Sir, are you really sure?
I've been telling you from the beginning.
Shave it off, all of it.
Well then, here we go, all of it!
-ANF- Animanga Nucleus Fansubs
Starting my run in the middle of town, bright sunlight at my back,
As always, you tapped my shoulder
I'm so enthralled by you, yet for reasons unknown
Your arm won't be linked to mine.
I don't know when but my eyes were locked on you, and that's how it all began.
I won't let you go. I won't have any doubts. Crazy for You.
I want to shout that I love you. Let's try to change tomorrow.
I want to put an end to the times I couldn't speak.
I want to shout that I love you. Let's be brave and take a step forward.
These burning feelings I want you to catch.
Thank you for coming.
Masa, you are really strong.
When you're around, no one will stand up to you.
Yeah, that's right. I wonder if anyone can beat me?
Well I guess there isn't.
I can beat anybody.
The train is really empty today.
Hey Masa...
about the thing we were just talking about.
To... today's not good.
No I mean the direction...
people coming from that side is bad luck.
I'll get the guy who comes from over here.
Hey!?
What's up?
U... umm...
What?
Hi!
Oh I see... What's up with this?
Hey, Masa...
Today is not good, there are too many foreigners.
Foreigner?
I am the genius basketball player.
As long as I am here, everything will be alright!
Here goes a Slam Dunk!
Hi!
What?
Hi, Eri!
What the...
Oh, the foreigner from before.
Hi, Eri.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
What are you doing fooling around?
Let's go.
Okay, okay.
Ah, damn you, wait!
Who the hell was that!?
You're still the same even though you came back to Japan, Michael.
But you shouldn't scare people that have nothing to do with you.
He does have something to do with us.
Eh?
That guy is a member of the Shohoku.
What? Did they have a guy like that?
His hairstyle just changed a bit.
But there is no mistake.
He played in the Kainan game.
Oh yeah, the guy who made that bad pass at the end of the game.
What!? Hanamichi came to school?
Ah, Matsui and the others said they saw him.
Hey, Hanamichi...
What did you do with your head?
It was my fault that we lost to Kainan.
Sakuragi-kun...
Your head...
is so cute!
Really, you think so?
He didn't have to shave his head.
What an idiot...
I can't take this anymore.
We lost Kainan because of me.
But... now everything is alright.
As long as I, the formidable player
Sakuragi Hanamichi is here.
We will win all of our remaining games.
No matter what!
Shut up and help cleaning, you idiot.
What was that Rukawa!? You bastard...
Hey, stop it, you idiots!
But Rukawa threw the ball!
I don't care about any excuses, you idiot!
Hey, good afternoon.
Hey, you are the foreigner form before!
Why did you come here?
Michael! That's enough.
Salute!
Let me introduce them to you.
This is the Ryokufu Basketball team coach, Ofuna-sensei.
The manager Fujisawa Eri-san.
And this is the captain, Michael Okita-kun.
Nice to meet you.
They came here to propose a practice game to us.
Practice game?
Anzai-sensei!
Right now we are in a tournament that could qualify us for National Tournament.
Also in 3 days we will play Takezato.
It would be bad if someone gets injured before an important game.
Are you scared?
I heard that you guys put up a good match against Kainan.
I wonder if it was a fluke.
Anyway,
our basketball team just formed during the spring...
So we couldn't enter the inter-high.
So, please.
Hey! You bastard, take your hand off of her! Hey!
Oh, excuse me.
Michael!
Okay, okay Miss... I know.
Sorry to bother you but... Anzai-sensei, about the match...
Akagi-kun, what do you think?
Our practice is tougher in our case.
So it won't be a problem, having one or two practice games.
Oh, well said, Gori.
That's right! We'll beat the crap out of you!
As they said, we will be happy to play with you, Ofuna-sensei.
Thank you very much Anzai-sensei.
Okay, I guess we're done talking.
Hurry up and come everyone.
We'll play later on today, we're already prepared for the game.
What?
Today?
We can play in great condition at our place.
See you later!
I'll be waiting for you Rukawa-kun.
What?
Rukawa, do you know that girl?
No.
It's better if you tell us the truth.
I said that I don't know.
Rukawa Kaede... Who would have thought that he would go to the Shohoku?
What? So you also tried to recruit him?
Yes.
It was while you were in America.
You are from Tomigaoka Junior high's, Rukawa-kun, right?.
I am from the Ryokufu basketball team, I'm the...
I am Fujisawa Eri, the Ryokufu basketball team manager.
Rukawa-kun, I want to ask you... Hey wait!
He will probably regret it, not coming to Ryokufu!
Eri, you are scary.
What did you say!?
No, it doesn't matter.
It seems like a very rich private school.
Okay, let's go.
Yeah!
That damn Michael guy.
I'll beat him, just remember that.
Why are you getting so angry?
This is just a practice game.
They also said the team just form last year.
That doesn't mean you can take it easy.
That Michael guy is pretty good.
That's okay, all you have to worry about is healing your leg.
Just rest it.
That's right, Akagi.
You are not the captain, today.
That's true.
Megane-kun, there's no need to worry about...
as long as the genius basketball player, Sakuragi Hanamichi is here.
There is no way Shohoku can lose.
That damn idiot again.
No matter how bad you guys play...
the one that is key to winning this game is...
Me...
The only thing you know is how to show off.
They’re still thinking about the Kainan game
Thinking that if they tried a little bit harder.
That's so stupid,
just because they lost only once.
But that's why we have to win this game somehow and get their confidence up again.
I see, so that's why he accepted a practice game at a time like this.
Hey, how long are you guys going stare at each others, let's go!
Aya-chan...
Ah, even Mitsui-senpai... sorry but we have to go.
What? Are you serious? This is not good.
See you later.
What?
That manager is...
The daughter of the vice principal and...
and took the time to form a basketball team?
And recruited the top level players from all of the country.
Are you sure?
Yes, I just talked to a friend who used to go to Junior High with me.
According to him, that Michael guy
was sponsored by this school to go train in America for a year.
Hmm, so that's why his hair turned into that color.
Idiot...
No wonder I thought she was a high talking manager.
We've been waiting for you.
Everyone from the Shohoku basketball team...
Please follow me.
Let's go.
The Shohoku basketball team has come.
Oh, Mitsui-san is with them.
It seems like you really wanted to go to Shohoku, Katsumi.
What?
You must be joking. Even though he was amazing in Junior High...
he quit basketball for two years, I can't trust him anymore.
That's true. I feel sorry for Akagi.
They would of finished in a decent place if Mitsui was with them last year.
You can't win with a one man team.
You were on a one man team last year too, Nadaka-san.
Oh yeah, when you say that, it kind of hurts.
What are you saying?
That's why you transferred here?
But... I still feel sorry for him.
Who?
Akagi.
Why?
Because they're going to lose to us.
But, Akagi-san hurt his leg, so he won't be playing today.
Oh, then I feel even more sorry for him.
Why?
Because they're going to lose by a lot.
I see.
I also feel sorry for Mitsui-senpai.
Right after he comes back, he has to lose to an unknown team.
He probably will lose his confidence and keep loosing in the inter-high tournament.
His high school career will end without making it to the nationals.
Oh, what a shame.
Then at the next tournament we will make them feel better.
Why is that?
It's obvious. We will make it to the national tournament.
Oh I see.
Let's go.
Okay.
That's our school's gym, it's for basketball only.
What?
A gym only for basketball?
It was built only last month.
So this is the first game here.
Hey, don't you think its kinda weird?
What's weird?
There aren't many students around here.
Oh, now that you mention it.
What are you guys doing over there, let's go
Yes!
The students of Ryokufu high school.
Thank you for coming out to the first game of our basketball team.
Let me introduce them.
Today's opponent is the Shohoku basketball team.
While they currently competing in the inter high qualifiers
they came all the way to Ryokufu high to play a practice game.
Let's give them a big round of applause
What was that all about?!
It's just like a big show.
Hmph, what a show off.
I give up.
I don't like it at all.
Brother!
Haruko...
Haruko-san!
I'm glad I made it in time.
I heard that you guys had a practice game all of a sudden, so I came in a hurry.
Leave it to me, Haruko-san!
Leave this match to me!
Oh yeah, Youhei and them should be here soon.
What?
Anyway, look at this.
Their captain...
was being scouted by the NBA while in America.
That guy?
What about him?
Katsumi Ichiro... he also went to Takeishi junior high.
He was really good since his first year and...
I think he was the captain last year.
It's exactly what Kuwata told us.
The others are probably really good too.
We shouldn't take them lightly.
Well you just rest.
Just leave it to us.
That's right Gori!
As long as I'm here, do not worry.
Sakuragi-kun...
What do you want, Pops?
Your hair is really sportsman like.
Now then, we will start the game.
Red team, Shohoku.
White team, Ryokufu
Good luck, everyone.
Miyagi!
Great! We scored the first basket of the game.
Not bad, Shohoku.
Ryokufu is pretty big.
Hey, hurry up!
Don't rush us, the game probably just started.
There's no need to hurry.
But... what if Hanamichi already fouled out?
Now that you mention it.
He didn't foul out in the Kainan game,
it felt like something was missing.
What are you talking about?
He's serious about this, enough to shave his head.
But that doesn't mean he's going to stop fouling out.
That's true.
Anyway, the game is already decided I bet.
That's true, especially against a basketball team that just formed recently.
They're not Kainan, easy win, easy win.
What's going on?
Haruko-chan!
Yohei-kun!
What's wrong with Shohoku?
Ryokufu is really strong.
Especially that guy called Michael-senshu.
They scored again. We can't stop their attack.
I wonder if the absence of Gori is affecting them.
But... Kogure-san and Sakuragi-kun are really trying hard.
But... those two are too good.
And...
Damn it, that Michael guy...
Miyagi, don't force it! Pass!
What was that?
How was that, senpai?
Don't overestimate yourself.
That guy, scored a 3 pointer just a while ago.
This is really bad.
Shohoku isn't that big of deal.
Ha?
Slow it down.
Okay!
They're not playing as a team.
Everything is scattered, everyone is playing selfishly.
That's true.
Who cares if he just came back from America?
They don't resemble anything like the team that put up a good fight against Kainan.
That guy is nothing compared to Kainan's Maki.
Ryo-chin, pass!
Leave that American guy to me!
What did you say?
It's impossible for you, you idiot.
What?
I'll take care of him.
Damn it, Rukawa.
American skills...
What a conceited kid.
You're the conceited one!
What are you talking about? I have skills.
Unlike you senpai, I've been training hard the last 2 years.
What did you say?!
I might even be better than you.
Damn you!
Ryo-chin, hurry up and pass it!
Miyagi!
Don't underestimate me!
It's off.
Pass!
Why would I pass it to you?
You idiot.
Shut up!
How is it, Rukawa-kun?
It would have been better if you came here.
You idiot!
That's enough!
Pull yourself together!
I don't blame him for being mad.
Center Akagi's stills can be ranked number 1 in Kanagawa.
But... his team that lost by two points to Kainan,
is playing such a bad game because of the absence of one player.
Miss, it seems like the game is starting to change.
Rukawa...
Great!
Rukawa, Rukawa, Ru-ka-wa...
When did they get here?
Rukawa-kun...
They're finally getting their game back together.
It seems like Gori's lecture worked.
This is just the beginning.
Do your best!
L-O-V-E, love me Rukawa!
Wow, not bad.
We're starting to catch up!
Yeah, the game is getting really close.
Now all they need is for Hanamichi to play better.
Do your best, Hanamichi!
Damn those guys...
Rukawa Kaede...
Ofuna-san, the defense is weak.
Sub out Ebina.
But...
Don't tell me about excuses!
Okay...
Member change!
You did a great job, Ebina.
Okita-san...
What's going on? There's only 40 seconds until half time.
They're probably just trying to show their depth of talent.
Big deal...
Half time break!
I know exactly why that manager picked us as an opponent.
She thought we would be just perfect because we put up a great match against Kainan.
To start their way to the nationals.
So we're just...
Practice material.
Just to keep them busy.
Damn it...
They look down on us.
Now I won't play like this is just a practice game.
We will definitely win!
We will definitely win.
Then the Ryokufu basketball team will open up a history of winning.
The time has come.
Waiting for Michael’s return has paid off.
We didn't enter the inter high tournament, but we a re ready now.
This is the feeling!
Rukawa scored a lot of points against us in the first half.
But our defense has gotten better.
Plus his stamina can't...
Eri...
We will win no matter what.
That's why I came back.
Just leave it to us.
Let's go!
Yeah!
Why you...
Miyagi!
Kogure!
You are ten years early!
Nice!
Yeah! Good job!
Great, Kogure-senpai.
What's going on?
Sakuragi!
Let's score another one!
Pass, pass, pass!
Charged time out, member change!
What, substitution?
Again?
Me?
That guy was really good.
He was running faster than Hanamichi.
Well, I give up on that read head. He's like a monster.
Just as I thought.
Shohoku isn't all about Akagi and Rukawa.
That Sakuragi is interesting.
Eh? I wonder...
What the...
They have the same face.
Identical twins?
Are they making their guards stronger?
Ryokufu's defense is one level behind compared to their offense.
Their plan is to work on that to win.
What's up with these guys?
Nice!
They are not here for defense purposes.
Their plan is to widen their lead.
Get back!
Just as I thought, they're also for defense.
Damn!
Oh no! Again?!
Nice shot!
Just as planned. Now Shohoku can't fight back.
White number 4, pushing!
Kogure!
Kogure-san!
Are you okay?
I'm okay... sorry.
Don't force your shots, Megane-kun.
When you're in trouble, pass it to me, the genius.
Yeah. You are right.
They are still thinking
about the Kainan game, thinking that if they tried a little bit harder.
That's why we have to win this game somehow and get their confidence up again.
I have to change the flow of this game somehow.
Great! Good job!
Kogure!
Don't worry. I'm fine.
Kogure!
Kogure-senpai!
Kogure!
Kogure-san!
Megane-kun.
Looks like you're awake now.
That's good, you just had a light concussion.
Oh yeah, how did the game go?
Eh?
So that means...
It's incredible, Ayako-san.
Oh, Kogure-senpai.
It's good that you're awake now.
Kuwata... what has happened that's so incredible?
It's Akagi-senpai.
He's playing like he never hurt his leg.
We've almost caught up to Ryokufu.
What, Akagi?
Yeah! Brother!
Anzai-sensei was saying
the opponent isn't really Ryokufu.
But our true opponent is ourselves.
Just like you say, Kogure-senpai.
They were thinking about the Kainan game too much.
Our team has a lot of players who can't stand to lose.
But everything is fine now.
It seems like everyone has recovered.
It's because you worked really hard, Kogure-senpai.
Go Shohoku! Good job!
Go!
What's going on? Ever since Akagi came into the game
Shohoku changed incredibly ever since that center Akagi came into the game
and he's hurt as well.
That's incorrect.
What did you say?
Didn't you realize it yet?
That Kogure-senshu...
was the one that woke Shohoku up.
I always thought he was a weak player, but I was mistaken.
Anzai-san has trained some really good players.
Oh, it looks like he has returned.
Good job, captain.
You idiot, injured people should stay still!
Shut up!
Kogure, are you back?
Time out called by Ryokufu!
Is your leg alright now, Akagi?
Yeah, we have only 5 minutes left. I can manage.
You shouldn't be worrying about other people, Megane-kun.
No, Megane-less-kun.
That's kind of hard to say.
Oh yeah, Pops! Why don't you lend him your glasses?
You idiot!
It's good that you guys still have energy.
Looks like you guys still run.
You still look like you can run too, Rukawa-kun.
Yes.
Very well.
What did you say? You're saying that you won't listen to me?
That's not it, Eri.
But deciding substitutions is the Coach's job.
Besides the game has started to become interesting.
Let us play like this.
That's true.
Akagi is really good.
And that bald headed guy is really interesting.
Mitsui-san is an unbelievable person.
It doesn't seem like he took a two year break.
That's why I'm telling you to sub off!
What do you think Coach? Are you going to sub off Katsumi?
No, it will be okay.
What are you saying, Ofuna-san?
We will sub-out.
We've done our job.
We will leave it up to Totsuka and Ebina now.
Are you sure?
Thanks.
Okay let's go with that.
Ofuna-san, can we win like this? Are you sure?
Eri...
This is our game.
We've made it this far.
It doesn't matter if we win or lose.
We're just going to enjoy till the end.
Right?
Yeah!
You guys...
Player change.
It's time, let's go!
Yeah!
They seem to be having a lot of fun.
All he wanted to do was play basketball.
Basketball is fun.
Especially against a team like Shohoku.
But, it won't mean anything if we lose.
Miss.
Do you think they didn't want to enter the inter-high tournament?
We have 5 minutes left!
Let's fun until the end!
Yeah!
We will win no matter what!
The real game starts now!
Yeah!
Michael Okita Ryokufu #13 Power Forward 192 cm 85 kg
Akagi Takenori Shohoku #4 Center 197cm 90 kg
Nadaka Hikaru Ryokufu #4 Center 195cm 88kg
Rukawa Kaede Shohoku #11 Power Forward 187 cm 75kg
Ebina Kaoru Ryokufu #6 Point Guard 177cm 61kg
Miyagi Ryota Shohoku #7 Point Guard 168cm 59 kg
Katsumi Ichiro Ryokufu #5 Forward 185 cm 72kg
Mitsui Hisashi Shohoku #14 Forward 184cm 70kg
Seiji and Keiji Tsurumi Ryokufu #7 #8 Point Guard 175cm 68kg
Kogure Kiminobu Shohoku #5 Small Forward 178 cm 62kg
Totsuka Tetsuya Ryokufu #9 Power Forward 180 cm 75kg
Sakuragi Hanamichi Shohoku #10 Power Forward 188cm 83kg
Great! Go!
Gori!
Great!
It's a comeback!
Great! This time I didn't do anything wrong.
Fast break!
So slow!
Good, pass!
Go!
Sakuragi-kun!
Hanamichi!
I should have gone with a slam dunk.
Come on!
Sure!
Do it!
Alright, you did it Hanamichi! Amazing! Great!
What? Time over?
So this dunk doesn't count.
It would have been fine if you have shot half a second earlier.
That's a pity, Sakuragi.
No way...
Too bad, redhead.
You...!
But, I didn't think you would use a fake to pass me.
That's not bad.
Really? That’s because I'm a genius!
It was a good game.
Thank you for accepting even though you weren't informed soon enough.
Thank you very much.
No. We are also thankful.
We did acquire some experience too, Ofuna-san.
Thank you, Anzai-san.
But... anyway,
it was a very good game.
We will see you next time in winter!
Next time we won't lose!
Okay, give them a good challenge next year!
That's right. The third year students are done after this summer.
Well please come to play again!
We'll play with you anytime!
Alright, see you again!
Um... Mitsui-san.
What is it Kazumi?
I am glad to have played with you, senpai.
We might not be able to play together again.
I will keep working hard.
What are you talking about? I'm also playing in winter.
Genius basketball p...
Hanamichi!
Sakuragi-kun!
What are you doing?
Be careful.
I think it's too late for that.
Shut up!
Whatever...
Is that true, Michael?
Yes, I am going back to practice in America again, until spring arrives.
That's why, once more, you're going to be the captain for winter, Nadaka.
We'll be okay. With this team next time
we're going to win the national championship.
Yeah!
America...
Awakening from an intense dream
to the strongly sunlit morning.
While listening to my favorite tune
I toss the shirt I'm washing over my arm.
A guy last night said in a tired voice,
"I want some excitement" "I want to break up now."
Please don't be down.
Caught by the glittering moment, I want to be enthralled
Repenting isn't wonderful,
but after all you're not alone. Woah
The tears starting to overflow are beautiful
People will, once again, be able to spend time
on an unending journey.