Innocence: Chapter 3; Page 4 - The New Me

The Snow Meister​

Page 1 - Restored


Hey there, guys! Nobuyuki Hiramoto here! I'm back!

I guess you had a glimpse of the future, eh? Well, I just hope it happens, I hope it comes true. The next generation will become great, huh? Everyone wants that, of course...



Damn. It's so cold! It's a very cold February, and it is still snowing in Japan. Mom probably hadn't turned on the radiator in the living room. Oh well, time to turn it on.


She forgot to open it, oh well... Anyways, let me see the channels on the TV today. I wonder what's on...


Whoops, someone called! I got to answer my phone! Oh, it's Samui-kun. I wonder why he calls up?


Nobuyuki: "What's up? Is there a problem?"

Samui: "I am in the hospital right now. I want to see first Takuma's newborn child."

Nobuyuki: "Really? Takuma-kun's 2nd child is born? Well, time to visit there! Besides, we do have to meet."


Wow, a 2nd born child. I wonder when can I settle down? I just wonder how is a racing driver able to settle down and have a happy family of their own, knowing they are away from their families for most of the time?


And so, I told Mom and Dad that I will pay a visit to the hospital.

As I arrived, I see the whole Kanonji family inside the hospital room. Everyone is paying attention to the newborn child. It's so cute... he has the same hair color as his father.


Nobuyuki: "Takuma-kun, congrats."

Takuma: "Now there's a real challenge. Diaper changing is probably much more difficult than professional racing..."

Nobuyuki: "Have you thought of a name yet?"

Takuma: "Not yet..."


Kokoro: "Then you must decide on it! Everyone in this room wants to know."

Takuma: "If I have to polish my loved ones with my love and care, then he must do the same."

Ben: "What is it, Daddy?"

Takuma: "I'll name him.... as Shinsetsu. Shinsetsu Kanonji."

Takanori: "That's a nice name, Aniki! Can I hold the baby?"

Kokoro: "Sure... here you go."

Takanori-kun holds the baby, and suddenly, the baby kicked Takanori-kun's nose.

Takanori: "Ow..."

Takuma: "That's my boy!"

Takanori: "I guess I'll be seeing a mean nephew in the future, huh? Gotta prepare myself for a beating!"

Samui: "He's so adorable."

Nobuyuki: "I agree."

Takanori: "Samui, Nobuyuki-san... I wonder when the two of you will settle down?"


I just scratch my head... I really don't know.


Nobuyuki: "We don't know when... hehehehehe."

Takuma: "Well, at your age, I think it's the right time to do it. You are in your mid-20s, Nobuyuki."


Takanori: "Anyway, you have plans for racing?"

Nobuyuki: "Well, Ricky McCarthy offered me and Samui-kun to race in rallying."


Takanori: "Rallying? That's tough... Ricky is good at that."

Takuma: "And it's snowing, so this is the right season."

Nobuyuki: "We will head to U.K. to meet him."

Samui: "I never knew about that."

Nobuyuki: "That's why we're supposed to meet today. Well, that's the gist of what I am supposed to say to you."

Samui: "Could be fun. Well, let's do it!"

Takanori: "That's what I want to hear from you, Samui!"



**********************************************************


Location: Chamonix East, France
Time: 12:00 pm


A Ford RS200 tears up the snow. Driving the car is none other than...



...Nigel Heidelberg





Nigel: "Turbo lag... 0% Accelerator Input set at 80%"





Nigel: "Steer at 45 degrees to the right. Accelerator Input at 70%..."





Nigel: "The car's stability is top notch..."





Nigel: "This shall be the perfect weapon for the upcoming season. Though something is off... probably just a glitch or an error in my system.



A true friend... what is it? The one who restored me told me to find one..."




End of Page 1

Nice start.👍 Looking forward to how Nobuyuki and Samui do against Nigel now he has returned.

Yikes it's robot man again.

Page 2 - Weapon of Choice


First order of business is to buy a car that we will run for the snow. Samui-kun and I decided to spend for the car ourselves, agreeing on a 50-50 split on payments.

Good thing is, there is a used car lot located just two blocks away from my home. And it's reputable too, along with good selection of sports cars.


Samui: "Hmmmmm.... how about that Impreza Coupe STi over there?"

Shoot, with a price tag of 2 million yen, it's tad too expensive for a used car. Though, fair enough, it looks like it came straight from the factory.


Nobuyuki: "Too expensive..."

Samui: "That R32 GT-R over there?"

Nobuyuki: "I don't know... even Takanori-kun told me that GT-Rs aren't really built to race in snow. Besides, you don't even see one in rallying. And it's more expensive than that Subaru."


Samui: "I wonder if there are more four-wheel drive cars here in this lot?"


Nobuyuki: "There!"


I just saw a white Toyota Celica GT-Four being parked along with the other cars ready for display. It's such a beauty... And it has made its name in the world of rallying.


Samui: "Good-looking car."

Nobuyuki: "1.2 million Yen. This is perfect for the job... We'll take it."

Samui: "I never knew that there was a four wheel drive Celica."

Nobuyuki: "There were four wheel drive versions of the Celica, Samui-kun. Not just this one. And this is a perfect alternative from an Evo or an Impreza."


And so, we decided to buy it. Man, I'm too excited to drive it! It looked like a Supra from afar, and it still has a loyal following.


We headed to the mountains to test this car. And since snowfall is heavy, the surface turned into a pillow of snow. This is perfect opportunity to test out the Celica's 4WD prowess.





Samui: "Have you driven on snow, Nobuyuki-senpai?"

Nobuyuki: "A bit. But I have gotten the gist on how to control it on snow."



Nobuyuki: "Snow is slippery, unlike the dirt surface. Even four-wheel drive cars tend to oversteer a lot on snow. Throttle control must be a priority here."



Samui: "It must be tough, then. I have no experience in rallying."




Wow, the stability of the car is spot-on. No wonder this has become a rallying legend. And it is also one of the sought-after Japanese sports cars in the world.





Nobuyuki: "I can manage the oversteer. You can easily catch this car, Samui-kun."





I have to brake early here!


Samui: "Braking a bit too early?"

Nobuyuki: "Braking is also hampered when you run on a snow surface. You must brake in advance, especially when you are running in a high-powered rally car."


I am falling in love with the Celica GT-Four. I am just wishing that Toyota would resurrect something like that.


We left the mountains and head back to the city. It surely is a nice experience. Though it is my job to teach Samui-kun how to drive on snow.


I have sent an email to Ricky McCarthy about the new car. I am just waiting for his response.








An hour later...










End of Page 2

Nice, verry nice .

I'm looking forward to this series. 👍

That was pretty good! Keep them coming

Page 3 - Lucky Charm


The raspberry red Evo III stops as it completes its run. Stepping out of the car is a female driver named Akira Sakamoto.





Akira: "It's a good move to tune it to 400 PS. But the car is still manageable through the turns. Thank you too, for removing unnecessary weight."

Her manager, Hiroki, is delighted to hear it.

Hiroki: "Pleasure to hear it. I guess we are ready for Rally Japan."

Akira: "It is a stepping stone for me. Once I win it, I shall be moving on to the global stage and be known."

Hiroki: "There aren't too many females in the rallying scene. Make them proud, I guess."

Akira: "And besides, I have to continue on my brother's legacy."

Hiroki: "Nikko Sakamoto, eh? Well, he's such a nice man to work with."


**********************************************************


The next morning... Damn, it's gotten colder! It's too cold.. that I don't even have the energy to rise from the bed.

Anyhow, I checked my e-mail. Ricky replied after all, saying that he likes it.

What the...!? He's going here!? But I thought we are supposed to meet him?

He wants us to join Rally Japan. Once we win it, we can move on to FIA's prestigious World Rally Championship.


I have to call Samui-kun!


Nobuyuki: "Samui-kun, don't pack up for Europe. Ricky will actually go here. We are joining Rally Japan."

Samui: "I see. I'm actually excited to go to Europe. I guess it can wait..."


Nobuyuki: "Let's head to the tuning shop today. I brought the Celica there for tuning."

Samui: "That's great."


I informed Takanori-kun about Ricky's arrival. He volunteered to arrange the lodging, since Ricky is a member of Takanori-kun's Dream Alliance. At noon, Samui-kun and I go to Kaido's tuning shop to check on the Celica.


Kaido: "Greetings, guys. This machine is ready to run."

Samui: "Did you increase the power?"

Kaido: "It makes 400 horsepower now. I have stripped the interior and changed the suspension. The snow tires are really expensive."

Nobuyuki: "Whoa.... Pirelli Sottozero tires? Those are expensive indeed."


After paying him, we immediately headed to the mountains to test the tuned car. Samui-kun volunteered to do the driving this time.


We arrived at the summit, and we first grabbed some hot coffee to energize us somehow. As I was checking the car, I saw a white butterfly on the rear spoiler! I tried driving it away, but it won't budge...


Nobuyuki: "Oh never mind. I guess that white butterfly will not do anything to disturb the performance."

Samui: "A white butterfly? Wow... it's actually beautiful. At any rate, shall we go now?"

And we set off...




Samui: "Whoa! That kick in acceleration!!!"


Nobuyuki: "Rally cars are meant to accelerate like this. You need to have a lot of torque at disposal so that you'll move about in the snow. Besides, have you heard of the Misfiring Anti-Lag System?"

Samui: "Waaaahhhh! I gotta keep it in control!"




Samui: "Whew... I'm saved. Thank goodness this is 4WD!"

Even if that's the case, we should be going off course. I wonder why...





Nobuyuki: "You're actually good in four-wheel drifting. It's a difficult technique."

Samui: "I'm actually struggling..."





Samui-kun is turning the car using its power. That's just normal. But that skirmish on the first corner... we could have been in an accident. I know that he did his best in catching the car's oversteer. But we were actually too fast for that.


And that white butterfly... it still perches on the spoiler as we continue the run. That's odd...



End of Page 3

Nobuhiko's still around watching his brother from the heavens. I like it.👍

Nice new page.

Page 4 - Meeting Nigel



Takanori-kun told us to meet him in his house in Yokohama. It turns out that Ricky is already with him, and it is the perfect time for a meeting.

Awwww.... Yokohama is a bit far from Tokyo. Ranging from 45 minutes to 1 hour by car depending on the traffic, it is distant, but a great alternative place to live especially when working in Tokyo since it's hard to find a place to live in the capital.


Anyways, we meet Ricky. I like his yellow hair, actually. Haha!


Ricky: "Nice to meet you in person, Nobuyuki Hiramoto-san. Shall we have a nice dinner with the Kanonjis?"

And so we gathered at the dining table. Man, the dining room is big... Takanori-kun is totally rich. And all because of his hard work.


Takanori: "So, you have plans to join Rally Japan, eh?"

Ricky: "Indeed. It is the stepping stone towards WRC. Every rally team must join that event to move up."

Nobuyuki: "I'm sure we are about to face a tough competition."

Samui: "I wonder how are we going to fare against them?"

Ricky: "Both of you will do good. I didn't choose you both for nothing. I have heard so much from you, and I am not regretting recruiting you for one bit."

Samui: "We have already tuned the car for that purpose. It's ready."

Ricky: "Glad to hear it, chaps. So are we ready?"


**********************************************************


Time goes by quick, and Rally Japan has officially started! We are at a closed sprint course. Each competitor will set a time, and the fastest laps of each category will move on to WRC.

I am already feeling the tension around here. Look at those rally cars! We are competing at the Group N Production Class.


Ricky: "Nice setup. Though the competition is already tough."


And truly it is. Look, I just saw Akira Sakamoto competing in the same class as ours! She is an aspiring rally driver who follows her older brother's footsteps! She is actually a schoolmate back in high school.


Nobuyuki: "Akira?"

Akira: "Nobuyuki-kun? What a surprise! You're here to watch?"

Nobuyuki: "No... I'm actually here to compete. We are in the same class."

Akira: "Oh... good luck to both of us, then. Well, I'm being called! See ya!"

She and her co-driver get in her Evo III. They set off...




Impressive speed there! I won't be surprised to see that from an Evo.





Samui: "I'm already nervous. Do you think I can be a good co-driver?"

Nobuyuki: "Sure you can! We can do this together! So, shall I take a look at the map?"




Nobuyuki: "Oh boy... that is short, but rather technical in nature."




At the screen, I saw the Evo clocked in at 1 minute and 44.4 seconds. That's the fastest recorded so far at the class.


Suddenly, I saw someone approaching me. He looks normal, except for his light green hair. Looks like he came from a cosplay session...


Nigel: "Are you... Nobuyuki Hiramoto?"

Nobuyuki: "Yes, I am."

Nigel: "Pleased to meet you. I am Nigel Heidelberg. Are you competing?"

Nobuyuki: "Yes, at the Group N class."

Nigel: "Well, I am competing in the Super Class. I will definitely move up to the championship."

Nobuyuki: "I see."

Nigel: "My co-driver is Sayuki Kanonji. She is the one that restored my functions. And I have scanned you, you are a high level driver. You should be making through the finals that way."

What??? You scanned me??? And she restored your functions? Erm.... I didn't react, though.

Nobuyuki: "Ahahahaha. I see."

Nigel: "Oh, she's calling me. Please excuse me. I think it's my turn to run. See you in the finals!"


He's strange... Really strange...




That's a nice car he's driving. A Lancia Delta S4, eh? That is a monster in the Group B...


Ricky: "Hey, we are next. Make the necessary preparations."


Nobuyuki: "Roger that."


Samui-kun and I are suiting up. It's really cold!!!! Race suits don't save you from that! Well, I guess the interior of the car will keep us warm.

As we enter the car, I saw that white butterfly coming in with us! It perches on the dashboard facing me. Kinda creepy...


Samui: "That butterfly again. I don't know they can survive in winter."

Nobuyuki: "Don't mind that. Well, I'm sure it won't be that disturbing. We can do this."




And time to set a record! Okay, I am counting on you, Samui-kun!


Samui: "Okay, take that corner in 2nd gear. 100 meters straight to a kink left, severity 2."




Samui: "100 meters, oversquare right..."



Nobuyuki: "Impressive detail on the corners!"

Samui: "400 meters, flat maximum speed. Go on full throttle."





We beat her time! We clocked in at 1 minute and 44 seconds flat! Good job, Samui-kun! And I guess... that butterfly is a good omen.


I just saw the rankings. We made it!


Super Class:

1. Nigel Heidelberg
2. Ryu Aoki
3. Mike Fuhrmann



Group N Production Class

1. Nobuyuki Hiramoto
2. Akira Sakamoto
3. Dino Andretti



Samui: "We did it!"

Nobuyuki: "You're really epic during the run."


Next, the global stage! We are ready to take on the challenge! And... I always wanted to go to Europe, actually.


End of Page 4

Page 5 - The Horrifying Truth



I am just having a nap in the plane. Yep, I am heading to Europe! All of the battles will be held in Chamonix in France. Ricky told me that it's a difficult course to master.

As I wake up, all I see is snowfall at the window of the plane. I can't believe that it's still snowing, and February is ending. I am expecting spring just around the corner. But I guess fate allowed me to prove myself that I can win the WRC...



We arrived in Charles de Gaulle International Airport at 2 pm. We are waiting for the car to be loaded down from the plane, as it would be placed in the trailer that Ricky actually owns since he is in charge of transferring cars for Takanori-kun's team.


For now, all I have to do is rest up for the upcoming practice session...



While we are waiting at the hotel lobby for our room, I see Nigel again. He happily approaches me. He's viewing me as his friend, eh? Well, I have to accept it. He is nice, overall.

Nigel: "I am so glad you made it!"

Nobuyuki: "I am really happy that I will run in the remaining stages. I have to be ready for the competition."

Nigel: "Practice sessions will start tomorrow, will you be there?"

Nobuyuki: "I don't know. But let's see..."


Finally, the room is ready! The three us bid farewell to Nigel and head up to our room. I am impressed with its lavish interior, but I don't really need such amenities. But I guess Ricky wants us to be pampered and relaxed, eh? Haha!


Time to close my eyes and sleep...


*********************************************************








"I shall once again prove that I am the fastest..."





"I know the Chamonix more than anyone else on this planet!"










"I, Julio Cesario, shall be the champion!"


**********************************************************


The next day, we head up to the mountains of Chamonix. My goodness, I am already seeing lots and lots of rally teams there! They are dead serious in practicing. I don't know, maybe we are a laughingstock.


Ricky: "Don't drive your 100% here. Just familiarize the course, okay? It doesn't matter if you are slow here or not, after all it's not a timed run."

Nobuyuki: "Roger that!"

I set off alone this time. Samui-kun is being taught by Ricky the tricks of the trade.





Whoa! It is technical here! The Celica understeers...





A straight, then followed by a banked curve that is taken at mid-speeds.

Crap! Another understeer after the banked curve! It is a low-speed corner, huh?




I am at the high speed section... and then naturally I braked for the next corner, but...





It's a hard right! I am too fast for it! I braked too late for this!







I've done it... owwww.... Damn, I think the car needs some serious work.


Nobuyuki: "I've crashed, but I'm fine."

Ricky: "Bloody hell..."

Nobuyuki: "I'm returning for now."

Ricky: "I am seriously contemplating of tuning that car even more. Now is the time..."


Oh great... The front left suspension broke off because of the crash. I think the car needs serious work in order for us to catch up in the competition.


Samui: "Do you think it will be ready before the race starts?"

Ricky: "No worries, chaps. This can be worked on in no time."


Nigel once again pops up...


Nigel: "A Celica? Nice looking car."

Nobuyuki: "Yeah, but I just crashed a while ago. We will tune this for the races."

Nigel: "It should be. Oh wait, Sayuki calls me. I must run!"


He does run, and a small metallic plaque fell off from him. Samui-kun picks it up, but Nigel is nowhere to be found.


Samui: "Project NH? 09205? What is this?"

Nobuyuki: "Hmmmm...."


We returned to Paris, while Ricky sends off the Celica in a tuning shop in U.K.

That's far... but I have nothing to worry, since the first event is far off.


Then I got curious by that plaque. It could probably just be a brand of his clothing or something. So, I just typed "Project NH" in the search engine.

Then the results came out. There is a link heading to Project NH. As I entered, it shows the title in all capital letters. Then it asks for a password.


Hmmmm... maybe that number is the password. 09205...


I am in! And what is this? All of these are...


...nanoparticle data belonging from my little brother, Nobuhiko? Why? Why would my little brother's data be active, knowing that he's dead? And I thought they have abolished the nanoparticle system?

Reflex levels... muscle movements... lap records in his past races... they all belong to him!

And I delved even deeper in the website. I am seeing Nigel's body! Nigel is a robot? He is the Project NH! And the ones created him... extracted my brother's nanoparticle data and inserted it to him?


I clenched my right fist... How dare they... they have the guts to toy around with the dead. Why? Why do they have to disrespect my little brother? What is Nigel's purpose? My brother is not a guinea pig!


I just head out of the hotel to cool off. I am just walking... walking and walking. Then, I bumped into Nigel.


Nigel: "Oh there you are... is everything okay? You look tired."


I clench my fists once again. I am so mad at you... You are unlucky for bumping onto me this time.


Nobuyuki: "You worthless piece of metallic junk..."




End of Page 5

This can only go one way. Nigel's in trouble.

It's such a potent set of data when we've never seen Nobuhiko rallying.

Nobuhiko hasn't done any form of rallying, but his top-notch reflexes could be beneficial.

The next page won't have a detachable exploding head and chainsaws hidden in the arms, that's for sure.

Though Nigel will be in trouble.

I intend Nigel to be the "Alisa Bosconovitch" of the racing world.

RCKakashi14

Nobuhiko hasn't done any form of rallying, but his top-notch reflexes could be beneficial.

The next page won't have a detachable exploding head and chainsaws hidden in the arms, that's for sure.

Though Nigel will be in trouble.

I intend Nigel to be the "Alisa Bosconovitch" of the racing world.

Click to expand...

When you mentioned Alisa, chainsaw arms and explosive heads do come to mind. Nigel had his head off once in the Takuma Gaiden.

I'll expect a "Lars" to reveal him/herself.

Page 6 - A Special Race Suit


I am so upset... and so I lashed out at him. I punched Nigel on the face.


Nigel: "What's wrong? What did I do wrong?"

Nobuyuki: "SHUT UP!"

I dragged the collar of his jacket and slammed him on the brick wall. So hard, in fact, that his head actually cracked the wall.

Nobuyuki: "I will smash you into pieces and send you to the scrap yard!"

Nigel: "Is there a problem? Please tell me!"

Nobuyuki: "You... disrespected my brother! You think he's some kind guinea pig to be experimented with? He is resting in peace! Yet you and your creators just toyed with him!"

Nigel: "You are Nobuhiko's big brother?"

Nobuyuki: "Hell yes! You think I would allow someone to get my brother's racing skills and make money out of it!?"

Nigel: "I am sorry! I didn't mean it to be like that! Just listen to me!"

I throw him on the sidewalk. Man... I can get that angry? I just love Little Nobu so much...

Nobuyuki: "You... lack something that humans have. You want to know what that is? A HEART! YES! A HEART! YOU LACK ONE! Clearly, even the ones who created you are heartless."

Nigel: "I was... a failed project..."

Nobuyuki: "Failed project?"

Nigel: "Systems received damage. Commencing restoration..."


Oh great... just as I am eager to listen, he deactivated himself. Then his companion came along.


Sayuki: "Oh... I know you. You are Nobuyuki Hiramoto, right?"

Nobuyuki: "Yes. You know this robot?"

Sayuki: "I know that this day would come. Come, I'll tell you the story behind Nigel. Let's have a drive."

She carries Nigel as we are getting in her car. Snow is falling lightly, and she just drives off with me.





Sayuki: "Nigel... is a failed project. In fact, he was almost destroyed."

I just looked at Nigel at the backseat... he sleeps as if he is just tired.

Sayuki: "He was a prototype of FIA's rouge members. He is to become the "Ultimate Racer", wherein there are no flaws and precise reflexes are the best qualities. Actually, his father was one of those persons behind it."

Nobuyuki: "His father?"

Sayuki: "His father had a son who tragically died. He loves his son so much that he decided to join those members in that project. He created Nigel in the image of his son. Then they decided to pick your brother's data since he was the top among the FIA racers. Then just last year, Nigel finally knew what he really is, and decided to run away. Takuma chased him, and Nigel decided to self-destruct as a form of apology. He doesn't want to be a tool of evil... he does not want to take away the dreams of each and every FIA racers.

But I decided to save him, knowing his plight. I consulted with the professors from different universities in Berlin and they worked together in restoring him. It was tough, but they made it. And now, he is living free. He now has a dream too. And he is getting the hang of socializing with others."


Nobuyuki: "But you very well know that it's disrespecting the dead!"

Sayuki: "Yes. And he knows that too. He is still carrying on that guilt, and he is eager to meet and make you a friend, in order for you to understand him. Please... you must understand and accept him."


Tears start to flow from my eyes. I am so upset... Little Nobu...


Nobuyuki: "I love my little brother so much... Do you have any idea on what pain I had to go through? We were separated when we were young. I lost him for a long time. The only time we were reunited was when he was just a soul. I would never ever get to be with him forever. That really hurts, you know? And now, these people are making money out of him? That's unacceptable! That's total bulls:cesnored:t!"



Sayuki: "I know that you would react that way. I'm sorry... but he deserves to live normally. He was only a victim of circumstance. And do not worry, the people behind the project, including his father, were all arrested and charged."


Even if justice is served, the damage has been done. What can I do?


Then Nigel activates...


Nigel: "Restoration complete. All functions are back in normal performance. Setting in Normal mode."


Sayuki: "Nigel, are you okay now?"

Nigel: "Yes. All my functions are performing normally. Nobuyuki-san... I'm sorry."


I just looked at the window. I can't just talk to him yet...


**********************************************************


Sayuki dropped me off at the hotel, with Nigel just waving his hand goodbye.

As I returned, I just hop on the bed and take a nap. What just happened today, it's just so depressing.


Samui: "Nobuyuki-san, are you okay?"

Nobuyuki: "Just tired."

Samui: "Ummmm.... Ricky-san told me that the Celica is restored, and it's much better than ever."


Whew... something that would somehow cheer me up.


Nobuyuki: "That's great news!"


Samui: "And we will be back in practice runs tomorrow!"


Nobuyuki: "All right!"


The next day, we gathered at the hotel lobby. A van arrives, and Ricky-san told us to ride. We are on a convoy, with his trailer behind us.


Ricky: "I'm sure you've rested up for this practice run. The Celica will shock you."

Nobuyuki: "I wonder what it looks like..."


We arrive at Chamonix at 11 am. As usual, rally teams are present doing practice runs. Surprisingly, Nigel is not around.

The Celica is being loaded out from the trailer. Whoa!!! It really means business!

Ricky: "How do you like it?"

Nobuyuki: "Man, I am so excited driving it!"

Ricky: "Then suit up, chap."

I am taking out my race suit and helmet from my bag, but Samui-kun called me out.

Samui: "Hey, I want you to wear this instead. I decided to bring it..."


The red and green pattern... Little Nobu's race suit?

Nobuyuki: "Wow..."


Samui: "Well, I'm sure you deserve to wear it."






I'm ready to roll! Let's go Celica!


End of Page 6

awsome!

Sega Rally Championship trial incoming. 👍

Page 7 - Shakedown


Whoa... this is just...




The car accelerates like mad! The turbo does not show any signs of lag!







Before, I had to back off at this banked curve. Now, I can floor the car with ease! It's like a Super GT machine on snow!









Weeeeee!!! I'm sliding on ice!





This is just great! I can win the championship with this!


I let it rest for a while. I am drinking energy drink as I give feedback.


Nobuyuki: "It feels great! I can step on it anytime! It oversteers when you want to, especially in tight hairpins. Though it's just sad that we can only use the East portion of the track for now."

Ricky: "Glad to hear it. The car's power has bumped up to 428 horsepower, and rigidity has further enhanced. I also installed an anti-lag system."

Nobuyuki: "No wonder it boosts like mad."

Ricky: "Next week would be the trial runs. We have to be the fastest in order to enter the WRC duels."

Nobuyuki: "Duels? Well, it's bad to be behind, especially that you'll see nothing but snow kicked on to your windshield."

Ricky: "That's the fun part. Those who have comparable lap times will enter the duels, and of course, only the best comes out on top."

Nobuyuki: "With this, I cannot lose!"

Ricky: "You know, what you're wearing right now, reminds me of your late brother. I used to teach him English, since he admitted that he had low grades in that subject in high school. We were best buddies, then. Nobuhiko was such a great teammate. You know, I actually cried in my room after I visited his wake. Please... just keep wearing that race suit."

So touching to hear it. Well, I won't let you down, Ricky-san! I will make you remind of your teammate!

Nobuyuki: "I'm more than eager to wear this one! I will not let you down!"


**********************************************************


Hiramoto Residence, Tokyo, Japan
Time: 8:00 pm


Kyoko: "Hiroyuki, dinner is ready!


Hmmmm.... I wonder where is he? He usually is at the table before dinner is served."

She goes out of the living room, and to her shock, Hiroyuki is unconscious at the end of the staircase. She shakes her husband's body.

Kyoko: "Hiroyuki! Hiroyuki! Wake up! Oh please, wake up!"

She reaches for the telephone and calls the hospital.


Kyoko: "Hello? Help! Please send an ambulance! My husband has collapsed!"



End of Page 7

Well, that ain't good...

That's gonna be quite a hit for the Dream Alliance there.

This thread marks the "Hiramoto Saga". So it's all about Nobuyuki (similar in nature as Takuma Gaiden).

Next story will have the Lotus Esprit as the star car. The Turbo HC and Esprit Sport 350 are the main cars. Nobuyuki shall learn more about his father's past in Europe (since Hiroyuki gained notoriety and fame there after he divorced his wife) and definitely Hiroyuki will play the main role as well.

Takuma's return will be delayed because of this.

Page 8 - Short-lived


We have returned to the hotel for rest. Ricky-san opens up a bottle of complimentary wine at the suite.

A telephone rings at the suite. So I picked it up since Samui-kun is taking a nap and I am near it as I am watching the television.


Nobuyuki: "Hello?"

Kyoko: "How are you doing?"

Nobuyuki: "I'm doing fine here. How's things going on there?"

Kyoko: "I'm currently in the hospital. Your father is confined."

Nobuyuki: "What!? What happened?"

Kyoko: "He collapsed."

Nobuyuki: "Is he okay now?"

Kyoko: "Thankfully, yes. The doctors told him that he should not work himself too hard. He will be discharged in a day or two."

Hiroyuki: "Can I... talk to him?"

Kyoko: "Oh... sure."


Nobuyuki: "Otousan? Are you okay?"

Hiroyuki: "Relax, I am just fine. Don't let this hamper your progress."

Nobuyuki: "Don't put yourself to stress, okay?"

Hiroyuki: "I actually plan to go there in Europe. I want to have a father-son bonding with you. Europe is a special place to me."

Nobuyuki: "But the doctors told you to rest."

Hiroyuki: "I'm not that old! I'm just 56, dammit!"

Nobuyuki: "But still... You have to calm down."

Hiroyuki: "I want this bonding to happen. After all, we have lost 15 years together. Your mother and I have booked tickets. We will go there soon. Just win the event, okay?"

Nobuyuki: "All right... you are really stubborn. Just take care, okay?"


Hiroyuki: "Roger that."


The call ends. Otousan has been working too much lately. He is still active in racing, but there are times that he has bouts of fatigue. Even his friends recommend that he must retire...


Ricky: "Care to have some wine?"

Nobuyuki: "Oh sure."


I helped myself for a little wine. I poured some on my glass.

Ricky: "So, Sayuki told me that you beat up Nigel."

Nobuyuki: "I was just upset the mere fact that the ones who created him used my brother's data. They're just monsters."

Ricky: "But that does not give you the right to beat him up. After all, he was unaware of it at first."

Nobuyuki: "No one wants to have their loved ones disrespected, even from beyond the grave."

Ricky: "Of course, but Nigel has nothing to do with it."

Nobuyuki: "I am still mad at him. I can't talk to him right now."


Ricky: "Do what you want. But you should forgive."

Nobuyuki: "There is a right time for that."


**********************************************************


The trial run has begun. It is actually an elimination event. It has gotten tense, since I am seeing seriously modified cars doing timed runs and of course they want to move up to the final event.

I can't lose, now that I have gone this far. The whole Chamonix track is open for the event, and I have done some runs. Damn, the whole thing is like a snow Nurburgring! It's really technical.

The elimination part has started. I am actually the first to run. I am once again wearing Little Nobu's race suit. I'm not gonna let my little brother down on this!





This time, any form of pacenoting is useless, since it's a closed track and the event does not allow co-drivers this time.









Competition has gotten rough now. I can't afford to slack off for a moment!







I am not doing ice skating ballerina, that's for sure.











I completed a lap of 3 minutes and 29.8 seconds. Now, all I have to do is hope that it won't get beaten or at least make it to the Top 4 in order to enter the Duel.


Then the next competitor lines up at the start line. While I am watching it set off, Nigel approaches me, with a cheerful face. You have the guts to smile, eh? As if we're close.


Nigel: "The competition is at a higher level."


Nobuyuki: "Don't worry, I have prepared myself for this. And... I won't lose to someone like you."


Nigel: "Are you still mad?"


Nobuyuki: "Somehow, I've calmed down. But that does not give you the right to talk to me. If you'll excuse me, I'm heading back. I need to have coffee."


Nigel: "Nobuyuki-san..."


I just walked off. I don't want to see the product of their selfish ambitions. Besides, robots don't feel emotions, right? I'm sure he does not understand what I'm feeling right now.


After another batch of competitors, it's Nigel's turn. What the...!?





A GT-R!?


Ricky: "Apparently, their Lancia Delta S4 broke down. And Nigel concluded that the GT-R is better..."





Ricky: "What's even more surprising, is that the GT-R running today is a Takanori Edition variant."

Oh great... that variant has a fully-adjustable suspension setup unlike a normal GT-R. Will it work well on snow? Takanori-kun claims that the Takanori Edition's suspension is more on for track use.





Nigel: "Countersteer at 30 degrees... Acceleration G force is at 1.3."









He sets a lap time of...


3 minutes and 26.2 seconds!? Whoa... and that's just a road car!


Ricky: "Bloody hell... we're eliminated."


Samui: "Oh no. I guess we are not meant to win this time."





And sure enough, we're placed 10th in the rankings as the event ended. Just like in its heyday, the Celica's winning streak was short-lived. It was actually banned to join the rest of the WRC rounds because of its illegal use of turbo and restrictors. And now, that car is feeling frustration once again, as it is now unable to compete in the finals.


I'm sorry Little Nobu... I am so sorry. I have let you down...




End of Page 8




AUTHOR'S NOTES:



- I have foregone the Esprit as the main car for the next story. The title of the next story is: The Bavarian Job. And you can make a guess as to what car will be featured.

- I have planned for Nobuyuki and Nigel's duel in that next story. Please wait for a bit longer before it can happen.

- The next story will also mark another appearance of Hiroyuki as the 2nd main character. He will tell more about his racing days in Europe.

I guess this shall be the end. I question myself as to why I have to continue if no one bothers to read. Well, it's been a good 1 year of writing experience.

Feel free to use all of my characters for your fanfics.

I'm still reading it, and the continued writing you've done has inspired me to keep moving forward with mine despite the trials I've gone through.

I'm still reading it as well, keep going.

Kakashi, i might not comment every time, but i definitly still read every page, so please dont stop.

I am still not sure if I'll resume this. I need time to think....

RCKakashi14

I am still not sure if I'll resume this. I need time to think....

Click to expand...

Take your time. The important things need to be accomplished first. 👍