Disclaimer: I don't own Initial D; it is one of my favorite comics. I hope that my fanfic won't offend any Initial D's fans. I have created a female Takumi instead under the name of Tatsuki; I hope you will like them. This is a fanfic. All characters except for Initial D's characters are all imaginary characters. Most of the details are fictional and any similarities are coincidence.
Lake Akina Cottage
Tatsuki woke up in the evening. She got into her black oversized T-Shirt and black pants. She put on a black cap and a black mask. She looked at herself in the mirror, checking herself. She grabbed her headphones and key before got out of the cottage. She dropped by a Ramen stall for dinner. She checked the time on her watch. It was still too early. She went to the petrol station near the lake.
Mt. Akina
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution fleet arrived an hour before the battle time. The crowd was filling the starting point slowly, while some were along the pass. Takahashi brothers came up fifteen minutes before ten. Kaito drove up in his white FD3S, causing a head turn when he pulled up next to the brothers. His dashing appearance attracted attention from the gallery. Ryosuke officially introduced Kaito to Keisuke. While the brothers were looking down the course, Kaito was fixing his eyes beyond the starting line, up the course. He knew that the girl had been staying on Akina for the past few days. The two Takahashi brothers knew that Tatsuki never came early from their past experience. Kyoichi was looking at his watch and the pass when there was no sign of the Hachi-Roku even it was just five minutes before the starting time.
Tatsuki slowly drove her car down from Lake Akina, stopped at the starting line. Keisuke was chuckling at the way she made her entrance this time. She was punctual this time. She put on her mask and got out of the car, pulling her cap lower.
Kyoichi and the Emperor team were surprised that it was a female driver in full black outfits. Tatsuki looked around at the surrounding, hoping that no one recognized her. She nodded at Kaito and Takahashi brothers when she saw them.
"Fujiwara Tatsuki," she introduced herself to Kyoichi.
"Sudo Kyoichi," Kyoichi replied and asked her to remove the cap.
"Is it really necessary? Either we start the battle now or I leave," she replied and got into her car.
Tatsuki sat in her car and changed her playlist to faster tempo music. She looked at the white Evo IV next to her. She stepped on the accelerator for a few times while waiting for the Evo driver to get into his car.
Keisuke was smiling at the Hachi-Roku. This was the first time she came on time and was waiting for her opponent to be ready. The battle started after a short time. Seiji was given instructions to stay behind the Hachi-Roku first. Kyoichi looked at his rival, Ryosuke, for a second. He was confident that Seiji could beat the Hachi-Roku if the driver followed his instructions. He then found that he had seen the driver somewhere, especially when he looked at Ryosuke.
"She was that girl that you were with the other day?" Kyoichi asked Ryosuke.
Ryosuke gave him a grin before he turned to his brother. They were talking about how the battle would be. As expected by Ryosuke, Seiji was losing his patience and overtook the Hachi-Roku before he was supposed to. This gave Tatsuki enough time to recover and chance to think of how to pass the Evo. She was maneuvering her car through the corners at the faster speed than Seiji which put more pressure on the man. There was no distance between them. Kyoichi was furious when he knew that Seiji disobeyed his order. Tatsuki had decided where and how to pass the Evo IV. She used the same technique that she did in her battle against Ryosuke at the five consecutive hairpins. She did not stop and continued driving home. Kaito already left at the midst of the race. Ryosuke had done a few rounds of driving with Kaito during the MV production, knowing how good this guy was. This young blonde was another gem of Gunma with a more unorthodox style. Both Kaito and Tatsuki shared some similarities in their driving styles. They were natural drivers with strong intelligence and instincts.
It was the school reopened day for high school students after the summer break. Bunta arranged his chauffeur to fetch Tatsuki daily from this term onwards. Tatsuki came down in her pink suit with a black suit bag containing her uniform in her hand.
"Wanna go to my press conference with me?" Tatsuki asked her father.
"Good luck!" Bunta replied.
Tatsuki walked towards the black Mercedes Benz S500L that was waiting for her. Her chauffeur placed her bag and suit bag in the car before drove off after she got in. She was listening to her new songs on her MD player while reading a book.
The press conference for Luna's first album, Simply Me, was held at the Azure Serenity Hotel grand ballroom. A personalized luxury hotel a walking distance from Tokyo Station, one of the best hotels of FW Group. The room was decorated in shades of pink with a stage in the center of the room. The PR staffs were already standby at the venue. At nine o'clock, Ms. Karen White gave her speech before she invited the artist on stage. Tatsuki did an impressive opening dance performance on her new song in front of the guests and the media. She had proved herself to everyone that she was a talented artist as well as a musician. The media was surprised to learn that she was Sun Entertainment's mystery producer and songwriter. Her music earned many awards for the past three years. She also guaranteed to become the next award-winning artist of the year.
At the same time, all radio stations, television channels and billboards in all popular cities were broadcasting her first new release song, Fading Heart, and its music video. Her new album posters were seen everywhere and every music store in Japan.
Tatsuki returned to school before lunchtime. She went straight to the canteen where her friends were waiting at their usual table. Their table was full of food, waiting for their friend to arrive. Tatsuki sat down before her friends began to served her some sushi on her plate. They asked about the press conference in the morning. It went very well. Miyu told Tatsuki on her schedule for this week. Karen asked the girl to do some promotion events for her new album. Besides her appearance on television program and radio stations, she also had a small fanmeet. The invitation cards had sent out a week ago to one hundred of her fans. The fanmeet was held at a club in Roppongi, owned by Kuroki family on Friday afternoon. She knew that her four friends would be there without any invitations. She gave them a special pass instead. She then slept through her class as usual. This was the last term of their final year. Her friends were already accepted by the overseas universities so National exam was not matters to them. Tatsuki was the only one who was staying in Japan to take care of their business.
Tatsuki got into Miyu's family's car after school when they were going to Sun Entertainment. They met with Tatsuki's executive assistant, Fina and Gina. She called both of them back to help out in her busy schedule and her safety. She had many assistants who were working for years with her. It was time to put each of them on the frontline. Tatsuki went to the dance studio to do her practice with her dancers. She ran through the plan of the party with the dancers and her new band. At six in the evening, she was sitting in the radio station doing interviews and promoting her new album. She had an appearance at the largest music retailer in Shibuya tomorrow afternoon, followed by a recording of music show in the evening on Fuji Television. She looked at the schedule in her hand with a bored expression. She hated such promoting arrangement, but Karen told her a few were necessary.
Tatsuki was now sitting in the luxury sedan driven by a chauffeur, heading home in Shibukawa. She gave her father a hug before going up to her room. He had been watching her press conference and news on television, knowing that she had a long day. Moreover, he was very proud of her when he knew how well she was doing out there.
Ryosuke was watching the entertainment news with Keisuke for the first time. Keisuke was curious about his Aniki's relationship with Tatsuki when he saw how focused he was watching the interview now. He knew that his brother liked her. However, they seemed close at one moment and not on some occasions. Even when the two met on the pass, they did not even greet each other.
Ryosuke went back to his room after the interview ended. He was now leaning against the parapet while smoking a cigarette. He was stood up again this morning. He looked at the phone in his hand, deciding whether to make a call. He pressed on the speed dial button and waited. The line was ringing for some time before it cut off. He was disappointed and got into his room.
Tatsuki was walking out of the bathroom while drying her long hair. She looked at the clock, reading 10:00. She quickly got into her bed and was ready to sleep. She took her phone when she saw a red-light blinking. She called the caller back, but no one answered.
It was a very hectic week for Tatsuki. Thanked to Miyu that she kept weekend free from work for her. Tatsuki knocked off work early this Thursday afternoon. She brought the car to Yuiichi gas station as instructed by her father. She met with Kyoichi who was looking for her. She did not think much of what he said as tomorrow was an important day for her family. She did a few rounds downhill on Akina before she went home. It was the time of the year when she would be feeling blue especially when she was alone.
Bunta looked at upstairs after his daughter came home. He knew that this was the annual hardest time for their family. Her gloomy eyes were something that he did not wish to see. However, he too was not much better than her. Tomorrow was his wife's Kinichi (Death Anniversary). The date always reminded them of their loss. He walked into Tatsuki's room and sat by her bed. The girl was in tears. She missed her mother. Bunta was stroking her hair gently and silently. He recalled the time when his wife passed away and he was in deep sorrow. He left his five years old daughter alone for weeks before he remembered that he still had a little girl to take care of. Thanked to his neighbors, the little Tatsuki survived her home alone episode. Tatsuki began to lock herself up in the cottage and refused to talk to anyone for a long time. She felt like everyone was abandoning her, even her own father. It took him a few years and a lot of effort to get her back on track like this. He knew that this scar would be with her forever. He left the room after the girl was sounding asleep.
Bunta was in his tailored black shirt and pants, waiting for his daughter to come down. Tatsuki wore a white dress today. They left the house together. Tatsuki dropped by the florist to buy her mother's favorite flowers, white Lily. Bunta then drove to Fujiwara Shizuka's grave at their private cemetery on Akina. Bunta carried a bucket of water while Tatsuki held a bouquet of Lilies in her arm and a bag of incense. She was cleaning the grave personally, though it had been kept clean all the time. Bunta hired a care-taker to maintain the place. She placed the flower in front of the gravestone. They both stood in silent, updating Shizuka on their lives. Bunta put his hand on Tatsuki's head before he wrapped his arms around her. They left the private cemetery in the late morning.
The chauffeur was already waited in front of the shop house for Tatsuki. She had the fanmeet at 2pm. She had her lunch in the car while going through her song list. She was led to her dressing room immediately. She was dressed in her album outfit. She was warmly welcome by her fans. She opened the party with the song, "Fading Heart". The side screens were playing the music video of the song she sang. The party was getting high when she sang "Drift". None of her fans were sitting and they had a great time with her. The party was just like a mini concert. She even sang some of her popular songs that she wrote for other artists. She gave each of her fans her autograph and took a picture with them. Her friends were watching her from a distance. They knew that she did not like to be disturbed today. Tatsuki changed into a black hoodie tee and black skinny jeans before leaving the club. Suddenly, she received a call from someone who her family had cut their ties with. Her expression was getting colder with frustration building up.
Tatsuki was curled up in the back seat. She was still thinking about the call, wrapping her arms around herself. She hated the caller. It was a reminder of her family's loss. She usually kept herself busy on this date, but not today. She grabbed the car key and sped down the street immediately after she reached home. Bunta, who was talking to Masashi, was fixed his gaze at the street where his car just disappeared with a bad hunch. Tatsuki drove around from Shibukawa aimlessly. By the time she realized where she was, she was already pulled over next to a black Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III. The appearance of Akina Hachi-Roku on Akagi was a surprise to Red Suns, especially the brothers. Tatsuki stepped out of her car, stood across Kyoichi. He was surprised that she came up tonight. The thing that Kyoichi did not notice was she was not listening to whatever he was saying. She just wanted to race down this pass. Their race began with the Hachi-Roku in front of Kyoichi. Ryosuke felt something was off with Tatsuki. He could hear the Hachi-Roku was screaming in its despair. He began to worry about her. Keisuke was frustrated with her irrational act tonight. Ryosuke stared at the road, especially when Kyoichi showed off how he was going to defeat the Hachi-Roku before his eyes. A loud explosion was heard from the Hachi-Roku with Tatsuki slammed on the clutch while controlling the car in desperation. The car finally came into a stop on the gravel along the course. Tatsuki was shaking in fear with tears of regrets gathered in her eyes. The news of the Akina Hachi-Roku engine blown was spreading fast on Mt. Akagi. Ryosuke called the Fujiwara tofu shop to inform her father.
Ryosuke went to see the girl right after he made the call. He walked over and stood just by her car, watching her sobbing in her seat. It was heartbreaking to see her in such devastating pain. She seemed to cut herself off from the surrounding. Bunta arrived in his tow truck after some time.
"Thanks, Takahashi. I'll take it from here," Bunta said to young man.
He then knocked on the glass, waking the girl from her world. Tatsuki stepped out of her car and apologized. She kept telling her father that she would pay for the repair. Bunta assessed the damage and told her that it was beyond repair. She helped her father loading the car and climbed onto the truck. She was still crying uncontrollably even though Bunta told her that it was not her faults. He wanted to tell her that the engine had already reached its limits. However, he knew she would not understand. He sent Tatsuki home before he drove to his friend's workshop. He was anticipating this day for some time. He finally could replace his Group A racing engine in this car.
Bunta did not come home since he dropped his daughter off last night. No one knew where he was. The house was so quiet like no one around. At the second floor of the shop house, Tatsuki was still asleep in her comfortable bed.
At a small auto shop in Shibukawa, Bunta, Kaito and Masashi were standing around the wrecked Trueno. It was fully utilized till the last bit of its life. The three men then began their revival work without any conversation. Bunta had been discussing with them how he wanted this car to be built with the new engine. New parts were lying on the floor, waiting for the mechanic to put them in their place.
The Red Suns were already at Akagi early this evening, waiting for the battle between Ryosuke and The Emperor to begin at 10pm. Street racers and local car enthusiasts were also coming to watch this race. Ryosuke was at the peak, waited patiently. At 9pm, he saw two Toyota Supras were pulling over near where he was standing. The Red Suns was curious about the two Tokyo plated cars. Sakamoto Shin and Hamasaki Asahi got out of their car and looked around the place. They heard that there was a race tonight and thought that Tatsuki was coming. Shin approached Ryosuke to check if he knew that his friend was coming. They were anxious when they could not contact their friend for the whole day. Ryosuke told the two boys of what happened last night. He did not think that she would be coming to watch his race anyway. The two Supras then sped down the pass towards Shibukawa to look for their friend.
Shin and Asahi took almost an hour to reach the Fujiwara Tofu shop. There were no lights on besides the street lights. It seemed that no one was at home. However, Asahi was still ringing the doorbell. Tatsuki was disturbing by the ringing sound after ten minutes. She slowly dragged herself out of her bed, finding her way down the dark stairway toward the door without switching on any lights. Her four friends were now sitting in front of the shop, decided to leave. Haruka heard the noise jangled softly as someone was trying to open the door. It took minutes for the sleepy girl to open the door. She immediately turned around when her eyes hit the bright light from street lamps. Shin got into the house and switched on the lights. Tatsuki was in her t-shirt and shorts and was not ready to wake up.
"Let's go out for dinner," Asahi said while waiting for Tatsuki to awake.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Ten," Miyu replied.
Tatsuki rubbed her head with both hands before she walked up to her room. She got into a hot shower and slowly drying her hair while choosing her clothes. She took out a white long sleeve innerwear, black printed oversized hoodie t-shirt and black baggy cargo Bermuda. She came down after an hour, completely awakened. She grabbed her small wallet and a black face mask while following her friend's out of the house. Takahashi Ryosuke was already waited behind the two Supras. He came straight here after his race.
"Take this car," Shin led his friend to Ryosuke.
Tatsuki just got in the car without greeting the older man. Ryosuke led them towards a family restaurant that he usually hangout. Tatsuki was looking out of the window all the time. She did not know what to say to the driver. She knew that he saw what she did yesterday but she did not want any comfort. Ryosuke placed his hand on her and gave a light squeeze. Tatsuki looked down at her hand but did not pull out. It was not a bad feeling after all. Ryosuke slowly interlocked their fingers as he held her hand. It was a good sign for him. After an hour, they stopped at the open car park in front of the restaurant. Tatsuki knew this place as she could still see many Red Suns and other teams' cars around. She pulled her hand out of his holding and got out of the car. Five of them were talking while entering the restaurant. They attracted attention from people in the restaurant when they came with Ryosuke. They greeted the Red Suns before they sat down at the next big table. Tatsuki sat just across Ryosuke. Shin ordered food for themselves, especially for Tatsuki. They then started some conversations about the graduation party of their school. Suddenly, Tatsuki told them something crossed her mind about the Shibuya project. She told Shin that she already had the brilliant ideas of the new mall in Shibuya. Their casual conversation became a serious work discussion instantly. Haruka was taking the minutes while Tatsuki elaborating on what she wanted for each section.
The Red Suns were looking at their leader and the Akina Hachi-Roku driver. They seemed suspicious. It was confirmed that their leader was courting the girl. Ryosuke was cutting a plate of mixed grill for her. The only thing he had not done was feeding her. Tatsuki ate some while listening to her friends' opinions. Shin then started eating after they were done with the discussion. None of them was asking about the car or mentioned about yesterday. Tatsuki made the arrangement for her friends' accommodation at a ryokan in Ikaho for the night. She then left with Ryosuke. They were heading to Akina.
It was past midnight when the white RX7 arrived at the Lake Akina. He pulled over at the parking space along the white fences of a cottage. Tatsuki got out of his car after she said good night to the driver. Ryosuke followed her out of the car and they were taking a stroll along the quiet lakeside. He was holding her hand while walking that she silently allowed.
After a mere thirty minutes, Tatsuki stopped at a bench overlooking the lake. They were sitting down, watching the gentle waves through the night. She was just enjoying the cool breeze while Ryosuke was keeping her company. He was tired after a long day. He leaned his head against her shoulder with his eyes closed. They were both in that position for a lost moment. She liked his presence around her even though they did not make any conversation.
Tatsuki finally noticed that Ryosuke had already fallen asleep when she felt the weight on her shoulder. Her hand was brushing lightly on his cheek as she looked at his sleeping face. She did not know why she was doing that. She woke him up after some time and they walked back to his car. Ryosuke walked hand in hand with her to where he parked his car. He watched her opened the small white iron gate just beside his car. She decided to allow him to stay at her place when she noticed how tired he was. They stepped into a huge white living room with a grand piano in the middle. Tatsuki led him towards the back of the house where there were stairs leading up to the second floor. He was then sat down on the sofa while she disappeared into her room. She came out with a set of new pajamas and towel for him to change after a short while. He went for a shower and went to bed in her bedroom. Tatsuki, who was not sleepy, had made her way to downstairs where she was sitting on her couch, drawing. Next to the couch on the floor was a stack of paper.
Tatsuki walked out of the house and sat at her usual bench in her lawn, overlooking the lake. It was almost sunrise time. She watched the sun slowly rising over the water, mesmerizing the view of the day. She then went to the nearby supermarket. She prepared some breakfast for herself and Ryosuke. Ryosuke was still asleep in her bed. She took her clothes and went for a shower. She then went to the laundry room to iron for his clothes.
At ten, Ryosuke had woken up. He saw his clothes were hanging on the door. He headed to the bathroom to wash up and changed into his clothes. Tatsuki heard some noise from upstairs and began to prepare the food. He stood by the bed looking at the wall full of photo frames above the bed. He was staring at the picture of a beautiful woman who was carrying a new born baby in her hands. Tatsuki was as beautiful as her mother. The family pictures filled up this wall of memories with the brightest smiles of young Tatsuki, from the day she was born to around five years old. He looked around the room where he saw a row of pictures along the window. Pictures of Tatsuki were lining up on the window sill, showing a growing up girl with an emotionless smile. He noticed the difference between them. The growing up Tatsuki was more reserved with no smiles or fake smiles. He came down just after she set up the table. He looked at the plates of ham, sausages, eggs, and bowls of fruits and greens. She was still bringing out breads and waffles. He helped her with milk and coffee while she was pouring two glasses of water. She was preparing a hearty brunch for themselves.
He watched her washing dishes and was lost in his own thoughts. She was a perfect woman from his observations. Household chores and career were as easy as ABC to her. His minds were filled with the thought of being able to hold her in his arms. What would it be like to wrap his arms around her waist at this exact moment? He woke up from his thoughts when he saw her undone her apron. He then followed her downstairs where he saw a corner full of papers.
Tatsuki was keeping her drawings on the floor with Ryosuke's help. They were fashion croquis. She put them in a folder on her desk.
"Do you want to go for a walk?" she asked.
Ryosuke held her hand and they walked out of the house. Tatsuki showed him the garden around the house before they both sat down on her favorite spot. He was listening to her sweet voice, sharing about this house. The house that she spent most of her childhood in. It was the first time he heard about her personal life. It helped him understand why there was a big contrast between the pictures in her bedroom. They were enjoying their Sunday together.
Ryosuke sent Tatsuki home in the evening. As soon as he pulled over in front of the shop, he saw her father was leaning against the wall waiting. Bunta looked at the white FC with his stern face. This was the second time he saw this young man sending his daughter home.
"Get inside, Tatsuki!" Bunta told his daughter and watched her entered the house.
"She's still young and not that kind of girl you usually see. So, leave her alone," Bunta said to the young man.
Ryosuke looked at the old man. He knew that Tatsuki's father was not an ordinary shop owner. Her father must have done a thorough check on him.
"I would like a chance to prove myself to you and Tatsuki that I'm serious with her. I know I am not good enough for her. She isn't my first love but I promise that she will be my last. I'm sure that she's the one I want to spend my life with. Fujiwara-San, please give me a chance," Ryosuke bowed low as he said the old man.
Bunta saw his sincerity and tapped on his shoulder. He planned to give him a hard time earlier, but his action a few days ago on Akagi showed what kind of person he was. Ryosuke stood up straight and waited for Bunta's reply. The old man took out his cigarette and slowly lit it. He just kept quiet while puffing.
"Fetch her to school tomorrow," Bunta said and walked into his house.
Ryosuke was dumbfounded when he heard that. He was rooted on the ground with a smile. It was an unexpected answer from her father. He slowly drove off with a smile registered on his face.
Tatsuki drove a small van up the Akina for morning delivery. As she walked past her father, Bunta told her that Ryosuke would be fetching her to school from today onwards. Tatsuki nodded and returned to her room. She went straight to the bed. She got up again at 5.30am. She was patiently dressed in her uniform and walked into the kitchen. She made breakfast and put them in a bigger lunchbox. She placed her father's share on the dining table. She grabbed her school bag and a folder before she got out of the house. She then got into the white car that was waiting in front of her house.
As usual, she was doing some readings this morning. Instead of books, she was reading some reports and project details this morning. She had two main projects in her hand at this moment, Futurist Yokohama and Five Shibuya. There was a meeting at their office in Shinjuku this afternoon so she was very busy this morning. Ryosuke then parked at University of Tokyo car park. They had their breakfast in the car before Ryosuke walked her to school.
"Don't wait for me. You'd better go home first and I see you tomorrow," Tatsuki said and walked past the gate.
Tatsuki was sitting in her office at Aint Couture with Kaito this afternoon. Kaito just finished his class and was called to Aint office. He thought that she had new job for him. He watched her in silence while she just sat there lost in her thoughts. He knew how upset she was for the past few days especially when he saw the wrecked car.
"Let's have some fun. Come on, Tsuki," Kaito grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the chair.
Tatsuki looked down at their hands and followed his lead. Kaito pushed her into a dressing room with some casual clothes. He was in another room, changing his outfit too. They were both wearing black workshop shirts and black jeans. Tatsuki tied her hair in a ponytail before she put on a baseball cap. Kaito was also wearing the same cap and mask. He led his sister out of their Ginza office, walking toward the subway station. The two Fujiwara siblings were soon sitting in Shinkansen out of Tokyo.
Tatsuki was sitting in the onsen, relaxing herself within the beautiful lush green bamboo forest. Kaito brought his sister to Suzuka Circuit the next morning. Tatsuki looked around the place with dull excitement for the first time stepped into this place. It was a quiet weekday with no race event. Kaito met up with some Motorsport teams and JAF executives who had been offering their contracts for the past three years. These old men knew his foster father well with a few were Bunta's previous rivals. Tatsuki greeted the old men and their crews as she stood by Kaito's side. Kaito introduced her to everyone in the garage, which surprised most of them. He pointed at Mazda RX7, a GT300 car, urging her to go for a ride around the circuit. Tatsuki was reluctantly got into the car. She looked around the interior, feeling so cramped and uncomfortable inside it. Kaito watched her getting herself familiar to the car before she drove off.
Kaito had a long conversation with the old men in the garage while they were watching Tatsuki driving around the circuit. They had been in touch with Kaito since he won his first few races three years ago. Kaito expressed his interest to form his own racing team. He also told them that Bunta had no idea about this trip to Suzuka. The engineers made a big commotion when they saw the female driver just set a new fastest lap of the car category after the fifth round.
"She's a true talent, just like her father," one of Bunta's old friends remarked.
Tatsuki pulled over in front of the garage and got out of the vehicle. Kaito gave her a bottle of water, asking how did she feel when she was out there. Tatsuki smiled as she bemused at the guys who were staring at her. Kaito let her tried another car, Toyota Supra. She hopped in without hesitation this time and sped off immediately. Kaito told the executives that she just blown Bunta's AE86 recently. Everyone was unbelieved of what they heard. He elaborated on how she had fully used that car till its last day. His purpose for this trip was to get her trying out the different cars and experiences circuit driving. He wanted to make her realize how much interest she had for racing and stop running away from it. Her willingness to accept the challenge from the Emperor team was a good sign.
Tatsuki spent the whole afternoon driving different cars. She was still searching for a kind of feeling hidden inside her. There were different approaches that Bunta and Kaito were using to get her driving. Her father's approach was very subtle, allowing her to slowly get used to it. As for Kaito, he was more aggressive and direct. She could not deny that his actions had made her finally step out of her comfort zone. She found driving was fun and eased her from the down feeling that clouded her for the past week. But circuit racing was boring, unlike Akina. She could not wait to drive down the Akina again. The professional racing team executives invited Kaito and Tatsuki to this weekend race after dinner. Tatsuki had a raw talent for racing with hints of Bunta's driving style. Although she was still an amateur and immature driver, she possessed unlimited ability if trained.
Kaito and Tatsuki were having a good time sightseeing around Kyoto. It was just like a sibling's bonding time when they spent time together, getting to know each other better after so many years apart. Kaito spoke about his future for his career which raised her interest. Tatsuki knew how much his passion for cars. She listened attentively to his plans, giving advice as and when she had ideas. While the siblings were having their great day in Kyoto, Ryosuke was getting anxious when he could not contact Tatsuki. She was nowhere to be found for a few days and even stood him up for a few days now. He checked with her friends, none of them knew her whereabouts.
The two young Fujiwara were at Suzuka Circuit on Saturday morning where they met with the JAF executives again. It was Super GT round 6 race day. Tatsuki was amazed at the atmosphere around the circuit. The crowd were everywhere and their excitement was firing up. The racing teams were so busy in their garages, preparing for the race. The paddock was filled with car enthusiasts, business associates and well-known people of different trades. Tatsuki could feel the excitement as she watched the race, observing the crowd cheering and the sound of the racing cars passing by. Kaito noticed the change in her expression. Mr. Tanabashi, the JAF executive director and Bunta's friend, brought the siblings to meet with the three winning teams. He introduced them to the team's chiefs and drivers. It was a very kind of Mr. Tanabashi who was helping them with his connections. Kaito was no stranger to the professional racing community as he was very sought after since his victory three years ago.
Kaito sent Tatsuki home on Sunday where they had lunch with their father. There were changes in his daughter's eyes. The siblings then were heading to Tatsuki's Akina warehouse. Tatsuki looked at her Toyota Trueno in her garage for a long time. She asked Kaito if he could upgrade its performance to suit her driving style. Kaito was shocked to hear her request. He would love to do it but the old one was still in Masashi's auto shop. Tatsuki then drove off in the pink S2000, down the Akina Pass. After the test drive at Suzuka, she could not wait to drive on her home course again.
To be Continued...