A family gathered around the dinner table on the Saturday morning for their family breakfast together. Sitting at the table were Akira Sendoh, Kazuya Sendoh, and their parents.

"The game is today, isn't it, Akira?" Asked the father taking a sip from his coffee cup and changing the page of the newspaper he was reading.

"Yes, it is, Dad." Sendoh answered as he took a spoon out of his cereal. "It's starting at 11 AM. Why don't you and mom come down?" Sendoh asked.

"Yeah, you can watch me play against Oni-chan." Kazuya added as he drank his milk.

"No. I'm sure you two will do well." He replied.

"Akira and Kazuya, don't you think it's too much for your father to see both his sons competing against one another?" Their mother asked.

"But mom, it's not like Akira and I are going to kill each other." Kazuya joked.

"I've seen you two play basketball in the backyard. I know how competitive you two can get." Their mother answered.

"Besides, surprise me for the Kanegawa Regional championships." Their father answered. "This year, I want both my sons to be playing in the Inter-High."

"Don't worry, Dad." Sendoh replied as he ate another spoon of his cereal. "I can guarantee that both Shohoku and Ryonan are going to the Inter High tournament this year."

"Boys, look at the time." Their mother asked. "You should be going. Don't kill each other on the court now."

"Oh. Thanks mom." Kazuya said as he stood from his seat and kissed his mom. "Dad, we'll see you in the afternoon."

"See you, Mom. See you, Dad." Sendoh bowed to both his parents as he left the dining room and exited the house together with Kazuya.

"I am going to dunk on your centre today, Oni-chan." Kazuya joked at Sendoh.

"I'm sure you will but not before I dunk on Sakuragi." Sendoh joked back with his kid brother.

At Ryonan High School..

"This place brings back a lot of memories, doesn't it Sakuragi-kun?" Haruko asked Sakuragi as the Shohoku team, minus Kazuya, arrived at Ryonan's basketball hall.

"Yeah. It was the debut of this tensai!! Hahaha!!" Sakuragi replied laughing.

"Didn't you lose on your debut, tensai?" Miyagi retorted sarcastically towards Sakuragi's boastfulness.

"You don't have to remind me about the details, Miyagi." Sakuragi cried.

"Don't mind, Sakuragi." Ayako answered. "Today is the start of a new basketball season for the entire team."

"Ayako-sempai is right." Haruko nodded in agreement. "Everyone should be in a positive attitude. Even Rukawa is excited somewhere inside his cold exterior."

"Brings back memories.." Rukawa thought to himself. "It's just another game we have to win." He replied to Haruko.

"To reach the Nationals, we must first be the best in Kanegawa Prefecture." Anzai spoke as they walked inside the basketball gym. "Today, you will see how the competition compares to you. Use it as a learning experience."

"Understood, Sensei!!" The players all answered in a loud voice.

Anzai stopped and let his players all walked into the gym before him. As Rukawa was walking past him, Anzai asked for Rukawa to walk with him as they entered the gym.

"Remember, Rukawa. To be the best player in Japan, you have to lead Shohoku to victory." Anzai advised. "And maintain your status as Japan's Number 1 Player, you must ensure that you've surpassed Sendoh."

Rukawa looked seriously into Anzai's eyes and nodded. "Understood, Anzai-Sensei. Surpass Sendoh." He spoke silently to Coach Anzai.

Coach Anzai nodded in agreement. "Show them the new Rukawa. The Rukawa who is an ace for the team and also a team player. Show them the birth of Japan's Number 1 Player."

"Definitely will, Sensei." Rukawa replied seriously as he entered the gym and caught up with the others.

Meanwhile, at the Ryonan team bench..

"Has anyone seen Sendoh around?" Coach Moichi asked his players. "Hikoichi, you usually know where Sendoh is, don't you?"

"Nandate?" Hikoichi replied looking as confused as Coach Moichi. "I don't even know where he is right now. I called his house but his mom said that the Sendohs have already left the house."

"Eh, Moichi-Sensei. Sorry for being late." Sendoh's voice suddenly broke the worries of the Ryonan team.

"Sendoh, where have you been?" Moichi asked angrily. "We're all here worrying bout where you were."

"Sorry, Coach. I was hitting the shoot around with my brother at the basketball court just outside of school." Sendoh replied.

"Sendoh-sempai. Shoot around?" Matsuyama asked Sendoh. "Before you entered the game?"

"Hahaha. It was a game of H-O-R-S-E." Sendoh replied with a warm smile. "Nothing serious."

"Horse? What's that?" Koshino asked confusingly.

"Ah, Horse is a type of game in basketball where players challenge other players to make certain shots." Hikoichi began explaining the game of HORSE. "Whenever, a player misses a shot, he get a letter. If you spell Horse, it means you have lost."

"Oh, I see." Fukuda nodded after listening to Hikoichi's explanation. "So who won, Sendoh?"

"It was a tie." Sendoh grinned as he took off his training jumper to reveal he was already wearing his Ryonan uniform. "If we had kept going, we would've missed the game."

All the Ryonan players were stunned hearing Sendoh's answer. Sendoh and Kazuya were tied at playing HORSE. Even more startling was the fact that they both found the time and energy before a match to play such a game.

"Alright, everyone." Coach Moichi said while clapping his hands to grab the team's attention. "For today's practice match, we use the strategy we've trained for. Matsuyama and Fukuda, you're playing centre and power forward. Koshino and Uekesa, you're our guards. Sendoh, you're our forward. If we need more height, Yanada, you'll play power forward, fukuda shifts to small forward, and Sendoh shifts to Shooting Guard. Koshino, you'll be at Point guard then."

"Guys, this is Shohoku. They're the ones who beat Sannoh. Be careful of their abilities. We've already tasted their new abilities. That was an exhibition match. This is a practice match but play with all your fire. I know you're as good if not better than them. Think of this as a preview of the Kanagawa regional finals." Sendoh spoke with an aura of calm and confidence as he motivated his teammates.

"Sendoh, you've grown as the team leader." Moichi thought to himself.

"Alright, Ryonan!!!" Sendoh shouted.

"FIGHT ON!!!" The entire Ryonan team replied.

Meanwhile, over at the Shohoku bench..

"Hey guys!!" Kazuya greeted the team non-chalantly.

"Kazuya, why are you late?" Ayako harshly asked. "The game is about to start."

"Hedgehog Prince,w ere you thinking of abandoning the team??" Sakuragi asked angrily.

"No, Sendoh and I just had a shoot around at a basketball court outside of Ryonan." Kazuya replied.

"Shoot around with Sendoh?" Rukawa said to himself as he sharply looked at Kazuya.

"Are you nuts? A shoot around even before the game has started?" Miyagi added in shock.

"Haha.." Anzai Sensei laughed happily. "That is the spirit, Kazuya. Always training and improving your skills with one of the best players in Japan."

"Hihihi.." Kazuya grinned as he gave thumbs up to Anzai.

"Alright, boys, listen up. Everyone knows their positions and responsibilities for this game. Kazuya and Miyagi, you are our guards. Sakuragi and Niita, you are our enforcers at the basket. Rukawa, you are our small forward. Everyone remember the practices we've had so far." Anzai explained. "Most importantly, trust in your team-mates and believe in them. Let the game flow through you."

"Ok, guys. This game is the first game of our road towards the Nationals." Miyagi said as he put his hand in the middle of all the Shohoku players. "Let's make sure we win every game. 1..2..3.. Shohoku!!!"

"FIGHT ON!!!" The entire Shohoku team shouted loudly.

Both teams made their way towards the court as the Ryonan basketball hall were filled with Ryonan students who had heard of the news of the practice match. The atmosphere in the gym was akin to that of a real tournament match. All the fans were excited to see the team finally playing again.

"Hey, big-monkey!!" Sakuragi said in a low tone as he pointed towards Matsuyama. "You remember me?" Sakuragi questioned threateningly. "You're going to get it today." Smiled Sakuragi with an evil grin.

"Just try it, red-head!" Matsuyama answered the challenge. "I'll bring you down like I did your other pal."

"Grrr!!"Sakuragi already began to get angry. Flames burning behind Sakuragi "Get ready for the almight fury of this tensai, big-monkey!!"

"You moron!!" Miyagi yelled as he hit Sakuragi on the head. "The game hasn't started and you're already talking non-sense. Just get the jump ball before you do anything else."

"Damn it, Ryota. And just when I was psyching out that ugly, big-monkey" Sakuragi groaned.

"Bothersome. Psyching out his opponent.." Rukawa said to himself as he looked over at Sendoh. "Hmmpphhh..Not this time.."

Pritttt The whistle sounded to get the game under way.

Matsuyama and Sakuragi both jumped for the jump ball. Sakuragi's timing for the jump ball was perfect and, coupled with his high jumping ability, he was able to win the jump ball and swat the ball towards Miyagi.

"Alright! Shohoku, attack!!" Miyagi shouted as he sped down towards the Ryonan basket.

"Uekesa, stay in front of him." Sendoh shouted as Sendoh himself defended Rukawa.

Shohoku were running full speed with all their players continuously in motion and trying to find a position for a shot as Miyagi moved quickly forward. Sakuragi was battling for position with Matsuyama near the foul line, on the high post, while Rukawa was one-on-one with Sendoh at the top of the key. Nitta was one the left low block being marked by Fukuda while Kazuya was in the right corner being guarded by Koshino.

"The Prodigies of Shohoku will finally show their true selves!!" Anzai said to himself on the sidelines.

"Anzai-Sensei?!" Ayako looked back at Anzai sitting in his chair with a big smile on his face.

Miyagi passed the ball to Rukawa who quickly tried a fake to the right before he dribbled left and drove towards the basket with his right shoulder facing Sendoh. Sakuragi in turned pushed off Matsuyama and ran to set the screen Rukawa. As Rukawa was dririving to his left, Sakuragi set the screen and blocked off Sendoh's path.

"Matsu, switch!!" Sendoh shouted as Matsuyama moved around Sakuragi and tried to face up with Rukawa.

"Too slow!!" Rukawa said as he shot a jump from the 14 feet near the left arc of the basket.

"Hehe!!" Miyagi smiled. "That's the new style of Shohoku offence. Alright, everyone! Defence!!'

Uekesa brought thh ball forward and walked together with Sendoh.

"Remember, Uekesa, just take it easy." Sendoh told Uekesa.

Uekesa made it to Shohoku's half and was quickly pressed by Miyagi. Uekesa passed the ball to Koshino who was being marked by Kazuya. Koshino took one dribble left and saw Sendoh cutting through the middle of the key from the left side to the right side. Koshino passed the ball to Sendoh who was being marked by Rukawa.

"Come on.." Rukawa challenged.

"Gladly.." Sendoh replied.

Sendoh quickly spun to his left and drove to the basket, dribbling the ball with his right hand and keeping Rukawa at bay with his left arm. Sendoh was 10 feet from the basket and it looked like he was driving to the basket for a layup. On the same side as he was driving, Fukuda was being marked by Nitta. Sendoh signalled Fukuda with a smile and Fukuda pushed Nitta back and turned to his right, running by the baselein towards the basket.

Sendoh continued to drive and Nitta came over to do the double team. As soon as Sendoh saw Nitta coming over to help for the double team, he made a bounce pass between Rukawa and Nitta that was headed for Fukuda who was coming back towards the centre key. Fukuda caught the pass and did a jump shot without any hindrance because Sakuragi was being boxed out by Matsuyama on the other side.

"Damn, he boxed me out." Sakuragi thought to himself. "I could have challenged that shot."

"Nice play, Fukuda!" Sendoh said as he gave Fukuda a high five.

"This is going to be a tough game." Miyagi exclaimed as he took the in pass from Kazuya. "Let's keep attacking!"

Miyagi quickly brought the ball forward and Kazuya was cutting from the top of the key towards the left corner being followed by Koshino. Sakuragi was in the high-post, around the foul line, and was being boxed by Matsuyama. Nitta was in the low right block battling for position with Fukuda while Rukawa and Sendoh were positioned on a bit to the right of the top of the key.

"Ryo-chin!!" Sakuragi shouted. "Pass. Pass Pass!" He yelled demanding the ball. "Let this tensai take down big-monkey!'

"Sakuragi, you're so impatient." Miyagi thought to himself as he passed the ball to an eager Sakuragi.

Sakuragi was now one-on-one with Matsuyama; the successor of Akagi vs the successor of Uozomi.

"This is it. Time to show these people what a tensai can really do!" Sakuragi though to himself as he received the ball.

Sakuragi began to spin to his left and he dribble once. Matsuyama followed keeping it hard for Sakuragi to go through.

"You're not going through!!" Matsuyama shouted.

Sakuragi grinned and raised his knees and shoulders as if he were going to shoot. As Matsuyama saw Sakuragi's shoulders moved, he stopped and was ready to jump. However, Sakuragi gave a grin and suddenly crossed the ball over to his left hand and drove by Matsuyama with a great burst of speed. The shoulder fake that Sakuragi gave Matsuyama was enough to give Sakuragi the time and space to cross over and drive past Matsuyama. Sakuragi then drove past Matsuyama, took two dribbles, and then jumped and performed his signature Gorilla Dunk.

"Ahhh!!! The Gorilla Dunk!!!" Ayako and Haruko both shouted. "So early in the game!"

"Sakuragi is serious!" Yohei added from the sidelines as he was there with the other members of the guntai.

"Hah!" Moichi gasped to himself. "How can that be, Sakuragi?"

"Moichi-sensei, are you alright?" Hikoichi asked.

"He's finally learned to use his unique athletic ability and instinct to outplay other centres." Moichi commented. "Hikoichi, if you look at Sakuragi, who does he most remind you of?"

"Hmmm…Definitely not Uozomi or Akagi." Hikoichi began to spot the difference between Sakuragi and other centres. "Sakuragi is not as big but he is as strong and can jump higher. He is a lot more agile and faster than other centres. He is more built like Hanagata but is still more athletic than Hanagata was. He can score on the inside like other centres but his jump shot he's shown shows he can shoot from the perimeter also."

"Does that remind you of anyone, Hikoichi?" Moichi asked Hikoichi trying to spark Hikoichi's memory.

"Remind me of anyone?" Hikoichi scratched his head. "He reminds me of Rukawa or Sendoh-sempai if they played the centre position. But neither is as strong or physical as Sakuragi."

"There used to be only one high school player like that, Hikoichi. The rare combination of size, speed, and strength. Sakuragi already faced him in last year's National Tournament. Sakuragi's athleticism may have even surpassed him that early in his basketball career." Moichi explained.

"Sensei, you don't mean.." Hikoichi began to remember who Moichi was talking about.

On the Shohoku bench..

"Masashi Kawata, Anzai-Sensei?" Ayako confusing asked Anzai after she had heard how he wanted Sakuragi to play this year.

"Anzai-Sensei, don't you think that's too much to ask of Sakuragi?" Haruko added. "He's only in his second year of playing basketball."

"Ho-ho-ho." Anzai laughed in his chair. "Sakuragi's strength, speed, jumping ability, and athleticism can't be matched by other classic centres. His ability to quickly grasp and learn things has been amazing. More importantly, his jump shots are also being more consistent. And if I were to make a comparison with anyone, there is only one player in Japan who Sakuragi can be compared to in terms of his athleticism and skill for the centre position."

"But to compare Sakuragi with Masashi of Sannoh, Anzai-Sensei." Ayako replied still flabbergasted. "Masashi Kawata was the best high school centre in Japan. He was strong, fast, and skilled. Even Akagi was overwhelemed when he faced Masashi."

"Anzai-Sensei!!" Haruko smiled. "But last year, it was during that game that Sakuragi and Masashi went one-on-one. In that game, Sakuragi held his own against the more experienced Masashi."

"Exactly, Haruko. In terms of athleticism, Sakuragi is one of the best in the country, if not the best, just like how Masashi was. What Sakuragi lacked was experience and offence." Anzai happily explained with a big smile. "But now, after learning offensive skills from Akagi and Mitsui over the past year, and playing on the team for a year, he has quickly developed into one of the most unique centres in Japan."

"Hanamichi Sakuragi." Ayako said to herself. "Akagi-sempai. You have done well. Sakuragi has evolved into a good player and will redefine the position you have made your own."

Back in the game..

"Sendoh!" Koshino shouted for the ball as he moved across from the corner towards the elbow.

Fukuda moved from Nitta and setup a screen that blocked Kazuya who was going after Koshino. Nitta had to rush past Fukuda and try to get closer to Koshino. Sendoh was at the top of the key and he quickly passed the ball to Koshino. After receving the perfect pass from Sendoh, Koshino shot a 3-pointer that went in.

"YES!!!" Koshino yelled as he clenched his fist after making the 3. "I did it Sendoh-sempai."

"Good job, Koshino!" Sendoh greeted. "Great screen, Fukuda."

"Koshino-sempai!! Great job!!" Hikoichi shouted from the sideline. "Koshino may only be 180 cm but he has good defence he is one of our 3-point shooters."

"Guys, don't worry, it's still early in the game. Let's take it to them." Miyagi shouted as he ran with the ball in his hand

Shohoku had Sakuragi and Nitta both on the low post and had Rukawa and Kazuya both on the wings. Miyagi was bringing the ball up on top of the key. Ryonan were facing them with a 3-2 man zone, with Rukawa being man marked by Sendoh.

"See you.."Miyagi suddenly spoke as he quickly spun with a great burst of speed leaving Uekesa flat footed.

Miyagi passed Uekesa and was driving straight to the basket. Miyagi dribbled quickly and was quick to try to make the layup. As Miyagi drove through the middle, Matsuyama moved off Sakuragi and challenged Miyagi as they both jumped in the air.

"Damn it!!" Miyagi said as he threw his layup higher than expected to avoid getting blocked by Matsuyama.

The ball went over Matsuyama's hand but hit the rim and was starting to bounce to the left towards Fukuda, who was boxing out Nitta.

"Rebound!!" Ayako shouted from the sidelines.

Matsuyama and Fukuda both jumped to get the rebound. As the ball was about to fall comfortingly into Matsuyama's hand who was jumping for it, Sakuragi suddenly appeared from behind Matsuyama and tipped the ball into the air again.

"Not on my watch!!" Sakuragi shouted as he landed on the ground.

As the ball was tipped into the air, Sakuragi again quickly jumped behind Matsuyama and crashed his body with Matsuyama's back fighting for the rebound. Sakuragi had jumped first and was already jumping higher than Matsuyama, who jumped just a split second after Sakuragi landed. Sakuragi took the ball with an outstretched right arm and quickly cradled it safely in his hands.

"Sakuragi!!" Kazuya said as he quickly cut from the three point line towards 15 feet from the basket.

Sakuragi quickly passed the ball outside to the cutting Kazuya. Kazuya then took a jump shot from 15 feet and the ball swoosed through the basket beautifully.

"Great rebound, Sakuragi!!" Kazuya gave a high five.

"Hahaha!!! Nothing for this tensai, Hedgehog Prince." Sakuragi replied.

"Damn it, Sakuragi is stronger and it seems he's better than ever." Fukuda complained.

"Don't worry, we'll get the points back. Uekesa, give me the ball when we're on their side of the court. Hey guys, cheer up." Sendoh smiled

Uekesa took the ball quickly and moved into position at the top of the key just behind the three point line. Sendoh was just to his left on the elbow, Koshino was in the right corner, Fukuda was in the high post on the right side, and Matsuyama was in the low post on the left side. Uekesa quickly passed the ball to Sendoh.

"My turn.." Sendoh gave a smile at Rukawa.

"Bring it on.." Rukawa answered the challenge.

Sendoh moved his eyes right looking at Uekesa whether we he was going to cut. Sendoh then moved his eyes right to see where Matsuyama was. Rukawa followed Sendoh's eyes. Sendoh could see that Matsuyama was holding Sakuragi back and that he had a big gap to drive to near the key.

Sendoh shoulder faked right then quickly crossed the ball over to his left hand and then took one large stride with his right leg as if he were driving to his left. As Rukawa motioned to defend the drive, Sendoh passed the ball through his legs, quickly took his left leg to in front of Rukawa as he turned his body to the other direction. Sendoh took two dribbles driving now to the right and left Rukawa a step behind. Sendoh then quickly took a jump shot from 14 feet and scored the basket.

"Ah!!! Sendoh has arrived!!" Hikoichi excitedly yelled. "In one-on-one situations or in team situations, Sendoh is still on par with Rukawa!!"

"Ok, guys!! Defend!!" Sendoh shouted as he hurried his team back on defence.

"Sendoh.." Rukawa sighed. "He's still good.."

"Oni-chan.." Kazuya said to himself.

"That brother of yours is a true pest, hedgehog prince." Sakuragi said as he ran by Kazuya.

"He said the same thing of you, Sakuragi!" Kazuya replied.

"Oh, did Sendoh make a compliment about this tensai??!!" Sakuragi gave a big smile and pointed at himself. "I am recognized by the ace of Ryonan.."

"Moron.." Rukawa said as he ran pass Sakuragi.

"Damn it, Rukawa. What did you say?" Sakuragi angrily yelled back.

"Pay attention to the game you idiot!!" Miyagi yelled at Sakuragi. "We have to show these guys the ability of the tensais."

Miyagi brought the ball up quickly to the Ryonan half and saw that the team was in their motion offence triangle. Rukawa was at the top of the key as the initiator of the motion offence. Sakuragi was on the left low post challenging for position position against Matsuyama, Kazuya was on the left elbow being guarded by Koshino, and Nitta was on the right low post. This was Shohoku's new Triangle Motion offence

Miyagi passed the ball to Rukawa as he was the initiator of the offence for the high triangle.

"Do it, Rukawa.." Miyagi said as the ball was received by Rukawa.

"You're still stubborn, eh, Rukawa." Sendoh commented as he defended Rukawa.

"I'm going to surpass you." Rukawa answered back.

Rukawa quickly spun to his left and tried to drive. Miyagi made the cut inside and was now running towards the low post thanks to a screen by Kazuya that blocked Uekesa. Koshino switched and tried to catch up with Miyagi while Kazuya quickly moved from setting the screen and moved towards the middle of the key being followed by Uekesa. All three players were now in motion: Rukawa driving right from the top of the key, Miyagi moving towards the low post baseline, and Kazuya cutting into the top of the key. Meanwhile, Sakuragi also spun around Matsuyama and moved to the middle of the key, 7 feet from the basket.

"Motion Offence???!!!" Coach Moichi exclaimed at the Ryonan bench.

"Motion Offence?? What's that Sensei?" Hikoichi asked.

"All the players keep running and moving, always in motion. They move in different directions trying to create openings and supporting one another. It's an offence that focuses on teamwork and having each player able to control the ball and shoot when necessary." Moichi explained. "Anzai-Sensei, is this the Shohoku you have created based around Sakuragi and Rukawa?"

Rukawa drove and took two dribbles before he stuttered and did a behind the back pass to Kazuya. Kazuya then did a bounce pass to Sakuragi who was waiting near the basket. Sakuragi then turned around and did a jump shot over Matsuyama who was too late in trying to block the shot. The ball went in.

"Defence!!!" Sakuragi shouted as the Shohoku players went for the defence.

Sendoh brought the ball forwards and dribble the ball between his legs. He faked right and quickly dribbled left, folling Rukawa long enough to have space to drive to. Sendoh then did a fade-away jump shot but Sakuragi appeared suddenly from out of nowhere and touched the ball with his hand.

"Got the block!!" Sakuragi yelled. "Miyagi.."

"I'm on it!!" Miyagi shouted as he beat Uekesa to the ball. "Kazuya!! Take it!!"

"Koshino, block his path to the basket!!" Moichi yelled from the sidelines.

A silhouette of a Shohoku player wearing the number 7 jersey running down the sideline was on the corner of Miyagi's eye. He threw the ball forward and Kazuya jumped up to catch the ball. Kazuya then ran down the court with Koshino coming from the behind, on an intercept trajectory trying to stop Kazuya from driving towards the basket.

As they reached the 3 point line, Kazuya, who was still in a forward motion, suddenly dribble the ball behind his back and took one step to the left. Koshino, who was in hot pursuit of Koshino was flatfooted and slipped trying to change the balance of his body so quickly. Kazuya then took a 3 point shot as soon as he dribbled behind his back and took a step to the left. The shot went into the basket beautifully.

"Great move, Kazuya!!" Haruko yelled.

As the game continued, it was evident that both teams were going all out. At 10 minutes left, the score was 28-19 in Shohoku's favour. Shohoku had Rukawa and Sakuragi both scored 8 points each, Kazuya with 7 points, and Miyagi with 5 points. Ryonan's point came from 8 Sendoh points, 4 Matsuyama points, 3 points from Koshino, and 4 Fukuda points.

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Next Chapter: The game continues