Author's note:

Thanks again for all the reviews. They are really helpful. Sorry it took so long for this chapter to come out, but I just started a new job and of course I had the holiday weekend. Can someone tell me how to make break guidelines? Thanks, without them its hard to see transitions. Sorry if anyone has trouble with changes between scenes

Chapter 6: The First Ace

"Damn it! It's only the beginning and already he's pulling a massive lead." Takumi's, jaw had dropped when both cars had launched. He never would have expected an EVO to take off like that.

"How can I be struggling to keep up, we've barely taken any corners and the straight wasn't that long?"

"Weren't expecting this were you, there's no way you could have guessed this cars power." Seiji smiled, he was purely enjoying himself. Fujiwara was screwed and he knew it. There was no way that the Hachi-Roku would win.

"Ryousuke-san! How did the EVO VI take off so quick? I've never seen one go that fast, and there was almost no tire slipping." Kenta looked to Ryousuke hoping he would have the answer. But Ryousuke simply turned to his brother.

"Keisuke, do you know the answer?"

"I suppose it's because of the carbon fiber body, combined with other modifications it made the car almost as light as the 86."

"Well done Keisuke, the light weight is a major factor in cars acceleration. Since the car is lighter than usual it has less standing inertia, so one can launch it more aggressively. Another reason is that is zero turbo lag. By hearing the engine one can tell that it is not a turbo charged. The engine however, seems to have more power than a Naturally Aspirated 4G63 would normally have. It seems that they have swapped the engine in favor of a 4G63 that has a MIVEC system. Mitsubishi's variable valve timing system that is similar to Honda's VTEC. The weight and engine combined with LSD, TCS, AWD, high performance tires, suspension, and ABS make that LAN EVO VI a truly amazing machine. It is in a completely different league from the 86."

"Aniki! If the Hachi-Roku can't compete with the EVO VI then this race is slaughter!"

"I agree Ryousuke, the difference between the car is too great. What is the point of this race? We can't compete with them at this level." Fujimoro had walked over from the starting line and had overheard the conversation.

"Strange he's not as far behind, as I would have expected…no matter there no way he can win. The 86 is too outdated, there no way I'll loose." Seiji looked in the drivers mirror, the Hachi-Roku should be nowhere in sight, but it was still there. Sure Seiji had a huge advantage but the 86 still managed to keep up even if only barely.

"This is taking everything I have. I'm really pushing it to the edge here. Just one wrong move and its all over. Why am I struggling just to keep up? I can barely see him, I'm afraid that by the time I exit the next corner he'll be gone." Takumi had broken into a cold-sweat by the third corner.

In previous battles when he pushed it to the limit, it always seemed that his opponent would do the same. But this time Takumi didn't see any signs of struggling in his opponent. Seiji's driving almost seemed care free.

"If I can hardly keep up how can I win?"

Takumi pushed the 86 fast into the next corner at nearly suicidal speed. If his braking was even a fiftieth of a second off, it would be all over.

"I've said it before Project will never back down from a race. We will stand strong Fujimoro".

"But Ryousuke, if we can't win what's the point? I just don't see what we can accomplish." Fujimoro pleaded waiting for Ryousuke's response.

"Aniki! There has to be a purpose to this race!"

"Keisuke, Fujimoro please calm yourselves." Ryousuke turned away from them and looked towards Irohazaka's road then smiled slightly. "I never said we couldn't win. The fact that this race is taking place at Irohazaka constitutes part of our victory."

At that moment Takumi's mind was transcending his surroundings. He had always controlled the 86 like an extension of himself, but now the very adrenaline that pumped through his veins seemed flow through the entire Hachi-Roku. Takumi could almost feel every grain on the road. His mind fully locked on catching the LAN EVO in front of him.

Even Seiji who was several car lengths ahead suddenly felt the change in the 86. To him it seemed that aura that normally radiated from the Hachi-Roku, had now engulfed the car entirely. The Engine seemed to come alive, almost breathing and snarling.

"Ryousuke you said Fujiwara had three aces, what were they?" Ryousuke listen to patiently to his friend.

"The first of the three aces, is one that Keisuke has as well." Ryousuke turned towards his brother.

"Me?" Keisuke seemed confused. What was his brother talking about?

"Yes Keisuke, because the first ace is Fuijwara's skill. Ever since joining D both of you have grown to an astonishing level. The cars the EMPERORS may outrank our own, but both of our drives have progressed to a level that not even Kyouichi could imagine. When facing new levels of challenge, both of you will increase by leaps and bounds is your abilities. And it is on extreme courses like Irohazaka where both Fujiwara's and your own skill truly shine. It is here where your talents can be displayed for all to witness."

"Ryousuke-san are you suggesting that Fujiwara will win because of the difference it skill between him and Seiji?" Kenta stared at Ryousuke waiting. But Ryousuke simply shook his head.

"No, there is no way that Fujiwara can win on skill alone. The difference between the 86 and the EVO VI is too great. He will be able to keep up somewhat, but there is no way he can overtake."

"Why the Hell is he still back there? No matter he can stay back there all he wants but he will never pass me…NEVER!" In rage Seiji slammed the throttle even harder. The engine responded by revving like an unleashed storm.

"I don't care how fast that thing is, I don't care that this your home course! I will win, I swear!" Takumi braced himself he knew he could push the throttle just a little harder. The Hachi-Roku flew out of a corner and actually scraped the guard rail a little.

"There has to be something more I can do something I haven't thought of. But what is it?"

"I thought you said we could win."

"Keisuke, Fujiwara hasn't lost yet. In fact if he can figure out the second ace then he should be able to come within a car length of Seiji."

"But Aniki, what's the second ace?"