Chapter 11 - Rematch
Takeshi took away a lot of information from his run with his idol Ryuji. Though it's happening so soon. The time appears slower, playing each move in his mind over and over. From school or at the business, Ryuji's level of control from Takeshi's perspective…is simply amazing. Every day Takeshi heads to the track, practicing every move. Each failure to modulate the throttle in his 350Z frustrates him - knowing that somewhere Ryuji was watching.
After pushing the Z to the limit for so long, Takeshi, driving on a local road to make a collection for the business; listening to the radio blissfully. "Knocking" as he turns the steering wheel. At first, thinking to himself, maybe it is in his mind - it's been a long week. "Knock knock" this time it was actually not in his head. He finishes his pick up and heads back to home to take a look. To his discovery, the axels were becoming worse, grease splatters under both wheel wells. Stock parts will not handle high levels of strain from heavy racing. Takeshi smiles and sets to upgrade his car. The Z has new parts - new performance coil overs , control arms, tie rods, sway bars, engine mounts, forged pistons, high performance cams, injectors, internals and even clutch with a special S tune transmission.
Takeshi takes a hot lap around the track and notices instantly that he can push harder, taking Ryuji's lines became simple and refine - knocking off 20 seconds from his fastest time. Confident in himself he calls Nakazato to meet with him. Nakazato responds that they can meet at the Chuo Ward later.
Both meet at the Deli. Nakazato notices Takeshi's Z, saying to himself "If this kid thinks getting a new car makes him a faster driver, he's delusional". Takeshi approaches Nakazato says, "I see that you like my new ride". Nakazato responds, "Hardly, thinking that this will get you anywhere is a beginners move, you're still a kid playing street racer. Can't believe the waste of time coming here." Takeshi responds, "Well if memory serves right, a rookie beat you.Hell for what it's worth, you underestimating him, for everyone to see, now that is a real waste". Nakazato grinds his teeth and steps to Takeshi; staring him down face to face. "Let's settle this, put up or shut up you little b*h!" Takeshi smiles "LETS RACE!".