Page 7 - New Project
Otousan arrived home at night, just in time for dinner. He tells us what he did today. After all, he's rather bored that's why he goes back to the racetrack again.
And then...
Takanori: "Oh, I just encountered that Corvette that defeated you."
Reina: "Really? Who's the driver?'
Takanori: "Your friend, Kenji Rogers."
Reina: "What???"
Makoto: "Seems that our sweet little angel has found a match.... a match made from heaven. Hehehehehe..."
Reina: "Hey, I just met him once! Besides, we have yet to get to know each other more."
Takanori: "And I beat his lap time. I was .4 of a second faster. I missed driving that R35."
Reina: "That's nice to hear. How's the R34?"
Takanori: "Don't worry about it. The fender has been replaced, and you can enjoy her again pretty soon."
Reina: "That's good to hear."
Makoto: "So, how's your day, Reina?"
Reina: "I just met a couple from Russia for my article due next month. Actually, the husband is a race car driver too."
Takanori: "Interesting combo. Well, just like your parents here! Ha!"
Reina: "Mom... Dad, am I really getting somewhere in my life? Doing articles in a magazine, getting into social gatherings with people I'm not really connected into, and doing street racing. Am I really destined to get stuck?"
Takanori: "You know, you should be the one carving your destiny. If you want to achieve something in your life, then think out of the box! And you dreamed to be Japan's first female F1 driver, right? Then make that your focus! Make it your destiny! I don't even know why and how you ended up in a magazine wherein you have great potential on the track. You were even doing karting at the age of 10! I gave you the R34 for it to be raced on the tracks. Street racing will get you nowhere."
Reina: "You are the best father in the whole world!"
And so, I hugged him tightly.
Takanori: "We'll always be here to support you, Reina. I wish you the best. Now, revive that dream."
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The next day, it's my day off. I didn't even bother finishing the article since I have plenty of time to do so.
I head to a department store in Shibuya to buy some clothes. Suddenly, I encountered Kenji doing the same thing! Though why is he in the women's section?
Kenji: "Oh hi."
Reina: "Kenji... so you're the one I raced the other night."
Kenji: "Did I really push you hard? I'm sorry."
Reina: "It's okay. I wasn't skilled enough. But I won't lose to you next time!"
Kenji: "Hmmmmm.... tell me, will a girl like this dress?"
Reina: "Oh, you're seeing someone already? Awwww... well you're handsome. No wonder if a girl will get attracted to you."
Kenji: "Well, unfortunately not. Hey... ummmmm are you free today?"
Reina: "Today is my day off. Sure, I can come with you."
Kenji: "Today, you are deserving to have a look on my next project."
Reina: "Next project?"
After purchasing that dress, we immediately head to the parking lot. And there, he shows off his gray Chevrolet Corvette C7. So, he will turn that into a highway monster...
We hopped in, and we're on our way to...
Reina: "Where are we going?"
Kenji: "To Motegi."
Reina: "I see. So you run a tuning shop called WEST, right?"
Kenji: "It's my father's tuning shop. I inherited it through his will."
Reina: "I suppose he was a race car driver like you."
Kenji: "You're right, he was. In his heyday, he was one of the top-ranking FIA GT race car drivers. He was known for being an expert of the Chevrolet Corvette. He can tell the characteristics of each model even with his eyes closed."
Reina: "But he died 5 years ago, right? How?"
Being a magazine editor, I have to be inquisitive... even if that is a sensitive question.
Kenji: "He died in an accident."
Reina: "Oh dear..."
Kenji: "He was racing at the highway with his C4 Corvette. And then...
...his Corvette lost control at high speed when he evaded a truck. He crashed at a wall at 300 KM/H. Even though his C4 has all the rigidity improvements, they still didn't save him."
Reina: "That's really tragic."
There was silence as we travel along. I can't ask anymore, I have to make him forget that pain. We can't afford to lose our parents, right?
Amazing... the C7 has lots of power at his disposal!
Kenji: "I like this car's handling. Since this is just a base model, it is easier to tune. And you know very well how much power a V8 engine can make."
Reina: "I envy you. You are a pro racing driver. I am just a magazine editor and street racer. But I have made up my mind. I will get into the big leagues. To be honest, my current occupation gets me nowhere."
Kenji: "To be successful, it won't hurt to get out of your comfort zone. Look at your father, he was as stuck as you are when he was young. Because of his determination, he turned to be one of the world's greatest drivers."
Reina: "Yeah. You're right."
Kenji: "There are a lot more opportunities in pro racing than in street racing. Remember that very well."
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At night in Route 5...
Dmitri: "I have come all the way here to settle the score that has lasted for 20 years. But you are already dead..."
Dmitri: "Of course, I have to take on the child. Your son has a lot of potential, just like you were."
Dmitri: "Come, Kenji Rogers! Let us settle the score! It has been 20 years since I last raced your father!"
Dmitri: "This is the only one that gave that C4 a challenge back then!"
Dmitri: "I'm waiting, Kenji. I am waiting... I shall not go back to Russia until we have settled!"
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