Chapter 9 - Sure Thing
Han walks out his flat making his way to the car park. There waits his S15 Silvia; making its way through the garage roulette. Over the past weeks driving, Han has brought it back to state better than it's former glory. Adding everything from a complete tune up. Body panels, tires, all upgrades necessary to a top performer. Whilst striking a new livery of silver blue and orange - a living work of art. Everything Han had put into his build was uniquely chosen to stand out like no other.
Han arrives to a small shop to grab a quick bite. Two guys walk in, one slim the other abut heavier. They had a rough and arrogant attitude; ordering boastfully for a pork bento. They choose the seat behind Han, lamenting on their lost up the mountains. Since then they've had a hard time keeping their money flow. Fixing horse races and other bets has been their main source, but they needed to make more to pay off the gangsters from the Project D incident. The next time they plan to have extra insurance. Han gets an idea.
Han gets up and asks the slim guy, if he drives the white Evo outside. Not being the wiser,he responds , "Yea, what of it punk?!" Han replies in a cool tone, "Nothing just a nice ride to have a road legal rally car. I'd fear for anyone having to race it; it's a sure thing if you ask me." The guy (Ichijo) responds, "You know your stuff kid." as he grins with menacing grin.
As Han leaves, walking to his S15, Ichijo notices Han sitting with the Silvia's door open. Ichijo walks out to him, asking Han, "Hey kid, do you ever been in a street race?" as he notices the on point work that the S15 shows - looking very expensive . Han replies, "I'm not good at racing and need practice. I like building cars., but racing them is hard." Ichijo sees this as an opportunity to take advantage of, offering a race for "Fun". They can meet tonight at a specific place so it's no harm. This was a trap as to how they tried to trap Project D. Ichijo leaves, heading to the restaurant to speak with the other heavier guy, Aikawa. "We got one! He says evilly.
The night falls, the three drivers arrive. Han, acting cluelessly gets out to greet Ichijo and Aikawa. Ichijo states that the race is simple make it to the end of a section that's all. Han notices that both cars tires appear to be worn, and figures that their cars are probably not well maintained. Han asks if one of them could show him the course. Both Ichijo and Aikawa deflec, stating that it's not customary in street racing and they don't have gas to burn; only that when he sees the sign for the park entrance would be the end point.
Both Han and Ichijo line up to race. Aikawa walks over to him and says, that to add to the fun, they'll add a bonus. If he wins, he'll get 420,000 yen but if he loses he'll have to give them the money. Han pauses then states he doesn't have that kind of money on hand. Aikawa says well we can work it out, like this beautiful car of yours. In street racing the rules of the street says all. Every racer that enters a race knows this. Now if you leave, well, wasting all this time won't go to good for you. Han accepts.
The race starts and the Evo takes off with the lead. Han notices that the car appearing hesitant like it was afraid. On the straights there was a gap but Han kept up easily. The lack of grip was becoming obvious.Han smiles, "these clowns really tried it and they fell for the oldest hustle trick in the book." Ichijo thinks to himself, "that kid knows what this Evo is and doesn't think he'll win. Knowing Aikawa giving that talk this in the bag, easy money. Tires aren't the best but there's no way he's passing me.
Han begins to close the gap, upping the pace and staying close to the Evos bumper. Compared to a month ago this S15 was not even close to this level, but now she sings. Time to end this circus show. Han sets up to pass on the right as he remembers his run with the ae86, but Ichijo instantly tries to counter. Han begins to aim for the inside, going into a drift. Ichijo sees this and tries to defend. However ,the lack of grip pulls him to the outside leaving more than enough room for Han to pass him easily. The gap widening even further as he gets into the gas. Ichijo annoyingly yells,"what the hell is going on! Not again!!! He tries to push his car to chase but loses more distance with each corner.
The race ends with Han as the victor. Aikawa walks over to Ichijo as he gets out his car furiously. "Hey punk what was that, I thought h you needed practice. You came here to hustle us!" Han smiles, "I guess I got lucky - your buddy said 420k right? Aikawa yells, we aren't giving you shit! You tricked us and we're not letting this slide! " Ichijo makes a call to someone. This person had an agreement with them about the money payout for the race and that Han has it. Moments later a man shows up in a black crown. Han recognizes the car. Aikawa says, "You're in for it now, our boss doesn't take kindly to your little game kid! He wants to talk to you." Han walks over causally and speaks with the person in the backseat of the crown. Within seconds Han looks back and walks back to Aikawa stares at him. "Go get my money". Aikawa asks, who do you think you are?! Ichijo's phone rings and his face drops with fear. Telling Aikawa that Han is who their client answers to. Aikawa just as stunned says "Yes sir….right away!" Both drivers attempt to leave rapidly, knowing how bad things are right now as they were hoping on the race to go well for them. Later that night they were attempting to leave town for good, until some men show up to clean up their mess….permanently.