Hajime racers - Chapter 1 - Part 1.5 - Tuning time (Part 1)
Wangan Eastbound - 8:00PM
Dillon and Kaage are cruising on the highway, and are headed to the RE Amemiya station. Kaage appears to be observing Dillon closely...
Dillon: It’s finally time to get this FD tuned right… Ryosuke recommended that I get it serviced by RE Amemiya...I hope they do a good job tuning the car.
Kaage: Yo! Look over there… Hahaha!
Dillon: What the hell is that thing? Uber-ricer…
Kaage: Heh… Yep.
Anyways, since we’re bringing this car to RE Amemiya, why don’t you have one last run at this spec? It’s what I’ve always done after testing and upgrading.
Dillon: Hmm...
Anyway, what say we go for a run, FD?
Hehe… That’s a yes then.
Dillon: Alright, sure. I’ll begin the run… Now!
Dillon floors it and the FD takes off like a speeding bullet.
Kaage: Wow… Maybe it doesn’t need tuning after all?
Dillon: Best try my hardest...The ‘Wings of the Wangan’ himself is here after all...
Dillon continues blasting past traffic, keeping the FD at full speed. Kaage looks over at him, and he appears to be very interested in the potential Dillon has.
Kaage: Good good, keep going.
Dillon: He’s impressed easy, I haven’t even started! Or is it encouragement?
Kaage: A Spyker? Interesting… Never seen one in Japan before.
Dillon: Time to show off my true power! Kaage will notice my aura, too!
Kaage: He looks like he’s in the zone… I can feel the true power from both car and person. Man, is this a ride and a half…
After they leave the underground tunnels, they arrive at RE Amemiya’s workshop in the Chiba prefecture. After they exit the underground tunnels, they eventually reach RE Amemiya’s central workshop in the Chiba prefecture. Mr. Isami Amemiya is at the front desk waiting for them both to pull in.
Kaage: There he is, at the front desk. You best go see him, I’ll take the train home after it’s all set up.
Dillon: Alright, see you later Kaage!
Kaage: Hopefully we’ll meet again soon!
Dillon: Haha, I bet that’s so you can observe me more Kaage. He wants to know everything so it’s easier to defeat me at wangan, but you’ll never beat me.
Dillon continues to walk to the entrance, as Kaage fades off to the train station. Dillon walks in and is greeted by Isami.
Isami: Hello there. You must be Dillon then? I’ve heard a lot about your white rotary rocket. Hehe, it’s made quite the word all over the highway scene. I’ve heard that the infamous ‘Divine 12’ might even be making a comeback… But that doesn’t matter, what is it you wanted done to your mighty FD, again?
Dillon: Hmm… Maybe take word from Kaage, a bigger turbo and intake tuning, then an ECU re-map along with a transmission adjustment. That’ll work well, or so he says.
I’ll have a upgraded turbo, intake tuning, a ECU remap and adjustment to the gearing.
Isami: Say, you know your way about the wangan then? Most people only think that you need power upgrades, but it’s necessary to make sure that it’s adjusted afterwards too.
Dillon: Mmm, Kaage was right then. Mr. Amemiya is a master tuner like Kaage is, or so he says he is as well. Haha.
While Dillon waits for Isami and the tuners to work on the FD, he dozes off. Meanwhile...
Kaage is on his way back to the house via train, and appears to be lost in thought...
Kaage: ...It’s only a matter of time before they find out -
A bump from a moving passenger makes Kaage lose his train of thought.
- Oh… What was I saying again? Nevermind. I hope I can race ruwan one day on the wangan. I’ll use my restoration project to it’s potential!
Back at RE Amemiya…
RE Amemiya workshop - 9:51PM
Isami: The work is done, Dillon!
Dillon: Ack!
Dillon snaps out of his small nap and sees Isami in front of him.
Isami: Hehe… It’s best to catch up on your sleep. Now then, your FD…
Dillon walks over to the back with Isami… Then the new ‘Rotary rocket’ is revealed!
Isami: I also tweaked the aero a bit just for you. Don’t worry, no extra charge, just my token of appreciation for getting the tune here. It’ll bring all the rotary guys of the Wangan here. Haha!
Dillon: I’m really that famous? Who would've known?
Thanks Isami, I’ll call again if I need any more upgrades.
Isami: Dillon?
Dillon: Yep?
Isami: Is there any chance you could run one of my employees, he wants to race you on the Tomei expressway in his R34. He says to meet you there tomorrow at early morning, since he travels on the Tomei eastbound to get here for work. Around 6:30AM sound good?
Dillon: Ok… Sure. If I can wake at an earlier time even. Aha.
Isami: Alright, see you later Dillon, have fun with the FD!
Dillon: Yep, think I’ll test it on the way home. Thanks again!
The next day…
Tomei Expressway - 6:40AM
Dillon: So where is this guy?
Dillon is cruising down the Tomei, looking for the GTR.
Dillon: Darn, Isami didn’t tell me the worker’s name, or even the color of the R. Hmm...
Suddenly a jade-colored R34 flies past Dillon.
Dillon: It’s gotta be him! He is asking for a race doing things like that!
Dillon begins the duel, and already the FD picks up and passes the employee’s GTR. The speedy FD continues to gain speed as is swoops down the expressway.
Employee: Aaah! The rumors are true! This guy is insanely fast!
The RE Amemiya employee flashes his lights. He must have had enough of the butt-kicking Dillon was dealing.
Dillon: Oh, he’s asking me to slow down. An easy win for me? Heh.
Employee: Hey! You’re Dillon right? I got to work on your FD yesterday. I’m
Juro Maki.
Dillon: Nice to meet you, Juro. Seems like your GTR needs some more work… Maybe you should get a rotary too?
Juro: I think I will! Maybe a white RX7 FD like yours!
Dillon: Heh, I’d like that. Anyways, I’ve got to go meet my friend now. I’ll see you later.
Juro: Ok, hope you come for another tune at RE Amemiya!
Dillon: I likely will, bye!
Dillon storms off to get to the next offramp. He is off to one of the roads near Hakone, for a special meet with Ryosuke…
To be continued...
Hajime racers - Chapter 1 - Part 1.5 - Tuning time (Part 2)
Meanwhile, at the shop…..
Takata scratches his head. Looking at his beloved r32 that’s been out of action due to the wangan. The effects haven’t worn off as of yet. He awaited eagerly. For something.
He already replaced the engine in the r32. So it was time to take it out again. A fresh new rb26dett, untouched and not modified in the slightest. He was satisfied with how the suspension was tuned. The oversteer made the corners more fun in a way, the r32 always finding a way to straighten itself out due to the awd.
Takata drove around the touge for a little bit, stretching r32’s legs. This engine was more powerful than the previous, he could feel it in the low rpms, and when he barely touched the throttle.
“This will take some getting used to” Takata said to himself as all 4 wheels squealed as he accelerated forward.
Takata could not stop smiling or laughing at the feeling of being in the r32 again, going fast around corners , letting the tail slide out a bit more than usual. Everytime he felt the turbo wind up, and kick in, he was pushed far back into his seat as it rockets forward on the straights.
He could hear another car in the distance, the engine sounded similar to his but he wasn’t able to spot it just yet. Sounded like it was above him.
Takata was cruising down Hakone, getting a feel for the new suspension settings and the engine. The familiar engine note was now right beside him as he was daydreaming a little bit. Takata looks over to see Dillon!
“Hey it’s great to see a friendly face on the touge this early in the afternoon!” He looked over at Dillon, smiling and motioning to speed up a bit. A friendly duel, nothing to win, or lose. The thrill of the speed, and the connection between the GTRS, this was going to be a fun battle.
Takata and Dillon both hit the throttle hard, their cars becoming unstable for a split second before the tires grasping the road. Both side by side as they enter the first corner.
Dillon braked the same time, as Takata flung his r32 a little bit to the outside, barely avoiding a collision.
After a long corner, they were still side by side, Takata saw a hairpin coming up, and pulled the e-brake, the r32 violently spinning before catching it at the perfect rpm gliding through the first hairpin, Dillon, mere centimeters away from him.
It was even more fun than he thought. Through the bonds of friendship, trust, and confidence. They were evenly matched. Nothing could stop them.
Dillon saw how Takata was drifting and gliding through the corners, and started drifting also. This wasn’t just a run of the mill touge battle, It was a drift battle at the hairpins as well.
Neither of them let up, if they were to crash or hit something, they would take It as a learning experience.
They both were having the most intense race, but neither felt that way about it. To them it was having fun, testing eachothers skills at each opportunity. Even though they started as rivals, they quickly became friends. The passion of the GTR, touge, and drifting connected them.
The pace sped up a bit, the more comfortable they got, inching closer and closer through straights, and hairpins, letting eachother take the lead.
Takata could feel something, it was an odd sensation. He welcomed it, without thinking, he stepped on the brake, as if he could feel that Dillon was about to brake, a millisecond before him, ending up in one of the most epic tandems through the hairpin section. Nobody was there to watch, Luckily, they both had cameras attached to their cars. Insurance purposes mainly. But it captured everything. Something to post on the message boards.
They keep going at it, both of them. Tires worn, suspensions beat up. Gas running out. They knew they had to end it soon. The only problem was there was no victor. Every move Takata made, Dillon mirrored it perfectly, and vice versa. At this time, they were in a league of their own. Untouchable.
They reached the straight. They couldn’t pull in front of eachother this time, and took the corner side by side again.
Dillon rockets forward, surprising Takata a bit as he did the same, boosting right onto his tail, this was the most dangerous race, but they seemed to make it look effortless.
Flames shot out of the r34, as they raced to a tight corner, no fear, just well timed braking at the last second. The r34 drifting around the corner, the r32? Right behind him.
It was exhilarating, the intense aura grew and grew as they learned more about eachother’s driving style, making it into one.
The race felt as if it had gone on for hours, and hours. Realistically they’ve only been driving for about 45 minutes. Every second adrenaline filled, and tire ripping.
Dillon signaled Takata, the race is over as they pulled up next to eachother cruising at the same speeds. Looking at eachother in excitement as if their faces had the words emitting from them.
“Did you just see that? Dillon! That was amazing”
They stepped out of their gtrs, Brakes and tires steaming as they sat on the grass, and hooked into their cameras, watching some of the raw footage in awe.
“That’s us….” Dillon exclaimed
Takata couldn’t hold in the excitement
“Look how close we got! You can see my speedometer almost with how close you were”
They were like 2 schoolgirls, watching a new music video. Pointing out different things. Feeling proud of themselves for being able to accomplish a feat like this. They knew it was a tie. They were both happy about it., with a race such as that. A tie is the greatest victory of all.
They stayed sitting in the grass and trading stories. The sun even started going down.
Both of them at the same time exclaimed
“I’m really hungry”
Then laughed it off, Hopping into their gtrs. Driving to the city at a diner that was pretty cheap.
They exchanged phone numbers, and agreed to do that again sometime. They ate and talked, Dillon showed Takata an ad.
It was a ’02 r34, white like his, but it had an aftermarket spoiler. Takata thought about it, his r32 had been through a lot recently. It would look even better next time they were to race if they had the same car. Takata looked at Dillon.
We could find some teams, and the 2 of us could probably take them out easy!
Dillon replied enthusiastically,
“2 white r34s…… Touge spectres.”
Hey, I heard that you were going to hit the wangan? Is that right? It scared me last time, I don’t know if I’m ready for that.
Dillon replied
Yeah I have a someone with extensive tuning knowledge riding with me tonight. You should come too.
“I don’t think I’ll be driving, but I’ll show up and watch of course!”
They shook hands as they got up, Dillon had to get ready for his big wangan night. Takata chased down the ad for the r34. They didn’t want too much, seemed like a college student that needed to pay the rest of his tuition that was selling it.
Hajime racers - Chapter 1 - Part 1.5 - Tuning time (Part 3)
Dillon: Wheew… After a battle like that, I’m glad that Ryosuke asked me to get over here. Now, to actually get to the meetup spot.
Dillon reaches the location on his GPS, seems to be a small estate. he sees Ryo’s FC parked up next to a Italian restaurant. As soon as Dillon parks, Ryosuke exits with the scent of Italian food on him.
Dillon: Enjoy your meal?
Ryosuke: Yeah, that was a fantastic restaurant. Anyways, down to business… Come round the back, I got to show you something.
They both walk around, and what is revealed is a boxy car under a cover.
Dillon: What’s this?
Ryosuke: Help me take off the cover.
Dillon: Ok then…
The car is revealed! It’s a quite rusty old AE86 Trueno... It has a broken windscreen, leaking oil, cable ties on the bumpers and some broken lights too.
Dillon: Is this the project car you told me about?
Ryosuke: Yep. This is your AE86. It’ll need some work before it’s road worthy, but only you can work on it. Don’t call in anyone in to do it, it’s yours for a reason. This is to help you understand cars better.
Dillon: Right, if you say so. I guess I’ll have to leave it here, I can’t transport it at all…
Ryosuke: I’ll handle that. I have to go now anyway, I’d suggest you get home too, you’ll need to rest up, as you’ll be working on that for a while…
Dillon: Yeah… This is going to be a long restoration. Ok. I’ll see you round.
Dillon and Ryosuke part ways, as both RX7s leave in different directions on the hill.
THE END.
___________________________________________________________________________
Hajime racers - Chapter 1 - Part 1.6 - The return of ‘The Divine 12’
Hakone - 12:30 PM
Hello, my name is Saburou. I’m 19 years old, and I’ve come here to Hakone representing the Divine 12… My home course is Kirigamine, and I’ve practiced there longer than I’ve been in school. That’s one of the reasons why the ‘top dog’ apparently chose me to be a part of his new team, I think this will be one hell of a fun experience!
As for right now...this old guy, Goro Itsuki, and I are in a convoy headed to Hakone’s summit. He seems nice, but he can be really cranky. Let’s see where this goes…
Ah, top of the mountain. Seems there is a meet here, like Goro said there would. I wonder who I’ll race today?
They both proceed to pull up next to some other cars at the parking area. One driver has a Nissan Skyline R34, and the other is a rare Ferrari F40. A very rare car indeed, but they are about as common as the Isuzu Piazza turbos that putter around here.
Goro decides to introduce himself and Saburou to the other racers.
Goro: Hey, you two want to race us? The mighty Divine 12 members?! Haha.
The guy who owns the black F40 responds: Nah, I’ll pass. I’m just passing through…
Goro: Heh, one down already… He must know us...In fact, he looks familiar.
Anyone else?..
Takata: Ok, sure. I need to test my car with no ABS anyway. Name’s Takata by the way, nice to meet you both.
Goro: I’m Itsuki, Goro Itsuki, CEO of GI industries.
Saburou: Hey there, I’m Saburou. Nice to meet you, too. I’ll race you first then?
Goro looks in anger at Saburou taking the first challenge, it was Goro’s plan to win the first race after all...
Goro: Ugh… Fine then Saburou, go and win, show them how the Divine 12 does it!
Saburou and Takata both start their cars and get to the start line, seems that Saburou has a smile on his face…
Saburou: While driving up here, I observed the whole track bottom to top. I can go at about 90%, this should be fun knowing Hakone is more of a speedy track than good old’ Kirigamine.
Alright, ready when you are, Takata.
Takata: OK! Let’s have a countdown then, Goro?
Saburou’s Theme
Goro: Right you are then. 3, 2, 1…
GO!
Both cars start, and stay side by side down the first straight.
Then, Saburou lets off the throttle.
Takata: Huh? He let off?
Saburou: This might work.
As they enter the first corner, Takata lost his concentration after Saburou's move, and forgets to brake early to offset the lack of ABS.
Takata: Ach, no!
He nearly loses it, but only just manages to stay on track.
Now on a straight again, Takata’s GTR easily catches the WRX.
Saburou: NOW!
On the approaching the corner Saburou does his early brake again, but instantaneously stamps back on the accelerator, sending the Impreza into the corner slightly faster, and he swoops on the inside taking on Takata’s R34, and succeeding.
Saburou: Ok, I’m in front. Now it’s time to really go. This is going to be fun!
Moving rapidly through the corners, Saburou’s Impreza gains more and more on Takata and his GT-R.
Takata: What the..? How is he going so fast!?
Saburou: 4WD and the boxer engine, such a great combo which has proven to win in endless rallies worldwide, but… It works just as well on the road!
Saburou’s lead continues to advance over Takata, as well as Takata not doing as well from no ABS for the first time, this race is almost decided.
Saburou: Ok Goro, you better be watching, cause now I’m going all out!
An explosive backfire emits from Saburou’s exhaust, as he begins his 100% run.
Going closer and closer to the edge of the road, his tires nearly off in gravel, Saburou is completely dominating Takata now.
His orangey-red aura begins to appear. A flare of it can be seen from the parking area even.
Goro: Hehe. You go, kid! Hmm. Seems that our leader was right about Saburou, he has got talent to near match his!
Saburou continues to drive as fast as it is possible, but he is straining. He may even be over his limit.
Saburou: Damm… I don’t feel well, this intense time attack against myself… It really takes it out of me.
Although, he continues to get down the touge as fast as a jet, Takata is only just catching him.
Takata: There he is! C'mon R… Just a bit further…
But before Takata catches on the final stretch, Saburou takes the win.
Saburou: Wahoo, what an awesome run… Now I need a rest.
Takata and Saburou pull over at Hakone’s entry parking area, Takata can see Saburou is out of it from that easily.
Meanwhile, another car has arrived at the peak, and the F40 guy left. A Nissan ER34, and with the D1 livery on it. A very close replica, maybe it’s actually the real one…
Aria: Ah, who’re these guys? Some losers…?
Goro: Hmm? Oh yes! Finally someone to race against!
Aria: Hey, you. Who are you? I’ve never seen you before here.
Goro: Ah, I am Itsuki, Goro Itsuki of GI industries. You are?
Aria: Goro? Like the four-armed a**wipe in Mortal Kombat?
Goro: A what now?
Some gibber-jabber? Eh. Whatever, do you wanna race or what? I figure that’s what you came up here for in a car like that…
Aria: Of course. Before we race, tell me what team you’re hailing from. My brother’s been bugging me to find out about new teams in the area.
Goro: Oooh… My team is the best around! It has been the best for a long time, since way back in ‘86! The mighty Divine 12!
Upon hearing “Divine 12”, Aria chokes up a bit. This was the team her father raced against in the 1980s and 1990s before his death! Now it’s personal.
Aria: I find it hard to believe that an old coot like you are part of that team. After all, my father beat you guys around back in the 1980s.
Goro: Eh? No such man won against us! Oh… She must be with those guys. Hehe. Time to dominate!
Aria: I’ll beat you here and now, for Takenouti.
She’s getting fired up, and opens the door to her Blitz ER34.
Goro freezes for a second or two before it hits him, it wasn’t a Hajime Racer he was going against, it’s a member of ‘The Shadow Racers.’
Goro: This might be tougher than I thought. I’ll have to try my best. Can’t let down on the name of the Divine 12 now can I?
Aria hops in the ER34 and fires it back up, and the heavily modified RB26 roars to life. She pulls out and lines up at the starting line. Her aura is starting to flare out, and it’s a light blue...
Goro: Not red, good. Haha! Alright then… Ok, we will start on 1!
Aria: Understood.
She revs the super RB26, and smiles at the vicious rumble that erupts out of the exhaust. Although, she feels something is off with Goro’s proposal...Like he’d jump the gun. She steels herself for anything that could happen.
Goro: 3, 2…
Goro’s theme
Goro sets off and the wheelspin of his Z catches up a load of smoke, is the 370Z a drift car too?
Goro: Ahaha! Always gets them.
A few seconds later, he peeks in his mirror to see the ER34 keeping up with him almost flawlessly despite the jump start.
Goro: Time for the best strategy ever made! Drifting time…
At the first corner, Goro grabs hold of the handbrake. It’s a drift-style long stick, which makes it easy to maneuver in drifts. Next, he slices it down. It is drift time.
Goro: Here comes the drift train! You’ll never overtake me now!
Aria notices what Goro is trying to do and just sighs.
Aria: Really, old man? You’re leaving yourself wide open on the outside of the turns here…I’m not going to overtake him just yet...I have a tactic in mind: messing with his head by staying back a bit.
Aria backs off a bit to give them some space in between them, and then nearly perfectly maintains a distance of about 40 meters between the two cars.
Corner after corner, Goro continues to drift each one near-perfectly. It’s as if he has been doing this all day every day.
Goro: This is great, I’m in the lead… But something seems off. That girl… Hmm.
By now, they’re starting to get close to the final stretch at the bottom of Hakone. This was it. Goro has to win this to keep the Divine 12 name infamous so they can get their way with the region. Aria’s being stubborn and keeping pace with Goro, and just waiting for a perfect overtake opportunity...She loses concentration for a second and slips on the dirt!
Fortunately she recovers quickly and starts to push the ER34 right to its limits, with the tires groaning and screeching in agony. They get on the final straightaway…
Aria: NOW!
She slams the pedal to the floor and the RB26 roars as she starts gaining quickly on Goro. The split-second before they cross the finish line, Aria passes Goro. Although Goro being the old cheat he is, he ‘tries’ to prove it was a tie.
Aria: I guess you really are just a grouchy old man.
She reaches into her ER34 and pulls a small black device off of her windshield. She holds it up just out of arm’s reach of Goro. This is a dashboard camera. If you continue to insist that it was a tie, I will post this to YouTube and humiliate you even more.
Goro: You b-what now?! Eh. If we keep this confidential, boss won’t have me. Hehe.
Ok ok. You win, but listen here...I have connections. You say that I even had this race and…
Aria: Like I’m scared of some Yakuza connections or whatever.
She heads back over to the ER34 and reattaches the camera. She turns back towards him. Now listen, old man. This is a warning for the entire Divine 12 team. For your own good, and your lives, stay the **** away from the Bayshore route. Ani* will kill you if he sees you there.
*Older brother (Dagurasu)
Goro: Ugh, fine. Bye bye now.
Goro storms out of there in his Z, he doesn’t look happy at all.
Goro: Gotta find Saburou… He can storm her down Kirigamine. Huehue!
The next day, Aria posts the video of Goro losing to her with the title “Divine 12 epic fail”. It quickly goes viral, netting a total of 300,000 views by the end of that week. One of the other D12 members comes across it and shows it to Goro and the boss...
THE END...?
but I'm loving this so far 
