Chapter 1 : Defamation

Confetti, banners, balloons and surprise parties run through Sakuragi's mind as he walks to Shohoku High. After their team qualified for the National Tournament, they became celebrities on their Campus. The members of the basketball team met at the entrance and walked in together. In Sakuragi's mind, they will be greeted by loud cheers, but the entrance was enveloped in silence.

Shohoku High was bombarded with a video that played on the 70" TV Screen where pictures along with the profile of the Basketball Team could be seen in front of the building. Many students crowded in front of the big screen held by the Media Club.

Shohoku Basketball Team

Akagi, Takenori aka Captain aka DRUG CAPTAIN

Sakuragi, Hanamichi aka Rebound King aka GAMBLING KING

Hisashi, Mitsui aka Mr. MVP aka RUMBLE MVP

Ryota, Miyagi aka Lightning Flash aka PEEPING FLASH

Rukawa,Kaede aka Ace Player aka ACE PLAYBOY

Marie: I'm Marie, President of the Media Club. We are the representative of Shohoku High to clarify the information we received about our Basketball Team. What do you have to say on the issues involving each member?

Ayako: Does the video you are showing have permission from our school? You are ruining the image of our own team!

Kogure: Akagi is talking to our principal now so stop playing the video. No one uses drugs in our team. We reached the Interhigh because of the skill of our teammates.

Marie: We are the spokesperson for all the students here on campus especially now that our basketball team is very popular in our district. We are here to learn the truth from you.

Akagi: If you want to know the truth, you can ask us directly. You don't need to show it to everyone.

Everyone was surprised by Akagi's arrival. His voice rumbled as he spoke because of the video. The students moved away in fear. Akagi turned off the TV and removed it from the wall.

Marie: What are you doing?! You can't take the TV!

Akagi: Are you taking revenge on us because we didn't let you cover our practice?

Marie was horrified by the expression on Akagi's face so she admitted where they got their news.

Marie: We didn't make that video. Someone sent it to my email just this morning.

Akagi: The school does not allow putting anything in the bulletin or on TV without permission from the office. I will return the TV if you take back everything you said about my team.

Marie: Okay. Sorry Captain Akagi.

Akagi: To all the students here at Shohoku. Whoever post the video on the internet, we won't hesitate to sue you. Remember that.

Marie sent Ayako the link she received in an unknown email. Akagi brought the TV to the gym.

Kogure: Why did you take the TV? You can just remove the flash drive from the back.

Akagi: I'll give it back to the media club when the problem is over. Show it to them.

Ayako: We'll take care of it Captain.

xxx

The four were surprised by the reaction on the faces of the Shohoku students when they entered the gate. They saw Mito, Noma, Ohkusu and Takamiya running towards them. They hurried to pull and hide the basketball team from the crowd.

Sakuragi: Why are you looking at us like that? Do you have a problem with us?!

Ryota: Why do girls seem to be afraid of me?

Mitsui: Why do they seem alarmed to see me?

Rukawa: Idiots.

Mito: Hanamichi! Go straight to the gym! Right now!

Sakuragi: What are you talking about Mito? We are here for them to know who our school's Basketball Team is. NYAHAHA!

Mitsui: What's wrong? I just arrived but they seem so frightened.

Ryota: Some girls are crying. What's going on?

Rukawa: (yawn)

Mito and extras drag Sakuragi's team to the gym.

Mito: They will explain all to you. We just have something to attend to.

Ota: Our group and Mito's group will join forces to keep your good reputation. We will not let Michi Boy down.

Aota: Us too! We will help the Judo Club to protect you. I will do it for Haruko.

Rukawa Angels: Us too! No one can hurt our Rukawa!

Takamiya: Rukawa's fans increased so fast! They even beat the cockroaches in our kitchen.

Ayako: Thank you very much for the support. Our section will support Ryota.

xxx

Shohoku Gym

Sakuragi: Why won't we be allowed in National Games?! Explain!

Mitsui: Who did this?! They have to pay for what they did.

Ryota: Let's not make any more trouble. We will just give them more reasons for the school not to allow us.

Kogure: He's right. Our school decided to suspend our basketball team from attending National Tournament because unknown individual reported that Captain Akagi was using drugs, so all the members were involved. We just need to clear the drug test so we can go on to the tournament.

Ayako: Captain Akagi is now speaking to our principal to clarify other cases that are pressing on our members. They accused Akagi a serious offense.

xxx

They used the TV that Akagi took from the front of the building.

Image 1: Akagi, Takenori aka Captain aka Drug Captain

(Akagi and Haruko are sitting inside Danny's as Akagi holds a medicine pill.)

Kogure: Haruko accompanied him. He explains that he took medicine for a leg injury the day we ate out. The admin will give a statement to all the students here in the school to prevent the news from getting out.

Ayako: This has a big impact on the whole school and it is possible that other clubs will also be involved in the accusation against us.

Sakuragi: Gori does drugs? That's impossible! It is normal for Gorillas to have strong bodies. But if Michi is the one who got the news, maybe it's still possible.

Mitsui: What did you say Sakuragi! You look more like an addict!

Ryota: Then let's go to the office! Let's help him. What they are accusing is impossible.

Sakuragi: It would be more realistic if it was reported that he consumed a bunch of banana. HAHAHA!

Kogure: The truth is, you are all being summoned to the principal's office.

All cast: What!

Ayako: You all have an issue with some evidence.

Rukawa: I don't use drugs. I just don't know about the three monkeys.

Three Monkeys: What did you say Rukawa!

Rukawa: I see the evidence in their faces.

Mitsui: Rukawa! You have absolutely no respect to your seniors!

Ryota: You're so arrogant!

Sakuragi: Maybe you're the one doing drugs because you're always sleeping. NYAHAHAHA!

Xxx

Image 2: Sakuragi, Hanamichi aka Rebound King aka Gambling King

Sakuragi: We're gambling outside! Wait, who is spreading that gossip?!

Ayako: Here is a sample of the gambling sheet with your picture and name on it inside the campus.

Sakuragi: They used my face when I didn't even receive a Talent fee?!

Rukawa: Your picture is more suitable for Dart.

Sakuragi: What are you talking about Rukawa!

Ryota: Hanamichi is stingy. He has no capital for that. He has no money to buy his own shoes. HAHAHA!

Mitsui: HAHAHA! That one is not gossip. Sakuragi is a real gambler.

Rukawa: Monkey King is better.

Sakuragi: You shut up!

xxx

Image 3: Hisashi, Mitsui aka Mr. MVP aka Rumble MVP

(Mitusi is talking to Tetsuo who is sitting on the motorbike.)

Ayako: Something happened one night in the square with Tetsuo. Because of that picture, they might implicate you because of the connection between the two of you.

Sakuragi: HAHAHA! That one is not gossip. Michi is a true bastard.

Mitsui: I've changed!

Ryota: Hanamichi, Mitsui left the gang a long time ago, but never his feelings for Tetsuo.

Sakuragi and Ryota: HAHAHA!

Mitsui: Stop it, you two! I just had my knee checked up. We met on the highway but I don't know where he went before we parted ways.

Ryota: Huh? Have you broken up?

Sakuragi: Who is your boyfriend now? The one from Shoyo?

Mitsui: You guys are all nuts!

Kogure grabs Mitsui and Ayako hits Sakuragi and Ryota with a fan. Rukawa was already yawning. Kogure pressed the play button.

Xxx

Image 4: Ryota, Miyagi aka Lightning Flash Ryota aka Peeping Flash

(A picture of him following Ayako outside as she hides in the plants is shown on the screen.)

Ryota's eyes widened and he was furious while Sakuragi and Mitsui rolled with laughter.

Mitsui: Miyagi, you're unbelievable! We've known each other for a long time but you never invited me!

Ryota: What are you talking about Mitsui!

Sakuragi: I will never go to the locker room with you!

Rukawa: He's definitely not interested in you, idiot.

Ryota: Ayako…Believe me, that's not true! I can never do that. I admit that I followed you all day but I can't do that to you.

Ayako: Why did you follow me?!

Ryota: I just want to make sure it's safe to wear what you're wearing and still have your shades on. What if someone does something bad to you?

Ayako: I know you won't do that but next time don't follow me!

Sakuragi: I understand you Curly. You only did that because you were desperate for Ayako. HAHAHA!

Mitsui: Dude, we're here, we're ready to sympathize and accompany you in your entertainment. HAHA!

Ryota: You… scumbags!

The three monkeys began to hit each other. Ayako hit three monkeys with a fan.

Kogure: That's enough. We will explain all the pictures but promise not to fight in the office. Our campus will protect Akagi. We will not go to tournament without him.

Ayako: In the case of Ryota and Rukawa, they are not that affected by the school rules but Mitsui and Sakuragi you need to talk to the Principal. Mitsui, the school admin found out that you are a member of the gang and Sakuragi is believed to be the owner of the gambling house here on campus.

The three monkeys noticed that Ayako was blushing and taking a deep breath.

Sakuragi: If we all have issues, what about Rukawa? I know. Did he kidnap a cat?

Ryota: He stole food from the cat?

Mitsui: Did he get a cat stuck while riding his bike?

Rukawa: Three Rotten Eggs!

Three Monkeys: HAHAHAHAHA!

Kogure: Ayako, please press the remote.

Ayako: Alright.

Image 5: Rukawa, Kaede aka Ace Player aka Ace Playboy.

(Three monkeys sweat dropped)

Mitsui: What's the issue? That suits me better.

Ryota: He doesn't pay attention to the number of fans he has.

Sakuragi: Nobody said humans. Maybe female cats. HAHAHA!

They hit the play button and three pictures appeared that confirmed the gossip about Rukawa.

xxx

1st picture: Rukawa and Maki who wore beach shorts are talking in front of the inn on the beach.

2nd picture: Fujima and Rukawa sitting next to each other while drinking iced coffee on the side of the overpass.

3rd picture: Sendoh smiled at Rukawa while squeezing both of his cheeks at the train station.

xxx

Three Monkeys: HAHAHAHAHA!

Mitsui: This is the funniest news I've heard since we entered. HAHAHA!

Sakuragi: Well. The king of pride loves boys! (Haruko doesn't want him anymore!)

Ryota: Stop it, you two. Maybe later he will report us to his boyfriends. HAHAHA!

Ayako: Stop it!

Rukawa: where did you get it?

Kogure: That's the TV set in the first building. The students were watching that when we arrived. The media club admitted that the video was not from them. Someone emailed them. The school's official email also received that link. Our school has asked for help to identify the owner of the email.

Ayako: It's a good thing it hasn't been put on social media yet. But our school sports committee is working to prevent the news about Akagi from reaching Interhigh.

Rukawa closed his palms in anger. He was worried about what someone would think when he saw the pictures of him with the two captains.

Rukawa said goodbye to his teammates and immediately took out his cellphone to send him a message. He would explain before it reached him. He will not allow the relationship between the two of them to be shattered.

xxx

Ryonan

After the Shohoku vs Ryonan practice game, Sendoh became interested in Rukawa. He did everything to get close to the Shohoku rookie. Because of his persistence, they became friends. But as time went on, he couldn't stop hiding his feelings so he started planning to confess his feelings to Rukawa.

Sendoh: I will confess to him tonight. Maybe it's better after the tournament. I will make sure he will fall in love with me. Hehehe!

He was about to reach the gym when his cellphone rang.

My wife: "I don't have practice."

He smiled and ran to tell his team he will go home early.

xxx

Ryonan Gym

Team Ryonan was stunned and in disbelief at the video Hikoichi showed. Their attention went to the pictures.

Ouzomi: Akagi uses drugs? Impossible! I would believe it more if Sakuragi was the one who was rumored to be using drugs.

Ikegami: The pictures are not edited except for Sakuragi's gambling sheet.

Fukuda: It's true that Mitsui is the leader of a gang. Ryota was once involved in rumble. Sakuragi has been a gang leader since middle school. So it is possible that there is some truth in what is written here.

Koshino: If Sendoh and Rukawa were in a relationship, it's sure to be a fiesta.

Ueksa: I don't want to believe that he has a relationship with the two captains.

Hikoichi: Sendoh isn't answering the phone!

Koshino: What exactly are you doing in Shohoku?

Hikoichi: I came from Osaka last week because my classmate and I were going to meet. I met his teammate. They are very arrogant. They insulted Sendoh and our team so I thought of giving Shohoku the information about them, the Toyotama team.

Ouzomi: Looks like they have someone with skin on their ass.

Fukuda: The red monkey is definitely the one with the skin.

xxx

Sendoh slowly entered and approached the team that gathered in the middle like murmuring.

Sendoh: WAAAHHH!

Team Ryonan: AAAHHH!

Sendoh: What are you looking at?

Koshino: Sendoh, is Rukawa your boyfriend? Why don't you tell us?

Ouzomi: Sendoh, before Ikegami and I leave, I want to make sure your mind and heart are in good condition.

Ikegami: We will remind you if you need help in the game and in love life.

Sendoh: Huh? I don't understand anything...

Hikoichi: I went to Shohoku. There's a video on the screen of their building showing that you and Rukawa are having a relationship!

Sendoh: Not yet…I mean we haven't.

Hikoichi: There's trouble going on in Shohoku right now. When I arrived their media club and Captain Akagi were fighting! He removed the TV in front of their building!

Sendoh: Why am I involved?

Hikoichi showed the video he took on his cellphone.

Sendoh: What?!

Hikoichi: Rukawa is said to be collecting ace players here in Kanagawa because you three are his boyfriends!

(Sendoh: Kaede and Maki met twice without my knowledge. He always meet with Fujima. It's too much.)

He controlled himself and immediately handed the cellphone to Hikoichi. Sendoh's eyeballs were burning but he still tried to smile in front of the team.

Sendoh: Please tell coach I'm sick. Thanks!

Ouzomi: Sendoh!

Ikegami: Let's just let him go. He was obviously affected.

Hikoichi: I don't believe that they use drugs so they can definitely go to interhigh! Is Sendoh okay?

Ueksa: Did you notice his reaction earlier? He must be jealous.

Fukuda: He might start a fight.

Koshino: Later tonight, I'll let you know what time we go to his apartment.

Team Ryonan: Yeah!

Xxx

Sendoh walking back and forth uneasily as he waited for Rukawa in the seaside court. He couldn't believe the pictures of Rukawa with the two captains of Kainan and Shoyo. A few minutes later Rukawa arrived. They stared at each other for a few minutes. Sendoh spoke first.

Sendoh: We will play without a score. Every single shoot, can ask a question.

Rukawa: Alright.

Rukawa observes Sendoh's face before they start playing.

Rukawa: He must have seen it. He believed right away. Really dumb.

Rukawa shot first.

Rukawa: Have you seen it?

Sendoh: Yes.

Next shoot came from Sendoh.

Sendoh: What do the pictures mean?

Rukawa: Nothing.

Sendoh: Why don't you tell the truth?

Rukawa: One shoot one question.

Rukawa sighed and didn't notice that Sendoh had shot the ball.

Sendoh: Are you still hiding a lot from me?

Rukawa: Nothing.

Sendoh couldn't hold back. He threw the ball and approached Rukawa.

Sendoh: Do you just ignore me?! We have been together for months. You're unbelievable.

Rukawa: Are you silly? I thought you weren't that shallow to believe.

Sendoh: Tell me the truth!

Rukawa: Do you think I like men! Do you think I want you all to be my boyfriends?!

Rukawa hurriedly left the court. He stopped himself from hitting Sendoh so he just chose to walk away.

xxx

Sendoh was hurt by what he heard. He felt that everything they had been together for a few months was nothing. Sendoh chases after Rukawa to explain his true feelings.

Sendoh: Wait!

Rukawa: Don't touch me!

Sendoh: Don't you care about me?

Rukawa: I'm a man, Akira. How about you?

Sendoh was stunned by Rukawa's question. This is the question that his teammates keep asking. Now that he was facing Rukawa, he realized what his answer was.

Sendoh: When I met you, I no longer saw the difference between men and women.

Rukawa: We can't do it.

Sendoh: Will you suppress your feelings because we are both men? Is that the basis when you fall in love?

Rukawa was surprised by Sendoh's words. The pounding in his chest got stronger because he was slowly getting the meaning of what Sendoh was doing for him.

Sendoh: If they call me gay because of you, that's fine. I want to know what I am to you. I'm just your friend?

Rukawa: No.

Sendoh: What happened last night, that's just nothing to you?

Rukawa: It's not just nothing.

Sendoh: Are the pictures real?

Rukawa: They just gave it malice.

Sendoh: Is your relationship with them the same as when you were together with Maki and Fujima? Do they make you laugh? Do you wrestle with them too? Do they cook for you? Do you always talk on the phone? Do you remember me when you were with them?

Rukawa: What you saw meant nothing.

Sendoh: Was Maki with you the day you didn't tell me where you went? Do you like him? Is that why you're always late coming home because of Fujima? Did you do that thing with them?

Rukawa: Are you dumb?! We don't have a relationship.

Sendoh: How do you still give them time when we are always together? Have I been special to you even a little bit? If you don't like me, say it to my face.

Rukawa: Don't act like you're jealous.

Sendoh: I'm jealous because I love you!

Rukawa was speechless after hearing Sendoh's confession. Sendoh hurried to leave and did not wait for Rukawa's answer. He kept staring at Sendoh's back as he walked away.

Rukawa: What is that "thing"?

xxx

Rukawa's Apartment

Rukawa was very tired when he arrived at his apartment. He soaked in the bathroom to think. He was afraid that Sendoh might not believe him. He went to the bathroom to relax. He will find a way to get Sendoh to listen to him and they will go back to the way they were before.

After showering, he decided to go to Sendoh in Ryonan to explain. Before he left, he remembered a word Sendoh mentioned. He immediately took his cellphone from his bag and searched that "thing" on google. He paled when he saw what the word meant.

Rukawa: AKIRA ,YOU ARE REALLY STUPID!

xxx

Note: Italics-self thoughts