WARNING: Minimal Romance this chap (Well, we had to do the tournaments!)! I'll make up for it the next chapter I swear. xD
DISCLAIMER: I WISH I own Slam Dunkand Kawamura Takashi from Prince of Tennis.
...
CHAPTER 13: Tournaments
RUKAWA RESIDENCE
Rukawa was fast asleep when a rhythm began to enter his consciousness. Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
It was the sound of something relatively soft, continuously hitting his window. He begrudgingly opened his eyes and turned his head to his side and saw a moving blur. Moments later he realized what he was seeing was a basketball gently, but incessantly, being thrown against his window.
Rukawa was not an early riser, particularly since he has practiced well after midnight, and he frowned at the interruption. He covered his face with his pillow, tuning out the annoying sound, but it only got louder. He begrudgingly stood up and opened the window, skilfully catching the ball that was just about to hit his face.
"Nice catch."
He blinked and slowly put down the ball, sight met with hair as red as the ball. "What are you doing here?"
"The courts are still under construction (some sort of political scandal that caused the mayor to change, partially forgetting about the court project for a while). I'll keep using this court, after all." She nonchalantly told him. She had used his court a couple of days since the soup incident, and apparently she'll be using it for a while longer.
She stared at him as if thinking of something. She crossed her arms pompously the moment she remembered, as if remembering it was a feat. "Also...," she said. "The tournament is today."
Rukawa blinked (especially considering the utter embarrassment of her confession only a few days prior) and then gave her a blank stare. The game's with a school that starts with a letter M. He shrugged in the end, not bothering to remember, and readied himself to go downstairs. But just before he left the window, he turned back to look at her, who was still staring at him. "You seem to be in a good mood, especially for someone who just humiliated herself." He paused. "D'aho."
She didn't have the time to retort as he reached the dining room. He does not expect Mito Yohei to be in the table. "Yo," he said, raising a hand in greeting, before proceeding in chewing something. "Hanamichi and I eat breakfast together often. Apparently she got invited here, so she invited me." Mito said as if he asked.
"I asked Maya-chan first, of course." The redheaded Idiot added as she chewed her food. Maya-chan? Rukawa looked at his fifty year-old housekeeper and if he wasn't the so-called human iceberg, he'd have cringed.
"Anyway, eat this! I made it myself." The Idiot grinned proudly. "You'll marvel at my genius for sure."
"D'Aho." He said, but he willingly ate it anyway.
All Hanamichi heard was his insult though, and verbal insults float in the air for minutes after that. Yohei was just laughing out loud, eating his food as if he's watching a humor movie.
Still, Maya smiled. It has been long since the house was lively in the morning, and certainly the first to see Kaede this energetic. Her young master had really made some good friends.
"You three sure are having fun."
Yohei laughed even louder, while Hanamichi and Rukawa glared at her. "...HAAA?"
...
"He actually crashed into a tree, a lamp post, and an old man..." Mito laughed as he walked with Hanamichi, the rest of their gangs walking ahead of them, wooing the group of school girls that had been unfortunate enough to enter their line-of-sight.
Hanamichi agreed. "And he calls me an idiot."
"Maybe we'll get there before him, despite us waiting for these idiots and him on his pink bike." He paused and slightly turning his head to Hanamichi, to see her reaction. "And maybe he'll be covered in blood when we see him next."
She froze in her tracks and her posture stiffened. The next thing he knew she was already sprinting (pushing the rest of the gang away like she's Moses), yelling 'that idiotbakakitsune!' to the direction of the train.
Yohei grinned, proving to himself that Hanamichi was indeed worried for the kitsune.
His grin disappeared as quickly as it appeared, however, when he remembered Hanamichi's horrendous sense of direction.
...
"...where am I?"
Sakuragi Hanamichi comically looked left, right, and behind as if she'll see something familiar. She had somehow managed to get into the train. Although in retrospect, it was probably the wrong one.
"SHIKUSO!"
She stomped her way across the carts in annoyance, causing a wave of people to willingly get out of her way. But her feet stopped at the sight of a really tall guy whose face she can't see yet because he's so tall. He had copper-colored skin like Ryouta's and he was wearing a blue suit that could only be a basketball jersey. "Have you played basketball, jii-san?"
The man flinched at this and slowly turned his head to her, eyes moving in a way that showed that he had been expecting a girl that was much smaller. Then his stare moved to her hair and he blinked. Hanamichi frowned at the ogle. "I asked you a question jii-san."
"How rude..." was all he says before facing the direction of the window. "I am only seventeen."
"...what?"
Apparently, everyone in earshot reacted the same way. The teenage old man frowned, as if a vein has appeared in his head, and willed himself to ignore this rude girl. He shouldn't talk to her anymore, despite the curiosity of that red hair of hers. "So you don't play basketball?"
"I do."
"You're on a high school team?" She almost wanted to add if he's going as a coach, but she was much too in a hurry. The teenage old man nodded.
"Yes."
"So you know the way to Nispedana Sports Complex?"
He raised an eyebrow, thinking if he should tell her he was going the same way. It was a double-edged sword, only with very little advantages for him. "What are you going to do there, then?"
"My team has a game there."
"Oh?"
This time, it was her eyebrows that rose. "You're creepy, jii-san."
His eyes twitched. Never in his life had he been irritated so many times in the span of two minutes (which was special because he had a teammate whose arrogance was on par with this one). But alas, he was never the type to snap at strangers. Then again, if she wasn't a stranger anymore maybe it can be a bit different. She certainly acted as if he was no longer an innocent bystander, but someone she could freely insult.
"What's your name?"
The furrow of her eyebrows completely disappeared and she grinned proudly, crossing her arms, and emitted a pompous aura that caught him off-guard. "I see... so you are interested in this tensai, huh?"
Tensai?
"My name is Sakuragi Hanamichi! As you probably already know, I am the trainor of Shohoku—a team that will definitely get in the Nationals!"
And despite himself, he laughed. "Full of yourself, eh?"
"Yes." She said, without a hint of doubt. "And of my team."
...
NISPEDANA SPORTS COMPLEX
An hour later
"Where's Sakuragi?"
Mito sweat drops. It seems he has caused trouble for the team again. How was he supposed to know she'd run like that? But he saw Rukawa (with a small bandage on his arm) and now he knew just how accident prone the guy was, after all...
But before they could drill him, the resounding loud voice that they were waiting for catches their attentions. "I'm here!" she yelled and raised a hand in greeting, wearing that carefree grin on her face.
She was met by the manager's clipboard on her head. "You're late!" Ayako yelled, and then pulled her by the ear to coach Anzai. Ayako's hand found its way on the back of her head and forced her to bow in apology.
"Ohohoho. No harm done. The game is only starting, anyway."
Hanamichi nodded at this with no hint of remorse on her face. Ayako sighed because now the redhead thought she hadn't done anything wrong! But alas, she just sat on her chair and sighed (again) as they waited for the teams to assemble. Sakuragi sat beside her with legs crossed, eyes stealing glances at the opposing team.
"Who's the opponent?"
"Miuradai," Ayako answered. "They're quite strong—especially for their first opponent. Their target is Kainan, the number one team in the prefecture."
"Ehh..." Sakuragi mumbled half-interestedly, because she didn't know of this Kainan. But despite what Ayako said… in the end, the only regular player sent out was Akagi. Naturally, every other player who expected they'd be regulars reacted vehemently.
"What? WHY?!"
"COACH!"
"Anzai-sensei!"
"This is punishment for fighting." He said. The Sakuragi gang may have taken the blame so the team isn't in trouble, but the truth remained: They fought back.
" .Tsk." Hanamichi shook her head behind the coach, feigning disappointment for the player's self-control. This made the others practically explode.
"Why you—you were the one who beat most of them up!"
"You're a delinquent, too!"
Hanamichi acted shocked. "Me? I'm a lady, why would I fight?"
"Teemeeeee—"
Kawamura passed by the others, completely befuddled, and turned to the coach. "But… I was asleep the whole time."
"Punishment for not waking up." Even though if he did wake up and held a basketball, he certainly would have joined in the fight.
"...Hai?"
The coach only laughed.
And with that, they just knew the coach was also determined to give the first half to Akagi. So much for not underestimating the opponent team…
…
Sendoh sat with his team as they watched the game with blunt interest. However, only Akagi was noteworthy in Shohoku's side and he wondered why the others weren't sent out. Miuraidai was not that weak, after all.
"What is coach Anzai thinking?" Hikuichi asked no one in particular. Still, he raised his pen and wore that characteristic glint on his eyes, ready to write the first thing something worthy came up. "I must see th—!"
"Rukawa! Rukawa! L-O-V-E RUKAWA!
"Ah, Rukawa-san's as popular as ever..." Hikuichi said, sighing, frowning that he lost the chance to utter his catch phrase.
Sendoh's eyes, on the other hand, gazed down to Shohoku's benches. Really, even if one's not looking there anyone's sights would really gravitate towards that area. Not only was her hair eye-catching, that team simply had a sort of energy people liked to watch.
He watched as she teased her benched team mates, noting that there were two promising-looking players he had not met before. "So interesting..." he said, just before he was attacked by thirst and decided to get something to drink, before the game got more interesting.
With the flop created by opening his can, he stood by the upper fence and continued watching. Akagi and Kogure were struggling, but they were holding out considering their opponent's strength.
He found his eyes ending up on the benches again, as if to see the other players getting ready to enter. They all looked agitated to play though, which meant there was probably no sign that the coach that he'll let them play. Hanamichi looked as lively as always and he seriously wanted to walk there to maybe temporarily join their team. He actually almost did, until he felt a strong presence beside him.
"Maki." He uttered, surprised. Maki Shinichi was the captain of Kainan, and he had been watching the game?
"You seem interested in Shohoku," was all he says, as if hearing his internal question. Sendoh blinked for a moment, just before waving it off and continued to drink his soda.
"And you seem older."
This earned him a glare and, Sendoh being Sendoh, he shrugged and decided to nonchalantly answer the question instead. "We… played with them before. We almost lost, by the way."
Maki blinked and looks at the scoreboard. It says 30-20, with Shohoku losing. Miuradai wasn't weak, but it shouldn't be able to hold up too well against a team that almost beat Ryounan (and a team that had been excessively bragged about). "Is that so?" he asked, and looked at the court.
"Only Akagi's the notable player in there at the moment, I don't know what happened but the other players are kept at the bench."
Maki looked at the benches and recalled a certain loud conversation (or was it a monologue?) in the train not too long ago. "You're lucky you'll get to watch my team!" the redhead said proudly. "If we have been banned because of certain idiots, you'd have missed half your life." He did not say anything though, and retained his sights at the dark-skinned power center.
"He's the captain, right?" Maki asked. "He's good."
"He's a great leader, too." Sendoh supplied, relaxing his weight into the wrought iron railings. "Akagi has the ability to manage the potential of the problematic players." He looked at the benched players, and all of their bandages. "I have a gut feeling those new ones are a handful."
"Anyway," Sendoh looked up to face the star player beside him, almost assessing him. "You really do seem older, Maki."
"I encountered a troublesome woman." Sendoh perked up at this, and watches his friend/rival's most miniscule reactions. "One hour more I spend with her..., I feel my hair will turn white."
"But you talk about her like she's a niece who annoys and endears you at the same time."
"Don't talk nonsense."
Sendoh gave an understanding smile and turned his head to resume watching the game. It did not take long for the bell to ring, signalling a time out, and his smile widened.
"Finally."
...
Maki did not speak for a bulk of the game after that. The four players that have entered the court all showed skills that matched Akagi. He knew number 14, Mitsui Hasashi. If he wasn't mistaken, he was once the MVP of his prefecture during middle school. He hadn't improved that much, but his skills were top-notch. Number 7 was similarly impressive, small but agile and he wrote the game with ease. Number 10 wasn't an obvious choice. He just followed wherever the ball was and his expression almost was always that of confusion. When the ball was in his hands, however, he thought that only the redhead could match his energy. The boy's physical strengths glowed during this period as well.
And finally Rukawa, the obvious star player, shined in a way that reminded him of this guy beside him during his first year. Personality-wise however, they were complete opposites. Neither basked in the glory of a score—always moving to score another immediately afterwards—but Rukawa's play was individual showcase, and when he had the ball, his team was almost nonexistent.
They were all very impressive players, he thought, with massive potential. Still, he mused as his eyes turned towards the benches, they had a long way to go to beat Kainan.
In a flash, Shohoku caught up. And the first half ended, just like that.
...
The flow in the second half was no doubt Shohoku's. Their lead got bigger and bigger and a certain redhead, along with the others, were cheering like hell.
"Ora, Ora! Kawamura! Why are you so meek?!" Sakuragi yelled and right on cue the ball was passed to him. His pure vehemence paved way and he made an impressive layup.
"ORA, ORA! GREEAAATOOOO!" she yelled mimicking his speech pattern and Kawamura (who was not holding the ball anymore but still had a hang-over) raised his hand in confidence. "GREAATTTTOOO!"
In the upper tier, meanwhile, Ryounan watched in amusement. "Hahaahah. Shohoku is as energetic as always, huh?"
"Sendoh? Where have you been?"
"Here and there," he shrugged as he dropped down on his seat. "I met Maki, by the way."
"Ehhh?"
"Maki's here?"
"Where?!"
He only smiled, partly because he wasn't sure anymore and partly because he liked teasing people. Speaking of teasing, Shohoku's currently riding the momentum on surfboards. He wondered if Miuradai will have any more surprises. He looked at the enemy benches and sees a huge guy with towel covering his head.
And apparently—as they would be shown moments later—that Miuraidai did have something hidden in their hands. Sendoh looked at the agitated coach and smiled. "They're going to show their hands soon."
...
And indeed they have.
His name was (as Sendoh'll find out well after the game) Naito Tetsuya.
Then once again, the bell rang signalling a change of players. A huge sophomore appeared and he brought trouble. He was strong and quick, actually bringing their lead significantly lower.
Naito was a large strong man, who probably would be better in sports like rugby. He could push Akagi aside, and had a strong presence. Although, it was obvious that he still had a lot to learn, he was causing quite the trouble.
"STOP HITTING PEOPLE, damnit!" He heared Sakuragi yell. Everyone in Shohoku seemed to be very irritated, in fact even Rukawa, and everyone knew he got even better when he's annoyed.
And in a few shots, the 'secret weapon's' weakness was exposed. He was slow with horizontal movements and the players passed by him easily from then on out.
"KAWAMURA!"
"GREATOOOOOO!"
The timer stated 14 seconds..., and the score was 114-51, and will stay that way.
And then the ball met Naito, face-on. He lost consciousness thereafter.
The game went on, however, and the meek Kawamura—despite his teammate's efforts to soothe him—was down on the benches in remorse.
...3,
2,
1,
The whistle blew and Shohoku won. Sakuragi jumped in glee, practically carrying the manager with her.
And Sendoh couldn't help but laugh.
.
END OF CHAPTER 13
Coming Soon:
CHAPTER 14: PAIRS
New love is beginning to brew.
And when the hell will Rukawa be a team player, anyway?
REPLIES TO ANGELS
Biggirls89 – Thank you for reviewing! I am glad you think it's good! And I apologize for taking forever. Huhu. Hope you enjoy this regardless!
Hikaru Itsuko – Yes I am back! Sorry I took forever (again). Looking forward to your translation btw! Hehehe. And indeed! I enjoy writing Sendoh, the smoking piece of—
Krisyeol77 – Thanks for reviewing! Super sorry I take so long to update, I just hope it's worth the wait. xD
Guest [May 5. 2016] – Super glad to know you find the story awesome! I will continue. I may take a long time to update but I will finish this!
Neaki – (ch8) Yep. It was a very sad episode for MaleHanamichi! Hahaha. In retrospect, I couldn't believe how much I liked Mitsui when I rewatched that ep.
Jheyr – Hihihi. I looove reverse harems. Glad you enjoyed how the men in her life is! Thanks for reviewing
Hopelessromantic – Glad I made you laugh and thanks for telling me!
xXxRoCkEreAdeRxXx – heheh IKR. I can only write that situation with Sakuragi. Very few leads can be this airheaded! Hahaha. Glad you enjoyed btw and thx for reviewing!
Silverhastears – Here it is! Thanks for commenting!
SovietAxelus – I'm glad you thought it was great! Hope this chap is OK and thx for reviewing!
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