Against All Odds

Chapter 10: Coz One Thing I Know

It was Friday. Class hours had just ended and students are already making their way out of school, eager to stroll around town or just go home and rest after a long and tiring week. For the basketball team, though, the day has just started to get exciting as the members went for the gym for their usual after-school practice. The gym was one of the liveliest places in the school after class, as noises coming from the team members and some onlookers filled the whole place.

And as any other day, the gym was once again filled with sounds of balls dribbling and rubber shoes skidding against the floor after only a few minutes. Miyagi was a tough and hard-working captain, training the team hard, pushing them to their limits to unleash every hidden talent and potential each of them has. He is doing his best to continue the winning streak his seniors have left him. His main goal as the captain was to lead his players to the Nationals again.

Currently he was watching the two sophomores who were training with Rukawa on one side of the court. They were trying to stop Rukawa from dashing to the inner court and making a shot. "Kuwata! Tighten your block! Your arms, raise them higher and wider! Don't let your opponent have a chance to get passed you!" He called out.

"H-Hai!" Kuwata, though nervous, did as he was told. He glanced at Sasaoka who was also trying to block Rukawa. Being the usual benchwarmer, he wanted to at least do something for the team. He liked cheering and providing moral support during the games, but he wanted to win the game for them too. Although he knew that he wasn't as good as the other players, he hopes that someday, he'll be able to contribute something for the team. I'll work hard!

Rukawa dribbled the ball from his left hand towards his right. Sasaoka tried to make a steal, but he immediately caught the ball with his right hand and dribbled again while rushing to his left, but Kuwata was able to block his way. He smirked inwardly. He then dribbled the ball in a quick manner – distracting Kuwata – and jumped. Kuwata recovered and tried to jump too as high as he could.

I can still get that.

Rukawa leaned a little backward as he let go of the ball.

F-Fade away shot?

The two players landed on the floor, both were panting as they looked at the ring. The ball went inside the hoop with a swish.

"No way…" Kuwata sighed dejectedly.

Rukawa wiped his lips with the back of his hands. He picked the ball on the floor before facing his teammate. "Nice block."

Kuwata looked surprised. "Eh..?"

"When blocking, you have to observe your opponent's moves first, then predict what move he will make next," Rukawa pointed. "Don't ever predict without thinking and observing. Their next move will either be the one where he'll most likely be able to get passed you, or the one where it's not expected, but still can be considered a possibility."

The astounded sophomore could only stare at the ace player. "H-Hai… I will remember that, Rukawa-kun!"

Rukawa turned to the other player. "You, too…"

Miyagi couldn't help but smile and be amazed. He wasn't expecting much from their ace player when it comes to interacting with his teammates, but there he was lecturing them about basketball techniques. Then again, Rukawa had seemed to change somehow, ever since the InterHigh games and his training with the All Japan Team. He became less selfish with the ball and he learned to trust his teammates a little more. Although he's still quiet and a bit aloof, at least he now talks more when being asked by the others. And now he's even helping his teammates in their training. That will be a great help to the team. Good job, Rukawa.

"Captain."

Miyagi turned his attention to the team manageress. His cheeks turned red as he saw her approaching. "Aya-chan…"

Ayako stood beside him and together they watched the training. "So? What do you think? How're the players doing?"

Miyagi nodded approvingly. "There's been a lot of progress. I can see everyone's determination to work hard."

"You're right. Over there, Sakuragi-kun is practicing his 3-point shots." She gestured to the side of the court opposite Rukawa's. "Fooling around with the freshmen, as usual. But he's definitely improving." She smiled at where Sakuragi and the other players were. "Much like last year… Aah, now that I mentioned it, I miss Akagi-senpai and the others. I wonder how they are doing now." She intertwined her fingers at the back of her head as she thought about the good times they had just a year ago. The triumphs and failures during matches, the fooling around by the team members, the InterHigh Championships… Those glorious moments.

"Neh, Aya-chan..?"

"Hm?"

"Do you think… I can lead the team well as Captain Akagi did before? Do you think I can lead the team to the championships?"

Ayako turned her head towards the curly-haired guy. He was looking at the direction of the players, seemingly watching, but she knew he wasn't exactly paying attention to their training. He had that far away look on his face. Being extra attentive to him, she knows what's going on in his mind right now. She smiled. "Anzai-sensei and Akagi-senpai wouldn't assign you as the new captain if they didn't believe in your capabilities, would they? You're one of our best players, and you are able to encourage the team to do their best. The way I see it, I think you're doing good as captain."

Miyagi's face instantly lit up. "Really, Aya-chan?"

"Hai." She patted his head lightly with her paper fan. "Come on, what happened with the self confidence, huh?"

"Ahahahaha." Miyagi could only scratch the back of his head. "Sumimasen. I just realized that, you know, being a part of a good team is really thrilling. But to actually lead a team… Well, that's a pretty tough job. It's really a lot of work. Not that I'm complaining, I'm enjoying what I do. It's just that…"

"What are you worrying about, Ryota?" Ayako asked, hoping she could make him feel a little better.

"Nothing really. I guess I'm still adjusting. It's a new thing for me. Leading a team like this. I wouldn't have any problem if it's to lead a gang fight," he lightly chuckled, making Ayako roll her eyes. "But to lead a good team to victory…"

Ayako felt for him. She knew what he meant. She knew the guy to be fearless – except if she's involved – but the feat in the InterHigh Games and the popularity it brought are not the usual things that's been experienced by Shohoku for years. Since it's their first time entering the Nationals and emerging as champions, it's natural that people would expect to see more from them. And Miyagi is the next one to shoulder the pressures – of maintaining the status of the team and bringing them again to the top. It's not an easy thing to do, especially since Akagi, Kogure, and Mitsui have gone already.

She put a hand on his shoulder. "I understand," she calmly said.

Miyagi looked at her.

"You're a little uncertain of the future of the team with you, right? But you don't have to worry. You're not alone in this, are you?"

"Um…"

"I'm here to help you, Haruko-chan too. And the players are being quite responsible and mature about what they do. The freshmen show potential, and they are quite easy to handle. Let's thank Kami-sama that they didn't take after Sakuragi and Rukawa," she rolled her eyes at her last sentence. "And anyway, those two have matured, er, a little.. over the past months since the InterHigh. And they are willing to help out all our players." She let her eyes roam around the court where team members are practicing different basketball skills, from easy basics to hardcore basketball techniques. Then she turned to him, eyes glinting in encouragement. "Everyone's working together, so you need not worry about anything! Just do what you have to do, neh?" She said cheerfully.

Miyagi stared at her for a while, then a small, understanding smile appeared on his lips. "I see. You're right. Don't worry, I'll do the best I can for the team."

Ayako grinned. "Sou! That's the spirit, captain!" She hit Miyagi's head with her paper fan, earning a loud "Itai!" from him. She then gazed affectionately at him. "I believe in you, Ryota."

"Aya-chan…" A genuine smile finally graced his lips. "Arigatou."

*************************RuHaru*************************

"SHOOOOOOT!"

Sakuragi easily dunked the ball into the basket. He let himself swing for a while before letting go of the ring and landing on the floor. He made a peace sign coupled with that smug look on his face. "Tensai Hanamichi scores again! Nyahahahahaha!"

"Nice one, Hanamichi!" Miyagi called as he caught the ball before it bounced off the line. He made a fast turn and headed for the other court with Yasuda running for defense behind him. The practice game continued for several minutes. The team holds matches among themselves every other day during weekdays to see who has the potential to play in the official games against other schools. The practice games are also used to monitor each player's progress – as done by Miyagi, Ayako, and Haruko – so they will know who needs further training in and off the court. Miyagi decided that he will have to give rigorous training to the usual benchwarmers so they won't have problems with substituting whenever their main players are injured or worn out. Also, he wants to give chance to others to play on the court during the real matches. Being always one of the starting five, he knows the thrill in playing against the strong players of other schools and bringing victory to their own school. He wants everyone to experience bringing success to the team, after all, the victory for Shohoku is for every player.

Miyagi was playing for one of the teams while also observing his teammates' performances. From the sidelines, Ayako was monitoring them while shouting comments and praises. On one side of the gym, Haruko was supervising the basic training of some freshmen.

There were two first year players that needed further basic training, according to her statistics and observations. Miyagi gave her the "go" to teach basics like dribbling and passing to the freshly recruited members, just like what her Takenori-niichan did to Sakuragi when the latter first joined the team.

"I wish we could join the game," Watanabe, one of the freshmen, said longingly as he watched the players on the court. He was practicing on dribbling together with the other freshmen, Yamamoto.

"You're right," Yamamoto agreed as he, too, looked over the practice game.

Haruko tried to reason out with the two. "But you know, basic training is as important as every other complex training in basketball. Dribbling and passing are essential parts of playing the game, since these two moves are used the whole time. And in order to do good on the court, one must be practiced to executing these basic moves."

"H-Hai." The two freshmen responded shyly as they turned their attention back to the task at hand.

"And do you know? Sakuragi-kun used to do this a lot last year. Everyday, he would be asked to train the basics alone while the rest are playing on the court. And every after practice, he would stay behind to practice the basics as well."

"Tensai Sakuragi-senpai?" The two looked at each other with wide, surprised eyes, as if unable to believe that their self-proclaimed tensai senior did further basic training just like them, considering his skills in basketball now. Well, there are times when he fails to shoot the ball in the ring, slamming the ball to his own face instead, but he still proved to be so good in the court.

"Hai!" Haruko smiled, seeing the two players' reaction. "That's how he became a tensai." They heard a shout at the court and turned in time to see Sakuragi running past Shizoaki and dodging Yasuda, then jumping high and executing another amazing slam dunk. A perfect shot.

Watanabe and Yamamoto had their mouths open in utter amazement. "S-Sugoi!"

"See?" Haruko proudly said. "If you practice hard and perfect the basics, there would be no problem when you go into the court. It's a step-by-step process. So let's just start here, neh? Who knows, if Miyagi-san sees that you're already capable, he might let you play on the court sooner than you expected."

"H-Hai!" The two looked more enthusiastic and determined as they continued their training. Haruko felt glad. Whatever she can do for the team, she will.

"HARUKO-SAN!"

She saw Sakuragi running towards them. "Did you see that magnificent slam dunk I made?"

"Hai, Sakuragi-kun! It was truly amazing!" Haruko praised.

"Nyahahahahahaha! As expected of this tensai! I can execute basketball moves more perfectly than a pro basketball player like Mitch-el Jordan can!"

"You mean 'Michael,' do'ahou," Rukawa muttered under his breathe.

Haruko laughed. "You just inspired them to train better." She gestured to the two freshmen beside her. "I told them about how you did all of these too."

"Really?" Sakuragi turned to the two freshmen who were now looking at him as if he were a hero. "OH! Just continue what you're doing, a'ight?! That's how you become a tensai."

"H-Hai!"

"But of course, no one can't be as good as this tensai," he pointed at himself. "No one can beat me. But if you want, I can assign you as tensai 2 and tensai 3. Of course, you're better than that kitsune!" He pointed at someplace on the court.

"Again, do'ahou," Rukawa, who was passing by, said. He went towards the inner court and started practicing on his own, seeing that the "tensai" doesn't have any plans to go back anytime so everyone can resume their game.

"Oi, Hanamichi! Get back here! Stop flirting first, resume that later." Miyagi called.

"Stop bothering Haruko-chan and the freshmen," Ayako seconded.

"Tche!" Sakuragi turned red in the face, embarrassed to be scolded in front of Haruko and because his tensai moment was ruined. He started his way towards the court but before he could even reach two steps, he suddenly whirled around, narrowing his eyes at the two freshmen who instantly cowered in fear and surprise.

"You two," he squinted his eyes as if emphasizing his point. "Don't give Haruko-san a hard time, okay?"

"H-Hai!"

Sakuragi ran back towards the other players. Haruko smiled at her friend's antics. She feels for all the freshmen in their team who hadn't known Sakuragi before. They must be terrified of him at times, but she knew he could easily make his way towards his team members' lives, just as he was able to do to the other members the past year. He just had that something in him that made him loved and appreciated by his teammates even if he was sometimes a trouble because of his stubbornness and (occasional) haughtiness. She knew, because she watched him grow in front of her eyes as he learned to love the sport that he once never dreamed of playing.

Ayako walked towards her. "He still hasn't changed, neh?"

Haruko nodded. "But he makes the team livelier. And he's able to help inspire the newcomers to do their best." They both watched the players resume their game on the court. "Everyone's working hard," she commented with a smile.

"Yeah. Isn't that nice?"

"Hm. Ever since the InterHigh games, everyone has become more inspired to play their best. They want to continue the team's winning streak from last year."

"Well, we were dubbed as the team who beat Sannoh, after all. Because of that, the team's become more determined to maintain our status. And of course, to live up to our saying, that Shohoku is a strong team."

"Hm…" Haruko felt her heart swell with pride for everyone in the team. She had always known that team Shohoku is strong, not only in skills but most importantly, in determination and will. Moreover, each player knew the importance of oneness, teamwork, and camaraderie. And these immeasurable attributes of the team make them emerge victorious in the end. And she was glad that she was part of the team.

"Okay team! Line up!"

"Hai!" All the players gathered round in front of their captain.

"As we all know, this coming Sunday will be our official match with Ryonan. We already won against other schools, including Shoyo. This time we need to beat Ryonan in order to qualify for the InterHigh Games. We beat Ryonan last year, but that doesn't mean we need to lower down our guard. Remember, we lost them during the practice game."

The team exchanged worried glances and hushed talks. Although they are the reigning champions in the InterHigh, they lost Akagi, Kogure, and Mitsui since the three already graduated. And although they easily won their games against other high schools, the match with Shoyo proved to be a no-easy play. Ryonan would be more difficult, and although Uozumi left the team as well, Sendoh was still there, even the shooting guard Fukuda. Sendoh alone can turn the tide of the game towards Ryonan's side.

Miyagi watched each of his teammates. "Ryonan has become a stronger team, as you have seen their play against Kainan and during our practice game. Sendoh is a formidable and unstoppable player." His eyes stopped in the direction of their ace player. "The more the game proves tricky, the more he thinks it interesting."

Sakuragi and Rukawa's expressions changed. Rukawa clenched his fist while Sakuragi gritted his teeth. Both of them had the same desire to beat the always cool and in-control guy in the court.

"But don't worry. Over the last weeks, I could see some improvements on the players. Everyone is working hard and doing their best. So just believe in yourselves, trust your teammates, and play your best. And remember, we are strong!"

"Hai!"

"Alright. Dismissed!"

"Arigatougozaimasu!"

The players hit the showers after that, with Sakuragi dashing as quick as lightning. He wanted to finish early and as quickly as possible so he can still talk to Haruko before the baka kitsune could take her away. He doesn't know if Rukawa was trying to piss him off or what, but the latter always manages to take his sister away even before he could go out of the changing room.

*************************RuHaru*************************

Haruko was preparing to leave. She finished arranging her things, after which she said her goodbyes to the captain and team manageress who were talking in one corner, then headed out for the door. She had just stepped out of the gym and was about to walk towards Rukawa who was readying his bicycle when she heard voices calling her from behind.

"Haruko-senpai!"

She turned and saw the two freshmen she was training earlier running towards her.

"Watanabe-kun, Yamamoto-kun, you two did well today!"

The two blushed profusely at their beautiful team manageress' kind remark. "Arigatou, Haruko-senpai," the two said in unison.

Yamamoto spoke shyly. "Anou, actually, we wanted to thank you for taking time to teach us the basics… We promise to practice hard until we become good! So please don't get tired of training us!" The two bowed down.

Haruko smiled. "That's great! Don't worry, I really enjoy what I do, and I'm really glad to help. I'll train you till you become better, so let's do this together neh?" The two nodded while still blushing. "And you're very much welcome."

"We'll do our best, senpai."

She nodded cheerfully. "Hai. Ganbatte ne!"

"Hai. Arigatougozaimasu!" The two freshmen bowed down again before scurrying off back to the gym. Haruko couldn't help but smile.

*************************RuHaru*************************

Rukawa and Haruko walked their way home, with Rukawa guiding the bicycle beside him. The night sky was brightly lit with stars, and the cool night breeze hung around in the air. It was such a beautiful night that Haruko thought it'd be a waste to just see it while speeding off with the bike.

Haruko broke the silence. "I'm excited for this Sunday's match. It's been a while since I watched a game of Shohoku versus Ryonan." She sighed softly. "Too bad I wasn't able to watch the practice game last time, since I was asked by Ayako-san to go to Kainan to see if we could request for a practice game."

"There's nothing to regret in not watching it, we lost." Rukawa said with an air of annoyed nonchalance. Truthfully, he couldn't get over their last practice game with Ryonan. He blames himself for their lost. If it was just an ordinary lost, he wouldn't be bothered that much. But he lost because of his damn foot injury which he acquired during their game with Takezono. The injury had healed a little, but it made him unable to play for most of the game. For him, practice game or official match, he takes them all seriously. Especially now that he had set his mind to defeating Sendoh and become the number one player in Japan, he needs to be on top of his every game. He wants himself to win the game for the team. His foot is fully healed now, although Coach Anzai and Captain Miyagi advised him not to push himself. But he didn't care. He's on top condition now – both body and mind. He was determined. He's going to beat Sendoh in their upcoming game.

Haruko was watching Rukawa. Ayako had told her of the lost. But for her, it didn't really matter. Not because it was only a practice game, but because she knew everyone gives their best in every game, be it an official or non-official match. But it seems Rukawa didn't have the same thinking as her.

"Ryonan's players must have become stronger. After they failed to enter the Nationals last year, I'm sure they're working even harder now." She looked ahead. "I'm sure Sendoh-san has become stronger, too."

Rukawa kept quiet as he continued walking.

"But we have Rukawa Kaede on our team!" Haruko cheerily said and looked up at the sky, as if thanking the heavens for their luck. "It's a tie then."

Rukawa moved his eyes to look at Haruko. She was wearing a big smile on her face. He tore his eyes away from her and focused his gaze at the houses lining the road. "I haven't been able to beat Sendoh," He uttered. What the – He stopped. How did he say such a thing? He had never admitted defeat towards Sendoh to anyone before, not even to his own self. It's not like he was defeated in any way. Was it a part of his unconscious then, the thought that until he wasn't able to defeat Sendoh, he'll consider himself as the underdog in their undecided battle? Tch. Whatever. But then again, why did he say that to Haruko? Of all people…

I don't want to think.

"But you're the only one who can stop him." Haruko pulled him out of his thoughts. "You're a match for Sendoh-san's skills. He may have certain abilities that you don't have, but you also have some of your own which he doesn't have. I don't think you two can be compared when it comes to basketball skills. Because you guys are so unique from each other. That's why only you two can stop the other."

Rukawa didn't respond as he continued to fill himself with the cold night air of Kanagawa… and with Haruko's words.

"But… I believe in you more."

His gaze fell on her. She was looking at him with hopeful at the same time encouraging eyes. She had a slight smile on her face.

"You'll stop him, won't you?"

Rukawa didn't know what he felt, but there was definitely something warm inside of him, and that made him comply. "I… will."

Haruko's expression became more cheerful. "That's great. Ganbatte ne?"

Rukawa nodded.

*************************RuHaru*************************

Sakuragi banged the door of the locker room open, startling the other members who were still inside the locker room and the gym.

"Where's Haruko-san?" He asked excitedly.

"She already left with Rukawa about a minute ago," Miyagi responded.

Sakuragi's expression gradually turned from excitement to grim then finally to anger. "K-K'SOOO KIITSSSUUNNNEEEEEEE!"

*************************RuHaru*************************

The stadium was filled with loud cheers coming from the audience. The whole place had gone wild, it looked almost as if the whole building was going to collapse. But that was only to be expected since this match was the most awaited game of the season. The game between Shohoku and Ryonan. The game last year had been a close one, and the unpredictable turn of events of the game caused by the players' own defining moments made the two teams in demand to the expectators.

And of all the players of the two teams, the ones most awaited upon are the battle between two aces.

Rukawa caught the ball that was thrown to him by Yasuda. He tried to find a good spot where he can get pass his opponent. Sendoh was tight in his defense. At the corner of his eyes, he saw Miyagi running towards him. Their captain was guarded by Uekusa. Rukawa passed the ball to Miyagi, who caught it and immediately raised his arms to make a shot. Uekusa was quick to jump, but it was a fake shot. Miyagi easily passed the ball to Rukawa's direction, but Sendoh was expecting it and thus, intercepted the pass.

The two players ran towards the opposite court. Sendoh passed the ball to Koshino whose opponent was Yasuda. Koshino passed the ball back to Sendoh. Sendoh ran and jumped, attempting a lay-up shot. Rukawa jumped but it was too late. The ball went in smoothly.

Sendoh looked at the score board. Shohoku 27 – Ryonan 33.

"Still on the lead," Sendoh said to Rukawa while pointing at the scores.

Rukawa panted heavily as he crouched low in defense. "It never came close to two digits."

Sendoh smiled. "I'm just testing the waters. We'll go to that."

Sakuragi appeared in front of the two players. The redhead pointed an accusing finger at Rukawa. "Kitsune! How dare you give a chance to Sendoh to score! And to think everyone in the team trusted that you could beat Sendoh! Aaaaahh! I knew I should be the one guarding him!" The members of each team, including the audience, sweatdropped.

"Shut up, do'ahou! Pay attention to the game!" Rukawa saw Fukuda running past the redhead, ball in possession.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Sakuragi screamed.

"B-Baka! What the heck are you doing, Hanamichi?!" Miyagi sprinted towards Ryonan's court, wanting to stop Fukuda from scoring.

Really a do'ahou. Rukawa rushed to the other court with Sendoh running beside him.

Although he was far behind all the other players, Sakuragi still managed to catch up with Fukuda with his incredible speed. Everyone was amazed. "You're still way behind this tensai, Fuku-chan!" Sakuragi swat the ball from Fukuda as the latter attempted a jump shot. The crowd roared.

"NYAHAHAHAHA! Who else can do that but only this tensai?" Sakuragi tried to find where the ball landed, and saw Rukawa. "T-Teme, kitsune! That's my ball!"

"Thanks for the pass," Rukawa said as he dashed towards Shohoku's court.

Rukawa dribbled the ball, trying to move it away from Sendoh's hands. When he saw an opportunity, he dribbled the ball and made it pass between Sendoh's legs, making the latter shocked. The crowd went wild as Rukawa ran towards the basket and before anyone could stop him, he threw the ball into the hoop.

The crowd was getting excited again. Ryonan was in the lead but Shohoku is fast to catch up. Thanks mostly to their ace player who was undoubtedly a match for Ryonan's very own ace. This was the thing the crowd wanted to witness – the unpredictable tide of victory between the two opposing teams. And the match between Rukawa and Sendoh.

Rukawa motioned with his head towards the score board. "4 points left."

Sendoh smiled meaningfully. "We'll see."

Koshino got hold of the ball and aimed for a shot, but he was stopped by Sawada, the only freshman playing for Shohoku. Sakuragi and Fukuda ran for the ball, but Sakuragi was faster and more agile. He caught the ball in his hands and shoved it towards Yasuda on the court, before his body failed to regain balance and fell on the floor.

"Sakuragi-kun!" The rest of Shohoku who were not playing became worried as they saw their teammate fell. The gundan had their mouths open in shock as they leaned towards the railings to see how badly injured their friend was. Haruko clasped her mouth in fear and worry.

Just then, Sakuragi jumped up and scratched the back of his head. "The tensai is fine! Nyahahahaha!"

Everyone exhaled loudly in relief.

"Nice one, Hanamichi!" Miyagi commended.

Yasuda passed the ball towards Sawada, who passed the ball back to Yasuda. Hide, a Ryonan freshman and a talented three-pointer, was blocking him. Yasuda tried to make a shot but missed.

"Rebound!" He shouted.

Koshino and Sawada jumped, but Koshino, being taller, got the ball. He slammed it towards Sendoh. Rukawa was in front of him in an instant. Sendoh passed the ball back to Koshino. He was exactly behind the 3-point line. He jumped. Sawada jumped at the same time and swatted the ball away. It landed on Sakuragi's hands. The whistle blew.

"Foul! Red, number 13!"

Sawada raised his hand. That was close.

"Don't mind!" Miyagi patted Sawada's back.

The game continued with Ryonan in possession of the ball. There were only ten seconds left before Ryonan's turn is over. Koshino who was heavily guarded by Yasuda passed the ball to Fukuda. Fukuda passed the ball to Sendoh. Rukawa dashed towards him. Sendoh was dribbling the ball away from Rukawa. Shohoku's ace was guarding him tightly. He made a fake turn to his left, then ran towards his right.

Rukawa was stunned for a moment, then he jumped just as Sendoh did. Sendoh let go of the ball, just as Rukawa had touched his hand. Another whistle was heard, indicating a foul. Rukawa cursed under his breathe. Everyone in the court looked if the ball will get in. It circled around the ring for a while, before it finally fell inside the basket.

"Ball in! One throw!"

The crowd cheered.

Sendoh smiled at Rukawa. "6 points again, going 7."

"Still below 10." Rukawa panted heavily. He looked at the score board. There was only four minutes left before the end of first half. They could still catch up.

He watched Sendoh as the latter successfully threw the ball into the hoop.

7-point lead. He wiped the sweat on his forehead. He decided that it was enough playing around. He needed to get real serious. I won't lose to you, Sendoh. He needed to win this game. He would never lose to Sendoh, or any other basketball player in Japan. He needed to be on top if he wanted to pursue his dream in America…

To play for NBA, I have to… He clenched his fists at his sides ..be the best.

A/N: The game sucks, I know, lol. I didn't sleep just to finish this chap. For some reasons, I have trouble writing these days, although the ideas are like raging flood in my mind. Do you know how frustrating is that?! Having ideas but not knowing how to write them? That's why the updates are slow.. But I'll just finish the game until next chap, then it'd be a little easier on me.. The story's been finished on my mind since '09, I just need to freakin' write! ohemmgeeeh! lol. Thanks for the reviews guys.. they're very much appreciated! If I'm on top condition (since I feel I'm about to collapse anytime) I'll reedit the game scene.. bear with me for a while.. Keep reading! And love RuHaru forever! :)