A new year.
Another racing season.
Winter had finally passed.
Gone were the freezing nights, the salted roads, and the heavy gray skies that hung over Tokyo through December and January.
Spring slowly reclaimed the country.
Snow melted from the mountain passes.
The trees began blooming once again.
And throughout the months between December and March—
life gradually returned to normal.
Training resumed at Tracen Academy.
Touge runs returned to the mountain roads.
Late-night Wangan drives once again filled the Shuto Expressway with the sound of engines screaming through the Tokyo night.
But with the arrival of a new season—
came change.
And among the biggest changes…
was Forever Young.
The dark cherry-red Toyota GR GT still appeared around campus from time to time.
Still spotless.
Still completely stock.
But its owner had changed her priorities.
Earlier in the year, Forever Young officially announced a temporary hiatus from full-time racing.
The announcement shook both the local and international racing scene.
Many expected her to continue dominating overseas after her explosive rise the previous season.
Instead—
she reduced her schedule dramatically.
Only two race entries for the entire year.
Two.
And both carried enormous weight.
The first—
the Saudi World Cup.
A race many believed would finally humble the Japanese champion after back-to-back victories.
Instead—
Forever Young delivered another masterclass.
Cold.
Precise.
Untouchable.
Another victory.
Another trophy.
A stunning three-peat for the Japanese Umamusume.
History had been made once again.
Crowds erupted across the grandstands.
News stations across Japan replayed the final stretch for days.
Commentators called her one of the greatest international dirt runners of the modern era.
And yet—
Forever Young herself remained as calm as ever afterward.
No excessive celebration.
No grandstanding.
Just a quiet smile.
Because in her eyes—
her real goal still waited ahead.
Dubai.
The Dubai World Cup.
Her third attempt.
The trophy that had escaped her twice before.
The race that haunted her thoughts longer than any loss she had ever experienced.
And when race day finally came—
everything changed.
The atmosphere at Meydan Racecourse was electric.
Crowds packed the grandstands.
International media gathered in full force.
Japan held its breath.
Then the gates opened.
And Forever Young ran like someone possessed.
Perfect pace.
Perfect positioning.
Perfect timing.
Every movement calculated.
Every stride overwhelming.
By the final stretch—
the outcome was undeniable.
She broke away completely.
Seven lengths ahead of second place.
Absolute dominance.
The commentators nearly lost their voices.
The crowd erupted.
And under the lights of Dubai—
Forever Young finally achieved the victory she had chased for years.
The Dubai World Cup champion.
At last.
Back in Japan, celebrations exploded throughout Tracen Academy.
Students crowded dorm lounges to watch the replay over and over again.
Even trainers and faculty openly celebrated the historic victory.
Because this was no longer just a personal achievement.
It was another moment that pushed Japanese Umamusume racing further onto the world stage.
And for Forever Young herself—
the victory brought something even more important than glory.
Closure.
For the first time in years—
she finally looked at the future…
without something chasing behind her anymore.
It was now the middle of April.
The heart of spring.
Across Japan, cherry blossoms had fully bloomed.
Soft pink petals drifted through city streets, riversides, and mountain roads alike.
The cold of winter had finally faded.
The harsh air was gone.
And in its place—
came warmth.
Not the unbearable heat of summer.
But the calm, comfortable warmth that made people want to stay outside longer than usual.
At Tracen Academy, the change in season could be felt everywhere.
Students filled the courtyards once more.
Training grounds were lively again.
And outside the Ritto Dormitory parking area—
a new trend had begun.
More and more Umamusume had started getting cars of their own.
Some were modest daily drivers.
Others were fully-fledged project cars already beginning to evolve into monsters of the road.
The once quiet parking area now slowly resembled a gathering point for enthusiasts.
The distant sound of engines starting in the mornings had become normal.
And today—
was no different.
It was the weekend.
The skies were clear.
And the academy itself felt unusually peaceful.
Inside the silent hallways of the Ritto Dormitory, two figures walked side by side.
Symboli Rudolf.
And King Halo.
The faint sound of their footsteps echoed softly against the polished floor.
Rudolf glanced toward King Halo.
"By the way… King."
King Halo blinked and turned slightly.
"Hm?"
Rudolf smiled faintly.
"Congratulations on being inducted into the URA Triple Crown recipients list."
King Halo's eyes widened slightly before she laughed softly.
"Thank you so much, Rudolf!"
She rubbed the back of her neck, smiling wider.
"A whole year of hard training finally paid off."
Rudolf chuckled quietly.
"I can feel that."
Then she glanced ahead again.
"What did your mother say about it?"
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
King Halo's expression faltered.
Her ears slowly drooped.
"…I…"
"I don't really want to talk about that…"
Rudolf's smile faded slightly.
"I see…"
She already understood.
"I'm guessing she wasn't impressed?"
King Halo exhaled sharply through her nose.
"All she said was…"
Her jaw tightened.
"'It was luck.'"
Silence.
Then she scoffed bitterly.
"Complete… utter… bullshit…"
Rudolf shook her head slowly.
Then gently placed a hand on King Halo's shoulder.
"You know that isn't true."
King Halo stayed quiet.
Rudolf continued calmly.
"You earned that title yourself."
"Not through luck."
"Not through coincidence."
"But through years of effort."
She exhaled slowly through her nose.
"Ignore her for now…"
"She'll come around eventually."
King Halo's ears slowly perked back up again.
"…Thanks, Rudolf."
A smaller smile formed on her face.
"I really appreciate it…"
The two continued walking down the hallway until they finally stopped in front of one of the dormitory doors.
Tokai Teio and Mayano Top Gun's room.
Rudolf and King Halo exchanged a brief glance.
Then Rudolf turned toward the door.
And knocked.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
The quiet hallway waited for an answer.
"Door's open! Come in!" a voice called from inside.
Rudolf twisted the doorknob.
Then pushed the door inward.
Inside the dorm room—
Teio stood beside Mayano Top Gun, who was seated at her desk with her laptop open.
Standing beside Mayano's right side—
Was Kitasan Black.
The three of them were completely focused on whatever was on the screen.
King Halo and Rudolf stepped inside.
King Halo quietly closed the door behind them.
The pair approached the trio.
Then—
Peeked at the laptop screen.
Kitasan Black's entire face immediately turned bright red.
Not from excitement.
Not from interest.
But pure, overwhelming embarrassment.
They were reading a fanfic.
A ship fanfic.
Two chapters long.
And the second chapter—
Featured a ship.
Between Kitasan Black…
And a Formula One driver.
Kitasan's eyes widened in absolute horror.
"AH—"
She immediately grabbed the laptop lid with both hands and slammed it shut with a loud THUD.
Her tail puffed up instantly.
"T-THAT WASN'T— WE WEREN'T— YOU DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!!"
"TH-TH-THAT IS SO NOT ME!!"
Mayano slowly leaned back against her chair.
Then stared blankly at the ceiling.
"What the hell did I just read…"
Teio stood there completely speechless.
Her mouth opened once.
Closed again.
Then finally—
She chuckled awkwardly.
"I…"
"I don't even know what to say."
Teio then glanced toward Rudolf.
"What do you think, Kaichou?"
"Have you ever encountered something like that over the years?"
Rudolf covered her mouth slightly as she chuckled.
"I had my fair share of fanfic encounters."
She nodded once.
"Some were very wholesome."
Then her ears drooped slightly.
"Some were…"
"…Uh…"
"Questionable."
Kitasan immediately covered her face with both hands.
Lowering her head.
Shaking nonstop.
"Th-This is some Agnes Digital type yuri!!"
She suddenly leaned toward Rudolf with both hands clenched against her chest dramatically.
"The writer made me kiss the driver multiple times in the chapter!!"
"MULTIPLE!!"
King Halo's mouth opened slightly.
A laugh escaped her before she rubbed the back of her head awkwardly.
"Uh…"
Kitasan let out a defeated groan.
Then turned toward Mayano.
"Maya-chan this is the last time I'm reading something with you!"
Mayano instantly pointed at Kitasan.
"What are you talking about?!"
"You literally told me about this during lunch break!"
"YOU literally wanted to read it with me!"
Mayano chuckled.
"You were literally laughing at Suzuka-san's chapter."
She raised her hand flat and tilted it side to side teasingly.
"Now you're freaking out because you got one."
Kitasan's face somehow turned even redder.
"T-THAT'S DIFFERENT!!"
Teio laughed softly.
Then placed both hands on Mayano's and Kitasan's shoulders.
"Well…"
"And I gotta get going."
She chuckled again.
"I'm getting my RX-7 back from the tuning shop."
Mayano nodded.
"Alright Teio."
Kitasan slowly nodded too.
Still visibly embarrassed.
"Y-Yeah…"
"See you around…"
Teio smiled.
Then she turned toward Rudolf and King Halo.
The three exited the dorm room together.
And walked down the now quiet hallway.
As they continued down the hallway—
Teio glanced toward King Halo.
"How about you, King Halo?"
"Have you ever seen one about you?"
King Halo immediately placed a hand dramatically against her chest.
"Me?"
She laughed proudly.
"If they did, the fanfic better be a first-rate fanfic about me!"
Teio's eyes squinted slightly.
Her mouth opened halfway into a grin.
"Yep…"
"That's exactly what I expected you to say."
King Halo smirked confidently.
"Of course."
The trio reached the stairs.
Then began walking down toward the ground floor.
The sounds of students talking echoed faintly below.
And once they exited the dormitory building—
Warm spring air greeted them instantly.
The pathway toward the parking area was busier than usual.
Students walked around carrying bags.
Some chatted beside their cars.
Others wiped down body panels or checked tire pressures before heading out for drives.
Teio blinked twice as they approached the parking lot.
"Man…"
"There are way more cars than last year."
Rudolf nodded calmly.
"There was a spike in new Umamusume car owners."
She then glanced toward a striking Green Hell Mango Mercedes-AMG GT R parked several rows away.
"Even your dormitory leader, Fuji-kun got one."
Teio blinked.
Then raised a hand slowly.
"Hold on Kaichou…"
She pointed toward the AMG GT R.
"Kiseki-san owns an AMG GT R?!"
Rudolf nodded once.
"Mhm."
King Halo chuckled.
"She drives it surprisingly well too."
Rudolf then pointed toward a blue Subaru BRZ parked nearby.
"The BRZ is Rice Shower's."
She chuckled softly.
"Turbocharged too."
Teio visibly winced.
"Eh???"
She shook her head.
"The name Rice Shower and the word turbocharged do not go together, Kaichou."
King Halo laughed.
"A lot of things around Tracen don't really go hand in hand at first."
She began counting on her fingers.
"Super Creek and a Hawkeye Subaru Impreza."
"Daitaku Helios and an MK5 Supra."
King Halo chuckled again.
"Heh…"
"Wide-bodied too."
She continued.
"Bakushin O and a Mitsubishi 3000GT."
Rudolf smirked slightly.
"And have I forgotten to mention…"
"That Air Groove's been driving more often lately as well?"
Teio's eyes widened immediately.
"Eh!?"
She snapped toward Rudolf.
"Groove-san owns a car?!"
Rudolf chuckled.
"She's owned that 400Z for a couple years now."
"Air suspension and Liberty Walk widebody kit too."
King Halo's head snapped toward Rudolf instantly.
"Air Groove owns a widebody-kitted 400Z this whole time?!"
She shook her head in disbelief.
"Not once in all these years have I seen it parked in the dormitory parking lot."
Rudolf nodded.
"Because Air Groove likes keeping the car secret."
"She parks it beside my F40 garage at Miho."
Then—
Rudolf spotted it.
The Ikazuchi Yellow Nissan 400Z sat parked beside King Halo's R32 GT-R.
Its air suspension was fully aired out.
The body sat impossibly low.
The tires practically tucked into the fenders.
The trio approached the car.
Teio crouched slightly near the front wheel.
Carefully studying the stance.
"Geez…"
"I thought Air Groove would drive something practical."
"Or at least…"
"Something sporty but stock."
She then looked up toward Rudolf.
"And isn't this the same Air Groove that yelled at Nice Nature-san during winter every time she brought the Gallardo out?"
King Halo nodded immediately.
"Yep."
"That's the exact same Air Groove we're talking about."
Rudolf laughed softly.
Then pointed toward the 400Z.
"What's even funnier…"
"Is that Air Groove herself owns a loud car."
Then.
A Voice.
"I wouldn't say my car is as loud as Nice Nature's..."
Teio glanced behind her.
Walking toward them—
Was Air Groove.
Hands tucked inside her coat pockets.
"The Exhaust I picked for my Z practically is way more tamed than Nattie's Gallardo."
She sighed.
Pulling her hands from her pockets and crossing her arms.
"Nattie's Gallardo has a Fluid Motor Union Exhaust System with the so-called High Flow GESI Cats."
She then raised a finger.
"And all the noise is also thanks to the Anti-Reversion Chamber Megaphones option she picked from the website."
Air Groove shook her head slowly.
"All that for Three Thousand Dollars."
"Or roughly Five Hundred Thousand Yen."
Her eyebrow twitched.
"What's even more insane is that she didn't even pick the option that lets you control the valves remotely."
Teio had already pulled her phone out.
Browsing through the Fluid Motor Union website.
Then finally—
She found the exhaust listing.
Her jaw dropped slightly.
She slowly stood back up.
"Uhh… Groove-san…"
She turned the phone toward Air Groove.
"But that option alone is another Two Thousand Dollars."
Air Groove nodded immediately.
"Which is completely worth it if you don't want to wake up the entire campus every morning."
She sighed heavily.
"Or late at night."
King Halo chuckled quietly.
"That bad?"
Air Groove looked at her flatly.
"King Halo."
"When Nice Nature starts that Gallardo inside the parking structure, the sound literally bounces off the walls."
She narrowed her eyes.
"You can physically feel the vibrations in your chest."
Teio winced.
"Okay yeah…"
"That does sound excessive."
Then—
The Sound Of A High-Pitched V10 Engine.
And alongside it—
The lighter, softer tone of a small Four Cylinder Engine.
The Group turned toward the Parking Area Entrance.
And then—
The Two Cars rolled inside.
A Red Mazda Miata NA1.
And behind it—
A White Lexus LFA.
The V10 note echoed beautifully across the parking area even at low RPM.
Smooth.
Sharp.
Mechanical.
Teio blinked.
"Well… how about the noise of the LFA, Groove-san?"
Air Groove nodded once.
"The LFA is an exception."
King Halo's jaw dropped slightly.
Her eyebrows flattened.
Her ears twitched once.
She slowly looked at Air Groove.
"Oh?"
"So the LFA is an exception but not the Gallardo?"
Air Groove's expression tightened immediately.
She glanced toward King Halo.
"Mind you, King Halo, the Gallardo's exhaust is so loud you can barely hear yourself think."
She then pointed toward the distant parking structure.
"Meanwhile the LFA sounds refined."
"Loud."
"But refined."
Then—
A hand popped out from the Window of the NA1 Miata.
King Halo's ears perked upright instantly.
"Urara-chan?!"
The little red Miata rolled to a gentle stop.
King Halo approached the right-side window.
Urara rolled the window down and leaned outward happily.
King Halo crouched slightly.
Resting an arm against the red hardtop roof.
"Urara-chan! You got a Miata!"
Haru Urara nodded rapidly.
"Yep Yep!"
She patted the steering wheel proudly.
"This thing is a very cute and fun car!"
King Halo looked toward the front bumper.
Then at the tiny proportions of the car.
Then back at Urara.
"It definitely suits you, Urara-chan."
Urara smiled even wider.
"Thank you! Thank you!"
She glanced toward the gauges excitedly.
"The car only has some mild modifications to add a bit of kick to the power, but nothing crazy!"
She looked back toward King Halo.
"The only things done to it are an Exhaust, ECU Tune, Camshaft, and modified Valves!"
Teio blinked twice.
"Actually…"
"That's already pretty decent for an NA Miata."
Urara laughed proudly.
"It's still slow though!"
Then—
Urara peeked her head toward the rear.
Looking back at the White Lexus LFA behind her.
She waved cheerfully toward the driver.
"Thanks for accompanying me, Gentil-san!"
Inside the LFA—
Gentildonna immediately blushed.
Both ears twitched slightly as she covered her mouth.
She nodded softly.
"A-Any time, Urara-chan..."
Her thoughts immediately spiraled.
Dang it Urara…
You are way too cute.
You seriously deserve all the love in the world…
King Halo looked behind her and gave Gentildonna a thumbs up.
Gentildonna nodded once.
Smiling softly.
"Anything for Urara-chan."
King Halo then looked back toward Urara.
And gently patted her head.
"I'll head out now, okay?"
"I still need to accompany Teio and Kaichou."
Urara nodded happily.
"Sure thing King-san! Take care now!"
King Halo softened slightly and nodded.
She gave the roof of the Miata one last pat.
Then straightened herself up.
And walked back toward Rudolf and Teio.
King Halo reached Rudolf and Teio.
The Three continued walking through the crowded Ritto Parking Area.
Spring had practically turned Tracen Academy into a gathering spot for young enthusiasts.
Teio then glanced toward Rudolf.
"Say Kaichou…"
"Considering you own a Ferrari…"
She blinked.
Looking slightly away.
"Uhhh…"
"What are your thoughts about that new Ferrari Luce?"
Rudolf's ears immediately folded backward.
Without hesitation—
She answered.
"Has to be the worst-looking piece of crap I've ever seen in my entire life."
Teio and King Halo's ears instantly perked upright.
Teio blinked rapidly.
"Eh?"
Rudolf's eyebrows dropped.
She glanced toward Teio.
"Want me to be even more petty about it?"
Teio immediately waved both hands dismissively.
"No No!"
"I just wanted to know your thoughts!"
Rudolf sighed heavily through her nose.
"Ferrari spent half a decade engineering a system to artificially amplify electric motor vibrations just so drivers can pretend they're not piloting an oversized luxury vacuum cleaner."
She scowled slightly.
"Enzo Ferrari isn't just rolling in his grave."
"He's spinning fast enough to generate more electricity than the Luce's 122 kilowatt-hour battery."
King Halo suddenly chuffed loudly.
A fist covering her mouth.
Her shoulders shaking.
Then—
She burst into laughter.
"Hah—HAHAHAHA!"
Rudolf continued mercilessly.
"Ferrari saw Jaguar completely destroy their brand identity with minimalist design trends and said—"
She raised a hand flatly.
"'Hold my Chianti. We can absolutely do worse.'"
King Halo nearly doubled over laughing.
"Kaichou!"
"That is genuinely the best description I've ever heard!"
Even Teio was laughing now.
"You really hate it that much?!"
Rudolf crossed her arms tightly.
"I despise it."
She glanced toward her Symboli Green F40.
Its low silhouette sat proudly beneath the evening light.
The exposed weave inside the rear vents.
The sharp lines.
The massive rear wing.
Mechanical.
Aggressive.
Alive.
"Ferrari," Rudolf said firmly, "is emotion."
"Not just speed."
"Emotion."
King Halo nodded immediately.
"Exactly!"
They finally reached their cars.
Stopping beside Rudolf's F40.
King Halo glanced toward the Ferrari.
"Seriously though…"
"What makes Ferrari…"
"Well…"
"A Ferrari?"
She then looked toward Rudolf and Teio.
"It's the feeling you get driving one."
"I was lucky enough to drive Sirius Symboli's F355."
Her fists tightened excitedly.
"It has that noise."
"That rawness."
"The feeling that you are driving something alive."
She stomped her foot once dramatically.
"Where is the AHHHH of the engine?!"
Then stomped harder.
And yelled louder.
"WHERE IS THE AAAAAAHHHHH?!"
She grabbed an imaginary shifter.
Pretending to slam it into second gear.
Still yelling like a screaming engine.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Teio burst out laughing.
Rudolf was openly chuckling now.
King Halo pointed dramatically at them.
"GET MY POINT?!"
Teio nodded rapidly between laughs.
"I definitely get your point King-san!"
She then looked across the rows of parked cars filling the Ritto lot.
Engines.
Exhausts.
Turbo noises.
Mechanical sounds everywhere.
"We're honestly lucky us Umas still get to enjoy combustion engines."
She snorted slightly.
"Hell, even hybrids still let us enjoy the ICE part."
Rudolf nodded calmly.
"Right."
She walked toward the driver side of her F40.
"Well then."
"Let's stop wasting time and head to your tuner before sunset."
She glanced toward the western sky.
The sunlight had already begun turning orange.
"And before everyone starts flooding the Wangan."
Teio nodded immediately.
"Right!"
She jogged toward the Passenger Side Door of the F40 while King Halo walked toward her Gemballa Mirage GT parked two slots away.
Teio reached up.
Pulled the F40's lightweight door handle.
And swung the door open.
The smell of leather.
Fuel.
And warm machinery greeted her immediately.
She carefully slid herself inside the cockpit.
Low.
Tight.
Mechanical.
Then pulled the door shut using the inner frame.
THUD.
The cabin instantly became quieter.
Teio reached over her shoulders.
Pulling the Racing Harness straps over herself.
Meanwhile—
Rudolf's own harness was already buckled neatly behind the seat.
Rudolf entered next.
Sliding down into the tan bucket seat smoothly.
She grabbed the door.
And shut it firmly.
THUD.
She inserted the key into the ignition slot.
Twisted it forward.
The dashboard illuminated softly.
Then—
The quiet humming sound of the fuel pumps priming the lines.
A few seconds passed.
The humming stopped.
Rudolf reached toward the rubber starter button.
And pressed it.
The Starter Motor engaged.
WHIRR—
WHIRR—
Then—
The 2.9 Liter Tipo F120B V8 exploded into life.
The entire chassis vibrated softly.
The idle uneven and mechanical.
Deep.
Raw.
Alive.
Teio finished fastening her harness just as—
A V10 roared to life outside.
King Halo's Mirage GT.
The sound echoed beautifully through the parking area.
Rudolf glanced toward Teio.
"Ready to get your car back?"
Teio nodded confidently.
Then smirked.
"Ready to catch up to you."
Rudolf laughed softly.
"That's what I like to hear."
She pressed the clutch pedal down.
Grabbed the shifter.
Left.
Then Down.
Dogleg First Gear.
The RPMs rose slightly.
Then—
She slowly released the clutch.
The F40 crept forward smoothly.
Its suspension lightly shifting as the car rolled across the pavement.
Rudolf turned the wheel right.
Aiming toward the parking lot exit.
They slowly passed King Halo's Mirage GT.
Then—
The Mirage GT rolled out beside them.
The Two Cars exited the Ritto Parking Area.
And headed toward the tuner shop.
A small unknown garage near the Shuto Expressways.
Thirty Minutes later.
Somewhere in Takaido, Tokyo.
The Evening sun sat low across the skyline.
Its orange glow reflected against glass windows.
And deeper inside the city.
The roads narrowed.
The buildings became older.
More compact.
More lived in.
Rudolf slowly guided the Symboli Green F40 through a fairly narrow one-way street.
The Ferrari idled low and rough.
Its titanium exhaust lightly echoing against the tightly packed concrete buildings around them.
The car crawled forward carefully.
Barely enough room for two cars to squeeze past one another.
Rudolf leaned slightly closer toward the windshield.
Her shoulder harness tightened against her chest from the movement.
A glance left.
Then right.
Careful.
Measured.
She glanced at Teio.
"Are you sure this is the place?"
Teio nodded immediately.
"All Tachyon-san told me was to look for a bike shop somewhere on this street."
Rudolf's jaw dropped slightly.
"A... bike shop?"
Teio nodded again.
"Tachyon said the guy tuned her S30Z."
She blinked.
"And apparently he was also the last guy who tuned the Devil Z for the previous owner too."
Rudolf squinted slightly.
Silence.
Then she slowly looked forward again.
"So..."
"A bike shop owner tunes cars."
She shook her head slowly.
"That does not make sense to me whatsoever."
Then—
Teio glanced left.
And her eyes widened.
"There it is!"
She pointed toward a small storefront squeezed between two aging buildings.
Outside sat several motorcycles.
Old.
New.
Half-disassembled.
A few bicycles leaned against the wall beside them.
Rudolf followed Teio's finger.
Then spotted the sign.
A small weathered signboard hanging above the shop.
"Ah..."
"That one?"
Teio nodded enthusiastically.
"That's the one Kaichou!"
Rudolf carefully signaled.
Then slowly pulled the F40 over to the right side of the road.
The Ferrari eased to a stop with a soft hiss from the brakes.
Behind them.
King Halo's Gemballa Mirage GT slowly rolled to a halt as well.
Its wide body and massive rear tires looked absurdly aggressive compared to the tiny storefront.
Rudolf twisted the ignition key off.
The V8 rumbled once.
Then fell silent.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
Heat echoed softly from the engine bay.
Rudolf reached for the harness buckle.
Click.
She pushed the shoulder straps aside.
Then reached for the pull cable.
Yank.
The lightweight door popped open.
Rudolf stepped out carefully onto the roadside.
Teio quickly climbed out as well.
The two gently shut the F40's doors.
Thud.
Thud.
Teio walked around the nose of the Ferrari and stopped beside Rudolf.
Moments later.
King Halo approached from behind them after locking the Mirage GT.
The three stood there quietly for a second.
Looking at the storefront.
Rudolf blinked once.
Reading the sign aloud.
"Kitami... Cycle?"
King Halo glanced toward Teio.
"Is this seriously the right address?"
Teio nodded confidently.
"Yep! This is definitely the place!"
She unfolded a small notepad paper from her pocket.
"Tachyon-san wrote the address herself."
King Halo's eyebrow flattened.
"Tachyon?"
She blinked.
"Agnes Tachyon?"
Teio nodded.
"Right, King-san!"
Then Teio walked toward the entrance enthusiastically.
"Come on! Let's meet the owner!"
Rudolf and King Halo exchanged glances.
Both unconvinced.
Then followed behind Teio.
Teio reached for the sliding door.
Knock.
Knock.
She slowly slid it open.
The old door rattled loudly across its rails.
She peeked inside.
"Hello? Store owner?"
Then stepped inside.
The interior smelled immediately different.
Oil.
Metal.
Rubber.
Old machinery.
The walls were lined with motorcycle parts.
Shelves filled with carburetors.
Brake calipers.
Helmets.
Boxes of spark plugs.
Tools hanging neatly against pegboards.
A stripped motorcycle frame sat at the corner of the shop.
Half rebuilt.
Rudolf and King Halo stepped in behind Teio.
The floorboards creaked softly beneath their shoes.
Silence.
Nobody answered.
One minute passed.
Then another.
King Halo blinked slowly.
"I think we're at the wrong address."
Then—
A voice emerged from behind the curtains deeper inside the shop.
"Sorry ladies."
"Are you here to look at some bikes?"
The curtains shifted aside.
And a man stepped out.
Older.
Sharp eyes.
A visible scar ran along the right side of his face.
His work apron had grease stains across the front.
He looked first at Rudolf.
Then King Halo.
Then toward the open doorway.
Where the F40 and Mirage GT sat outside.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Then he chuckled.
"Pretty sure with the cars you girls brought here..."
"...you're not exactly shopping for bicycles."
Rudolf quietly observed him.
King Halo crossed her arms.
Then the man looked at Teio.
And immediately recognized her.
His expression softened slightly.
"Seems like you told your friends to bring the wrong cars, Teio-chan."
Teio waved both hands dismissively.
"No no, Kitami-san!"
She laughed awkwardly.
"They're just here to accompany me while I pick my car up!"
The man—now clearly identified as Kitami—laughed loudly.
"Ahhh."
"I understand now."
He turned around casually.
And walked back toward the curtains.
"Follow me."
Teio immediately followed after him.
King Halo leaned slightly toward Rudolf as they walked.
"Kitami..."
"I've heard that name before."
Rudolf blinked once.
Then quietly responded.
"Don't say anything yet out of respect, King-san."
She glanced deeper into the building.
Toward wherever Kitami was leading them.
"Let's just see first."
The three followed him past the curtains.
And deeper into the shop.
The Two continued walking toward the curtains behind the storefront.
The smell of oil became stronger.
Metal.
Fuel.
Rubber.
The sounds of the city outside slowly faded away behind them.
Teio pushed through first.
Rudolf and King Halo followed close behind.
Beyond the curtains sat a much smaller workshop area.
Workbenches.
Tool cabinets.
Half-disassembled motorcycle engines.
Stacks of tyres.
Old shelves lined with oils and spare parts.
The deeper they went.
The more it stopped feeling like a bike shop.
And started feeling like something else entirely.
Then—
They reached another door at the far end.
Heavy steel.
Old.
Worn from years of use.
Kitami stepped forward.
Twisted the handle.
And slowly pulled it open.
Darkness.
Complete darkness.
Kitami stepped inside first.
Then—
Click.
The lights flashed on overhead.
Rudolf's eyes widened slightly.
King Halo froze.
A massive warehouse stretched out before them.
Far larger than anything they expected hidden behind a tiny bike shop.
The polished concrete floor reflected the overhead lights.
Tools.
Equipment.
Old lifts.
Storage racks.
Several covered shapes sat hidden beneath grey car covers near the far walls.
And standing alone in the middle of the warehouse.
Tokai Teio's FD3S RX-7.
The Bayside Blue paint reflected brightly beneath the warehouse lighting.
Fresh.
Aggressive.
Ready.
The car sat even lower now.
Slightly wider stance..
The perfect fitment..
New tires.
The entire car looked sharper.
Meaner.
More purposeful.
As the four slowly approached the RX-7.
Kitami spoke again.
Calmly.
Matter-of-factly.
"I've done as you requested, Teio."
"I tuned the ECU."
He continued walking beside the car.
"And street ported the engine like you asked."
Teio's ears perked immediately.
Her eyes locked onto the RX-7.
Kitami stopped beside the driver's side.
Then looked toward the three girls.
"On the dynometer..."
He paused slightly.
"It topped out at seven hundred and twenty horsepower."
King Halo's eyes widened.
Rudolf blinked once.
Slowly.
Teio herself looked momentarily speechless.
Then Kitami reached for the driver's door.
Pulled it open.
And crouched beside the interior.
He pointed toward a boost controller mounted neatly beside the middle air-conditioning vent.
"I also added a boost controller."
He tapped the side of it lightly.
"So you can control how much boost you're running."
Teio leaned slightly closer.
Carefully observing everything.
Then Kitami stood back up.
And gently shut the door.
Thud.
"As for the suspension..."
He inserted both hands into his coverall pockets.
"I left the rebound settings mostly where they were."
"But I stiffened the anti-roll bars."
"And increased the spring rates slightly."
He glanced toward Rudolf.
"But it's still soft enough to absorb the bumps of the Wangan."
Rudolf slowly nodded.
Impressed.
Very impressed.
Kitami then reached into his pocket.
Pulled out the keys.
And handed them over.
"Here's your keys, Teio."
Teio gently accepted them with both hands.
Closing her palms carefully around them.
"Thank you, Kitami-san."
Kitami chuckled softly.
"Heh."
"First time in a long while someone's said that."
He shrugged slightly.
Then looked directly at her.
"Just take her easy, okay?"
"She's got some serious kick now."
Teio nodded immediately.
"Will do!"
Then she walked toward the RX-7.
Opened the door.
And slid into the bucket seat.
The harness straps rested against her shoulders as she settled herself in.
Then—
Right before reaching for the door handle.
She looked back toward Kitami.
"The payment went through this morning, right?"
Kitami nodded.
"All received."
"Paid in full."
Teio smirked brightly.
"Right on!"
"Thanks again!"
She grabbed the lightweight door.
And firmly shut it.
Thud.
Inside the cabin.
Teio inserted the key into the ignition.
Then immediately twisted it.
The starter motor engaged.
Rrrrrr.
The 13B-REW cranked once.
Again.
Again.
Then—
Vwoom.
The rotary engine rumbled into life.
Not unstable.
Not rough.
Not aggressively brapping.
But smooth.
Stable.
Refined.
The benefits of a properly street-ported rotary.
The exhaust note filled the warehouse softly.
Deep.
Sharp.
Mechanical.
Alive.
Teio smiled slightly at the sound.
Then lowered the window.
And looked toward Rudolf and King Halo.
"I'll bring the car outside and wait for you there!"
She pushed the clutch pedal in.
Shifted into first.
Then slowly let the clutch out.
The RX-7 gently rolled forward.
The new suspension barely shifting under the car's weight.
Rudolf and King Halo remained silent.
Watching as Teio slowly guided the FD through the open warehouse doors.
And out toward the street.
The rotary exhaust note gradually faded outside.
King Halo finally looked toward Kitami.
Then bowed politely.
"Thank you again, sir."
Kitami silently nodded.
Then sighed quietly.
"You girls take care of her now, okay?"
His eyes remained toward the warehouse exit.
"The last thing I want is opening a newspaper someday..."
"...and reading about some bright young girl getting hurt because of work I did."
The atmosphere softened slightly.
Rudolf and King Halo exchanged another glance.
Then Rudolf looked back toward Kitami.
"We'll be heading out now, sir."
Both girls bowed politely.
Then turned and headed back through the workshop.
Past the curtains.
Back toward the storefront.
As the heavy warehouse door slowly shut behind them.
Kitami chuckled quietly to himself.
"That girl with the blue ear covers..."
He shook his head slightly.
"She was onto me for a second there."
Outside...
The Evening air had begun cooling again.
The narrow street was now painted orange by the setting sun.
Shadows stretched across the pavement.
And parked along the roadside.
King Halo's Gemballa Mirage GT sat low and wide beside Rudolf's Symboli Green F40.
The heat from both engines softly shimmered into the air.
King Halo stood beside her Mirage GT.
Arms crossed tightly.
Clearly bothered.
Rudolf noticed immediately.
She glanced toward King Halo.
"What do you mean?"
King Halo slowly shook her head.
"I don't know, Rudolf..."
She sighed quietly.
"This tuner Teio went to..."
"...he's quite the character."
Rudolf's eyes narrowed slightly.
The concern in King's voice was genuine.
Not annoyance.
Not sarcasm.
Concern.
King Halo looked up toward Rudolf.
"Teio went to a tuner known for building cars so powerful..."
"...they become extremely difficult to control."
Rudolf's expression changed instantly.
King Halo continued.
Her voice lower now.
Careful.
"His nickname..."
She blinked once.
"...is the Devil's Tuner."
A faint breeze passed through the narrow street.
King Halo rested a palm against the left fender of her Mirage GT.
"He was also the same man who built Tachyon's S30Z."
Rudolf's eyes widened.
Immediately.
Her gaze slowly drifted away.
Looking around silently.
The warehouse.
The narrow alley.
The old bike shop.
Then slowly upward.
Realization finally hitting her.
"Oh no..."
Then—
The sound of a rotary engine revving echoed through the alley.
Brap.
Braaaap.
The newly modified FD3S slowly emerged from the side street.
The Bayside Blue RX-7 rolled forward carefully before stopping near them.
The exhaust note sounded sharper now.
Angrier.
More alive.
Teio lowered the window.
Resting an arm casually against the door frame.
Completely unaware of the growing concern around her.
She grinned brightly.
"Come on Kaichou!"
"I need you to try and push me on the Wangan!"
Rudolf blinked once.
Still staring at the RX-7.
King Halo sighed heavily beside her.
Then quietly asked.
"Want me to tell her?"
Rudolf looked toward Teio again.
Then toward King Halo.
She lowered her voice.
"The hell do you want me to say?"
"Tell her to get her money back?"
King Halo crossed her arms tighter.
Her right heel tapping lightly against the tarmac.
"And what?"
"Watch another wreck happen?"
Rudolf exhaled sharply through her nose.
"It's not like I can tell her to unmodify the car."
She glanced toward the RX-7 again.
"Besides..."
"He did keep most of the suspension settings close to default."
King Halo lightly scowled.
Still unconvinced.
Then finally turned on her heel.
Walking toward the driver's side of her Mirage GT.
"Fine..."
She reached for the door handle.
Then paused.
Looking back toward Rudolf one last time.
"But if anything happens to Teio..."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"It's on you."
Then—
She pulled the handle.
Opened the lightweight door.
Slid inside.
And slammed it shut.
Thud.
Rudolf remained standing there for a moment longer.
Looking toward Teio's RX-7 now idling quietly near the roadside.
And for the first time since arriving...
Rudolf truly felt uneasy.
Because now she understood exactly what was sitting inside that RX-7.
Despite the dyno reading.
Despite the suspension work.
Despite the balance Teio had been chasing.
Her mind raced.
Is it really only seven hundred and twenty horsepower?
Did he really leave the suspension mostly untouched?
What else did he change?
What else did he see in Teio?
Her eyes widened slightly.
What in the hell has Tachyon brought upon Teio?
The rotary engine lightly revved again.
Sharp.
Responsive.
Alive.
Rudolf slowly walked toward her F40.
Opened the lightweight door.
And slid inside the tan bucket seat.
The smell of leather and fuel immediately surrounded her.
She pulled the racing harnesses over her shoulders.
Click.
Click.
Then looked forward again.
Toward the rear of Teio's RX-7.
The large Mazdaspeed wing silhouetted against the sunset.
Rudolf whispered quietly to herself.
"Please don't do anything silly, Teio..."
She inserted the key into the ignition.
Twisted it on.
Fuel pumps hummed.
Then—
She pressed the rubber starter button.
The twin-turbo V8 exploded into life.
Almost simultaneously.
King Halo's Mirage GT roared awake behind her.
And ahead.
Teio lightly blipped the throttle of the RX-7.
The rotary barked sharply.
The three cars slowly pulled away from the curb.
One after another.
And headed back toward the Shuto Expressway.
The Three Cars moved smoothly through Tokyo's evening traffic.
The city lights had begun glowing brighter now.
Reflections stretched across glass towers.
Street lamps illuminated the elevated roads.
And deeper ahead.
The famous network of the Shuto waited.
They reached the Takaido Interchange.
One after another.
The cars merged onto the highway.
First the Bayside Blue FD3S RX-7.
Then Rudolf's Symboli Green F40.
Then finally King Halo's dark red Gemballa Mirage GT.
The moment Teio merged fully onto the expressway.
She glanced into her rear-view mirror.
Rudolf and King Halo followed closely behind.
Teio smirked.
"Time to unleash the full potential of my rotors!"
Her hand grabbed the shifter.
From Fifth gear—
Clutch in.
Fourth.
Third.
Second.
Blip.
Blip.
Blip.
The RPMs hovered high.
Seven thousand.
The sequential twin-scroll turbos already beginning to build pressure.
Then—
She floored it.
The RX-7 lunged forward violently.
The rear tires spun instantly in second gear.
The steering wheel lightly twitched in her hands.
The rotary screamed toward redline.
9000 RPM.
The sound echoed through the expressway walls.
Clutch in.
Third gear.
Clutch out.
Back on throttle immediately.
Chirp.
The rear tires barked sharply as the transmission engaged third.
The RX-7 shot forward again.
Behind her.
Rudolf blinked once.
"Here we go..."
She pressed the clutch in.
Second gear.
Then buried the throttle.
The F40 roared aggressively.
Twin turbos surged.
The rear tires clawed for grip.
At the back.
King Halo did the same.
Downshift.
Throttle.
Boost.
The Mirage GT exploded forward with brutal force.
The Three Cars were now officially on a Wangan Run.
Not just to test Teio's newfound power.
But to see whether she herself could truly handle it.
Because now—
This was no longer just a tuned RX-7.
This was a car touched by the Devil's Tuner.
The trio raced through the Nishi-Shinjuku Junction.
Then Miyakezaka Junction.
The city lights blurred around them.
Tokyo became streaks of white and orange.
The three cars swept southward.
And entered the Inner C1 Loop.
Counterclockwise.
The heart of Tokyo.
The true battlefield of the Wangan.
Ahead.
A left-hand junction leading toward Route 2 Meguro Line.
Teio smirked slightly.
Brake.
The front end dipped.
Heel and toe.
Fifth.
Fourth.
Third.
The RX-7 rotated smoothly as she turned left.
The front tires bit cleanly into the road.
Teio hugged the inner lane tightly.
The car remained unbelievably planted.
Minimal body roll.
Minimal correction.
Just grip.
Pure grip.
She lightly feathered the throttle mid-corner.
The boost gauge slowly climbed.
0.5.
0.7.
1.0.
Then—
Exit.
Full throttle.
The boost controller peaked instantly.
The RX-7 launched forward hard enough to shove Teio back into the bucket seat.
The rotary screamed.
The chassis remained composed.
Teio upshifted again.
Still accelerating.
Still stable.
A huge smile spread across her face.
"YES!!"
"This is the power I needed!!"
She shifted slightly excitedly in her seat.
"And the car feels super planted on the road!"
Her eyes gleamed.
"Thanks Kitami-san!"
"This thing is built to perfection!!"
Behind her.
King Halo's skepticism slowly faded away.
The Mirage GT followed cleanly through the same section.
She began smiling.
"Not bad, Teio..."
Then another small nod.
"And not bad, Kitami..."
Inside the F40.
Rudolf still remained cautious.
Still studying.
Still analyzing.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Teio's RX-7 ahead.
"...It's actually not bad."
"The car launches out of corners cleanly."
"And she's fully planted through the turns."
Her eyes followed every movement of the RX-7.
Every brake input.
Every throttle application.
Every steering correction.
Then Rudolf noticed something else.
"...And Teio is patient."
"She's waiting for the right timing before going full throttle."
A small smile finally appeared on Rudolf's face.
"Good."
The trio continued onward.
Flowing through the city.
And eventually reaching Kaigan Street.
The long stretch opened ahead.
Streetlights reflected across the bodywork of all three cars.
Then—
King Halo made her move.
The Mirage GT pulled outward into the outer lane.
Boost building aggressively.
The F1 inspired Porsche engine roared.
She accelerated hard.
Quickly pulling beside Teio's RX-7.
Now the two cars were side by side.
Both accelerating.
Both screaming through the night.
They entered a right-hander together.
Neither lifting much.
The RX-7 remained planted.
The Mirage GT stable despite its weight.
Then a short straight.
Then—
A left-hander.
Immediately followed by—
A sharp left hairpin.
Rudolf slammed hard on the brakes.
So did King Halo.
The front suspensions compressed violently.
Tyres screeched.
Then—
Lock-up.
Rudolf's front-left wheel locked for a split second.
King Halo edged slightly ahead.
The Mirage GT rotated beautifully into the corner.
King glanced toward her side mirror.
The F40 was dropping back.
Mid-corner.
King carefully feathered the throttle.
Then—
Exit.
Full throttle.
The rear end of the Mirage GT stepped outward slightly.
Not uncontrolled.
Intentional.
King countersteered just enough.
The car balanced itself perfectly.
All four tires sliding together.
A perfect four-wheel drift.
Clean.
Fast.
Controlled.
And with that—
She completed the pass.
Rudolf nodded approvingly from behind.
"Not bad, King Halo..."
"Not bad at all."
She shifted into Third gear.
The gated shifter clacking mechanically.
"You two are improving..."
A small smile appeared across her face.
"Not just as Umamusume."
"But as drivers too."
The Three Cars completed another full loop around the Inner C1.
Then exited the route.
Flowing through Edobashi.
Hakozaki.
And finally—
Into the Tatsumi Parking Area.
The Night Air remained cool around Tatsumi Parking Area.
Far off in the distance.
The sounds of Tokyo continued quietly.
Faint tire noise from the expressway.
The soft electrical hum of vending machines.
The occasional whistle of wind passing between parked cars.
And Above them all.
A Full Moon hung over the skyline.
Silver light reflecting softly across the polished paintwork of the parked machines.
Teio Closed the Door of her RX-7 with a soft thud.
The lightweight door echoed lightly through the parking area.
She then stretched both her arms high above her head.
Her back cracking slightly.
"That was a fun run!"
She then looked toward Rudolf's F40 parked beside her RX-7.
The Symboli Green Ferrari reflected the vending machine lights beautifully across its bodywork.
"Don't you think so Kaichou?"
Rudolf nodded slowly.
"It definitely was Teio."
The F40's engine ticked softly behind her as heat escaped from the engine bay.
King Halo then approached Teio.
Hands resting on her hips.
"You are improving."
She smirked slightly.
"That in itself is a feat you should be proud of."
Teio nodded proudly.
"Right!"
She then began using her hand like an imaginary accelerator pedal.
Moving it up and down repeatedly.
"I was feathering and feathering the gas!"
She mimicked balancing throttle input mid-corner.
"Maintaining the right amount of boost through the turns!"
Rudolf nodded.
"That's right."
She leaned lightly against the left rear clamshell of her F40.
"The moment you maintain the proper boost pressure mid-corner."
She raised a finger.
"You reduce the amount of time needed for the turbos to spool back to maximum boost on corner exit."
Teio's ears perked up immediately.
Rudolf continued.
"That means smoother acceleration."
"Better stability."
"And less chance of unsettling the rear end when the power suddenly kicks in."
Teio nodded repeatedly.
"Mhm! Mhm!"
She then looked back toward her RX-7.
The Sky Step Blue FD sat quietly under the moonlight.
Warm engine heat still escaping from underneath the hood.
Rudolf inserted both hands into her pants pockets.
"Well then."
"What's the verdict with the setup?"
Teio looked at the RX-7 for a moment longer.
Thinking carefully.
Then.
She spoke.
"I think the Wangan setup is alright..."
She then looked back toward Rudolf and King Halo.
"I just need to figure out how she handles on mountain roads."
King Halo And Rudolf immediately exchanged glances.
King Halo subtly mouthed toward Rudolf.
Do. Not. Mention.
Rudolf silently nodded once.
She then looked back toward Teio.
"That's good to hear Teio."
Teio nodded.
Then began walking toward the nearby vending machine.
Her footsteps echoed softly across the concrete.
The RX-7's turbo timer continued softly ticking away behind her.
Rudolf sighed quietly.
Still leaning against the F40.
"Looks like Kitami held himself together and built a fairly balanced car."
King Halo crossed her arms.
"I'm glad that's how he built the car too."
She looked upward toward the night sky.
"If I knew him more personally..."
She slowly exhaled.
"I probably would've been far more skeptical."
She then glanced back at Rudolf.
"Sorry if I got mad at you earlier..."
Rudolf shook her head.
"No need to apologize."
She looked toward Teio's RX-7 once more.
The car sat low and aggressive beneath the parking lights.
"I understand your reasoning."
"We all want Teio to enjoy the pleasure of driving while still being safe."
"And without risking herself."
"Or others."
King Halo nodded slowly.
Then.
A loud clunk.
The sound of canned coffee falling from the vending machine.
Teio returned moments later.
Holding three hot canned coffees in both arms.
"Coffee delivery!"
King Halo blinked.
"You bought all three?"
Teio nodded proudly.
"Of course!"
She handed one to King Halo.
Then one to Rudolf.
The warmth of the can contrasted heavily against the cool spring night air.
Rudolf looked at the can.
Then at Teio.
"Thank you."
Teio smiled brightly.
"No worries Kaichou!"
King Halo cracked hers open first.
Pssssht.
Steam escaped from the opening.
She took a sip.
Then sighed happily.
"Man..."
"Hot coffee after a Wangan run really hits differently."
Teio immediately nodded in agreement while opening hers.
"Right?!"
Rudolf chuckled softly.
The three then stood quietly beside their cars.
Simply enjoying the atmosphere.
The moonlight.
The city lights.
And the faint sound of engines passing through the distant Shuto.
Then.
Teio suddenly looked at Rudolf again.
"Kaichou."
Rudolf glanced over.
"Hm?"
Teio smiled softly.
"Thanks for accompanying me today."
Rudolf blinked slightly.
Teio continued.
"If you didn't come along."
"I probably would've pushed way harder than I should've."
She rubbed the back of her head.
"And honestly..."
"I think I learned more tonight than I expected."
King Halo smirked.
"Now that sounds more mature already."
Teio immediately pointed at King Halo.
"Hey!"
King laughed once.
Rudolf however simply smiled.
A calm.
Proud smile.
"That's part of becoming a proper driver Teio."
"Not just learning how to go fast."
"But learning restraint."
"When to push."
"And when not to."
Teio listened carefully.
Then nodded.
"I'll remember that."
A soft breeze passed through Tatsumi Parking Area.
Cherry blossom petals drifted lightly through the air.
Some landing across the hoods of the parked cars.
Others blowing past the guard rails toward the highway below.
Then.
Far off in the distance.
The sound of another engine echoed through the expressway.
A deep mechanical howl bouncing through the Tokyo night.
Teio's ears perked up instantly.
King Halo smirked knowingly.
Rudolf simply sighed through her nose.
And smiled.
Another night on the Shuto had only just begun.