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

The friendly practice match ended.

Ryonan's spectators were stunned.

With the arrival of Ryu and Rukawa, Shohoku had completely transformed.

Even now, Shohoku was strong enough to compete on equal footing with Ryonan, one of Kanagawa's top four teams.

"This year's Shohoku is a whole different team!"

From the bench, Ayako and the others jumped up, raising their arms in excitement.

"We did it! We won!"

Akagi stepped off the court, feeling both relieved and proud. He glanced at Ryu and Rukawa.

"Finally, I have reliable teammates this year."

Standing still for a moment, Akagi looked at the scoreboard, its bright red numbers declaring Shohoku's victory.

This feeling of triumph—it had been so long since he'd felt it.

"Line up for handshakes!"

Both teams gathered on the court, forming two lines to shake hands.

"Thanks for the game!"

Nearby, reporters rushed forward to capture this historic moment.

This scene would later become known as the start of Shohoku's legendary rise.

Sendoh, ever the cheerful and easygoing player, smiled brightly.

"Well done! I hope you play just as well in the upcoming tournament."

Ryu returned the smile, extending his right hand.

"You'd better work hard too. Don't let yourselves get knocked out in the first round."

The two shook hands firmly, seemingly unfazed by the surrounding commotion.

But Uozumi and the others, standing nearby, couldn't help but scowl.

"That Ryu guy really doesn't hold back with his words," Uozumi muttered under his breath.

Not far away, Rukawa and Sakuragi exchanged annoyed glances.

"Those two are so full of themselves!"

Akagi walked over to Uozumi, a triumphant look on his face. He patted Uozumi heavily on the shoulder.

"Keep working on it, Uozumi. I'm looking forward to seeing how your team does in the tournament. Don't hold your team back."

Uozumi's face darkened as he shrugged off Akagi's hand.

"Akagi, you've finally got some decent teammates. But don't think this is all we've got."

"No matter how many times we play, you'll never beat me, Uozumi."

"What did you just say, Akagi? Don't underestimate us! Next time, I won't hold back!"

The two captains began arguing again, much to the amusement of those around them. Clearly, this wasn't the first time they'd gone head-to-head like this.

Meanwhile, Coach Taoka approached Coach Anzai, forcing a smile as he extended both hands.

"Coach Anzai, congratulations on your win. You've got some great players. I look forward to seeing you again at the tournament."

Coach Anzai, ever calm and friendly, responded with his usual warm smile.

"Likewise. We're looking forward to it."

After a brief chat, the Shohoku team boarded their bus to head back to school.

Akagi, exhausted from the match, closed his eyes to rest.

"I still can't believe we beat one of Kanagawa's top four teams," Kuwata's voice broke the silence.

"That's nothing special. With a genius like me, beating Ryonan is no big deal," Sakuragi boasted, patting Kuwata on the shoulder.

"Soon, Shohoku will dominate the whole country under my leadership!"

"Do you even know what it takes to dominate the country?" Akagi's fist landed heavily on Sakuragi's head.

"And don't disturb Coach Anzai while he's resting, you idiot!"

"It's fine, Akagi-kun," Coach Anzai said, smiling as he looked around at the lively team.

"Even someone who fouled out has the nerve to talk big," Rukawa muttered softly, headphones over his ears.

"What did you say, you fox?!" Sakuragi yelled, his temper flaring.

"Idiot," Rukawa replied, barely glancing at him.

"Say that again, you fox!"

"Idiot."

The argument escalated as Sakuragi shouted at Rukawa.

"Enough, both of you!" Akagi roared, delivering another punch to each of their heads.

"Ahh, you gorilla! That hurt!" Sakuragi complained loudly.

Kogure's face paled as he watched Akagi's expression darken.

"Uh-oh, he said the forbidden word…"

Amid the chaos, Ryu sat quietly at the back of the bus, his eyes closed in thought.

During the second half of the match, Ryonan's repeated double-teaming had drained his stamina.

Ryu opened his eyes briefly, a determined look flashing across them as he clenched his fist.

"I need to work on my endurance," he murmured.

As Shohoku's bus disappeared down the road, the Ryonan team stood awkwardly.

Sendoh watched the retreating vehicle, a wry smile on his face.

"That Ryu guy… what a jerk," he said, shaking his head.

"What's wrong, Sendoh?" Uozumi asked, puzzled.

Sendoh held up his right hand, now visibly swollen.

"His handshake… it was way too strong."

"Sendoh! Where did you run off to?!"

Coach Taoka's voice thundered from behind them.

"Uh, Uozumi-senpai, I have to go. If Coach asks, you didn't see me!"

Before Uozumi could respond, Sendoh was gone, leaving only the sound of Taoka's frustrated sigh as he leaned on his knees, catching his breath.

"That kid runs way too fast!"