Chapter 9 Arrival in Ryonan
On a weekend morning, sunlight filtered through thin clouds, washing Shohoku High's front gate in pale gold.
The basketball team had gathered on time, forming a line that radiated a strange mix of excitement and tension.
Today was their scheduled practice match against Ryonan High — a perennial powerhouse of Kanagawa.
At the front stood Akagi Takenori, arms crossed, his dark face carved with immovable determination.
Behind him were Sakuragi Hanamichi and Rukawa Kaede — one blazing with reckless energy, the other silent and icy — an unlikely pair flanking their captain.
Without a word, the group headed toward the station.
The morning train wasn't especially crowded, but a cluster of delinquents lounging in loosened uniforms abruptly fell silent upon seeing Shohoku's lineup — especially the towering presence of Akagi, Sakuragi, and Rukawa.
Seats were quietly vacated. Conversations died.
The atmosphere resembled gangsters boarding for a turf raid.
When the team squeezed into the train car, Akagi glanced around, displeased at the idle time.
"Don't waste the ride," he barked. "Core training. Everyone — horse stance. No sitting. Ayako, time it."
"Huh!? On the train!?"
Groans rippled through the team.
But when Akagi's sharp gaze swept over them, resistance evaporated.
So, in a swaying train car, Shohoku's players hovered half-squatted above their seats, thighs burning, faces twisted in pain. Sweat quickly formed. Nearby passengers leaned away cautiously, unsure whether to stare or flee.
Sakuragi gritted his teeth.
"That gorilla… his love for training is sickening…"
By the time they arrived, legs trembling, Ryonan High stood before them — a clean, modern campus with a polished basketball gym that reflected its prestige.
Outside the gym, Ryonan's coach Taoka Moichi was already waiting — stern-faced, arms folded — to greet Anzai-sensei.
"Coach Anzai. It's been too long. You look well," Taoka said formally.
"Hehehe. Sorry to trouble you again," Anzai replied with his usual gentle smile.
While the coaches exchanged pleasantries, the players' eyes had already begun their silent battle.
Among Ryonan's lineup stood Uozumi Jun — even broader and taller than Akagi — a living wall under the basket.
Their gazes locked. Sparks almost seemed to crackle between them.
"Akagi," Uozumi said in a low voice, "today, the paint belongs to me."
"Hmph. Try taking it," Akagi answered without backing down.
Soon, Shohoku was guided to the visitor locker room. Anzai-sensei distributed jerseys.
"Sakuragi Hanamichi — number ten."
Sakuragi accepted the red jersey. The number felt strangely heavy in his hands.
Number 10… the seat of Shohoku's past ace.
Then came the starting lineup:
"Center — Akagi.
Power Forward — Kogure.
Small Forward — Rukawa.
Point Guard — Yasuda.
Shooting Guard — Shiozaki."
Sakuragi's name wasn't called.
Kogure gave him an apologetic smile. Yasuda looked nervous. Even Rukawa glanced once in his direction — brief, unreadable.
But Sakuragi merely stretched his ankles and shrugged.
"Fine. I'll observe first."
After all, this was his first real match. Learning the flow of high-level basketball wasn't a bad idea.
Ryonan, meanwhile, wasn't at full strength either — Fukuda had not yet joined the team. This was a practice match, but pride was still on the line.
Beside Ryonan's bench, Aida Hikoichi excitedly whispered to Coach Taoka, practically bouncing.
"Coach! I'm serious! That red-haired guy — Sakuragi Hanamichi — I saw him dunk easily in street games! His reflexes are insane! His potential might even rival Rukawa's!"
Taoka listened, arms still folded, expression skeptical.
"Street games and official matches are different things," he said coolly. "Rukawa is a prodigy. Players like that do not appear so easily. Focus on what matters — stopping Akagi and Rukawa."
Hikoichi wanted to protest, but swallowed his frustration.
Just then, the gym doors slid open again.
A figure walked in lazily, hands in pockets, hair spiked and unkempt, eyes half-lidded with sleep — yet carrying an unmistakable presence.
Sendoh Akira.
"Ah… sorry. I overslept," he said, scratching his head with a carefree grin.
"Sendoh!!" Taoka exploded. "Do you understand what day it is!?"
Sendoh slipped past the yelling with effortless ease, as if drifting on water.
His appearance drew immediate attention.
Shohoku's upperclassmen stiffened.
Rukawa's eyes sharpened — predator meeting predator.
Sakuragi studied him with interest.
"So that's Ryonan's ace… relaxed, but dangerous."
Sendoh changed into his familiar number seven jersey. During warm-ups he looked lazy — but every shot was smooth, clean, and precise.
At last, both teams gathered at center court.
The referee raised the ball.
"Beep!"
The whistle rang out.
The ball soared upward.
Akagi and Uozumi roared as they leapt — two giants colliding beneath the lights.
Akagi's fingertips struck first, flicking the ball backward.
The orange sphere arced into Shohoku's court.
The match had begun.