Slam Dunk volume 24 features story and art by Takehiko Inoue.

It's the second half of Shohoku's debut game in the National Championship. Toyotama boasts the top three scorers from the Osaka regionals, and they're bent on nothing less than crushing Shohoku! But Coach Anzai's got a plan: steal the ball, run and score, facing Toyotama's run-and-gun style head on! If Shohoku can't beat Toyotama at their best game, what chance do they have of beating last year's champion Sannoh in the next round?

Slam Dunk volume 25 features story and art by Takehiko Inoue.

After watching a video of Sannoh's semifinal game from the previous year, the Shohoku players, except Sakuragi of course, are feeling nervous - three of Sannoh's starters this year played on that championship team. To make things worse, the stands are filled with Sannoh supporters eager to see their favorite rack up an easy win against Shohoku. But Coach Anzai's been here before and he knows his players, instructing them to lead off with a surprise attack that lets Sannoh know that Shohoku's in the house, and they aren't going out without a fight!

Slam Dunk volume 26 story and art by Takehiko Inoue.

With a slight lead thanks to Mitsui, Shohoku has their hands full as the game against Sanno heats up. Sanno's coach Domoto sends in Mikio, a player whose strength and size make up for his lack of experience. Coach Anzai counters by telling Shohoku to run their offense through Sakuragi, and the game becomes a battle between the two inexperienced power players.

What Sanno thought would be an easy win for them is turning out to be a lot more than they bargained for - Shohoku's here and they mean to go all the way to the top!

Slam Dunk volume 27 features story and art by Takehiko Inoue.

As the game against Sannoh heads into the second half, Shohoku struggles to keep up. Sannoh's coach Domoto isn't about to let Shohoku think they can stage an upset and lets loose his team's explosive offense. With Shohoku on the ropes and Sakuragi upset by a substitution, the players start feeling completely outmatched, and even Akagi begins having doubts. But Coach Anzai hasn't given up yet, and he begins priming Sakuragi on the sidelines for a comeback!