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 really 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 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 fully 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 first intention 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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