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Great job.đź‘Ť
Since we're nearing Chapter 3, I'll spill you the cars that you can use for volunteering for the duels in that chapter:
Chevrolet Nova SS
Chevrolet Corvette C2
Honda Ballade Sports CR-X '83
Shelby GT350
Details will be posted soon, so please stay tuned.
Page 24 - Turning Point
Okay, so apparently the woman named Annie Eisenberg is the person Gan should meet today. I found her just around the corner, just as she is about to arrive when her car broke down.
So I offered to bring her to Ben's chalet so that she can meet Gan at the appointed time. She's rather straight and serious, not like the cheerful Tomoko.
And she's well-off, having owned two restaurants, a bakery and a grill. An odd combination, and the former is the more popular one.
As for the 330 P4, I must say that it's brilliant. I can't express my satisfaction further. In the past, I have difficulties whenever I drive a car for the first time. But now, it's entirely different. While it has more power, and I have to be careful on the throttle, the car will do the rest for me. It turns easily, stops better, and is surprisingly stable. Are all racing cars built to be like that?
When we arrived, the woman immediately gets out and meets with Gan. Does she really have to be in a hurry?
Gan: "Oh I'm glad you made it. I thought you're lost."
Annie: "Actually, my car broke down just as I'm approaching this place. One of your drivers found me and picked me up."
Gan: "I see. Shall we get to business? After all, you have a great offer, and I love your business and stop by it whenever I visit Germany.
The two are discussing matters. So that means she'll be with us, catering food and drinks for us.
Oh, I almost forgot, Gan told me last night that we are going to France, since the first round of the World Sports Car Championship will be held in Monaco, for better convenience. His team of mechanics are already stationed there, and that we should meet them tomorrow. Oh great, I'm going to wake up early for this...
Suddenly, someone covered my eyes.
Tomoko: "Guess who..."
Michiharu: "Tomoko..."
She let go of me and I faced her. I don't know what to say whenever I'm with her...
Tomoko: "Cheer up! Something wrong?"
Michiharu: "Nothing!"
Tomoko: "You are in your usual grumpy self again."
Ben suddenly enters the scene... wow, way to break our moment.
Ben: "Lovebirds are allowed in my home, but don't leave too much mess, if you know what I mean."
Tomoko: "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
Ben: "Why don't you find out? Oh well, where we're going tomorrow will be perfect for both of you. Oh Paris..."
Michiharu: "Hey... it's not what you think."
Ben: "Oh ho ho... I can tell. Oh well, time to make a cup of coffee for the guest. You two enjoy yourselves."
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Location: Circuit de La Sarthe, France
Time: 3 pm, the next day
Zzzzzzzzz..... zzzzzzzz.... zzzzzzzzz....
....er wha??? Someone is waking me up. Where are we? I had a nice sleep in the caravan.
Tomoko: "Hey... you overslept. We're here in Le Mans."
Michiharu: "Really? I thought we're going to stop first at out hotel?"
Tomoko: "Gan-san decided to test the 330 P4's top speed, so that he can see whether it's ready for the upcoming race or not."
Michiharu: "I see."
We got out of the caravan together and lead me to the pit garage. She showed me the course layout. It looks rather simple... with a very long straight that caught my attention. Then she pointed at an area at the end of the long straight.
Tomoko: "This is where you should start braking. You'll see a "100 meters" marker. If your eyes are fast enough to see it, then brake. The car's brakes are designed to stop the car easily from 320 km/h. If you can't see it, then you can brake once you see this curve that will lead to the sharp, 90 degree right-hander. Got it?
Ben and I will go to the straight and will use the radar to record your speed.
You should relax, race cars are built to deal with high-speed stress. And most importantly, racing cars are built to place as less stress to the driver as possible. They send a message that you should focus on winning."
Michiharu: "Okay. I got it."
Gan: "Okay, people! Let's get started! We don't have all day for this! Michiharu, get in the car. Then the two of you must head to the straight."
Ben and Tomoko head out as the mechanics have finished setting up the car. Just how much money you spend on running a racing team? I can't imagine paying these mechanics, the drivers, and of course, the car.
Oh, where's Annie?
Michiharu: "Annie seems absent."
Gan: "She'll be with us in the race day. Now go out there and test yourself."
And so, I set off. Somehow, what Tomoko said about racing cars is right. I can feel easiness as I drive the car, probably because I'm used at high speeds now.
Okay, just focus. You have now gotten this far.
The one thing that once stroke fear on me is now on my side. I am now more confident in stepping the pedal! With the things I've learned, I have finally accepted "Speed"! Speed is within me now!
I am now entering the famous Hunaudieres Straight, where the trees witnessed the legends that have blitzed at speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour. Does this Ferrari live up to its claims? Let's find out!
Actually, this car doesn't have a speedometer, so I don't know what speed I'm running at.
But I can tell that I'm going faster... my body is leaning further. This is a racer's dream, to be pushed further... to be pushed further, beyond boundaries. I want that too.
What used to be a nobody who ran away from home, is now blitzing with pride. The world shall remember my name - Michiharu Kanonji.
I'm totally sucked in. I'm in the world where every kilometer per hour counts.
Ben: "328 kilometers per hour. It's still fast today. Imagine that kind of speed in the late 60s."
Tomoko: "Impressive! Then it could mean it's ready for competition. After all, we're about to face cars as fast as that Ferrari."
There are small markers. Better be safe now. Brake!
Whew... I made it.
But that means, I'm ready. I am reflexive enough to control this car. I am so much ready to face the world!
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Location: Suzuka Circuit, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Time: 10:30 am, the next day
Hiroyuki is once again honing his skills in Suzuka. But this isn't just a normal practice session.
In actuality, he is being tested by one of the racing teams if he's qualified for the spot. A surprise revelation, if one must ask.
He enters the corners the same manner as he would in other sessions. He would not show anything less than his all.
He returns to the pit lane to meet up with the team's manager named Shinji Yama****a.
Hiroyuki: "How did I fare?"
Shinji: "Very well done! You met my expectations. You truly are Suzuka's Lone Wolf."
Hiroyuki: "Though of course, my Lone Wolf days are over."
Shinji: "Being in a team will make your career better. I promise you that."
Hiroyuki: "Someone told me something along those lines. Yeah, he's right all along."
Then as if fate arranged it, Michiharu (looking up the ceiling while lying on his bed) and Hiroyuki utter this powerful sentence:
Michiharu and Hiroyuki: "Farewell, shabby old me..."
End of Page 24
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Tricks of the Trade:
Hello fellow readers! As promised in my status, I will post my tips. I'm no means a perfect writer, but a dedicated one at that.
So here are some helpful tips:
Continued Interest - this is what keeps me on writing fanfics. Remember, there are a plethora of cars in GT. Whenever I am interested in a specific car, I think of a story out of it. And if it's plausible, then I will have a go at it and write. It must have a theme as well - i.e. Rallying (it must be a car known for rallying prowess). If I have to insert another tip related here, it's Dedication. You need to be dedicated to your work. Set a time in which you write a draft and then set another for posting it. Laziness can kill a fanfic.
Stick to the Essence of a Race Report - we write stories as a creative manner, but one must remember that this is a RACE REPORT. Think as if you're playing as the character who drives the car. Get a feel on how it drives, how much tuning you've done, how it fares against other cars. Make an analysis, if you can, but not to the point of being too geeky.
Do not feature cars just for the sake of showing it. This is not Redline, and treat each car as if they are characters of the story too. Each of them must be coupled with your experiences with it. It's much better for them to be seen competing rather than just being parked, cruised around, or just cars on display.
Variety - hmmmmm.... what can I say about this? We have freedom on which type of cars we want to feature, but do not just stick on one type. Supercars are too cliche, if you ask me, being seen in action movies running in daring stunts and avoid having a scratch. But I'm not saying that you should not feature them. You are free to do so, however, balance is the key - it also means being realistic, as not everyone can afford to own a supercar. You can also tune a specific car exclusive only to your work (i.e. Nissan GT-R Takanori Edition II), which is I think is cool.
Character Backgrounds - I got to admit that I need to work on this. There's more to character than just being a racer. This is why Ben has another day job - as a real estate agent, or Tomoko - a Mochi Shop owner after retiring from racing. Come up with more interesting backgrounds that also define the character.
And the main character, must have a humble beginning. You can make a character a child of a prodigy, but it must undergo hardships too before becoming a well-accomplished character.
Research - this is VERY IMPORTANT. This will save you from being a laughingstock, especially when it concerns about car performance. GT does not supply you all the information you need when it comes to cars. Come on, there's always Google. It's just a click away. The same applies to time and place settings. This is also helpful on fanfic duels, when a car's characteristics are concerned, and how you must use it to your advantage.
And this is also helpful when dealing with other racing cultures:
For example - a foreign street racer sets foot in Japan's street racing scene, and finds it fascinating, but at the same time, very difficult to beat the racers. This is because Japan's tuning culture is simply crazy. Do not just assume the fact that Japan has cheap JDMs that can't beat supercars - in fact, the country is the breeding ground of supercar-eating beasts. So in short, don't make this character easily conquer the streets of Japan.
So there you have it. These are easy tips to follow. I wish you good luck should you venture on to writing.
Since we're nearing Chapter 3, I'll spill you the cars that you can use for volunteering for the duels in that chapter:
Chevrolet Nova SS
Chevrolet Corvette C2
Honda Ballade Sports CR-X '83
Shelby GT350
Details will be posted soon, so please stay tuned.
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Location: Tokyo, Japan
Time: 6 pm, the next day
Michiharu once again takes out the Skyline after closing the hardware store early. He is about to meet Hasemi.
Hasemi: "Oh, there he is. And it's louder???
Gan steps out of the car, then the two look at it.
Hasemi: "Did you tinker it again?"
Gan: "Of course. As far as I know, everything needed in basic tuning is already there. The stock turbo gains additional boost along with a new exhaust. 360 horsepower is the grand total.
I cannot lose to some kids running around here, you know?"
Hasemi: "But I thought Michiharu would be driving this?"
Gan: "He will. But before he arrives, I have to make sure it can beat those street racers. It's becoming a trend now, despite the government's plans against it.
Hasemi: "Gotta enjoy it while it lasts. Who knows."
Gan: "You're absolutely right. Though my street racing career ended abruptly in the hills."
Hasemi: "You know, Michiharu is an accomplished racer now. You can't let him partake into something like this. It'll jeopardize his career."
Gan: "It's also tuned for the circuit, my friend. Can't let me have some fun? I have enjoyed beating Celicas and Fairlady Zs with this."
End of Page 2
Does this suppose to be like this? I'm very confused...
What do you mean?
Doing a "Time Jump"?