"Akagi Haruko?"
After hearing the name, Oliver turned around in surprise and saw the girl standing next to Sakuragi.
Anyone who has watched Slam Dunk would recognize the heroine Akagi Haruko, often hailed as the most beautiful girl in the entire series!
In the original manga, Haruko was the first to discover Sakuragi's basketball potential and served as his guide into the world of basketball. It was because of her that Sakuragi and Rukawa became sworn rivals. Fans have long debated who Haruko truly favored.
Oliver, however, was a staunch supporter of the Sakuragi-Haruko pairing. Not for any deep reason—he simply found Sakuragi far more endearing than the aloof Rukawa.
At this moment, under the cherry tree at the school gate, Haruko was standing on tiptoe, trying to compare her height to Sakuragi's.
"Sakuragi-kun, you must be around 1.9 meters tall, right? You're really tall! I wonder who's taller between you and Rukawa?"
"Rukawa? Who's that?"
Sakuragi's gang exchanged confused glances.
As expected, Haruko still seemed to favor Rukawa.
Oliver shook his head from a distance.
Sakuragi, the road ahead is long and full of hurdles...
"Oh, Oliver, you're back!"
Noticing Oliver approaching, Mito raised his hand and waved.
"Oliver?"
Haruko blinked in surprise and turned to look.
"Yeah, I couldn't help but admire Shohoku's school gate again. It's really nostalgic," Oliver replied with a smile, scratching his head.
But then he noticed Haruko staring at him with wide eyes.
"Uh... is something wrong? Do I have something on my face?"
Oliver pointed at his cheek, puzzled.
"Ah!! You are Oliver, right!?"
Haruko suddenly bounced with excitement, startling everyone.
"Wait a second, Bean Sprout, you know her?"
Sakuragi grabbed Oliver's shoulder in confusion.
"You know Oliver?" Mito chimed in, equally surprised.
Well, I know her. She's the heroine, after all. But why does she know me?
Oliver was just as confused.
"I watched your game yesterday! You were amazing—the way you turned things around in the last ten minutes was incredible!"
Haruko waved her arms animatedly, like a fangirl meeting her idol.
Sakuragi's eyes narrowed as he glared at Oliver, who instantly understood the situation.
Oh... so she watched that match. That explains how she recognized me.
As a big fan of Rukawa, it made sense that Haruko would have attended the game. Oliver sighed.
"Bean Sprout! What's the deal between you and Haruko-chan?!"
Sakuragi lifted Oliver off the ground, panicked.
"Hey, hey, calm down! You're overthinking this, Sakuragi!"
"Yes, this is our first time meeting!" Haruko added with a bright smile.
"Then, why are you all here at Shohoku's gate? Ah! Are you enrolling in Shohoku High School too?!"
"Yes! We're all set to start at Shohoku," Mito and the others confirmed.
"That's wonderful! I'm planning to study at Shohoku too!"
Haruko jumped up joyfully and then looked at both Sakuragi and Oliver.
"So that means both Sakuragi-kun and Oliver-san will join the basketball club, right?!"
"Basketball club?"
Sakuragi tilted his head in confusion.
"Hahaha! Oliver might, but Hanamichi? Forget about it!"
Mito burst into laughter, prompting the others to join.
"Haruko, you should've seen it. We were just practicing, but Hanamichi got bored and—"
BANG!
Sakuragi delivered headbutts to the lot of them before they could finish.
"Don't listen to them, Haruko-chan. I was just... relaxing after training!"
He patted his chest with pride. "After all, I'm a basketball genius!"
Sure you are...
Oliver rolled his eyes.
This guy gave up after half a practice. Talent or not, without discipline, he wouldn't get far.
But then, inspiration struck Oliver.
He looked at Sakuragi, then at Haruko.
Wait a minute... isn't this the perfect motivation?
"Haruko-kun!"
Oliver stepped forward with a hopeful grin.
"Are you free right now?"
"Hmm? Yes, I'm free. Why?"
"Would you like to play basketball with us?"
What a direct shot!
Mito and the others gasped.
"What is happening?! Since when did Oliver become such a playboy?!"
"Wait... does he like Haruko too?!"
The gang whispered excitedly.
Oliver, oblivious to the gossip, silently prayed.
Please say yes... I need Sakuragi to stay motivated...
"Sure! There's a court nearby that I go to often. Let's go there!"
Haruko smiled with the radiance of youth.
"Really? Awesome! Then this genius will train right beside you, Haruko-chan!"
Sakuragi instantly perked up, energy restored.
Oliver let out a quiet sigh of relief. Mission accomplished.
"Follow me, everyone. This court is a hidden gem—not many people know about it."
Haruko took the lead, and the rest followed.
"Hey... Bean Sprout," Sakuragi whispered, inching closer.
"Why did you invite Haruko so suddenly? Are you... interested in her?"
"He asked! He asked!" Mito whispered to the others at the back.
Oliver raised an eyebrow and looked at Sakuragi, amused.
He really likes her but still cares about what I might think. What a simple soul.
Oliver laughed.
"You're overthinking it, man! I did it for you."
"Huh?"
Sakuragi blinked.
"I called her to help you train. You needed motivation, and she's it. You're welcome!"
Sakuragi froze, realization dawning on him.
In that moment, Oliver seemed to glow with a heavenly aura.
Big brother...
"You're the best, Oliver! You'll always be my big brother!!"
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