The Fight. All RuHanaRu fans know this one.

Sakuragi's been moping because he feels that he was responsible for their loss in the Kainan game, and hasn't been going to practice. He decides to brood in the gym one night, and lo and behold Rukawa suddenly appears. Rukawa does not say anything, which makes the self-berating Sakuragi upset as he thinks Rukawa is pitying him.

They showdown in the gym. Rukawa does this whole speech about how it was not Sakuragi's fault that they lost, but his. Sakuragi, of course, says that's nonsense, and they both end up beating each other to claim responsibility for the Kainan loss. It's a strange sort of comfort, and makes sense when you think about their bizarre relationship.

Now to the innuendo-ish bits. (what, you thought I was done?) One, note that Rukawa started the fight. Two, please remember that fighting has always been Rukawa's way of lifting Sakuragi's spirits. And three, is it coincidental that Haruko (whom everyone knows Sakuragi has a manic crush on) tried to help Sakuragi earlier that day and failed, while Rukawa succeeded?

Just another adorable moment. 

In a freshmen-senior practice match, Sakuragi and Rukawa are determined to out-do their seniors. At the last minute of the game, they both charge against Mitsui, and then Rukawa passes the ball to Sakuragi (?!), fully expecting him to return it. Sakuragi, of course, does no such thing and leaps for a dunk at the same time Rukawa does, as neither wants to concede defeat to the other. 

Can you imagine Rukawa responding this way to anyone else? Anyone else?

Another adorable moment, and just showing that Rukawa’s finally figured out the sure-fire way to get his do’aho’s attention. Hit him with something, and then make a snide comment. Wa-ha!

Sakuragi shows concern for Erin’s interest in Rukawa. Erm, yes.

Skidding off-topic, I cannot stand Ryokufu. They are the most obnoxious team ever featured in the Slam Dunk universe, which kind of makes sense because they’re an OVA spawn. Blech. The Shohoku-Ryokufu game also makes absolutely NO sense chronologically. Shohoku would never have had time during the eliminations for a friendly --> there was only one week between the Kainan game and the next the game;  they needed to save energy (especially Rukawa); Akagi’s ankle was still healing; Anzai-sensei wanted to preserve their spirit for the final two games.

But mostly I have a gripe with the Ryokufu team and their lady manager, all of whom have serious attitude problems. Even Kainan, the reigning champs, are less smug about their talent. I now have respect for Maki. Who’dve thought?