My Turn

by Captain JN

I get truck-kun'd into my favorite anime of all time, equipped with all my knowledge of Initial D, into Ryosuke's body. This time, I won't lose. How will I make sure to be the best street racer with no prior skills? The Gamer of course.

39. Simulation X

III

39: Simulation X

III

Itsuki was driving uphill on Mount Akina. Yelling loudly, Itsuki was dreadfully slow when clearing a curve.

"Aw..." Itsuki frowned knowing how slow he was going.

Takumi ignored his friend seeing a car approach him from behind. "Why is my 85 so slow on the hill climb? Keisuke Takahashi is just on a whole different level from us man. How come the Red Suns gotta be so darn fast!?"

"Kenji wasn't prepared at all. You could see it in the way he looked at him." Takumi said.

Itsuki would've said something but he stopped himself. "Huh. Whenever you decide to open your mouth about racing you really seem to know a thing or two."

Takumi saw how the black Evo III behind him was tailing them. "This guy looks way faster than you dude, better let him pass."

Before Itsuki could even react, Kyoichi flew past him with ease.

Takumi was alarmed, his eyes widening when seeing how the black CE9A tackled the uphill hairpin.

'It's so smooth. How can it turn that easily but at the same time so fast?'

Takumi sighed. "Let's just get to work man. We can hang out here on the mountain later tonight."

Not too far ahead of them, Kyoichi kept in mind what he saw on Itsuki's AE85.

'A Speed Star sticker. They've got to know more about Ryosuke. I'll try Myogi next.'

III

"Thank you for your business!" Takumi and Itsuki bowed as the car left the gas station.

Takumi recognized the Evo that entered the Esso station.

'That's the one from the pass.'

Kyoichi closed the door behind him when parking his CE9A in front of a pump. "A full tank of high octane please."

Iketani fixed his cap as he walked forward. "Sure thing."

Kyoichi turned to see the AE85 parked next to Iketani's S13, both wearing Speed Star stickers. "I've got a quick question for you. Is that your S13 parked over there?"

"Sure is. Been drivin' her for a while now." Iketani said with pride.

"Excellent. I heard this mountain nearby was the last Ryosuke Takahashi raced on. Akina. Were you there for that race?"

Takumi said nothing while getting a rag and using it to clean Kyoichi's rear windows.

Iketani nodded. "Of course I was. I was only at the starting line though."

Kyoichi was still interested. "Who did he race?"

"Well our little 86. Most talked about racer in Gunma lately," said Iketani.

"An 86?" Kyoichi crossed his arms. "You're kiddin' right?"

"Wish I was," Iketani said. "But no, he's real alright."

"Huh." Kyoichi sighed. "Sorry for wasting your time."

Takumi noticed the license plate labeled 'Tochigi' as Kyoichi waited for his gas tank to be filled.

Before he could react properly, Itsuki appeared. "Say if you're interested in our local scene. You can ask Takumi here, he's the one who raced Ryosuke Takahashi in his 86!"

Iketani wanted to scold Itsuki for mouthing off so quickly but Takumi ignored him. Kyoichi was still interested. "Is that true?"

Takumi shrugged. "Afraid so."

"I'm curious. How could you manage to battle Akagi's White Comet in an 86? His FC is probably one of the best-tuned cars on the road today."

Takumi explained. "Well, I just drove how I normally did."

"Up close and personal. Could you tell me anything about him? His speed, technique, anything."

Takumi put his rag away in his back pocket. "Well I was only behind him for the last third of our race. But what I did see was a bit shocking. He somehow knew to do both gutter tricks."

"Gutter tricks?" asked Kyoichi.

Takumi nodded. "It's a bit tricky but you just hook the front tires in to the space between the road and the mountain to clear a curve easier. Not only that, but he somehow knew when and where I was going to do it. It was around there where I knew I lost, but I still gave it my best shot to pass him anyway."

Kyoichi stopped crossing his arms. "That's very helpful thank you."

Knowing his tank was full now, Kyoichi opened the door to his Evo III. "Defeat makes a racer stronger. It clears their head to beat their rivals back in return. If you want to beat Ryosuke Takahashi someday, you've got to have the proper car to do it."

Getting in his Evo and driving off, Iketani and Takumi bowed in Kyoichi's direction. "Thank you for your business!"

Iketani smacked Itsuki behind the head. "What're you doing spouting that crap off!?"

"Ow! I was just letting him know!"

Takumi looked off in the direction of the Evo.

'Defeat makes a racer stronger...'

III

That night on Myogi, Takeshi was smoking in one of the galleries of Myogi's hill.

Seeing Kyoichi's Lan Evo approach, he flicked his cigarette away and crossed his arms.

'Outsider. Who is this guy?'

Kyoichi closed the door to his Lan Evo after emerging from it. "My name's Kyoichi Sudo. I drive with the Emperors in Tochigi over in Nikko."

"Takeshi Nakazato. I lead the Myogi Night Kids."

"I was hoping to get a proper answer to a few questions I had. I heard the drivers over on Akina are nothing but amateurs, and I'm not on the best of terms with the guys on Akagi. Mind if we have a quick talk?"

Takeshi put his hands in his pockets. "Don't see why not. You're right about Akina. However. There is one guy on Akina who's the real deal. Drives an 86."

"So I've heard," Kyoichi said. "What's the big deal with him? Apparently, he's the only person Ryosuke Takahashi raced here in Gunma for months."

"That's because he's the only person who had a shot against him," explained Takeshi. "This 86 beat both me and my anchor, Shingo Shoji. Then a buddy of mine told me he beat Usui's Sileighty duo. Impact Blue. Apparently, they and Shingo go way back."

"Wait, so he beat you with an 86. And you were driving this 32?"

"Of course I was," Takeshi said seeing the look on Kyoichi's face. "I know, I was just as surprised."

Kyoichi sighed. "This just gets weirder the more I dive into it. And the FC, the White Comet of Akagi. What could you tell me about him?"

"Guy's a legend here in Gunma. There isn't a single person in motorsports, professional or otherwise, around here who hasn't heard of him. No one really knows why he's so fast, but everyone's best guess is his simulations."

"Simulations?" Kyoichi was reminded of his own strategies to beat opponents.

"Some think he can calculate the capabilities of any driver so accurately that he can determine how to beat a racer using just a computer. It made sense why he was the only one to take down that 86 when no one else could. He's a racing super genius. Super genius period. I don't believe very much in the supernatural, but if there was such a thing it would have to be Ryosuke Takahashi without a doubt."

Kyoichi nodded. "Thank you. And the 86?"

"Makes even less sense. Way less. He's crazy fast and got some really strange downhill technique. Some stuff from out of this world. And he does nothing but drift which is the weirdest part to me."

Kyoichi raised an eyebrow in thought.

'Guess I see why Ryosuke was in such a hurry to leave this sorry excuse for a racing prefecture behind.'

Kyoichi began to leave. "Thanks for your help. After I beat Ryosuke Takahashi, all of you here in Gunma are next. You can count on it, keep your eyes on the road for Team Emperor. We'll be knockin' on your front door any day now."

Takeshi watched the Evo III leave downhill with a smirk on his face. "Beat Ryosuke? Yeah, good luck buddy."

III

"How'd it go in Gunma? Everyone there was weak as we thought?" asked Seiji when his leader pulled up to Iroha's peak.

Kyoichi refused the urge to laugh. "Even worse. They somehow think an 86 is fast enough to compete with Ryosuke. But it did tell me enough to create Simulation X."

"X? I thought we only had Simulations going up to three. I just mastered two after weeks of practice."

Kyoichi explained. "Don't worry about it. We only need Simulation X for our race with the Red Suns. I just have to beat Ryosuke at his own game. Let him take the lead, spot a weakness in his driving, and pass him. He did the same to everyone in Gunma, only fair I do the same to him."

Seiji chuckled. "It'll be fun to wipe that grin off those stupid Rotary brothers' faces."

"Your challenge will be difficult although very different. Again, I don't like reminding you of the hill climb speed of the FD3S. After Ryosuke and I race, you have to face his younger brother on the uphill. Classic time attack."

"So?"

"So that FD is fast, and the driver isn't as weak as you're thinking. Get back to work Seiji."

Nodding, the driver of the white Evo IV got into his car and disappeared downhill.

Kyoichi got into his own Evo and got to training as well, having what he needed to begin his work on the downhill properly.

III

I decided to start having my room as neat and orderly as always, however, I made sure to start having it laid out much how it was in Initial D's canon third stage. With diagrams of the FC and the FD's engines and suspensions about the walls of my room.

Keisuke looked around it when he entered it. "Huh, nice posters big brother."

"They're not posters. They're diagrams and blueprints."

"Of cars. All that's missing are the hot babe's man."

Sipping my tea to hide my smile, I spoke. "What is it Keisuke?"

"Everyone's seen Kyoichi Sudo around town lately. He went to Akina, then Myogi."

"Hm," I said. "What're you thinking?"

"That the minute we're done with 'em they're gonna head to Gunma and do what we're doing basically."

I nodded. "You wouldn't be wrong. However, defeated, Kyoichi Sudo would likely abandon the project entirely, the same as we would facing defeat in Akina as well."

"Wait what do you mean?"

"Any prefectural sweep only works if the team in question is undefeated," I said. "But I need to head out to Iroha soon, have a lot of practice to get caught up on."

"Wait, big brother," said Keisuke. "I have something embarrassing to ask you."

I smiled a bit. "Can't be that embarrassing. What is it?"

"Can you, teach me about all this car stuff? You know, to become a better driver and all."

I shook my head. "I could teach you. However, you don't learn that way."

"How?" asked Keisuke.

"Keisuke you have a level of synchronization with your FD in a way most drivers pray they had. You've managed to pick up the entire new settings for the Tochigi races in about three weeks. Yakuma and Daito are still figuring out the details, and they have far more experience than you in that matter."

Keisuke sighed. "But they faced no one even close to Emperor."

"True," I said. "But I promise you Keisuke. Drive like you normally do, and you'll win."

"Can you at least tell me your simulation?"

"Now that I can do." I nodded. "The plan is very straightforward. About halfway through the race, you'll notice Iwaki's rear tires are going to begin to slide too early. Nothing major, but it will cost him enough time over the course of the race to let you get close enough to pass him. Then you'll see an opening, and that'll be it."

"That's it?"

I turned back to my computer. "It is. You're the better driver in the better car Keisuke. You have nearly a hundred extra horsepower and the Emperor's have barely raced outside Tochigi. I don't need to remind you how critical car performance is on the uphill. You should be fine."

"What about your plan to take down Sudo?"

"That'll be a bit trickier. Well, a lot trickier. I predict Sudo will want to let me go first, give me a taste of my own medicine. With drivers like the two of us, whoever takes the lead early on is at a disadvantage, it's logical to make such a move."

"Then why go first?"

I explained. "Because right off the line it's Sudo's decision pure and simple. He has over 100 more horsepower than I do, not to mention a WRC class AWD and misfiring system. His car is well-tuned enough to leave it up to him who goes first."

"Huh. So then that's it, you lose right?"

"Not quite," I said. "While he will have the advantage in the slower corners, I only need two weeks of practice to get accustomed to Iroha's rhythm. After that, he has to pass me in the flatter middle section to try to pull away. He won't gain any time, I'll make sure about it. With the advantage in the high-speed corners starting the third and final section, the race is mine. I just have to pass him."

"But wouldn't he be fast enough to pass you again?"

I shrugged. "I wouldn't want to tell you so soon. But the race will be decided by how accurately I can predict his attacks. The first pass attempt will be easy, but the next two will be very difficult to both isolate and stop."

Keisuke breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright. Then who's left, who's the real challenge remaining?"

"Tomoyuki Tachi of the Todo School. At least in Tochigi. It'll take us all of October to finish our completion of Tochigi, then we go to Saitama in the Spring."

"What about the winter?"

"Racing in the snow isn't impossible. But logistically the winter is the best season to rest and prepare for the races ahead. Go to Akagi Keisuke, we haven't trained there in a month."

Keisuke scoffed. "So? Thought that was the point of our team."

"It is. But every month or so we need to make sure our times don't weaken. Make sure to get the chart of-"

"Yeah yeah, whatever." Grumbling, Keisuke swiped the files containing all the times I needed the team to be at on all the mountains in Gunma, grabbing the one labeled 'Akagi.'

III

"This is such bullshit man," Takihiro said while igniting Keisuke's cigarette on a lookout point over Akagi's mountain pass.

"Don't let Fumi hear you. Or Yakuma, or Daito."

"Daito doesn't talk though," said Takihiro.

Keisuke nodded. "He does talk to my brother."

"Always creeped me out a little," Takihiro said. "Made sense why you and Ryosuke get all the women though. You two are Gunma's so-called most eligible bachelors, easily the fastest. And everyone kinda sees us as glorified crew members."

"Nah." Keisuke took a drag from his cigarette. "But you guys sure have something about you that could be offputting. You're always wearing your hair super long, and I'm glad Aisuke decided against getting that stupid perm. Yakuma's always wearing that same light blue shirt with the frayed collar. And yeah, Daito doesn't talk."

"Look at you. Giving us advice on women."

Keisuke rolled his eyes. "I personally don't care. Just because you brought it up Taki."

"Doesn't Ryosuke get all those letters though?"

"Yes, but I still have a solid amount of my customers at the bicycle shop come in just to look at bicycles. They pretend like they're not fangirls but they are."

"Why do you even work there anymore?" wondered Takihiro. "You're like the richest person I know. What do you even need the money for?"

"This is kind of a secret alright?"

Takihiro nodded. "Keisuke we've known each other for like four years. You can trust me man."

Keisuke put his cigarette out under his shoe. "I'm planning to save up and pay back Ryosuke all the money he spent to buy my FD."

"What?" laughed out Takihiro.

Keisuke was surprised by how much Takihiro was laughing. "Come on what?"

"Keisuke no offense. But even if you worked at that bike shop for the rest of your life. You probably couldn't afford to buy back the engine mods alone on your FD. Ryosuke and Fumihiro probably have multiple car's worth of upgrades on the suspension alone."

"You're exaggerating Taki." scoffed Keisuke.

"Am I?" he said. "Look you don't realize this because you've got a better-tuned ride than all of us. But your speed on the uphill is insane. It's only a matter of time before those pro teams start looking at you man."

"I'm not that good," Keisuke responded the same as he always did when complimented. "Besides, Ryosuke is the one with all the pro offers. Not me."

"You're not too far behind. Keisuke you beat the best hill climbers in Gunma in your first year of street racing with us on the Suns. Imagine how fast you'll be when you're finished."

Keisuke smiled. "Thank you Takihiro."

Surprised at being called by his full name by anyone other than Ryosuke, Takihiro smiled. "You're welcome."

"But I'm going to pay back Ryosuke one day for all the money he's spent on my FD."

Snorting, Takihiro spoke genuinely. "Oh that I have no doubt. But not from working at that bike shop."

"I have a lot of money saved though. About four and a half years' worth." Keisuke said. "Enough to quit working."

"But you've been there for so long. Are you really gonna leave?"

Keisuke sighed. "Wait. Weren't you wondering why I was still there after all this time?"

"Yeah but seriously," Takihiro said. "You've been working there longer than you've had your FD."

Before Keisuke could say anything, Takihiro's walkie beeped and Yakuma's voice was heard over it. "Signal Kenta and Aisuke. There's a car coming up the hill pretty quickly."

"How fast?" Takihiro wondered.

His walkie beeping, Yakuma responded. "Well, I could tell it wasn't going all out. But I still got a pretty good look at it. The license plate looked like Saitama, an 86. A Levin, packing a really odd-sounding turbo. Must've been tuned weird, it made the whole thing shake more than a flag on a wind pole."

"A turbo Levin?" said Keisuke. "I didn't even know they made turbos for 86'."

"They probably don't. But if you know engines well enough you could make it work I guess." Takihiro beeped his walkie. "Okay, I'm sure Daito heard you. We heard you loud and clear."

III

A young man with black hair emerged from his AE86. "Name's Wataru Akiyama. I race unaffiliated with any team in Tochigi."

"Keisuke Takahashi, I lead the hill climb times for the Red Suns. And this here is one of our drivers, Takihiro Itsu."

Wataru bowed his head. "It's a pleasure. But I have heard of you. I wanted to check out the local scene here in Gunma after you handed the Leafs such a huge loss over in Tochigi. I saw your team posted throughout the mountain. How does right now and right here sound?"

"Right to the point." Takihiro stayed silent while Keisuke spoke. "I like that. But I'm willing to you race you no sweat. We just can't race here in Akagi under any circumstances."

"What? Why not? Your entire team is already prepared for a timed run. All it takes is one call on those walkies of yours, and we're all set." Wataru said.

"Because the Red Suns don't race here in Akagi, or barely Gunma anymore for that matter," Keisuke said. "Ryosuke's not one for rule-breaking at all. And that is our number one rule."

"Then why are you here tonight?"

Keisuke squinted at Wataru with one eye a little.

'This guy's pissing me off already.'

"Because my older brother said so," Keisuke said. "And no one on the Red Suns can go against what he says, and they shouldn't. Not until he fails us, which will never happen. So just accept it alright?"

"Apologies." Keisuke's temper began to rise seeing Wataru smirk. "Haven't heard of racers refusing to defend their home turf. Ironic though in my opinion."

"You better get in that Levin of yours before I shove you in there!" Keisuke even surprised Takihiro with how angry he started speaking. "I won't ask twice. I'll race you. Anytime anywhere but here."

Wataru knew he couldn't take Keisuke at all in a fight, let alone if it was even worth it to keep arguing with him over racing that night. "I apologize. Just didn't want this whole drive out here be for nothing. A little frustrating is all."

"I don't care," Keisuke said. "You insulted me on my own mountain. So get out of here. Now."

"This isn't over," warned Wataru. "We'll see if that FD of yours really is as fast as everyone says it is. See ya round, Keisuke Takahashi." his tone almost made Keisuke want to grab something and throw it on Wataru's turbo AE86.

Watching him drive off, Keisuke balled his fists. "Fuck that guy. Pah! What a prick."

"Thought you stopped cursing," Takihiro spoke after watching the argument unfold quietly.

"That was before that guy pissed me off. Forget the Emperors. The only guy I'm interested in racing now is that Levin. Turbo or not. He's mine."

III

Keisuke burst into my room without asking for the first time in weeks. "It happened again. Some jackass in an 86 pissed me off big time. Sounded like he had the most awkward turbo ever bolted onto a shit sandwich."

I resisted the urge to laugh a little. "Must've wounded your pride."

"Taki stood there and didn't say anything. Meanwhile this guy pissed all over our name. The name of the Red Suns. When he doesn't even have a team."

"Well, what did he say exactly?"

Keisuke explained as if the guy I knew already to be Wataru Akiyama spat in his face. "That it was ironic we raced on other people's mountains. But never our own."

"Keisuke, I mean this in all respect," I said. "But he does have a point."

"You're saying you would race on Akagi. For the first time in over three years."

I sighed. "Only against someone like Kyoichi Sudo. But yes, I would. I'll help you against this 86."

"But you don't even know his name."

It took me thirty seconds to find the file I had on Wataru Akiyama before pulling it out of my desk and handing it to Keisuke. "Wataru Akiyama. One of four drivers in the Kanto region to drive any noteworthy cars in the AE series."

"You already knew it was him?"

I shrugged while Keisuke looked over Wataru's file. "Unfortunately I haven't been able to accumulate anything in terms of hard data. However, I do know he drives a turbocharged Levin AE86. He's from Saitama."

"Saitama." Keisuke quickly began to leave my room. "Well if he came here to Gunma, it's time to show him I'm not backing down from his challenge."

"Where are you going?"

"Myogi. Time to remind everyone of how much I've gotten better since my debut. This Akiyama prick can't hide around forever."

As I watched Keisuke leave quickly, I decided to finish up some med school work before heading out to Myogi too. If my instincts were correct, Keisuke was going to hit Myogi's uphill harder than ever before.

I drew my cell phone and dialed Fumihiro.

"Ryosuke, how are you?"

"Just fine. Keisuke just went off in a hurry to Myogi. Get everyone and one of our vans. Might as well make it an official practice session."

"Sure but what about the Emperors? Aren't the Night Kids old news?"

"They are but I can train on Iroha on my own tomorrow. Don't worry, please. Get the team prepared."

Fumihiro spoke as respectfully as always. "Absolutely Ryosuke. Right away."

III

As if his 13B-REWs seemed to hum louder as Keisuke accelerated uphill, the number two driver of the Akagi Red Suns was flying uphill as if his FD3S was a jet plane on the verge of taking off.

Shifting twice, flames flew from his exhaust, Keisuke's speed on the hill climb crept upward, the yellow machine's master in full control despite his speed.

Aisuke spoke into his walkie, announcing cheerfully seeing the yellow FD zip past the checkpoint. "Keisuke's on his best pace ever! He just beat his personal best for section one by almost three seconds!"

The FD was clearing S-shaped hairpins one behind the other on a pace so fast Keisuke only had to tap the brakes a little to apply some downforce to soar past the guardrail instantly.

III

Takihiro and a few of the others muttered together at Myogi's peak.

Fumihiro looked at me. "Three seconds? How is that even possible?"

I said nothing. But this was both good and bad. Keisuke wasn't in another one of his funks at all, quite the opposite. The Emperors never insulted his pride directly, Wataru on the other hand, set off his classic temper like the lid off a boiling pot.

The turbo 86 had sharpened his focus, but Wataru Akiyama was too far off.

Just as I had found Sudo to be the motivator to improve my own driving, Keisuke had found the same in Wataru.

III

Takeshi nearly dropped his cigarette seeing how fast Keisuke was going on his own uphill. The yellow FD had appeared on the straight almost as quickly as he had left the Night Kids' vision.

"You all right man?" a Night Kid asked.

"He's faster than he was when we raced."

"Of course he is. Look at 'im." the Night Kid chuckled, knowing Keisuke was long gone.

Takeshi shook his head. "No. He's on a whole different level than he was before."

III

Sweating, Keisuke steered lightly, using the gas pedal more than anything to control his uphill cornering. The moment his power slide ended, Keisuke released the pressure on his rear tires, shifting twice to skip gears and save even more time when entering the straight.

'I feel like I'm on fire tonight. I'm not on Akagi anymore you 86 driving wannabe! Come out an' play!'

His focus better than ever, Keisuke was clearing hairpins and straight sections one behind the other pushing his FD harder and harder. Using a grip run to quickly clear a corner, Keisuke held the inside as strongly as he could to lightly tap the brakes and use the brake pads and tires to sustain the car's weight around the turn.

Keisuke's yellow FD screeching out of a turn, its driver's hand flew from the gearstick to the steering wheel, hitting the brakes while using another gripping technique to fly around another corner.

'Coward! Where are you!?'

Flames again shot out from the FD's exhaust as Keisuke focused on only delivering the best times possible.

III

When Keisuke crossed the finish line, Kenta ran to a clearly winded Keisuke. "You were on fire tonight man! You killed it out there! How'd you-"

"Shut up pipsqueak. Does anyone have a bottle of water?" he took one from Takihiro. "Thanks Taki."

I tuned out Kenta's squeaky praises while approaching Keisuke's FD.

I could tell the exhaust and rotary system was completely fine, but Keisuke had burned out an entire set of tires in one run. He wouldn't be able to do another run like that until we got him another set.

I turned to the HiAce van we had out tonight, knocking lightly on the door. "Kaito? Get a new set of softs for the FD right away. Check on all pressure and temperature systems while you're at it."

"Sure thing Ryosuke." Our lead Red Suns mechanic rolled aside the van door. "You heard him guys," he said leading the crew to Keisuke's FD.

A new but familiar man with a ponytail and glasses stepped out of the van as Fumihiro spoke. "Ah. Ryosuke, I want to introduce you to an old friend of mine. Yaisen Tomiguchi. He just got his mechanic credentials last week."

I shook Tomiguchi's hand. "A pleasure."

"Likewise. I don't wish to be a burden tonight, it's my first time with you all anyway," he said respectfully.

"Don't worry about it," I said. "Just take a look around, anything you need, just ask."

"Well." Tomiguchi bowed his head. "If you wouldn't mind. I'd like to get a look at your FC before you practice tonight."

"Practice?" Fumihiro was confused. "We're still training for the meet in Iroha."

"Myogi will do fine for tonight," I said. "The courses might be very different. But it won't hurt anyway." I began to walk to my FC. "Let me open the hood for you."

I pressed the button to let Tomiguchi look around her internals. "Hm," he said fixing his glasses. "No turbos, but you seemed to have improved the B-T system entirely. What's the max output? 250? 260?"

"230," I said.

"But Sudo's Lan Evo pushes well over 300," Tomiguchi said. "Are you sure you're fine with that big of a gap?"

Fumihiro chuckled. "Trust me. One good luck at Ryosuke on the downhill tonight and you'll change your mind."

Tomiguchi nodded to me. "Rev it up for me please."

The 13B-T sang as I tapped the gas in neutral. I only raised it to about 2 and 3 thousand RPMs just to get Tomiguchi a good look at it. I could tell he noticed how well both rotaries were spinning, and especially how efficient the power and cooling systems were.

Tomiguchi shrugged. "It sounded good enough for me. Need a new set of tires for the downhill tonight?"

I shook my head. "I should be good. Fumihiro, let the team know. I'm ready for my run when they are."

"Sure. How hard should you be going?"

"I won't be pushing as much as Keisuke. But I'll be hitting full throttle after the first curve."

Fumihiro nodded while I rolled the window up, but I could still hear his voice. "Ryosuke wants to start his practice for the downhill," he said into his walkie. "Get the track clear, please. I repeat, get the track clear."

He spoke to the other Red Suns at the peak of the mountain. "We're gonna need some help."

"You got it!"

III

Ryosuke's 13B-Ts roared as he revved up the central rotary systems.

The entire mountain, both the Red Suns and Myogi Night Kids were very excited. News had spread of Ryosuke planning to hit the downhill at full speed and even a few nearby racing fans had appeared, chatter buzzing around the mountain.

The headlights on the orange S14 flashed, signaling Ryosuke that the countdown had begun.

The moment Ryosuke's white FC flew past Kenta, he clicked his stopwatch, and the timed run began.

Ryosuke changed gears, instantly pressing the gas at just the right pressure to take the FC up to 4 and then 5 thousand RPMs.

Seeing the looping left corner, Ryosuke hit the brakes, downshifting to begin his corner. Ryosuke's FC kept steady, not facing the inside while beginning his grip run. Balancing the car using the FC's excellent brakes and suspension, Ryosuke stabilized the car coming out of the turn, shifting to a higher gear quickly while accelerating.

Now going at the highest speed he could, Ryosuke was flying down Myogi's hill so quickly that everyone watching was alarmed at both his speed and how close he was driving to the guardrail.

Despite Myogi's incredibly steep hill, Ryosuke was refining his downhill skills as much as possible. His twin rotaries whirring, Ryosuke shifted up to fourth gear clearing the first half of the next curve.

Ryosuke then shocked the guardrail, gripping the inside of the curve instead of drifting. He braked, downshifted, used a light countersteer to balance the car, and gripped. The resulting corner was so fast that he still made the crowd gasp from how close to the mountain wall he was. As the back of the FC whipped out of the turn, Ryosuke was already returning himself to the best gear possible.

In fourth, Ryosuke was in a perfect position to both clear straightaways with ease and downshift for his razor-sharp grip racing.

Shifting back down to third, Ryosuke use of both the clutch and the gearbox was so strong that the brakes and front tires barely had to be pressurized to clear the hairpin. The white FC flying so fast downhill that any tree branches caught nearby whipped by in his direction, Ryosuke ignored that his tires only had one good run left in them.

Pushing the FC to its maximum potential, Ryosuke remained comfortably between fourth gear for the straights and third gear for the corners. Using mostly grip racing techniques, Ryosuke was able to clear hairpins to achieve the fastest time possible.

Knowing he was on a good pace, Ryosuke lowered his speed just enough to use his tires more for later in the course while remaining fast enough to not lose any time.

Approaching the first checkpoint, Ryosuke decided to show off just because he had more than enough time to spare.

Ryosuke used a heel and toe downshift, whipping the FC around the turn using a full-speed four-wheel braking drift.

Yakuma chuckled a little behind the guardrail. "Ryosuke's pace is insane! He just blew past us clearing the first section faster than I've ever seen him go!"

Ryosuke now turned the FC only slightly to guide it through the very light turns between the first checkpoint and some of Myogi's fastest corners. Finishing his quick grip runs, Ryosuke visualized his tackle of the coming corners before striking.

His white FC's rotaries hissing, Ryosuke cleared another high-speed hairpin using a perfect grip run, choosing the best possible time to hit the gas and go into fourth gear again.

'It might be a bit risky. But fifth gear will have to do the trick on this pace. This run will be good, but if I play my cards right.'

Ryosuke changed gears, the 13B-Ts whirring on a slightly different pitch as he upshifted.

'It can be my best ever. A truly great one.'

Ryosuke didn't take his foot off the gas pedal for the entire straight section, only using the last possible second to hit the brakes and use the FC's tuning to his advantage. Clearing a hairpin at a faster pace than before, the Gamer rewarded Ryosuke's improvement at grip racing even more now.

'Level 105. Breaking through the level capping a bit now can only mean one thing. I'm on the best possible pace.'

The FC whirring loudly, Ryosuke upshifted from fourth to fifth gear instantly.

Pressing the gas so hard he nearly floored it, he knew exactly how to stop accelerating to brake at the best time to begin his grip runs. Ryosuke quickly changed the tone of the FC's 13B-T when braking for the tight series of hairpin turns.

Flying through the twisting turns, the FC swung left and right during his grip runs using his excellent steering, Ryosuke completed the corners raising his grip racing to well over level 99.

Ryosuke was already at the second checkpoint marked by a looping horseshoe-shaped corner that if Takihiro wasn't used to his pace he would've been caught entirely by surprise.

As Ryosuke's tires screeched, Takihiro announced it to the mountain with his walkie-talkie. "Ryosuke's just using grip tonight! And man is he flying! He's beating his last recorded time for section two by well over four seconds!"

Knowing all he had to do was push his tires to their last bit of tread in the last section before the finish line, Ryosuke was as relaxed as possible even at his record pace.

Now Ryosuke knew this was the last time he would have to lower his pace by the tiniest but necessary amount before going all out again to complete the last section.

Essentially cruising at a fast but relaxed pace until the last checkpoint, Ryosuke's times on the straightaways and the corners helped continue his pace. Seeing the end of the hairpin, Ryosuke changed gears, prepared to use the last of his tires to push as much as possible until the finish line.

Now at a breakneck pace, Ryosuke's corners were so fast that nobody watching had the time to realize how efficiently Ryosuke was balancing the car during his grip runs.

Takeshi kept leaning on his R32, shaking his head slowly in disbelief seeing Ryosuke's speed in the turns.

'He even makes my 32 look like a cheap paper mache sculpture of a car on that sort of pace. His gripping speed. How can it be faster than my 32 on my own hill? And by so much? White Comet indeed...'

Knowing there was one last long and wavy S hairpin before the sharp left corner marking the appearance of the finish line, Ryosuke was pushing his tires to their last legs from his pace.

Moving so close to the mountain wall he almost touched it, Ryosuke braked for the hairpin turn, his grip technique so strong that he never lost any balance or traction for even a fraction of a second.

Roaring down the last straight in fifth gear, Ryosuke crossed the finish line.

Daito's eyes widened looking at his stopwatch.

'His pace is lightyears ahead of his speed against his race with the 86 on Akina. Am I seeing things, or did Ryosuke just set a twelve-second record?'

III

While the few racing fans nearby chattered excitedly about my practice on the downhill, I smoked quietly in peace. Daito cleared his throat, announcing it to the mountain in a voice only heard at the end of my timed runs.

"Eleven seconds folks. That's all I'll say. Nearly twelve actually."

"Um. Okay." I could tell Aisuke could barely believe it. "I mean, it is Ryosuke still. So it makes some sense."

The worst part was I could've done even better. If I had a few more minutes to warm up my tires and get a practice lap or two in I could've done better. Still, considering how hard I planned on pushing the FC, the strut assembly could've handled it but it would've been more than necessary really.

I spoke to Daito tapping my cigarette. "Tell all crew members to write down my times. They know the drill. The next time I'm on this mountain I have to do better."

Daito just smiled with a nod, keeping his arms crossed over his green Mazda racing jacket.

My tires were well and truly dead for the night. I'd have to replace them when I got home, but for now, we were done. We still had time for Daito and Yakuma to practice, but I could tell most people were only there just to see Keisuke and I race.

But the amount of EXP and Yen the Gamer gave me for this run was nothing short of alarming. Level capping was still a thing, but with how running at my best pace was rewarded, I would have to do it more often. Soon enough, I could return to the Gamer's absolutely broken roots with enough practice.

Not that I could blame them entirely, we were the fastest on the team but it was a bit disrespectful. Still, I finished my cigarette while Daito handed me his walkie.

"Kenta, I want you warming up for your next lap. The rest of you take a break."

III

Watching Ryosuke enjoy one of Nikko City's many coffee shops, a member of Team Emperor walked out of a shoe store instantly recognizing him.

'What the hell is he doing around here? No one's seen him near Iroha during the night, and in the day he just seems to drink coffee or tea around town. The hell's up with that? Either way, I have to let Kyoichi know.'

III

Sighing, Kyoichi frowned. "I thought I told you all to stop stalking him. The least you could do is leave him in peace."

"I wasn't stalking him. I was just buying a pair of shoes. But Kyoichi it doesn't make any sense. I get that he still has weeks, but he's never been practicing once on our downhill. How is he still getting ready for your battle with him?"

"He's Akagi's White Comet. His little practice on Myogi the other night should be enough." Kyoichi said.

"It shouldn't. Gunma's roads are nothing like ours."

Kyoichi's tone changed. "I'm tired of telling you all this. Let me worry about the Takahashi brothers. Get back to work."

Seeing the red Lan Evo drive off, Kyoichi frowned in quiet thought.

'He's right. Just what is Ryosuke doing spending hours in tea shops instead of training around here? Even if he was using our track during the daytime somebody would've seen him. What is going on? What're you doing Ryosuke?'

III

In the Abyss when it was daytime actually but nighttime while I practiced, I improved my times on the slower speed corners at the beginning of Irohazaka's downhill.

I estimated I only needed twelve days exactly to get the times I needed to beat Sudo. The decisive question that remained was how realistic my simulation would be. If I was off by my pass predictions by even a few portions of a second, it might cost me the race.

Still, I pushed on, completing my third practice run on Iroha.

When I got out of the FC at the bottom I began to strategize taking a quick smoke break in the Abyss. I had a year at most before I would need to graduate med school and become a doctor. With the headstart I had over canon, time-wise I was okay. Saitama would take all of February and March to complete. Ibaraki would take an entire month, about April. Then May and June would be Kanagawa.

It was currently early October, I still had to beat the Todo School and the Emperor's by the end of November at the latest before the snow set in and forced me to start logistics from scratch.

I decided to head back home for the night after I got back in the FC and exited the Abyss.

Iroha would take some more time to improve on, but I could do it properly enough to beat Sudo. It would take the best possible times from both of us, but I knew that I could beat him. Although, even after beating Takumi Fujiwara, it still didn't make all the races I had left any easier.

III

As I renewed a spark plug that had been bothering me in the FC, Keisuke walked outside in our driveway. "Where have you been?"

"Practicing on Irohazaka. Why?"

"I've been meaning to talk to you. How much have you spent on the FD so far?"

I was a bit surprised by this, but I still kept working on the FC. "Why do you ask?"

Keisuke shrugged. "Just tell me alright?"

"Well if you must now. Spec one, or the settings to complete our Gunma sweep was well over 6 and a half million Yen including the cost of the actual car. Then the Tochigi sweep, or Spec two, was about 1 million. Each different prefecture will require both the FD and the FC to be at different settings taking into account the differences of the courses involved."

Keisuke frowned. "Oh. Well see I was hoping to one day buy the FD back."

"You were?" I smiled. "Keisuke. The FD was a gift."

"I mean I have enough saved up to buy the car itself back from you. But all the upgrades are way out of my budget."

"The car is yours. It was me after all who encouraged you to join the Red Suns and start racing."

Keisuke shook his head. "I can pay you back after I earn enough money. I promise you big brother."

I closed the hood to the FC. "Keisuke I wanted to buy the FD and not let Father do so for multiple reasons. The biggest is that without it you'd never become a racer. I didn't give you it just so you could buy it back."

Keisuke frowned. "It was a dumb idea. But wait, Father didn't help at all?"

"He never wanted to. His approval, albeit as reluctant was it was, was all I really needed."

"So you fund the Red Suns yourself?"

I explained. "I won the Gymkhana multiple years in a row. Everyone in the team pitches in where they can, Fumihiro and I handle the rest."

Keisuke spoke to me. "Sorry for bringing it up then."

"Don't be. You were curious about the price of the FD I suppose."

"And Iroha? How difficult is it to learn?" Keisuke crossed his arms.

"Very difficult," I said. "The race should only last two minutes and forty-nine seconds. It might be one of the hardest courses to master I've ever seen. How steep the hill is, the intensity and frequency of the turns. Think of it as Usui only much shorter in overall length with far longer straights."

Keisuke smiled a bit. "But it sounds like you got the handle on it."

I just nodded.

October 12th was only eleven days away.

Clearing the slower speed corners at the beginning of the course at a higher speed wouldn't cut it. I would have to maximize my speed on every millimeter of the run through nothing but nonstop practice on Iroha's downhill.

The worst part was that even at the pace we would be setting, which was easily the fastest Tochigi had likely seen for years, Sudo would still be on even ground with me. Whichever strategy was better would win the race.

III

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A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed and supported this story. I greatly appreciate it, you are all awesome. This story is a joy to write for me and I hope you all are enjoying reading it! The incredible incredible number of people following is just awesome.

Just a friendly reminder in case you haven't: Watch Initial D please and thank you!

If you have any thoughts or comments feel free to drop a review to let me know and or join the Discord for this story info on my profile. Regardless, I am excited to announce that I will be uploading weekly as I have been so far throughout the summer.

Thank you all for reading and I'll see you all in the next chapter.