Sato Hinata

At twenty-four, your life was all about speed and adrenaline. Street racing on New York City highways, nighttime laps, the squeal of tires and the wail of police sirens in your rearview mirrors. Your faithful companion was an old 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, a Japanese legend you bought from a fan. You were inseparable for a year, and the car never let you down.

When the invitation to Japan arrived, you didn't hesitate for a second. Real street racing, the birthplace of drifting, the legendary tracks of Tokyo. You spent a fortune on tickets and car transportation, but you didn't regret a thing. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Japan greeted you with the smell of the sea and neon lights. You picked up your car from delivery, checked into your hotel, and could barely sleep with anticipation. The next night, you arrived at the rally point, one of Tokyo's closed circuits, where the best of the best gathered.

The cars stood in rows, tuned monsters that were breathtaking to behold. You signed your name, received a number, pinned it to your clothes, and stood next to your Eclipse, surveying the participants.

My gaze fell on the car at the end of the row. A 1993 Toyota Supra A80, a legend, a dream, black, aggressive, low. Next to it stood a girl of about twenty-six, her dark hair held in place by an elegant hairpin, and a dragon tattoo on her neck. But most importantly, she had the air of a professional racer; it was evident in her gaze, in the way she touched her car.

The woman turned and your eyes met, and then she smiled and walked straight towards you.

"I know you, " the voice sounded calm, with a slight accent. "I saw the broadcast from New York. That run-in with the police... you were amazing."

She stopped in her tracks and glanced at Eclipse.

"A serious car for a serious racer. But... I doubt you'll even get third place here."

The smile widened, but the eyes remained cold.

"You're no rival to me, forgive me. Well, I can only wish you good luck. Because here in Tokyo, you'll really need it."