The InterHIgh is long over. Shohoku lost to Aiwa. Akagi, MItsui and Kogure have quit the team to pursue higher education. Riyota was chosen as the new team captain. Ayako is now the team's manager together with Haruko as her assistant. Rukawa is now training for the national team. And he, what has happened to him?

The sound of the dribbling of a ball is the only thing that can be heard that morning in the basketball court. The red-hair boy dribbled forward, then slowly, he picked up his pace.

"Shohoku...Shohoku...Shohuko"

He can still hear those cheers. Images from the last Interhigh games flashes back to his mind. He imagines himself as if it was the Interhigh. He jumps and slams the ball in the ring.

How he loved that sound, the sound of his slamdunk. It was only after the Interhigh that he realized it.

He loves basketball. He truly does.

now, he has only but one dream. That is to fulfill the dream of his former captain Akagi -- to make Shohoku the No. 1 team in Japan.

He picks up the ball and starts dribbling it again.

I know we're going to win this time, we have to.

The red-hair boy tried to make a three-point shot. The ball hit the ring but it bounces back.

I guess I have to work on that one.

He then continues practicing. Eversince his injury got better, the basketball court has been his second home. Practicing day by day, perfecting his offense and defense. Hours has passed but he doesn't seem to stop.

He dribbles the ball forward, and as though he has an opponent, swerves to the right to make a lay-up shout. Then he heard some clapping of hands. It was his bestfriend Mito.

"That's enough for now Hanamichi. Remember, school starts tomorrow. We're now second year students."

Mito turns around and said, " I'll just see you tomorrow Hanamichi. Don't forget, a beautiful lady will be waiting for you."

With that, Mito waved goodbye and left.

Of course, school. And Haruko. How can I forget Haruko, my dear Haruko. My, I haven't been thinking of her lately. All I can think about is basketball. But that will change. Tomorrow, I'll see her beautiful face again. I will hear her lovely voice again. Ah, and those eyes.

I wonder if she still remembers me. We haven't seen each other since the IH. WillI finally have the courage to ask her out this time? Ah, Haruko!

Next morning,

The sun rises fairly that day. It was unusually quiet at the Shohoku High school. It was the start of classes. It was still early but a lot of students are already flocking in.

One particular second year gang was looking for their friend.

"There he is", shouts one of them.

A familiar figure appeared from the crowd of students. He was tall with a muscular body. He has red hair which is now as long as it was just like last year.

"Hanamichi! Hanamichi", yelled the second year gang.

The red-haired boy turned around to see who was calling him. Upon seeing them, he gave out a loud laugh. Everyone around him covered their ear so that they won't hear his irritating laugh.

"HA…HA…HA…! So how are you guys doing? You missed the tensai, haven't you?"

"Nope! We just called you to inform you that you forgot to wear your belt."

With that Sakuragi looked down and he noticed that his pants were coming down.

"He..He…He…I guess I overslept this morning.Sakuragi pulled up his pants

Sakuragi could hear gigles coming from the other students but stopped when Sakuragi used his killer eye.

"Good thing your mom came by and brought you this belt" said Mito handing down the belt to Sakuragi. Sakuragi quickly grabbed the belt.

Then they heard the bell rang. Quickly, the students stormed the hall way to get to their classes. The Sakuragi guntai were left because Sakuragi gave two of them his famous head-butt for making fun of him.

Note: Well, this is only the first chapter of my story. You might think that Sakuragi is the lead character when in fact, it is actually Rukawa. I'm just making the grand entrance for his character.