Slam Dunk: Miracle

The practice match with Ryo-Nan High School was set to be a monumental test for the Shohoku basketball team. The gym was filled with tension as the clock ticked down, and by the time Kenji Akagi arrived, there were only ten minutes left on the game clock. The score was a staggering 87-114 in favor of Ryo-Nan.

Kenji walked in casually, his uniform not even fully zipped up as he entered the gym, his teammates already sweating and exhausted from the intense match. His entrance immediately caught the attention of everyone in the gym. Coach Anzai, despite his usual calm demeanor, sighed but said nothing. Takenori looked at his brother with mixed frustration and disbelief.

"Kenji, where have you been?" Takenori called out, but there was no answer. Kenji simply jogged over to the sideline, grabbed a basketball, and began dribbling, ignoring the stares of the team and opponents.

The Tension in the Air

Ryo-Nan's team was known for their prowess, and their lineup was impressive. Jun Uozumi, the towering center, Akira Sendoh, the all-around guard, Ryoji Ikegami, the sharpshooter, Hiroaki Koshino, the aggressive forward, Kicchou Fukuda, the defensive wall, and Tomoyuki Uekusa, a playmaker with incredible vision.

"Kenji, just be careful," Takenori warned, his voice low as he eyed the opposing team. "These guys won't go easy on you."

Kenji nodded, but his eyes were focused on the court. He didn't need to say anything. It was clear he was already calculating every move.

The Game Resumes

The referee blew the whistle, and the game began with Ryo-Nan having possession. They quickly set up their offense, and the Shohoku players scrambled to position themselves. Jun Uozumi, the powerful center, stood at the top of the key, while Sendoh and Ikegami flanked him on the wings. Koshino, Fukuda, and Uekusa formed the rest of the fast-paced offense.

However, Kenji didn't rush. He took his time, walking slowly to the court as he observed his opponents with cold, calculating eyes.

Kenji's Dominance Unleashed

With just under ten minutes left, Shohoku found themselves trailing by 27 points, but that gap would soon become a distant memory.

Kenji caught the ball on a fast break and immediately dribbled with precision, his moves so fluid that they were almost hypnotic. His left hand dominated the ball, weaving it between his legs and behind his back with unmatched control. Ryoji Ikegami, the sharp-shooter, tried to guard him, but Kenji's pace was too fast.

With a swift spin, Kenji exploded toward the basket, faking a pass to Takenori before lifting into a high, gravity-defying jump. His form was unorthodox, the ball held with an awkward grip that defied basketball norms. His shot, more like a twisting hook than a traditional jumper, hit the rim, bouncing off before softly dropping through the net. The unusual shot was nothing short of a statement—no one could block it.

"Did he just…?" Fukuda muttered from across the court.

Kenji's smile was unreadable, but his next move was already in motion.

The Show Begins

Sendoh, always calm under pressure, took the ball and sprinted up the court, trying to beat Kenji to the basket. He faked a pass to Uekusa, then drove right, but Kenji was already there, moving like a shadow.

With a single motion, Kenji leaped to meet Sendoh mid-air, timing his jump to perfection. He swatted the ball with a single hand, sending it sailing out of bounds. The crowd gasped at the incredible timing and power of his block.

"This guy…" Uozumi muttered, eyes wide with disbelief. "He's ridiculous."

Sendoh, now visibly frustrated, signaled for his team to reset. But Kenji wasn't done.

Kenji vs. Ryo-Nan

Ikegami inbounded the ball to Uekusa, who quickly surveyed the floor. He passed it to Koshino, who tried to muscle his way past Kenji. But Kenji's defense was like a wall. Koshino tried to push off with his shoulder, but Kenji matched him, his body moving with the fluidity of water and the power of a storm.

Suddenly, Kenji reacted with a lightning-fast jab step, faking left before sweeping the ball into his right hand. He took a step back, surveying his options. With a sudden pivot, Kenji spun around Koshino and raced toward the basket with blinding speed. His dribbling was a blur, and Koshino could do nothing but watch in awe.

Kenji exploded towards the hoop, launching himself off the ground. His jump seemed to defy gravity as he soared higher than Koshino had anticipated. At the apex of his jump, Kenji slammed the ball down, his dunk shaking the very foundation of the basket. The rim cracked as the ball reverberated in the net.

"Impossible!" Fukuda exclaimed, watching in awe.

The Full Unleashing

Kenji was just getting started. He turned to his teammates, not even breaking a sweat, and nodded. "Let's end this."

Ryo-Nan's team, now visibly rattled, quickly reset, but Kenji was relentless.

He stole the ball from Uekusa on the next play, moving as if he were reading their every thought. He immediately passed to Takenori, who shot a quick three-pointer. But Kenji's instincts kicked in as he dashed across the court. As soon as the ball hit the rim, Kenji was already airborne, grabbing the rebound with one hand. He slammed it home, his dunk echoing across the gym.

The score was now 95-114.

Kenji wasn't just playing—he was dominating. He could feel his power surge through him, his body moving with precision and purpose. His dribbles became more chaotic, his pace more unpredictable. The ball seemed to dance on his fingertips, a weapon he wielded without effort.

Kenji vs. Sendoh and Uozumi

Ryo-Nan wasn't about to back down, though. Sendoh, with his unparalleled vision and basketball IQ, set up a series of quick passes to Uozumi. The big man went for a massive dunk to try and shift momentum, but Kenji was right there.

With no warning, Kenji darted across the court, his speed overwhelming Uozumi. He leapt with ease, swatting the ball away mid-air and sending it to the opposite end of the court.

Takenori caught it and passed it to Kenji, who grinned. The game was now his.

Kenji faked a shot, drawing Sendoh in, then executed an impossible move—a behind-the-back dribble that left Sendoh off balance. With a quick spin, Kenji broke free, driving for the basket.

Uozumi tried to block him, but Kenji jumped higher, dunking the ball with terrifying force. The backboard shuddered from the impact.

The score was now 104-114.

End of the Game

The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game. Shohoku had somehow closed the gap to a near tie, but Ryo-Nan had maintained the upper hand, winning with a final score of 114-110.

But it was clear to everyone who the real star was. Kenji Akagi had single-handedly turned the game on its head. His unorthodox shooting style, his devastating defense, and his electrifying plays had left Ryo-Nan's team stunned.

Uozumi, Sendoh, and the rest of Ryo-Nan could only stand in silence, knowing that they had witnessed a player whose talent far surpassed anything they had ever seen.

"I told you," Kenji said with a faint smirk, walking off the court. "That was nothing."

( i am Very tired, some well needed sleep is a must, Adios!)

To Be Continued...