Chapter 1

Shohoku High. Confetti, banners, balloons, and surprise parties filled the basketball team's minds as they walked to Shohoku High. After earning a spot in the national games, their team became immediate celebrities on their campus. The basketball squad gathered at the door and entered as a group. They were expecting raucous applause, but the arrival was deafeningly quiet.

Shohoku High was interrupted by a video that was playing on the TV screen in front of the building, which exhibited photographs of the basketball team, and many students flocked in front of the Media Club's enormous screen.


Shohoku Basketball Team

Akagi, Takenori aka Captain aka "Drug Captain"

Sakuragi, Hanamichi aka Rebound King aka "Gambling King"

Hisashi, Mitsui aka Mr. MVP aka "Trouble MVP"

Ryota, Miyagi aka Lightning Flash aka "Peeping Flash"

Rukawa, Kaede aka Ace Player aka "Ace Playboy"


Marie: My name is Marie. I'm the Media Club's President. We've come to clarify some information about our basketball team. What do you have to say about the issues that each member is dealing with?

Ayako: Do you have permission from our school to show this video?! You are disgracing our team's image!

Kogure: Akagi is currently speaking with our principal, so please pause the video. No one on our team uses drugs. Our teammates' abilities helped us get to nationals.

Marie: We are the campus representatives for all students, especially now that our basketball team is well-known in our district. We've come to uncover the truth about you.

Akagi: You can ask us directly if you want to know the truth. You are not required to notify everyone.

Everyone was taken aback when Akagi appeared. His voice roared as he addressed the crowd. The terrified students managed to flee. Akagi eventually turned off the television and took it from behind the wall.

Marie: What are you up to?! You are not allowed to take the television!

Akagi: Are you retaliating against us because we refused to let you cover our practice?

Marie was horrified by Akagi's expression so she revealed where they received their information.

Marie: That content wasn't really created by us. Someone just mailed it to my account this morning.

Akagi: Without authorization from the office, students are not allowed to place anything in the bulletin or on television. I'll return to the TV if you withdraw everything you said about my team.

Marie: Okay. Sorry, Captain Akagi.

Akagi: We will not hesitate to take legal action against any Shohoku student who uploads the video to the internet. Remember that.

Marie forwarded the link she received from an unknown email to Ayako. Akagi had brought the television to the gym.

Kogure: Why didn't 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.


The four were surprised by the reaction on the faces of the Shohoku students when they entered the gate.

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.

They saw Mito, Noma, Ohkusu, and Takamiya running towards them. They hurried to pull and hide the basketball team from the circle.

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! Nyahahaha!

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

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

Rukawa: (yawn)

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

Mito: They will explain everything to you. We need to take care of something.

Hota: We'll work with Mito's group to keep you safe. We will not fail Michi Boy!

Aota: Yeah, us too! You can always rely on our judo club! But let me be clear, it's not for Akagi, it's for Haruko!

Rukawa Angels: We, too! Nobody can harm Rukawa!

Takamiya: Rukawa's fans quickly increased. They even defeated the cockroaches in our house's kitchen!

Ayako: Thank you so much for your assistance. Now, our batch will work alongside with us to find an answer for Ryota.


Shohoku Gym. They turn on the television inside the gym, which Akagi had taken from the building.

Sakuragi: Why are we not allowed to compete in the nationals?! Explain!

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

Ryota: Let's not make a fuss. We will just add to their reasons for not allowing us to participate in the games.

Kogure: He's right. Due to the false allegation that Captain Akagi was using drugs, our school chose to reconsider our team's participation in the national competition, affecting all members. All we have to do is pass the drug test.

Ayako: Captain Akagi is speaking with our principal right now to provide further details about the other members. I can't believe that someone would accuse Akagi of a serious crime.


Image 1: Akagi, Takenori aka Captain aka "Drug Captain"(Akagi, Kogure, and Haruko are sitting inside Danny's as Akagi holds a medicine pill.)

Kogure: Haruko accompanies him now. He admitted that he had taken medicine for his leg problem on the day we had dinner out. To keep the news from spreading, the administration will send a warning to all students not to post it online.

Ayako: This affects the entire school. The charge against us will undoubtedly include other clubs as well.

Sakuragi: Gori is using drugs?! He can't do that! It's typical for gorillas to have powerful bodies. But if Michi is involved, it's possible!

Mitsui: What did you say, Sakuragi?! You look more like a druggie!

Ryota: Let's help him! The claims leveled against him are false.

Sakuragi: It would be more believable if he was rumored to have eaten a bunch ripe bananas. Nyahahaha!

Kogure: To be honest, you've all been invited to the principal's office.

Three Monkeys: What?!

Ayako: You all have an issue with evidence.

Rukawa: I'm not an addict. I'm just not sure about the three chimps.

Three Monkeys: What did you say, Rukawa?!

Rukawa: I can tell from the way they look.

Mitsui: Rukawa! You show no regard for the seniors!

Ryota: You're so arrogant!

Sakuragi: Maybe you're the one using drugs because you're usually napping.. Nyahahaha!


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

Sakuragi: We're betting outside of school! Who's spreading the rumor?!

Ayako: Here's an example of a gambling sheet with your image and name within the school.

Sakuragi: They're not even paying me a penny for my talent—they're just using my face!

Rukawa: Your photo is better suited for Dart.

Sakuragi: What are you talking about, Rukawa?!

Ryota: Hanamichi is cheap. He has no funds for that. He can't even afford to buy shoes for himself. Hahaha!

Mitsui: Hahaha! This is not hearsay. Hanamichi is a real gambler!

Rukawa: Monkey King is better.

Sakuragi: Quiet, twits!


Image 3: Hisashi, Mitsui aka Mr. MVP aka "Trouble MVP" (Mitusi is talking to Tetsuo, who is sitting on the motorcycle.)

Ayako: Tetsuo had an incident at the square one night. Because of your connection with him, you may find yourself in hot water.

Sakuragi: Nyahahaha! It's not a fake! Michi is a total badass!

Mitsui: I've changed! Idiot!

Ryota: Hanamichi, Mitsui left the gang a long time ago, but his affections for Tetsuo remain!

Sakuragi & Ryota: Nyahahaha!

Mitsui: You cretins, stop! My knee was just examined at the hospital. I have no idea where he headed when we parted ways on the road.

Ryota: What? Are you separated?

Sakuragi: Who is your new boyfriend? Shoyo's spiky head?

Mitsui: You all are insane!

Ayako uses her fan to hit Sakuragi and Ryota, while Kogure grabs Mitsui. Rukawa couldn't help but yawn.


Image 4: Ryota, Miyagi aka Lightning Flash aka "Peeping Flash" (A picture on the television shows him following Ayako outside as he hides in the plants.)

Ryota's eyes flared in rage, while Sakuragi and Mitsui rolled on the floor laughing.

Mitsui: Miyagi, I can't believe you! We've known one other for a long time, but you don't even invite me!

Ryota: What are you talking about, Mitsui?!

Sakuragi: I'm not going to the locker room with you!

Rukawa: He's not interested in you, dumbo.

Ryota: It's not true, Ayako, believe me! That's something I'd never do! I admit that I stalk you throughout the day, but I can't do that to you!

Ayako: Why are you following me?!

Ryota: I just want to make sure you're safe on that day. You're wearing tight clothes and sunglasses! What if something goes wrong with you?!

Ayako: I know you can't do it, but don't follow me next time!

Sakuragi: I get it, Curly. You just did it out of desperation for Ayako. Nyahahaha!

Mitsui: We're here to sympathize with you and support you in your pastime, dude. Hahaha!

Ryota: You filthy scumbags!

The three monkeys started hitting each other again. Ayako uses her iconic fan to whack three monkeys.

Kogure: Stop! You will explain everything, but promise not to argue in the office. The campus will stand up for Akagi, and we will not compete without him.

Ayako: Ryota and Rukawa are unaffected by school rules, but Mitsui and Sakuragi should speak with the principal. The school administration learns that Mitsui is a gang member and that Sakuragi owns the campus gambling operation.

The three monkeys noticed Ayako flushing and inhaling deeply.

Sakuragi: If we all have problems, what about Rukawa?! Oh... I know, did he abduct a cat?

Ryota: He stole the cat's food?

Mitsui: Did he get a cat hooked on his bike?

Rukawa: Three broken eggs!

Three Monkeys: Hahaha!

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 is more suitable for me.

Ryota: He doesn't pay attention to his many supporters.

Sakuragi: No one mentioned humans. Female cats, perhaps. Nyahahaha!

She pressed the play button, and three images appeared, supporting the rumors about Rukawa.

1st picture: Rukawa was talking to Maki, who was wearing beach shorts in front of the inn on the beach.

2nd picture: Fujima and Rukawa are 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.

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 is the first building's TV set. The students were making a big deal about it when we arrived. The media club claimed that the footage did not originate with them. They received an email. This link is also forwarded to the school's official email address. They are now appealing for assistance in determining who sent the email.

Ayako: Fortunately, the entire campus was alerted immediately. Our sports committee is working hard to keep Akagi's false accusation out of the school.

Rukawa clenched his fists, afraid of what someone would think of him after seeing the photos of him with the two captains. He bid his teammates farewell and quickly took out his cell phone to call him. He'll explain before it gets to him. He won't let their blossoming bond be destroyed.


Ryonan. After their practice game, Sendoh became interested in Rukawa. He found it difficult to approach the Shohoku rookie. Because of his persistence, they became friends. He couldn't stop hiding his feelings as time passed, so he thought of a way to confess to Rukawa.

Sendoh: I'm going to confess to him tonight. Umm... Perhaps after nationals. I'll make sure he falls even more in love with me. Eeehhh!

He was on his way to the gym when his phone rang.

"I don't have practice today."

Sender: Baby Boy

He smiled and dashed to inform his team that he would be getting home early.


Ryonan Gym. The video Hikoichi displayed stunned Team Ryonan. They were looking at the pictures intently.

Ouzomi: It's impossible for Akagi to take drugs! I'd believe it more if Sakuragi was on drugs.

Ikegami: Except for Sakuragi's gambling sheet, the images are not manipulated.

Fukuda: Mitsui is a gang boss, Ryota was once in trouble, and Sakuragi has been a gang leader since middle school, so what's written here could be true.

Koshino: If Sendoh and Rukawa start dating, there will be a party!

Ueksa: I can't believe Rukawa is friendly with the two captains.

Hikoichi: Sendoh isn't answering the phone!

Koshino: What exactly are you doing in Shohoku?

Hikoichi: I went to Osaka last week to see a former classmate! I met his teammates! They are really arrogant. They were disrespectful of Sendoh and our team, so I decided to inform Shohoku about the Toyotama team!

Ouzomi: It looks like they have skin on their asses.

Fukuda: Yes, the red monkey has skin.

Sendoh entered the room slowly and approached the mumbling players gathered in the center.

Sendoh: Waaah!

Team Ryonan: AAAHHH!

Sendoh: What are you looking at over there?

Koshino: Sendoh, are you and Rukawa dating? Why aren't you telling us?!

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

Ikegami: If you need help with the game or your love life, let us know.

Sendoh: What? Nothing makes sense to me. What exactly are you saying?

Hikoichi: I went to Shohoku! There's a video on their building's screen that states, "You two are dating!"

Sendoh: Not yet... I mean, not yet.

Hikoichi: There's a problem right now in Shohoku! When I came, their media club and Captain Akagi were fighting! He took the television that was attached to their building!

Sendoh: Why am I involved in that?

Hikoichi played back the video he had taken on his phone.

Sendoh: What?!

Hikoichi: Rukawa is reported to be collecting Kanagawa's top players because you three are his lovers!

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

With his eyes blazing, he held his cool and handed the phone to Hikoichi, trying to smile in front of the team.

Sendoh: Please tell the coach that I'm sick.

Ouzomi: Sendoh!

Ikegami: He's definitely affected, so let him go.

Hikoichi: They shouldn't be barred from the national games! I don't believe they use drugs. Is Sendoh all right?

Ueksa: Did you catch his expression earlier? He must be jealous again.

Fukuda: He might start a fight.

Koshino: I'll tell you what time we'll meet at his apartment tonight.

Team Ryonan: Yeah!


Seaside Court. Sendoh was anxiously strolling back and forth while waiting for Rukawa. He couldn't believe it when he saw the photos of Rukawa with the captains of Kainan and Shoyo. Rukawa came shortly after. They locked gazes for a few seconds. Sendoh took the floor first.

Sendoh: We'll play without keeping score. Every shot gets the chance to ask a question.

Rukawa: Okay.

Rukawa sensed Sendoh's mood before they began playing.

Rukawa: Looks like he's already watched it. He believes without thinking. Idiot.

Rukawa was the first to shoot.

Rukawa: Have you seen it?

Sendoh: Yes.

Sendoh was the next to shoot.

Sendoh: What do the pictures mean?

Rukawa: Nothing.

Sendoh: Why don't you reveal the truth?

Rukawa: One shot, one question.

Rukawa sighed and did not notice that Sendoh had already shot the ball.

Sendoh: Do you still keep a lot from me?

Rukawa: No.

Sendoh had lost control. He tossed the ball in the direction of Rukawa.

Sendoh: Do you not care about me? We've been together for months. I can't believe you!

Rukawa: Are you insane?! I didn't think you were that dumb to believe so quickly!

Sendoh: Tell me the truth!

Rukawa: Do you think I like boys? Do you really think I'm going to date each of you?

Rukawa rushed out of the court. When he was about to punch Sendoh, he held back himself and decided to leave. Meanwhile, Sendoh was distressed by what he had heard. He believed that everything they had been through in the previous months had been in vain. He goes after Rukawa to reveal his true feelings.

Sendoh: Wait!

Rukawa: Don't touch me!

Sendoh: Do you give a damn about me?!

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

Rukawa's question silenced him. His teammates frequently ask him this question. But now that Rukawa was in front of him, he already knew the answer.

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

Rukawa: We can't...

Sendoh: Will you hide your feelings because we're both men? Is this an issue when you fall in love?

Rukawa was taken aback by Sendoh's statements. As he realized what Sendoh was doing for him, his heart began to race.

Sendoh: If they classify me as gay because of you, I don't care. What am I to you? Am I just your friend?

Rukawa: No.

Sendoh: What happened last night, doesn't it mean nothing to you?

Rukawa: That's not nothing.

Sendoh: Are these photos real?

Rukawa: They just added malice to it.

Sendoh: Is your bond with me the same as it was with Maki and Fujima? Do they make you laugh? Do they give you hugs? Do they cook for you? Do you call them every time? Every time you were with them, did you remember me?

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 insane?! I'm not dating them!

Sendoh: How do you still have time for them when we are together all the time? Have I even somewhat been special to you? 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!

He saw Sendoh fleeing and didn't wait for him to say anything. He stayed where he was and just looked at him.

Rukawa: What exactly is that "thing"?


Rukawa's apartment. He was exhausted. He immediately went to the bathroom to sense a lighter burden somehow. What he was worried about was that Sendoh would never believe him. He will find a way for Sendoh to listen to him so that they can go back to the way they were before. After having a shower, he decided to visit him in Ryonan and explain everything. Before he went, he remembered a word he didn't get. He quickly got his phone from his bag and Googled that "thing." He became pale as he realized what the word meant.

Rukawa: Akira, you are really stupid!


Note: Italics-self thoughts