Author's note:

Hagaki: Maa...maa...Minna. To tell you the truth, I'm disappointed that NOBODY reviewed at chappy 10. SIGH That's Rukawa's B-day!!!!! I'm so disappointed...

Anyway, something urged me to still continue. What? It's because THIS is chapter ELEVEN!!!!

This is also my first time to use someone's POV on this fic.

Minami: Minna!!! Onegai! Review!!!!

Disclaimer: Slam dunk belongs to our idol, Takehiko-sensei. ^. ^

Chapter Eleven:  Fly away and drive today

Everything is already assembled for the upcoming Busan games. From the transportation sponsored by the government, the hotel accommodations, to the new uniforms and banners for the team. Everyone was so excited, specially our new captain, who trains his members agonizingly hard, telling them the feeling of victory (even to the former members who just smile at the new captain's respectable dreams and words), explaining to them everyday that if they win, this and that, if not, this and that...

Meanwhile...

" Na, Yohei. Are you coming with us? The government said that the plane ride would be free. They also said that we could bring our friends or families." Sakuragi asked as he walked the streets towards the gym.

" Um...maybe. I don't know." Yohei said as he turned in a corner.

" Oi, oi! That's not the way to the gym!" Sakuragi exclaimed as he caught up with Yohei.

" Relax, Hanamichi. We'll just go to our house to get something that can help us a lot." Yohei said.

" Eh?"

Yohei just smiled and left Sakuragi with a 'what's-that?' face.

" Hey, are you comin' or what?" Yohei said.

" Ah...yeah. I'm coming!" He said as he followed Yohei to their house, which was three blocks away.

When they reached the house, Yohei opened the first garage located at the left. There, he revealed a Toyota TM car. It was beautifully colored with a brilliant shade of black, the tires simply neat, and the inside was colored with a magnificent shade of blue.

Sakuragi pressed his face at the window to see the inside clearly. He was so amazed that his mouth was left open until Yohei opened the door at the driver's seat.

" Hanamichi? Are you riding or not?" Yohei said as he started the engine, opening the passenger's seat door beside him.

" Ah...y-yeah." He muttered as he sat beside Yohei and closed the door.

Sakuragi remained quiet as Yohei drove out of the house, opening the aircon and the radio.

" You're thinking how the hell I got this car, right?" Said Yohei, giving off a small laugh.

" True", replied the (very) baffled Sakuragi. " How the hell did you get this stuff? I mean...it's so cool..."

Yohei giggled as he turned right on a corner.

" Actually, I don't know if you'd believe me or not, Hanamichi, but I've got this baby after the graduation ceremony. I finally passed all my grades with flying colors at that time. My parents were so proud of me that they gave this as a gift." He then looked at Sakuragi, looking at him with disbelief (as in).

" Hehe...I know how you feel Hanamichi." He said with a smile. " I decided to change my way of life a bit so that I can reach my dreams easily. Just the same as you practicing everyday, to be recruited on the national team and be hopefully an MVP. I've become serious in my studies at college, without you, or the other three (Sakuragi guntai: We heard that!) being aware. "

" But…why did you just said this now?" Sakuragi protested, finally recovering from his shock.

" Actually, I planned to tell this to you guys earlier, but I couldn't find a nice timing." He explained as he stopped when he saw the red light.

" Hm ...now the Tensai knows." Sakuragi said, as if he knew the fact very well for a long time. Yohei: Sweatdrop;

" But, Hanamichi. This isn't the only secret I've been keeping." He said as he minimized the volume of the radio.

" You are a basketball player aren't you? Well, I'm..." He said as he released a sigh and started to continue his sentence, watching Sakuragi carefully for any protests.

" I'm actually...a...racer..." He finished.

Sakuragi then looked at him, with the same expression as a while ago." A racer?" he repeated.

" Yup." replied Yohei.

" I never knew you liked cars, Yohei." Sakuragi said as he leaned back at the seat.

" That suits you anyway. So...that second garage at the right of your house is where the race car is kept?" He asked as Yohei started to move when he saw the green light.

" Yeah."

" You're really a professional now, Yohei." Sakuragi said.

" So are you, unlike what we are before." Yohei said, a picture of them goofing around flashed in his mind that made him grin.

" And another thing...about Ha-" Yohei was then silenced. He shouldn't tell that to Sakuragi, or else his friend would burst like a volcano. He then looked ahead, acting like he hasn't said anything. Luckily, Sakuragi didn't hear Yohei's voice.

As they where already 10 blocks away from the gym, Sakuragi halted Yohei to a barbershop nearby.

" Doushite, Hanamichi? (What's it, Hanamichi?)" Yohei asked as he eyed his friend going out of the car.

" Some small business here. Be back in a flash," He said as he entered the barbershop. Yohei smiled as he crossed his arms behind his head and leaned to the seat to support his back. It was too obvious why Sakuragi went in there. He's going back to that funny hairstyle of his when he was still a freshman of Shohoku senior high. (Hagaki: Honestly, he looks more mature when he has his hair shaved {No other deep meaning})

He almost slipped in his words a while ago. About Haruko. He didn't want to shock his friend more.

Minutes later, he saw Sakuragi opening the door and hopping in, with that match-like hairstyle of his.

" It's been a long time before I've seen that funny hair of yours, Hanamichi." Yohei said, nearly laughing.

" Urusai." Was all that he could say as Yohei started to hit the roads again, both listening and tapping their feet at the beat of the song 'Anatadake Mitsumeteru' sung by Maki Ohguro. (^. ^)

Later on when they reached the gym (Yup, as you have guessed, with everyone shocked with a do'aho with that funny hair again, riding a car with his cutie friend with him^. ^ (Sakuragi: Nyahaha! The Tensai needs some ride sometimes! Nyahaha!!! /Sweatdrop/) ( Other members: Hahaha!!!! You .look so funny! HAHAHAHA!!! Continues to laugh very hard...) Practice as usual, (not really usual, it was only about 10 times harder than usual ^. ^), punches from Akagi's raging fist, slaps from Ayako's fan, teasing from his guntai, support from the others, and all the usual things that happens (without Nobuhiro-san of course :()

" Remember that our game is near. This game is not only for our pride but for our country's as well. Whatever happens, whether we face victory or defeat, we are still winners, for we did our best." Akagi said as the others were assembled in front of him.

*Akagi's really a captain now. * Said Masaki, panting and sweating from the hard practice that day.

* Yes. Now I know why Nobuhiro-san chose him." Replied Mikatsu after drinking from his water jug.

* That's Gori. * Sakuragi said.

" ...And I hope you understand why we need to practice hard everyday. Yoshi! Minna, practice again!!!" Akagi cried out as he raised his fist on the air.

" YEAH!!!!"

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After two weeks of hard practice, towels almost soaked in sweat, aching muscles, and terrible offense practices, the moment of truth has come, the moment the former Shohoku basketball players are waiting for (Minus Rukawa of course, he's been on the team longer), their National debut. Their hearts pounding, just like on that day, May 10, when the inter-high games started (ooh, that's Akagi-san's b-day!!!) They already drove their way to the airport (with the PRIVATE bus provided AGAIN by the government), on board was the team, Ayako, Anzai-sensei (well, if you still remember what Oda-kun said about Anzai-sensei's approval as coach), Haruko, the towel boys (gomen for the term), and some other friends of the other players.

Meanwhile, at the airport...

" Wait...what flight was that? Um...23? Or was it 24?" Takamiya said, question marks appearing from his head.

" I don't know..." Noma said, scratching his head.

" Darn! Yohei knows it...by the way, where is he?" Ohkusu asked.

" Who knows?" Replied Noma.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

*Yohei's POV:

Darn it! Would I go? But there's an important meeting informing us about the race! What should I do...

* wipes the window of his race car*. Hehe, I didn't know that being a racer was this fun, but hard. Your schedule is very tough... *looks at his watch* Oh my gosh! The plane's gonna depart soon!!! Think now, Yohei...Think...

...

* Picks up his bag and other things* Darn! Might as well go!

*

Yohei started his car (the other one, the Toyota one) and drove out of his house and off to the streets. His speed was normal, but when he looked at his watch, it was 5 minutes more before the plane departs! He cursed as he saw the traffic before him, banging his fist on the steering wheel angrily.

" Darn! Darn! Dammit!" He exclaimed. " I can't make it in time. If only race-" Then, something entered Yohei's mind. It was an idea, half good, and half bad. He thought twice if he should do it or not.

* But I'd break the rule if...nah, who cares? I'm a rule breaker since before!*

He then turned right at a small alley, his speed very high, and on his face, a wide smile.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

 The team finally arrived at the airport. They were then treated as VIP's there, since they'd represent their country for basketball.

Each member is allowed to bring guests, not exceeding the maximum number of three. Akagi brought with him his mom, his dad, and Haruko (of course). With Sakuragi: His mom, Yohei, and Ohkusu. With Rukawa, his mom, and, believe it or not, Sendo and his mom!!! Mitsui brought his Mom and dad with him, while Kogure brought his grandparents and Takamiya ( since Kogure has a warm heart, he let Takamiya fill the only slot left). Ryota brought his mom, his dad, and his little sister with him, and Ayako brought her brother, Matsuii, and Fujii (with the same explanation as Kogure's why he brought Piggy ^.^) with her. Coach Anzai brought his wife and Noma (no need to tell the reason why...). The others brought their families as well.

" Where the hell is HE?" Sakuragi exclaimed as he noticed that Yohei wasn't there.

" I don't know. Is he coming or not?" Okusu asked.

" Hmm.."

* Yohei-kun...*Haruko said in her mind.

" Okay, everyone! Let's board the plane now before it leaves us!" Akagi called out.

" But gori, wait a minute. Yohei's not yet here. Can we wait for him?" Sakuragi said, halting Akagi by grabbing his arm.

" We can't, Sakuragi. This is the last plane that would bring players from Japan to the Busan games. If we can't depart now, there'll be no other plane that would bring us there." Akagi informed.

" But-"

" I know how you feel, but please understand my point." Akagi said. He then looked at Haruko who just absentmindedly stared at the floor, hoping...

As the former ganster, now racer Mito Yohei drove his way out of the small alley and into the main road, he was then filled with hope as he spotted the airport before him. He even drove faster (and recklessly) his car towards his destination, repeating in his mind that he could still catch up. It was already 2 minutes before the departure of the plane, and he grew very worried.

As he parked his car on the car park abruptly, he then swooped at the back and swiftly grabbed his bag, then ran inside the airport. A minute to go before departure. After hurrying the security checks, he then happily ran on the place where he would finally ride onto the plane. But before he could even ride, he saw an airplane took off. He then looked at his watch. Could...that be...the plane? He then brokenheartedly stared at the plane until it was out of his sight. He was left, and that's for sure. He didn't make it.

He wont be able to watch his best friend's most awaited day, the day he was talking about since his friend and he were still freshmen...His friend's...National debut...

And what could he do? He just smiled though it's against his feelings. There was still the race meeting. He then went back to his car and drove to the meeting place, which was very near the airport.

" Darn..."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

~ Attention all national players of volleyball and basketball, flights are delayed due to an important meeting by one sport whose decisions of joining the games are still jumbled. Please wait for further announcements regarding when the flight would be back...repeating...~

" Phew...we could still wait for Yohei." Sakuragi sighed as he sat on a chair behind him.

" I wonder what sport that is?" Ryota asked as he looked at his watch. " And I wonder what time would we depart?"

" Let's just wait for the announcements." Ayako said. " By the way, why is Sendo here?" she continued.

Sendo smiled as he waved to them. " Hello! I've learned that you'd be fighting other countries! I just decided to go with you guys. I want to see how you're playing now!"

" But why with Rukawa?" Kogure asked. ( Hagaki: Believe me, it was not my idea to put some SenRu here, it's my sister!!!!) ( Minami: Hehe...)

" My mom and Rukawa's mom are friends, so Rukawa's mom said that we could join them, since there are two slots left, ne, Rukawa?"

" Hn.."

" Hmm...I see...By the way, why aren't you at the National team? Isn't it that you're a great player?" Akagi asked.

" Actually, I was recruited by one local team first before I was recruited at the National team. And when I knew that you guys are recruited there, I decided to stick with the local team..." Sendo said

" WHADDYA MEAN?! YOU DONT WANT TO BE WITH US SINCE YOU'RE GREATER?"

" No...ah..it's not that...It's because I know that even if I'm not there, there are still great players in the team, ne? Besides, I don't want to disappoint the local team who recruited me."

" Ah...okay... fine...."

* Hm...what are they doing at the plane now? I bet Hanamichi's goofing around again...*

" Guys, I've been thinking about this since yesterday, about the one we would send to the Busan games for the race competition. ( Actually and honestly, I don't know if there's racing in Busan or not....Anyway...) And I know that I'm not wrong in choosing this person...."

Everyone in the meeting room started to whisper things like: " Who could that be?" something like those, to each other.

" ...And that'd be...you!" the coach said as he pointed at Yohei, who was looking outside the window, daydreaming.

" Mito Yohei!"

Everyone clapped their hands as Yohei was called, for they know that he was a truly great and unbelievable player. Despite this, the unbelievable and great player was still out of his mind.

" Mito Yohei!" The coach said again. * What the hell is happening to him?* The coach then walked near Yohei. " Mito Yohei!!!"

Yohei finally came back to his senses and saw all the people staring at him. " E..doushite, minna?"

Everyone nearly fainted when he said this.

" You mean to tell that you're not listening?!?!" The coach asked.

" Um.. I'm sorry..."

" Never mind, never mind. As I was saying, you'd be the representative for the country for the race competition. You'll be flying today, since there's only one plane left."

" Me?"

" Yeah, you."

Yohei couldn't believe what he just heard. He could finally make it to the games! The only thing is, he's not with the same plane with his friends, but it's alright....( But he doesn't know...^. ~)

" Anyway, those who'd be with him are...."

- Attention, all national team players of volleyball and basketball, flight would be resumed at 12:00. Repeating...-

" Hmm.. that's pretty near..." Ryota said, looking at his watch.

" Why? What time is it?" Mitsui asked.

 Ryota showed him his watch that read 11:49.

" Anyway, lets go now. Get ready." Akagi said as he picked up his bag.

* Yohei's still not here...* Sakuragi thought.

Meanwhile, the race team is already at the airport. Yohei was with his team of mechanics, with Mr. Honda (He's supposed to be in another show!!! Anyway...), and the others...(Don't know much about racing..hehe..). And, believe it or not, the race team PASSED BY the BASKETBALL TEAM without even noticing each other. ( idiots...except Rukawa^.^)

Time: 12:00

All the teams have boarded the plane to Busan. On the front part of the plane was the race team, the middle was the basketball team, and on the back was the volleyball team.

The seats where arranged by the 2-3-2 order. Coach Anzai sat at the side with his wife, behind him was Ryota and Ayako, behind them was the mom and dad of Mitsui, behind them was Mitsui and Kogure, behind them were Masaki and Toshiro, and at the very back was Sendo and Rukawa. Let's go at the middle. They're at the front, Akagi's mom, dad, and him. At their rear were Ryota's mom, dad, and little sister. Then, seated behind them were Haruko, Matsui, and Fuji. Behind them, Yohei's supposed-to-be-seat, Sakuragi, and his mom. Then, there were the three extras (Takamiya, Ohkusu, and Noma: We heard that!!!!), the other players, and their families. At the side, Akane sat with her mom, then Ayako's Brother with Yujii, then Kogure's grandparents, Sendo's and Rukawa's mom, Ryo and Mikatsu, and the other players. (Phew!)

A few minutes later, they were already at the middle of their flight. Sakuragi decided to answer nature's call. He then walked towards the comfort room. Unlucky as he was before, the comfort room was occupied. Still he decided to wait. Subsequently, there came a girl from the volleyball team, who was also unlucky to see the CR of females occupied. The girl then decided to wait too at the front of the door.

Sakuragi then felt that his eyes wanted to drop.

The reason?

The girl was so beautiful.

She stands 5'5, beautiful shade of blue seen on her cute eyes, her jet black hair tied on two pigtails, her lips as pink as rose, her skin as white as snow (Nope, she's not Snow white ^.^). She wore her jogging pants and her jacket, which read " all-Japan Volleyball team", inside was her blue shirt, and on her feet were the Nike rubber shoes for women.

She looked so beautiful...more beautiful than any girl he has seen.

" Wh-what's...y-your name...?" He absentmindedly asked, not even noticing that he said it so loud that the girl hear it.

" Me?" The girl said, pointing at herself. " I'm Takeshima Midori" ( Hehe, meaning green bamboo island...). She then noticed Sakuragi's jacket written National team (all-Japan) and a basketball drawn at the center. " So, you're the member of the basketball team, right? You're...what's your name?" She asked as she smiled, her pearly-white teeth displayed.

" Hu-huh?" Sakuragi said, getting back to his senses, turning scarlet.

" Are you paying attention, Mister? Are you okay?" Midori asked.

" Y-yeah."

" I'm asking for your name, if you don't mind..."

" Oh...I'm Sakuragi Hanamichi." Sakuragi said.

" I've heard about you in high school..the trouble maker? But I'm really impressed. You're great!" She said.

" Really?"

" Yup." Suddenly, the door of the female CR opened. " Oh, my turn. Tell me more about your team when we get to Busan." She then closed the door.

" Midori...so that's her name..." Sakuragi said as the door behind him opened too. The guy who exited looked at him with questioning eyes. " What the hell is this guy doing?"

After a few more minutes, they finally arrived at Korea. They were then greeted by hundreds of Japanese who were waiting for them, waving banners and placards. They spotted there the students of Kogure, Akagi, Miyagi, Ayako, and Mitsui, some Rukawa fans ( not his shinetai), and all others who were their former teammates in Shohoku.

" Hanamichi!!!" Midori called out.

" Oh, it's you." He said (his courage now back again).

" Hello! Um...is it okay if I call you by your first name?"

" Uh..yeah. Can I call you by your first name too?"

" Sure!"

" Hanamichi..who's she..?" Takamiya asked, nudging the flaring Sakuragi.

" You double-timer!" Ohkusu and Noma exclaimed. Sakuragi then head butted each one of them.

" Double timer? So..you have a girlfriend? Oh, I'm terribly sorry-"

" No, It's not that. They're just mistaken." Sakuragi stammered. Midori just smiled as she was called by her teammates. " Oh, they're calling me now. I've heard that the hotel where the volleyball, basketball, and race team stays are the same. I'll just find you there, k? Bye!" She said as she waved her hand high in the air.

" Race? So that means..." He then glimpsed Yohei from afar. Taking his second glance, and knew that it was really his bestfriend, he ran towards his direction.

" Yohei!" Haruko and Sakuragi said in unison.

" Oh! It's you two!!!" Yohei shouted. " You waited for me?"

" Nope...actually, we departed at 12 because...AAHH! So you're the team we're waiting for!!"
" Uh..yeah.." He said. He then noticed a very happy Haruko behind Sakuragi. He then smiled at her as she smiled back. Sakuragi: QUESTION MARKS

Anyway...the day turned out to be really nice, Yohei with them, the team finally at Busan, and a new interest...

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Author's note:

Hagaki: Haaa...finally, chapter Rukawa finished....

Minami : D'you like it? How was it? I believe that this is our BEST chapter!!! Of course! It's no. 11!!!

Hagaki: Correction, best SO FAR. Anyway, What d'you guys think about Midori? They are a cute couple, are they? Sakuragi's hair is red, Midori means green. Look at the color wheel. What do you get? Red and green faces each other!!! Hahaha! I think Midori-chan's name is cute. GREEN BAMBOO ISLAND. And maybe you guys know some hints about Yohei and Haruko. Those without common sense are the only ones who don't know... JA, minna. Gotta go and make my experiment or that damn KUROI BUTA NO BAKA would get mad again.

^.^ R&R PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!