Third person's point of view

As the game started, Shoyo has more advantage when it comes to their height, they can pass the ball through the air easily. Hanagata has the ball jumps to shoot, so as Akagi who's guarding him. Akagi failed to block him because Hanagata uses the 'turn around jump shot'. The gym is now again filled with Shoyo fans cheering.

Sakuragi approach Hanagata. "Damn! You blind fool!"

Hanagata looks confuse

Sakuragi steps closer and pointed his finger to Hanagata's throat. "Blind fool, don't worry I'll beat you eventually."

Hanagata didn't say anything and just walk away from Sakuragi.

"Who do you think you are?! You ignore me, the tensai!" Sakuragi yelled.

"Step aside!" Akagi spoke from behind Sakurai and shoved him by the head.

Shohoku now has the ball. Rukawa passes it to Akagi but Shoyo's number 7 steals the ball. Shoyo now has the ball Sakuragi is guarding number 8 who now has the ball, Sakuragi hit his arm resulting to a hitting foul.

"Stupid! Who told you to make a move?" Akagi lectured as he hit Sakuragi at the head.

"Number 1 foul so quick." Miyagi and Mitsui said while pointing their finger to Sakuragi.

Shoyo now has the ball and passes it around until Hanagata has the ball and successfully scored. As the game continues, Shoyo keeps scoring and Shohoku has no idea how to stop them. It's been 6 minutes and the score 11-0 to Shoyo, and another thing is that looks like Shohoku is getting tired. Shohoku has the ball but Shoyo steals it again. Shoyo passes it to Hanagata, Akagi falls for Hanagata's fake shot before Hanagata makes his real shot, Rukawa steals the ball form him. Rukawa pushes forward and got pass to all of their defenses and successfully scored. The crowd was shocked on how Rukawa a freshman managed to get pass Shoyo's defenses and scored.

"AHH~ Rukawa! Rukawa! L-O-V-E Rukawa!" The 3 fan girls of Rukawa cheered.

Y/n laugh. "L-O-V-E Rukawa." Y/n murmured and smiled on how ridiculous their chant is.

"You guys move like bunch of old men..." Rukawa said while looking over his shoulder. "Who's going to pass the ball to you guys?" Rukawa walks away casually.

"You're too cocky!" Shohoku's other 4 players angerly yelled at Rukawa.

Shohoku is now back on their defense. Hanagata has the ball who was going to shoot but Akagi blocks him. Shoyo's number 8 has the ball but Miyagi is fast enough to steal the ball from him. Miyagi turns the game into a fast break, he passes the ball to Sakuragi but misses his shot. Shoyo's number 8 was about to get the ball but Rukawa pushes the ball to the ring and scored without being called a foul. Shoyo has the ball, Miyagi manages to steal the ball again from Shoyo, another fast break. Miyagi passes the ball to Sakuragi and he scores. Shoyo has the ball but got stolen again by Miyagi, he passes the ball to Akagi and Miyagi run towards him to get the ball. Shoyo fall for Miyagi's fake shot and the ball went in, score 11-8 to Shoyo. Shoyo called for a time out.

Y/n made her way to Rukawa with his towel and water. "You're so amazing Kaede-kun!"

Rukawa grab his water from her. "Thanks."

Y/n tip-toe as she attempts to wipe his sweat like last night. Rukawa bend down for her to do her job properly.

Rukawa still notice her pinkish cheeks as she attempts to hide it.

"Your fan-chant is so cute." Y/n said as she gives his towel to him.

"Fan-chant?" Rukawa asked as he accepts his towel and gives her his water bottle.

"Yeah. 'Rukawa Rukawa! L-O-V-E Rukawa!'." Y/n imitate his three fan girls.

Rukawa laugh on what Y/n just did. He did found it adorable.

As the time out ended, Shoyo has the ball and Miyagi steals it causing another fast break, but Shoyo made their fast defense preventing Miyagi to pass, he passes the ball to Akagi and he pass the ball to Mitsui, he shoots a 3-pointer and scores. Shohoku has tied with Shoyo. After Mitsui's one shot, people at the bleachers were starting to recognize him has the MVP of National Junior High Championship.

"They have the Junior High MVP Mitsui! The super PG Miyagi! The number 1 rookie Rukawa! And the big gorilla Akagi!" The people at the bleachers cheered.

"Akagi, Rukawa, Miyagi, Mitsui! Shohoku is so powerful, no wonder it's an easy task for them." The crowd cheered.

"Hey! Wait! Didi you guys forget me, The tensai Sakuragi!" Sakuragi yelled at the crowd.

Hanagata has the ball, he shoots the ball but didn't go in he rebounded the ball by himself and scores. Mitsui has the ball, Hanagata stands in front of him to block him. Mitsui shoots the ball, it went in. At the same time, Hanagata got out of balance when Mitsui jumps to shoot the ball. Mutsui got offensive foul and his shot has no count. The first half ended with the score 31-22 to Shoyo.

The second half starts. Sakuragi is trying to get the rebound and shoot the ball 3 time and all fail, Akagi had enough and did the job himself and dunk the ball. Shoyo has the ball, Sakuragi got the rebound and try to shoot it again but failed Akagi scored again. Shoyo has the ball, Sakuragi got the rebound and passes the ball to Miyagi, fast break and Rukawa scored, 35-36 to Shoyo. Fujima knew that he is needed inside the court, Shoyo change players. Ryonan and Kainan are now watching the game. Fujima scores as soon as he steps in. Akagi force the shot, Sakuragi got the rebound Fujima steals the ball from him. Miyagi catches up with him. AS Fujima shoots, Sakuragi jumps from his behind to stop him but the ball went in and Sakuragi landed at Fujima and Miyagi.

"Whoops..." Sakuragi spoke.

"You bastard!" Shoyo player yells at Sakuragi.

"You're okay right? Mr. Guard..." Sakuragi asked as he rub the back of his neck.

"Bastard! What kind of attitude is that!?" Shoyo players yelled.

"Stop!" Fujima spoke. "This is nothing!"

"White number 10! Intentional foul!" The referee shouts.

Score 40-46 to Shoyo. Hanagata has the ball he scored. After that Shohoku called for a time out.

The 5 players took a seat as Anzai-sensei stands in front of them.

"Well, then..." Anzai-sensei started. "Do you still remember what I said to you all before the match?"

"Of course!" Akagi answered.

"We are the strongest!" Akagi, Rukawa, Miyagi, Mitsui and Sakuragi shouted together.

"Very good." Anzai-sensei praised.

"Everyone, listen! At this point the opponent's performance last year is not important!" Akagi shouted at the players. "No matter who our opponents are! Our task here is to defeat them!"

The players agreed.

"Sakuragi! Rukawa!" Akagi called.

"Yea!" Sakuragi.

"Mm!" Rukawa.

"You 2 absolutely cannot lose to number 7 and number 8!" Akagi instructed the 2. "Although they are taller than you 2. However, your jumping ability is better than theirs! We can get control of the space up there! I will handle Hanagata!"

"Gori!" Sakuragi.

"Go... Captain!" Rukawa.

"Miyagi!" Ayako called.

"Ayako?!" Miyagi turned with flustered face.

"Do you know what I'm thinking of saying? The opponent is the province's number 1 point guard!" Ayako said with a smirk.

Miyagi looks shocked but then he grins back at Ayako. "After I beat that punk, I'll be the best player!"

"Good!" Ayako said.

Y/n looking scared. "A-ayako-sempai, you look really scary with that smirk on."

"Ah! Sorry Y/n-chan!" Ayako said to her kohai.

Match resume, players walk back inside the court.

"Sakuragi-kun! You've already fouled 3 times! Be careful!" Haruko shouts.

Sakuragi turn to face Haruko with flustered face. "Haruko-chan!"

Sakuragi turns to the team's managers.

"Ayako-san, Y/n-san how many points did I score?" Sakuragi asked.

"2." Ayako answered.

"And Rukawa?" Sakuragi asked again.

"14." Y/n answered.

The game continues, Mitsui is starting to get worn out.

"Sensei, I think it'd be better to let Mitsui have a rest..." Kogure suggested. "He's already very fatigued."

"Right... Though he was a brilliant super star in middle school, however, with 2 years off, plus the opponent is the strong team Shoyo..." Ayako stated. "Feeling that fatigued only natural."

"I'll go warm up them." Kogure said as he stands from his seat.

"Wait, but you can't just force him out." Y/n spoke.

Both her sempais look at her with wide eyes.

"Y/n-chan is right. I won't force him to come off." Anzai-sensei finally spoke.

At court

Akagi is talking to Mitsui.

"We have to split Shoyo's defensive power. Everyone will keep passing the ball to you, so shoot some more 3 pointers." Akagi instructed.

"Heh... Becoming the captain even your tone of your talk has become big! Akagi, who are you ordering around?" Mitsui blurted.

"Hmph... You!"

"I want too as well." Sakuragi spoke while his hand is rested on Akagi's shoulder. Akagi turn to him. "I've only scored 2 points, but Rukawa has 14 points... Very obvious it's because you all have only passed the ball to Rukawa and furthermore won't pass to me! You are prejudiced!" Sakuragi continues. "Pass the ball to me!"

"Don't delude yourself into thinking you can outscore Rukawa! You're still 10 years too early! Idiot!" Akagi lectured Sakuragi.

"Damn it!" Sakuragi is getting frustrated.

Akagi suddenly squish Sakuragi's face together.

"No one is hoping that a guy who always misses, will score... Instead of thinking about pointless things, you should concentrate on getting the rebounds!" Akagi said firmly to Sakuragi. Akagi let go of Sakuragi's face. "But your rebound skills are something to looks forward to."

"Definitely have to grab them!" Mitsui butted to their conversation.

"I am really hoping that you have to leave the court again." Rukawa spoke.

"What did you say?!" Sakuragi yells.

"Come on, Sakuragi!" Miyagi said. "In this match, your rebounding technique has already become the best in the province!"

After the players said their opinion about Sakuragi, Miyagi has the ball, he passes the ball to Akagi. Akagi is guarded by 3 Shoyo players, Akagi manage to pass the ball to Mitsui, he was about to shoot but got blocked. Mitsui is now guarded by his middle school rival, number 6 of Shoyo. Miyagi has the ball and passes it to Mitsui, his shoot didn't go in, Hanagata and Sakuragi are below the ring, Sakuragi got the rebound. Fujima is about to steal the ball from Sakuragi, he moved the ball away from Fujima causing Sakuragi's elbow hit Hanagata's face.

"Offensive foul! White (Shohoku) number 10!" The referee called. "Match halt!"

Shoyo players surrounds Hanagata, he stands up and grabs his glasses. "With this, Sakuragi already has 4 fouls." Hanagata said and smiles at Fujima.

Because of that one foul just then, the momentum returned to Shoyo's side. Under Shohoku's basket, Sakuragi has no way to do his job on defense like he used to, nor can he rebound anymore. Relaying on their height to win, Shoyo took the opportunity to attack in the center, scoring continuously. Although Rukawa used his own skill to score and keep Shohoku in the match but in the end, he cannot pull Shohoku any closer. Only 5 minutes remain in the match, but the difference in scores are getting wider. Score 58-46 to Shoyo.

Mitsui is getting really worn out, he has the ball and about to shoot but got blocked by his middle school rival he loses his balance making number 6 of Shoyo called foul. Miyagi and Sakuragi aid Mitsui. Players gets in formation as Mitsui has a foul shot, the first ball went in so is the other one score 58-49 to Shoyo. Miyagi stole the ball from Shoyo, Miyagi passes the ball to Mitsui, the ball went in making the score 58-52 to Shoyo. Fujima has the ball, he was about to shoot a 3-pointer but Miyagi blocks him and got the ball. Miyagi turns the game into another fast break. Miyagi passes the ball to Mitsui, the 3-pointer shot went in.

Akagi went to Mitsui. "Seems like you haven't gotten rusty, Mitsui!"

"What's up with you Akagi?" Mitsui asked. "You still haven't showed the big gorilla's true colors!"

"None sense!" Akagi said.

"Hmph!"

And hi-five after their conversation. Score 58-55 to Shoyo.

The crowd is now chanting 'Mitsui' repeatedly. With 4 fouls already, because Sakuragi was afraid of being forced off the court he didn't dare to do any rough play, at the same time tried to avoid contact with his opponents.

Miyagi has the ball, Fujima steals the ball and passes the ball to number 8, he is going to dunk to shoot the ball but Sakuragi back off, afraid of fouling. Score 60-55 to Shoyo.

"Hmph... Don't be scared of fouling again... However, we really need Sakuragi to stay on the game. If we lose Sakuragi, then we will face disadvantage in height, could very well be destroyed at once." Akagi spoke.

Mitsui has the ball and his 3-pointer went in again. 4 3-pointers in a row. Shoyo number 8 has the ball, Sakuragi is under the ring with him. Number 8 was about to shoot the ball but Rukawa steals the ball from behind.

"Foul! White (Shohoku) number 11!" The referee called. Rukawa casually walk away.

After being called, two free throws were given to number 8 both were missed. Rukawa got the rebound, he passes the ball to Mitsui who is now in the other side of the court, but Fujima shoved the ball away from Mitsui. Mitsui follow the ball that was so close in being out but Mitsui got the ball and passes the ball to Rukawa. Mitsui landed in Shoyo's bench. Rukawa dunked the ball despite having 3 Shoyo players at his tail.

The score is tied 60-60, there's only 2:30 left in the game. The crowed has gone wild.

What Rukawa did making Y/n tear up from joy and wanted to run towards him ang give him a tight hug. But she can't, Y/n made her way to Shoyo's bench with other players to assist Mitsui.

"Hey." Rukawa called Sakuragi. "What are you so afraid of?! This isn't like you!"

As Y/n and Kogure assist Mitsui back to their bench. Mitsui finally was taken out of the game. By himself he scored 20 points. 15 points were from 3-pointers.

"I'm sorry sensei!" Mitsui stands in the side of Anzai-sensei.

"Mitsui-kun... We're lucky to have you on the team..." Anzai-sensei spoke.

Back to the court, Sakuragi yelled getting frustrated on what Rukawa said and slam his forehead on the floor causing everyone near him to look at him with wide eyes, including the referee.

"Who is scared?" Sakuragi asked innocently.

"You are!" Rukawa replied.

"I will not lose to you!"

"All talk!"

After their stares, Akagi spoke. "Raise up your spirit! We definitely must win!"

Kogure subbed Mitsui. Hanagata has the ball, his shot hit the board of the ring. Sakuragi got the rebound. Rukawa has the ball and with his shot they are 2 points in lead.

"Rukawa! Don't just think of showing off you punk!" Sakuragi yelled.

"Aren't you the one thinking of showing off?" Rukawa replied.

Shoyo number 8 now has the ball, he was about to shoot but Sakuragi block him. Kogure has the ball and he passes to Sakuragi. 2 Shoyo players are defending their ring, Sakuragi dunked the ball causing the 2 players to fall on their backs. But sadly, Sakuragi got called for offensive charging, basket doesn't count. With 1:50 left, Sakuragi leaves the game.

"Hey." Rukawa spoke. "With your abilities it's a shame. It's really a shame about that shot." Rukawa walks away.

The crowd has gone wild because of what Sakuragi just pulled off, chanting 'Sakuragi' repeatedly.

As Sakuragi walk in Shohoku's bench, Ayako spoke. "Hanamchi Sakuragi! You did well! How did it feel to have a successful slam dunk?! Although it was a foul..."

"I bet it was amazing! You look so cool out their Sakuragi!" Y/n butted with a grin and give Sakuragi his towel.

"Ayako-san... Y/n-san... I... Was too cocky..." Sakuragi said and went to seat down.

"This response is a total surprise..." Ayako blurted.

"Yeah... Is he alright?" Y/n asked.

Sakuragi's dunk (which was a foul) made the fans turn around and cheer for Shohoku. Shohoku used up all their remaining strength to compete, with 1:50 remaining, even though Shoyo tried their hardest to fight back... They were forced out by Shohoku. The game ended with 60-62 to Shohoku. Shohoku can enter in the finals.

Shohoku players jump and shout in happiness. Shoyo is doing quite the opposite. The players line up.

"62-60, Shohoku is the winner!" The referee announced.

"Thank you for the game!"

Shohoku players were back in their changing room. Kogure who is done changing, he retunes and was their starter players pass out on the floor due to exhaustion.