Author's note:

Hagaki: Ah...well, well. Good thing we were able to survive the GODDAMNED Virus…HAHAHA!!!!!! Even though it's a tough virus…WE WILL SURVIVE! YEAH!

By the way, before we start, we interviewed YOUHEI!!!! Well, sowee minna if I spelled his name without  U. I'm really sorry. I myself got puzzled if I should really put a U or not. But now I know…THERE"S A U AT HIS NAME!!!!!!! ^^

Anyway, here comes the interview: (actually, it's just for kicks :p)

Hagaki: Youhei!!! Konninchiwa!!!!

Youhei: (raises a hand) Konnichiwa!!

Hagaki: So How's life?

Youhei: Hm…just okay…except for the problem about Hanamichi-

Hagaki: His reaction, right?

Youhei: Yeah..

Hagaki: Don't worry bout that.

Youhei: You sure?

Hagaki: Yup.

Youhei: Thanks.

Hagaki: Oh, by the way, how's your life as a Professional racer?

Youhei: Just fine. To tell you the truth, I was surprised to know that I would become one. I thought you'd be putting me in soccer or anything else…

Hagaki: Why not? Racing looks good on you. (Blush blush)

Youhei: (scratches the back of his head in embarrassment) Thanks.

Hagaki: Anyway, we should continue with our *FILMING* nowJ. The camera will roll on any minute. You know that the old man controlling the camera couldn't wait. *Giggle* (An old man clears his throat and shouts: I'll start recording!!!!)

Youhei: (laughs hard with Hagaki. Haruko then comes in and wraps her arms around Youhei's back) Ah, Haruko-chan!

Haruko: Let's go, Youhei-kun, Hagaki-san!

Hagaki: You guys look adorable! J (Couple blush) anyway, let's go!

Haruko and Youhei: Ossu!

Disclaimer: We are just borrowing Dr. T's Creation!!!!!! * Sigh* I wish it was mine instead…L

Chapter 15: Footstep number ONE

_

Silence filled the dull atmosphere of the All-Japan Basketball gym as Rukawa slammed the ball powerfully at the ring, nearly ripping it off from the board it was hooked on. The ones who were guarding him breathed in and out deeply, gladly suffering from the intense play of the FOX ace player of the team. Rukawa tossed his raven hair out of his eyes, then helped his teammates stand up from the impact of his powerful signature move.

No one would surely forget the shocking scene yesterday, where Sakuragi finally knew a heart breaking secret about to be told. Everyone was worried about him. As they have said: "If I were to put myself on his shoes, I'd rather be the same…"

Kogure sighed lightly as he picked up the ball rolling towards his direction. As I've thought, he's not here. He shifted his gaze to the persons around him. They all looked hushed, soundless as the day their captain died. Well, they thought, it's a dying matter for the redhead. He then looked slightly left and saw Haruko sitting at the chair located at the right hand corner of the gym, her hands clasped in front of her lips, which was as straight as a line; looking totally guilty. It was obvious that she was there to face Sakuragi and talk to him straightforwardly. Despite this, it was also obvious that she looked tense. What would he say? Would he start up a fight? These were apparently printed on her face. Beside her standing was Youhei, his hand resting on the back of Haruko's seat. He had the very exact expression printed on his face.

" Uh…well- I think this time it would be understandable if Sakuragi wouldn't join the practice…ne…?" Kogure, breaking the glass silence, said while he dribbled the ball once, and let it bounce high back to his hands again. Akagi didn't answer, nor did he steam like he usually did. He just took the ball from Kogure's hand then spun it around his finger.

" Akagi?"

Akagi breathed in and said: " Well, I'll let it pass. But only for now. Our first game is near."

Mikatsu then went beside Akagi at his signal, and then threw the ball in as a go for the game to start again. Akagi glanced at his younger sister, who surprisingly responded to his stare. I'm sorry, brother…I should've told him before…before you guys would finally have your national debut…

" Three-point!" Mitsui exclaimed as he tossed the ball behind the three-point line. It bounced off a little, and then it went in. Ryota caught the ball and ran outside of the sideline.

" I just hope before the game Hanamichi'd be alright…" He said as he threw the ball in.

" YOSHI!!!!!!!!"

The doors flew open abruptly, halting everyone in their tracks. Loud thumps of footsteps were heard as someone entered the gym, dressed in a sleeveless gray top and black nearly-up-to-the-knee shorts, bass shoes without socks. His red hair glowed under the beam of the morning sun, allowing everyone to see his face clearly. Only one person…

Sakuragi Hanamichi.

Haruko froze as she heard his voice again, whereas Youhei looked really shocked. The others nearly dropped their jaws on the floor, while Ryota, who was holding the ball, unfortunately dropped it, leaving it rolling for quite a while.

" Did everybody miss this genius? Nyahaha! I knew you would!!!" Sakuragi boastfully exclaimed, laughing hard. Behind him appeared Midori, looking a bit coy and uneasy with other people around.

" B-but…Sakuragi…you were...yesterday…" Kogure started, glancing at the two located at the corner of the gym in between his words.

" …eh?" Sakuragi's eyebrows curved. The whole basketball team (with other extras^^) fell hard on their rears, if not, their heads, in surprise. BAG!

" What do you mean by 'eh?' ?!" Mitsui said, gradually standing from his *fall*.

" Are you sure you're alright?!? I mean…" Ryota said, looking really flabbergasted.

" Moron…" Rukawa murmured.

" Oi, oi! What the heck…" He then remembered what they were talking about after thinking (Nani? Sakuragi? Thinking? UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!)

 *Ah, yesterday…I…*

Upon recalling the situation he had, he curved his lips into an unforced, real smile. He then looked at Youhei and Haruko at the corner and threw them a friendly look, which surprised them. Youhei looked at him, then at his back. *Now I know the reason* He thought, responding to his best friend with a smile exactly the same as the one he threw to him.

" Don't worry about this genius!!! Just go back to practice! I'll join you guys in a flash after I warm up." Everyone had to smile. At least, their teammate, their friend, looked okay now. At least, it looked like he already accepted the fact that the girl he set his eyes on set hers on another, specifically someone very close to him.

They all started the game again as Sakuragi started his warm up by cracking his knuckles, then shaking them. Midori, still demure, trailed behind him, and rested on the wall. Her hands, which were located at the middle, served as a cushion on her back.

" Youhei…" Said Sakuragi, looking at him with an expression word couldn't describe, somewhat in between happiness and defeat. Youhei just HAD to be nervous. Despite this, he HAD to take a gander at his best friend. Feeling hope when he saw a beam slowly curving on the redhead's lips, which was warm and accepting, Youhei's worries drowned away. He then took another look at the girl behind his best friend and grinned.

To his surprise, Sakuragi locked his arm over Youhei's head and patted his head like a child. Youhei's surprise was just momentarily, since he knew what this kind of act meant. An act of friendship, peace, or fun. Sakuragi isn't mad at him anymore, since while he's doing this, he was laughing his usual N-Y-A-H-A laugh.

" Lucky you, Yohei!" Sakuragi said after freeing Youhei. Haruko then went beside them and tangled her fingers to remove her anxiety, since the next thing that'll go out of her mouth is about yesterday…

Sakuragi then looked at her. A different kind of look. It wasn't the usual, drooling look that he always had when she was around. It was a normal, friendly look. He then went near her and gave the same smile he had given Youhei. (Wait; aren't they just smiling all the time?!?!)

" Sa-sakuragi-kun…ano…" stammered Haruko, still entwining her fingers restlessly, avoiding his look. Sakuragi then bent to whisper her something that made her redden a bit. He then backed a little and winked.

" Don't worry about me anymore, Haruko." He said, placing a hand on his pocket, the other giving her a thumbs up.   

" I'm a tensai, and you know that a tensai shouldn't be worried about." He said, and then he went near Youhei.

" Never make her cry or I swear, I'll kick your ass off!!!" Sakuragi said jokingly, lightly punching Youhei's head. " And remember, I'll not be the only one! Gori would surely break every bone on your body!"

" You can count on me." Youhei said, responding his light punch by another.

" Hello!" Ayako greeted at the four, winking, her notebook held near her chest. " Sakuragi, your turn on the game!"

" Ossu!" Sakuragi scampered hastily to the court, shouting, " Here's the tensai!!!!!!" Over and over, patting his teammates backs.

" You're late, do you know that?!?!" Akagi exclaimed, greeting him with a strong punch on the head.

" Gori…" Sakuragi whimpered in pain, soothing the forming lump on his head.

 Ayako laughed, so did Haruko and Youhei.

" He's amazing. He was able to forget that big thing. Well! I think it's over now." She said, shifting her gaze. " By the way, the both of you, I was also shocked yesterday!! Hihi…huh?" She then noticed Midori at the wall, watching the members play at the court.

" Takeshima?" Ayako said, taking a closer look at Midori. " Ah!!! Takeshima!!!!"

Midori looked quite stunned and shy when she heard Ayako call out her name. " H-hai..?"

" You're really Takeshima!!! Nice to meet you. I'm Ayako. I'm the freshly recruited manager of the All-Japan Basketball team." She said, stretching out a hand. Midori then looked at it, and then, after getting the idea, she gladly but timidly shook her own hand to hers.

" Watashi no namae wa Midori…"

" Takeshima Midori…dane?"

" H-hai…"

" By the way, you came here with Sakuragi, ne?" Ayako asked happily, quite getting he flow of the story, why Sakuragi just accepted the fact about Haruko and Youhei. Midori nodded slightly as her yes.

" I have a friend at you team and she told me that you've done a great job yesterday! And you know what? You're at the newspaper!!!"
" M-me?" Midori asked, turning crimson.

" Haven't you read it?" Ayako's brows curved. " Maa…just like Sakuragi. Here it is." She said, running over to the bench, picking up a newspaper. There was Midori's picture where she was posing for her spike, to be exact, the so-called "super SPIKE". There was a caption at the side, saying, " Rookie Takeshima Midori's 'Super spike' brought almost the 70% of Japan's win!"

Midori's eyes widened. It was really she, and the newspaper was praising her! A new feeling rushed to her veins that added up to her stock of inspiration.

" By the way, I'm surprised that Sakuragi Hanamichi really has a good taste." Ayako said, staring at Midori's cherry cheeks. " To be honest, you look cute."

" Dou-doumo…(Thanks…)" She replied.

 " I'll ask you early, do you like him?"

" W-wh-what?!?!" Midori exclaimed, burning redder.

" Ah…I think that was abrupt. But don't make him too serious about you if you don't like him. When time comes and he knows it, the output'll be bad. From his junior high days until now, FIFTY ONE girls turned him down."

Midori nearly choked when she heard this. " That many?!?!"

" A-re? You don't know?"

" He never told me."

" Mataku. " J

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Successful three days had passed. The volleyball team had earned their second win, while the race team hadn't yet, since their next fight would be tomorrow. Today's big game belongs to the excited, burning hot Basketball team of Japan.

Mitsui went in the gym, Kogure trailing behind him groggily. Neither any of them had any decent sleep last night, since they were very, very excited about their first game. (Uh...except Kae-chan^^) There they met the others with the same condition as they have.

" Guess we all should walk together to the gym." Mitsui said as he saw everyone was present. He rubbed his eye-bagged eyes and let out a slight yawn.

" We better go now, or we'll be late." Akagi said, picking up his bag.

" Haha! Look at Gori! You can't sleep well yesterday, right?" Sakuragi said, looking at Akagi's face closely.

Akagi reddened in shame. " How dare you! And what do you think of yourself?"

Sakuragi's eye-bagged eyes widened, then narrowed in anger and embarrassment. " Temee!!!!"

" Stop it, both of you!" Ryota interrupted, creating a defense J between the gorilla and the redhead. " It's not nice to do this early in the morning."

" And it's not nice to go to the court with lumps and eye bags or black eyes." Kogure giggled softly.

" Well, we'd better go now." Ayako reminded, looking at her blue and white colored watch, with little cherry pink hearts on it's corner. (Actually, that was Ryota's B-day gift for herJ)

" To the championship…!" Akagi cried out, placing his hand on the middle of everyone, which was held by the hands of the others. They all smiled happily as they responded Akagi's sentence. " Yeah!" They cried out as they release their hands in the air.

Akane was in the middle of stepping the ground to follow them as she felt something behind her. Someone familiar. She felt at first, cold, then warm. The feeling was so normal and tempting that she decisively turned around to see a familiar silhouette man behind her.

" Oda?"

Nobuhiro nodded slightly with a smile. Akane nearly cried but just smiled to herself. He was back. Back but lifeless. Still, she was very happy that he was there, at her front. Their beloved captain…

" Oda, since you're here, why don't you join us to the gym? Surely there, you'll see what you want to see. Their…" She said as she looked at the direction of the hopeful group before her. " Their smiles…Of Joy…"

Nobuhiro smiled as his "yes"…

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

~ In a moment, the game between the Basketball team of Japan and the Basketball team of Yor would start…~

" Listen…" Akagi said as he looked pretty serious on the bench of their locker room, his arms folded, and his jacket draped over his shoulder. " This is our first game. I count off those former ones, since this may be their sixth, fifth, or any other. We should give our best." He then stood up that made his jacket fall on the floor.

" I've dreamt of this since I was in grade school! Many nights that I've wondered...what would it feel like to play as a National player? What would it feel to be awarded as champion over other countries…in all those years, my hope sometimes fall, but I never fall myself. And now, this is the day…The day I've been waiting for!"

" Gori." Sakuragi called out, stretching out a hand. " To the championship…?" Akagi smiled and placed his hand over Sakuragi's. " Ossu!" He said. Ryota followed. " Count me in!" Then Kogure. " Me too." Then Mitsui " yeah!"  And then Rukawa, followed by the other team members. Ayako then placed her left hand on top of the others, and her right under. Akane, opposite Ayako, did the same. Lastly, Coach Anzai came in and placed his hand on the very top.

" To the championship…" Coach Anzai started.

" YEAH!!!!!"

" Sakuragi, This was my former jersey number. This is yours now. Number ten looks better on you than me." Mikatsu said, offering a red, white, and black colored jersey to the red head. It indicated a medium sized text saying "sakuragi" at the back, over the big number ten.

" Thanks."

" And this is for Miyagi. My former jersey number, seven."  Said Masaki after giving Ryota his Jersey. Ryota accepted it happily. " I really love the number seven in red color." Ryota remarked.

" Mitsui, this is yours." Toshiro said. " Take good care of the pride of that number. Fourteen was my old jersey number. And here it is." He said, showing his old Jersey to Mitsui. He then placed it back and reached for another plastic that contained Mitsui's new jersey in it. " Thanks" Mitsui said as he accepted his jersey.

" This is yours Kogure." Ryo said, giving him a jersey numbered five. Kogure accepted it gratefully.

" And Akagi, this is yours." Akane said, handing over a huge red, white, and black Jersey to Akagi. " That was Nobuhiro-kun's old number, and as the new captain, you'd be getting the number four." Akagi nodded and took the Jersey. " Thank you." He said.

" Special seats…special-ah! Here they are!!!" Sendoh exclaimed as he plopped his self onto the chair reading "Special seats". Beside him sat Keiji, then Youhei, Haruko, Midori, and the guntai.

" Honestly, I was shocked when I knew that I'd be sitting on a special seat!!!" Takamiya exclaimed, looking over the rail to the bench of All-Japan Basketball team located right in front of them.

" Well, special thanks to Sendoh Keiji-san!!!" Ohkusu remarked, looking at Keiji.

" That was nothing. You should also thank Aki-chan here. Since he's a respected local player, they reserved him a special seat." He said as he glanced at his brother. "Ne, Aki-"

" Mrfhph…?" Akira asked as he turned to their direction, sipping some lemon from the drink he had.

Keiji sweat dropped." You hell love lemons, don't you?"

~ In a moment, we will start. We demand silence from the crowd…~

" Ah, here they come." Youhei said.

~ The players-ah!!!!~ They then heard some rustling and some screaming over the microphone, then after a little while, the sounds settled.

" Huh? What wazzat?" Noma asked curiously.

" I dunno…"

~ A…hem! Well, good day! And now, the players! From Japan!~

" Hey, I know that…" Ryota said from the door.

" Ahh!! My doctor!!!" Mitsui exclaimed.

" Hagaki-san?" Kogure asked.

" The girl at the amusement park!!!!" Akagi shouted.

" The writer!!!" Sakuragi roared.

" What are you doing here?!?!?" Everybody asked in unison.

~ Well, I'm the writer, am I? I have the power to do everything I wish on this fic!!! Ho-ho-ho!!!~

~ And I'm here too!!!~ Minami said, grabbing the mike from Hagaki.

" Even Minami?" Sakuragi asked.

" Where's the announcer? The real one?" Sendoh asked.

 ~ Ah, he's safe and sound!~ (Pic of the announcer with packaging tape on his mouth and strong ropes around his waist, hand, and feet. His eyes blindfolded. He says: "Hmpfelp Mwuhee !!! ("help me" in muffled version)" ^^) (anyway, if you see some minor changes in the player's stats, that's normal because this fic happened approximately 6 years after the one in the series)

~ Anyway, going back…Players from Japan!~

~ Standing 193.5 centimeters, center, Jersey number four, also the team captain…Akagi Takenori!!!~ Akagi then stepped in the court after clapping the hands of his teammates. Japanese people (And fans) cheer happily at their new captain.

" Go, Brother!!" Haruko shouted from her seat.

~ Next! Standing 169 centimeters, point guard, Jersey number seven, Miyagi Ryota!!!~ Cheerings were again heard.

" Ryota!!! Ganbatte!!!" Ayako shouted from the bench.

" Aya-chan…!" Ryota blushed and waved at her. Toink! Sakuragi gave him a punch on the head. " Better go on the court now!!!" He reminded.

~ And, standing 187.2 centimeters, shooting guard, Mitsui Hisashi!!!~ Mitsui then clapped everyone's hands ( Min-kun's, specially^^) and then entered the court, then settled beside Akagi and Ryota.

" Go! Mitchin!!!!" The guntai shouted.

" MIIIIITTTTTTCCCCCHHHHHHHAAAAAAAANNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Mitsui's everlasting fans club shouted.

Mitsui turned red. " You freaks again?!?!?!"

~ Now…Standing (Gorgeously!) 190 centimeters tall,  Small forward, Jersey number ELEVEN,~ The crowd cheered loudly. Girls wave banners saying " Rukawa kun the best!!!", " The THUNDER OF COACHES, Number ELEVEN, Kaede Rukawa", " Rukawa's fan's club" and many other more.

~ Rukawa KAEDE!!! (Hagaki Faints)~

" RUKAWAA!!!!!!" Girls shout loudly as Rukawa clapped the hands of his teammates and stepped onto the court.

" Ooh! Kae-chan has lots of fans here!!" Sendoh said with amazement. " Ganbatte, Rukawa!!!!' He added.

" The crowd's going wild!!!!" Keiji exclaimed.

" No wonder. In all these years, I'm sure Rukawa created a big name. Look, even the girls of other countries cheer for him." Youhei remarked, looking at his back towards some other girls who were persistent in getting the fox ace player's attention.

~ Last but not the least to complete the first five!!! Standing 191.3 centimeters tall, power forward, Sakuragi Hanamichi!!!!~

" Here it goes!!!" Ohkusu said, unfolding a banner. Takamiya and Noma helped him unfold the big banner while everyone eyed their act curiously.

" Hey guys, what's that?" Youhei asked.

" Tantaranantantan!!!!" The guntai exclaimed. Youhei and the others then looked at the banner.

"PRESENTING… "(Below it) Former...foul-out…king…the red haired monkey…"(after it) "  with the famous titles…" (Underneath it)" … PAIN OF THE COACHES… PAIN OF GORI'S BIG ASS… AND… JAPAN'S BIGGEST PAIN… " (Finally) "…SAKURAGI…HANAMICHI!!! " Everyone read slowly.  They then paused for a while. After absorbing each word in their heads, they burst out into laughter. Sendoh pounded the rail with his fist while laughing VERY hard, tears welling his eyes. (OH!!! Kawaii!!!^^) Whereas Keiji try hard not to. Youhei held his stomach as he laughed like there was no tomorrow, and Haruko giggled softly, covering her mouth (but she was kinda offended about the BIG ASS…). Midori turned a bit red and felt a bit offended (o.O But we swear, she's also laughing…)

" Hanamichi!!!!" The guntai exclaimed, waving the banner. Sakuragi steamed red and smoke released from his head abruptly.

" BAKA, OMAE-TACHI!!!!!!!!!!!" (Akagi:* sigh* *veins popping out of his head*)

~ And now…the Yornese….~

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" We count on you, Akagi. Be sure to get the Jump ball." Mitsui said as he tapped Akagi's back, along with the other players, in the middle of the jump ball circle.

" Ossu." Went Akagi's reply.

" Okay! Jump-ball!" The referee exclaimed. Akagi readied himself for the jump ball.

" Akagi, what do you plan for? Best eight? Top ten?"

" The National Championship!!!"

" Whoa! What a high dream!!!"

" Sooner or later, it wouldn't be a dream. It'll turn to reality…"

* And this is the biggest chance to turn that dream into reality…* Akagi thought to himself. He then waited for the signal. After taking a last look at the players, the referee finally blew his whistle and tossed the ball in the air. Akagi jumped incredibly high and managed to get the jump ball. The audience was amazed since the center he beat in the jump ball was one of the best. Ryota caught the ball and started to instruct his teammates about their moves.

" Rukawa!" He exclaimed as he used the over pass to give Rukawa the ball. Rukawa caught it and dribbled it, his back facing his opponent. He then faced his opponent and charged towards the court. Abruptly, he jumped, preparing for a quick, clean, and easy jump shot.

" That's suicidal!!!" Keiji exclaimed.

" Nope. That's really him." Akira said, looking calm and cool on his seat.

But then, the one who was guarding him jumped to block it. Rukawa looked at his opponent by the eye. Rukawa grunted a bit but then he passed the ball backwards towards Akagi, who caught it and made his greatest signature move…

" Gorilla dunk!!!" Ayako happily exclaimed, raising a fist in the air as Akagi succeeded in smashing the ball onto the hoop heavily. Everyone in the gym cheered loudly as the scoreboard finally got its first score.

" Gori!!! Nice!!!" Sakuragi exclaimed as he clapped his hands with Akagi.

" That's just a warm up! Let's go!!! Shoho- er- Japan….fight!!!"

" Yeah!!!"

 Yornese jersey number 24 Nob Voiji caught the rolling ball on his hands. After pushing aside his golden dyed stray locks of hair on his face, he remarked: " Japan…not a bad team…"

Nob, the Yornese point guard, started to dribble the ball. Ryota was guarding him pretty well. Even the slightest chance Ryota didn't give.

" First time?" Nob said, dribbling the ball. Ryota curiously looked back at him, who just smiled.

* How impudent.* Ryota thought. He then noticed that Nob dribbled a bit slow. * he's coming*

Nob charged so fast that Ryota was unable to catch him. Akagi attempted to block Nob, but to no avail. Nob shot his first point recklessly but neat on to the ring. Girls cheered loudly inside the gym as Nob raised his thumbs-up on the air, smiling cheekily.

" Sorry. He's just to fast…" Ryota said as he wiped his chin, panting a bit heavily.

" No. It's alright. This is just the start." Akagi said, patting Ryota's back. " Get ready for offense!!!"

" Hn. That guy's so impudent. If this court was a wrestling court, I'll surely break his neck before he knows it." Sakuragi cracked his knuckles madly.

" Don't be to hot, Sakuragi. That may even be the cause of your foul outs." Mitsui reminded.

" That's what I am waiting for." Rukawa barged in.

" Teme! Rukawa!!!" BONK!

" Stop that! Concentrate on the offense!" Exclaimed Akagi, smacking Sakuragi hard on his red head.

" But it was him who started it…" *Chibi Sakuragi cry*

Fifteen minutes of showdown between styles, power, creativity, and teamwork had passed. Rukawa and Mitsui scored graciously most of Japan's points; Mitsui, obviously hitting the hottest three-pointers and lay-ups while Rukawa showed up some beautiful dunks, creative lay-ups, smashing fade-away's, and many others. Sakuragi and Akagi reigned when it comes to defense and rebounds, showing that they are worthy being formerly called as " king and prince under the basket". Ryota amazed people with his superb passing and creative mind that resulted to their nice plays. Not only in passing and bearing a creative mind, he also astounded many by his grand talent of ripping (act of stealing the ball abruptly but clean from the opponent) and great speed.

Despite this, the Yornese are showing almost equal force and power of that of the Japanese players. The guy, Nob Voiji attempted to be equal with Ryota, and almost succeeded. Center, number 13, Qinz ( Can't think of any other name…^^) Gee stole a few rebounds from Akagi and Sakuragi. Shooting guard, number 32, B. Part (er…), shot some lay-ups and three-pointers, but not as many as Mitsui's and Rukawa's. Small forward D. V. D (^^ ahem…I'm actually watching one now…), number 16, showed some reckless, but hasty and nice movements. Power forward T. Hox ( o.O what a name…) showed some skill in rebounding and defense.

Right now, the Yornese coach called his first time-out. Current score: 23-29. In favor of Japan.

" Everyone is showing good movements, and that's nice." Coach Anzai remarked, looking proudly at his team, who were releasing a few sweat and heavy breaths. " But remember that GOOD isn't enough…"

" BEST is enough!!!" Continued Sakuragi. Caoch Anzai laughed softly. " That's right." He said.

" Miyagi, be careful with their point guard. I sense that he's planning something." Coach Anzai warned.

" Uh…Yes. I will." Ryota replied.

The referee then whistled and said: " Time out over!!! Go back to your positions!"

" Yoshi! We'll increase our lead this first half!!!" Akagi exclaimed.

Mitsui, who was standing behind the sideline, passed the ball onto Ryota. Ryota started to dribble towards the goal, thinking of a tactic.

" Pass!" Rukawa exclaimed, waving a hand in the air. Ryota quickly saw this and passed it onto Rukawa. But then, Nob hastily caught the ball in mid-air. Rukawa grunted a bit. After some quick moment, his face showed hope as he saw Ryota preparing to tap the ball from Nob's hands as soon as his feet touches the ground.

Nob finally laid his feet firm on the ground, and Ryota successfully tapped the ball, and then passed it onto the waiting Rukawa who was now beside him. Rukawa dribbled swiftly to the restricted area, hoping to dunk the ball. But Qinz fly swatted the ball. Luckily, Mitsui caught it before it bounced off to the sideline and dribbled backwards to the three-point line, preparing yet another three point. He released the ball, causing everyone to pay close attention if it would be in or not.

* Go in…!* Mitsui thought. Unfortunately…

The ball bounced on the ring. 

Mitsui grumbled and mentally cursed himself for missing the shot. " Rebound!!!" He exclaimed.

" Leave it to me!!!" Sakuragi jumped swiftly and attempted to steal the rebound from Qinz, but instead, another hand shoved it, Akagi's. Akagi successfully caught the rebound and passed it onto Sakuragi. T. Hox defended him but he faked perfectly, completely deceiving T. Hox. He then passed the ball to Ryota, who finished it with a quick lay-up, astounding everyone since it was a result of a nice teamwork.

" Nice Ryota!!!!" Ayako shouted from her seat.

" Go Japan!!!" The guntai exclaimed.

" Honestly, I thought Rukawa would finish it. He changed a bit. He's more of a team player now." Sendoh remarked, smiling happily.

" The score's thirty-one now…" Mitsui said as he looked onto the scoreboard.

~ Folks! You've just seen Japan's great teamwork! Miyagi Ryota with the plan, Rukawa Kaede with the (SUBARASHI!!!) act, Mitsui Hisashi saving the ball nearly escaping from the sideline, Akagi Takenori with the rebound, Sakuragi with the fake, and Miyagi Ryota once more with the smashing end!!!~ Hagaki (I) gleefully exclaimed.

~ But I gotta admit though, I thought that Mitsui would really smash the score into a thirty-two to twenty three.~ Minami said.

~ Well, even the best three-pointers miss some shots sometimes. Anyway! Here they come again! Yornese point guard Nob Voiji with the ball!!!~

Nob nearly had enough. He was so frustrated with the fact that Ryota was far greater than him.

" Nob, cool down. That may result to you having a foul." D.V.D reminded.

* Foul…?* Nob thought. Then, a mischievous, dirty plan entered his mind.

He then dribbled the ball hastily towards the goal, and stopped right in front of Ryota, his back facing Ryota's front. He didn't dribble. He was just like that for the past ten seconds.

" What is he doing?" Ayako asked, eyeing the scene closely.

" Looks like he's going on for a bad plan." Coach Anzai said, his eyes hid under the gleam of his eyeglasses.

" What...plan?" Asked Ayako.

" Look's like he's planning to knock Ryota down so that the chance of our team in winning would decrease. I have to admit that Ryota played a big role in creating a lead of eight points against this powerful team. It's such a tricky, dirty plan…" Akane said, looking dead serious.

" That's…" Ayako was speechless. That shouldn't happen. Before she could even turn her head, she heard the referee whistle.

" Intentional foul! White, number 24!!!" hollered the referee.

" Ryota!!!"

" Miyagi-san!!!"
Ayako slowly turned her head, preparing for he worst. She then saw Ryota, body and head down on the floor. Akagi and the others, with the referee, surround him.

Ayako quickly grabbed the medical kit, along with Akane.

" Referee time!!!" The referee exclaimed.

" Ryota!!!" Ayako knelt down beside him, turning him over. His left eye was bleeding badly and he was also unconscious. " Ryota!!!" She nearly cried.

" Oh heck! What happened?" Takamiya asked, looking over the railing.

" That impudent guy did that on purpose." Youhei said. " What a dirty thing to do."

" Did what? It was so fast, I didn't even had the chance to see it!" Said Takamiya.

" That Nob guy hit Miyagi on the eye by the elbow, since he wanted Miyagi to be benched and decrease our team's chances of wining." Sendoh explained, his eyebrows furiously meeting on the middle of his head. " What a shame. He's got the talent but he's a menace, a dirty player. No-he doesn't even deserve the title of 'player'."

" Is he still alive?" Sakuragi asked. Akagi punched him on the head.

" Of co-"

" Of course he is!!!" Ayako interrupted, her tears finally flowed to her cheek.

" Um…I'm sorry…" Sakuragi apologized. " I mean…hey guys! Let's help in bringing him to the clinic!" Everyone nodded as they carefully lifted Ryota from the ground, onto the stretcher that was brought in by the medics of the clinic.

~ Folks, what an unbelievable thing that the point guard, Nob Voiji, did!!! We sure hope that the injury is not that bad…~ Minami reported. * Hagaki burns madly, shouting (gladly not on the mike^^) : " How dare you, impudent sucker!!!!"*

" Masaki-san. Please warm up and replace him." Coach Anzai instructed.

" Uh…Yes sir." Masaki then took off his T-shirt, revealing his number six jersey underneath. As he went to the corner to warm up, he was thinking very hard. How the hell could I replace him? I admit, I am also good, since I've experienced this over and over again. But Miyagi is greater than me…I mean…I may have a creative mind but I suck a bit on passing, ripping, stealing. Unlike him…Oh God…help me…

" Will he be alright? " Sakuragi asked as they left the clinic.

" Ayako's there, along with the medics. I'm sure he'll be." assured Mitsui.

" Well, we should fill up the gap he left." Akagi said.

" I can." Rukawa said. Akagi then looked back at him. He then saw Rukawa's eyes burning for victory.

" No, Rukawa. You can have your showdown in the second half. You need to reserve your stamina." Akagi said.

" Fine." Rukawa replied.

" Nyaha! Leave it to the tensai!!!"

" No Sakuragi, you just concentrate on getting the rebounds." said Akagi.

" Gori!!!"

" I second the motion since we really can't depend on you when it comes to offense!" Mitsui said.

" Mit-chin!!!"

The referee then whistled as the signal for the game to start again. Only 16 minutes to go before half time. Would Masaki successfully fill the gap Ryota left? Would Ryota recover fast?

Watch out for the next episode…er…chapter of…TO OUR DREAMS!!!!

Author's note:

Hagaki: Well, the ending's kinda like those ones in the drama blah blah, or like the ones in "THE MASKED RIDER…"

Minami: Stupid cat!

Hagaki: URUSE!!!! Oh, by the way…I already miss our hair…

Minami: Eh?

Hagaki: We had our SHORTEST haircut, didn't we? Before we had it up to our waists, the now, it's only five inches below the shoulders!!! *SOB*

Minami: Yeah…

Hagaki: ANYWAY!!!! There ya have it!!!! Chappy 15!!!! Oh, by the way, for all those MitKo fans out there, I already posted my firat Yaoi ( Obviously MitKo), entitle "POWER OF TWO". Actually, the original plan was to make it a one shot, but I created a sequel to it, entitled " LIBERATE ME". Oh please, read that fic and review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Both: JA NE!!!!!!!!!!!!!