25AN: This took place after the Elimination Games but before the Inter-High Competitions. Not much basketball involved (I'm not a pro sorry!).
Synopsis of Chapter 1: Shinobi's back from America and she goes to Shohoku High. Without her knowledge, Rukawa goes there too. When they met, she was really happy. But does Rukawa feel the same?
Shohoku High 1-7 (Sakuragi's Class)
"Good morning class. From this day forth, a new student will be joining our class. Would you introduce yourself to class, Ms. Tanima?" The adviser asked.
"Good morning minna! I'm Tanima Shinobi, and starting today, I'll be your classmate. Hope you'll have no trouble with me being around."
"I'd be a blast having someone new around. Don't you think guys?" Yohei asked his friends.
"…" No one replied, but all of them have a no comment look on their faces.
Yohei sweat drop. "What do you think Hanamichi?"
"Hm… You like her don't you Mito?"
"I just think that she's cute."
"I guess having her would be ok, and you're right. She's pretty cute, but still Haruko is more attractive." He replied.
They just nodded. Knowing that if they argue, they will just be hit with the usual head butt.
The morning went by smoothly. And the next class is PE. it rhymes…
"Listen! Attention students! Your Physical Education instructor is absent today because of an emergency. He told me that you could enjoy yourselves with whatever sport you want to play. As long as you do something involved in PE." The principal announced.
"Nyahahaha… Even a genius like me should not waste anytime. I must practice basketball, to be ready for the Inter-High. So that I'll be MVP, then they'll vote for me as captain!" And with that he headed straight for the gym.
When he opened the gym door, he saw a perfect three point in the basket. When he looked at the shooter, it was the new student. He was shocked at what he saw; her moves were very accurate. And her three point shot was as good as Mitsui's if not better.
"Wow…" he muttered but she heard him.
"What? You never saw a three point shot before?" she asked sarcastically.
She picked the ball the asked "Do you play?"
Sakuragi who got over the shock answered the usual way. "Of course! I'm a basketball genius. And I'm gonna be the next captain of the team."
She chest passed the ball to Sakuragi. "So Mr. Next Captain, care for a one-on-one match?"
"You'll regret you challenged me… Nyahahaha…"
"Ok, but if you're really as good in basketball as you are in talking, I'd say you're a worthy opponent. First one to score 5 baskets win. Agreed Mr. Next Captain?"
Sakuragi nodded. So they started to play. (AN: If you remember, I mentioned in my previous fic that she could sometimes beat Rukawa in a match.) And it ended 5-2 with Shinobi standing triumphant.
"You're ok. For a beginner." Shinobi said.
"Who are you calling a beginner? I'm a genius! You cheated that's why you won, but it wouldn't be called victory if you cheated! CHEATER!" And he blabbed and blabbed and blabbed as Shinobi makes her way out of the gym.
"Hey! Don't you dare walk out on the tensai! You're guilty that's why you're running away. You can't accept that you can't win if you don't cheat! Come back here! I said come back!" Sakuragi shouted, then he followed her out.
When he caught up with her, she greeted him with a smile.
"I'm just kidding Mr. Next Captain! I really enjoyed our game. Reminds me of a friend when I beat him. Although, he didn't blab that much, he just kept on muttering that I'm a cheater. Then he calls me do'aho."
"Do'aho? Reminds me of Rukawa." He thought.
"I think you're gonna be a great player someday. And I must admit that you're good, but not good enough."
"Why, I ought to…"
He heard her giggle. "By the way, I'm Tanima Shinobi. And you are?"
"Huh? I'm Hanamichi, Sakuragi Hanamichi. I can see that you like basketball nee?"
"I don't just like it, I love it."
"Care to watch our practice later? I think you'll enjoy being there. Except for that stupid fox and his cheering squad, everyone is easy and fun to deal with, sometimes."
"Sure. I'll be there. Nice meeting you Sakuragi."
That afternoon Shinobi was on her way to the gym.
"Shinobi? Is that you?" a familiar voice said.
When she looked where the voice was coming from "Ayako?"
"It's been a while, how are you?" Ayako asked.
"Fine, everything's going great. I can't believe it… we're in the same school again."
"Yeah, me too. Where are you going?"
"Oh, I'm headed to the gym… I want to watch the practice. I heard our team was qualified for the Inter-High. I want to see how they prepare."
"I see. I'm the team manager as usual. Mind if we go together?"
She smiled and nodded.
"What will Rukawa think of this? I'm sure he'll be happy. Again I can see the happiness in him that only Shinobi can bring." Ayako thought.
When they reached the gym…
"Hi everyone! This is an old friend, Tanima Shinobi."
When Rukawa heard the name, he looked right away. He even rubbed his eyes to see if he's hallucinating. But he wasn't. She was there. She was back.
"Shinobi… you know Ayako?" Sakuragi asked.
"Yup, we attended the same Jr. High." She answered.
"The same Jr. High? You went to Tomigaoka? I've noticed that beautiful girls studied there. Nee Miyagi?"
He blushed in SD form, of course thinking of Ayako. "Yeah… and I got to admit that you're cute yourself."
"Thanks."
Then Miyagi leaned to her and whispered, "I think Mitsui like you."
She just smiled. "No I don't think so. I think he sees me as a sister. And I think he'll be a fine Oni-chan."
"Nyahahaha, Micchy the oni-chan!"
"Well, what never heard of the word oni-chan before Mr. Next Captain. And I thought you said that you're a tensai…"
Sakuragi paused for a while, "Wait, did you say you're from Tomigaoka? That means you know the kitsune too."
"Kitsune?"
"You know, Rukawa the most arrogant person ever?"
"Oh, yes. Rukawa is a very close friend. Best friend to be exact."
"Really? You're Rukawa's best friend?" Kogure asked
"Well, I see him as one."
Rukawa just ignored them.
"Ok! Enough is enough. Let's continue with practicing." Akagi commanded.
"SHOHOKU… FIGHT!" he shouted.
"FIGHT!" they answered.
After the practice, Shinobi handed Rukawa a towel and a bottle of water.
"Here, I think you'll need these."
Rukawa ignored her and took his own towel and water.
"Huh? What the?" Ayako said can't believe what she just saw.
After practice, Rukawa was ready to go home, he got his bike and everything's ready when…
AN: I think I'll leave it hanging here. I'm just pure evil aren't I? Anyway, thanks for reviewing my first fic. Thanks to rayearthann and SD avid fan! Pls… RnR this one too…