Slam Dunk:Starting with perfect copy

Outside Luoan High School, Coach Kasahara led all the Luoan basketball team members to bid farewell to the departing Ryonan team. The air was thick with a mixture of respect and resolve after their decisive defeat.

"Senior! I hope we can compete again on the stage of the national competition!" Kasahara said with a grin, attempting to lighten the mood.

Taoka Moichi responded in kind, "Haha! See you at the national competition!"

However, Kasahara's curiosity got the better of him. "By the way, senior, that Uesugi Kenichi is incredible. Why didn't we see him during the county competition last year? Was he injured?"

"Oh, him? He's a newcomer who just joined the team this year," Taoka replied casually.

"Don't joke around," Kasahara laughed, thinking it was a jest. "How could someone like him be a freshman?"

Taoka's expression turned serious. "He really is a freshman. He's been on the team for less than a month. Here, take a look at his details."

As Taoka handed over the player's information, Kasahara's laughter faded. The evidence was irrefutable. He couldn't believe his eyes.

"Oh my god! What kind of luck does Senior Taoka have?" Kasahara muttered. "First, Sendoh, and now this powerhouse? It's enviable beyond words!"

Behind him, Luoan's players were equally stunned. The revelation was a bitter pill to swallow. They had just accepted the reality of their loss, only to learn that the player who led Ryonan to victory was a freshman? It felt like pouring salt on a fresh wound.

"Senior, you're incredible," Kasahara said, still in disbelief. "Last year, you got Sendoh, and this year, Uesugi Kenichi? Where do you find these players?"

Taoka shrugged modestly. "I didn't do anything special. Kenichi just came to sign up on his own."

Kasahara's skepticism remained. "Picked up a gem like that? I'd never believe it, even under duress."

Taoka smiled knowingly, waving goodbye as he led the Ryonan players toward their bus. They were heading to Tokyo for another practice match.

As the bus pulled away, Kasahara's friendly demeanor evaporated. He turned to his players, his face dark with frustration.

"You all heard that, didn't you? A freshman humiliated you on the court," he barked. "If you continue to carry that arrogance, we'll be watching the national competition from our living rooms. Starting today, everyone's training is doubled!"

Fukaohara, nervously rubbing the back of his neck, whispered, "But, Coach, isn't school over for the day?"

Kasahara's glare could have pierced steel. "Training! Now! And you—double the volume!" He pointed directly at Fukaohara, leaving no room for argument.

Several hours later, after a long, bumpy ride, the Ryonan team arrived in Tokyo. Exhausted from their practice match and the journey, the players welcomed the chance to rest. Coach Taoka ensured everyone got a good night's sleep, knowing they had another challenge ahead at Jimbo University High School.

The following morning, refreshed and eager, Ryonan's players arrived at Jimbo University High School. The host team's representatives greeted them warmly at the entrance, a stark contrast to the indifferent reception at Luoan.

Coach Natsume Yuzaburo personally welcomed them, engaging in a brief but polite conversation with Taoka. Soon, they were led to the visiting team's locker room. Due to scheduling conflicts, the practice match had to be held in the morning, leaving little recovery time for Ryonan's players.

Grumbles filled the room as the players stretched and prepared.

"Two games in less than 20 hours?" one player complained. "Coach, this is brutal!"

Taoka sighed. "It's not ideal, but the opponent isn't very strong. Jimbo lost three main players this year, so we should manage fine. Focus and do your best."

The game began with Ryonan asserting dominance early. Yuzumi secured the tip-off, leading to a quick layup by Kenichi Uesugi. Moments later, a swift counterattack ended with Sendoh delivering a powerful dunk. Within minutes, Ryonan led 4-0, and the gap only widened.

Despite their reputation as a frequent national competitor, Jimbo University High School struggled against Ryonan's relentless offense and staunch defense. By halftime, the score was 42-21 in Ryonan's favor. Coach Taoka had even instructed his players to ease up to avoid embarrassing their hosts.

The second half followed a similar pattern. With victory assured, Jimbo replaced their main players, and Taoka sent in Ryonan's substitutes. Players like Makoto Masaru and Kazuki Kishino gained valuable court experience while Kenichi reluctantly left the game, shooting an exasperated glance at Taoka.

"You've done enough," Taoka said firmly, silencing Kenichi's protests.

The remainder of the game played out uneventfully, and Ryonan secured another decisive victory. The players left the court brimming with confidence, their sights set on the national competition.

After exchanging pleasantries with Jimbo's players and staff, Ryonan's team boarded their bus for the journey home. Tired but triumphant, they reflected on the lessons learned from their grueling practice matches.

As the bus sped down the highway, Taoka leaned back in his seat, a satisfied smile on his face. The team's potential was undeniable. With players like Sendoh and Kenichi leading the charge, Ryonan was poised to make waves on the national stage.