Title: The Paths

Pairings: Later on the chapters

Disclaimer: You know that Slam Dunk belongs to Inoue-san, don't you?

A.N.: Well, as you know, I started to write fanfics again! This is my first chaptered fanfics since I took a break. I hope you enjoy it! Reviews, critics, and grammars-correction please! ~Thanks! :)

Prologue: The Party

That day is the last day for the seniors to be there—in the school gym—as a student. Tomorrow, they will graduate from high school. One may still play the ball, while other maybe hangs the basketball shoes. Even Takenori and Kogure who left the team earlier, come and play that day.

The beautiful day that full with cherry blossom blooming everywhere is just a sign for a new era. Though they just passed it like it just another same day, nothing special. Either they don't realize that this is the last day they will play together or they just don't want to accept the fact this is the last day.

That gym that they used for practice is just full of memories. Non stop arguments, fights, cheers, achievements, everything.

"Hey, isn't this is the last day for the seniors? Tomorrow is the graduation day."

That simple sentence that comes from Akagi Haruko's mouth cracks up the situation. Suddenly, all of them stop doing anything. It's like she opens a Pandora box.

"Oh, you're right," said Kogure calmly.

"OH. YOU ARE RIGHT!" Ayako nearly screams. She taps her forehead. "How can I forget? How can we forget?!"

Mitsui calm her down. "It's not really matter anyway. It's just graduation… Wait, graduation? Tomorrow is MY GRADUATION?!" Now, he's the one who freaks out.

"Technically, it's our graduation." Kogure corrects him. "And don't freak out like that, it's just a ceremony. All you need is go to the stage when your name is called, receive your diploma, get back to your sit, stay there until the ceremony is finished, and swoosh! You can say good bye to high school and say hello to university."

Mitsui calmed for a moment until he realize another problem. "University?!"

Takenori get into the conversation. "You already apply for one of them, aren't you?"

"Of course... It's my parents' wish anyway. But still…"

"University is a place where there's a tons of hot chicks to date! Plus, they don't wear uniform!" Ryota speaks up then smiled at Ayako. "But none of them is as pretty as you, Aya-chan."

"Hey, are we going to continue this game or what?" Hanamichi yelled from the court.

"Okay that's enough." Ayako pushed the boys back to the court. "You guys just play the game and for the graduation thingy, just leave it to us." She smiled to Haruko and the boys on the bench. "Haruko and Kakuta-senpai please go to Michiko's bakery and buy cake there! The owner is my auntie; I will take care for the payment later! And Yasuda-senpai, can you accompany me to the closest convenience store?"

"S-sure!"

"Okay, let's move, people! Move!"

The unplanned party turns out to be a blast. Who know cans of coke and a big yummy cheese cake can do such a thing?

"Hey, how about one of the senpai give us the last speech?" Ayako suggested.

Mitsui and Kogure stared at the same one person.

Takenori wants to refuse but the other members give him the begging look that he can't refuse. "Okay, then."

"Yay!" The team makes a big circle and listens. Even Rukawa seems want to listen the speech too.

"Well,…" Just when about Takenori will start, Hanamichi cuts the speech. "Ayako, did you buy tissues too? I think Gori will cry!"

"Why you, Hanamichi!"

Ayako gives Hanamichi a killer look. "Just continue, senpai."

"Sigh, okay… Well, I've been in this team for three years. And I know all of the bitter sweet. Back that day, the team members come and gone, we lose so many games, and people doesn't even know there's Shohoku basketball team. But you guys come and literally give 'something' to this team. You banned your pride and join this team, you work hard, and somehow we start to won so many games. I can't describe my happiness when we first go to IH games, it just priceless…" Takenori takes a deep breath. "All I want to say is thank you for the best three years. And I bet Kogure and Mitsui feel the same way. Thanks!"

They smiled at each other.

This feeling of togetherness stays, no matter which path they choose.

As ten years passed... Will it be the same?

What do you think? Is it good or what? And the next chapter will be about one of Shohoku's team member ten years later! :)