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As the Smoke Clears #4 in Rivalry Series	By : kurahieiritrJIO Category: +G to L > Initial D Views: 2672 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Initial D, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-As the Smoke Clears
- 2-Smoke 2
- 3-Smoke 3
- 4-Smoke 4
- 5-Smoke 5
- 6-Smoke 6
- 7-Smoke 7
- 8-Smoke 8
- 9-Smoke 9
- 10-Smoke 10
- 11-Smoke 11
- 12-Smoke 12
- 13-Smoke 13
- 14-Smoke 14
- 15-Some 15
- 16-Smoke 16
- 17-Chapter 17
- 18-Smoke 18
- 19-Smoke 19
- 20-Smoke 20
- 21-Smoke 21
- 22-Smoke 22
- 23-Smoke 23
- 24-Smoke 24
- 25-Smoke 25
- 26-Smoke 26
- 27-Smoke 27
- 28-Smoke 28
- 29-Smoke 29
- 30-Smoke 30
- 31-Smoke 31
- 32-Smoke 32
- 33-Smoke 33
- 34-Smoke 34
- 35-Smoke 35
- 36-Smoke 36
- 37-Smoke 37
- 38-Smoke 38
- 39-Smoke 39
- 40-Smoke 40
- 29
- 30
- 31
A N: Sorry this took so long to add this new chapter. Working on the Prequel, "Driven Heart" due to multiple fan requests threw my schedule when I got a weekend pet sitting job. Please tell me if you see any glaring grammar and spelling problems. I do miss typos/non-dialog based grammar mistakes on occasion.

CHAPTER 30

Looking over the schematic that they were refining for the two Skyline GT-Rs that Martonelli had sent to America, Ryosuke repressed a heavy sigh. The American off road experts and the Nissan corporation technicians were fighting about the Atessa E.T.S. computerized four wheel drive systems. The Americans insisted onboard computers were hazardous to off road driving. The Nissan experts were adamant that the onboard computers made for a superior performance machine. Neither side would consider the other side's views, and Ryosuke was developing one hell of a headache.

"Slow down, minasan. . . . Slow down, everyone." The dark-haired driver repeated everything in both languages for the majority's benefit.

Matsimoto stood at his shoulder shaking his head. "Ryosuke san, doesn't the level of course difficulties need factoring into the modifications that get done?"

"That's the whole point we're making. Our computers need refined detailed programming attention to bring out the GT-R's greatest potential. These Americans can't hope to compete with our modern three fours."

Etsuya was playing main translator for Hector's benefit. As he finished his thought, the older Hispanic man snorted in contempt. "Bust a motor mount while your driving a hard stretch and see how fast the computers go offline, dumb ass! When your driver's dead maybe you'll get over your fucking ego trip!" Etsuya gave an edited version of the American's angry response.

Raising his hands again, Ryosuke sought to restore order. "Both of you make very critical points that deserve investigation. We should address the dangers of broken motor mounts in a calm manner. If there is a possibility of a mechanical failure that will threaten Keisuke or Fujiwara's lives, I want it addressed before we have to consider registering these cars with the Iron Will Committee."

"These three fours are top of the line. They aren't going to break going over dirt, Ryosuke san. To say they will is preposterous!" Nakada snapped in genuine anger.

Ryosuke lifted a hand and got in the Nissan Tech's face. "Matte, Nakada san! I said we need to consider the possibility that it could happen, not that it will happen. There is a difference. I don't believe Hector sama is trying to insult the engineering of these cars. He has over twenty-five years experience driving at high speeds on off road courses. He is a legend in his own right. There has to be a concrete reason he's objecting to the Atessa E.T.S. system on the grounds of it being dangerous. Unless we can find out the specific reason for his concerns, we can't resolve the issue satisfactorily."

Etsuya was translating again Ryosuke noticed. Hector was nodding emphatically. "Damn straight I have a genuine reason for saying get rid of the onboard computers! I've seen onboard computers kill seventeen drivers over six years. We banned them a year ago in our set because we got sick of seeing people die. The computers go offline, and the car's uncontrollable. The brakes don't work. Steering control and everything else also collapses. Watch these damned rice burners go over an eighty-foot cliff a few times and explode in a fire ball on the way down and you might get a God damned clue!"

Ryosuke's eyes widened at Hector's vehement answer. The man was very serious about his view. Once Etsuya finished translating, he asked in English, "That many have died because of onboard computers?"

"Hell yeah. It wasn't just Japanese cars that failed because of computers either. Modern American cars have failed at critical moments too. Computers are a liability for hard off road driving. The cars do a lot of air borne time in high speed runs. Even a decent road's going to have dips and wallows from rain runoff among other imperfections. The cars are gonna catch air every time they hit those rough spots at high speed. It ain't like driving on the pavement where the tires are on the ground always. The body's got to be tough enough to handle the ongoing hard strain caused by the unexpected jumps. Motor mount breakage is the biggest problem in off road driving. Onboard computers go haywire when the motor mounts break. The car tries to shut off because the damned computer tells it to shut down. How the hell can the driver stop a car if it won't respond because a computer is interfering?"

A glance around at the Project D mechanical staff showed that Matsimoto and Etsuya were both very worried about Hector's input. Ryosuke found his alarm growing as Hector spoke. Many computers had overrides to stop a person from driving hard once a mechanical failure began happening. Hector's input was based on genuine information.

"Changing to non ABS brakes will help some. Fujiwara and Keisuke both have experience with non ABS so that will help ease that concern. As to the steering and other matters, we do need to consider how to reduce the onboard computers potential interference with our drivers' direct control over the cars."

"It's not necessary. These cars have the latest technology installed. To say they are going to fail is an insult to Nissan's integrity!" Nakada finally spoke in English.

The other Nissan technicians looked confused. Knowing they were not all bilingual irritated Ryosuke even more. Giving the head mechanic a stern look, Ryosuke spoke in their native tongue with a firm tone. "Members of your family are not risking death if there is an unexpected computer failure, Nakada san. My otouto's life could be at stake if one of these cars has a catastrophic computer failure. My suggestion is that we remove lock down codes and similar potentially life threatening interference-based programming. I am not suggesting removing every computer as Hector is suggesting. I think that is an appropriate compromise at this time."

Matsimoto nodded in agreement."Sounds like a good idea. We could add override codes to keep the electrical system from going off line so the drivers can stop the car manually before the car shuts down that way. Give the drivers a two or a three-minute window from the time a warning light goes on. That way they know they have to stop. Better yet, we could add a buzzer to insure they know they are getting the warning in case they don't glance at the dash in time to see it start flashing."

"That seems like a reasonable compromise to me. Can you make this kind of compromise to insure Keisuke and Fujiwara's safety, Nakada san?" Ryosuke demanded with a hard look at the older man.

Before he received his answer, Twylah was bellowing from the house. "Ryosuke, telephone for you. Somebody from your country's on the line."

"Sumimasen, I have to take this call. It's the weekly update call on Project D's drivers. I need to make certain they are healing at an acceptable rate to compete." The dark-haired captain told the Nissan technicians that Martonelli had brought to America to modify the GT-Rs.

A quick bow of understanding from the mechanical engineers saw him striding quickly toward the waiting Indian woman. He trotted up the steps and into the ranch house. "Thanks for telling me, Twylah."

Without a word she minced her way back to the kitchen stove. Ryosuke entered the living room and grabbed the phone. "Moshi Moshi."

"About time you picked up, Aniki." Keisuke's annoyed voice flowed into his ear.

"I was outside going over the modifications needed with the Nissan technicians, Keisuke. I was moderating a big debate about onboard computers and possible mechanical failures that I was trying to supervise. So, how are things in Tokyo?"

"They attacked Takumi again. They used poison this round."

"Kami Sama?! Is he all right?" Ryosuke asked, reeling under the verbal blow. He sank into the lazyboy due to his shock.

"Hai. I caught the problem in time so they got the vast majority out of his and Takeuchi's system before their bodies could absorb it. Once they stabilized, I checked him, Takeuchi, and Hikaru out of the hospital. The kēsatsukan caught the poisoner, but I'm not taking any more chances with my family's safety, Aniki."

"I understand your feelings, but is it wise to take such extreme actions? Fujiwara's very ill, Keisuke." Ryosuke responded, brows beetling as he tried to catch up.

"They tried to abduct Hikaru, and poisoned Takumi in the same week, Aniki! I'm not giving those bastards another opening! Takumi, Hikaru, and Takeuchi are getting treatments as out patients so it isn't a problem. I take them in every other day."

"That's a relief. Ojīsan said that Fujiwara is still very ill, Keisuke. I was concerned that premature release is a dangerous risk to Fujiwara's health. Hearing that he's still getting intensive medical care helps. Naze did you check Takeuchi out with your musuko and Fujiwara? Nani reasoning made you do that?"

"I checked Takeuchi out too because Takumi needs to have him around, Aniki. The compound royally screwed up both of their minds. They have some kind of really rare emotional illness because the compound destroyed most of their sense of individual personality. The Gaijin senumon-i said that separating them could kill them right now."

"Nani . . . ?" Ryosuke was glad he was sitting as Keisuke's sharp edged words sank into his mind.

"Leamas sama said that Takumi and Itsuke have a very rare illness similar to Stockholm's Syndrome. The major difference is that the negative imprint is on another victim, instead of the abducting abuser. To survive that place Takumi and Itsuke had to sacrifice their individual identities and become a perfectly blended team. It isn't helping that Takeuchi has a lifelong medical problem that Takumi's been compensating for all of their lives. Leamas sama diagnosed it in the hospital. It's way too late to reverse the damage done to Itsuke's brain either."

Eyes wide, Ryosuke could well imagine Keisuke's irritated expression based on his growled undercurrents. "I don't understand, Otouto. Back up and explain this from the beginning starting with Takeuchi's new illness."

"Okay. Takumi and I learned that Takeuchi has Acute Chemical Imbalance induced brain damage, Aniki. It was preventable when he was younger. His family physician never diagnosed him with the problem, nor prescribed the right medication to prevent the physical damage that has happened since he started puberty."

"How did you get this information? Did Takeuchi tell you this?" Ryosuke asked before his brother could continue.

"I took over Takeuchi's medical bills to get this resolved. It was the only way to keep him alive since Takeuchi's family can't afford the medical care that he desperately needs. Takumi was having a complete breakdown because he was panicking over Takeuchi's deterioration. When he stopped eating completely, I took charge of Takeuchi's medical. It's working beautifully too. Takumi and Itsuke are both getting stronger now."

"Naze would Fujiwara stop eating? I'm not certain I understand any of this. I am aware of Stockholm's Syndrome and the symptoms, but this is sounding far more extreme than that illness, Keisuke." Ryosuke thought out loud.

"It isn't Stockholm's Syndrome. Leamas sama called it a sub category of the same class that psychiatry department lists Stockholm's under. He called it an Acute Negative Imprint. He said it evolved because Takumi has always had a dysfunctional relationship with Itsuke. Takumi has compensated for Itsuke's medical problem for so long it has become an instinct with him. Without Itsuke, Takumi literally can't comprehend surviving right now. They got so emotionally screwed up in the compound. It is unreal." Keisuke answered.

"How are you handling all of this, Keisuke?" Ryosuke asked trying to curb his own dismay. He looked up as Twylah walked in with a glass of tea in her hand. She set it beside him. He smiled and covered the receiver. "Thanks, Twylah. I appreciate it."

She smiled for a split second and returned to the kitchen. Listening to Keisuke's response, Ryosuke lifted the glass to his lips. "Helping Itsuke isn't a problem. He's the only real family Takumi felt he had when they were growing up. The medication has calmed him down more than you can imagine, Aniki. You won't recognize Takeuchi the next time you see him."

"Is that so?" He asked setting the glass down.

"Hai. Hikaru really likes Takeuchi also. He keeps Hikaru busy part of the time which frees me to focus on other important things. I'm grateful that Itsuke's taken on the role of a surrogate uncle. I've had a bad case of guilty conscience over Hikaru. Oddly enough, Takeuchi's the one that has helped me most with getting over that problem."

"That's acceptable I suppose. It's a natural enough shift with Fujiwara considering him a surrogate otouto. Will you explain the process that the senumon-i has developed to get Fujiwara and Takeuchi over their emotional illness, Keisuke?"

"Leamas sama is working with them to reestablish their separate identities. They have intensive counseling every other day. I'm keeping Takeuchi busy with getting into better shape between sessions. Having a body building routine gives Itsuke a way to shift his ideas about himself. Leamas sama thinks his new exercise routine is a great way of reinforcing the identity separation process." Keisuke answered.

"Naze are you putting Takeuchi through that kind of routine?"

"He's got very big bones, Aniki. Powerhouses only come in two types. Improving his self image helps him to find himself faster. Plus, feeling better about himself can only help Takeuchi get through the nightmare he suffered. He needs to feel that he can protect himself if he's going to get past everything."

"That makes sense. Nani kind of physical damage has Takeuchi sustained from the chemical imbalance?"

"He has an abnormally large pituitary gland and a stunted Amygdala and Prefrontal Lobe. Leamas described it as having an inability to control his limbic urges when his hormonal levels rise too high which was frequently a problem before Leamas sama put him on medication. The damage has caused a kind of emotional short circuit so he can't use logic like the rest of us."

"If he has that much damage, Takeuchi may never recover, Otouto. Although tragic, Takeuchi isn't your responsibility, nor Fujiwara's. After Fujiwara recovers from this identity crisis, Takeuchi may need to be institutionalized for his own safety."

"Forget it, Aniki! Takeuchi isn't getting abandoned just because his medical problem is inconvenient. Takumi and I agree on this. After everything Takeuchi did to save Takumi in the compound, there's not a chance I'll let him go to an institution when he doesn't need one." Palpable rage flowed into Ryosuke's ear. Wiping a hand over his eyes, Ryosuke considered his options to best sway his brother's mind.

"Keisuke, your loyalty is admirable, but I doubt you've considered the long term problems involved to make an educated choice. If Takeuchi has such extreme problems, qualified medical personnel need to insure his well being around the clock. You don't have the credentials to continue giving the level of medical care required."

"All Itsuke needs are bimonthly blood work to make certain his medication gets adjusted as needed, Aniki. Stop blowing things out of proportion. He's going to be fine if he remains on his medication. To be blunt, even if Itsuke did require lifelong 'round the clock care, I'd make sure he got it. You haven't got any idea of the abuse he accepted in the compound trying to save Takumi's life." Keisuke responded with a tired yet biting undertone.

"You shouldn't do this to appease Fujiwara, Keisuke. I know you love him, but taking on too many responsibilities with everything still so unstable in your own life isn't healthy. Nothing that Takeuchi endured is your fault, Otouto."

"Maybe not, but I do owe Takeuchi more than you can begin to imagine, Aniki. The compound hierarchy told Takeuchi that they would keep Takumi alive if he did everything they ordered him to do. I've seen the review panel video footage. Abandoning Itsuke won't happen after seeing the things he did to save Takumi's life so don't ever suggest that we should."

Getting irritated with Keisuke's stubbornness, Ryosuke found himself growling in reply. "Try to keep your sense of honor from getting in the way of logical thinking, Keisuke. You'll cause more harm than good if you insist on such a ridiculous course."

"Funny, Ojīsan agrees with me on helping Itsuke, Aniki. We talked this over several times before I committed to it. He has read some transcripts since I asked Senda San to get a restriction gag on Itsuke's abuse case along with Takumi's. You haven't got a clue about everything that they put Takumi and Itsuke through in there. All you know is that Takumi was brutally gang raped. That doesn't begin to cover the hell both saw as prisoners. This isn't about me feeling guilty either. Takeuchi literally destroyed his own personality trying to save Takumi! I'm not going to turn my back on him!"

"It seems talking to you about this is going nowhere, Keisuke. If Ojīsan agrees that you should take financial responsibility for someone that isn't a relative, you've left out too much information." Ryosuke snapped in return.

"I won't discuss anything behind Itsuke's back, Aniki. Everything he did trying to keep Takumi alive is unbelievably shameful. If I was forced to protect Takumi the way he tried to, I'd never want anyone to know it happened."

Rubbing his fingers across his forehead to ease his headache, Ryosuke considered his brother's commentary. If Keisuke thought the information was unbearably shameful, then Takeuchi had been subjected to things Ryosuke knew were unspeakable. Promiscuous as Keisuke had been before falling for Fujiwara, Ryosuke did not want to know any of the details. To hear Keisuke say he would not wish it to become common knowledge was shocking enough.

"That's fine, Otouto. I don't need to know specifics. I'll take your word that his situation was very grim. If you find it too shameful to discuss, I certainly can't comprehend it."

A chuckle flowed over the phone line. "That's probably true. Anyway, Takumi is doing much better, Aniki. He's over the last of the withdrawals, and putting on weight finally. Sobo and a couple other relatives arrived day before yesterday. I wish you could be here for the ring ceremony, but the kēsatsukan flat refuse to let you return even for an overnight visit."

"Don't worry about it. Tell Fujiwara I'm looking forward to seeing him and you wearing your legacy rings when you get to America. Have Ojīsan video the ceremony so I can watch it later. That will make up for my inability to come to the actual event. It will be a good thing for your musuko to be involved in since it gives him an added sense of family continuity." Ryosuke offered.

"That's a great suggestion, Aniki. I'll talk to Takumi about it after we finish talking. By the way, got some other news for you."

"Nani kind of news?" Ryosuke could not help the suspicious note that crept into his voice.

"Takumi's inheriting a home with property, and a trust fund when he turns twenty. He didn't know anything about it."

Ryosuke blinked several times as he absorbed the news. "I see. Are you going to live in this home, or is it in bad shape?"

"We aren't about to move to Nikko Kokuritsu's outskirts, Aniki. Takumi's going to retain his fiduciary, and keep the place on the vacation home market. He's got first pick for vacation time slots since he owns the house. He said to ask you if you wanted to stay there on occasion? If so he'll set aside time for you. If the pictures are any indicators, the place is gorgeous. It has a landscaper and full time housekeeping chef on site."

"I'll think about it. Tell Fujiwara domo arigato for the generous offer. I need to get back to the mechanical team. I'm not sure they won't kill each other if I'm not keeping the peace between them, Otouto."

"Tell minasan that we send out regards, and miss our teammates. Takumi's getting much stronger now that all the aphrodisiacs out of his system. You can tell them that his counseling is going very well and he'll be back to one hundred percent before they know it."

"Sounds good. I'll do that. Tell Fujiwara we all send our congratulations on his recovery. We were all worried about him."

"Will do, Aniki. Ja na."

"Ja na, Otouto." Ryosuke set the phone back onto its cradle and stood. Grabbing his glass of tea, he headed for the kitchen to ask Twylah for some aspirin. He still had plenty of work to do, but the update would make his teammates' day a lot brighter if he omitted the more dreary portions.

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As the Smoke Clears #4 in Rivalry Series