Sakuragi is away from Shohoku, still recovering from his back injury in the Sannoh game. We see him on the beach, reading a letter from Haruko detailing the latest happenings at school. Just then, who should come jogging up the beach, but Rukawa Kaede. Haruko's letter mentions that Rukawa has been training for the All-Japan. Sakuragi doesn't believe it, and says so outright to Rukawa, who nicely complies to provide evidence by showing his All-Japan jersey that was under his windbreaker. But that's pretty much it. They don't fight, Sakuragi doesn't start screaming at him, Rukawa doesn't make a passing insult.

Instead, the pair share a moment of stillness, thinking about the future, perhaps? Then the moment is gone and they part ways without acknowledging one another. Although really, there's nothing left to be said.

Point to ponder. Ain't it a mighty big coincidence that Rukawa's there? He could be there as part of his training with the All-Japan, but it's by his own choice that he's jogging down that particular stretch, because no other players are within the vicinity. And of course, it should already be common knowledge among the Shohoku-ans where Sakuragi's staying for his back treatment. And while Sakuragi does look surprised to see Rukawa there, the same cannot be said of Rukawa. Hee.

Anyway... It's the finale.

The series started with inner circle relationship(s) between Sakuragi, Haruko and Rukawa; here it ends with them. It’s a slightly melancholy scene, but still hopeful of the infinite possibilities of the future. Looking at this scene alongside the beginning of the manga/show, it seems that everything and yet nothing has changed. Sakuragi is still resentful of Rukawa and giddily crushing on Haruko, Rukawa is still annoyed with Sakuragi and indifferent with Haruko, Haruko is still holding onto her friendship with Sakuragi and her own crush on Rukawa. However, even though they have been imprinted in these roles, they are no longer resentful of them. (Accepting things as the way they are?) All three have grown and matured, albeit outwardly not to the unobservant outsider. And, maybe I’m reading too much into this, it seems all three of them are finally starting to become more aware of the possibilities that things may move on. Well.

THE END. *sniffle*