The Slashers - Coffee Break!

[RCKakashi14]

Coffee Break - What's to Come on Part 2


- You're probably wondering why Yuki drives an Opera S2000, not the usual Spoon-tuned S2000s.

I made a comparison, and it turns out that the Opera S2000 is better than the Spoon S2000 Race Car, and the Amuse S2000 R1 is also a potential candidate, but the Opera by far is the best when it comes to NA-tuned S2000s.

I don't want a turbocharged S2K, as I believe that the S2000's engine is already in its top form, and turbocharging is unnecessary. Plus, leaving the engine NA adds to the fun factor.


- Another Wanderer will show up, but its role is not as big as the WEST Corvette.

- The Slashers here are actually still from the TXR series, despite the Touge battles. Though I might add The Emotional King (Lan Evo 3) who is the final boss of the TXR Drift 2, and it would be a dirt race.


- You'll sense that there will be a dynamic duo that will form, with Nobuhiko's mastery of one-hand steering and Takuma's footwork forte.


- My own Slasher will come out here as well, as already introduced as Nobunaga Hiramoto. It's inspired by the Bunta Fujiwara and Ken Kogashiwa rivalry from Initial D, with the sons continuing their fathers' rivalry.

 

[AudiMan2011]

Interesting plans there.

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Interesting plans there.

Yeah.

But I'm thinking.. what about the Mugen S2000? That's a great looking S2000, and my favorite in the 500pp category. And you can color it up too.

I'm sure the other Premium S2000s (AEM and Amuse GT1) are on it's own league with supercars.

 

[RCKakashi14]

The AEM and the Amuse GT1 S2000s are in a different league, I agree. But an S2000 should be a really fun to drive car, like a Hachiroku. It has to be light and the engine must be free-revving (a characteristic of VTEC engines). The Amuse S2000 R1 (an NA S2000) was once a Touge Monster, and its turbocharged brethren didn't even had the shot of the title.

What I love are NA S2000s that exceed the 500 PP range, and the Opera S2000 is perfect. And Yuki is more of a downhill specialist, in which power isn't all that necessary (especially when dealing with downhill gravity)

 

[RCKakashi14]

Part 2
Gods of The Hills

With the highway roads of Tokyo at peace after the defeat of the infamous WEST Corvette No. 5, the Slashers from various mountain passes, however, increase their presence. Yuki "Samui" Kanonji now steps up, and is very much ready to take on the racers who use his title.
As for Takuma, he sets his sights on Motoya Iwasaki....

Who shall climb up the top? Who shall rule over the hills?
​

Page 1 - Making Preparations

Oh joy... Highway races in Tokyo have decreased in activity. My victory became an instant hit in social media. Though I have high hopes for Henry's future. I am hoping that he will be a successful ALMS racer in the future.

Now, it's time to focus on the real challenge. Motoya Iwasaki - a.k.a. Jintei - challenged me, and so I must focus my energy on him. Though I am interested in his background, just to find where did he come from...

The next day, it's back to normal. I wake up early to take little Ben to school, and got a dose of beating from baby Shin. Hmmmm... I must invest for Shin's martial arts training when he grows up. I'm sure he'll be able to kill me with his bare hands. I can foresee that Shin will be in top form...

As I am about to take little Ben to school, Kokoro taps my back. She is about to say something... Um, better make it quick, honey.


Kokoro: "I will be having a girl's night out. You would be staying here the rest of the day, right?"


Takuma: "Yep. And I can handle our children, especially Shin. You do deserve to have fun."


Both of us kiss before I leave. Okay, time for the school, er... not run, but crawl. Traffic is just bad as hell in the morning. AND WHAT'S WORSE, I'M USING OYAJI'S COUNTACH 25TH ANNIVERSARY! MY LEFT FOOT HURTS! USING THE CLUTCH IS A TOTAL WORKOUT!!!

Then while I'm parking at the school, I am getting attention as I reverse the car while I am sitting on the side sill looking outside at the back, since all Countaches (well, all V12 mid-engined, scissor-door Lambos, actually) have poor rear visibility.



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

Location: Suzuka Circuit, Mie Prefecture
Time: 9 am

A V8-powered Supra has the track all by itself. The next Super GT season is far off, but it seems the driver just plays along.

It is driven by none other than Nobunaga Hiramoto, who is also a Slasher.

Nobunaga: "Suzuka is boring... I don't even get why Nobuhiko enjoys this place. But... this Supra is faster than his Supra by 1 second!"

Passing by swiftly at the 130R, Nobunaga once again takes a brief glance at where was the memorial.

Nobunaga: "Really, why do we need memorials? Nobuhiko isn't a god, either. And I don't care if he was brought back from the dead living on a different body. And his white hair irritates me, acting cool all the time.

But even if I get as famous as him, I don't need a memorial. I'll just do my best every time I race, if I want to inspire many."

He returns to the pit lane. And he instructs his crew to load up the Supra in the truck as he wants to end the practice already. He fixes his black harajuku-styled hair as he took off the helmet. Then he changes his clothes and sets off.

He rides in his Chevrolet Camaro SS and decides to tear up the mountains as he heads back to Tokyo. His mood have changed.

Nobunaga: "Now this is where all the action is! Racetracks are boring, and the rules make it even more appalling! Good thing Hiroyuki-ojisan agreed to the Touge race."

Nobunaga: "I shall show Nobuhiko how extreme downhills must be! And he will be history,

as I am The New Legend! I shall rule Super GT!"

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

Location: Tochigi Prefecture
Time: 2 pm

In an another prefecture known for mountain passes, a yellow S13 Silvia makes practice runs.

It is driven by another Slasher, named Keigo Odawara who has a Slasher title of The Jack Knife.

Keigo: "So, Jintei has challenged Takuma Kanonji, eh? But rumors spread around that the Original Slasher is out and about as well.

Only a few know his identity... Yuki "Samui" Kanonji, who is said to have tackled the mountains as early as 13 years old."

Keigo: "Not even the Kanonji Twins know their cousin's true ability. They are in for a total surprise."

Keigo: "But this Silvia and I will be able to beat him at the downhill! I have been running at the downhills for long, and not even 4WDs can touch this S13 on the downhill!"


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

Location: Kanagawa Prefecture
Time: 5 pm

A peculiar-looking supercar makes a run at the mountain pass. The onlookers are making a fuss about it.

Inside the car are Makoto and Kokoro, with the latter driving the car. The Passionate Pink 458 exhibits impressive braking ability.

Kokoro: "Impressive brakes!"

Kokoro: "And the suspension too!"

Makoto: "While the car boosted its power a bit via an ECU, the bulk of the modifications are from the chassis. RSD lightened it significantly, and the suspension is tuned for racing. The brakes are from the 458 GT2 racing car."

Kokoro: "These are more than enough to beat the Melancholy Angel."

Makoto: "Though that race would be the last for The Pink Army. We are still housewives at the end of the day."

Kokoro: "I agree. But let's make it worthwhile. We shall show to her the fastest housewives in the world!"

Then they pulled over and Makoto takes out a map of the course.

Makoto: "We have yet to master this course, but looking at your driving skills, I think we would be able to pull this off."

Kokoro: "Sometimes, we just have to satisfy the racer within us. I was once a race car driver, and I missed doing things like this! I want to be a racer for one last time!"

End of Page 1

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

- The Jack Knife is the first boss in Tokyo area of TXR3 during the first part of the game. He appears in C1 Inbound. The S13 would fit better in the Touge, though.

- I'm sure you know where The Passionate Pink duo is inspired from.

 

[SomePlayaDude]

I don't know where these characters' inspiration come from, but.. that Nobunaga fellow is kind of like a less brutal, Japanese version of Clark Kayne.

Either way, it's looking to be interesting. 👍

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 2 - Just a Little More...


The next day, I headed to the Motoring Weekly office to spend some time before fetching Little Ben at school. I was already given the upcoming cars that I will be reviewing for the next season. All right, I'm back in business starting Monday!

I am browsing for articles about Motoya Iwasaki on the PC at my cubicle. Damn, no such luck. It's ironic, since information is easily accessible in this day and age. Nobuyuki approaches me with a sachet of coffee.


Nobuyuki: "Even Chun-Li needs coffee, you know?"


Takuma: "Call me that again next time, and I will Spinning Bird Kick your face."


Nobuyuki: "Ooooooh, I wanna see that!"


Takuma: "Go back home and play video games. Seesh... By the way, your little brother left early again?"


Nobuyuki: "He's still at his one-hand steer practice. Just as long as his magazine articles are done, he can leave."


Takanori: "He's really dedicated to it, huh? I bet he'll be using that method in his upcoming duel."


Nobuyuki: "Most likely."


Takuma: "Dammit... I can't find a thing or two about Jintei."


Nobuyuki: "You should have asked me. I know his past. Gather round, children."


And so, Takanori and I pulled our chairs close to Nobuyuki, like a grandma telling her fairy tale stories to children.


Nobuyuki: "Motoya Iwasaki was once a street racer on Tokyo's Shuto Expressway. He quickly rose to fame with his monstrous R34 GT-R.


Great, I'm facing a GT-R again? No offense, Takanori, but I really hate 4WDs, including GT-Rs... and I really show no mercy when I race against them.

Nobuyuki: "Then he tried his luck in track racing, which his skills have been quickly recognized by the FIA. He joined in various races, from Super Taikyu and then promoted to Super GT."

Nobuyuki: "Then hard times befell him. He lost, and what's worse, his team got into financial troubles that he decided to return to the streets. Seeing the Touge as a more exciting venue, he focuses his training there."

Nobuyuki: "He once appeared in a talk show and asked why did he disappear in the racing scene. He made a cryptic remark. He said that the track is a place where one will just see their dreams speed away, and so does the opportunities. He also said that the FIA just brainwashes racers of opportunities that they won't be able to get, anyway."

Now I see why he's eager to race me, to prove his point. But finally knowing his past, all I can feel is pity.


Takanori: "That's ridiculous for him to say those things."

Nobuyuki: "He disappeared after that show, but street racers who witnessed him racing all hear him say this.


"I SHALL SAVE THE RACERS FROM THEIR ILLUSIONS. I WILL WAKE THEM UP TO REALITY."


Takanori: "So he's acting benevolent, huh? He's the one trapped in his own illusion!"

Takuma: "Now this gives me more than enough reason to face Iwasaki. Thank you for the information. I will knock some sense into him."




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



Location: Kanagawa Prefecture
Time: 6 pm


Nobuhiko resumes his one-hand steer practice runs. He seems to have gotten grasp of the technique, as the Elise showing no trouble of losing control.

Nobuhiko: "I have been slacking off early from work for this. And it's worth it."

The Elise takes the corner at 130 km/h, making the bystanders awestruck.

"Whoa! Did you see that!?"

"Normally, I'd take that corner at 100 km/h. But to pull that off something faster requires guts! Who is the driver!?"

Nobuhiko: "So far so good. I shall use this technique for the upcoming duel!"

Nobuhiko: "Though it takes wits and effort to input the proper steering angle when one reaches the corner."


However, at the next corner...

Nobuhiko: "Shoot! Too little steering! I'm gonna crash!"


Nobuhiko adjusts his accelerator and vigorously steers to the right with more angle.

He manages to escape from crashing, with a little oversteer at the exit.

He slows down and decides to go home.

Nobuhiko: "Dammit... just as I thought I have finally mastered it. Just a little more practice is still needed. I wanna go home. I wonder what's the dinner for tonight?"



He arrives back at his parents' home in Tokyo in an hour. He goes upstairs to his room, since dinner is yet to be served.


He searches for his Initial D DVDs, and he manages to find an episode titled: "The Sorcery of One Hand Steer".


He inserts the disc in the player, and then the episode starts.



Nobuhiko: "It's kinda odd, but I think this should help..."




End of Page 2

 

[AudiMan2011]

Nice job.👍

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Man, these villains are just waiting to lose.

 

[787bcgr]

I don't know why, but I don't want Jintei to lose.

 

[tomkat492]

As a TXR fan, I got super excited to see Jack Knife. Even though he's pretty much first to go under in every playthrough, I've always liked him. Hopefully his battle is interesting.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 3 - The Other Side of Yuki




The next day, I headed to the hills of Kanagawa to test out my new (and third) FD. You have known that it is registered under Shin's name. Wanna know why?

Let Takanori tell you... he's in the support van along with Nobuhiko and Nobuyuki.

Nobuyuki: "Whoa.... you have sacrificed the third row seats for these plethora of parts!"


Nobuhiko: "Big Nobu, this van is for Takuma-san's FD. He purchased another one for the Elise's. And then another one for spare parts for both cars."


Takanori: "Yep! And Little Nobu here also has a mechanic that will tailor to his needs. He's also from the Dream Alliance mechanical crew."


Nobuyuki: "Man, do you really have to go that far? We're tackling street racers, anyway."


Nobuhiko: "It is important to place as little stress as possible to us, that's why we have to set up our cars right."


Nobuyuki: "Good point. Though I can't get my head around the fact that Takuma-san's third FD is registered under his son, Shin."


Takanori: "Well, there's an amazing story behind that. You see, when that FD came out from the tuning shop, Aniki took it out on a race track one weekend, along with the family.

Takanori: "Then, when his wife Kokoro-san went to the bathroom and asked me to look after the baby, Aniki suddenly got the baby seat from their family car and placed it in that FD. He took Shin from me and strapped that baby on the car seat inside that FD!"


Nobuyuki: "That man went nuts, huh? Well, baby seats nowadays are very useful for babies to protect them against G-forces. They are as good as bucket seats now."


Takanori: "And with Shin strapped securely, they set off and completed a few laps. What's amazing, is that Shin didn't cry despite the lack of sound insulation and he didn't even vomit. The baby showed a big smile."

Takanori: "And he decided to make Shin a racer should his son follows his footsteps. That FD would be the baby's precious toy."


Nobuyuki: "I guess Shin is as tough as his father, huh? And Takuma-san did very well as a father."



Takanori: "He keeps telling me that he is not a good father, and he asks pieces of advice from me."



Nobuhiko: "Though I am worried. Can that FD keep up with Jintei's GT-R? You know, his light blue FD is better suited for that job, as it has more power and torque especially when he intends to blast out of corners."


Takanori: "Well, let Aniki decide for that. He is Japan's Rotary Meister, after all. I'm sure he can bring out the best from that yellow FD..."


Nobuyuki: "Hey, does Samui-kun know about this? I mean, will he join your crusade against the Slashers?"


Takanori: "I don't know. Last time I met him, he told me that his job keeps him busy. So I guess he'll be only watching us."




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




Location: Tochigi Prefecture
Time: 2 pm, the next day



The Jack Knife S13 speeds down the hill.

Keigo: "All right, this feels good. Boosting power to 400 PS will make it a match against Yuki's S2000..."

Keigo: "He really deserves to be the Original Slasher... since he "slashed" down my dreams as a racer. To think he set a faster time on my hill, in which I still can't beat today."

Keigo: "Not even his cousins, the Kanonji Twins, know Yuki's true nature as a racer. Sure, Yuki's skills have improved during his stay with the Dream Alliance, but he is no ordinary kid! To think he started to master the mountain roads as early as 13 years old. And even then, he was driving without a license, plus he's all alone, without fear of being pulled over by the police! Well, the police didn't even bother chasing him on the touge, as they can't keep up."

Keigo: "Yuki looks innocent, but that innocence is a farce, and covers his cold and merciless attitude behind the wheel. He will never ever show his mercy regardless of his opponent's skill."

Keigo: "Just the other day, some rally drivers have claimed that they were chased down by his S2000 while practicing for the upcoming Rally Japan."

Keigo: "Heh, they were easily overtaken...."

Keigo: "But, while many know that Yuki's Slasher title is "The Original Slasher", however his true title is called as "The Guardian of the Touge."

Keigo: "And that explains his merciless nature behind the wheel. He will defend the hills from any intruders, and with the rest of the Slashers racing right now, I'm sure he's targeting them, and that includes me. But I have anticipated it, and I shall be the one that will end his reign in the Touge! I will be the one that will "Slash" him down!

But first though, I must tackle another issue. I must see if rumors are true..."

Keigo: "...that the Wanderer named as The Death Driver is haunting the touge. He is seeking for another "death" experience, after his crash from Route 5."



End of Page 3




AUTHOR'S NOTES:


- The Honda Odyssey is fun to drive, especially on comfort soft tires.


- The Death Driver in TXR3, as far as I can remember, will show up to challenge you if you spawned at the Kasumigaseki tunnel in C1 Outer at 2 am (your PS2's time must be set at 2 am).


- I need a volunteer that would be willing to drive the S13 for two duels...

 

[SomePlayaDude]

It's not like the police ever thought of road blocks by the end of these mountain passes. Or were they paid off?

And Yuki's not deserving to be placed here. It's too low of a standard for him.

 

[nk4e]

I like the street fighter reference, though how far back does the nickname go?

 

[RCKakashi14]

Takuma was called as Chun-Li because Nobuyuki saw him doing the lightning legs during a sparring session.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 4 - Death Wish




Oh, there they are. They just got off from work. The four of us head to the Mochi shop. As we entered there, we see Samui eating his fill there. How's my little cousin?

Takuma: "Hey there, little cousin..."

Yuki: "Thanks to my work, I missed eating Tomoko-obasan's mochi. So I gotta take the opportunity of eating one of them again."

Nobuyuki: "Samui-kun, I'll ask you something. You know the Slashers? Just asking..."

Yuki: "Hey, you can call me by my first name. Samui is kinda awkward..."

Nobuyuki: "All right, Yuki-kun."

Yuki: "I've heard that they are out and about. But do you really have to race them?"


Takuma: "One of them challenged me."

Yuki: "So the rumors are true."

Takanori: "Will you be watching the race, then?"

Yuki: "I'll try."

He finished all of the mochi. Then he stands up. Hey, we want to talk to you more, you know? And actually, your prowess in the mountain passes.... I needed some pointers.

Yuki: "Excuse me. I need to go home."

Takanori: "Oh okay. Take care!"

Yuki: "Senpai, let's play tennis again."

Nobuhiko: "Just as long as you're free, why not?"

He left the store quickly. Something's odd...


Yuki: "I guess Nobu-senpai and Takuma will make my job easier. At least they're thinning out the numbers."





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


Location: Tochigi Prefecture
Time: 5 pm


Keigo is about to go home.

Keigo: "It seems that the information about the Death Driver's whereabouts is false. I can't seem to find him here. Maybe he's racing in another prefecture."

Keigo: "Hm? Something fast is coming up..."

Keigo: "Finally, there's no mistaking it..."

The S15 flashed its headlights as a sign of challenge. In response, Keigo shifts down to 3rd gear and blasts at full throttle.

Keigo: "I know I shouldn't, but..."

Keigo: "That S15, and that black color... along with the number of death! There's really no mistaking it!"

Keigo: "I don't know the name of the Death Driver, but I know the story behind that person. He used to race regularly in Route 5 in Tokyo."

Keigo: "However, all of a sudden, he lost control of his S15 and crashed..."

Keigo: "According to my friends, he died momentarily while in the ICU. But he regained his life immediately.

Then a year later, he starts to haunt the mountain passes!"

The S15 locks on, and then hits the S13 approaching the corner.

Keigo: "You jerk! But according to the racers who ran against him, the Death Driver gave them a taste of the moment of death.

Damn, I gotta keep it in control!"

Keigo: "He is known for his Kamikaze-style driving! It's as if he's seeking death once again at the hills this time!!!"

The S13 regains control, and the S15 goes at the side.

Keigo lets the S15 pass him and then he slows down.

Keigo: "I don't want to be involved in your Death Wish. I don't plan to die before my duel with Yuki!"

Keigo: "How crazy this guy is. Why do you plan on meeting death once again? Is it that good to die?"

Death Driver: "We are all bound to die someday... so I might as well let you taste how good it is to die...



...AND I MISS IT!!!"



End of Page 4


AUTHOR'S NOTES:

- Isn't it a coincidence? Page 4, number of death, and the Death Driver? The Japanese also believe that 4 is the number of death. So much so that they decided to change the Japanese naming of 4 from "Shi" to "Yon". Shi means death in Japanese.

- I am starting to fall in love in that S13. It's good fun to drive. Sadly, Initial D underrates all the Silvias in the series (Iketani's S13, Kenji's 180SX, Kenta's S14, S15 driven by Two Guys from Tokyo, and the recent Fifth Stage S15), wherein they are great cars in real life. The Impact Blue Sileighty is probably getting more praise since it won races in the Initial D OVAs.

- Up next: Keigo finally faces Yuki at the latter's home course.

 

[AudiMan2011]

Awesome.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 5 - Jack Knife's Invasion

Location: Kanagawa Prefecture
Time: 4 pm

Iwasaki makes a downhill run with his R34 GT-R. The R34 makes over 700 horsepower, but...

...it tucks in the corners very well. That's all thanks to 4WD. But one would say that the power would be too much.

However, it does not show any sign of understeer.

When it reached the base of the hill, Iwasaki stops and makes a phone call...

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




Location: Motoring Weekly Office
Time: 4 pm

Back to normal, you say. Article done! Tomorrow, I shall have a filming of the review of the new Honda Fit. Suddenly, my phone rings. And it's an unknown number... Though it's not like Sadako telling me that I will die in 7 days.

Takuma: "Hello?"



Iwasaki: "This is Motoya Iwasaki. Don't be alarmed, I got your number by simply asking your mother when I visited your mochi shop. And they taste delicious, by the way."



Takuma: "Heh. Thanks for your patronage."



Iwasaki: "I called because I am officially challenging you. Everyone is talking about it, and you can even read my webpage if you want. We'll set the duel two weeks from now. Be ready."



Takuma: "I am already prepared. Besides, I have known everything about you, and the duel is also the perfect opportunity to prove my point not just to you, but to everyone watching."



Iwasaki: "All right then, I'm waiting. I'm willing to listen."



We ended the conversation. Prepare for a long, winding speech on that day. Ha!



Takanori: "Aniki, who called?"



Takuma: "Jintei."



Nobuhiko: "It's kinda creepy for a stranger to know your number."



Nobuyuki: "So, is your FD capable of dealing with Jintei's R34? Why that yellow one? If I were you, I'd pick the light blue FD."



Takuma: "I know everyone would say that. But one merit that yellow FD has is that it has better aerodynamics. Besides, I want to give Jintei a false assumption."



Nobuhiko: "That could work."



Takuma: "So how's your progress on that one-hand steer?"



Nobuhiko: "I got the hang of it. What's funny is that I finally have gotten the entire concept by just watching an episode of the Initial D 4th Stage anime."



Takuma: "You are a fast learner, that's why. But of course you still have to apply what you've learned from TV."




Nobuhiko: "I am still doing the practice runs. Though I can't afford to get off earlier from work this time. Perhaps I will double my runs during the weekend to compensate."



Nobuyuki: "I don't know the history of our father's rivalry with our uncle. I wonder what kind of person is this Nobunaga guy?"




Nobunaga, eh? What's with the Hiramoto family? Isn't it odd and interesting that their names all start in "Nobu"? If there's Little Nobu and Big Nobu, then what would you call Nobunaga?



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

Location: Gunma Prefecture
Time: 6 pm

Keigo and Yuki finally have a duel in the latter's home course in Gunma.

Yuki: "You must have some guts to challenge me in my home course."

Keigo: "All right. I made the right decision of increasing the car's power. This car is holding its own against Yuki's S2000."

Yuki: "I don't underestimate Silvias. They're maybe cheap, but they are serious pieces of weaponry in racing. With plenty of tuning options, these cars can turn into beasts."

Keigo: "Today's the day I shall take down the person who started it all. The one who originated the Slasher name! I can take down a guardian like you and take the prize!"



End of Page 5

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

- You could see why the R34 takes lines neatly. It's because of Jintei's special technique. It's quite simple, really. It is useful for cars that have difficulty in turning. You can guess, but Iwasaki's method of doing that shall be explained during the duel.

 

[nk4e]

I am always reminded of the MCR GTR everytime Iwasaki shows up. ( Wasn't the MCR GTR one of the 13 devils in TXR?)

 

[RCKakashi14]

Actually, the MCR is the savior that intends to take on the 13 devils.

 

[nk4e]

Spoiler?

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Hahah... I'm having a bit of difficulty reading with not knowing these things.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Spoiler?

No... It was mentioned should you start the career mode.

@SomePlayaDude, the game is so much fun and I love it. But my PS2 is dead now.

 

[nk4e]

Really? I have to replay the games now I just picked a 240sx then went off racing.

 

[787bcgr]

The MCR R34, Ridox Supra, and WEST Corvette are the major wanderers of TXR3, although I think Golden Wolf is the fastest and most difficult to beat due to his requirements.Quick question, is the FTO LM car returning?

 

[RCKakashi14]

The FTO LM car won't return. I cannot devote my time further for it.

Though the driver of that car might return in the sequel based on GT6. Changes may still apply.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 6 - Gutter Run


After work, Nobuhiko and Nobuyuki headed first to Nanamagari pass in Kanagawa. The former is eager to show his little brother what he had learned so far.


Nobuyuki: "Whoa! Aren't we too close to the guardrail there?"

Nobuhiko: "Aniki, the Elise actually benefits from this technique."

Nobuyuki: "It may look simple, but listening to your stories mean that the one hand steer is a high-level technique that takes a lifetime to master!"


Nobuhiko: "I agree."

Nobuhiko: "Also, this car is a perfect learning tool. The Elise's sensitivity provides a challenge. It may have very impressive specs, but the car chooses its driver."

Nobuyuki: "So, what are the merits of this technique? Why is our father teaching this?"


Nobuhiko lets the Elise slide, and Nobuyuki gasps in awe upon seeing his little brother countersteering using only his right hand.

Nobuhiko: "Here is the IDEAL DRIFT!"

Nobuhiko: "In answer to your question, the merits are..."


And he goes on explaining the technique to Nobuyuki.





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



The duel between Yuki and Keigo continues in Gunma...

Yuki: "I shall show you why you made a mistake taking me on especially at the downhill."


Yuki corners using the gutter.

Keigo: "He's using his specialty! All I gotta do is block the insides of each corner!"

Keigo: "This car doesn't turn enough. But oddly, Yuki is backing off."

Yuki: "You really are the Jack Knife. It's like you are threatening to stab me should I attempt to go past you."


Yuki makes another attempt, but backs off as Keigo blocks the inside.

Keigo: "I am not called as Jack Knife for nothing!"

Yuki: "Though thanks to my stay in Dream Alliance, I have learned the importance of keeping my cool. I will make a move, based on the movements of your S13."

Yuki: "I do have acquaintances who drive Silvias, and they all share one weakness their cars have."



End of Page 6



AUTHOR'S NOTES:

- Hiroyuki shall explain the merits of one hand steer on the duel of Nobuhiko and Nobunaga. Or if you are eager to find out, then watch the Initial D 4th Stage Episode titled "The Sorcery of One Hand Steer".



- Next would be the conclusion of this duel, and the introduction of the Melancholy Angel. The Melancholy Angel (or Dejected Angel) will drive a different car.

 

[AudiMan2011]

Great page. 👍

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 7 - Slashed Down

Yuki prepares himself to take down Keigo. He already knows the weakness all Silvias share.

Yuki: "You and your car put up a good fight. But I'm still the guardian of the mountains, and I can't let you invade."

Yuki: "I'm afraid your days as a Slasher will end here. You don't belong here..."


Keigo: "Yuki plans to attack me again. But I will still block him!"

Yuki: "Silvias are still nose-heavy, hence turning can be an issue. My S2000, on the other hand, has the magical 50:50 weight distribution!"


Yuki pushes his S2000 further, going side-by-side with the S13.

Keigo: "You fool! We're approaching the next corner! Are you still pushing it!?"


Yuki: "Let's see if you can still block me with this one!"

Keigo: "Yuki took advantage of this Silvia's understeer and proceeded with this gutter run! Dammit, blocking him was too late!"

Keigo: "He's showing his true skill through the turns!"

Yuki: "You are slashed down... It's all over for you now. Don't expect to keep up with me at the final section."



Yuki reaches the goal at the base of the hill, with a 6-second gap between him and Keigo.



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


Location: Motoring Weekly Office, Tokyo
Time: 8 am, the next day.



All right! I'm first to arrive at work! The 3 slowpokes are surely in trouble.... hehehehehe... Oh, there they are.



Takanori: "You! You didn't even wait for us and closed the elevator!"

Nobuhiko: "Hah... hah... hah... it was worth the run, though."


Nobuyuki: "So, this is Chun-Li's revenge, huh?"


Takuma: "Oh yeah, you're getting it!"


So I stand up and delivered a kick on Nobuyuki's belly and then followed up with multiple, fast kicks on a standstill. Finally, another kick that sends him to his cubicle. Though they are not that strong.


Nobuyuki: "Owwwww.... Chun-Li's Super..."


Takuma: "Next time, it would be the Hosenka. Or whatever it is called."


Okay, time to get to work.


Nobuyuki: "Ah.... ahhhhhh.... oh there goes my stomach. Hey, have you got into contact with Yuki-kun?"


Nobuhiko: "He's not answering my calls too."


Takuma: "I'm sure he's busy."


Nobuyuki: "He would usually go straight home and do nothing after coming from work."


Takuma: "Leave him be, he's a grown man now. So, what have you done yesterday?"


Nobuyuki: "I saw Little Nobu's one-hand steering technique for the first time. Man, I don't know it could be so complicated! It looks simple to look at, but doing it is very hard!"


Takuma: "Similar to my accelerator control. Car control techniques take a lifetime to master. They're not something that can be done in one sitting. I would feel for Nobuhiko now."



Nobuyuki: "I agree. But the one-hand steer is not something that is normally used by racers, or even daily drivers. It is usual that we drive using two hands."



Takuma: "I'm sure there's a good reason behind Nobuhiko's use of that technique. Now that he's learned it, he will use it over and over, to reach the level of mastery."


Takanori: "Hey, Nigel just sent an e-mail. He says that he arrived last night. I wonder what brings him here?"


Nobuhiko: "Speaking of him, we have yet to clash... but I can tell that he's here for a different reason."


Takuma: "Yesterday, I have gotten upset when I received an e-mail from some idiot collector from U.K. asking me if I will put Otousan's entire Lamborghini collection in an auction. I replied like, "F:censored:k off, none of these bulls are on sale."


Takanori: "I would feel the same too. I mean it's an inheritance, why would I let them go?"



Takuma: "Though I am eager to drive his Diablo GT again. Last time I drove it.... I crashed."


Nobuyuki: "You crashed it!? Man, there are just 80 of them in the world! I'm even happy that this country has one, the pink one that joined the Lamborghini 50th Anniversary Parade in Milan."



Takuma: "Diablos are the wildest of Bulls, especially the rear-wheel drive versions. They are even more handful to drive than the Countach or Miura. I also drove a friend's SE30 Diablo and almost crashed it. That was the time that I haven't mastered my accelerator techniques. Otousan's Diablo GT tested my patience so much that I never drove it again after I crashed it. It's like it's telling me to master that technique before I could drive it."



Nobuyuki: "I'm buying a new car! I have already placed an order for it, and it would take a month to arrive at most. I'm having sleepless nights when I think of it!"



Takanori: "Me too! And to conquer my fear once and for all, I HAVE PLACED AN ORDER FOR A CORVETTE C7!!!"


And the three of us applaud.


Takuma: "My twin is growing up. I'm so proud to have a twin like you. Speaking of which, my wife has yet to tell me what she has bought. Nor I haven't even see it in our garage."




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



Location: Ibaraki Circuit, Ibaraki Prefecture
Time: 10 am



A white, modified Corvette C6 Z06 tears up the track alone.

It returns to the pit lane to cool down after several laps of running. Getting out of the car is a woman, named Setsuko Kuroe. She then approaches her manager, who hands her a bottle of water.


Manager: "Are you ready for Saturday's race? The organizers have invited adjudicators as well."


Setsuko: "Clear that. I'm not joining. I shall spend the entire morning practicing for the touge race in sunset."

Manager: "You're at it again? I thought you're done with the Slasher thing?"


Setsuko: "I have yet to beat the racers I want to race. First, I shall beat the Pink Army, which will happen this coming Saturday, then after that, I shall move on and take on Jintei, and finally, Takuma Kanonji."


Manager: "Do you think you can accomplish that goal of yours? It's even dangerous to race at the touge!"


Setsuko: "Only with real skill dares to race at the mountains. I cannot let my title The Melancholy Angel rust. I shall show them the ideal, aggressive racer! And I shall be the fastest woman in the world before I retire!"



End of Page 7



AUTHOR'S NOTES:


- In the TXR series, the Melancholy Angel drives an S14 (TXR2) and S15 (TXR3) Silvias. Switching to a Corvette Z06 would make her even the odds with the Passionate Pink duo's 458 Italia.





- Bonus photo for today:

This is my 1:43 scale version of the Lamborghini Diablo GT made by Kyosho. This will be the Diablo GT that Takuma will drive in the sequel. And I hope there's that GT logo option available, but with or without that logo, the car will still appear.

 

[SomePlayaDude]

I freaking love Diablos. Was going to have Clark hold its reins if it weren't for that meddling FXX.

And mad props for Takanori. Keith will still hold on to the C6 ZR-1, but that might change.