Most people see cars as mere machines. And in the way that most people use them, that label is correct. The automobile, in its traditional sense, is built for one purpose: to transport its passengers from Point A to Point B. The majority of them are built for that sole reason, and as long as automobiles are produced, that will remain true.

However, there are a few of us who interpret the word "automobile" differently. For us, automobiles are more than machines. They serve not just as a form of transportation, but as a form of self-expression; an extension of who we are. We take pleasure in not just the cars themselves, but also in driving them. There's just something about going full throttle down a straightaway or hugging the inside of a sharp corner that makes us forget about everything else for the moment. For me, it's the ultimate feeling, and it's why I aspire to be a member of the Akagi Red Suns.

Until some time ago, the Red Suns were led by Ryosuke and Keisuke Takahashi, affectionately called the "Rotary Brothers" because they both drove RX-7s. They come from a wealthy family, and their father owns a hospital. They're also amazing racers, especially Ryosuke, who holds the course record. He's only lost a race once, and that was to an old Eight-Six of all cars. I've been told the driver is named Takumi Fujiwara. Keisuke lost to the same guy, and eventually, Ryosuke left the Red Suns and recruited Keisuke and Fujiwara for his Project D racing team. The goal of that team was to conquer every mountain pass in the Kanto region, and believe it or not, they did it. Their last two races were the first I ever attended, and they were why I decided to start driving. I was captivated by everything I saw. The way Keisuke and Fujiwara drove...it was crazy. I've never seen anything like it. The way their cars flew...it was refreshing, almost uplifting. They looked like they were free.

My name is Mitcheru Burretsu, and I want to be free, too.

"Mokichi, come on, you gotta let me join!"

They say persistence can be rewarding, and I was already a stubborn person to begin with. I thought of it to be a good quality, but Mokichi Inukai, the Red Sun's current leader, was really annoyed by it. He crossed his arms and leaned against his white FK8 Civic Type R.

"Burretsu, every time you ask me, it makes me less inclined to accept. I'm going to tell you the same way I've been telling you for the past 10 times. You can join us when you beat our minimum time. Only then will you be worthy."

"But I've come close, and considering what I have to work with, I think I'm pretty good."

Inukai sighed. "What do you drive, again?"

I pointed to my car, which was parked nearby.

"A GH Atenza."

Inukai glanced over at it. "Six-cylinder?"

"No...four."

"So, you mean to tell me that you intend on racing a family sedan."

"If Fujiwara can do so good in an old Eight-Six-"

Inukai cut me off. "Kiddo, no offense, but you're no Fujiwara. And that's different. That Eight-Six is tuned. You...your car has no racing modifications whatsoever."

"Which is why I said I did good considering what I have to work with."

"Well, that's not good enough. Look, Burretsu. If you want to be a serious racer, you need a serious car. I admit that the Mazda Atenza is a better car than most people think. It's one of the best-handling sedans you can buy. But it's not exactly a racecar. Maybe the V6, but not the four-cylinder. That thing's gonna need a turbo to even get close to the minimum time."

I sighed. "Fine. I'm gonna get a turbo, and I'll show you what my car's capable of. Just you wait!"

I stormed away. I didn't bother looking back at him. That guy really pissed me off. What made him good enough to be leader, anyway? Ryosuke or Keisuke would stomp his ass if they were still racing here.

"Burettsu?"

I looked over my shoulder.

"I want you to come to the pass tonight."

I was confused. "Why, what for?"

"A guy from another pass challenged me, and I don't intend on backing down. I don't like racing outsiders on my home course, but he insists that we do it here. I think you should show up. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two."

What did he mean by that? He knows I come to all the races. Why this one specifically? And what did he think I was going to learn?

"Uh...yeah, sure, I'll be there."

"Good. See you around."

"Yeah….see you around."

I walked back to my black 2012 Atenza and drove off. For the rest of the day, I couldn't stop thinking about the upcoming race. I was so curious as to what Mokichi was talking about. Maybe if I learned what he wanted me to learn, he'd let me join.

At least, I hoped so.

I arrived at Akagi pass at around 11 P.M., about an hour before the race. A lot of other guys were already there, including Red Suns members. I always felt a slight sense of intimidation around those guys. They had cars like S2Ks and S15s. Those are cars that real racers drive, and they looked like full-fledged racecars compared to my Atenza. Even if I ever became a Red Sun...could I really roll with them?

My thoughts were scattered as I noticed a yellow Civic SiR EG6 that I'd never seen before. There was a girl leaning against it, and she was having a smoke. I never liked being around smokers, but I did like meeting new people, especially racers. Judging by how her car looked, she was definitely a racer. I parked my car next to hers, and got out to greet her.

"Hi. Uh….you new here?"

She blew a cloud of smoke before turning towards me. "Yeah, this is my first time in Akagi. Beautiful place."

I scratched the back of my head. "Yeah, it is. I take it you're a racer?"

She yawned before tossing her cigarette on the ground and stepping on it. "Yeah. But I'm not racing tonight. I'm here to watch my brother."

I raised a brow. "Your brother?"

She nodded. "M-hm. He's a member of Sidewinder, and he wants to avenge their loss to Project D, starting with the Red Suns."

My eyes widened. Sidewinder was one of the better teams that Project D went up against during its campaign. It was that team that facilitated their last race. One of their members used to be the head of Honda's racing division, according to what I've heard. Doesn't get much more professional than that.

"Sidewinder!?"

She nodded. "I'd join, but I manage a speed shop in Tokyo, so I don't really have a lot of time on my hands for that."

Damn, this girl came all the way from Tokyo to cheer her brother on? I wish my sister was like that.

"Wow. That's a considerable drive. You must really be excited about this."

She shrugged. "Whether he wins or loses, it'll be worth it. I've never been to Akagi, and it's beautiful here. Of course, I'd like to see him win. I can't imagine it'll be that hard...these aren't the REAL Red Runs, after all."

I crossed my arms. Alright, smoker chick, let's see if your statement ages well. My team is better than you think. Well….soon to be my team.

"You sure about that? Our...I mean, their leader is pretty good. He drives a new Civic Type R."

She raised a brow. "Oh, so that FK8 is his?", she asked, pointing to the white Honda that was parked a bit further away. I nodded.

"Hmph. This may be a good matchup after all, then. There's always something admirable about a Civic driver." She patted her car and laughed sarcastically. I rolled my eyes. This chick was starting tick me off. So much so that I actually wanted Mokichi to win this.

"Yeah….oh, I forgot to introduce myself." I held out my hand. "Burretsu, Mitcheru."

"Kijimuta, Etsuko." She shook my hand. "I think my brother will like you."

Just then, everyone's attention seemed to turn towards the entrance of the lot. I looked towards it to find a slate gray Nissan 370Z pulling in. Etsuko looked at it and grinned.

"Speak of the devil."

The crowd cleared the way as the Z34 came to a stop. I gotta say, that car looked pretty serious. It had a full aero kit and everything. I was getting some pretty intense vibes, and that only intensified as the door opened, revealing a pretty big dude. He stepped out of the car, and wasted no time in approaching Mokichi. Everyone went quiet, and Mokichi was the first to break the silence. He got off his car and approached the new driver, holding out his hand.

"Inukai, Mokichi."

The other driver looked at him, then shook it. "Kijimuta, Chojiro."

There was an incredible tension not just between those two, but the entire place. It sent a chill up my spine. I've seen a lot of races, but none like this. Not since the last two races of Project D.

"You're the leader of the Red Suns, correct?", Kijimuta asked.

Mokichi nodded. "That would be me. And you're part of Sidewinder, correct?"

"Yeah. You already know why I'm here."

"I do. That being said, let's not waste any time." He crossed his arms. "Who's chasing?"

Kijimuta narrowed his eyes. "I don't care."

Mokichi scoffed. "Well, I suppose we'll settle this with a coin toss. I'll be heads, you be tails." He took a coin out of his pocket, tossing it into the air and snatching it back before it hit the ground. He opened his palm, and it was heads up. He grinned.

"Looks like I'm chasing."

Kijimuta shrugged. "Sounds fine to me."

This guy really didn't have a care in the world. What a hardass. I couldn't wait to see Mokichi beat him.

"Burretsu?"

I looked up. It was Mokichi. He was looking right at me. He looked at his FK8, then back at me, grinning.

"Come on, get in."

My heart stopped. Wait a minute...did he want me to ride shotgun with him in the race? No way. Why would he want that? I'd only be adding weight, and this was a serious race. What was he thinking?

"Well, are you coming or what?"

I gulped. "Uh...yeah, of course! Count me in!"

As shocked as I was, I certainly wasn't complaining. I started walking towards the white Type R, feeling the eyes of dozens of people burning into my skull. I'm sure they were as confused as I was. I stepped into the car and sat down, bucking my seatbelt. Mokichi soon followed, getting into the driver's seat and starting the FK8. I saw Kijimuta get back in his car, and he pulled in front of us as he made his way to the starting line. We followed.

"So, uh…. Mokichi. Why'd you want me to come along?"

His attention remained fixed on the Z34. "I told you that you might learn a thing or two tonight, didn't I?"

"Yeah, but...I wasn't expecting this. This is a big race, and I'll only be adding weight, won't I?"

"You're not wrong. But I want to make this race interesting, and I figured having your persistent ass beside me will present a pretty good challenge."

Dick.

"In all seriousness, Burretsu, if you want to improve as a racer, you need to ride with a real one. You'll see what I mean at the end of the run."

Yeah, yeah, whatever. I've been up and down this pass more times than I can count. All the same, he did kind of have a point. Maybe if I watched him drive, I could learn his technique and use it to my advantage. We stopped behind the Z34, which was idling at the starting line. One of the Red Suns members, Yataro Ogata, approached Mokichi's window.

"Yo, Mokichi. What's with the kid?"

Kid? I'm 18, I'm a legal adult!

"Oh, I just thought I'd teach him a few things while taking this guy on. Kill two birds with one stone, you know what I mean?"

Ogata shrugged. "Whatever you say, man. Kijimuta says he's about to start rolling, and he'll floor it at the first corner. We're all counting on you, man. Good luck." He patted the FK8's hood and stepped away.

I looked towards the 370. I saw three fingers poke out the right side. Then two. Then one. The 370 starting rolling, and so did we. Oh, man, I was excited now. This was gonna be good. We started nearing the first corner, and Mokichi looked over at me.

"Alright, listen up. You better pay attention, because I'm only gonna show this to you once. You ready to see what the Red Suns are all about?"

I nodded. "Hell yeah!"

"That's what I like to hear. Hold onto your ass, kid."

Kijimuta suddenly floored his accelerator, and Mokichi followed suit. I was immediately pressed against the back of the seat. The Civic Type R was a rocket, especially for a car with an FF drivetrain. Unlike my Atenza, this car was made for racing, and I could feel it.

I looked over at Mokichi, watching him work the shifter and clutch while steering the car. A bit of shame came over me. My Atenza….it's an automatic. Yes, I said it. I don't know how to drive a manual transmission, I've never been taught. To be fair, it's not really my fault. The Atenza was my dad's car before it was mine, and he doesn't care for racing, so he bought the automatic version. I personally would have went for the 6-cylinder model, or, better yet, an actual racing car.

I looked ahead as Kijimuta's Z34 drifted around the upcoming corner. I looked back at Mokichi to see how he was going to handle the corner. Gripping the inside of the turn, he downshifted to second, then back up to third as he pulled out of the corner, stepping on the gas again and catching up to Kijimuta. I had to hold onto my seat just to stay upright, even though I had a seatbelt on. I was starting to sweat. I'd never felt these kinds of g-forces before when I drove. It was like a crazy roller coaster, except that the roller coaster could fly off the rails at any second. Or, in this case, a cliff. Fun!

I turned my attention to Mokichi once more. His facial expression was pretty blank, more so than usual. I'd never seen him quite like this. He was watching the opponent's every move like a hawk. Keeping his attention on what was in front of him, he quickly downshifted and upshifted again through a corner, keeping pace with Kijimuta. I was confident that Mokichi would win. Still, it didn't make it any less surprising that he could keep up with Kijimuta so easily, considering he was a member of Sidewinder. Sidewinder is a professional racing team, and I'm pretty sure Mokichi has never set foot on an actual racing circuit. If he was this good...why HASN'T he?

We continued on like this for a while. Kijimuta would enter the turn faster, but Mokichi would come out of the turn like a lightning bolt. I knew the course pretty well, and I knew that we were approaching the end. There wasn't many more opportunities to make a move, and it looked like this would go into a second run. Is that what he was planning?

"Alright, Burretsu. Pay close attention here. I'm about to make my move."

My eyes widened. What the hell was he planning? There were only a few more corners left, and Kijimuta was handling himself pretty good. How did he plan on passing him?

Just ahead, Kijimuta started to brake for the turn, and I watched Mokichi to see when he was going to brake. But he didn't. I continued to stare at his feet, but nothing. He simply kept going, and we passed the Z34. My heart started racing. We were racing towards a sharp turn at full speed. I looked directly at Mokichi.

"What are you doing!? You're gonna kill us, lunatic!"

"Just watch."

We were right at the turn now, and I braced myself for impact. The first thing I heard was a slight scraping noise….but I didn't feel any impact at all. Instead, I was jerked to one side. When I looked up, we were on the very inside of the turn, gliding along at almost the same speed. We rocketed out of the corner and away from the Z34. I simply froze in disbelief. What just happened…?

"Gutter technique."

I whipped my head around to look at him. "What?"

"Gutter technique. You dip your front wheels into the gutter, and it holds the car, even at full speed. Oldest trick in the book."

That sounded stupid. How could a gutter on the side of a road hold such a heavy object moving at such a high speed? That didn't sound right. But apparently, it was, because it just happened. I looked behind us, and Kijimuta was struggling to catch up. I was almost sure he was just as taken aback as I was.

We ran through the final few corners, and crossed the finish line well ahead of Kijimuta. We stopped and got out of the car to face a cheering crowd. Everyone was congratulating Mokichi on his victory, and I hated to admit it, but I had a huge respect for this guy now. He just went up against a Sidewinder member and handed his ass to him like it was nothing. No wonder he was leader of the Red Suns now.

Then, Kijimuta got out of his car and went over to Mokichi. He looked pretty ticked.

"What the hell was that!?"

Mokichi smiled. "Come on, don't tell me you aren't familiar with the gutter technique."

"I've heard of it, but I didn't think you could pull it off. It takes real skill to do that."

"You're saying I'm not skilled?"

"I….". He paused. "This isn't the end of it. I'll race you again, and I'll win!"

"You're a little hot-headed to be racing with Sidewinder. Usually, Ikeda doesn't like that sort of attitude."

"Whatever, man. I'll be seeing you again."

He started walking back to his car, and for a moment, our glances met. He paused for a second.

"See you around, kid."

Kijimuta got back in his car and stormed off. What a sore loser. Sidewinder must have really lowered their standards after their embarrassment against Project D.

Mokichi turned to me. "You see, Burretsu, it's not how hard you try. It's how hard you do. To be a Red Sun, you have to do. Understand?"

I nodded. I understood everything now.