Slam dunk, hit 100% of the three-pointers at the beginning!

After the fight, Yohei and Sakuragi's gang took the blame to protect the basketball team from being disbanded.

With Coach Anzai stepping in to mediate, the issue was resolved peacefully.

Following the Mitsui incident, the basketball team returned to its usual routine.

A few days later, at Shohoku High's gym.

"Kuwata, you and the others! Keep running, no slacking!"

"Kakuta, your lateral movement is way too slow! Speed it up!"

"Sakuragi! Back to the basics! Your fundamentals are terrible!"

Akagi was leading the team's training, shouting commands with his usual strict tone.

During the intense practice, the gym doors suddenly opened.

A short-haired, cheerful-looking man with bandages on his face stepped inside.

It was Mitsui Hisashi.

He walked in, sliding the doors open and bowing deeply toward Coach Anzai, who was seated nearby. His expression was filled with regret.

"Coach, I'm sorry. I've returned," Mitsui said.

Coach Anzai looked at him with his usual warm smile.

"You're back? Then start training," he replied gently.

Ayako, standing nearby, also welcomed Mitsui back with a bright smile.

"Welcome back to the team, Mitsui-senpai!"

The first-years, including Kuwata, stood in stunned silence.

"Wait, that's Mitsui-senpai? He looks so different now!"

"Isn't that the guy who caused all that trouble?!"

Even Sakuragi was puzzled. "This short-haired guy… doesn't look like the long-haired jerk from before."

Akagi and Kogure exchanged satisfied looks. Mitsui's return was a big step forward for Shohoku's dream of becoming national champions.

Kogure walked up to Mitsui, shaking his hand firmly. His voice carried a hint of emotion.

"Welcome back, Mitsui."

"I'm back, Kogure," Mitsui replied with a smile.

Rukawa stared at Mitsui with mild curiosity. "So, what kind of skills does a three-year-old junior high MVP have now?"

Standing nearby, Ryu looked at Mitsui and nodded approvingly.

"Mitsui-senpai, you definitely look better with short hair," Ryu commented.

"Any hairstyle suits me, you brat!" Mitsui shot back playfully.

Ryu chuckled, but his thoughts turned serious as he analyzed Mitsui.

[Scanning Player: Mitsui Hisashi]

Height: 184 cm

Weight: 70 kg

Stamina: C+

Speed: B

Strength: B-

Jumping Ability: B

Ryu frowned slightly. The two-year gap had taken a toll on Mitsui, especially on his stamina. Still, there was no telling how much skill he retained.

Miyagi, his face also bandaged, stepped forward and held out his hand.

"Mitsui-senpai, I want to apologize for my part in what happened before," Miyagi said earnestly.

"No, it was my fault. I'm the one who should apologize," Mitsui replied, shaking Miyagi's hand.

At that moment, the two finally made peace.

Mitsui turned to face the rest of the team, bowing deeply.

"Everyone, I'm very sorry for what I did," he said sincerely.

The room fell silent for a moment. Mitsui's actions had nearly caused the basketball team to disband, and without Coach Anzai's intervention, things could have turned out much worse.

"It's fine, Mitsui," Akagi said, waving it off. "Now, get over here and start training! Let's see if you still remember the dream we had when we joined the basketball team."

"Of course, Akagi," Mitsui said firmly. "That dream is why I came back."

Mitsui gripped Akagi's hand tightly. In that moment, the two understood each other completely.

Meanwhile, Sakuragi, holding a basketball, walked over with his usual smug grin.

"Hey, missy—uh, I mean Mitsui! Want to go one-on-one with me? Let me show you how amazing this genius is!"

Akagi and the others frowned. "What nonsense is Sakuragi spouting now?"

Mitsui looked at the ball in Sakuragi's hands, a glint of excitement in his eyes.

"Perfect. I haven't played basketball in ages. Let's do it, Sakuragi," he said, taking the ball confidently.

The match was over in no time.

Mitsui displayed sharp moves, scoring ten points in quick succession.

Sakuragi, on the other hand, looked like a clumsy beginner, barely able to keep up.

The final score: Mitsui 10, Sakuragi 0.

Coach Anzai pushed his glasses up, smiling with satisfaction.

"Exactly the same as before. Such a flawless and elegant shooting form," he murmured.

Mitsui smirked and teased Sakuragi.

"That's all you've got? If you were half as good at basketball as you are at picking fights, maybe you'd stand a chance."

"Argh! Mitsui, you jerk! How dare you show up this genius!" Sakuragi shouted, fuming.

The others burst into laughter at the sight.

Kogure, seeing Sakuragi's frustration, tried to console him.

"Don't let it bother you, Sakuragi. Mitsui was the junior high MVP, after all. Focus on your basics, and I'm sure you'll shine in the prefectural tournament."

Hearing this, Sakuragi felt a little better.

"Thanks, Kogure. You're the best!"

Kuwata and the other first-years stared in awe.

"So this is Mitsui-senpai's skill level? Amazing," they whispered.

Even though Sakuragi was inexperienced, his physical strength was no joke. None of them were confident they could beat him, but Mitsui had made it look easy.

With Akagi and Sakuragi dominating the inside, Ryu and Mitsui providing consistent three-point shooting, and Rukawa and Miyagi driving through the mid-range, Shohoku's lineup was shaping up to be a perfect team.

Akagi and Kogure exchanged a meaningful look, both feeling the same sense of hope.

"Mitsui's skills haven't diminished much," Akagi said quietly.

Coach Anzai nodded approvingly. "With regular practice, he can fully recover his form."

Meanwhile, Rukawa glanced at Mitsui with his usual cold expression.

"Looks like I've got another rival," he muttered.

Ryu, on the other hand, was impressed.

"Mitsui's got the technique. His stamina's not what it used to be, but that doesn't matter. After all, Shohoku still has me—the ultimate rookie."