Konichiwwa Ayako-sempai!

Thanks so much for emailing me, it's been ages since I heard from you. When was it last we met? Oh yes, on Kogure-sempai's farewell, wasn't it? Feels like so long ago. Actually it feels kind of strange communicating this way, I haven't really gotten the hang of emailing just yet, but I guess it's pretty interesting.

Anyway, school and the team are doing fine. We've got quite a number of new members here, too. There hasn't been much trouble so far, although we do rather miss you and your fan. ^_^ Rukawa-kun's the captain of course, and Hanamichi-kun's been made vice-captain. I'm so proud of them, really, and they're settling in really well.

Oh remember Hikaru-san, the gangster fellow who got into trouble with Hanamichi-kun's friends last year? I've managed to make him join the team, turns out he's got a real eye for long shots, although not as good as Mitsui-sempai was, of course. And you know last year's MVP Ishimaru Nanaho of the Tomigaoka Junior High? He's joined Shohoku! It's going to be really exciting this year with all these new players.

Anyway, I think that's it for now, hope to hear from you soon.

Akagi Haruko.

Ayako-sempai,

I am so jealous! I wish I could have been there to see my oniichan beat Uozomi-sempai again. He did telephone to tell me about the game, but he didn't say much about the details, not like you did. Thank you, although I do wish I'd been there myself. It just isn't the same reading about a game when you can see it first-hand.

Anzai-sensei has been mentioning about taking on another team manager since the team is much larger now than it has been for quite a while. I've been scouting out for potential candidates but there hasn't really been anyone that can take up the job.

In some lighter news, the cheerleaders (remember, Rukawa-kun's fans?) have been officially banned from the gym, because they're disrupting practice. Apparently Hanamichi-kun lodged an official complaint with the school board. It was pretty funny, actually, but I don't know how to describe exactly what happened, since those girls refused give up without a fight. But then again, they are disruptive to practice, and I'm not going to miss them.

Akagi Haruko.

Ayako-sempai...

Oh my goodness, I hope Miyagi-sempai will be all right, that sounds really bad. An infection, you say? Just make sure he has a lot of rest, and his elbow will get better in no time. The team sends their regards and best wishes.

Anyway, there have been quite a number of things happening lately. For one, Hikaru-kun got in trouble with the rugby team, and it was Sakuragi-kun who had to help bail him out. It seems our basketball club has gained quite a reputation lately, and the other sports clubs have felt neglected since most of the school's budget has been put aside for us. *sigh* We shall see what happens.

And then Rukawa-kun's father came to Shohoku. It turns out he wants Rukawa-kun to go back with him to Tokyo. I don't know what we're going to do if Rukawa-kun leaves. He's the captain, and as much as I know Sakuragi-kun would love to be captain, he can't handle the job alone. Anzai-sensei is going to talk to Rukawa-kun's father tomorrow, let's all hope for the best.

But there's some good news, too! Mito Yohei has been made the second team manager! Oh, I know, he hasn't played basketball before, but he knows so much about the game now, he's perfect for the role! Hanamichi-kun wasn't too eager about having his friend boss him around, but I know he knows that Mito-kun is really good for the job. It's nice having someone to talk to on the bench again, too.

Akagi Haruko.

Ayako-sempai.

There's still problems with Rukawa-kun's father. I don't know what the details are, but Rukawa-kun's become extremely stressed lately. I know you can't imagine such a thing, because until a few days ago neither could I, but it's true. Even Hanamichi-kun's had to give him space (yes, another shocker!) even though he's been made the temporary captain, with Ishii-kun as his temporary vice-captain.

The budget problem however, has been solved, thanks to (oh you won't believe this) the Rukawa Brigade! They had heard about the how the other clubs were pressuring us and they held this fund-raiser / publicity event to bring the other clubs into the spotlight. And it worked! It came out in the school newspaper, I'll be sure to post a copy to oniichan so he can show you guys. But on the downside, this means that the Rukawa Brigade has to be let into the gym during practice now. I guess they do show they're support for Rukawa-kun in their own way. I don't know how Rukawa-kun's handling it. I wish he'd talk to someone.

Akagi Haruko.

Ayako-sempai...

Rukawa-kun's father has agreed to a compromise. If Rukawa performs really well during the friendly match with Shoyo two and a half weeks from now, he'll let him stay in Shohoku. Apparently Rukawa-kun's father wants to see whether he really does belong as a basketball player. I'm actually really angry with Rukawa-kun's father right now. He hasn't seen any of Rukawa-kun's games ever and he doesn't know what a wonderful player he is, and he comes and does this. I know I shouldn't say such things, but I can't help it.

Hanamichi-kun's been acting a little strange lately, though. I know he's kind of jealous of Rukawa-kun, but it seems to be more than usual lately. I know it's because I keep talking about Rukawa-kun to everyone, you know, asking them to watch out for him, and not upset him, but Hanamichi's just not taking it well. Sometimes Hanamichi can be really immature, I'dve thought he'd understand. This is an important time for us.

Oh there's someone at the door, need to go now. Ja ne!

Akagi Haruko.

Added later: Just had a fight with Hanamichi-kun. I'm sorry, but I'm feeling a bit upset. Will email you soon.

Ayako-sempai.

You won't believe what happened. Remember I told you I had a fight with Hanamichi-kun? Well, yesterday after practice he came to me to apologise and then... oh my gosh I still can't believe this... He told me he likes me.

..........

Unbelievable, isn't it? I'm sorry I just had to tell someone about it. Please please please please please don't tell anyone about this, okay?

But...... HELP. I don't know what to do.

Haruko

Ayako

(I'm sorry, my hands are still shaking.)

WHAT? YOU KNEW?! ALL OF YOU KNEW?!

I shall go hide under my blanket and never come out until graduation.

Haruko

PS. Rukawa-kun's getting worse. I don't know what to do about him, either. HELP.