manzurina
manzurina
MANZURINA
28 posts
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Happy Birthday to our beloved Tensai!
桜木花道生誕祭2025
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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So...basically peak Cancer energy. ♋😂
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Kogure’s Dream [Slam Dunk doujinshi]
Someone kindly reminded me that 12 July is Kogure’s birthday, and that it might be timely to pull this 2014 doujinshi out from the archives. 
Always happy to see SD fans on tumblr, especially in the year of its 30th anniversary. Friendly shout-out to @poetabridged  -  thanks much :)
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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OMG CAN RELATE! I'd personally add Akagi to the list because I like that mature/dominant personality. Not saying Mitsui doesn't have it, but there's something about the super-extra-protective vibe I'd get out of Maki and Akagi. 😳😭
I swear it's the art that adds to it - THE ART MATTERS OMG!
Growing up watching Slam Dunk I used to have the biggest crush on Hisashi Mitsui, and don't get me wrong, I still do 😂
But now that I'm older I realized how much my taste has changed regarding the things that make a man attractive to me.
I find myself crushing on Shinichi Maki 💛 like crazy right now. That guy is husband material.
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It's funny how I went from liking the "bad boy" to liking the preppy gentleman with the cocky (but cute) smirk.
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Kiyota would lowkey be happy to be adopted by his idol big bro Maki. 😂🤣
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Re: Minami being loaded "cause he hasn’t gotten any assault charges yet 💀"
I mean you're not wrong, but the framing got me hollering.😭😭😭
rich mfs in slam dunk
a list of characters that DEFINITELY got racks
Mitsui
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Dude casually has teeth implants. I looked up the cost of them in Japan and for the three teeth he had to get implants for, it’s roughly around $4,500-$6,000. This number might be lower because it was the 90’s but that’s still hella money.
And he got them done so quickly 💀. Like you’re telling me the boy just went to his parents and asked and they got them fixed for him in just a few days?
Also the wiki mentions how he comes from an affuluent family and I’m not surprised, like have you seen those fits he got
Maki
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Honestly just by his appearance he looks wealthy. The eyebrows, the beauty mark, the nicely styled hair??? If this boy was broke i would be shocked.
Kainan is also a private school, and while it’s possible he got a scholarship for basketball, he fits the private school aesthetic.
Sawakita
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His dad literally got a big home with a basketball court built. While he did take out a loan, he still had to have money regardless and a good credit score to even be able to take out a loan.
It’s not said if Sawakita’s trip to the US was paid for by Sannoh, but the cost of casually vacationing there and taking part in basketball activities? The cost of living in the US is higher too, and Sawakita likely needed his own money for food and other expenses.
Also dude is literally moving alone to live in the US as a high schooler. He thanked his mom and dad for everything (which leads me to assume they’re fianancing this), and obviously they needed alot of money to support their son moving to a whole different continent at such a young age
Minami
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His parents are literally pharmacists, he’s definitely LOADED.
Minami definitely got some sort of attorneys, cause he hasn’t gotten any assault charges yet 💀
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Introduction to Basketball Intelligence
As we all know, there are many different attributes and a certain degree of athleticism that make up a good basketball player, including jumping ability, height, speed, reflexes, etc. But there is a key component that a great player possesses which cannot be measured and is often acquired only by playing the game itself. That key factor is basketball intelligence (basketball IQ). In this analysis, I would like to highlight the importance of basketball IQ and how Inoue Takehiko depicts this component in his work, the legendary manga Slam Dunk.
Keep reading
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Calm down, Fujima! 😭😭😭
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“Bring some coke” - point guards of Kanagawa edition
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Living up to his name - a true gentleman!
✨Maki Shinichi dating headcanons ✨
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Number one player in Kanagawa and number one boy in your heart.
Maki is a total gentleman, the perfect boyfriend.
He is very gentle and sweet towards. He always talks to you in a polite manner.
Holds your hand proudly as you make your way to or from school. Or if you are on a date. You are his and he loves that.
Compliments you a lot. He always know how to make you blush.
Loves it when you want to take care of him. It makes him feel appreciated.
Enjoys it when you play with his hair. It helps him relax. He might even end up falling asleep sometimes.
You two usually go on dates during the weekends. Your dates with Maki are literally magical.
Sometimes you two go on late night car rides. The roads are quiet and you have time to talk and discuss about everything.
He is gonna make a tone of compliments when you wear his clothes.
Maki enjoys hugs a lot. Sometimes you try to brush him off when he is sweaty but sometimes he will try to hug you just to tease you.
When you are bored he will read to you or watch your favorite movies with you.
Maki isn't the type of boyfriend that gets jealous easily but won't let anyone flirt with you.
When you walk his hand is usually wrapped around your waist keeping you close.
Will probably find a cute nickname to call you.
Likes to see you attending his games. You are his biggest supporter and he needs you there.
When you are sad he will wrap you in a blanket and cuddle with you until you feel better.
He is more sweet and affectionate than he seems. A cinnamon roll in denial.
I hope you liked it 💜✨
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Good dude indeed!
hi there! i saw ur blog just earlier n ur writing is so cool :DD im curious if you could write romantic headcanons for kogure from slamdunk ? thanks sm in advance ! ^^
KIMINOBU KOGURE ROMANTIC HEADCANONS
Sweetest boy ever.
You met him when he visited your parents' cafe where you sometimes work at when they need help.
Do I have to say that he started visiting quite.. Often?
If I can call every day often.
Your parents were actualy the first to notice that he likes you, as he claimed that he still 'doesn't know what he wants to order' when anyone but you asked, and when you came to ask him he always took the same. Your favorite drink that you recomended him for the first time he was there.
They thought that it was cute and made you always take his order, which ended up with him finally confessing to you one day.
He comes over to help you and your parents at the cafe now.
Study dates with him >>>>
He's such a good teacher!!!! And gives you a kiss for every good answer you say.
Your parents trust him so much they even let him stay over for a night sometimes. Well they make you sleep in the living room but it's so fun too.
He'll help your mom with dinner and then you'll all watch movies as a family.
Cause he's basically a part of it now.
He's so mature.
Always holds your hand, opens every door for you, asks you if you're cold and if you are he makes you take his coat.
Does this boy even have any red flags???
Well yes.
He's so insecure it hurts.
Always holds you close when you're around his friends and he sometimes gets upset if you're having fun talking with them.
Which ends up in a fight, cause he's scared that you'll leave him, and then you don't talk to him and he goes to your house with roses to apologise.
Gives one to your mom and the rest to you when he apologises to you.
Takes you on his matches as 'his personal cheerleader'. Even if he's not playing.
Puts his jacket on you so no one even think of looking at you.
When they win he runs to you and just spins you around in happiness.
10/10 softie would recommend.
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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HE IS SUCH A SOFTIE! 🥺😭💖
being akagi takenori’s s/o hc
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# fluff, crack, gender-neutral reader, slight ooc takenori, grammatical errors ignore!
author’s note: there is not enough slam dunk fics and that should be a foul😾💢 presenting my bby <33 still on s4 so… yeah
You met him during middle school and it was awkward to say the least. You were very much open up to meeting new friends—and him was not an exception. You thought to yourself that he can be a member of a sports like basketball or volleyball.
You admired his height and was a bit envious because you want to get taller. Takenori is obviously unaware of your inner struggles because of his shyness towards you—you’re talking to him!
You first thought that he wouldn’t really give a single crap about you in middle school and will focus on something else that matter to him, not until he gained the courage to talk with you. You relished in the memory of him what appears to be stuttering and the awkwardness of you replying to him neutrally.
It was the start of an adorable friendship. Your classmates were surprised to see you being close with him and you didn’t know what was supposed to be surprising about.
You came to find out that he loves basketball, although he seems to be needing a bit more polish. You can see the passion and determination in his eyes about going to the Nationals and you were in trance. Such a dream wasn’t just an easy fickle to reach, yet you know he can and will.
You always go to his practice, you weren’t part of the team yet. You’re just there in the sidelines watching him silently, there is no cheer from you because you’re afraid of disturbing him. He knew you’re watching—although he actually wants to hear you cheer him but he misunderstood that you weren’t that impressed with his skills :(
He confronted to you about it and felt warm when you put out your consideration for him. You laughed seeing the adorable blush on his cheeks while scratching his head, a big soft cutie.
You absolutely love his sister! She is now like one of your adopted little sisters. You get along with her so well, that she demands his big brother to let you sleepover at their house on the weekends. Now how he’s gonna reject his sister’s request; also he doesn’t mind the idea.
He wasn’t used to your attitude of nagging him like a mother chicken when he overworks and hurts himself because of the sports. His eyes were shimmered in shock when you aid him and bonked his head for being reckless. Akagi laughed seeing you getting concerned and you just.. watched his smile like you’re entranced.
He looks so bright whenever he smiles, too kind like an angel
Perhaps the middle school childishness in you can’t seem to grasp yet the fact that he has to take risks in order to pursue his dream—he wasn’t going in a war, he was reaching for the top of his favorite sport.
You support him, and that is all that matters. He relies and trusts you, so why shouldn’t you do the same? You never notice the soft look in your eyes as you look at him.
(BEFORE THE ANIME PLOT)
Timeskip to highschool; as you grew older, you were nagging him less and just gave up when you came to see him working hard. You grew up in a mature way to see that he definitely needs to work up his body above limits—he did appreciate your quirks and the team was teasing him for having such a cute “babysitter” with him which leaves him flustered
You always have the urge to protect him, even though by physically it’s supposed to be the opposite. The two of you are always together, your classmates wonder how the two of you aren’t dating yet. One of them asked you about your relationship, and you had a mind-circuiting moment about the though of dating your childhood friend.
You’re now observing your bestfriend, who is focused on the board and was writing down notes. You smiled thinking that it wouldn’t be that bad dating him.
Aaandd.. it now messes up your mind whenever you see Akagi, sooo… there are sometimes where you want to not see him because of your stubborn heart leaving him confused and a bit hurt. You sighed and call yourself dumb on how ridiculous you’re being. You just need to give him hints soon, but what if you’ll ruin the friendship?
Your caring actions slowly begin to have a twinge of intimacy that is above platonic towards him. Your heart, which used to beat normally, is now pumping so fast that it makes you sweat slightly in his presence. You’re beginning to act weird which concerns him. Damn him and his kindness!
Takenori hasn’t notice yet, but you don’t mind. You can just admire him from afar, not wanting to ruin the friendship and be a distraction to his dream. Kogure felt like he was reading a real life shoujo manga—that clueless brute! (akagi sneezed on the background)
His physical contact like hugs and holding your hand which are supposed to be purely platonic, is now giving you thoughts that are above platonic. You were shivering and feeling flustered whenever he initiates one. God, you’re so pathetic. Just act cool.
Akagi watch as you ramble about something you’re happy about and all the good things that happen within the day. He was so focused on listening to you, from other people’s perspective, it would seem like you two are a couple. He admires your strong will to defend yourself, he thinks he is so lucky to have you
Gradually, your kindness and care towards him develop some new feelings that he didn’t know existed. Akagi was a bit late on realizing something because his heart was now beating fast whenever he sees you, cue Kogure pointing out to him about his crush while Akagi was rendered speechless. He wasn’t concentrated on his game back there.
Now, Kogure is watching as both of you were getting shy on each other and being flustered—it makes him gag. Ugh, just date already!
His team hooked up a plan to make you two confess on the rooftop because you were clearly avoiding each other after such misunderstandings and is ruining the performance of their captain. Kogure wants to hear what’s going inside, but left because of respect for privacy. Yasu feels the opposite but Kogure manage to let him think otherwise.
You stared at each other in surprise on the other’s presence, as you both look away comically. The heat was coming back on your cheeks while he sweats profusely. He was deceived, he thought Kogure wants to say something to him—maybe that’s why it was weird on why they should meet at the rooftop on the first place.
You look at each other when the other one’s not. Calm yourself down, this is not the end of the world. You should really clear up the misunderstandings, maybe it’s your fault. Oh great, now you’re starting to ruin the friendship! You felt ashamed.
Your heart couldn’t take it, it was almost this close to burst out of your chest. Your hands were getting sweaty at the uncomfortable silence. Unknown to you, he was also thinking the same thing. His mind was getting lightheaded because of the pressure his self is putting on. You gulped at the same time.
You both confessed. And it was a deafening silence after
Then everyone around in your school surprisingly celebrate which made both of you sweatdrop at their dramatic actions. They even made a banner “Akagi x (Y/n) forever!” and has poorly drawn faces of you two. You giggled and took a picture while his sister congratulated you two. She baked you cookies the next day, and is also happy to see you together.
Shohoku team was engrossed to their captain’s love life and was surprised seeing the fond look on Akagi’s face. They congratulated him and made ridiculous flower crown and cakes to celebrate. They are so happy for the both of you.
You’re now officially a couple. And it made both of you happy and loved, their celebration made you feel like you just got married—which you told him as he splutters in embarassment. You laughed.
His parents supported you both and now you’re walking together about your first ever relationship. He was so delighted, he can’t even stop smiling.
You gave him matching necklaces which were hidden for weeks inside your room and you wouldn’t dare tell that to him ‘cause of embarassment. And Akagi cherished it and will wear it everyday, ah you love him so dearly. You also respected about him not wearing it during his games and you definitely understood.
You kissed him on the cheek quickly before running away out of embarassment. He stood there on the spot for few seconds before chasing you, you don’t have the speed enough to overrun him. You grinned as he twirls you around in his arms.
He was really a gentleman, he gave you flowers and gifts. Your parents and his always point out that you two are like a married couple which still makes you lightheaded at that thought. Haruko always teased you which in return you tease her about her crush on Rukawa, the only first year you know in Shohoku.
The author is definitely not jealous of their own headcanon
(PRESENT TIME—SEASON 3-4)
“Kogure-senpai.. who is that person beside him?” Sakuragi whispered-yelled at Kogure while his eyes are comically intense staring at the two of you chatting together. His mouth was agape wide open seeing his captain laugh and is smiling like he wasn’t just beating him up seconds earlier. Kogure doesn’t answer as he chuckled, confusing the red-head
Rukawa doesn’t know what to feel seeing his senior and a stranger laughing. It was a different kind of laugh, this time it was soft and Rukawa could feel the something more intimate with the atmosphere between you two. He realized what you two are, seeing a matching necklace on your neck, similar to the ones that Akagi have in his locker; although maybe his red-headed teammate doesn’t know—typical moron.
Ryota grins seeing you and Akagi together, his two respectable senpais! You two look so good together. Will he also experience that with Ayako? He blushed at the thought as he giggles to himself making Sakuragi look at him weirdly and yelled ‘What the hell are you laughing at, Ryo-chin!’
Although Ayako loves seeing you two getting chummy together, they have to continue to practice. She was about to walk towards you, but was stopped by the coach. Coach Anzai shook his head and call off a break which made the team sigh in relief. Ayako scoffed lightheartedly, their coach always seem to have a soft spot for you.
“Oi, you guys didn’t answer my question! Who is that and why do they look so chummy together?!” Sakuragi was getting frustrated and shivered in fear seeing the soft glimmer in Gorilla’s eyes and can see flowers on the background. Even Mitsui was curious about you.
Kogure finally answered, “That’s Akagi’s lover.”
Silence…
Silence…
A ball dropped on the ground, as the team let out a silent scream.
It got worse when you asked for something and your boyfriend suddenly wrap his arm around your shoulder while he uncharacteristically kissed your cheek making you giggle at the blush on his cheeks. You adore the shy look in his eyes, knowing he still feels flustered showing affection in public.
Sakuragi’s soul was slowly coming out of him, Rukawa—who looked disinterested, was also surprised by how his body stop moving and breathing, he was watching you in comical disgust at the PDA his captain showed. Mitsui stood there, processing the words.
Ayako covers her ears, already prepared for the chaos incoming. You and Akagi were confused on why it has gone silent, as you two looked at everyone staring at you in shock.
“HIS WHAT?!?!?!”
In a milisecond, a red-headed stranger was close up to your face making you blink owlishly. He was all over you like you’re one of the rarest insect in the whole world making you laugh awkwardly about what is happening. Suddenly the stranger was blast away by your boyfriend who had his fist steaming from hitting Sakuragi’s head.
He came back with a bump on his head, he was breathing heavily, “A…Are you really Gorilla’s lover..?” he whispered at you like he couldn’t believe it. You laughed loudly at the familiar nickname making Akagi even more furious at the red-head.
“I am! May I know who you are?” you exclaimed with a bright smile blinding Sakuragi. How the hell did he got such a person like you. He shook hands with you, proclaiming to be a genius and the future ace of the team making you let out an impressed whistle. You like people like him!
Although one glare from your boyfriend sent him into frenzy before scattering away towards the court. Your eyes just kept on the red-head, your boyfriend apologized for his stunts.
Akagi doesn’t plan on adopting Sakuragi of all people, yet why the hell did you suddenly have a soft spot for that idiot?! No the favouritism is very clear from how you’re praising and cheering the red-head up! Sakuragi doesn’t know whether to feel happy or scared because of his two senpais’ eyes on him.
Sakuragi likes you just like how he likes Ayako. He tolerates you more than Akagi and he will literally die if he ever say it out loud in front of his captain. You defend him from his rowdy friends and classmates who berate his skills and give him some tips about basketball. Yep, his friends are also scared of you also.
You support him with his crush on Haruko although you always sigh because you know she’s dense as a rock. You also had a crazy idea of having a double date with them if they every get together, Akagi despises that idea of his sister and the idiot being together
After practice, you both went inside your boyfriend’s home. You waited inside his room and sat on Akagi’s bed while he takes a shower. You have no energy to eat dinner so all you can do is wait and watch him eat so much, you serve him with food so generously that he’s about to cry from how kind you are.
It was dark inside his room and you looked at him softly, seeing the tiredness all over him. You opened up your arms and he immediately snuggled into your arms. His weight gives all the warmth you could possibly want, your fingers run through his hair as you both cuddle. You peck his forehead and the two of you fell asleep with pure love and warmth all over you two.
You’re really lucky to have Takenori as your boyfriend.
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Chapter 6: Progress and Personal Growth
The third game — but the first I could attend since arriving in Japan—was against Takahata High School, and I could feel the tension in the gym. It was my first time seeing the team in action since I arrived in Japan, and there was so much to absorb.
Shohoku started strong, but there was a hiccup when Sakuragi fouled out in the first half. Ugh, classic Sakuragi, I thought, but honestly, he was still strong on the boards. His rebounds were getting better, and I could see how much potential he had. But for now, he was still a bit of a novice in terms of fundamentals. I was already brainstorming some drills that could help him refine his skills, especially in terms of accuracy and timing. After all, his energy could be a huge asset if we could smooth out the rough edges.
Mitsui, on the other hand—Hisashi—was a true veteran. His 3-pointers were still deadly, even though I could tell he was still holding back. He was here, but it was clear that something was off. His injury, the one I saw him nursing when he arrived late to the game, seemed to be bothering him, but he pushed through. I knew his history with injuries made him a bit more reserved about his physical limitations, but it didn’t seem to stop him from sinking those threes. What a beast, as always.
As for the rest of the team, the bench was weak. I could see it during regular practice, and I knew we needed to push them harder. So when the team lined up for their warm-up laps before the next game, I decided to jump in. I ran behind them, Ayako’s fan in hand, waving it as a motivational tool. Run, boys, or you’ll get whipped!
I wasn’t about to let them slack off. My pace matched theirs, and I made sure no one tripped or injured themselves. I’m fast, sure, but I also wanted them to know I was there for them. My court name in the USA was "Speedy," and that was no joke. I wasn’t just quick on offense—I could run with the best of them when it came to conditioning. Wait until they find out I have an alter ego, I thought with a smirk. But that’s irrelevant for now.
The fourth round came, and we faced Tsukubu High School. Sakuragi fouled out again, this time in the second half, which didn’t help matters. But the team still pulled through and managed to win. We advanced to the quarterfinals, and I could feel the momentum building. But something was still nagging at me. It wasn’t just about the team—it was about Hisashi.
I couldn’t ignore the remnant injury on his face, the one he succumbed to since the Takahata game. He’d shown up late, and I noticed the strain on his body as he moved. Was it something that happened before he arrived? I wasn’t sure, but I knew something was off. The way he seemed distant, yet still engaged on the court, made me wonder.
After the fourth game ended, I approached him, trying to bridge the gap between us. “How are you feeling?” I asked softly.
There was a brief pause. I could feel the awkwardness in the air, but I didn’t care. I wanted to make sure he was okay. He turned to me, his expression unreadable for a moment, before he finally spoke.
“I'm okay,” he said quietly, his voice almost a whisper. “Thanks for asking, Lin-chan.”
He’s still calling me by my first name… I couldn’t help but smile a little. That’s a good sign.
“I heard from my cousin. I’m glad you’re doing better,” I said, giving him a gentle smile.
There was an almost imperceptible change in his face—like something shifted. A tiny smile appeared, and then, before I could react, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder in a tight squeeze.
It wasn’t dramatic or overly emotional, but it was enough to make me pause. I looked at him, and his grin—subtle but there—was enough to make my heart skip a beat.
“Welcome back…Lin,” he said softly—with that emphasis on my first name.
I had to take a deep breath to keep my composure. Okay. OKAY, this is fine. I smiled, keeping it together. “Thanks, Hisashi. I’m happy to be back,” I said, my voice steady, but there was a softness behind it. Then, quietly, I added, “...and to see you again. It’s been awhile. I missed you.”
Hisashi’s arm around my shoulder tightened just a bit, acknowledging my words, and I felt a warmth spread through me. It was nothing overly dramatic, but it was a small step toward something more—toward a reunion that was long overdue. And for now, that was enough.
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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I see it...I SEE IT!
Slam Dunk Characters and their Hogwarts Houses
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Cute! I want a big bro like Akagi! 🥺 Or a protective hubby like him. 🫣
Let a girl * squeal * for that manly protection!😆
Whatever, I have neither so I can dream of having a strong protective man. 😤
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Red Mark Army! 🆘❌‼️
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証明写真風
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Chapter 5: Making My Mark
"Watch and learn," I say with a grin, not waiting for any response from the guys or anyone else. Without hesitation, I dribble the ball from the entrance and immediately pull off a fast break. The Shohoku team members are too stunned to react in time, and within seconds, I’m dashing and dancing around them. The ball had been hurtling toward a random bystander, but in a flash, that bystander—me—was zigzagging her way through the court.
First, I slide past Miyagi with a quick cut to the left, then Kogure as I use a behind-the-back dribble to evade him. And then there’s Mitsui, without recognize him at the time. He tries to block me, but I step around him, my quick footwork making it impossible for him to catch up. They’re all too stunned to do much else, watching as I flow across the court.
Now comes the real challenge: Rukawa and Sakuragi. I see the height difference between us, and I know they’re likely going to try to stop me. Rukawa moves first, but I fake left, then go right. It’s too fast for him to adjust, and by the time he turns around, I’m already past him. Sakuragi, presumably the tallest player on the court, attempts to move into position for a block, but I’m already too quick. I sidestep him with a smooth spin and finish with a lay-up — *swoosh* — easy.
After that stunt, I felt a rush of satisfaction. My grand entrance was a success.
I scan the court for familiar faces—Coach Anzai, Takenori, and Ayako, who’s watching me intently. After spotting them, I walk over to introduce myself.
"Pardon my tardiness. I got lost until the four gentlemen guided me here," I say, gesturing at the four guys still standing by the entrance. "Won’t happen again, gentlemen," I add, giving my cousin a formal nod. "…And to you too, Mademoiselle, feel free to call me Lin," I say to Ayako with a wink, savoring the playful tone.
From the corner of my eye, I notice a shift in the air. The first guy I passed—Ryota Miyagi—looks a little... jealous? I can almost hear the thoughts running through his mind. Wait, does he think I’m hitting on a woman? Or does he think I’m a dude? I turn around, meeting his gaze, and that’s when he realizes his mistake.
“Wait, you’re a girl?” he blurts, clearly startled.
I smile and turn back toward Takenori and Coach Anzai. "Isn't it about time for a proper introduction so we don’t get any more… misunderstandings?"
Takenori sighs, clearly used to the antics of his team, and Coach Anzai chuckles softly. The two of them share a knowing look before Takenori gathers the team’s attention.
“Alright, listen up, everyone,” Takenori begins, his voice commanding the room. "This is Lin Akagi. She’s a point guard for the women’s varsity basketball team in the US and is slated to take over as the captain of her team once she starts her final year of high school, after summer break ends.”
The team listens intently as Takenori continues, “She volunteered to help us this summer as the assistant coach. Her knowledge and experience, especially her American training and playing style, will be invaluable to us as we prepare for nationals. We need all the assistance we can get to maximize our chances of winning.”
I don’t add anything to the introduction. Instead, I bow slightly, my classic American-style smile tempered by the seriousness of the moment. As I straighten up, Coach Anzai adds his own thoughts.
"Like Mitsui, Miss Lin was a district MVP for her middle school, when she still played in Japan. Her continued involvement in basketball in the US is a testament to her dedication. I look forward to seeing her methods and urge all of you to be open-minded.”
As the room settles, I glance toward Mito back at the door and give him a wink. Now you know, Mito. ;)
A few murmurs fill the room, but it’s the reactions from two players that stand out. First, there’s Sakuragi.
“Lin...san...are you Gori’s sister?” Sakuragi asks, his face full of confusion.
“Gori?” I blink, genuinely puzzled. "What’s that?"
“If you’re Gori’s and Haruko-san’s sister, that means I’ll call you Akagi-neesan,” he declares with a big grin, clearly proud of his deduction.
I blink again, and before I can respond, Ayako whispers in my ear, “Sakuragi has feelings for your cousin, Haruko.”
Oh. Oh! I think to myself, a realization hitting me. So, he’s trying to get on my good side to get welcomed as a brother-in-law? A mischievous grin forms on my face. Very well, we’ll play this game.
"Whatever makes you happy... Hana-chan!" I say, using a casual, nonchalant tone, giving him a sweet smile. "Good thing you're so cute!" followed by a teasing wink.
The reaction is instantaneous. Sakuragi’s face turns bright red, and the entire room bursts into laughter. Mito, Noma, Ohkusu, and Takamiya all crack up, and even Coach Anzai chuckles. The laughter spreads, with Sakuragi trying his best to hide his embarrassment.
I grin, satisfied with the chaos I’ve caused. After a few more moments of laughter, I lean toward Ayako and whisper, "This will be an interesting summer. I'm glad I got here when I did and not a day later!"
Ayako smiles warmly. "It’s going to be fun," she agrees, clearly enjoying the lighthearted moment.
Takenori sighs, shaking his head. "Bunch of idiots..." he mutters, though I can see the affection behind his words. Whatever, you know you love me, Taka-nii.
Coach Anzai chuckles deeply, his hearty laugh filling the room. "Oh ho ho ho ho," he booms, thoroughly entertained by the scene.
And then there’s Mitsui, who stands quietly off to the side, his expression unreadable. But in his eyes, I can see that he’s still processing everything. The shock of seeing me, the unexpected reunion—it’s all a lot to take in. He remains silent, but I can sense that this is a major turning point for both of us.
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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It's like using pregnancy as a shock fake news to cushion the effects of the actual bad news: failing a quiz. 😭😂
Akagi: Did you eat all the powdered donuts!?
Sakuragi: [mouth full of donuts] No!
Akagi: I can see the powder on your pants.
Sakuragi: Th-this is cocaine!
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manzurina · 3 months ago
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Chapter 4: A Grand Entrance
The afternoon sun beat down as I made my way toward the gym, mentally kicking myself for forgetting to ask my cousins how to get to the specific building. "Darn, I should've asked so I don’t wander around. At this point, I’ll definitely be late… NOT a good impression!" I muttered to myself, a little pout creeping onto my face.
Oof, I definitely stand out, which makes me look even more suspicious... I thought to myself, glancing down at my outfit. Tall, wavy-but-short pixie cut, a bit of curve, curvier than what you'd expect from an East Asian thanks to my American diet, on both top and bottom—only to be emphasized by an intentionally oversized collared shirt tucked into my faux jeans. At least I was wearing sneakers in case I needed to run.
I walked a little further, trying to shake the feeling that I was completely out of place here, when I suddenly noticed a quartet of men walking together, heading in the same direction. They looked... sketchy, but not? Something about them seemed off, but they didn’t seem threatening. Hmm, what harm is it to ask them? Eh, what the heck, why not?
"Hey guys, do y’all know where I can find the basketball gym? I promised several people I'd be there by the top of the hour," I asked, trying to sound as casual as possible. I didn’t care who answered me at this point—even an ‘I don’t know’ would’ve sufficed.
The guys stopped, sizing me up for a moment. I couldn't help but wonder if they were staring because of my appearance—was it because I was half-Japanese, half-Chinese, or was it just that I didn’t look like I belonged? Either way, one of them, a guy who looked to be the leader, gave a friendly grin and answered.
"We’re about to head there to watch our friend practice. You can come with us," he said, nodding toward the gym.
“Thanks! I appreciate it. Show the way, kind sir!” I replied, lightening the mood with an exaggerated gesture—like a gentleman asking a lady to dance, though I didn’t extend my hand. I didn’t expect to make anyone laugh, but it worked. The leader chuckled, and the other three guys seemed to brighten up, too. The atmosphere lightened, and the awkwardness I’d felt earlier started to fade.
The leader, still laughing, noticed that I wasn’t a student or staff. "So, what brings you to the gym, exactly? You don’t look like you're from around here."
I could tell there was a hint of caution behind his friendly tone, like maybe someone else had tried to get in with ulterior motives before. I tucked that thought away in the back of my mind and shrugged it off. "Oh, I’m just here to help out. You know how it is," I said with a grin.
As we walked toward the gym, I chatted casually with the four guys. The leader introduced himself as Mito Yohei, and the rest of the crew were Noma, Ohkusu, and Takamiya.
"Nice to meet y’all. I’m Lin Akagi. You can just call me Lin," I said with a smile. "I’m about to start 12th grade... Wait, no, high school year four? No, you don’t have that in Japan. Oh wait, THIRD YEAR! Sorry, I always mix up the US and Japanese school systems," I laughed, feeling a little embarrassed.
The guys chuckled at my confusion, and Mito nodded. "Don’t worry, we get it. The school systems are way different."
The group subsequently exchanged looks, clearly intrigued by my last name. Mito raised an eyebrow. "Akagi... Are you Captain Akagi’s relative? I didn’t know he had two sisters!"
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, no, I’m not the captain’s sister. I’m his younger cousin. And I take it you know his actual sister, Haruko? She’s my younger cousin. I’m staying with them for the summer. We may be cousins, but they might as well be my siblings, even though I live far away in the US,” I explained with a light chuckle.
"Ah, that explains it!" Mito said, his tone brightening. "Well, I can’t wait to see how Hanamichi responds when he meets a third Akagi."
I blinked at that. “Hanamichi? Is that by any chance the same person as Sakuragi? I think Haruko mentioned him when we were talking about my job expectations here,” I admitted, pondering.
“Job?” Takamiya asked, looking puzzled.
“Haha, wouldn’t you like to know?” I teased with a mischievous grin. "You’ll know soon enough after I properly introduce myself. But first, the gym! Are we getting close?”
“We are,” Mito said, pointing to the building ahead of us.
Just as we neared the open doors, I prepared to thank them when something unexpected happened. A basketball came flying toward me from inside the gym, hurtling toward my face.
“WATCH OUT!” someone yelled.
Instinct kicked in, and I raised my arms, blocking the ball. Miraculously, I managed to catch it midair before it hit the ground.
“Whew, that was dangerous. You guys okay?” I asked, turning to the four guys, who had clearly passed the door just before the ball flew toward me.
“We’re fine, but you? Nice block!” Noma called out.
“I know more than just blocking, gents. Watch and learn,” I said with a wink, preparing for my grand entrance. After all, my faux jeans stretched comfortably, and my sneakers were made for moments like this.
With a smile on my face, I stepped forward, ready to make my grand entrance.
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