Walking into his home Sai Takashi kicked off his shoes before walking toward his bedroom, opening the door he made his way over to his armoire grabbing a towel he walked into the bathroom to take a much needed hot shower.
Returning to his room after an almost hour long shower he felt refreshed and yet he was still exhausted; in the too weeks following his receiving his Nissan 270R he found himself on most nights out in his small garage working on the car. And for the past week he had only gotten 4 hours of sleep total.
Sitting on the edge of the bed he found his want to lay back and sleep the day away, looking at the red number on the digital clock told him that it was already 6:45 and he need to hurry if he wanted to make it to Tokyo in time. Willing his tired body into action he walked over to his closet, staring absent mindedly at the clothes hanging before him Sai grabbed the 1st suit he touched.
Walking out of the house leather carrying bag in hand, he walked up to the driver side of the now finished Nissan opening the door, sliding he weary body into the black Bride racing seats. Starting the newly rebuilt SR-20 motor he allowed himself to take in the rhythmic sound as he closed his eyes and sunk down farther into the seats.
Feeling his mind begin to slip Sai eased the shifter into gear pulling away from his house. Looking down at the fuel gauge he hastily pulled into the 1st gas station he came across, while the attendant pumped the gas Sai made his way to the vending machines buying to canned coffees. Down the 1st one quickly he walked back to his car just returned the cap to the car, paying the bill he pulled out of the gas station and began his long drive to Tokyo.
After sitting in meeting for the last 6 hours Sai was relieved when he was able to make his way out of the cooperate building he was seemingly held and tortured in and over to his car.
Running his hand along the roofline he opened the driver door placing his bag behind the seat, climbing in he started the car quickly making his way out of the parking garage.
Due to Sai's need to put the car through its paces Sai return ride to Gunma took a third of the time it normally would.
Noting the time it took him Sai smiled as he pulled off the highway; noticing he was once again low on fuel Sai pulled into a gas station. While waiting for an attendant he noticed two other cars parked at the pumps a Silver EVO V and a Blue FD. Turning his gaze to the driver he saw two female drivers both younger than him but older then ken and the rest of his team. Turning his head to the sound of someone knocking on the window he rolled down the window, "Good evening sir can I help you" asked the attendant?
"Fill it up with High Octane" replied Sai as he stepped out of the car now gaining the attention of the two drivers, who now noticing him had been staring at him conversing amongst themselves.
Turning to the sound of approaching foot steps Sai found both drivers approaching him, the shorter of the two a brunette study his car while the other who had obviously dyed her hair red continued towards him.
"Hello, umm we saw the sticker on your car and was wondering were you a racer" asked the red head as the other joined her side.
"Well yes I race with a team called The Shadow Angels here on Akagi" Sai answered with a slight smile on his face.
"Ok well my name is Kumiko Fujii and this is my younger sister Yumiko" bowed both girls.
"My name is Sai Takashi, nice to meet you" Sai replied bowing his head.
"We race with a team called Team Slip Stream and we were wondering if you wanted to race against us" asked Yumiko.
"Hmmm maybe the other in my team probably would but not me" stated Sai
"Why not" asked a confused Kumiko?
"Well to put it bluntly, racing against you would mostly likely be a complete waste of my time" stated Sai in a matter of fact tone.
Sai smirked as he watched a complete look of anger and disbelief come over the two girls faces; "WELL mister high and might, I don't know who you THINK you are but you aren't that good or I would've heard of you" hissed Yumiko before turning and stomping away with Kumiko in toe.
With an amused smile on his face Sai handed the attendant his money, climbing back into his Nissan he pulled back onto the road and made his way to Z.S. performance shop.
Parking in front next to Benjiro's Celica Sai climbed out walking into the shop, he was greeted by Benjiro "Afternoon sempai, how's it going?"
"Pretty good, a little tired but that's normal" said Sai with a small smile, "so where's Takeo and Ken I need to speak with all of you?"
"Their in the garage with Matsumoto sempai" answered Benjiro as he put down the magazine he'd been holding and began to make his way out towards the garage where the sound of air tools could be heard.
Following behind Benjiro Sai stepped into the garage making his way over to the R33 that sat on the lift lowered to the ground while Matsumoto and his two other young team members were inspected it at the moment. Leaning over into the engine bay Sai watched as they tried to asses the problem.
"Well the man said after having the engine overhauled at a speed shop near Sitiama he went onto the high to break it in and when went to shift into 5th the power dropped dramatically, so boys give me some suggestions" stated Matsumoto as looking at the two young men.
Rubbing his hand on his chin Ken seemed to mull over the question, while Takeo took another look under the hood. There was a long silence before Ken finally spoke up, "well maybe the other shop put the engine back improperly that might that problem."
"Hmmm that is a distinct possibility but if they had he would've notice a lot sooner" after thinking Ken nodded in agreement, "do you have an idea Takeo?"
"Well" spoke Takeo shyly, "maybe there is a problem with the ECU, even though he overhauled the engine it looks like kept the factory ECU."
"Yes that is true and you really should replace your ECU after putting more power into the engine but the R33's ECU can take the extra horsepower, butt that was a good guess" stated Matsumoto with a smile.
"So no clue: asked Matsumoto turning around looking at Benjiro who shook his head, "what about you Sai what do you think could be the problem?"
Walking over to the driver side of the R33 Sai peered into the engine bay, standing he turned to meeting everyone's stares as they awaited his answer, "well the problem is very simple and something many people over look when updating their cars"
"Really" asked a surprised Ken?
"Yes the problem is right here" answered Sai pointing down into the small void behind the engine.
All three young men peered down into the small space then standing up they had a confused look on their faces, "I don't get it" stated Benjiro.
Raising the Nissan into the air Sai walked under the car placing his hand in the engine mounts, "as you can see the people who worked on the car left the factory rubber bushing on and as a result under the new power and torque of the engine they failed. The sad part is that the entire engine has to be removed to replace the bushings."
Nodding his head in agreement Matsumoto continued, "he's correct. These rubber bushing weren't made to with stand the added power so when the man was breaking the engine in as he said the added pressure caused them to fail. All of this could've been avoided with a set of polyurethane bushings and they aren't even expense but the repair bill will be."
"I hope this will teach you boys something, you must be through when upgrading your cars, you can have all the power in the world if you can't use it it's useless" spoke Sai folding his arms, a slight smile came over his face as he thought how funny it sounded for him to be giving words of wisdom to someone.
Looking at the three young men he chuckled as they inspected the parts, "So boys I came to tell you that were going to start having practices again starting tonight. So I want you to meet me at the top of Akagi at 9 understand?'
"Yes sempai" replied Ken and Benjiro nodded.
"Umm sempai I can't make it tonight I have somewhere important to go" said Takeo.
"Where" asked Benjiro in a loud voice, "you never told us about having to go somewhere?"
"Its fine Benjiro" said Sai extending his hand to quiet the young man, "ok Takeo but I expect to see you at practice on Thursday ok."
"Yes sempai I'll be there" answered Takeo bowing his head.
Watching Benjiro pull Takeo to the side Sai and Matsumoto chuckled walking into the main building and into Matsumoto's office.
"So back to practice huh" asked Matsumoto?
"Yeah it's about time I started training them more then I have been being that I'm the team leader"
"So what going to be on the training regiment"
"Hmm well 1st they all have to learn tire management seeing how both Ken and Benjiro do uphill and Takeo drives and FF"
"Ahh you have a point"
"I have a question, when's the last time you saw Takeo give his car a tune up"
"I believe it was the Saturday that just passed if I'm not mistaken"
"Hmmm…and how about Ken"
"He does a tune up once a week sometimes twice"
"And Benjiro"
"Hmmm I believe it was right before the race with TDA"
"That's what I thought" said Sai as he ran his finger through his silver hair.
"What's bothering you old friend"
"Well it seems that Benjiro hasn't been taking to good a care of his car, I passed it on my way in, and I noticed the tires were bald. And from what you've told me I can probably assume that the rest of the cars been neglected as well"
"Hmmm" nodded Matsumoto as leaned back in his leather chair.
"I talk to him tonight at practice, but this is a costly habit to have" stated Sai closing his eyes.
Sitting atop Mt Akagi stood at the guard rails peering out over Gunma, leaning against the rails he looked up at the stars. Hearing the sound of two cars coming towards hum he looked at his watch just as it struck 9; nodding approvingly he watched both cars park on either side of his own. Waiting for them to step out, Sai walked to the hood of his car as the two young men joined him.
"OK boys its time to start your training" said Sai watching the delighted smiles on both of their faces, "the first thing you need to learn is tire and brake management. Because both of you do uphill races this is a key skill for you to have and all good racers do this kind of training at some point from professionals to street racers understand?"
"Yes" nodded Ken and Benjiro simultaneously.
"Ok Ken pop your hood please" asked Sai walking to the front of Ken's S13 Sai leaned under the hood leaving both Ken and Benjiro with confused looks. Standing back up Sai closed the hood of the S13 looking at Ken, "ok Ken I just disengaged your ABS, for the next 6 weeks all of you will be driving without the use of ABS. This will train you in smooth baking and will help to teach you tire management"
Sai could only smile watching their mouths hang open in disbelief, "are you serious sempai" asked Ken.
"Yes" nodded Sai folding his arms, "now at first it will be difficult so I want you to 1st drive up and down to get use to it understand." Receiving a nodded from Ken he turned and walked towards Benjiro's Toyota, "Ken after 8 full laps come and see me."
"Ok sempai I'm off" said ken pulling out of the parking lot.
"So should I pop my hood sempai" asked Benjiro?
"In a moment, 1st we need to talk" said Sai in an unusually serious voice, "Benjiro lately I've noticed something about you that to be honest with you makes me kind of worried."
"What's that sempai" asked a confused Benjiro?
Walking up to the Celica Sai kneeled down, "well first you haven't been taking proper care of your car" said Sai rubbing the bald tire. "Do you ever think Ryosuke Takahashi or Takumi Fujiwara would drive around with bald tires" asked Sai standing and turning to look at the young man.
"No" answered Benjiro looking down at his feet.
"I would like to think that you are serious about being on this"
"I am, honest"
"Ok, I believe you so tomorrow I want you to give your car and through inspection and tune up"
"Yes sir"
"Ok so you'll do the 1st part of your training tonight I'll explain the rest and you can finish tomorrow on your own" Opening the hood of the Celica Sai took a few minutes disengaging the ABS before Benjiro took off. Shaking his head he watched Benjiro brake too hard in the 1st corner and lock up the brakes, this caused him to chuckle slightly.
In Tochigi Takeo had just entered Michihiro's garage finding the grey haired man currently under one of the three EK9's he owned and had been letting Takeo practice with in the past weeks. Waking over just as Michihiro slid from under the Honda Takeo said, "what's wrong with the EK9 sempai?"
"Oh nothing just giving it an inspection" said Michihiro looking up.
"So what are we going to work on tonight sempai?"
"Well Takeo I've taught you everything I can, the rest you'll have to learn on your own" said Michihiro wiping his oil covered hands on an old rag, "but I do have something for you."
Looking confused he watched as Michihiro walked over to the wall where he kept all the keys and returned tossing him a familiar key, "you're giving me one of the EK9's…" Michihiro could do nothing but laugh at the expression on Takeo face, nodding he watched the normally docile young man jump into the air and run over to the yellow EK9. Walking over he leaned in the open door saying, "this is your as long as you take good care of it and come see me every so often" extending his hand he said "deal?"
"Deal" said an excited Takeo grasping and shaking the older mans hand.
"Well why don't you go for a spin on Happogahara"
Back on Akagi Ken and Benjiro had just finished their opening laps and were parking in the parking lot when the sound of a group of cars could be heard coming up the pass. Stepping out just as the troop of vehicles came of the horizon they watched as 8 cars lead by a Forest Green 350z pulled into the lot. Sai could only smirk as he notice the FD and EVO V he'd seen earlier amongst the group.
Looking towards the lead car he watched as whom he assumed to be the leader make her way straight for him, tossing another chocolate candy into his mouth he watched as a woman stop right in front of him. She wore a short leather skirt with a sleeveless shirt and high heels, folding her arms she stood staring right into his dark sunglasses before finally speaking, "so are you the one that acted rudely towards my teammates?"
"Yeah Maemi that's the bastard" came a voice from the back of the crowd the followed behind the woman.
"What nothing to say now when you're talking to another adult" asked Maemi putting her hands on her hips, "I guest you're only brave when talking to high school kids. Is that what it is, when you talk to a real woman you hide behind your dark glasses and act all sigh?"
Tossing another candy into his mouth with a smirk Sai motion for Ken and Benjiro to come to him, "Benjiro you're done for the night I'll stop by the shop tomorrow and explain the rest of the training, so you can go home." Steeping up to Sai Maemi slid of Sai's sunglasses folding and tucking them into the pocket of his white dress shirt, "look who ever you are I don't take kindly to being ignored."
Pulling the papers he had tucked in his back pocket Sai shuffled through them until he got to one baring Ken's name, "Ok Ken this is for you, work from top to bottom." Handing the paper to the young man Sai let out a chuckle at the worried expression on his face, "ok sempai"
"Alright see you on Thursday at 9 o'clock sharp", turning back to the group that at present time were giving him strange looks Sai turned to the leader asking, "Ok who are you again?"
"Who am I, I'm Maemi Sato the Leader of Team Slip Stream" said Maemi in a stern serious voice.
"Oh and where are you from again" asked Sai smiling at the increased anger showing on the face of the woman standing in front of him.
"Look you piece of shit, since you think your all high and might I challenge your second rate team to a race with us in Sitiama"
Unable to control his laughter leaned his head back letting out a loud and obnoxious laugh, "what's the hell is so funny, I don't think I made a damn joke or is it that you'll get embarrassed by a woman" said Maemi with a laugh looking back at the others who laughed at the same time.
"Wow you must be some rich wannabe racer" said Sai now tired of being lectured to.
"What did you say" said a voice from the crowd.
"You actually think you can 1st come here with a bunch of wannabe's and never will bee's interrupt my teams practice get in my face and then have the nerve to challenge me to a race all the way in Sitiama. Whatever your name is you need to go home and find another hobby to spend all of daddies' money on" said Sai before laughing again.
"You chauvinistic pig for your information I paid my for my own car thank you and my team will wipe the floor with your sorry ass team and I don't need to race you in Sitiama I'll whip your ass right here!"
"What makes you think you have the skill to race me" asked Sai standing toe to toe with the enraged woman, "yeah ok your car is ok but that means jack shit if you suck."
"Just admit your scared and I'll leave because your just making up excuse now, I issued you a challenge either except or don't" said Maemi tapped the toe of her heels of the gravel.
"Ok little lady if you want to embarrass yourself that fine by me, be here 9 o'clock Saturday and I give you the spanking you want" replied Sai sliding his glasses back on his face.
"We'll see bastard"" said Maemi before looking Sai up and down and walking back to her car followed by the rest.
Finally having the pass to himself Sai climbed into his new baby, starting the engine he strapped himself in before easing into reverse and backing out of the parking. Sitting at the start line he revved the engine twice before shooting off the line and beginning his dash downhill. Entering the 1st corner he initiated a drift letting the rear swing out wide eclipsing the entire width if the road, holding the throttle down the tire screamed for relief before he exited the 1st corner and continued downhill. Heel/Toe downshifting to 2nd Sai drifted wide on the next corner smiling as he always did when drifting.
Barreling down one of the few straights Sai shifted up into fourth then fifth before downshifting all the way to second as he approached the corner, stomping on the he drift wide again with the rear of his 270R lightly grazing the barrier but as he came through the corner he was met with a pair of headlights coming right towards him.
Turning the wheel sharpening the angle of his drift he pulled just outside almost brushing front bumpers with the other car. Looking over he came face to face with Ryosuke Takahashi who looked at him before they both continued on there own paths. Shaking his head as he drifted Sai smiled as he pushed the accelerator harder taking the next corner in an extreme angle drift.
On Happogahara Takeo was sitting at the start line about to make his fourth run, he had been driving this particular pass for close to three weeks now and he'd found this to be the most changing pass he'd been to yet.
Revving his engine he took off down the pass, gripping the first two soft left hand turns leading to the 1st narrow section.
Holding a hard inside he barreled towards the next corner, Takeo had been studying braking for weeks, and he could finally see the fruits of his labor as he depressed the brake and released it at the perfect point diving into the corner. On exit he notice a flash in his rearview mirror he saw a pair of headlights appear around the corner racing towards him. Focusing back on the road Takeo dove towards the apex of the next missing his braking point by almost three feet exiting the corner wide barely keeping the Honda from scraping the guardrail. Looking into the rear now the other car had easily closed the initial gap between it and the EK9, clinching his teeth and setting his jaw Takeo squinted his eyes determined to not be overtaken.
Leaving the narrow 1st section Takeo felt of the pressure if the car behind him glued itself to the bumper of the EK9 trying to force him into a mistake. In the next corner once again he missed the optimal braking point but kept a tight line barley keeping the other car behind him for at least one more corner, glancing in the mirror Takeo no longer could see the headlights following him but still the immense pressure remained.
To his shock right as he went through the second of the snake hairpin turns the phantom which he now could see was a yellow EK9 was easily passing him on the inside. Looking at the man driving the yellow EK9 seemed as if he was on a daily drive were as Takeo could feel the sweat drench shirt he was wearing sticking to his chest.
Watching as thee older man took a puff of hiss cigarette mid-corner made a feeling of both anger and self doubt rise in the young racer. Adjusting his grip on the steering wheel and setting his eyes on the rear lights of the fleeing Honda he press down the accelerator chasing after the other car. Diving into the corners with a renewed vigor Takeo focused on closing the gap but slowly watched as the yellow EK9 disappear and he was powerless to do anything about it. Parking off to the side of the road Takeo leaned his head against the Sparco steering wheel, "what am I doing wrong" murmured Takeo lightly banging his head up against the steering wheel.
Sighing loudly he sat back against the seat running his hand through his now long brown hair, "Fuck" thought Takeo before turning the car around and heading home.
Authors Note: well this is the new chapter please R&R.
This is probably the best chapter I've written so far, tell me what you think.