Page 9 - A Challenge Awaits
The next day, Shin wakes up early as usual, and once again practices his sword skills at the garden. I, meanwhile, wait at the dining area for breakfast. I wonder what is Daddy cooking for today? He will leave immediately after breakfast, as he is heading to the restaurant to prepare a special recipe for a VIP guest today. Although he is moving around his left arm a bit, and stretches it to crack its joints.
Takuma: "Damn... Shin just kicked my left shoulder this time, and it hurts so bad."
Kokoro: "You know, you're gonna end up back in the hospital if you and Shin keep up with that routine every morning."
Takuma: "Nah, he likes it a lot, actually. And besides, it keeps him in top form, especially that the first round of the Red Bull X Series will be two weeks from now."
Ben: "I see. Oh, and Alex is still studying the machine. He actually took it apart."
Takuma: "That's normal for mechanics. Besides, his father used to do that in his heyday. I miss him a lot..."
Ben: "I'm wondering what's Shin's workout routine for him to get that kind of form. He never even bothered to share it at all. His body is coping up with the Red Bull X's immense forces."
Takuma: "Same as mine, actually."
Ben: "Eh? Really?"
Takuma: "And he hates taking protein supplements and other enhancements. He does take protein, from chicken breasts."
Ben: "Then how about the workout?"
Takuma: "He usually does 300 to 500 pushups. Then around a hundred sit-ups. Then he jogs around Ueno park for 10-20 laps. When at the gym, he spends 40 minutes on the treadmill and then he lifts weights to increase his muscle mass. Though he still keeps his lean figure, as he doesn't want to be bulky."
Ben: "Man.... I think I can't do that! Both of you are men of steel!"
Then Shin gets inside. I think he's hungry... I really envy my little brother. He is very talented and really pursues the things he really like. As early as 7 years old, he had beaten up adults in Karate sessions in the dojo. Though of course, he competes in the same age group in competitions, which made him disappointed.
Shin: "Is breakfast served?"
Takuma: "Just a minute, boy. Sit down."
Shin: "You're always a slowpoke."
Takuma: "Real cooking is not preparing instant noodles for 3 minutes! It takes craftsmanship and careful hands."
Shin: "There you go again, you and you're dramatic statements. As if you're the Ryouri no Tetsujin."
Takuma: "If I become one, then I will have no mercy when we spar."
Shin: "Just serve it, Pops. You're the only person in the world that I'll have food from."
And so he serves it. It is pan-fried salmon fillet. Hmmmm.... it could be beneficial for Shin, since it is a good source of protein.
Shin: "You're gonna kill me with cholesterol with this. But tastes really good and I am getting the right amount of protein..."
Ben: "I love salmon. Though at one point my stomach really got painful when I ate Salmon sashimi in a restaurant."
Shin: "Then that just goes to show you made a mistake not eating Otousan's cooking."
Ben: "Oh, and Alex took the Red Bull X car apart. He is in the process of studying it."
Shin: "Good. He has to do it if he wants to set it up properly. Just like high school's animal dissection."
Ben: "I will be heading back to Europe next month. Ricky McCarthy offered me a spot in a race in Monza, Italy."
Takuma: "Oh that half-Brit, half-Filipino car reviewer with a spiteful tongue. He inherited that from his father. Say hi to him for me, okay? Oh, do you know that your Uncle Samui and his wife has a residence there? You can just stay with them for the time being."
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Shin and I head to the garage where the Red Bull X is stashed. As we get in, Alex is putting it back together. We decided to aid him since it is hard, especially that carbon fiber body does not deserve a scratch, and the engine parts has to be fitted precisely.
Alex: "Thanks for helping, guys. Shin, are you ready for the race?"
Shin: "More than ever."
Alex: "It's really a fascinating car. The tires are even more expensive than the ones seen in Formula 1 machines. And if this is to be maintained, it would cost a lot of effort and money, of course."
Shin: "The next round will be held in Europe as well. After the race here, it would be shipped to Red Bull's headquarters for maintenance."
Alex: "It is truly a pleasure to work on something like this. Though I think I lack the skills to set it up."
Shin: "To be able for you to take it apart, study it, come up with conclusions, and put it back together in one piece makes you even better than Formula 1 mechanics. Do not let your father down, Alex."
I believe in Alex's skills as a mechanic. I'm sure he's a very valuable asset in Shin's team. Shin pats on Alex's shoulder.
Shin: "Just believe in yourself. You are a strong person."
Time does go by quickly. To think 2 weeks quickly passed by. The Red Bull X Series officially started after the ceremonies. We are now back in Fuji Speedway with the family along.
Takuharu: "Itoko, you're the only Japanese who made it in this field. Make our country proud. Someday, I'll be running in this event too."
Shin: "The people that support me provides me more than enough strength to conquer this challenge. I have learned more about bonds, and they actually make people stronger."
Takuharu: "You're right! And guess what, I think the four of us will be heading to Europe!"
Shin: "Why?"
Takuharu: "Hey hey, the 3rd round of the GT By Citroen One Make Series will be held in the Nurburgring! I guess Reina will be left to take care of our senior citizens. Ha!"
Reina: "No fair!"
Takanori: "You heard that, Aniki? Senior citizens they say."
Takuma: "Well, that's our children. We are very proud of them. They are the new generation of the fastest racers... in the world."
Takanori: "Oh what to do in retirement? Hmmmm.... I wanna enjoy it! We're just 42 years old!"
Takuma: "I have a surprise for Shin before he leaves for Europe. Oh, I gotta go take a leak."
The race has started in a rolling manner. Shin is at the middle of the pack.
Shin: "All right, nincompoops."
Shin: "Too scared to take that corner at 300+ KM/H? You don't deserve to drive it!"
Whoa, Shin is already at the high ranks? I expected this to be a dogfight!
It's totally impossible for an F1 car to brake from 400 KM/H here on the long straight to make it on the first corner. Red Bull X cars are like gods!
Shin: "I like seeing purple. Hmmmm... I think I'll play along."
Shin: "Hmmmmm.... oh well, time to make a pass."
Shin looks at his opponent driver at his right and raises his middle finger as a provocation.
Shin: "Hehehehehe... catch me if you can."
Daddy gave me a can of soda from the vending machine. He also gives one to Uncle Takanori.
Takanori: "So, what's your surprise for him? I won't tell, I promise."
Takuma: "Shin and I...
...will have a showdown."
End of Page 9