Slam Dunk: Blue Invasion

I never imagined that basketball would become such a brilliant color in my life, a fiery red like maple leaves, illuminating my youth. In the hazy memories of my childhood, my father held me in his arms and pointed at it, saying it was more wonderful than life itself. All I remember is the rapt fascination in his eyes and the fleeting bitterness in my mother's. That is all I have left of my father. After that, all I remember are my mother's eyes growing colder and colder. At her arrangement, I went to Japan, where basketball led me to him... His name was like an autumn maple: cool and proud, strong, yet infinitely gentle. His figure gradually merged with that of the big brother who lived next door when I was little. They were both gifted basketball players. The difference was that the older boy had already passed away... When the basketball struck the floor with a low DO, I think I fell in love with that stubborn yet gentle boy. But one day, when I realized that after losing to myself, I no longer had the right to stand behind him and watch his back... I think I lost him that day. Years later, by chance, I met that maple-like boy again. No, he was no longer a boy. He had grown into a man, with an even lovelier woman by his side. But that woman seemed to be the only one who wasn't kind to her... Rukawa, tell me, can I still watch your back? Looking back