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All For Love 3rd in Rivalry Series	By : kurahieiritrJIO Category: +G to L > Initial D Views: 2135 -:- 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-All For Love
- 2-AFL 2
- 3-AFL 3
- 4-AFL 4
- 5-AFL 5
- 6-AFL 6
- 7-AFL 7
- 8-AFL 8
- 9-AFL 9
- 10-AFL 10
- 11-AFl 11
- 12-AFL 12
- 13-AFL 13
- 14-AFL 14
- 15-AFL 15
- 16-AFL 16
- 17-AFL 17
- 18-AFL 18
- 19-AFL 19
- 20-AFL 20
- 21-AFL 21
- 22-AFL 22
- 23-AFL 23
- 24-AFL 24
- 25-AFL 25
- 26-AFL 26
- 27-AFL 27
- 28-AFL 28
- 29-AFL 29
- 30-AFL 30
- 31-AFL 31
- 32-AFL 32
- 33-AFL 33
- 34-AFL 34
- 35-AFL 35
- 36-AFL 36
- 37-AFL 37
- 38-AFL 38
- 39-AFL 39
- 40-AFL 40
- 41-AFL 41
- 42-AFL 42
- 43-AFL 43
- 44-AFL 44
- 45-AFL 45
- 46-AFL 46
- 47-AFL 47
- 48-AFL 48
- 49-AFL 49
- 50-AFL 50
- 32
- 33
- 34
A/N: This is temporarily an older draft of this fan fiction that I am posting here. I will revise to correct inconsistencies ASAP. Please have patience. This note will change once revised.

CHAPTER 33

The sound of his cell ringing drew Ryosuke from his work on an important thesis that was due. He bestowed a dark look upon the noisy object beside his laptop. Keisuke had returned to the regular driving schedule from before his convalescence. Fujiwara had accompanied Keisuke this evening in hopes of speaking to Project D members with Red Suns ties. Fujiwara had wanted to apologize in person for the shooting incident. He had been told it was not his place to apologize for his and Keisuke's mistakes. Still, the younger man insisted on seeing everyone face to face. Keisuke and Fumihiro had set up the meeting at Akagi to placate the younger man's guilt-ridden conscience.

Fujiwara's leg was almost well, yet that did not mean it was strong enough to tolerate G-forces created by hard driving. The possibility of deeper cracks not yet filled would force Keisuke to leave him with Hiroshi, Kenta, and Fumihiro if Keisuke chose to train. It would be too cold for Fujiwara to remain long outdoors if Keisuke trained Ryosuke knew. Because Keisuke had taken Fujiwara, Ryosuke sighed and grabbed the complaining phone.

"Moshi moshi."

"Ryosuke, it's Sudo Koichiro. Got a few minutes?"

Ryosuke swivelled his chair, frowning at the unexpected caller's voice. After several years, their rivalry had become something of a minor legend in street racing. Their heated dogfights over driving theory made them bitter rivals, while mutual respect bound them together in a strange parody of friendship. The dark-haired rotary brother would never truly like Sudo, or his driving values, but knew how valuable the other man was as an ally.

"Koichi, been a while. Nani's on your mind?"

"Have you heard the newest rumors about Project D, Ry?"

"You mean the rumors about both of my drivers' orientation?"

"I'm not calling about envious bakas trying to start trouble, Ryosuke. I'm not even sure the newest rumor can be believed. But, . . . something came down from a solid source."

Due to Sudo's hesitation as he spoke, Ryosuke pushed away from his desk and moved to his balcony with a cigarette in hand. The dark-haired Takahashi brother lit it as he looked at the night sky while a plume of vapor and smoke escaped his lips.

"How serious could this rumor be if you don't believe it, Koichi?"

"You tell me. There's a rumor that says Fujiwara will never be able to race again. Some say the same about your younger brother. I know they both got hurt real bad, so those two sound more realistic. The one that I can't believe claims that the Drift King is taking an interest in Fujiwara, and recently went to Gunma to meet him. Word is that Tsuchia's calling in favors with a number of heavy hitters in the industry on Fujiwara's behalf, Ryosuke."

Ryosuke felt his eyes widen. He sighed as he looked out over the frosty snow encrusted shrubbery around his home. If he denied that Tsuchia had spoken to Fujiwara his credibility would be injured.

"Hm, so Tsuchia's visit has begun to circulate on the streets even though he said he wanted it to stay quiet. I should've realized there would be leaks on his end. I know we haven't told anyone. I suppose Fujiwara's secrets are about to become the public's domain against his wishes."

"So, Tsuchia-sama really did meet with Fujiwara. That much is true, then. Nani do you mean Fujiwara's secrets, Ryosuke?" Ryosuke heard noise in the background as indistinct babble increased in volume. Sudo must have called from Irohaza he realized with a touch of bitter amusement.

"I don't have the right to make his private life common knowledge, Koichiro. But, I'm sure you've heard by now that Fujiwara's staying in my home. He almost lost his right leg when his ex girlfriend tried to kill him and Keisuke."

"Hai, I've heard that. It's easy to believe he'll never race again now that you're verifying it. I've also heard he's in your home as proof he's got the hots for your younger brother, but I don't believe a word of that bull shit."

"Fujiwara's only chance of racing again has depended on his medical care. His right leg has required high-level attention which is the reason he's here. His prospects to return to racing look rather good because he's gotten the care his leg needed."

"There are occasional updates on the site about how they're doing, but those have been pretty generic. Some claim neither one of them will ever race again, and that fact's being withheld, Ryosuke. Nani's really going on?"

"Keisuke's training for the Iron Will as we speak. Fujiwara gets out of his brace and starts rehabilitation right after Christmas."

"That's great news. Sounds like Keisuke's psyched if he already training. But, Fujiwara, . . . if he almost lost his leg, there's a chance he won't be able to race even if he does rehab, isn't there?"

"Fujiwara plans to start driving as soon as his senumon-i clears him. He has rehabilitation to do, but, the isha sans watching over him believe he'll be able to compensate and pursue racing again. Fujiwara's already doing mild strengthening exercises so he can minimize the time lag. We'll know for certain once he's driving again whether or not the minor nerve damage can be overcome."

"I'm hoping the rumors about Fujiwara are proven wrong. I actually got depressed when I heard his racing days were over. This rumor about Tsuchia seemed like it had to be a lie because people think Fujiwara's finished."

"I'll tell him you send your congratulations, Koichi."

"Cool. Now, tell me about the meeting between Tsuchia-sama and Fujiwara. Nani really happened, Ryosuke? It sounds like Tsuchia's really scouting Fujiwara."

Ryosuke could imagine Sudo's perplexed expression. It amused him to think his long time rival was hanging onto his every word. Whatever he chose to say would become part of the main street network's reliable information. Sudo excelled at picking up and passing reliable information. The dark-haired Takahashi brother knew it was too late to prevent people from talking. Fujiwara's request to remain quiet about being related to the famed driver had already been compromised.

"Tsuchia wasn't scouting Fujiwara. It's probably going to become common knowledge soon anyway. Tsuchia's people have already leaked too much. Fujiwara won't be happy about his secrets going public, but I can't really see any way to prevent that."

"If Tsuchia's scouting him, there's no way to keep their meeting off the streets, Ry."

"Isn't it normal to be concerned about family members, Koichi?"

"Huh? Well yeah, . . . sure."

"Since we agree that it's normal, naze wouldn't Tsuchia check up on Fujiwara?"

"Matte! Fujiwara's related to the Drift King?" Koichiro's voice rose in shock.

Ryosuke's sense of ironic amusement increased as he inhaled smoke from his cigarette, and leaned on the balcony rail. Because Tsuchia's name was already linked to Fujiwara's, their kinship would be uncovered whether he spoke or not.

"Keisuke and I were stunned when we found out that they're distant cousins. Fujiwara requested that we remain quiet about it. He feels that Tsuchia's name being linked to his will compromise his own achievements. It's unfortunate that his connection to Tsuchia hit the streets so soon."

"Man, that punk gets more interesting every time I hear about him. Fujiwara's a great racer in his own right, as anyone that's ever battled him knows. How could he think people would only see Tsuchia's rep instead of his genuine skills and talent?"

"Fujiwara's odd that way." Ryosuke agreed with a sour twist to his lips.

"Hm. Which side's the family connection?"

Ryosuke frowned. "His Okāsan's side. His Otosān is still Akina's invincible downhill ace as I understand it. Tsuchia and Bunta-san were close friends in high school. Tsuchia introduced Bunta-san to his cousin not long before he went pro. You could say that Fujiwara got racing blood from both sides of his family."

"How do you know his Otosān's still the top dog on Akina, Ry? I've never heard of another Fujiwara driving there."

"Fujiwara says that he can't beat his Otosān no matter which of their two cars he uses when they get into mock battles. That means Bunta-san still reigns on Akina's downhill. I understand that Bunta-san was a serious candidate for the professional circuit when Tsuchia was interviewed. He chose to get married and take over a tofu business."

"Naze haven't I ever heard of this Bunta, if he's so great?"

"Bunta-san drives Akina at very late hours because of his workload, Koichi. He runs the downhill course after finishing deliveries to the resorts on top of Akina, or at similar times in the early morning. There are several Akina Speed Stars that swear Bunta-san's drift technique causes absolute awe, and unbelievable terror when witnessed."

"I thought Fujiwara made the early morning deliveries. So how can his Otosān be racing if the Phantom hachi roku normally does the morning runs?"

"Fujiwara didn't always make the deliveries, Koichi. His Otosān had him doing most of them to teach his musuko about drifting and weight shifting. He created an interesting aide to force Fujiwara to learn his incredible skills. Bunta-san's doing all the deliveries in his blue Impreza since Fujiwara was shot."

"He's got good taste in cars, I'll give him that. He sounds almost as interesting as his musuko now. The work load explains a lot. I guess some drivers have to live by a different rule book than the rest of us."

"Bunta-san says mature drivers have no business in young drivers' turf wars. He stays away during the regular street racing crowd's hours because it's his own rule. Bunta-san's not interested in destroying unseasoned drivers' egos. The reason he taught Fujiwara how to drive was to give him options in his career choices. Keisuke began using Fujiwara's training aide just before they were attacked, and improved at an incredible rate."

"Nani kind of training aide do they use?"

Ryosuke felt his lips curve into a smile at Koichiro's blatant curiosity. He was not going to share he decided with a flash of vicious amusement. "You'll have to talk to Bunta-san, or Fujiwara. It's their trade secret so I can't discuss it without their blessing."

"Interesting. Now I really want to check out Fujiwara's Otosān. I find it hard to imagine a drift that inspires awe, and terror at the same time to be honest. Sounds like something an amateur would say to me."

"Keisuke said Bunta-san's driving spooks him. He has seen Bunta-san drive up close and personal."

"Whoa, Keisuke's a damned good racer. Now, I'm even more interested in seeing Fujiwara's Otosān drive."

"Then go to Akina a little before four in the morning. I understand the five hairpins is the best place to watch. Oh, and arigato for the warning abut the newest rumors, Koichi. Looks like I'm going to have my hands' full when Fujiwara finds out Tsuchia's visit has become common knowledge." Ryosuke flicked his ashes into the outdoor ashtray.

"You know Tsuchia-sama might really be stepping up for Fujiwara, Ry. There's information about him talking to big wigs. It can't be a total fluke that Tsuchia saw Fujiwara, went back to Tokyo, and started talking to people in high places."

"Tsuchia's probably looking for some information Fujiwara asked him about, Koichi."

Koichiro's voice sounded doubtful. "Are you certain, Ryosuke?"

"If Tsuchia planned on recommending Fujiwara, he'd have to say something. We'd know that was Tsuchia's intention because Fujiwara would have exploded in Tsuchia's face. I doubt Tsuchia will ignore Fujiwara's wishes."

"It sounds like Fujiwara's adamant to go it alone."

"That's correct. Fujiwara's worst nightmare is being offered a place on a professional team because he's related to Tsuchia. Tsuchia's well aware of his cousin's feelings."

"Fujiwara's got serious chops to refuse help from someone already inside the pro circuit. Most would be begging Tsuchia to help them out if they were related to him. I know Fujiwara's the real deal, Ryosuke, but, it blows my mind hearing this."

"Fujiwara's a cut above most racers. I asked him to be a Project D member because his attitude isn't like everyone else's, Koichi. That quality makes working with him fascinating."

"I've noticed that he's different too. His counter attack when he took down Kogashiwa's MR2, using his own technique against him, isn't something just anyone can do. That kid's chops are still the talk around here because of that battle. Fujiwara had no way of knowing that technique, and yet he used it like a seasoned veteran after seeing it once."

"Fujiwara's adaptability is a bit freakish. It makes him hard to beat, Koichi. Who else could use an antique and pull off so many victories?"

"Nobody I know. Since I have you on the phone, explain the American regulation that makes the FD and hachi roku unusable in their race."

"There's a lot of high speed off-road sections. Only cars with frames, undercarriages, and chassis capable of withstanding extreme impacts are allowed to enter, Koichi. The FD and hachi roku can't qualify. We have to do heavy modifications to off-road viable cars to participate. Hence our need of several elite level sponsors to get into this race."

"That bites. That's the reason for the alternate car list survey that you'll be posting soon, isn't it?"

"Hai. We're waiting for the current exemption list for Japanese cars from Iron Will headquarters. Otherwise we'll have to petition to get cars we believe can survive the punishment of this race through their tests before we can enter. We know that Subaru has models that have passed the Iron Will tests already. That made Fujiwara happy since his Otosān owns an Impreza. He's familiar with the car's capabilities."

"So, Fujiwara plans to drive his Otosān's Impreza in this race." Koichi sounded happy.

"Not at all. Fujiwara's attitude is that if it has four wheels and qualifies, he'll master the car. Keisuke's pissed that the R-32 and 34 are top candidates for this race once modified for the off-road section. My little brother's prejudice annoys Fujiwara. They argued over it, and Fujiwara won."

Sudo began to chuckle. "It sounds like you already have your hands full, Ry. I'm glad I'm not in your shoes. I bet that was uncomfortable. Fujiwara's quiet so I'm kind of surprised that he has a temper."

"They work well together, so I only had to insert information about the top five cars from an Iron Will Commemorative pack we were loaned. They both made their points, and Fujiwara had the stronger case. His argument was that if you're going to face an overwhelming number of muscle cars on long, flat roads, use a car equal to the task of winning. Keisuke had to give up."

"So Fujiwara took on your younger brother. That kid's got a serious pair. Tell him to be careful and not piss your brother off for me. Keisuke's rep is scary when it comes to a fight. I'd hate to hear Fujiwara threw down with your bro."

"That won't happen, Koichi. Keisuke has no intention of finding out if his gut reaction that Fujiwara can stand his ground is correct."

"Keisuke thinks Fujiwara's hard-core enough to refuse to throw down with him when he's pissed off? Damn it, Ry, is there anything that little punk can't do?"

"He's mentioned that he wasn't a very good student. Anything else?"

"Ok. Be a smart ass, Ry." Sudo laughed. "If I hear anything else, I'll call again. Ja for now."

"Arigato for the update, Koichiro. Ja."

Ryosuke hung up with a thoughtful look on his face. He knew Fujiwara would not be pleased to learn that his relationship to Tsuchia was public property. The older rotary brother knew Sudo would tell others the reason Fujiwara had hid the information. The dark-haired racer had been careful to craft his words to make sure people understood Fujiwara feared others would not see his achievements if they knew he had a famous relative. Koichiro's reliability was one asset Fujiwara needed whether he understood that or not.

The street scene needed to know carefully crafted things if the younger driving genius was going to have any chance of beating the odds stacked against him. Such information could prevent negative backlash in the future. Fujiwara's growing fan base would find his determination to go it alone another enigmatic puzzle that Fujiwara's quiet personality fostered without his intention.

More details would be leaked from Tsuchia's contacts and underlings about their relationship in the weeks to come. Ryosuke had no doubt about how Sudo's information had gotten to the streets. Famous people's lives were always under scrutiny. Subordinates sold information to the highest bidder to subsidize their pocket books without thought of the consequences. Backstabbing and double-crosses were part of the professional circuit's everyday workings. Ryosuke had turned down offers to join professional teams because of the headaches. Keisuke had the mental strength, and street smarts to fight back on their level and thrive. Keisuke's dream was to become a professional circuit racer.

Ryosuke had put his younger brother's dream first with the creation of Project D. the D had come to stand for development of technique and domination on the streets as Ryosuke sought to train his brother and Fujiwara up to higher levels by investigating the terrains of each course to force new understanding of their flaws before those flaws became permanent problems. Keisuke had mastered pedal control, and many other things he had not understood before Project D went into active phase.

A knock on the door brought Ryosuke back inside. "Hai."

Okāsan's face was paste white and tears slid down her face as she stood in his doorway. "I'm on the way to the kēisatsusho."

"Fujiwara was attacked, wasn't he?"

"I don't know what happened. Takumi-kun's missing. Sachi-chan called our house line because your phone was busy. Something about Takumi being thrown into a van after some kind of very big fight. I'm not certain of anything else. She said they had called the Kēsatsu already."

"How badly is Keisuke hurt, Okāsan?"

"Sachi said he's not doing well because he was delayed by some of the gang members and got raked with some kind of weapon when he went after Takumi-kun. She mentioned the FD's windshield was broken during Keisuke's fight. Will you go help your brother and make certain he gets to the hospital?"

"Hai, Okāsan. Leave Keisuke to me." Ryosuke wondered if he would be able to help Keisuke beyond getting the FD sent to a repair shop as he watched Okāsan hurry down the stairs. If Fujiwara was missing, Keisuke would be inconsolable.

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All For Love 3rd in Rivalry Series