Author's Notes
Someone (or my friend Sky75rk) told me that most readers do NOT read author's notes. And that fact is really a hassle. Like I wasted my time writing and only 30% of the readers read it. It's okay though. I'll just lessen whatever I write.
P.S. My sister suddenly became a Slam Dunk fan (though she doesn't want to admit it), and began listening to what I say about it—anything about Sakuragi and my fan fiction. And then, she suggested something (Anzai-sensei's scene) that is really funny so I decided to put it here. In exchange, she wants credit for it. *sigh* My sis, Niqui is the one who thought of the Anzai-sensei's scene. (That's it sis! That's your credit. Very short) Poor sister, she's not aware that only 30% of the readers read the author's notes…
Comments For ReviewsLynn Utsukushii: Oh my! I am speechless—really speechless (I'm supposed to make it "I am speechless. Really speechless." But K3 said that I overuse period too much. So I'm trying my best not to use it again and again). It's really hard to believe that my story stood up from the rest. Or for short, it's very original. Many readers said that too. And I'm really flattered. I didn't imagine I can do this as well as what you're making me believe. Umm… You're really right. My vacation is turning into a nightmare or schooldays. If you know what I mean. I had just graduated from elementary, fed up of passives, prepositions, phrases, with the annoying clauses and those stuffs. After receiving K3's comment, I've been flipping the pages of my English notebook, studying all over again what I have learned, taking quizzes I have already answered, and regretting my past years for not studying well. But I can't believe I received a grade of 93 in 3rd grading. Impressed? I can't believe it either. Well, about the cheering part. I like it. Oh yeah! But I don't love it. I mean, people kept telling me that that's the best part. And I read that scene for more than 5 times already. Still, I can't feel that it's hilarious. But maybe the reason is because I was the one who wrote it so it's not new for me. I like your point!!! "…the guy may be great, but he's not god." I finally came into my senses and realized that you're totally right. He's not a god, so I can do *anything* I want to do with him, right? ~change topic~ I use Microsoft Word's Spelling And Grammar Check before I upload my stories. But it makes no sense, considering that it's got too many complaints—with the Japanese words. So sometimes, it makes me wish that I there's a proofreader here (there's no one here that I could think of—sister [you're kidding!], mum or dad [you can answer that by yourself]). So you're sixteen huh? Sweet sixteen. Heeeheee! Actually, I started writing stories when I was 10 years old (or was it eleven?). I started with Harry Potter fics. And guess what! I gained 28 reviews for an unfinished story with 5 chapters. Cool plot, but I lost my interest in writing it when I read it again and noticed that there's a big task of correcting too many grammatical errors, you know! I already know that some people are not fond of giving reviews like my friend (we are not that close and when we talked over the phone, I learned that she loves reading fan fictions from ff.net. And then when I asked her if she could read some of my stories there, she said yes. I gave her the titles and she said that she have read those already. I was freaking out and I couldn't believe it. That is a strong proof). ~next topic~ I am always affected when it comes to reviews. I'm really taking it personally. I told my best friend about the flames I received and you know what she said? She told me that that's normal since reviews are comments. And as we all know, there are good and bad comments. She's right though. I'm just a hardheaded girl who doesn't know how to follow advices. Thank you very much for your longer-than-bible review. I'll try my best to read your fictions (do you know that I love Flame of Recca too? Especially Fuuko and Tokiya. They're meant to be!!!).
Nellie: You know what? I'm planning to make the title of chapter six as: The Bed and The Mattress. What do you think?
Yumi Rukawa: Sure! I wont let Rukawa say that he's mature again. Ever!
Rukawa: I'm mature.
Sweet*me: Be quiet, they'll hear you.
Rukawa: I'm mature.
Sweet*me: Okay—okay, you're mature. Just shut your mouth…
Hmm… I'm still going to use Sakuragi's Point of View. But not as often as I use Rukawa's. Cause you see… Whenever I'm using Sakuragi's POV, I always need to focus about me (or him) thinking that I'm (or he's) a genius. And I'm not lying but I'm not really that ridiculous type of person who'll boast about being the best. Thank you really for telling me that my ficcy is very original. It really lightens up my mood. *Reads the next sentence you wrote once again* Umm… Someone asked this already. The truth is, I forgot about that part. Being Rukawa's fan, I focused too much on him. And that's a very big mistake. So my reason is: Miyagi was about to tell Rukawa to lay-off on his Aya-chan when he saw him dancing like a complete idiot. So he forgot all about that and started laughing… Thanks for telling me that Rukawa's not out of character. Aishiteru (is that suppose to be one word?)!!!!!
Kanon*Altrui: Ooops! I promise you, there'll be a LOT of RuHana (not yaoi) on the next chapters. Heehee! Just wait for it, friend!
Blah101(aka dientore: Oh I see. You're very good when it comes to Japanese terms, I must say! Thanks for reading…
Someone: It's really flattering to know that you find my fic very amusing (and to think that my story is one of the first SD fanfics you have read). And you agree to the one who e-mailed me? Yehey!!!!! You're really kind. May God bless you with luck!
Hellmistress: Hmm… It makes sense now. JUST count your blessings and ignore the other ones. Kewl! I'll wait for your e-mail.
Amyza: Gomen nasai! I'm just born to be a non-yaoi. I'm trying my best to be fair though.
Angel007: I'm not really being mean to Sakuragi. I mean, maybe I am. Tune in 'cause there'll be a lot of scenes of Sakuragi coming (like the one with Anzai-sensei, Rukawa on the 3rd day… too many to mention!). Have a nice day!
SHOHOKU WAR
Chapter Seven – The Morning Scene
Rukawa Kaede
"I TOLD YOU TO ACT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!! Is that hard to understand?!??"
What's that noise? I opened my eyes and saw the sun shining brightly. It must be time to get up. I sat up straight, waking up my senses. What could be happening?
I looked at my left; my bed (blue) was nicely fixed. I didn't know Sakuragi's neat when it comes to things like this. It's not just with his looks. Take note: looks. Whenever you see him, you're first expression would always be, "he's insane." But I'm not sure, we are all different. That's my first impression though.
I stretched. Maybe I could practice basketball before breakfast. What time is it, anyway? I stood up and looked at my watch inside the drawer.
10:45am
Oh gawd (god—I know the spelling, duh! You people just don't need to correct me)!!! I overslept. I ran to the C.R. and took a bath. Right after changing, I promised myself that I would use the alarm clock that I brought later.
I scratched my head. I hope that this would be a better day than yesterday. Oh god, puhhlease! Grant me some luck. I opened the door to get out of this place and eat breakfast.
That's when I realized God's sign of answering my prayer. Miyagi and Mitsui—with two large eye bugs are looking at me angrily. Ooops. I think I made a mistake last night. I should have written Sakuragi's name instead of mine. Too late! I don't think it's still possible to change it, is it?
"What have you done last night?" Miyagi asked angrily.
"Uhh… Nothing!" I answered.
It was a lie.
"What time did you sleep?" Mitsui asked, when it's obvious that he knows the answer.
"Err—Right after I eat dinner at the bar," I said truthfully. I just didn't add that I woke up after that. But at least it was partly truth. You know!
"Stop this nonsense!! Do you think we will believe you? NOT!!!!!" Mitsui yelled like a hungry lion, craving for something to eat.
"A—A—Akagi-sempai?" I stammered.
I didn't imagine I'd be in a situation like this. This is a real war. If Akagi wouldn't be here in a second, I'll be dead. Dead meat for sure!
"Nani?" someone who sounded, but didn't look like Akagi said.
The person is wearing a mask—Gorilla mask (with the gray fur that really looks like a gorilla—not Akagi) and he's smaller than the real Akagi. Who could this person be? I don't care much now. As long as he can drive these monkeys away, I don't mind.
"Akagi… Oh. Gomen nasai (sorry)! We are just telling Rukawa how great he is," Miyagi said as he tapped my back.
Their red eyes turned into Anzai-sensei's Buddha-look. They are smiling as if they have done nothing, as if they have not threatened me. Jerk!
"Yeah! And keeping him safe because he should NOT (emphasized the word 'not') get INJURED (this one too) because if he did, I have no idea how our team will win the games. He's our ace," he said.
He's gritting his teeth as if he is regretting everything he have said. Of course. You're talking about Mitsui, the one who played dirty when we had our one-on-one game.
"Okay. Just be sure that you're telling the truth? Or…" the gorilla-man warned.
"Of course, we are. We're not going to lie to you Akagi, are we?" Mitsui asked Miyagi.
"Never in our lives," Miyagi answered.
"Good. Now go downstairs for breakfast!!!" he roared.
They ran downstairs like mice chased by a cat—or a gorilla, I must say. The gorilla-man removed his mask and it turned out to be Sakuragi.
"I knew they wouldn't know the difference between Akagi and this gorilla mask. I didn't hesitate to use it," Sakuragi murmured.
"Why are they afraid of Akagi, out of a sudden?" I asked him. There's really something fishy around here.
"Akagi threatened them that if someone did something immature here in his friend's hotel, they'll be a bench-warmer in one of the games in the tournament," Sakuragi said.
"That's awful," I complained.
"And Akagi warned me too. I don't want to be benched. And I heard Miyagi and Mitsui planning on doing something against us. So that we—more like you—will be benched," Sakuragi said.
Hmm…
"We must think of a way to do that to them too," I said.
"Yeah!"
It's a complete silence.
"Hey, let's go downstairs! The real Akagi's calling for breakfast," Sakuragi said.
He ran but I stayed on the same spot. There's something wrong. I can't figure it out yet but there really is. And it's very wrong. I wondered what's bugging me.
Suddenly, Sakuragi returned with a confused reaction on his face. A hint went in my mind. It couldn't be. It just couldn't. Why did it happen?
"Did I just save you?" Sakuragi asked at the same time I asked, "Did you just save me?"
We answered each other (at the same time too) with, "No way! Fat chance."
Sakuragi turned his back on me and used the left staircase. I started walking and used the right. There's really something weird going on around here. And that's being friendly to Sakuragi. Very weird and a very huge mistake.
*~* *~* *~* *~* *~*
"Ahh… Please stop!!! Oi, Mitsui. I like your shirt. Miyagi? When did you err… buy your earrings? It looks cool. Oh please stop!!! Ahh… Is that Haruko-san?" Kogure stammered, dying know how to stop this little fight.
To Kogure's success, the fight had stopped. If it hadn't, it will be the scene they'll regret in their lives. Being a bench-warmer is something like an embarrassment to the starting members. Sometimes, it's an insult 'cause it means that they are not good enough or just didn't do good in the last game.
I took a deep breath.
I wish I wouldn't catch cold. The temperature of the day is really low. We had to wear our jackets—yes! That's how cold it is. I sniffed. Please gawd, let this be temporary.
Ayako whistled.
I walked to the compressed area near Yasuda. I wouldn't let myself go near that Sakuragi. It would only be once in a thousand years that we'll agree with each other. Maybe even once in a million years or not even once at all.
"I want you all to practice very hard for this day even if the temperature's a bit low—" Akagi said but Sakuragi interrupted him.
"A bit?" he asked.
Akagi gave him a glare.
"Anzai-sensei told me that his car is by the entrance already. He's just having a hard time with the guard. They couldn't believe that he's a coach or something. I don't know. Let's just wait for him because he said that there's something he needs to tell us," Akagi said.
We were all standing there, talking to each other (except me). Mitsui and Miyagi went to the corner, probably planning something against us. Freak!
Anzai-sensei arrived. He's wearing a red jacket because of the temperature.
"Why is it so early?" Sakuragi asked.
If it is a joke I didn't get it. What does he mean by that anyway? All of us looked at him, it seemed like they didn't get his point either.
"What do you mean?" Ayako asked.
"It's still October, Santa. You have to come back after two months," he said. Oh I get it. No matter how many times Akagi threatens Sakuragi, it just doesn't work for him.
Miyagi began laughing in a sense that nobody can control. He laughed like crazy. Oh! In moments like this, I want to puke. My gawd. Is this time for jokes?
"Aren't you thankful Sakuragi? At least he came for our gifts," Miyagi added.
Anzai-sensei laughed (with the "hohohoho" type).
"That's good Santa. Laugh more… laugh more… laugh more!" Sakuragi teased.
"BBAAAAAMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!! BBAAAAAMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!" came the sound. That's strange. The sound only happens once.
It turned out that Akagi gave both Sakuragi and Miyagi a head-punch. I shrugged and sighed. I'm pretty sure that they deserve that punch once in a while, or maybe twice in a while.
Anzai-sensei clasped his hands.
"So how was your practice yesterday?" he asked.
"Dull," I muttered.
Nobody answered
"What did you say Rukawa?" Anzai-sensei asked. He probably heard what I've said. But how come? My voice is very soft that nothing, other than the wind could hear.
"I said it's dull," telling the truth, forgetting the word 'respect' and waiting to be scolded.
"Why is it dull, Rukawa Kaede? Go on, tell me the whole story. I wasn't here yesterday and I want to know everything that happened," he asked.
"The Miss Pretty Teen Pageants were practicing ramp-modelling here too and they were cheering 'Do'aho Do'aho L… O… V… E… Do'aho' for me. That's why I think it's so dull," I answered truthfully. Very truthfully.
And with that, I gained laughter. Thank you… thank you. It makes me regret telling the truth and instead, tell a lie. But not really 'cause I have a feeling this will be a good time for me today.
"And how did that happen?"
"I don't know. It just did."
"Maybe there's something behind this."
"Maybe."
Someone's trying to escape in this little chat. I looked at my right and there was Sakuragi, tip-toeing to the exit. I wonder why. Maybe he's part of this.
"Leaving early, Sakuragi-kun?" Anzai-sensei asked.
"Ahhh… No… err… I'm just wondering if I can walk more than 50 steps without making a sound…" he replied.
So he's really behind this. Whenever Sakuragi stammers, it's obvious that he did something wrong and he wants to escape from it. I wonder what he did again.
"So what could have happened yesterday? Why did they think that Rukawa's name is do'aho?" he asked. Maybe he knows the answer already? Or maybe he's just so good being a lawyer—or is he being a judge? Too bad I was sleeping when this was our topic in Socials.
"Because he looks like a do'aho for them?" Sakuragi guessed.
With that, they laughed again. But Anzai-sensei looked serious. Uh-oh! I don't like this kind of look. It seems like we're gonna be scolded after a few minutes.
"No. Maybe because someone told them that he's a do'aho? Uhh… I have a question Sakuragi, why are there some fingers pointed at your back?" Anzai-sensei asked.
Mitsui and Miyagi are pointing Sakuragi. With a reason I do not know. Duh, maybe he's involve with this! Sakuragi looked at his back and they hid their hands. He looked in front again and they continued on pointing him. The cycle repeated for almost like, ten times.
"What's the meaning of this?" Akagi asked.
"Calm down, Akagi. Let Mitsui explain," Anzai-sensei said.
"Umm… The girls asked Sakuragi his name, and when he gave them informations about himself—with more than his name, they weren't that interested anymore. They kept asking about Rukawa and it seemed like Sakuragi was jealous. So he said that Rukawa's name is Do'aho Kitsune. They believed though. Dumb!" Mitsui explained.
So that's the reason why.
Sakuragi laughed nervously, didn't know what to do next. Akagi prepared to give him a head punch. But Anzai-sensei motioned Akagi to stop.
"Let's have a deal. If both Mitsui and Miyagi will do something unnecessary, they will both be bench-warmers on the 1st game of the tournament. Same goes with Sakuragi and Rukawa. Understood?" he asked.
Me and that Do'aho? Oh gawd. We couldn't even team up. Like never. I just couldn't understand why the hell we agreed with something this morning. It's just so impossible to happen but it happened.
Weird!
…………………….To be continued…………………….
Author's NotesIf ever someone is reading my notes, I would just like to have a little poll around here. I mean, do you want Rukawa and Sakuragi to be friends in the end? Tell me please. I'm really curious about the answer. Lucky-luck for me!!