Slam dunk, hit 100% of the three-pointers at the beginning!

With Akagi's roar echoing through the gym...

Everyone's eyes turned to Hanamichi Sakuragi.

"Look! Isn't that the guy who challenged Akagi before?"

"Wait, is he part of the basketball team too?"

"I can't believe it. Someone so clumsy is on the same team as that other first-year? They're worlds apart!"

The murmurs quickly turned into comparisons between Sakuragi and Ryu. Many couldn't believe that someone so brash and undisciplined could represent Shohoku's basketball team.

"If he acts like this at school, imagine how embarrassing it'll be if he behaves this way during a match against other schools."

"Stupid gorilla! Why is it that I'm stuck doing basic drills while everyone else gets to play? I'm on the team too! Why can't I go in?" Sakuragi shouted as he jumped to his feet, glaring at Akagi.

He had hoped to show off in front of Haruko, but instead, he'd made a fool of himself.

Akagi, unimpressed, leaned in close to Sakuragi's face, yelling with spittle flying everywhere.

"You're a complete amateur! What can you even do besides throwing tantrums and acting like a clown?"

"No commitment, no effort—we don't need someone like you on this team," Akagi declared harshly, leaving no room for compromise.

The gym fell silent.

The team members exchanged surprised glances, not expecting such a heated confrontation during what was supposed to be a practice game. They kept quiet, not wanting to draw attention from either Akagi or Sakuragi.

Haruko and Ayako stared at each other, equally stunned.

"What's wrong with my brother?" Haruko whispered.

"Why is Akagi-senpai so angry all of a sudden?" Ayako wondered aloud.

What they didn't know was that Akagi saw this as the perfect moment to put the first-years in their place. Sakuragi's outburst was the perfect excuse to address the growing arrogance among the rookies.

Just then, Coach Anzai, noticing the tension, spoke calmly. "Akagi-kun, Sakuragi does have a point. Why not let him play? Ho ho ho."

Akagi froze for a moment, stunned by the coach's suggestion. "But Coach Anzai, this guy doesn't even know the basics! If we let him in, who knows what kind of chaos he'll cause?"

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Akagi tried to explain.

"Who says I don't know the basics?" Sakuragi retorted, his voice rising.

"Fine! Watch and see, you big gorilla! Let me show you the genius that is Sakuragi Hanamichi!"

Grabbing a basketball with one hand, he started dribbling furiously. His speed and control stunned everyone watching.

Ayako's jaw dropped. "Sakuragi? When did he learn to dribble like that?"

The senior players—Kogure, Miyagi, and others—were equally shocked. Was this really the same Sakuragi they knew?

Even Rukawa raised an eyebrow, though he muttered under his breath: "What an idiot. Always trying to show off."

Still, he couldn't deny being a little impressed by Sakuragi's rapid improvement.

"Unbelievable. Who knew that knucklehead had this kind of skill?"

"Let him play, Akagi!"

"Yeah, let him in!"

The crowd's cheers grew louder as they rallied behind Sakuragi.

Hearing the support, Sakuragi's face lit up with pride. He looked straight at Akagi, his eyes practically screaming: See? What do you think now?

Haruko, who had been unsure earlier, now smiled brightly. "Sakuragi-kun, look! Everyone's cheering for you!"

Seeing Sakuragi's performance, Haruko felt genuinely happy for him.

Akagi sighed, rubbing his forehead as if trying to ward off a headache. "Fine, fine. You win. I give up."

"If Coach Anzai says so, I'll let you play. Just don't mess it up!" Akagi finally relented, though his tone was reluctant.

With so many people rooting for Sakuragi, Akagi couldn't keep refusing without looking unreasonable.

Coach Anzai chuckled, his gentle smile unwavering. "Ho ho ho. Let him give it a try."

Deep down, Anzai was curious to see how Sakuragi, Rukawa, and Ryu would work together on the court.

"Alright then, Kuwata, you'll sit out for now. Sakuragi will take your spot," Akagi announced.

Kuwata exhaled in relief. "Got it. Sakuragi, it's all on you now. With Ryu and Rukawa out there too, I'm sure we'll win!"

The pressure of facing the intense seniors had been weighing on Kuwata, and he was more than ready for a break.

Sakuragi, brimming with confidence, puffed out his chest. "Kuwata, just watch! This genius will settle the game in one move!"

Hearing Sakuragi's bold claim, Ryu couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth.

He recalled a scene from the original story: Sakuragi's dunk over Akagi's head—a move that technically ended the match.

Amused, Ryu silently prayed for Akagi. "Captain... You're gonna need some luck."

With the drama finally settling, the game resumed.

Meanwhile, at the gym's entrance, Aida Hikoichi arrived—fashionably late.