Hello! Yes, I'm back! The feedback I received after posting what should have been my final chapter surprised me. Hehehe! This chap is about Rukawa's background as well as his thoughts from previous chapters that I didn't write. I will try to write this story until Shohoku vs. Sannou. I read something interesting about the Slam Dunk all-star party and some suggestions in review section. I'll try to write more chapters, but I'm not sure if I can top the fun of the previous one. Thank you for your reviews and suggestions!
Chapter 21: Nationals
When Rukawa was younger, he lived in Japan. He attends Tomigaoka Junior High School and plays basketball. His parents own a construction company and are frequently away from home. It grew over the years, eventually establishing a larger company in the US. They have also decided to reside there and have sold all of their properties in Japan in order to do so. As they add more clients, buildings, and projects, they fail to notice that they are also building a big wall in their relationship with Rukawa.
Rukawa was transferred to two schools when they moved to the US because he was often in trouble. He didn't always mean it, and it wasn't always his fault. The second time he almost filled the principal's report form with his suspension record at school alarmed his parents the most. He was easily transferred by his parents even before the expulsion.
He follows his parents' orders. But he can't stay out of trouble. Actually, he doesn't want any trouble, but trouble clearly loves him. When he turned 16, his parents decided that he should continue his studies in Japan. They believe the country's culture is safer and better for their son. Even after he returned, however, his parents received a complaint from Shohoku High. Not because of troubles or brawls, but because of nonstop sleep.
Several months ago...
Father: We have received numerous reports from your teachers that you sleep in all of your classes. What are your silly habits there?!
Mother: Chill out a bit, hon. He is still quite young. He'll make things right the next time.
Father: We let you live there by yourself so that you wouldn't neglect your studies.
Rukawa: I always practice basketball inside and outside of school so I always fall asleep during classes.
Dad: I won't stop you from playing basketball, but don't neglect your academics!
Train. They are in the national competition. Shohoku was shocked to see where they rank in the overall standings in comparison to other teams. They were not pleased! They were shocked to learn that they were only a C-ranked team. The real game begins for Rukawa and the boys of Shohoku High. On the train, there was tension between them and the Toyotoma team, who revealed that they were ranked A compared to Shohoku, who was ranked C. The two teams got even more heated when Sakuragi tripped Kishimoto on purpose.
As the two teams heated up, Rukawa's mind was elsewhere, oblivious to the chaos going on around him. He remembered the conversation he had with his parents before leaving the apartment.
Rukawa: We leave for Nationals today.
Mother: I'm sorry, son. We weren't even able to watch your game.
Rukawa: It's fine. I'm used to it.
Mother: Even though we are far apart, I will watch your match.
Rukawa: Thanks.
Mother: We'll talk again later, Kaede. Do your best tomorrow!
Kaede: Bye, mother.
The most important rule in their family is to respect and obey his parents. His father is strict. Despite Rukawa's age, his father insisted that he had the authority to make decisions for him. That means he'll obey his father's instructions about getting high grades, going home straight after school, making a large no-go list before attending a party, and not doing anything stupid. Nonetheless, as the son of businessmen who were always away until he was grown, he was attended at home by servants. For the first time, he was able to take charge of his life. He has a lot of new experiences, more alcohol, comes home to the apartment at midnight, sleeps in another house, and does things that his father expressly forbids him from doing. He had many ups and downs during those few months. To make matters worse, all of this reached his parents. He wanted to make amends for all the disappointment he had caused in order to avoid being sent back to America. The Nationals are just getting started. This is his chance to do what he truly desires in a field that will make his parents proud. He will go to any length to gain his parents' trust, become the best basketball player in the world, and win a championship.
Hiroshima. Team Kainan and Team Shohoku met after getting off the train in Hiroshima. They saw the big board where the line-up for the game could be seen.
Maki: That's so sad. You guys are in the same division as Sannou and Aiwa.
Kyota: The road is rough. You're doomed! Hehehe!
Sakuragi: Hey! What did you say! Stupid monkey!
Kyota: Looks like I won't have a chance to play you again, Rukawa! And I thought I could compete against you here!
Rukawa: It's just we were doing it earlier instead of later. We'd have to defeat them sooner or later.
Akagi: We'll see you in the finals, Maki!
Maki: Oh, then we're saved.
Kyota: Hahaha! That's right!
Sakuragi couldn't stand Kyota's arrogance anymore, so he gave him a headbutt.
Ryota: We won't lose against you this time!
Mitsui: Get yourselves ready!
Maki: Same goes to you!
Inn. As they arrive at Hiroshima, Shohoku receives support from Hikoichi who tells them about the players from Toyotama whom they will face in the first round.
Kogure: Guys! I'm talking to Hikoichi right now!
Sakuragi: Oh... Ryonan's Hikoichi?
Mitsui: Ah, that noisy first year?
Ryota: That guy?
Hikoichi: Have you received all the files I sent you? Although those are only info that I collected in the Osaka pre-qualifying games, they're highly trustworthy! I think it should be some help somehow! Because I want to see Shohoku win!
Sakuragi: Ryonan's not coming to watch?! See this genius Sakuragi enter the Nationals!
Hikoichi: No, we're practicing hard today so we can beat you next time!
Akagi: Is everyone there?
Hikoichi held out his cellphone to show that their team was practicing. Sendoh immediately noticed it. He tried to approach him but Coach Taoka was just next to Hikoichi. So he asked the freshman for a favor during practice.
Sendoh: Hikoichi, please call Kaede for a moment!
Hikoichi: Captain Akagi, can you focus the cellphone on Rukawa?
Their request was immediately granted. As soon as Sendoh saw Rukawa, he raised his arm and showed a heart shape with his finger. The Ryonan players cheered and patted Sendoh on the back.
Team Ryonan: Wooow!
Coach Taoka: Go back to your place! Sendoh! You're like a kid!
Meanwhile, on the other line, Rukawa's entire face was clearly red. They ruffled his hair and elbowed him with three monkeys who were even more excited than he was.
Mitsui: We're going to win! Rukawa has received a heart from Sendoh! Hahahaha!
Ryota: Ayako! I want a heart too!
Ayako: No.
Sakuragi: Sendoh, one more! We will undoubtedly reach the champion!
Rukawa: Idiot!
Ryonan's practice was interrupted due to the non-stop teasing of Sendoh by the members, while the veins were already swollen due to Coach Taoka's constant scolding of their team.
Hikoichi: I'll put the phone down! Go! Go! Shohoku!
Shohoku High School Prep Room.
"You're only ranked C. How can your team compete with the other higher-ranked teams?"
His father asked, the first thing that came to mind before Rukawa walked into the stadium's prep room. Not only him, but they are all unable to accept this, despite the fact that the Kainan team that they almost beat is ranked A. Toyotama, who is ranked A, will be their first round opponent. Even if they defeat Toyotama, Shohoku will face Sannoh, last year's champion, who was also champion two years ago and the years before.
Ayako: Coach, why didn't you tell us this list of divisions?
Coach Anzai: I didn't want to put senseless pressure on everyone or affect their morale, because no matter who's our opponent, the most important past is still our own selves.
The Shohoku team is still busy reading the book. Some of them are thinking and worrying about whether they can win their first match.
Ayako: According to information from Hikoichi, the top three shooters in all of Osaka are Itakura Daijiru, Kishimoto Minori and Minami Tsuyoshi and all three are Toyotama players! No wonder why they are ranked A.
Mitsui: What is your view about our team being rank C?
Coach Anzai: This is very good!
Team Shohoku: Oh?
Coach Anzai: Didn't I tell you not to mind it so much? Probably no one believes that we might win! Is this right or wrong? Let them realize they were wrong!
Rank C vs. Rank A. One of the three great high school events, the one that dubbed the greatest event in the Japanese High School Basketball World, the National High School Tournament is about to begin!
C #8 Iwata Mitsuaki vs. #4 Akagi Takenori
PF #5 Kishimoto Minori vs. #10 Sakuragi Hanamichi
SF #4 Minami Tsuyoshi vs. #11 Rukawa Kaede
SG #7 Yajima Kyouhei vs. #14 Mitsui Hisashi
PG #6 Itakura Daijiru vs. #7 Miyagi Ryouta
The game between Toyotama and Shohoku starts. Shohoku didn't get off to a good start, as the Toyotama team went through them with criticisms, provocations, and rough play. Team Shohoku couldn't contain their patience. Sakuragi couldn't stop hitting Kishimoto so he was called for a foul.
Kogure: Calm down Sakuragi!
Ayako: Don't let others see that you did it on purpose Hanamichi!
Miyagi has problems with Toyotama's attacks as most of the players tend to bother him. They made a clean foul so the referee didn't see it. In less than a minute, the game is already at 6 to 0. Toyotama showed them their attacks, claiming points and agile tactics so they did not score against the opponent's 9 points. Team Shohoku couldn't contain their patience. Sakuragi continues making his typical mistakes to the point that he is subbed by Yasuda as Coach Anzai wants to slow down the pace of the game.
Yasuda: Brothers! We've got to slowly gain back those lost points!
When Yasuda got the ball, he would immediately pass it to Akagi for him to close to the basket. Akagi in his best shape and flyswatting technique replenished their energy. Coach Anzai's maneuver turned out to be very successful, in just 10 minutes, the scores reached 15-14. Followed by Rukawa's jumpshot, they have surpassed the opponent's score. Being the top player, his abilities continued on the court, raising the ire of the opposing team and gaining the attention of Minami. Due to the depth of their immeasurable abilities, Akagi and Rukawa manage to tie the game, but Minami elbows Rukawa's left eye on purpose.
Sakuragi: You did that on purpose! You bastard!
Akagi: Sakuragi, go back!
Sakuragi: Let go, Gori! He did that on purpose! Bastards! You think you can escape me, Sakuragi's eyes!
Akagi: If you'll leave now, you'll be forced out!
Rukawa is then subbed by Sakuragi and the game continues. Toyotoma continued to stop Akagi from advancing and watched him carefully, until #8 knocked him down on purpose. Akagi's patience was running out because Toyotama's game was too rough just to beat them. Ryota and Mitsui used the opponent's attention on Akagi but Ryota was prevented from scoring and deliberately knocked him down like his two teammates. He couldn't hold back anymore, he tried to punch the ugly opponent. Toyotama keeps committing fouls, but they manage to gain and hold the lead till the end of the first half.
Ryonan. Team Ryonan has just finished their rigorous training and is now in the locker room. Hikoichi's sudden appearance surprised Sendoh as he came out from the shower.
Hikoichi: Captain! Rukawa is badly hurt! His opponent elbowed him!
Sendoh quickly ran out of the gym due to Hikoichi's intense, loud voice and the terrible news. The bench warmers watched the replayed first half online. Koshino and Fukuda also ran quickly to chase their captain. When he noticed many blushing women, clapping and shouting men, Sendoh's breathless pace was temporarily halted. He wondered. When he heard Koshino and Fukuda calling his name from behind, he slowed down.
Koshino: Sendoh! Wait a minute! You forgot something! Why are you running like that?!
Sendoh: Kaede! I'll get even with whoever did this to him!
Fukuda: We get it. But think twice before exiting the shower.
Koshino: Wow! Okay, Fukuda, what if Jin was intentionally injured in that way? Can you think at all?
Fukuda's eyes burned when he heard Koshino's what-if. He responded angrily, holding nothing back, even if it was just a what-if.
Fukuda: If this happens to Jin, I will destroy the race that did it!
Sendoh: Fukuda, calm down. I'm leaving! Please inform the teacher that I have an emergency.
Koshino: You can't leave! You're going out like that?!
Sendoh became aware of Koshino's index finger pointing at his body. He was surprised that he was running barefoot and wearing only a towel. His vision had now spread throughout the entire campus. He now understands why the students around him are reacting strangely.
Sendoh: I forgot to wear clothes! Hahahaha! Thanks!
He dashed to the gym to get ready for his trip to Hiroshima.
Infirmary. While he is receiving first aid, the force of the opponent's elbow makes Rukawa dizzy. He closed his eyes and fell asleep for a brief remained in the infirmary, taking a nap after applying medicine to one eye. All the team members couldn't help but worry about his condition.
Several months ago…
Father: We decided you should continue your studies there to keep you out of trouble. Then, I'll find out that you've made friends with troublemakers? What's going through your mind?!
Rukawa: They're my friends.
Father: I'm going to transfer you to a different school.
Mother: Your father only wants you to avoid the troublesome kids.
Rukawa: It's better here.
Father: Were your pals the ones who taught you your hobbies now?!
Rukawa: They have nothing to do with what I want to do. They didn't make me do it.
Mother: We're not there to check on you. So you'd best come back here.
Rukawa: I'm alone there as well, so there's no difference.
Father: I just don't want you to be swayed by the people you've met there. Why are you still stubborn?!
Rukawa: At least I'm not bored here.
He didn't have a good start in Shohoku. He fully thought that when he returned to Japan, his usual fistfighting habits in the US would never happen again. Fighting with Ota's group and Sakuragi on the rooftop, the frequent banter between him and Sakuragi, the lump from Gori, and getting into trouble with Mitsui and Ryota, this is all he has been through in the weeks since he entered Shohoku.
But everything changed when they entered the elimination round. In the weeks that followed, the people he had to avoid became his rock. He enjoys Coach Anzai's calming words, his brotherly fights with Sakuragi every day, their bonding in festival with Sakuragi, Ryota, and Mitsui, and the four of them's drinking and food trips, Gori's scolding of them, the strong slap of Ayako's fan, Kogure's calming the monkeys, and the well-disciplined benchwarmers he never thought he would adopt in his life.
It wasn't obvious from his expression, but these few months in Shohoku with them had become his family. Only now did he realize that he was not alone. Even though he doesn't hear his parents' concerns and sweet words, he feels them in his team's actions. Trouble cannot be found in one place. It is within him. And he accepted it himself. If avoiding trouble is the result of staying away from them, he'd rather be in trouble. He is sure. He would stick with his team.
The three monkeys went straight to the infirmary after the first half to check on Rukawa's condition. They were certain he had fallen asleep again.
Sakuragi: You're weak. Just sleep there. I'll wake you up when the fight is over. Hahahahaha!
Ryota: He's resting, don't be so loud Hanamichi!
Mitsui: I don't want to say this, but we need him in the 2nd half.
Sakuragi: With his condition, do you think he'll wake up?! Hahahaha!
Ryota shook Rukawa slightly, but he didn't wake up. Mitsui pulled his legs, he still didn't wake up. It's now Sakuragi's term, he swallowed before yelling.
Sakuragi: Wake up skinny fox!
Ryota: What are you doing Sakuragi? He already has a problem with one eye, add his ear!
Mitsui: Let's just lift it!
The three monkeys thought about how they could wake up Rukawa, standing in a row in front of the bed.
Sakuragi: I know now!
Mitsui and Ryota looked at each other before shifting their gaze to him. He whispered his brilliant idea to two friends. They seem to have found a light bulb above Sakuragi's head and are hitting him on the back.
Sakuragi: Stop it Michi! Curly! Go ahead! Open his eyelids!
The two did the brilliant idea, they opened Rukawa's eyelids so he could see Sakuragi's finger shaped heart. Rukawa was slightly awakened by the forced reversal of his eyelids. One of his eyes was still dim but it brightened for a few moments. He was stunned when he saw Sakuragi's finger heart.
Rukawa: Get that out of my face, idiot!
Sakuragi: You are so arrogant! We're just helping you wake up!
Second Half. "All anxious after a little bit of provocation, you know very well the opponent is watching you, but you still try to force your way. National champion is not proven simply by words." This was the only advice they heard from their coach, but it had a big impact on their mindset to bring the game under their control.
Akagi: We truly were naive…
Ryota: Time to rethink…
Mitsui: We'll try our hardest the next half…
Sakuragi: Let me play…
Rukawa: Let's get it on!
Coach Anzai planned for his team to compete on the run and fight for points against the opponent in the second half. Rukawa decided to continue playing despite his injury. The number six in front of Ryota still continued to throw insults at him.
Itakura: Being your opponent isn't fun! If I don't bent my legs, I won't able to see your face!
Ryota: Being your opponent is fun! I'm smaller than you so I can't see your ugly face!
As the two face each other, Ryota fakes and outruns with his speed. He defeated his arrogant opponent.
Ryota: See ya, ugly face!
Sakuragi was able to outrun Kishimoto with his speed.
Kishimoto: This brat! So fast even though without the ball?!
Sakuragi: Long-haired monster! Come and get me! Nyahahaha!
Mitsui was not spared the insult, so he responded with his arrogant mouth.
Yajima: In the first half, you only had three points. How many can you get through in the second half? Zero?
Mitsui: If I score now, I'll throw your head in the ring after the game. But your face is too wide, how will your head fit?
He showed off three points to embarrass his opponents. Rukawa challenged the opponent's ace.
Rukawa: Who do you think is Japan's #1 player?
Minami: What?
Rukawa: Must be the person who can lead the team to be the number 1 in Japan… is me!
He showed an unmistakable jump shot with one eye. He used his body to decide the game. He believes he can use his body to score. Everyone was amazed at Rukawa's performance, especially when he shot a free throw with both eyes closed. Because of the extraordinary skills that Sakuragi saw, he was encouraged to show the jumpshot he had been practicing for a long time, and he successfully execute it.
Each of their points was countered by the opponent, but they grabbed the score again with Mitsui's 3-points. Shohoku is making a comeback under the leadership of the #1 center of Kanagawa, Akagi; Mitsui, the shooting guard who has finally started to score and Ryota, the sophomore point guard, was named the fastest person on the court. They finally returned to their normal selves. Their good scoring performance on the court caused a called time-out for the opposing team.
Toyotama's play don't seemed synced. Ever since second half, Minami's three pointers aren't as reliable as usual, with 8 consecutive balls missed. Finally, the King of rebound Sakuragi showed his ability, the first appearance at inter high. Rukawa's accurate, strong and actions have shocked the whole stadium Minami thought that hurting the opponent team key player would be weakened them, to scare them, but Rukawa didn't see afraid to get hurt. In desperation, he attempts to knock Rukawa out so that he cannot play the remaining minutes. But in the end, Minami was in a bad condition, a lot of blood came out of him because of a bad fall that was temporarily taken out of the court.
The opponent was unable to stop Sakuragi's non-stop rebound and jumpshots as the match continued. Minami is back on the court again, raising the spirits of his teammates. Along with Toyotama's courage, the three monkeys are also burning with determination!
Sakuragi: We will won!
Ryota: We will beat them!
Mitsui: Those who think we look suck!
Meanwhile, the 91-81 score in their favor, was reduced by Minami's return to the court. His 2 consecutive three pointers has already told people what Osaka's number 1 shooter is like. But, his third attempt didn't work. It was quickly rebounded and fought over by Akagi and Sakuragi. Shohoku, the representative of Kanagawa, won their first round game.
Inn. Team Shohoku celebrated their first victory. Rukawa was puzzled as to why his parents were calling so frequently. He temporarily left the inn to talk to them privately. He assumed they may have seen the game and wanted to congratulate him.
Mother: Kaede, how are your eyes? I called as soon as I watched your game!
Rukawa: My eyes are fine now.
Father: Your mother has been panicking for a while now.
Mother: I already contacted someone at the hospital nearby to make sure your eyes have no complications.
Rukawa: No need.
Rukawa could barely feel the pain in his eye anymore. Winning the match and advancing to the second round is all that matters to him. He wasn't sure, but the truth was he was happy that they won against the A rank. This also prompted him to open the conversation about Akira.
Rukawa: I'd like to introduce you to someone.
He observed his parents exchanging glances. He was worried about his father's reaction when he introduced Akira. But, he simply ignored his concern because his boyfriend was one of the things he was most proud of in his life.
Father: Who? Your hot-tempered teammates?
Mother: Stop playing basketball, son. What if what comes next is even worse?
After seeing the caller on his cellphone, he excitedly answered his parent's video call. He expected to be greeted with praise from them following their win in the first game. He couldn't believe that sermons would greet him and their concerns about his teammates. His determination to win, to please his parents, burned ever higher. He wants to prove that he is doing well in studying and playing basketball in Japan.
Sendoh: Kaede?
He noticed a tall man's shadow not far away, with all of his hair standing up and lighted by the sunset. When he heard a voice behind him, he immediately turned around. His spiky boyfriend surprised him after a long and exhausting day, from the irritating, rude, and cunning opponent to the still unresolved issue with his parents. When he saw his smiling and approaching him, the pain in his head and body seemed to fade away. Sendoh examined his injured eye by touching his cheek.
Sendoh: Who the hell is the idiot who did this to you?!
Rukawa: Why?
Sendoh: I'll hurt him as well! He'll pay for what he did to my baby!
Sendoh shivered in rage as he examined his injured eye. Rukawa chuckled every time he saw his boyfriend become angry because it happens from time to time and it's not his thing. Rukawa squeezed his nipple since he doesn't realize how cute he is when he's mad.
Sendoh: Ouch! Can't you see, babe? I'm serious here! What's his name? He should not be playing basketball! He does not play fairly!
Rukawa: What are you going to do when you see him? Will you use your hair to stab him?
Sendoh: No! I'll hurt him as well!
Sendoh's anger is still out of control. His cheeks were flushed with rage, but he was still adorable to look at. Rukawa enjoys watching his boyfriend when his patience wears thin. He removed his blindfold so his spiky boyfriend wouldn't be worried.
Rukawa: I'm fine. I can see well.
Sendoh: Let's go to the clinic! We need to make sure that there is no problem with your eyes! What if you still have traces of that idiot's skin in your eyes?! I'm going to shave his head!
Rukawa: He just gave me some ointment.
Sendoh: What? Where is he?!
Sendoh looked around to see if he could spot Minami. Rukawa saw his spiky's annoyance continued, so he considered squeezing his boyfriend's nipple again.
Sendoh: Ouch! Babe... You shouldn't be squeezing that, it should be here...
Sendoh took Rukawa's hand and pressed it against the front of his pants. He expected it to irritate him, but Rukawa grabbed the entire beast, turning his entire face red.
Sendoh: Hahaha! You were fantastic earlier! During my trip, I keep an eye on you online. Daddy Akira is so proud of you!
Rukawa: Can you do what I did?
Sendoh: Yeah! I can do that as well!
Rukawa: Really?
Sendoh: True! I can shoot in the dark even with both my eyes closed, in a quiet, cold place, just the two of us…
Rukawa: Idiot!
Sendoh: When exactly are we leaving for America?
Rukawa: I rescheduled it.
Sendoh paused in his step. He wants to get ready for this day and is looking forward to meeting his baby's family. He didn't think twice about asking why.
Sendoh: Why? Too bad they won't be able to see their very handsome son-in-law.
Rukawa: Hey, I'm starving.
Sendoh: I noticed a grill nearby. Mommy and baby should not be left to starve!
Rukawa: Idiot!
Rukawa invited his boyfriend to dinner. He ponders whether to confess the truth to Sendoh while walking to a restaurant. If not, he was considering what reason he would give so that Sendoh would not have any doubts. His father already scolded him for joining his hotheaded team. He was curious about how they would react to him dating a guy. He didn't want his lover to get involved in their mess, and judging by his father's tone, he suspected he wouldn't approve of his dating.
Father: You've changed. You no longer listen to us. Is that what you get from your friends?!
Mother: We understand that you have grown closer to them, but if you miss them, you can call them.
Rukawa: They aren't the only reasons I don't want to leave. I'm dating someone.
Mother: What's her name?
Rukawa: Akira.
Father: Is she the reason why you neglect your studies and only indulge in vices?
Rukawa: He had nothing to do with what I did!
Mother: Is Akira your girlfriend?
Rukawa: No. He's my boyfriend.
Disclaimer: "I hereby declare that I do not own the rights to this manga. All rights belong to the creator, Mr. Takehiko Inoue."
I used some lines in SD manga vol.23 so that my story does not stray too far from the original. Thanks SD!