From the author: Shinji will put his first step on the path towards his professional career
don't own Neon Genesis Evangelion and Akira
Neon Genesis Evangelion belongs to Studio GAINAX and Hideaki Anno
Akira belongs to Kōdansha and Katsuhiro Ōtomo
"this" is speech
'this' is thought
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION HIGHWAY STAR
Chapter 33 : Bureaucracy and first steps
"So , you finally signed the contract ?"-Misato asked as she sipped her beer while Shinji nodded
"Yep , now we have to wait for Mayumi's signal when we have to head to Nihonmatsu and smile towards the camera"-Shinji said as Asuka and Rei washed the dishes. As they continued their activities the phone in the kitchen begun to ring as Asuka picked it up
"Hello ?"-Asuka asked as the person on the second side of the phone sounded confused
"Excuse me , can i ask for Shinji ?"-the female voice asked as Asuka looked at Shinji and then at the phone. 'It's probably that Mayumi girl'-Asuka thought as she brought the phone back to her ear
"One more second"-Asuka said as on the other side Mayumi wore a suit and nervously sipped coffee
"Shinji ! Phone !"-Asuka said as Shinji got up from his chair and walked up towards the phone
"Oh hey Mayumi ! Some new information for you got for me ?"-Shinji asked as on the other side someone walked up towards Mayumi
"Miss Yamagishi , the chopper is ready"-One of the bodyguards said as Mayumi nodded
"Five more minutes"-Mayumi said as the man walked away while she returned to the phone
"Sorry Shinji now im back"-Mayumi said as Shinji looked confused
"What's going on ?"-Shinji asked as Mayumi sighed
"Remember when i said i would call you when the meeting with your new superiors , i got a call few minutes ago , its today , i'm currently preparing for my trip to Nihonmatsu to represent you but you should also be there"-Mayumi said as Shinji on the other side let go of the phone in shock before he grabbed it back
"How much time do I have ?"-Shinji asked as Mayumi got up and packed some things in her bag
"Around 6 hours"-Mayumi said as Shinji looked at his roommates
"Ok , i'll be there"-Shinji said as he put the phone down
"We have to go"-Shinji said as he went back to his room to scramble out his only suit
"What's going on Shinji ?"-Misato asked as Shinji found his suit and also discovered something else , his late uncle's Yakuza katana. Shinji sighed and just putted down on his bed
"Remember when I said that we have to wait for Mayumi's signal ? Well it's today , and we need a VTOL pronto"-Shinji said as Misato let go of her beer
"Fuck ! Come on we need to prepare , it's an important event"-Misato said as she rushed towards her bedroom as Asuka did the same as she rushed to Shinji's room while Rei stood confused at the situation that was around her. After an half-an-hour Shinji and Asuka came out of Shinji's room dressed up in more appropriate attire with Shinji holding his helmet under his arm while Asuka wore a red dress while Misato came out wearing a black dress.
"But what will we do about Rei ?"-Asuka asked as Misato got an idea before taking Rei by hand going to Shinji's room before coming out after 15 minutes with Rei wearing Asuka's yellow sundress and white sneakers
"Done it ! Now let's go ! I Called for a VTOL so we can head to Nihonmatsu"-Misato said as Shinji remembered something in his room and jolted back to his wardrobe before going quickly through all the drawers before finally finding something that would help him make a better image . His uncle's old racing suit that while a little too big would make him seem more professional. Shinji quickly put the suit in his sports bag and made his way out of the room to see the girls waiting for him
"You didn't tell me you have a racing suit ?"-Asuka said as Shinji unfolded his arms
"Not mine , my uncle's , he used his back in the 80s and 90s but it's been in the drawer for years. But i still kept up with cleaning it , besides i hope that i will get a chance to test the bike that will carry me to win"-Shinji said as they went inside the elevator and began to ride down towards the ground floor. As they rode Shinji managed to change the channel in the elevator tv to J-sports
"Now we will talk about MFJ , as the 2015 season was canceled the teams focus on preparing for the 2016 season. Today the Namerikawa Kawasaki race team will announce their second rider to partner Saku Tayama for the 2016 season. While having factory support and being a part of Kawasaki junior Moto2 program the team didn't show their full potential during the first few races before the season was canceled , the team based in Nihonmatsu managed to score only a podium and got them to 6th place in the final standings, We are gonna be transmitting the conference in their HQ next to the Ebisu circuit , so stay tuned"-the announcer said as Shinji's face went pale before turning towards the girls
"It's gonna be transmitted live , shit"-Shinji said as they got out of the elevator and made their way towards the car elevator as Shinji inserted the code to reveal the black Mazda RX7 FC3S before they got inside it and made their way towards Tsukujiho 2
"Wait , so you are afraid of being seen signing a paper in front of the public ? You are already known as the HS"-Asuka said as Shinji turned his head back to the backseat to see Asuka and Rei
"Yes , but the HS is an alter ego. After I sign it I'll be known as a MFJ rider, Shinji Ikari , so from now on every step I make will become public. And the worst thing is that i'm sure people will compare me to my old man"-Shinji said as Misato gave him a slap to the back
"Ahhhh dont worry Shinji-kun ! I'm sure that after the first race in Suzuka your deniers will kiss your feet and no one will dare to compare you to him !"-Misato said as Shinji , Asuka and Rei looked at Misato
"Wait , who's gonna pilot the VTOL ?"-Asuka asked as Misato smirked
"Well , that will be me"-Misato said as she pointed her thumb towards herself as Shinji and Asuka went pale
"If you pilot the same way as you drive then i bail out"-Shinji said as Misato's facial expression changed to a disgruntled one
"Hey , I have 20 hours in the air with a VTOL. Besides i only drank one beer this morning , relax , I'll deliver you towards your bureaucracy celebration"-Misato said as Shinji and Asukawere still pale as Asuka whispered to Shinji's ear. "There is like 60% chance that we will die". Shinji lit up a cigarette as Misato immediately took it out of his mouth and threw it out of her window
"WHAT THE FUCK ?! WHY DID YOU DO THAT ?"-Shinji screamed as Misato turned around her head
"You have signed with Mild Seven , you can only smoke Mild Seven cigarettes from now on , besides you should be a patriot and smoke Japanese cigarettes. And i didnt do this just so you can stop smoking right now"-Misato said as Shinji frowned and sunk in his seat. After the next 30 minutes the crew reached Tsukujiho 2. As they passed the security Shinji saw that once pretty deserted terrain was now full of NERV crew working around the NERV equipment , especially the trio of Evangelions resting on three giant trucks. As Misato was navigating across the group of technicians and officers as they reached a parked VTOL and Ritsuko and Maya standing next to it
"Oh hey Rits ? Can you please move ? We have to takeoff"-Misato said as the group got out of the Mazda as Ritsuko turned her head
"And how do you think I would allow you to take a million dollar equipment for yourself without jurisdiction and control ?"-Ritsuko asked as a vein appeared on Misato's forehead
"We're on a verge of signing a contract that will probably change history of japanese motorsport and were not gonna allow dumb beraucracy to stop us !"-Misato proudly exclaimed as Maya looked puzzled
"Fine , but we're gonna go with you to keep you in check"-Ritsuko said as Misato sighed as Shinji sighed in relief. 'at least someone will stop her from crushing the VTOL to our deaths'-Shinji thought as they walked inside to VTOL as Misato sat behind the sticks and put on the headset and Ritsuko sat next to her in the copilot seat as the pilot trio and Maya sat in the transport compartment
"Hello everyone and welcome to air Misato , fasten up your seatbelts and turn on the airplane mode in your phones and smoking on the craft is forbidden, safety procedures are simple and that is do not die"-Misato said as the VTOL lifted off the ground as the pilots and Maya watched the shrinking Tsukujiho 2 before Misato jolted the VTOL forward as Ritsuko's face fell on the controls
"How the hell did NERV give you the pilot license ?!"-Ritsuko asked Misato looked at her with a smug smirk
"You didn't hear the crew announcement ? I told you to fasten your seatbelts"-Misato said as Ritsuko silently growled and did as the pilot ordered . Meanwhile in the crew compartment Maya looked puzzled as she stared down the pilots
"So , is there something special in going to Nihonmatsu ?"-Maya asked as Shinji was beginning to tell her the explanation he was immediately cut away by Asuka
"Well the reason is that this dummy over here is signing a contract with Namerikawa Kawasaki ! And since we were called just and hour and a half ago we have to head towards their HQ and sign in it in front of the cameras and reporters , and also to get Shinji's friend more fame or something"-Asuka proudly exclaimed as Maya nodded
"Oh wow , good for you Shinji-kun ! You're moving up in the world ! First street racing and now full professional !"-Maya said as Shinji blushed from the praise. After another hour of flight the crew of the NERV VTOL reached Nihonmatsu as the suburbs of the city could be see from the windows of the VTOL before Misato putted down on the local airstrip as the crew was were breathing in relief thanks to not dying by Misato's piloting skills. As the crew got out of the VTOL while Misato was arguing over the radio with the control tower that "Since she was from NERV she has clearance to land everywhere including his ass" a sleek black helicopter landed in the landing spot next to theirs. As the rotor of the helicopter stop spinning the door opened to reveal Mayumi wearing a dark blue suit with a white shirt and red tie and wearing a black skirt and black stockings with black high heels and holding a folder of documents under her arm with two bodyguards with Katanas following her out of the helicopter
"Oh hey Mayumi !"-Shinji said as Mayumi jolted towards them
"Shinji ! Okay you're here ! We have to top this out to the final bit , we can talk this out in the car"-Mayumi said as a black Mercedes-Maybach s600 pullman rode up towards the airstrip while Asuka's head was immediately filled with red flags and alerts
"I'll go with you ! I'm his girlfriend after all and i should be there with him"-Asuka said as Mayumi nodded in agreement. 'Well that was seemingly easy'-Asuka thought as she looked at the Maybach. 'And they say that crime doesn't pay'
"Eh who is that ?"-Misato asked as Shinji turned around
"Oh , this is Mayumi , my agent"-Shinji said as Misato looked at her at then at the helicopter and then at the 1.4 milion euro car parked next to her
"Oh , so you are that intelligent girl Shinji-kun told me about , no offense but i was expecting less of big entrance"-Misato said as Mayumi corrected her glasses
"My uncle insisted on it , he said that presentation is half of the battle , besides as someone who represents our company's interests needs a proper introduction"-Mayumi said as the adults in the group dropped their jaws on the group as Mayumi looked at her watch
"Oh , we don't have much time left , we should get going"-Mayumi said as the door to the car opened and she alongside Shinji and Asuka got inside the car
"Well , at least we have a pickup ride"-Misato said as the two bodyguards stepped in front of her
"Hey hey hey hey ! The boss's niece didn't say anything about letting others inside the car !"-One of them said as they grabbed the hilts of their katanas while Maya hid behind Ritsuko. Misato looked annoyed but she decided to give up the fight
"Okay you Goemons , we will take a taxi"-Misato said as the two bodyguards nodded and got inside the car as it drove away
"You are a member of the military and you got afraid of some sword wielders ? What the fuck Misato ?!"-Ritsuko asked as Misato wiped her forehead
"You know that intimidation is the key ? Besides, I don't want to be cut to tiny pieces in my sleep"-Misato said as the group made their way to the nearest taxi parking lot. Meanwhile in the Maybach Mayumi handed over the duo a folder of documents
"What is this ?"-Asuka asked as Shinji was taking a look across the documents
"Are those , publicity instructions ?"-Shinji asked as Mayumi nodded
"Correct , as I said you are representing our interests. You need to know how to properly behave , or at least pretend to do it"-Mayumi said as she pressed a button on the armrest and as the tiny trap door opened where normally a champagne would reside a Mild Seven cap appeared as Shinji put it on his head
"Ok , so he has to become a soulless PR machine ?"-Asuka asked as Mayumi shaked her head
"No ! Not at all ! He only has to calm down his temper and edge ! He needs to smile and wave at the camera just as he wants but only needs to know what to say and what not. Like not talking bad about your sponsor or team , or at least put it in some nice words so that the paparazzi won't get fishy about it"-Mayumi explained as Shinji corrected his cap and the screen that was behind Mayumi showed a callers ID
"Oh , that must be my uncle !"-Mayumi said as she pressed the button on the screen and the face of Rai Kichirou appeared on it
"Kichirou-san !"-Shinji said as said as he slightly bowed
"Hello Shinji , consider this a as a last final pep talk before you head out to the world of show business"-The head of the Yakuza said as Shinji nodded his head
"I know , this is the last step towards the race track"-Shinji said as the older man chuckled
"Relax , just do what Mayumi told you to , be nice , answer the questions and shake your hands with the people necessary , and with a blink of an eye you will be racing in europe , this is just a baby step of bureaucracy towards the big future"-Rai said as Shinji nodded in understanding
"Mayumi , is he fully briefed and prepared ?"-Rai asked as Mayumi nodded and corrected her glasses
"Yes uncle , he is ready , at least in my opinion"-Mayumi said as Rai nodded
"Ok , i'll be watching it in TV , the shareholders are expecting success , and i know Shinji will deliver it , good luck"-Rai said as he disappeared from the screen
"Wait , so it's also about several sad men in suits ?"-Asuka asked as Shinji and Mayumi nodded
"Yeah , even if i raised my anti-system levels to over 9000 i just can't beat bureaucracy"-Shinji said as he sighed and took a look through the window he noticed that they left the main city center of Nihonmatsu and made their way to the suburbs as Asuka took a look from her window to see other cars that were probably occupied by news reporters and presumably sponsor representatives. Another 30 minutes passed as the Maybach reached a building.
"We're here"-Someone said as the door opened and Shinji helped Asuka and Mayumi out as the bodyguards walked behind them. Shinji opened the door that was standing in front of them. As they went in it revealed a white hall with big glass windows and few racing Kawasaki models , most notably a Kawasaki h1r and few ZXR's and GPX's displayed next to it. Shinji noticed that the bodyguards disappeared and stood in front of the door. Shinji walked up towards the secretary desk
"Umm hello ? We are for the conference ? Shinji Ikari ?"-Shinji introduced himself as the women sitting behind the counter
"Oh , you're here , Miss Namerikawa is expecting you. Not to be rude but with that reputation I was expecting someone older"-The secretary said as Shinji could feel a sting in him. 'Just don't say something you'll regret it later'-Both Asuka and Mayumi thought as Shinji had another way to counter
"I dunno , maybe I'm a little bit too young. But to be completely honest I was expecting someone who is a secretary to be a little less pretty , but expectations can be overwritten right ?"-Shinji said as he winked his right eye and noticed that the secretary was visibly blushing. But his quick triumph was cut away by two things. One was a headbutt from Asuka and the other was that he heard Misato arguing with the two body guards. Shinji only sighed from cringe as he looked at the door
"Come on you two , let them in , I allow it !"-Shinji said as the two bodyguards nodded and Rei alongside the rest of the adults were finally let through the door
"Ok , so where are we supposed to head towards ?"-Shinji asked as the secretary snapped out if the blush
"Oh ! it's the elevator to the last floor and last door on the left , oh , and she asked for the talk alone with her new rider"-the secretary said as Shinji nodded
"Well this is it , the final step"-Asuka said as she gave Shinji a quick kiss on the lips
"For luck"-Asuka added as she giggled before grabbing Shinji's bag
"Well thanks for that , but right now i have to head towards the unknown"-Shinji said as he kissed Asuka on the cheek and made his way towards the elevator. As the elevator came, Shinji corrected his tie and got inside it. As he looked at the mirror inside the elevator Shinji was admiring himself in it. It's been a while since he had to wear a suit as the last time it was used was when Shinji was attending the Kichirou meeting , and the same meeting was the last time when Shinji carried his Uncle's Katana. Shinji also took a look at his scar
"Well , it's time to move on from advertising myself with a scar , this time with a full face"-Shinji said as he caressed it before the elevator made a ringing sound as it opened to reveal a white corridor. Shinji got out and walked to the last door as he took a look at the photos , most notably the ones from the 80s and 90s. Shinji looked at them and noticed the moments of triumph registered on them , podiums , wins , victory laps , head to head finishes , newspaper cutouts etc. Shinji walked towards the door as he took a deep breath in and opened the door. As he walked in he noticed a few cabinets with Diplomas and trophies and a desk in front of him. And behind it in a chair sat a woman in her 30s with pink hair and blue eyes. Shinji swallowed air and sat in the chair that gestured by the woman
"Shinji Ikari if i presume ? Miyuki Namerikawa"-The woman said as she extended her hand that Shinji shook
"So , you will be my boss ?"-Shinji asked as Miyuki nodded
"Correct .I was observing street races for a long time, Ikari-san , as judging by the situation of our country right now no one has enough time or resources to put on a helmet and race on the track. I was impressed by your abilities when you were a boy and how you controlled your motorcycle. But i have one question for you , why after building a legacy as a street racer you want to step your foot on the track ?"-Miyuki asked as she folded her hands. 'So it's a rhetorical question ? Or a test ? Fine Miyuki-san , lead the dance'-Shinji thought as he formed up his answer
"The reason is I don't want to defeat amateurs for the rest of my life. I want to move on and do something that my late uncle couldn't do for financial reasons. And that is going pro and showing those Europeans that we can win big time too , or maybe an allegory will explain it well ? Have you ever heard about Elvis Presley Miyuki-san ? I'm sure you had , according to his biography all his life he wanted to reach for the rock of eternity that is a reference to an obscure comic book. While he couldn't do it due to a dumb manager i know i have a great agent so it wont happen to me when i reach for the stars. Besides , it's not like a payrider requires to have such a special job interview"-Shinji finished his quick monologue as Miyuki chuckled
"Do you really expect that I would bring in a rider with no prior experience just because Mild Seven backs him up ? It would tarnish my father's legacy. I can see that you are thinking outside the box and due to your "Rocket" experience that is trending on the internet you know your way with tools , after my father passed away i tried to look for the best riders that can bring to the team the most without it being a stain to the quality of the bikes that will be used on the track. Especially since bike switching was banned and you have to come in for a tire switch. When JTI sent the application i immediately knew i needed someone with that variety of abilities onboard"-Miyuki said as Shinji took a sip from the cup of water that was standing on the desk
"So , have I passed your qualifications ?"-Shinji asked as Miyuki smirked
"That is correct,100 out of 100 , welcome fully onboard Shinji Ikari"-Miyuki said as she extended her hand again
"I'm proud to be onboard boss , so when can I see the bike ?"-Shinji asked as Miyuki got up from her chair
"You will even have the chance to ride it if you brought your equipment , but first we need to fully announce you , it's not like the photo reporters and few sports tv stations came for nothing , we have 30 minutes before the conference will start , right now you can head back towards the main lobby , i'll send someone for you and for your companions , good luck and don't get eaten by questions , also bring your helmet , when they will see that you are the HS we will be trending"-Miyuki said as Shinji a thumbs up
"I will boss , I will"-Shinji said as he walked out of the office and headed towards the elevator as numerous butterflies were flying in his stomach. Shinji entered the elevator and sighed in relief. 'Well that was an easy talk , now it's time for the public part'-Shinji thought as the elevator reached the ground floor. And just as the door opened Shinji noticed that the deserted corridor was now being filled with people that presumably were here to take photos of him shaking hands. Shinji took off his cap and made his way back towards the main lobby. As he walked he tried to navigate across people in the lobby until he found his group
"So , how did it go ?"-Asuka asked as Shinji rubbed his nose
"Pretty good , at least in my opinion , the boss is pretty nice"-Shinji said as his attention was shifting towards the door and people coming inside
"There are a lot of people coming in"-Misato said as the group aside from Shinji seemed surprised
"I was expecting that only a few people would come , even during the attacks of the angels the cults of some sports are alive and well , that's interesting"-Maya said as she took out her phone to check something on it.
"It seems that the general public is either not amused by what's going on in Tokyo 3 or prefer to put their focus on something else ?"-Ritsuko thought as Misato put her arms around her and Maya
"Oh come on ! It's not like you have to analyze everything ! Some people just like to watch people go around in circles or kick a ball on a field. It's just sport and atmosphere and nothing else"-Misato said as Shinji and Asuka visibly cringed while Mayumi looked down to her knees and Rei looked at everyone with amusement. As another few minutes passed a man walked up to Shinji
"Ikari-san , the conference is about to start , you should head to back of the conference room"-The man said as Shinji nodded
"Ok , guys let's go , and I need to ask you sir to lead the way"-Shinji said as the man nodded and the group began to follow him. After a quick walk they found themselves in a tiny backstage. Shinji peaked out his head and saw a not big but decent sized conference room. And as he continued to peak he saw the camera crews setting up their equipment and people beginning to take their places. Shinji noticed that the lights lit up to illuminate the main stage , and just as he finished speaking the main stage Miyuki entered the backstage
"So boss , are we ready to go ?"-Shinji asked as Miyuki nodded
"Correct , just wait 5 , 4 , 3 , 2 and 1"-Miyuki said as on the stage an automated announcement announced Miyuki's entrance to the stage as applause echoed across the room. And so the 30 minute of the conference was passing as Shinji noticed the tiny sticky note on his hand "Bring your helmet".
"And so with big pride I want to announce that from the 2016 season onwards Mild Seven will become our titular sponsor. And with just as equal pride I want to announce our new number 2 rider for Namerikawa , Shinji Ikari"-Miyuki said as Shinji breathed in and out and put his helmet under his left arm and made his way towards the stage. And as he walked though he noticed that the reaction was turning from silence to whispers to full blown applause. Shinji walked up to Miyuki to shake her hand and as he did that he received a racing jacket and a cap. And having experience from MotoGP conferences he watched on TV as a kid, Shinji put the cap and the jacket on.
"All right , thank you , i'm not used to such an applause"-Shinji joked as the crowd laughed as Mayumi in the backstages was nervously biting her folder while Asuka with puzzlement listened to what Shinji was planning to say
"So , does anyone have any questions ?"-Miyuki asked as one of the journalists lifted up his hand
"Ikari , do you feel any pressure from stepping up to the higher league ?"-The man asked as Shinji sighed
"I always thought of myself as a person who likes to take new challenges , i wouldn't get inside a giant robot made from tax fraud for nothing"-Shinji joked as the crowd laughed as in the backstages Misato was grinding her teeth
"So does anyone have more questions ? I really want to test out the bike today"-Shinji asked as another person lifted up its hand
"Do you have any high expectations for your first big season ?"-The man asked as Shinji chuckled
"Well , of course , a championship. I have a decent team and the platform that with good R&D can be vastly expanded. Street racing may teach technique but on the track it's about communication and strategy , it's not only about the bike. But I'm sure we can work it out"-Shinji said as the crowd were whispering among themselves.
"All right , thank you for all your time , see you everyone on the pre season opener conference"-Miyuki said as she lead Shinji out back to the backstages as the crowd applaud and also begun to make their way ok
"Ok boss , now can I see the bike ?"-Shinji asked as Miyuki nodded
"Coincidence is that today we have some first tests before the season so yes , if you brought your suit"-Miyuki said as Shinji grabbed his bag from Asuka.
"All is here"-Shinji said as Miyuki showed a thumbs up
"You can come to Ebisu when you change your clothes , I'll also suggest for you to use the backdoor since the paparazzi will eat you alive. Im gonna get everything ready"-Miyuki said as she walked away
"So that's your new boss ?"-Misato asked as Shinji nodded
"Ehm , and now it's time for the fun part"-Shinji said before he was grabbed by arm by Mayumi
"Great job Shinji ! If you keep acting this way everything will be going smoothly !"-Mayumi said as Shinji showed a thumbs up
"So now you're heading to Ebisu right ? Can I go with you ?"-Asuka asked as Shinji chuckled
"Was this a rhetorical question ? Of course ! Besides i'm sure you wanted to see another step in my evolution"-Shinji said as Asuka grinned
"Of course dummy , now get changed ! You want to walk in a suit right ?"-Asuka rhetorically asked as Shinji rushed to the nearest toilet and shut himself up in the first free cabin and took off his suit and switched for the clothes he had in his bag alongside the racing suit. Those were a pair of black shorts and a white T-shirt and threw on his new jacket and cap. But just as he was leaving the toilet he noticed the number on his cap and jacket ? 'Oh 28 ? When did I pick that ? Probably a year or two ago , ah who cares , it's too late to change it now. Maybe it will become iconic ?'-Shinji thought as he walked out of the toilet and found Asuka waiting for him
"Let's go !"-Asuka said as they jolted out of the building. Meanwhile Rei , Misato and the rest of the group stared them down
"Ah look at this , the first step to a big career , and you can be proud Rei"-Misato said as she hit Rei on the back
"And he just criticized NERV and made it trending"-Ritsuko said as she checked her phone. Meanwhile Shinji and Asuka walked towards the Ebisu circuit
"So , this is it , you finally sold your soul to the devil"-Asuka said as she was hanging on Shinji's shoulder
"Yes , bureaucracy , smiling and waving towards the camera , it's the part of racing I hate , because I'm not known yet I cannot really be myself. It feels like i'm being completely dishonest with myself , but i know that i have to do it to receive more offers in the future"-Shinji said as he sighed while Asuka notice that something was wrong and stopped
"And you're really gonna put yourself down because of such a stupid thing ?! Bureaucracy may be tough but we can get over it , like everything !"-Asuka bombastically said and lifted her fist to the air making Shinji smile
"I really don't deserve you as my girlfriend"-Shinji said as kissed Asuka on the lips
"Ah come on ! I'm sure you pass the bare minimum , oh look , we're here !"-Asuka said as they walked through the gates and heard the sound of a flyby as Shinji's senses were tingling from excitement. After localizing the Pit lane Shinji and Asuka noticed a racing Kawasaki ZX10-R going into the pits and into one of the garages. The duo walked up and Shinji noticed Miyuki standing in one of the garages
"Oh , Ikari-san , i want to introduce you to somebody"-Miyuki said as the rider of the Kawasaki took off his helmet and revealed a man with black hair and green eyes in his late 20s
"Let me introduce you to our Number 1 rider , Saku Tayama"-Miyuki said as Shinji shaked his hand
"Shinji Ikari , and this is my Girlfriend Asuka"-Shinji said as he let go of Saku's hand
"I've heard a lot about you , the Highway Star that makes everyone eat dust"-Saku said as Shinji chuckled
"All right enough of this sweet talk , you want to see your crew ?"-Miyuki said as she walked towards the second garage. As they walked in they noticed a crew of 25 people working on the bike with the number 28 on its front fairing
"Gentlemen this is Shinji Ikari , and those are your mechanics , the line of communication is between you and them , and now you have the ability to test your bike"-Miyuki said as she walked away
"Ok , listen , I'm happy that we are gonna be working together ,and I have only one request. If there is anything you want to tell me about the bike or if there is something we need to improve tell me and we will work on it , or just call me"-Shinji said as he found a piece of paper and wrote his number on it and told every pit crew member to write it in their phones. After that Shinji rushed to the changing room to put on his racing suit. A black scratched one that remembered the late 80s and early 90s and put on his HS helmet before taking the seat on his bike.
"Ikari , remember that it's your first time , so take it nice and slow"-The man that was apparently Shinji's main engineer told him as on the laptop that was sitting on the desk with track layout displayed
"Come on Sadao , i won't break it that quick , now fire her up"-Shinji told the man , apparently named Sadao to start it up. Sadao sighed and gestured to two men behind and the motorcycle came to life before Shinji showed a thumbs up to Asuka as Sadao runned backwards to gesture Shinji the direction. Shinji twisted the throttle and felt the bike move before he turned to right and according to MFJ regulations could only go 60 kilometers per hour before jolting out and reaching turn 1 and felt the bike nicely lean to right. 'Not bad , not bad at all , but records need to be broken'-Shinji thought as he grabbed the clutch and climbed up to gear 3 as he again leaned to the right side before leaning to left in turn 3 before going down to gear 2 and leaned to left before quickly leaning to right in turn 4 and could finally give it more power as he reached 350 kilometers on the straight before slowing down and entering another U-turn of turn 5 and 6 with a quick lean as Shinji was grinning and laughing behind his helmet as he felt the wind though his racing suit as he found himself on another straight before leaning to left in another U-turn of turn 7 and 8 before quickly going as fast as he could though quick turns 9 and 10 before quickly going down with the gears to turns 11 and 12 before returning to the pits. Shinji noticed that his crew was waiting for him and he stopped before they grabbed the bike and begun to refuel it Shinji got off the bike and runned towards Asuka
"So , how is with the time ?"-Shinji asked as Asuka showed him his phone
"1:07:9 , only few hundreds of a second less than Tayama , we're on a good way"-Asuka said as Sadao runned over to him
"Ikari , we will get the bike ready in no time"-Sadao reported as Shinji nodded
"We can do few more runs , we have time"-Shinji said as he kissed Asuka on the lips before jogging down a can of Soda and putting on his helmet before jumping back on his bike and riding back to the track
A/N: Back again ! Shinji makes his first big step in evolution from street racing to full professional. And how it will influence the story judging by how we are in the two thirds of it ? Not really but it will play a big role in the epilogue
NEXT TIME ON HIGHWAY STAR : The local fame rises and problems with SELLE continue