It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, three weeks before the scheduled date of the Nationals and Hanamichi is just chilling out at his apartment after a week long of grueling practice. Advertisements for the upcoming National Championship are ongoing on national TV and both teams, Kanagawa University and Yokohama University of Kyoto are temporary celebrities. Here has even a once-a-week update on the members of both teams. Many Japanese are diehard basketball fans and are willing to watch the game live. The National Championship is a major event in Japan's TV history and everyone is anticipating that year's Finals.

"This is the life! Doing what you want to do and even be famous for it." Hanamichi was having a late afternoon snack while watching him and his other team members on TV.

"I can say the tensai look really good. Real good." Hanamichi Sakuragi, having been over the lost to Kainandan High during his high school days, decided to grow his red-hair down to his chin. It was no longer the shaved look that he wants but more likely he hair of Mitsui in his gangster days. During games, he would tie it loosely. He has the looks that project an aura of fierce authority on the court that will make every girl swoon for him.

"What can I say? Some people have the looks and some people have the brains. Luckily the tensai's got them both." Hanamichi laughed appreciatively at this thought.

DING DONG.

DING DONG.

"Coming!" yelled Hanamichi.

"Who are you?" he eyed the visitor warily.

"Mr. Hanamichi Sakuragi. Good afternoon, I'm Toshiro Yokiba. May I come in?" A man in dark gray suit was outside of Hanamichi's door.

"Sure, but may I know why you're here?"

"I would prefer to discuss this inside."

"Ok." He shrugged.

"May I offer you anything?"

"Thank you but don't bother."

"So, why are you here?"

"Well, Sakuragi-san, have you heard of the Tokyo Thundercats?"

"Have I heard of them?!? Does night follow day?!? Do I have red hair? You bet I've heard of them?"

"As you can see Mr. Sakuragi, we are a rather important team at the All-Japan Basketball Association. We only include the best in the country."

"Soo... why are you telling me this?"

"I am a talent scout for the Tokyo Thundercats, Mr. Sakuragi. I've been watching you ever since you've joined Kanagawa varsity team. I must say I'm impressed with hou you have handled the team."

"Excuse me, but I'm not catching your drift."

"It's very simple Mr. Sakuragi. I am very willing to nominate you for your membership as a Thundercat provided of your consistent performance at the Nationals. If your team wins, you'll be a Thundercat. Are you interested?"

"...Are you serious?" Hanamichi stammered. "Of course I will be Mr. Yokiba."

"Good luck hen, Mr. Sakuragi. Let's hope we meet again. I'll be leaving."

Hanamichi stared at him as he walked out the door. As soon as he realized that the scout was gone. Hanamichi let out a sheer yell.

"Wahoooooo!!!!"

Hanamichi could not contain his excitement about the nomination. He quickly dressed to visit Youhei.

"Youhei!!! You'll never guess what had happened!"

"What? Stop screaming or you'll break my eardrums."

"I'll give you three guesses."

"Uhm... A fleet of aliens invaded you kitchen and you're out of food?

"Youhei!! Be serious." Hanamichi slapped Youhei at the forehead.

"Ouch. Let's see...you found out that you topped your philosophy test yesterday?"

"D-uh. Like that would ever happen. Guess again."

"You won the lottery?"

"Much, much better than that!"

"I give up! What happened?"

"The talent scout for the Tokyo Thundercats just came to my apartment. We had a deal that if we won the nationals, he would nominate me for a membership." Hanamichi grinned widely at he announcement.

Youhei whistled at this. "That is good news."

"See? This is my chance! This my break!"

"Congratulations Hana. Whew! Talk about pressure. Aren't you a little nervous?"

"You have a lot of things to learn Youhei. The tensai is never nervous."

"Yare, yare. Don't you remember the practice game against Ryonan? You were so nervous you couldn't move.

"That was so long ago. The tensai surely have gotten over it."

"Whatever you say."

"Just wait and see Youhei." At this Hanamichi smiled secretly.