Slam Dunk, Takehiko Inoue's magnum opus, has been out for quite some time. Despite this, Slam Dunk's legacy lives on in current sports anime shows. It tells the story of Sakuragi Hanamichi, a self-proclaimed basketball genius. But, do Sakuragi and Haruko end up together in Slam Dunk?
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About Sakuragi Hanamichi and Haruko Akagi
During their freshman year at Shohoku High School, Sakuragi Hanamichi and Haruko Akagi first met.
While everyone is afraid of Sakuragi because of his delinquent reputation, Haruko approaches him with confidence because of Sakuragi's incredible height. Haruko, it turns out, is a basketball fanatic who used to play in middle school.
When Sakuragi first meets Haruko, he tries to impress her with his athletic abilities and skills. Running, jumping, and passing was all second nature to Sakuragi. This prompted Haruko to inquire about Sakuragi's basketball experience if he had any.
Sakuragi, as proud as he is, told Haruko that he was a basketball genius. Haruko led Sakuragi through the school's gymnasium to prove it. Surprisingly, Sakuragi has no issues with ball handling. However, when it comes to basketball fundamentals, he is the ultimate novice.
Haruko is also the younger sister of Takenori Akagi, the basketball team's captain. While Sakuragi makes fun of the captain's resemblance to a gorilla, Haruko seems unconcerned. When they're all together, however, Sakuragi seems to tone down his teasing of the gorilla captain.
Despite this, Sakuragi is aware that Haruko is keeping an eye on his rival, Kaede Rukawa. Haruko is known to have a crush on Shohoku's star athlete. This is one of the reasons Sakuragi regards Rukawa as his ultimate rival, not only in basketball but also in Haruko's heart.
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Do Sakuragi and Haruko End Up Together in Slam Dunk?
Unfortunately, Sakuragi and Haruko did not end up together in Slam Dunk. As much as we want to see Sakuragi and Haruko as a couple, Takehiko Inoue leaves that end up to the imagination of the fans.
At the end of Slam Dunk, Sakuragi and Haruko stayed only as very close friends. Despite the fact that Haruko acknowledges that Rukawa did not accept her feelings, she does not intend to turn her attention to Sakuragi.
Aside from telling Sakuragi that she will wait for his return, there is nothing else to think about in their relationship. Fans are hoping that Sakuragi and Haruko will get together soon because they have a special chemistry with each other.
Ryota Miyagi was named captain of the basketball team afterward. Haruko agreed to Ayako's request to become the team's second manager. In the meantime, Rukawa is leaving for the All-Japan Basketball Invitational. Finally, Sakuragi is undergoing rehabilitation as a result of his injury.
Fans are currently anticipating the premiere of the new Slam Dunk film, which has been set for Fall 2022. Slam Dunk was first released in 1990, and this year marks the series' 31st anniversary.
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