likes reading and listening to astrology/fortune-telling-related materials, and brings different lucky charms. On the bloopers, his stuffed frog, Mr. Ribbit, was made from ceramics and was smashed from a stray baseball hit, leaving him aggrieved.[48]
Midorima occasionally ends his phrases with "Nanodayo", a combination of three Japanese sentence-ending particles which adds a tone of "an explanation about something that doesn't really need explaining" to his words.
In a Q&A section in the manga, it is revealed that:
Midorima was 174 cm tall upon entering Teikō.
His best subjects are Chemistry and Biology.
Midorima has a younger sister.
He hates Nattō, because he cannot stand the smell.
He is the only Generation of Miracles member so far not to be seen dunking (because he prefers scoring more points by shooting threes) or entering the Zone.[50]
On Shutoku’s team, Midorima is allowed 3 selfish acts a day. [51]
Midorima has extremely bad luck if he doesn’t have his lucky item; if he doesn’t carry it with him, he is in constant life threatening situations until he secures it. [52]
According to Kuroko, Midorima gets good grades. [53]
Midorima’s favorite subjects are Chemistry and Biology.[54]
