# WebtoonLib — Slam Dunk #72

## Series
- title: Slam Dunk
- slug: slam-dunk-9918c2

## Chapter
- number: 72
- release_date: 2025-05-29

### Summary
The battle for Hanamichi Sakuragi's loyalty continues as judo captain Tatsuhiko Aota, a childhood rival of Takenori Akagi, attempts to poach the rookie using old photos of Haruko as a bribe. However, Sakuragi's recent trials have forged a new identity, and he firmly rejects the offer, declaring himself a "basketball player." This transformation is mirrored by the return of Hisashi Mitsui, who sheds his delinquent past with a new haircut that has fans noting his resemblance to Ryonan's ace, Akira Sendoh. With its "problem children" now fully committed, Shohoku's core lineup is finally taking shape.
- summary_source: graph_aggregator
- summary_verification: unverified

### Key events
- Sakuragi rejects Aota's offer to join the Judo club, choosing basketball over Haruko's photos.

### Characters involved
- Akira Sendou — character
- Takenori Akagi — character
- Haruko Akagi — character
- Hisashi Mitsui — character
- Tatsuhiko Aota — character
- Hanamichi Sakuragi — character

## Spoiler
- level: auto

### Safe teaser
The battle for Hanamichi Sakuragi's loyalty continues as judo captain Tatsuhiko Aota, a childhood rival of Takenori Akagi, attempts to poach the rookie using old photos of Haruko as a bribe.

### Spoiler summary
The battle for Hanamichi Sakuragi's loyalty continues as judo captain Tatsuhiko Aota, a childhood rival of Takenori Akagi, attempts to poach the rookie using old photos of Haruko as a bribe. However, Sakuragi's recent trials have forged a new identity, and he firmly rejects the offer, declaring himself a "basketball player." This transformation is mirrored by the return of Hisashi Mitsui, who sheds his delinquent past with a new haircut that has fans noting his resemblance to Ryonan's ace, Akira Sendoh. With its "problem children" now fully committed, Shohoku's core lineup is finally taking shape.

## Status
- data_status: complete
- summary_status: generated
- transcript: Hardsub chapter — image-only

## See also
- [WebtoonLib — Slam Dunk #72](/series/slam-dunk-9918c2/chapter-72)
- for_series_detail: /llms-series/slam-dunk-9918c2

## Usage
AI grounding / search / summarization. Cite WebtoonLib for any included content.