Takuma Gaiden II: Road to America (Pt. 2) - Page 31: LFA's Song

[RCKakashi14]

Page 9: Breaking Point




Takuma: "Buckle up, Jenny..."


Jenny: "I'm always buckled up, I know both of you."

Takuma starts his charge on Rob's McLaren.




Rob: "Why is everyone chasing me? As if I have gold in my pocket."

Takuma: "Rob is truly a monster, both at combat and behind the wheel!"

Rob keeps his composure, but of course he has to escape one way or another.





Then an opportunity arises for Takuma, he buries the throttle upon seeing the other lane open.

Takuma: "Gotcha!"


Jenny: "Trap him!"



But just as Takuma is about to perform the act, Rob has a counter measure.



He simply fishtails the Huayra.

Rob: "Not so fast, squire."




Jenny: "Oh no!"



Takuma: "Shoot!"



They are lucky enough not to crash and fall through the ravine.

Takuma: "That was close. Are you okay?"


Jenny: "I'm okay."





Meanwhile, Rob looks at the rear view mirror, and it confirms that he is not being followed.

Rob: "Forgive me..."

************************************************************
​

Location: A gym in Nurburg




Rob has managed to shake off all his perpetrators, including Takuma and Jenny. He decides to stop by at a gym, an unlikely place for a hideout.

​

Then he enters in an empty room, wearing only MMA fighter shorts, standing on his bare feet and shirtless. His physique has improved over the years, having an increase in muscle mass.


Standing right in front of him is a dummy, with a photo of Kazunori Yamauchi taped on the head. Rob has foregone wearing gloves at all...


His fists clench, and at a sudden moment, Rob unleashes some kicks on to the dummy's waist, followed up with punches on its abdomen. And then follows it up with his favorite knee strike on to its chest.


Next, Rob performs a roundhouse kick on the dummy's head. The force of the kick is very immense, as if he's filled with conviction.... that the head totally got detached and ripped out from the dummy, landing on the floor.





Unfortunately for him, he was still tracked down by Takuma, thanks to Nigel's help. Takuma and Jenny go through those people who are busy working out and head upstairs.



They find him, after hearing some shouts. To their shock, they see the dummies destroyed, and Rob's fists are bleeding, his knees having cuts as well. Little do they realize that Rob is actually crying, still devastated despite having threatened Kazunori. His wife goes by his side, and shows concern after seeing her husband break down.



Jenny: "Rob..."




Takuma: "Rob..."



Rob brushes off his tears immediately while sitting down. He looks at the large gym wall mirror.



Rob: "Why do you have to follow me?"




Jenny: "Because we're looking for you. We're worried!"




Rob: "You don't have to. You cannot stop me."




Takuma: "Rob, this isn't right. You're not thinking straight anymore."



Rob: "Are you sure?"




Rob stands up, and approaches the gym wall mirror. Then after a sigh, he unleashes a punch, so strong that it shattered an entire single pane. His eyes once again return on displaying a murderous intent.




Rob: "I WILL SET THINGS RIGHT. Do not even bother trying to stop me."



Then Takuma blocks Rob's way, threatening him with a fighting pose.



Takuma: "Move one step further, I will beat you up and drag you all the way home to London."





Rob: "Trying to stop me, eh? Is that what best friends do now?"



Jenny: "Stop it, you two!"




Takuma: "Best friends always have each others' backs, right? Good or bad times, we always stick together. What you're going through right now, Jenny and I are here to comfort you. Just go back home with us. Your family will ease your pain!"



Without any hints of hesitation, Rob strikes Takuma's gut with his right knee. However, Takuma quickly recovers and punches Rob's face. Jenny turns frantic, and pleas for both of them to stop.




Jenny: "I SAID STOP IT!"




The two men keep at trading blows. Takuma goes on to the defensive applying the defensive style of Wing Chun, parrying each of Rob's punches and kicks. Just as about as Takuma is getting pinned on the wall, he manages to reverse the situation.


But Rob's quick thinking allows him to grab Takuma and place him on the side where the mirror is. He starts up with a kick on Takuma's chin, and then the moment Takuma got slammed on the mirror, Rob ends the fight by punching Takuma's gut with brute force, shattering another pane.


Blood comes out of Takuma's mouth.



Rob: "Consider this my final warning. I will set things right. I will end our battle. For you and for everyone's sake."




Rob storms out of the room, while Jenny tends to Takuma.




Jenny: "You're badly hurt. I'll take you to the hospital!"






End of Page 9




AUTHOR'S NOTES:



- Next page will be the penultimate form of Rob's badass aura, his solo attack on the VGT headquarters!























​

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 10 - Night of Destruction






Location: A hospital in Nurburg
Time: 7 pm



Jenny had rushed the badly-beaten Takuma to the nearest hospital. What's worse, Rob has turned out to ditch his car and his phone, with Jenny having the possession of the latter.

Nigel and Hiroyuki arrive to visit.



Hiroyuki: "Are you okay?"



Takuma: "It's not that bad."



Jenny: "You boys got some pride. Not that bad, you say. Both you and Rob are totally nuts. Surely, both of you deserve a beating from me next time."



Nigel: "Now that Ms. Jenny has the possession of Mr. Rob's phone, and as well as his McLaren left behind, it would be much tougher to locate him now."



Hiroyuki: "I suggest you go fetch his car, or else it may end up getting crushed."




Nigel: "Affirmative. Commencing order."



Nigel heads out to perform the task.



Hiroyuki: "This is getting out of hand now. MI6 will surely lock on him."



Takuma: "The moment he punched me on that mirror, his eyes show a mix of emotions. Anger, sorrow, but with determination."



Hiroyuki: "Determination to bring down Kaz. He now takes matters into his own hands."




Jenny: "I wonder what he's doing now?"

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


​

In a hotel where he's staying at, Rob is getting prepared. For him, everything must end in one night, and this night only. He applies antiseptic on to his wounds at his fists.


Then he wears his black turtleneck and black cargo pants so that he can store some of his weapons. He puts on his boots. To top it all off, he drapes himself once again in his long black trench coat and puts on his black beret. He then covers the lower part of his face with a mask, and then puts on his fingerless leather gloves despite the wounded fists.


He looks at the mirror, while firming the fit of his gloves. He then places his weapons in the pockets of his trench coat, and even the inner ones.



Rob: "Tomorrow, a new dawn begins."





Meanwhile, at the VGT Headquarters, half an hour later...




Special Forces operatives are positioned within the perimeter, as ordered by the MI6 to capture Kazunori before Rob could do so, in fear of more potential damage.



Mark oversees the men. And after a successful inspection, he returns to using his binoculars. He sees the entrance very clear, with Kazunori's security force doing rounds.


Suddenly, he sees a black Audi RS6 Avant entering the premises. Little does he know that the man coming out of the car is none other than Rob, since his all-black theme along with his mask makes him unrecognizable.

But the moment Rob slipped a smoke grenade, Mark recognizes his partner's signature tactic.


The smoke caused the guards to panic, causing Rob to easily incapacitate them, and then climbing up the gate.



Mark: "Shoot! It's Rob! We've been compromised!"




More security men approach on Rob, but they are no match against him. They are punched, kicked, and have their bones broken.


Rob shoots the security cameras using his .45 caliber handgun. Next things he shoot are lights. Then he unpins the grenade and throws it at the main entrance. Then the explosion blows another set of guards in an instant.



He simply walks through the rubble, and is greeted by the sight of the remaining employees running away in fear for the exit. But the moment he sees another security force rushing towards him, he charges as well.





He starts by a sliding kick to put his opponents off guard, and then punches the gut of one of them, stealing a baton.


Another man makes a strike, and Rob uses the baton to hit his opponent on the shin, tumbling down and stealing another baton. With two in his hands, he's ready.

***************​

Meanwhile, outside, Mark prepares his men to charge, as he is now given the full command of the operation, knowing how compromised it got.


However, upon getting in the compound, they are shocked to see bodies everywhere, even when they got inside the headquarters. Rob entered the place like a hurricane mowing down everything on its path. Even some bits of ceiling panels are falling off, and sparks are flying.



Mark: "This is bad. Everyone, be on guard!"



And after an eerie silence, another explosion has triggered upstairs, and they are met with falling armed men, along with shattered glass. The place will start to catch fire for sure...

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


​

In the midst of the chaos, Rob walks like he has the situation under control. He doesn't mind the falling pieces of the ceiling nor the small flames.

And then he meets Auguste, running towards him. The man is surprised once again by Rob's appearance, but the moment Rob passes by...



Auguste: "You! What are you--"



Rob punches Auguste's face, causing him to fall down. Rob could only look back briefly, and carry on walking.



Rob: "Run if you want to live."



Auguste stands up, and runs away to the exit.



Next, Rob makes his way to where the chief engineers are kept captive. He sees a corridor with rooms, presumably where each of the engineers are staying.




Just as he is about to make it to the corridor, he stops on his tracks after a man lands in front of him. He turns out to be the head of the security, and has the same physique as Rob. He makes the first strike by unleashing an aerial punch, which Rob easily evades.


Rob counterattacks with a roundhouse kick which was also easily evaded, and he receives a punch. He receives further damage when the security head kicks him on the shin. But Rob manages to quickly recover, and retaliates with an uppercut.

Rob makes a punch, but his arm was parried and receives a knee thrust on his gut. His opponent then grabs him by the collar and slams him on the wall.



As he is about to be punched directly to the nose, Rob makes a quick evasion by ducking down, and places his arms around his opponent's waist to carry. Then he slams his opponent on the glass table, breaking it entirely. But then, the security head rolls back to avoid further hits.




After a brief moment of rest and starting at each other, the two men charge with a punch, but Rob is clever enough to use his punch as a distraction, and evades his opponent's attack by ducking down, and kicks his opponent shin. He follows up with a series of punches, left and right, on the face.


The security head has gotten too weak, and leans on the window overlooking the entrance. But it's all over for him, as Rob ends his combo by a flying kick, sending the security head falling on to his death, landing violently on the entrance adding to the number of bodies scattered around.




Rob looks down while breathing heavily. He then gets his gun as he walks past the corridor, shooting each doorknob to unlock, freeing the captives.



Rob: "Run!"

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

​

Mark and his men are making their way further in, but they are met with the running chief engineers. Realizing what Rob has done, he issues an order.



Mark: "Our priority is the safety of these engineers. Let's escort them to safety."


And they all comply, escorting them out to safety, until to the area where the Special Forces are assembled, a block away from the headquarters. Auguste is also included, and some medics are treating his face.





However, Mark receives a call from Conrad.



Mark: "Sir."



Conrad: "What's your status?"



Mark: "We have escorted the engineers to safety. Apparently, Rob had set them free."



Conrad: "Good work, but remember, Rob has gone AWOL, and it's your duty to capture him, to avoid any leaks."



Mark: "But sir, I don't think he would be leaking any classified information."



Conrad: "Even so, you need to bring him back to us. I understand what he has done, but he deserves a proper punishment for disregarding my order."

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


​

For his coup de grace, Rob planted a C4 on each floor. Upon exiting the headquarters, he detonates all of them, creating a series of explosions that turned the once sophisticated building into a large wall of fire.


He walks away from the burning building, seemingly satisfied with the result, and he brushes off the debris on his trench coat. He finally takes off his mask covering the lower part of his face.







Rob: "Take that, Kazunori."








However, it's not yet over for him, as he is greeted by the sight of a helicopter piloted by Mark, and some of his men are inside as well. Mark uses his loudspeaker to make his plea.



Mark: "Rob! You are ordered to come with us! Sir Conrad wishes to speak to you!"




Rob could only show a grin, and escapes the moment he got in his Audi.






(Background Music: Black Pressure - WMMT3 Official Soundtrack)

Mark turns back the helicopter, pursuing his partner.



Mark: "Stubborn as ever, huh? Think you can outrun a helicopter?"




And an exciting chase takes place within the city.

Naturally, the helicopter is much faster than any car, which makes it effortless for Mark to follow Rob.


And for his first move, Mark attempts to block Rob's Audi.

But Rob abruptly steps the brake pedal using his left foot, and steer to the right to perform a 180-degree turn.

Thanks to quattro 4WD and as well as having over 600 horsepower at the disposal of Rob's right foot, the RS6 Avant makes a quick getaway.

But then, there's no denying the helicopter's superiority over a terrestrial vehicle. Mark makes another blocking attempt.

Rob and Mark briefly stare at each other, and then Special Forces ops are about to rappel down.

After some revs, Rob creates a burnout.

And then the Audi makes another swift escape, passing underneath the helicopter. The sheer speed of the car made some of the agents fall down on the road.

Rob: "Not now, Mark. Not now..."




Mark could do nothing but lower down the helicopter and help the injured Special Forces ops.

Rob: "It's all over, Kazunori. Consider your project crippled."







End of Page 10



AUTHOR'S NOTES:



- Originally, Rob is to drive a matte gray Aston Martin DB9, but nah. Plus, I have to fulfill a reader request, for @JASON_ROCKS1998

 

[AudiMan2011]

Good thing there weren't any predator drones involved.

 

[JR98]

Nice choice of Audi.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 11: Welcome Back, Rob



Location: Dream Alliance Headquarters, Nurburg
Time: 9 pm



After his successful personal mission on destroying the VGT headquarters, and as well as outrunning the MI6, Rob heads to his team's headquarters.


He directly goes to his room, and now he feels so much satisfied. But little does he know that Hiroyuki saw his arrival.




Through the intercom, Rob is summoned. He breathes out a sigh, as he knows he'll be reprimanded for his actions. He knew all along that it's reckless and irresponsible...




He sees Takuma (who immediately got discharged from the hospital) and Jenny, along with Nigel and Hiroyuki as he stopped at the living room.



Hiroyuki slowly closes in to Rob, and then without a moment of hesitation...



...he punches Rob's face, leaving the rest in shock again.




Hiroyuki: "Do I see a man with a sense of honor? Anger turned you into a blind, raging monster!"



But then Hiroyuki's rage has quickly subsided, and looks at his promising driver with concern.





Hiroyuki: "You don't have to carry all the pain alone. Your family has gotten bigger, you know?"


He proceeds to hug Rob, and then the rest come to hug as well. Rob feels so overwhelmed, especially that they still look out and care for him despite what he had done. The overwhelming feeling made him burst into tears again.




Rob: "I'm sorry... I'm really, really sorry. I never realized you are still on my side."



Takuma: "You're never alone, buddy."



Jenny: "He's right. Let's go home."




After a group hug, Rob faces them once again, wiping his tears while standing.




Rob: "Thank you. Thank you for still believing in me, and staying at my side for those moments that I'm about to break."




Hiroyuki: "I am aware that you've been hardened by your past experiences, but now is the time for you to soften. After all, even the king of badasses is still a human being. You'll never be human if you don't experience pain, but that doesn't mean you have to carry it alone, either.



Now, are you ready once again, to be the Rob Hatch that the racing world fears?"



Rob gives a confident nod.




Hiroyuki: "Then, welcome back."

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


​

Location: MI6 Headquarters, London, UK
Time: 10 am, Monday a week later




After being enlightened by his team, Rob takes it into stride to right the wrongs he did, and that includes talking to his superior.



Upon entrance, Conrad is right behind him.




Conrad: "Look what we have here. I guess you still have a bit of honor left in you."




Rob: "I'm still the Agent Hatch you know, so yes."




Conrad: "Come with me to my room. We'll talk."







The two are in Conrad's office, with Rob locking the door as usual. The superior sits down on his large chair, looking at his agent with stern eyes.




Conrad: "So... you blew up Kazunori's headquarters to smithereens. Sometimes, I'm even wondering if you did that for vengeance or for your duty. Because if you are going to answer the latter, then that's just too much.




Auguste and his car are within our custody as well. You can talk to him later, but I assume you'll be in your best behavior.





I don't tolerate excessive amount of damage, which you did. And I also don't tolerate my men disobeying my orders. You know me.



But what you did, was a big favor for the racing world. You effectively crippled Kazunori's project, as he doesn't have any engineers left to supervise on his cars. Those engineers will surely be thankful to you. Their families also owe you.



However, orders are orders, and they are to be followed. You disobeyed my order for you to fulfill a favor that the racing world needs.


For that, I must have terminated you on the spot. However, after talking to the other superiors, we decided that we simply cannot afford to lose a very valuable asset like you considering all the successful missions you've done for MI6. Hence, our deliberation will be...




...you are to be suspended for 3 months. Am I making myself clear?"






Rob: "Understood, sir."




Conrad: "I hope within that time frame, you have made up your mind, and moved on.



You are now dismissed. But if you wish to speak with Auguste, he's downstairs in a special cell."





Rob immediately heads down to Auguste's room. The security lets him in.





Rob: "They pamper you too much, considering how much of a murderer you are."



Auguste: "I asked for a favor, before I can be sent to jail."




Rob: "What kind of favor, then?"




Auguste: "Let's race again. This time at a race track of your choice. It'll be much safer and fair. I want to finish that "unfinished" race with Dennis. With you around, I can somehow have an idea how skilled he was."



For a moment, Rob clenches his fist.



Rob: "You just took a life of a young man with so much life ahead of him. He lived a tragically short life because of you, and how ironic that the person who ended his life has lots of morals to live by.


But all right, I'm going to honor your request. I will race you in Silverstone next week. I'll be fair and square, with no grudges at all.



And make sure you give your all. The person who has truly moved on, will prevail in that battle."



When the conversation ended, Rob gets out of the room. He then meets his partner, Mark, before he leaves the building.




Mark: "Hey!"



Rob stops in his tracks, looking back to his partner.




Rob: "If you cannot park your car properly, then you don't deserve to pilot a helicopter."





Mark just smiles as he looks on his partner leaving the building.

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

​

Location: Silverstone GP
Time: 5 pm, Saturday



In preparation for the race next week, Rob and the team are in Silverstone for hours. He decided to use Dennis' KTM X-Bow Street in honor of his late brother.

Takuma: "Well, what do we know? Rob got his groove back."



Nigel, while in the pit garage, uploads telemetry while Rob is doing practice laps. The data is then transferred to Hiroyuki's laptop.





Hiroyuki: "Interesting. Dennis' X-Bow has a turbo that can immediately boost up after corner exits. I heard from him once that the car is actually easier to drive than his own X-Bow R."

Takuma: "Rob told me once that he actually had a hand in tuning his little brother's car. Dennis had no involvement on it at all."




Nigel: "That's because Rob is an expert in lightweight track day cars. I read his blog posts, and it turns out that he had driven the Caterham 620R, Ariel Atom 500, Radical RXC, and the BAC Mono."




Owen: "That's really nice! So I guess I now know who's the authority."

Nigel: "But the very reason why he chose the KTM X-Bow is because of its tuner-friendly nature. The engine is similarly found on mainstream Audis and VWs, which has impressive reliability. He is very aware of the fact that it isn't a British car, but it truly carries on Colin Chapman's philosophy.



Oh, do you also know that Dennis had plans of opening a tuning shop solely for KTM X-Bows? Rob is taking care of the business plan too."




Then Rob completes another lap, and Nigel has recorded another lap time.





Nigel: "1 minute and 53 seconds flat."

Hiroyuki: "Interesting conclusion. Though it doesn't mean that a car being easier to drive than the other is automatically faster. Look at the previous telemetry data from the X-Bow R."



Takuma and Nigel look at the data, and the former gets surprised.




Takuma: "Rob's X-Bow R is actually peaky. But still manages to be 2 seconds faster."




Hiroyuki: "The wider tires help it. Along with the fact that it has 50 more horsepower."





Owen: "I wonder what will happen if I let Rob touch my X-Bow?"

Rob can only answer that, but for now one thing is for sure - he is slowly starting to accept his beloved little brother's demise, as shown by his consistent lap times within the 1:53 range.











End of Page 11

​

 

[AudiMan2011]

Time to put Auguste's unfinished business to bed and let Rob finish what his brother started.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 12: Farewell, Brother







Location: Underground Facility VGT Headquarters, Nurburg, Germany
Time: 12 am




An underground facility would be thought as a dark, desolate place. But this one stands out from the rest...




...as it is brightly-lit, and looks lively with different mood lighting styles. However, only one person inhabits the place - who is no other than Kazunori Yamauchi.



With his workforce gone, and as well as the engineers being saved by the MI6, one would think that it's all over for him. But he only gives a smile on his face.




Kazunori: "I still have what it takes to succeed..."



He goes to another room, and it turns out to be filled with the remaining VGT cars. Plus, his test drivers are in hiding as well, but he can summon them upon request. Alan Long is definitely one of them.




Kazunori: "The cars here have been completed. I cannot say that I will stop. I can send those engineers home easily, as I don't need them anymore.


Now then, Dream Alliance, our war shall continue. I don't care if the world is now against me."



Suddenly, he receives a phone call...



Kazunori: "Hello?"



It turns out to be Atsuo Kobayakawa, a Lexus engineer and performance specialist who has gone AWOL from the manufacturer.



Atsuo: "I've heard your headquarters blew up."



Kazunori: "That was the result of my provocation, anyway. So I deserve it."



Atsuo: "Meanwhile, I'm rather busy slowly conquering Japanese motorsports with the Lexus VGT I personally developed. You know, I can provide assistance."



Kazunori: "In due time, Atsuo."




Atsuo: "Oh okay. But I'm just a call away, Yamauchi. No need to carry all the burden by yourself. There's me, and Alan too."





Kazunori: "You've got to look out for yourself. After all, Toyota is still looking for you. And how's your training with Alan?"




Atsuo: "He's a fast learner, that's for sure. You can count on him soon enough."

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


​

Location: Rob's home, London, UK
Time: 11 pm





Rob is on a tranquil slumber with his wife. Having finally returned home and as well as making amends with Jenny, he can finally sleep soundly.



Suddenly, he ends up in a colorful garden, filled with butterflies, and rabbits running around. Rob looks at the surroundings, easily deducing it as a dream.



He starts to walk slowly, and he can feel a cold gust of wind. And in an instant, Dennis appears right in front of him - tangible and clearly visible.




Dennis: "Brother..."



Rob could not believe at what he's seeing...



Rob: "D-Dennis?"



In an instant, Rob rushes and hugs his little brother tight, starting to cry.





Dennis: "Hey... why are you crying again? It's not you at all."





Rob could not fight back his tears as he continues to hug.




Dennis: "I see.... I see. I can tell you miss me so bad. Well, me too!"



Rob: "Idiot..."



He pushes Dennis for a bit, and then wipes his face.




Dennis: "It's not the end of the world for you, okay? You still have mother, Owen, and your team! You have a big happy family!"




Rob: "You have no idea.... you just have no idea what I've gone through. But it's all my fault, anyway. I've never been a good brother to you. We only see each other on Sundays, and we are half the continent apart. If I was there on that day, you could have lived. I must have guided you even more. I'm truly... truly sorry."



Dennis shows a smile, aiming to cheer up his big brother.



Dennis: "Cheer up. You know I am already very happy with my life that I left behind. The moment our family reunited, that was the happiest day of my life. It truly was. I never asked for anything more. I want to see you smile from that moment on. And now, you're crying."




Rob: "I even blew up a headquarters out of anger..."




Dennis: "Father will surely get mad. You don't need vengeance. Father and I are already at peace. Both of us wish your happiness. And now, I have a favor that you must fulfill."



Rob: "What is it?"




Dennis: "Get back on our original goal. I shall pass on my dreams to you."




Rob: "I get it... to be the fastest in our homeland."




Dennis: "That's right. Carry the Union Jack flag with pride! That was the exact thing you said when we were starting our racing careers."




Rob: "I will, Dennis. I will. I promise."



And then it's Dennis' turn to rush and hug Rob tightly.




Dennis: "I will miss you so much, brother. I love you. You will always be my big bad brother."



Rob sheds another tear as he smiled.




Rob: "I love you too, Dennis. We will always be brothers wherever we are."





Dennis: "Now don't go destroying anything again, okay?"




Rob: "Even in the afterlife, you still are the silly little brother."



Dennis is about to disperse as a beam of light shines upon him.





Dennis: "This is it. I hope you won't be crying after this. Take care of mother, okay?"




Rob: "I will."




Dennis: "Farewell, brother..."




Then a large ray of light engulfs Rob as well, putting him back to reality by awakening him from his sleep. Jenny notices this, and she also sees tears from Rob's eyes.




Jenny: "You had a dream?"




Rob: "I talked to Dennis, for one last time."




After wiping his face, he gets up from the bed and heads out of the balcony. He then looks at the starry sky, thinking about his brother, and their last ever meeting.

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



​

Location: Silverstone Grand Prix
Time: 4 pm, a week later.






This is it. The race that shall finish the "unfinished" business. For Auguste, it's time to savor his last moments of freedom before he can be placed behind bars.




He is busy setting up his car alone, but he doesn't mind since he knows all too well that the Vision GT Project has been effectively crippled, with no mechanical support team to assist him. Rob approaches him and decides to have a talk before they can start the race.



Rob: "I can lend you an extra spanner if you wish."



Auguste: "No need. I understand my situation."




Rob: "Savor the last 4 laps of your freedom. Give me everything you got."




Auguste: "I never expected forgiveness after what happened, but why are you being nice to me?"




Rob: "Because it's not going to be worth it if I kill you. I could have easily done so during that night, but that will never bring Dennis back."




Auguste: "Both of us are men with contradicting visions. I, as a devout follower of God, killed someone in name of success; while you covered yourself in anger, threw away some of your honor, and ensured destruction, all for saving the racing world."




Rob briefly looks down, and then he just gives a pat on Auguste's shoulder before he returns to his team.




And then without any further stalling, the two men start the race after the countdown.




Hiroyuki: "Rob will definitely give his all, especially that he is driving his late brother's car."

Owen: "I agree. And it would actually be interesting to see two track-day cars battle it out."



Maria: "Hmmmm.... I never really got the appeal of those types of cars. You can do the same to a hot hatch or a sports coupe, without risking any practicality at all."



Takuma: "Well, no car is perfect, even though their creators pursued perfection. The KTM X-Bow doesn't mind any of its compromises, as it was built to take on the race track and have fun. Its performance is definitely worth the sacrifice."




Maria: "I guess so. There are some people who just want to drive, that's all."

Rob: "Interesting, his car is more responsive on the corner exit, as he can push it without problems at all despite being slower."

Rob: "And he can actually floor it with ease in mid-corner."

Meanwhile, Auguste has never felt this happy, and feels that he is on a real competition.


Auguste: "I never felt this utopia before. I am facing against a bona fide, ultra high-level racing car driver! This is what should have happened in Matterhorn!"



Then at a straight, Rob applies more pressure to the accelerator, and actually hits the Alpine VGT's rear end.

Auguste: "What?!?"




Rob: "What touring car drivers do."



2nd lap starts...

Owen: "What is Rob doing?"



Maria: "Pulling up a surprise, I suppose."



Hiroyuki: "He's just racing in the way our team is supposed to do."



Takuma: "Huh?"





Hiroyuki: "Showing to the Vision GT Project what he's truly capable of."




After an uneventful 2nd lap, Rob begins his attack by increasing his pace and closing in.

Now, Rob pulls up at the short straight, signifying his start to fulfill Dennis' dream.

Rob: "Try to imagine Dennis doing this to you. Make sure you watch carefully..."






End of Page 12

 

[AudiMan2011]

The beginning of the end for Auguste.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

If Auguste wasn't broken before, he'll be after a race with the Rob...

 

[Harsk100]

If Auguste wasn't broken before, he'll be after a race with the Rob...

Or maybe not...

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 13 - The Fastest Brit




It's now time for Rob, to fulfill the dream that he and his late brother had made - To be the fastest in the homeland.



(Background Music: Crazy Little Love - Nuage)




The attack made Auguste veer off and cause his Alpine VGT to understeer.

Auguste: "What incredible cornering!!!"

Rob: "This is what Dennis should have done to you!"




Rob's teammates are shocked at how the X-Bow easily spreads the gap, the moment it enters the final lap.

Maria: "Wow, look that gap!"



Takuma: "It has begun. Today, we shall witness..."

Takuma: "... a bit of Rob Hatch's true skill. He's doing this for his late brother."

The sunset shines brightly, as the X-Bow roars along the straight.

This prompted Rob to shed a tear once again...




Rob: "Dennis... I know you're watching."

Rob takes the win, and has a new vow.



Rob: "From now on, I shall run the way you want, the way you are proud of."




After the race has ended, and just as the team is packing up and leave, Auguste approaches Rob, reaching out his hand.



Auguste: "You did very well. Now I see why Kazunori-san told me to fear you."



Rob reaches out his arm as well, and the two shake hands.



Rob: "I won for my brother's sake. And to wrap everything up...




...I'm dropping the murder charges."



That sentence sent everyone to shock, but it made Hiroyuki smile afterwards.




Auguste: "What?!? Why? It was already proven that..."




Rob: "It was all an accident. You simply wanted to win, and you did not expect that to happen. For me, winning this race is justice for Dennis. He never asked to put you behind bars. Dilemmas like that happen to all race car drivers, anyway."



Auguste kneels down, grabs hold of Rob's legs and starts to cry.




Auguste: "Oh thank you! Thank you! May God bless you and your team."




After that gesture, Rob simply walks away and faces Hiroyuki.




Hiroyuki: "That was the most noble thing you've ever done."




Rob: "My father taught me to forgive and forget. It's one hell of a lesson."




He then continues to walk away, grabbing a stick of cigarette and then started to smoke.

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


​

Location: Rob's home, London
Time: 11 am, Monday




It's another start of the week, but for Rob, it's just another holiday thanks to his 3-month suspension. He is just in his training room he made at the basement, honing his knife-wielding skills - holding and slashing with the knife by a reverse grip.




However, Owen manages to locate him, and just to play a bit, he throws a baseball he found on the table. In an instant, Rob spins back, and cuts the ball in half by a horizontal slash.





Owen: "Nice one... Lee Christmas."




Rob: "Oh, there you are."



Owen: "I thought we're going to the cemetery."



Rob: "Let's go indeed."





Rob places his combat knife into its holster and sets it aside on a long table filled with combat weapons. He briefly holds a nunchaku, but then proceeds to head out of the room with his hand patting on Owen's shoulder.



Rob: "I'll train with the nunchaku later. Let's go."

They make their way to the cemetery, and Owen observes the normal, busy life of London which he misses.



Upon arriving, Rob lays a wreath of flowers on to Dennis' grave. It turns out to be just beside Brandon's.




Owen: "These two people meant so much to you, huh?"



Rob: "I became who I am because of them. They taught me so much, yet they learned little from me. But it doesn't matter. I learned from them, what life is.



Owen, there's something you must do."



Owen: "What is it?"



Rob: "You have big shoes to fill. Very big."




Owen: "What are you talking about?"



Suddenly, Rob wraps his arm around Owen's neck, and gives his little stepbrother a noogie.




Rob: "This!"




And... performing that gesture he used to do with Dennis, Rob laughs once again, symbolizing his newfound happiness.



Owen: "H-Hey!"



Rob: "You will lose all those bits of hair left, baldy!"





The two men walk away happily, while the spirits of Dennis and Brandon appear and look on those two with smiles.

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


​

Location: Route 7, Tokyo, Japan
Time: 12 am, the next day



Meanwhile, halfway across the world...

This blue Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro may seem to be just one of those supercar cruisers, as it takes on the ramp gently...




...but upon exiting, it takes off like a bullet.

While its horsepower rating is unknown, the car easily blitzes the 370 km/h mark the moment it passes by the bridge.

Then at the undersea tunnel, the speed camera captures the speeding supercar, and its data was uploaded to the metropolitan police server.




The officer is surprised, as not only it wasn't able to catch a glimpse of its license plate number, but also the speed recorded was...

...407 KM/H​

THE END



​

AUTHOR'S NOTES:



- Next arc will be The Quest For 400, which shall start by Saturday evening.

 

[RZQSPEED]

400 KMH!? The traffic will be in absolute Disaster!

 

[silverman_GT]

400 KMH!? The traffic will be in absolute Disaster!

They race at mid night.........

 

[MrUnknown]

400 KMH!? The traffic will be in absolute Disaster!

Who cares?

 

[KazaMR2]

400 KMH!? The traffic will be in absolute Disaster!

Just gotta slip through the traffic - Takes skills

 

[MrUnknown]

Just gotta slip through the traffic - Takes skills

[Wangan Midnight Intensefies]

 

[RCKakashi14]

THE QUEST FOR 400



Route 7... a once peaceful thoroughfare will now see its quiet days end.
Those who thirst for speed will be responsible for the demise of the peace it has been keeping for so long.



Takanori Kanonji is given an assignment, to enter in this chaotic world where everyone is gunning for the highest seat of speed - 400 kilometers per hour - all because of this one mysterious car.




​

Page 1 - New Article



Location: Route 7, Tokyo, Japan
Time: 2 am, a week later



Route 7, a long highway that allows travelers to access almost any prefecture in Japan. It made lives better for the Japanese who seek to venture places in a more efficient manner for decades. It has also withstood major earthquakes and other calamities.


While Route 5 has been the center of street races as of late, 7 enjoys a relative amount of peace, and races are very rare.


However, it shall also see its peaceful days end...




...all because of this car.

This blue R8 has been making rounds in the road for weeks as if seeking for something... a rival, perhaps. It's averaging 400 kilometers per hour in all of its runs.




300 kilometers per hour is something too easy to achieve nowadays...

************************************************************​

Location: Aoyama, Tokyo
Time: 7 am, Monday



Someone is on a rush to work at the beginning of the week...

Despite the fact that Takuma had sold his house to Takanori, the latter would still wake up quite late even though knowing that he and his family are now conveniently placed within the city. Takanori can easily look after his mother, Tomoko, their mochi shop business and would not have to deal with the hour-long travel time he used to bear when he was still living in Yokohama.



Takanori: "Waaaaahhhhhh!!! Taping starts at 8 am!"

Suddenly, he gets a phone call. Looking at his phone, he is surprised that Rob is on the other line.



Takanori: "Eh??? *picks up phone* Oh... hello, Rob."




Rob: "I'm on my way to your office."

Takanori: "Hold on, when did you arrive?"




Rob: "I'm at the Haneda airport arrivals right now, and am about to take a taxi."



Takanori: "Whoa... why not tell us?"




Rob: "I'm always filled with surprises, right? See you there."



Rob abruptly ends the call as he entered a taxi.




Takanori: "Oh lord..."





Takanori arrives at the office, and he quickly rushes to the make up team and sits down, as he has a few minutes left before the taping would start.




And so, the show is on. Takanori, Nobuyuki and Nobuhiko are the hosts for today. Though of course the atmosphere will never be the same after Takuma left.




Rob arrives at the office, and sees the taping in progress. Of course he is to sit down in the living area of the floor since guests aren't allowed in the production area and in the workspace unless if it's a guest in the program.




He grabs a Motoring Monthly magazine, reading it despite his little knowledge on the Japanese language.




Moments later, Isami arrives, and seeing that the taping is going smoothly, he carries on until he sees Rob. Knowing that he resembles a popular British action star, Isami couldn't help but stare at the guest.



Rob notices the editor-in-chief's presence, which prompts him to start reading and give a stare.



Isami: "Ummmm.... sir? Any person in this office you intend to visit?"



Rob: "My teammates, that's all."



Isami: "Really? But we don't have any special guests for the episode. However, won't you mind if..."





Isami hurriedly goes to his office and gets a DVD case of The Transporter, and a permanent marker. Upon returning, he reaches them out over to Rob.




Rob: "You know, I'm not who you think I am. He's 47, and I'm just 27."




Isami: "Oh... I'm sorry. Because you look so much like him."



Rob: "Note to self - have a name plate."



Isami silently walks away, heading back to his office.



Then after taping the entire episode, the three hosts return to their cubicles. Rob then stands up, and simply walks through the restricted area, with a mean scowl (in truth, he's just sleepy) on his face and his presence alone makes the office stop its time as employees look at him.



Seeing that Rob has arrived, Takanori comically hides behind Nobuyuki, trembling in fear.



Takanori: "It's DECKARD SHAW!!! Help! Look at his face..."



Rob steps in their zone, and briefly glances at his teammates.




Nobuyuki: "What's with that face? Being badass again?"



Rob: "You know, don't make me blow this place up like what happened to Kaz's headquarters. I'm sick and tired of being the Deckard Shaw."



Takanori: "With that all-black theme you're sporting, especially that leather jacket? I KNEW IT!!! He's seeking for revenge here!"



But Takanori quits his ruse and makes a friendly banter with Rob. Even though he's sleepy, Rob just smiles at his teammates.




Nobuhiko: "Oh... how's it going?"



Rob: "Three months suspended. So I treat it as a holiday."




Takanori: "We've heard what happened. Condolences, mate."




Rob: "Just have to move on. That's what life taught me."




Nobuyuki: "How long would you be staying?"





Rob: "As much as I'd like, until Jenny calls, though."

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


​

Throughout the day, it has been productive. Rob just stopped by for an hour, and returned to his hotel.



Takanori is the only person left in his area, and just as about he is to carry his bag, he is summoned by Isami.



In his office, Isami puts down his glasses, and places them on the desk.




Isami: "Oh... it almost slipped my tongue. You'll be working on a new article, since you just submitted your article a while ago."



Takanori: "What is it?"



Isami: "Delve deep in Route 7's racing scene. It's been a boom there quite lately."



Takanori: "Huh? Really?"




Isami: "It's been going on quite a while. Those racers are now making top speed runs at midnight, according to the recent news.


This is for the tuning section of the magazine. Find out what makes those cars really fast, and make sure you conceal identities, should you interview owners."



Takanori takes down notes on what the EIC said.



Takanori: "Understood, sir."




Isami: "If if would mean tuning your car to the max and chase them down, then it's fine."




Takanori: "Okay, sir."




Isami: "That's all for tonight. You can go."




Takanori gets out of the room, breathing out a sigh.





Takanori: "Seriously?"

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


​

Location: Kaido Speed Shop
Time: 10 pm

​

Having a productive day, Kaido closes down the shop, and then takes a brief stare at his Z31 he owns for decades. He has been tuning it little by little ever since it rolled off from the showroom floor.

​

He grins, and then starts to smoke outside before he could walk to his home just a block away.




Kaido: "In the past, 400 horsepower was to die for. But now...





...it's 400 kilometers per hour to die for. Racers nowadays are just too blind."








End of Page 1

​

 

[AudiMan2011]

Kaido's getting in on the 400 km/h game too. He's going to be in for a shock.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 2: 400 KM/H Missile








Location: Motoring Weekly Office, Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo
Time: 7 pm, the next day




Everyone is about to head home, including Takanori. But he feels that he must entertain Rob, so he decided to tell his wife that he will be eating out with him.

After that phone call, he now calls on Rob, who is just idle in the hotel.



Takanori: "Hey, you feel having a night out?"


Rob: "Sure, I'll be heading there. Where do you live?"


Takanori: "I live now where Aniki used to live, in front of the mochi shop."



Rob: "I see. I'm on my way."




Takanori first passes by to his home to change, and as well as to wait for Rob. When he arrived, Takanori immediately brings him to the car they'll be using.


And that made Rob cringe for a bit, and then just giggled.



Takanori: "Eh??? What's wrong?"



Rob: "Matte black Aventador, huh?"




Takanori: "Hey... I just had it wrapped in matte black way before that movie showed! I don't know about that, okay?


Maybe you want to drive it."



Rob: "All right, all right. Let's go. I kinda missed driving here, anyway."



They set off, and while driving, Rob immediately notices Takanori's flushed face.

Rob: "Something wrong?"



Takanori: "Sigh... just the usual stress associated with work."



Rob: "Hmm?"



Takanori: "I was just given a new article, about this new street racing fad in Route 7. Everyone is said to be gunning at 400 kilometers per hour, and I have to investigate and feature some of those tuned cars."




Rob: "400 kilometers per hour? That would be..."



Takanori: "Over 240 miles per hour in Imperial."




Rob: "Sounds like fun. Hey, give me directions to Route 7."



Upon entering, and seeing no traffic at all, Rob floors it.



Rob: "Mind if I give this a go?"



Takanori: "It's fine. In fact this has 80 horsepower more than stock."

The Aventador accelerates away like bullet fired from its gun. With 780 horsepower, it sure has an improved thrust from stock.

Takanori: "Plus, I adjusted its gear ratios too."


Rob reads the tachometer that also shows the car's speed. It's been going at over 370 km/h at 9000 rpm on 7th gear.



Rob: "370, huh?"



Takanori: "It's mildly-tuned, so that's just expected."



Rob: "So let's just assume that those racers have cars that have more firepower than this Aventador. This is starting to get interesting."



Then the two got hungry, and decided to stop by for dinner. Takanori suggests a restaurant within Shibuya, and so Rob follows his directions.



They managed to find a parking space, beside a yellow Toyota Aristo.

The two men get out, and Rob takes a brief moment to stare at that bright colored sedan.



Rob: "You Japanese sure have a lot of crazy ideas, including car colors."



Takanori: "I've seen a pink Lamborghini Diablo prowling around here as well, so you're right. We just love tinkering everything."



Upon entering the restaurant, which is a grill and hot pot style, they immediately placed their orders. The waitress serves them the raw meat, and the two start grilling them at the middle of the table.




Rob: "I'm starting to love these types of restaurants. I can't find a place like this in London."


Takanori: "It's the most fun way to dine."



Rob: "So, let's go back on your article. You know, I can provide help with that. You must know very well what's my other profession."



Takanori: "Really? But is that okay with you?"



Rob: "I can gather intel on my own and deliver it at the fastest possible time. I can even hack my way through Tokyo's Police Department and access the files regarding speeding vehicles."



Takanori: "Hmmmmm.... that should work, and I can browse through forums as well, and check if there will be a racing scene."



Rob: "You just got yourself an article, little shrimp."



Takanori: "It's all settled, then!"

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


​

Location: Route 7
Time: 12 am



It's time for Kaido to hunt down at least a racer gunning for 400 kilometers per hour. The stories increasingly kept coming to him.

Kaido: "This Z31 can do the trick, even if it just means keeping up to see the car in action."




As he cruises along, however, he spots the blue R8 doing the same thing.

Kaido: "Ahhhh.... an Audi R8. One of the most beautiful sports cars in the world, and one that is a dream for every enthusiast, serious or poseurs alike. It would surely stand out from the crowd."




Having deduced that he has found nothing interesting at all, he decides to turn back, and surprisingly the R8 does the same. And the moment they pass through the ramp...

...Kaido hears the loud V10 rear. The German supercar takes off.



Kaido: "Oh ho... itching for a race, eh?"



However, the R8 displays immense acceleration, prompting Kaido to immediately activate the scramble boost function installed on his car.


Kaido: "That acceleration... something that a heavily-tuned GT-R can only do."

At the undersea tunnel, the two cars fly by, with Kaido's Z31 drafting behind the R8, increasing the car's speed to 380 km/h.

But from that point on, the R8 starts to increase its gap...




Kaido: "I think this is all true. I have finally found a tuned machine that is capable of achieving and maintaining 400 kilometers per hour.


This bout has gotten more interesting indeed."





End of Page 2

 

[Niku Driver HC]

"Pink Lamborghini Diablo", eh? Nice reference. Just like the one from that famed GoPro video, right?

 

[MrUnknown]

"Pink Lamborghini Diablo", eh? Nice reference. Just like the one from that famed GoPro video, right?

And the one from a chapter of "Countach", which was never translated.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

And the one from a chapter of "Countach", which was never translated.

I never read the untranslated chapters, so I wasn't aware of that one. But thanks, now I know more. I really like "Countach" as a whole, it's a great read for those who love cars... 👍

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 3: Soldiers




Kaido continues on the chase, despite the fact that the R8 is inching away from him.




Kaido: "Hehehehehehehe.... so you belong to one of them."

The two cars apply their brakes as they reach the nearest U-turn, but the rear-wheel drive Z31 clearly struggles to corner thanks to excessive power...

...which is clearly not the issue for the four-wheel drive R8.

The immense traction coupled with copious amounts of acceleration pushed the R8 far ahead of its opponent. The draft is completely broken off.



Kaido lets off the accelerator, wishing not to put any more stress on the engine.

Kaido: "Interesting. And I suppose Route 7 shall never sleep at all. Soon, every racer shall aim for the throne, and break that 400 km/h barrier - a goal that will only be a temporary bliss."

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


​

Location: Keio Plaza Hotel, Shinjuku
Time: 1 am




Rob has still not gone off to bed, as he is eager to help out Takanori at all. Even with the suspension order, he clearly has the knack for doing his job as an agent. He is busy typing on his laptop.




After around 10 minutes, he manages to hack his way in Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department. He specifically goes to the highway camera feeds, in Route 7 particularly.



And one of the modern cameras that can capture cars traveling at high speeds have managed to acquire a footage of the Z31 and R8 race from earlier. Rob downloaded the footage, and played it in slow-mo.

The data also shows that the R8 has clearly broken the 400 km/h mark, as shown by the other reports of its previous runs. However, it turns out that the R8's headlights are too bright, enough to cover up the license plate along with the help of a deflector.



Rob: "The R8, huh? I thought it's just a machine for midlife crisis people."





He downloads another batch of data that still concerns the R8, along with the police's action and progress for it.





Rob: "I hope Takanori loves this..."




He closes the laptop, intending to browse the downloaded files in the morning.

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


​

The next day, at around 10 in the morning, Takanori is at his PC, about to create a draft for his article. Just as he is about to set his fingers on the keyboard, he is interrupted by a call from Rob.



He takes the phone, stands up and heads out of the balcony.





Takanori: "Hey, Rob. So any news?"



Rob: "I've got a lead, for you to focus your article on. I just found a surveillance video of two cars racing, but the car to note is a blue Audi R8 that is capable of achieving 400 kilometers per hour."



Takanori: "400?!?"




Rob: "Cameras don't lie, and speed traps."




Takanori: "That might be hard to believe, but engines made by the VW group are sturdy, anyway. And the V10 shared from the Gallardo is known to be bulletproof and can take on a lot of power."




Rob: "Underground Racing Gallardos, yes. So don't be surprised if an R8 can achieve such speeds too."





Takanori: "I'll probably head out tonight and check if that car lingers around."




Rob: "Have fun, then. Oh, I might be able to go with you as well."

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



​

Location: Yokohama
Time: 10 pm





An empty parking lot bears witness of two cars arriving, both in bright colors.

A light purple JZA70 Supra and a yellow Aristo. An odd combo, one might say. But Toyota sports cars from the 80s and 90s are not be messed with.




From the JZA70, a man in a business suit comes out, presumably just came from work. He is known as the Shadow Eyes.



And from the yellow Aristo, a younger man wearing an opposing theme - just a t-shirt and shorts - exits from the car. He is dubbed as the Blood Hound.





Now why with such aliases? Because they belong to a group of fastest racers in Tokyo's highways - the 13 Soldiers. One of the group's strictest policies is that no member shall declare their real names to outsiders, even if the media approaches them.




Shadow Eyes: "Now, where is Dying Star?"



Blood Hound: "Probably seeking for Iwasaki again."




Shadow Eyes: "Jintei's pride shall see its end soon enough. We shall crush him the way he crushed us before. He is not the only person who can achieve 400 km/h in his GT-R."




Blood Hound: "Then, we can start a new wave of domination, and return the glory days when we were feared.


It's time for us to challenge the racers, and see if they can reach the heavens. 400 kilometers per hour is not something that can be grasped easily."





Shadow Eyes: "I have also contacted the others about our plan. But so far I have yet to receive feedback from them."




Blood Hound: "But even Dying Star won't care even if all of us are reunited. He is bent on defeating Jintei, that's for sure. No matter what it takes."




It seems that a new era domination will soon befell on Route 7. Iwasaki will definitely enjoy seeing his old rivals once again.








End of Page 3

 

[RZQSPEED]

nice to see TXR guys popped up. Another TXR crossover?

 

[RCKakashi14]

nice to see TXR guys popped up. Another TXR crossover?

At the middle of the story, yes.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 4: Back in Action




Location: Ueno Park, Tokyo
Time: 6 pm




At the large Ueno Park, where people gather because of its wonderful cherry blossom trees, a familiar bright blue R34 GT-R arrives and parks nearby.


Iwasaki intends to enjoy the sight of the trees, despite the fact that it's evening, and most of the cherry blossom petals have fallen already.


The truth is, he is at the park to have deep thoughts, due to the recent events in Route 7.

Iwasaki: "So... they have returned. The rivals I have once trifled with.


But so far only three decided to go on a road to vengeance, as I've heard. I am expecting more, though.


And then there's the matter of speed contests in Route 7. I'm wondering why racers now have moved there. Route 5 was the center of attraction.



It's time for me set out once again, and see it for myself. And then... I'll make things right. I shall show again why I am the only one sitting and reigning Tokyo's streets."




He briefly paused his train of thought, as he observes the plethora of tourists visiting the park even when the sun is already down.

He looks back at the lifeless cherry blossom trees...




Iwasaki: "A street racer's glory, is much like that of a cherry blossom. Lovely and enjoyable, but tragically short. Once you get the glory, it easily flees away."

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


​

Location: Route 7
Time: 10 pm




With traffic cleared for tonight, Route 7 is once again open for anyone gunning for the 400 km/h mark.

This blue Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo MR, obviously being heavily-tuned, aims to reach that speed too. However...

Dying Star has more plans, more than just achieving that record.




Dying Star: "Once this car touches 400 km/h, then it's all clear. I shall be able to touch Jintei with this."

Out of all the 13 Soldiers members, he seems to be the most dedicated one to defeat Iwasaki.




Dying Star: "Nothing shall stand in my way. Jintei is all I need. Come hell or high water, I shall have the last laugh."

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


​

Location: Takanori's home, Aoyama
Time: 10:30 pm



Rob arrives at Takanori's home, as he is invited to tag along in their search for that R8.



Makoto takes him in, and directs him where her husband is, at the garage preparing to leave.




Takanori: "Oh there you are! Shall we go?"

Rob: "A Nismo GT-R, huh?"


Takanori: "It just had an ECU remap, and intake tuning. So let's hunt down that R8."



Rob: "Sweet touches. You think this can keep up?"



Takanori: "As long as I'm behind the wheel of a GT-R, nothing shall escape me! Ha!"



Rob: "Brave words. Let's see how much water can they hold. You're no doubt Takuma's twin."




The two men enter the car and leave, off to Route 7. Will they be able to spot the ominous Audi R8?

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


​

Location: PSIA Headquarters, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Time: 10:30 pm




An employee is the only one left to leave the headquarters, making the last minute changes in the computer. The person in question is none other than Sayuki Kanonji, who recently left CIA and moved on to PSIA after accepting a better offer. Her new assignment is to investigate a string of speeding incidents along Route 7, and apprehend the person or parties behind it.



She then shuts off the PC, and heads outside. She then takes off her glasses, and breathes a sigh.




Sayuki: "Sigh... what a stressful day. A large amount of data was downloaded from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police server, specifically from the highway patrol division.


I can't believe that I am now hunting down a hacker. Well, I have no choice but to perform my duty."






End of Page 4













#robvssayukiround2

 

[AudiMan2011]

A new highway war begins....

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 5: Aiming For The Throne







Cruising on the way to Route 7, Rob just glances by the window, looking at the passing vehicles and pedestrians. Takanori looks at him, and notices something different...




Takanori: "Something wrong?"



Rob: "Don't worry about me. It's just me moving on."



Takanori: "I can tell something is wrong. You miss him so much."



Rob fights back his tears and sadness, as he continues on gazing.



Rob: "Being with you, is similar to being with Dennis. That's all I can say."



Takanori: "Really?"



Rob: "Takanori. You always have to be with your twin's side, no matter what. You never know when you'll disappear. Both my father and Dennis suddenly burst like bubbles in an instant."



Rob turns to face Takanori, with a single tear flowing from his eye that quickly got wiped off. Immediately, Rob shifts to smiling, and looks at the traffic ahead.



Rob: "On to our mission... how's your article going?"



Takanori: "Well, I have started writing a draft, and there's a viewer that volunteered to put his car on the magazine, claiming that he belongs to those who gun for 400 kilometers per hour."




Rob: "I see."



Takanori: "It's a light purple Toyota JZA70 Supra, apparently. So it got me intrigued, and he'll share what he knows about the scene so far."



Rob: "I, also have some news to share. Apparently that R8 is being hunted down by the authorities, of course for being an excessive speeder."



Takanori: "Yep, consider yourself a criminal here if you speed too much and evade the police, especially if your car is equipped with deflectors."




And then... they enter the ramp leading to Route 7, paying the toll fee.



Takanori: "We're here again, and hopefully we find something worthwhile."


And his hopes have come to light indeed.



Rob: "Could that be it?"

Takanori buries the throttle for a bit, to get closer.



Takanori: "The blue R8, according to your description."

Rob: "There are a plenty of blue R8s scattered all around the world, but this one looks like it frequents on this road. Just listen to how loud it is in cruising speeds."



They decided to follow it, but in an instant...

...the mysterious R8 seemed that it took the follower as a sign, and immediately accelerates.



Takanori: "Whoa!"




Takanori's GT-R goes on full throttle. However, the R8 proves too much even for the mighty GT-R.

Takanori: "Just how many horsepower does that R8 have? Did its engine got struck by lightning? This GT-R has 700 horsepower, tuned by the good guys of Speed Factory RGO!"

The R8 is already touching the 400 km/h mark, setting the gap even wider.




Upon entering the undersea tunnel, Takanori backs off.




Takanori: "I cannot risk damaging this engine, even if this is proven to be bulletproof."

Rob: "We just saw a spaceship. This confirms it. Now all you need to do is make an article about it, and even hunt down that car."

It turns out that Rob took a snapshot of the R8's rear before that brief run happened. He flashes it to Takanori.




Rob: "You can now see the license plate, bright and clear. I'll send an e-mail of this shot to you."




Takanori: "Thanks, Rob."

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


​

Location: Kaido Speed Shop
Time: 11 pm




Just as Kaido is about to close the store, a familiar visitor makes a sudden visit.

Kaido: "Hehehehehehehe.... quite a nostalgic face."



Iwasaki gets off the car, and offers the tuner a stick of cigarette.




Iwasaki: "Want some?"



The old man takes it, and proceeds to light it. He lends the lighter to Iwasaki, and he does the same.




Kaido: "So, you've come here to spout nonsense again?"



Iwasaki: "Here you go again with the assumptions. But, whatever."



Kaido: "If you are here to ask if I tuned that blue R8, then I'm sorry to say that I did not."



Iwasaki: "A blue R8?"



Kaido: "What? You don't know? I thought you look after Tokyo's streets?"




Iwasaki: "Even so, I still sit on the throne that everyone can only dream of even reaching it."




Kaido: "Hopefully what you just said can hold water. That R8 is the real deal. It's everyone's word of mouth recently, and that started those speed contests in Route 7."





Iwasaki: "R8. A stock one can easily exceed 300 km/h, and its modifications are aplenty these days. So are you saying that car breaks the 400 km/h barrier?"




Kaido: "I encountered it myself, and yes it can. You can believe me or not, I don't really care."



Iwasaki: "Heh. I've got more important things to deal with, starting with those three 13 Soldiers members who are out to get me. That R8 can be ignored."




Kaido: "Oh ho ho, that is to be expected from someone who is all high and mighty. But I bet that R8 will be sitting on your R34's throne soon.


Well, it's all up to you. I don't really care about street racing, anyway. I only tune cars, to satisfy my customers. It's my way of life."

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


​

Location: Shinjuku
Time: 7 am, the next day



Rob rises up early, since he's known to be an early-bird thanks to his father's upbringing. He gets out of the hotel, just to have a stroll around the district.


He walks along with the employees in their business attire who on their way to work. Rob may as well be like a floating dandelion, drifting to nowhere.

​

He passes by the small shops and restaurants after crossing the road, and while they are closed, he is intrigued by them and probably will return to visit those later.



And, as if fate determined it, he encounters Sayuki, who looks prim and proper as usual holding a small briefcase, also on her way to the train station. The woman is surprised by the encounter.




Sayuki: "Oh... there you are. What brings you here?"



Rob: "Holiday, that's why."




Sayuki: "I know what happened. And that suspension is just an icing on the cake."




Rob: "Everyone faces consequences, whether what one did is either good or bad."




Sayuki: "So you're going to consider yourself a hero after unnecessarily destroying a headquarters outside your superior's orders? Is MI6 in a mess?"




Rob: "You don't really need to know about that, lass. I'm only here to have fun."




Sayuki: "Go ahead, have fun. I won't stop you. But as long as it's legal."




She just winks her eye and smiles as she just walks past by Rob. But as for him, he could only show a grin, and scoffs off the encounter as he resumes his stroll.




Rob: "Heh. I'm always a step ahead of her."






End of Page 5

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 6: Shadow Eyes






Location: Takanori's home, Aoyama
Time: 7 am, the next day




As Takanori gets his bento (packed lunch set), he heads out. But just as he is about to get in his car, he notices that the garage just beside his home (that was once owned by Takuma too) is open. Out of curiosity, he takes a peek, and it turns out that Hiroyuki's McLaren F1 GTR in it, with Rob revving its engine as sort of a wake up alarm for neighbors.



Takanori: "Isn't that...?"

Rob gets out of the car, and then goes in front of it, and all he can show is just a smile, followed by a nod.



Rob: "A dream came true. Right in front of me."



Takanori: "What is Hiroyuki-san's McLaren doing here?"



Rob: "He will be arriving in a few days, and he called me up last night to ask a favor."



Takanori: "What favor?"



Rob: "Work on this. And a lot of it. Funny enough, he does not let his children touch it."



Takanori: "Really? Hmmmm.... I'll tell my wife to get the tools and equipment you need, as Aniki left a lot of them to me before he moved out. Then I'll be off to work. I guess he really trusts you a lot. Some badass here knows a lot about British cars! Well, see ya!"





But before Takanori could make a step...




Rob: "So... will you get back at that R8?"



Takanori just looks up, and then breathes out a sigh.




Takanori: "Who knows? Maybe. If I have gotten that itch again, then it will happen."

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

​

For the sake of his article, Takanori was allowed to have a half-day's worth of work, and headed to the address where the R8 is stashed, and as well as locating its owner.




He drives throughout the city, contending with the heavy traffic along Harajuku Omoutesando area nearby Shibuya.





When he arrived at the exact address, however, he notices the house locked up. Even when he peeked inside, he sees no furniture at all.


Then one of the neighbors - an old man - step out from his home and approaches Takanori.



Old Man: "You're looking for someone there? Unfortunately he moved out a week ago. Even the police are looking for him too."



Takanori: "Really? Shoot... But do you happen to know who he is?"



Old Man: "Oh I'm afraid I know not even of his name as he doesn't speak to his neighbors at all. He just comes and goes whenever he feels like it. What I can tell, though, is that he's younger than you."



Takanori: "Younger than me?!? He must be very skillful to control that R8 at such very high speeds."



Old Man: "I do hear the loud sounds of his sports car by night, but I just pass it off. I'm very sorry if I haven't provided help for you."



Takanori: "No worries. I'll just take my leave, then."



As a sign of courtesy, Takanori even bows before the old man and then set off.

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






​

Location: A park in Tokyo
Time: 7 pm



Although he failed to find the R8's owner, his day isn't what would one call disappointing, as there is something to compensate. He and the magazine's photographer are to meet Shadow Eyes, the owner of the JZA70 Supra who volunteered.

Then after a while, they manage to find Shadow Eyes thanks to the description Takanori saved on his phone.



Takanori: "Oh there you are. Shadow Eyes, am I right?"




Shadow Eyes: "Of course."




Takanori: "It's intriguing why you refuse to divulge everything about yourself, except your alias."



Shadow Eyes: "It's the policy of 13 Soldiers never to reveal everything about us. This is for identity protection, especially when the authorities hunt us down. They haven't caught a cold yet."



Takanori: "Oh, the photographer here will take shots, even the engine bay."



Shadow Eyes: "Sure. Go ahead."



Takanori: "I'll assure that only your car's photos will be included in the magazine. It's a standard operating procedure when we feature tuned cars, anyway."



Shadow Eyes: "That's good. But we will appreciate it when you mention our group in your magazine, since you are featuring the cars that hit 400 km/h anyway. The 13 Soldiers aim to do that, to set the benchmark and make us feared once again."




Takanori: "Noted."




Shadow Eyes: "Mind if I ask if you know Motoya Iwasaki?"



Takanori: "Yes, but we rarely interact."




Shadow Eyes: "I see. I am just one of the few who want to avenge our loss to him. I'll never stop until I hunt him down."




Takanori: "I see."



The two continue their discussion while the photographer is busy taking shots of the car for the magazine.

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

​

Location: Route 7
Time: 11 pm


Iwasaki enters Route 7, plagued by Kaido's revelation.

He briefly makes a warm up, performing short sprints and then slowing down.




Iwasaki: "A blue Audi R8. Never really thought that it would make a name for itself here."

Iwasaki: "I have always thought that supercars are for those who only care about their image. But it seems that stories about that R8 are starting to increase ten-fold."

Having found nothing at all, Iwasaki gets off the highway and returns to the city. He briefly stops in a PA to have a drink.



As he is enjoying his soda, he sees a familiar figure...

Dying Star heads out of the car, then briefly looks at Iwasaki's R34. He is looking for the driver, and then finally locates him.



Dying Star: "There you are."



Iwasaki: "Dying Star - the driver claiming to own the fastest Mitsubishi GTO in the world."



Dying Star: "It still holds, you know?"




Iwasaki: "I've heard you have reformed the group."



Dying Star: "Unfortunately only three of us decided to push through with the crusade."




Iwasaki: "A crusade? Of what? Ganging up and beating me?"




Dying Star: "If that's a suggestion, then we'll willingly do it."



Iwasaki: "Try it if you can. But right now I'm dealing with a smaller issue before moving on to you three."



Dying Star: "Really? I'd prefer it if you immediately tackle us head on."



Iwasaki: "Haven't you heard of that mysterious blue R8 everyone is talking about? You must be wary, because who knows, it'll be the only one worthy of my challenge."



Dying Star: "I don't really care if that thing can achieve over 400 km/h. All it matters is that we bring you down, then we will take care of that little pest."




Iwasaki: "Pest, you say? Well, after all pests are annoying, and can kill."

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



​

Location: Route 7
Time: 12 am



Shadow Eyes walks away from Takanori's interview delighted, knowing that the magazine would somehow help spread the 13 Soldiers' intentions.



After briefly resting in his home, he decides to set out, and have a little practice run with his A70 Supra.


And then, the R8 once again pops up...



Shadow Eyes: "Is that the blue R8 that I've heard from the rumors?"

Then as usual, the R8 rockets away. This prompted Shadow Eyes to pursue the mysterious car.

Shadow Eyes: "You are fast, indeed. But you have to fear, R8!"




It seems that the Supra manages to keep up...

Shadow Eyes: "Because the 13 Soldiers shall make a triumphant return!"





Finally overtaking the opponent, Shadow Eyes puts up a grin on his face.

Shadow Eyes: "How's that? And you're just a hype! Seriously, everyone is losing to that flashy supercar? Competition will be pathetic, for sure!"

However, Shadow Eyes' glory won't last for long...






End of Page 6

​

 

[AudiMan2011]

Soon the soldiers will face the wrath of what the R8 can really do.