Be My Babe | Initial D

Chapter 6

I positioned myself at the top of Mt. Akina, navigating through the crowd to secure a spot against the barrier. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the NightKids rolled in, Nakazato taking the lead and halting at the starting point of the race. I couldn't help but smile, observing him exit the car and engage in animated conversation with two other NightKids members. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the crowd awaited the thrilling spectacle about to unfold.

The atmosphere on Mt. Akina intensified as the two brothers stepped out of their car. The blonde-haired one spoke first, a smirk playing on his face, "Been looking forward to this race. It oughta be interesting." Nakazato, undeterred, asserted confidently, "Just watch, I'll show you pretty boys who the fastest racer in Gunma really is. Not the Takahashi brothers, not the 86, not by a long shot. Sorry to ruin your parade, but that's how it's going to be."

Ryosuke, the tactician of the Takahashi brothers, chimed in, "The 86 is going to have to show before you can back that up." The reality sank in – with only forty minutes until the race was set to start, there was no sign of the legendary AE86. In the background, I overheard someone say, "We got no choice. There's too much riding on this; Takumi's gotta race." My attention remained fixed on the intense exchange between the twins and Nakazato, the tension building with every passing moment.

As the Takahashi brothers left, I took my place next to Nakazato. "You made it," he spoke softly, and I smiled in response. "And you challenged him," I commented, and he patted my shoulder softly. "I told you I'd challenge him. I'm going to show this 86 the true power of my GTR!" A smirk adorned his face, reflecting his determination.

Having not seen either of them perform at their full potential, I couldn't predict the outcome of this race. The GTR's raw power favored Nakazato, but Takumi's remarkable performance in the last race fueled my optimism. It was poised to be a close call, and my hopes were high, knowing both contenders were skilled in their own right. The anticipation hung thick in the air as we awaited the imminent clash between the legendary AE86 and the formidable NightKids' R32.

"Y/n!" I heard a familiar voice call, and I looked over to see none other than Itsuki. "You made it!!" He practically cried as he tackled me into a hug. I stepped back in shock. Nakazato spoke up, "You're the kid who took this challenge. Where is he?" He spoke in a serious tone, and Itsuki, looking up, sweated slightly. "Well..." he started, then looked at his watch. "Oh man... it's 9:45.... it's over." He seemed a bit devastated when he realized the time.

Itsuki's disappointment was evident as he realized the time. Nakazato and I exchanged glances, both curious and concerned about Takumi's absence. "He's not coming?" Nakazato questioned with a hint of frustration.

Itsuki shook his head, "he has to come! takumi wouldn't back down to a race!!"

Nakazato sighed, "I wanted to settle this tonight. It's a shame."

I remained silent, a mixture of disappointment and curiosity about what could have kept Takumi from the race. The night had taken an unexpected turn, did he really not want to race?

A member excitedly alerted Nakazato to the presence of the Takahashi brothers. Nakazato, undisturbed, acknowledged their anxious demeanor about the impending race.

"These bastards," Nakazato declared, "told me to my face I was gonna get dusted tonight. Ryosuke is an idiot, thinking he can call this battle from the sidelines. After I've given the 86 a lesson in street creds, we'll see what happens to that smirk of his." Arms crossed, he exuded confidence.