This story hasn't been updated in a while. Probably thought I went missing, actually had exams and then a long holiday. Only recently got back into writing, but I'm back!

Purplespark: Sure thing =].

aznpikachu: I got it a bit off players such as Dirk, Randolph also comes to mind. Thought it would be interesting to give Sakuragi that ability as it'll help him be a better player.

Girl in the green scarf: Haha Hanamichi does set the bar high for us guys doesn't he =P.

Anway, without further ado, I present to you the next chapter!

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Kainan had turned the ball over and Rukawa was showing he had plenty of energy. The next five possessions all went to Rukawa on the wing, who would create space for an easy jumper or simply slash to the basket. He managed to make 4 of the 5 baskets, missing the last shot after tough defense from Shiro. Shiro was not to be outdone though, and scored on the opposite possessions 3 times out of five. The Shohoku offense had stagnated though, with Rukawa going isolation seemingly every time.

Coach Anzai simply chuckled.

'Rukawa is afraid of Sakuragi surpassing him, which is why he is keeping the ball. Even with him holding onto the ball they are working as a team, trying to keep the paint as open as possible for him to drive into' thought Coach Anzai.

However the middle was open, with Sakuragi moving out to the three point line. Watashi had moved mostly to cover him, but was zoning off slightly. This time Miyagi set up a screen and roll with Sakuragi, in which Sakuragi backed off to the three point line. Watashi, thinking Miyagi would pass to Sakuragi moved to close the gap. Miyagi instead shot around Kiyota and raced for the basket, laying it in.

55(K) – 54(S)

The crowd roared. Shohoku was one point behind Kainan.

2 minutes left.

Kiyota took the ball up carefully. He looked at Shiro who shook his head. Kiyota then caught the eye of Watashi who nodded, and raced forward for a pick and roll. Kiyota used the Watashi screen and burst forward, past a stunned Miyagi. However he saw Sakuragi follow his pace and instead of laying up the ball, passed it backwards with a flick of his wrist to Watashi who was steaming towards the basket. He took two steps and exploded, dunking it hard. The Kainan crowd erupted in cheers. He landed with a sneer, bumping into Sakuragi as he ran back to defense.

Sakuragi grinned as he glanced over his shoulder, before passing the ball to Miyagi.

"Ryo-chin, pass me the ball" he said.

Miyagi nodded and the crowd cheered wildly. This would be a vital possession.

57(K) – 54(S)

Sakuragi grabbed the ball in the post. Watashi crouched behind him, ready to defend. Sakuragi bounced it twice, making some progress in the post. Suddenly he passed back out to Miyagi, spun around Watashi and ran down the baseline. Watashi, confused followed but then he realised his mistake as Sakuragi doubled back, receiving the ball once again from Miyagi, this time further in. Sakuragi bounced twice as he dug into Watashi, before shifting his body weight left and turning for a jump hook with his right hand. Watashi shot up quickly, to defend however Sakuragi disappeared. He had pivoted again, and this time he used his left hand to put up the layup. Watashi swung for the ball, only to clip Sakuragi's shoulder hard with a loud smack. Everyone's eyes were on the ball, as it bounced softly off the backboard and fell into the basket.

The whistle shrieked loudly from the referee.

"Shooting Foul, basket counts" shouted the referee.

A roar went up from the Shohoku side. Sakuragi let out a ferocious warcry, high fiving Miyagi and Mitsui, and slamming chests with Kakuta. Yoko and Ayako shouted in triumph from the sidelines while the bench players got to the feet and cheered. Coach Anzai simply chuckled from his seat on the sidelines.

He walked to the free throw line where he calmly sinked it. The scores were even, and the crowd noise levels rose higher. It would go down to the wire.

57(K) – 57(S)

It was only time for two possessions left in the game. Kiyota dribbled carefully, instructing his team with glances and body expression. As his teammates carried out his orders, he crossed over simply, before erupting into speed to the left. Miyagi stayed with him, managing to stop his drive into the paint. However Kiyota crossed him over and shifted to the right, passing to Jin. Jin quickly took the jump shot with Mitsui in his face, contesting the shot with all his might.

"Miss!" shouted Jin, as the ball clanked off the side of the rim.

Six players fought for the rebound, but one hand outstretched the rest, grabbing the ball.

"REBOUND KING!" shouted the crowd as Kainan sprinted back to defense and Sakuragi stood holding the ball tightly.

He tossed it to Miyagi who instantly started setting up the plan to win. Kiyota pressured him the entire way up the court, but Miyagi took it calmly. The game could be decided with this last possession.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Miyagi dribbled the ball several times, before movement erupted on the Shohoku offense. Multiple screens were set for Mitsui who took off. Mitsui weaved between the screens as Jin had to shift around them, losing precious centimetres. Miyagi then tossed the ball to Mitsui who stopped his run on the left wing, for a long two pointer. Mitsui turned quicky and took the shot confidently, Jin shouting to try distract him as he raised his arm. Mitsui held his arm up in the swan neck as he backed away, and at that moment he remembered all his failures.

The damage to his knee which led to him quitting basketball. During his second and third year when he had hit his lowest, before reforming back into the shooter he was. He had thrown away his dream for nothing, and had working hard to reclaim it. And Mitsui smiled as he felt the ball leave his fingers in a perfect arc. He and Jin instantly knew it was going in. All players watched the ball sink in, the buzzer sounding. A cheer erupted from the Shohoku players (except Rukawa) who ran to him, cheering wildly as they patted him on the head and back. The crowd erupted in roars of approval, the home team winning. Mitsui grinned and roared with them, pumping his fist triumphantly.

Kainan's coach Riki sighed as he watched his dejected team move to the middle, exhausted and their heads hanging low.

"We have plenty of work to do when we get back home" he sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"THANK YOU FOR THE GAME" both teams declared, bowing.

Yoko stood on the sidelines with Ayako, both smiling. Then Ayako paused.

"Where's Haruko? she asked.

Haruko came out onto the sidelines and smiled at Ayako.

"We won!" she said happily, raising her arms.

Coach Anzai walked over and stood next to them and patted their shoulders.

"Well done Yoko, Ayako. Let the boys enjoy the win, we will resume basketball practise in two days at the normal time" said Coach Anzai, and he walked off quietly.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

The players got off the court and they all crowded into a circle, their hands outstretched with each other. The manageresses were also roped into joining their hands.

"Shohoku on 3" shouted Miyagi.

"1...2...3...SHOHOKU!" they shouted with a cheer.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

"So Shohoku High have beaten Kainan" said Hinamori.

"This team has improved even with Akagi gone" said Tsubaki.

Hinamori hummed in approval, looking at the red haired that now stood over all of them.

"Sakuragi Hanamichi will dominate Nationals" she said.

Tsubaki looked at the red head who was ruffling Mitsui's hair none to gently.

"I agree, his size, athleticism, strength, defense and skill will be hard to defeat. He will help lead Shohoku far" said Tsubaki.

They both stood, nodding to each other and exited the game.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

The players crowded in the locker room with the three manageresses. Coach Anzai walked into the room where smiles and high fives were still taking place.

"Please settle down. First off, congratulations to you all for playing your roles well. We will resume practise in two days. Rest well and relax, we have another game to prepare for" said Coach Anzai and left.

Miyagi stood up as the team captain, his chest puffed out proudly and head lifted.

"Well done to all of you for playing your roles and beating Kainan" he began.

A cheer arose from the players at the notion of beating their rivals. Miyagi looked down at the sheet and grinned.

"And MVP for this match, Hanamichi!" he said.

Cheers broke out as Sakuragi stood up proudly, mockingly copying Miyagi's pose.

"I would just like to thank Ayako-chan for everything" he began, laughing as Miyagi pointed a finger at him and shouted "SAKURAGI!"

"Okay seriously, I would like to thank Yoko-chan for all her help" said Sakuragi with a sheepish grin on his face, scratching the back of his head.

Wolf-whistles broke out in the locker room as Yoko blushed at the attention and praise.

"It's all him!" she said quickly, her red face prominent from her long dark hair.

The guys simply grinned. For now all the stress and pressure of winning the game was over. They had won themselves a small break.

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So thus ends this chapter.

Until Next Time

Woot~