Chapter 10 - Rebirth from Zero
Takeshi, convinces himself that he needs a new car, something faster that makes a difference. After watching, his Idol, Ryuji's massive run at Tsukuba; Takeshi looks at his 86. Thinking to himself that it was the first car that got him his introduction to drifting - the feeling was heartwarming. The question of how he'll get the Z33. His Uncle gave him an allowance while working in the syndicate. Although the money was abundant; a flashy lifestyle is frowned upon. It draws to much attention and not classy. Takeshi had the funds to cover the cost for a Z, but he did not want his uncle to think that he was being wasteful. Takeshi sought out his uncle to explain why he needs a new car. His uncle glances at his 86 and tells him, "Takeshi it's time for a few changes. The more I look at you, I can see my brother, your father, standing in front of me. You've been working hard and I want to reward you and you're in need of steed." Takeshi to his shock, was loss for words, Thank you uncle."
Takeshi heads out to buy a gray Nissan Fairlady Z from the dealer. He test drives and leaves with it within a couple hours. He feels the happiness fill his soul as he rips through each gear. Although it was joyful, Takeshi wanted to see what the Z can really do. The only track that will have any openings would be in Kyoto in a couple days.
Takeshi gets on the track and right off, the Z comes alive. The pressure of the g forces pushes on his body back into the seat. Tackling each turn, Takeshi notices that the Z does rotates completely different, amazingly to his 86. However at this exact moment, his idol, Ryuji Ikeda happens to be in Kyoto to see what the local talent is on the track. Ryuji smiles in acknowledgment, "This one seems promising. That Z can do more, but the driver appears to be hesitant." - Ryuji states. As Takeshi heads back to the pit, he thinks to himself on what Ryuji would do. Doing play by plays in his mind. Ryuji walks to him. " You're just a kid, but your technique needs a few tweaks." - Ryuji states. Takeshi, being star stricken and lost for words, stammers briefly, "Ryuji- san, it's an honor to meet you. Anything, any tips I will follow to the finest detail!!" Ryuji looks at Takeshi and smiles, "How about I show you, in our cars on the track."
Both drivers set up to race. As the flag drops, Takeshi takes the lead as Ryuji follows close behind. Both drivers enter a sweeping right turn, but Ryuji makes a his move mid turn to pass. Takeshi did not think it would happen so suddenly. As he attempts to hold the outside line, his Z's nose understeers towards the track's rumble strip; pulling him to grind the guard rail. Ryuji takes the lead and begins creating a gap, but Takeshi was not going to fail, embarrassing him in front of his idol Ryuji.
Ryuji keeps a perfect line in each turn, keeping all of his grip, but his Z appears to be drifting. Takeshi instinctively following Ryuji's line, starts to close the gap, but with difficulty. Takeshi remembers how the 86 felt as soon as the rear came out in the drift, but the Zs weight did not seem as loose, but from and forgiving. Takeshi realizes this and adjusts his angle with each turn until he's only a car length from Ryuji. Ryuji smiles, "This kid's a quick learner and a real fighter. To think that he's picking up my line this quickly." As Takeshi gets a bit closer, Ryuji changes his pace once more and increases his gap, crossing the finish line first. "Thanks for the run kid, but you still have ways to go". Takeshi says, as Ryuji's see races into the distance, "Thank you Ryuji-san"
As Takeshi looks at the damage to his front bumper. A track official says to Takeshi that his run with Ryuji was so epic, like two Scarab Beetles fighting for territory. Takeshi looks at his Z, "A scarab beetle huh".