Slam Dunk:Starting with perfect copy

Unlike others, Coach Anzai was not overly concerned about Shohoku's current predicament.

After all, this was just a training match.

For him, seeing the players' shortcomings was a valuable opportunity for growth.

However, all his focus was now on Kenichi Uesugi.

After so many years, he had finally encountered a player whose talent truly amazed him.

While he appreciated the abilities of new recruits like Kaede Rukawa and Sakuragi, their potential still fell short compared to Kenichi Uesugi's.

It was just unfortunate that this remarkable talent wasn't playing for Shohoku.

The Game ContinuedWith Kenichi Uesugi's outstanding performance driving momentum, Ryonan's players followed suit, showcasing exceptional form.

Sendoh and Yuzumi scored consistently, their plays no less impressive than Uesugi's. Even supporting players like Ikegami and Uekusa stepped up their game.

Despite Akagi's efforts to encourage his team, Shohoku couldn't stop their steady decline.

The scoreboard soon displayed a lopsided 48:22 in Ryonan's favor.

Shohoku's players were beginning to feel the weight of despair.

A New Hope ArrivesOutside the basketball hall, a figure wearing Shohoku's No. 5 jersey hurried toward the court.

It was Kogure Kiminobu, Shohoku's vice-captain, who had been delayed by personal matters.

Walking briskly, Kogure tried to imagine the game's score.

"With Rukawa joining us this year and Akagi's leadership, we should be on par with Ryonan," he reassured himself.

But as soon as he entered the hall and caught sight of the scoreboard, his heart sank.

52:24.

His disbelief was mirrored by the defeated expressions of Shohoku's players on the court and bench.

Halftime ResetThe referee's whistle signaled the end of the first half, with Shohoku trailing by a staggering 28 points.

In the visiting team's locker room, Kogure worked to lift his teammates' spirits.

"Come on, everyone! We still have the second half to catch up!"

With his persistent encouragement, Akagi, Rukawa, and the others began to regain their composure.

Coach Anzai then addressed the team, his tone calm yet commanding:

"You did your best in the first half. This deficit doesn't mean we're out of the game."

He outlined his adjustments for the second half.

"Kogure, you'll replace Shiozaki," he said, surprising everyone.

A Bold StrategyThe players were puzzled by Anzai's lineup changes. Why swap Kogure in for Shiozaki instead of Kakuta?

Anzai ignored their questioning glances and continued.

"Sakuragi, you'll replace Kakuta!"

The room fell silent.

Letting Sakuragi, a complete novice, play in such a critical moment seemed like madness.

Even Akagi hesitated. "Coach, isn't it too early to put him in—"

Anzai interrupted, his voice firm. "Sakuragi has incredible potential. Trust him."

Sakuragi, beaming with pride, declared, "Let this genius lead us to victory! And don't worry, I'll handle that yellow-haired guy!"

His bravado earned skeptical looks and sighs from his teammates, but Anzai remained unfazed.

Finally, Anzai called Rukawa and Sakuragi aside, addressing them with grave seriousness.

"You two must work together to stop Ryonan's No. 9. He's their key player. If you can't stop him, we have no chance of turning this game around."

Rukawa hesitated but nodded after meeting Anzai's determined gaze.

Sakuragi, meanwhile, puffed out his chest. "Got it, Coach! Just watch this genius shine!"

With the second half looming, Shohoku's fate now rested on these bold decisions.