Chapter Four

Back at the restaurant, the ambiance shifted once more. The restaurant's interior became a stage for murmured discussions among the patrons. The whispers of the Black Panther's legend spread like wildfire, captivating the imagination of those who heard the tales.

The restaurant's rustic charm provided a comforting backdrop to the conversation, with wooden furniture and soft jazz music in the background. The mingling aromas of freshly cooked food and aromatic beverages filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere.

The rumors of the "Black Panther" spread like wildfire through the streets, a name whispered in hushed tones by the racing community. The enigma of the unbranded gem, the Burakkupansā, captured the imagination of all who had heard the tales. It was a legend in the making, a phantom racer whose skill and prowess had become the stuff of racing folklore.

Working in the restaurant, she couldn't escape the gossip that swirled around town. People spoke of the Black Panther in hushed voices, sharing stories of daring races and astonishing victories that seemed almost too incredible to be true. The allure of the unknown, coupled with the mastery on the asphalt, made the Burakkupansā an enigmatic figure, shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

As she continued her duties, Xiangua's grin and the mention of "Miss Burakkupansā" only fueled her curiosity. It was as if the entire city was caught in the web of this mysterious figure, and the buzz of anticipation lingered in the air like a charged current.

Xiangua had been Hisashi's best friend since they met in college, becoming like sisters over the years. With her slender frame and brown hair, Xiangua exuded a carefree spirit, unburdened by the worries of the world and drawn to the drama that life often presented. Their paths crossed at the end of Hisashi's high school years when Xiangua's family decided to move from Wegjung to Chunanami. Despite the geographical distance that once separated them, their bond grew stronger with each passing day, fueled by shared experiences, laughter, and a deep understanding of each other's quirks and idiosyncrasies. Xiangua's infectious energy and unwavering loyalty made her an indispensable presence in Hisashi's life, a constant source of support and companionship through life's twists and turns.

With her attention still drawn to the restaurant's patrons, she suddenly noticed a sleek White S14 pulling up at the front. The engine's purr was a soothing sound, contrasting with the restless energy that had taken hold of me. Two individuals emerged from the car, each leaving an impression that demanded attention.

The passenger, an athletic man with chestnut hair dressed in casual attire, seemed unremarkable compared to the striking presence of the driver. He was a sight to behold, standing out like a sore thumb in the crowd. The driver's long, wavy, and fiery red-orange hair cascaded down to his shoulders, tied back in a low ponytail. His muscular frame exuded strength and confidence, emphasizing his presence in any setting.

Clothed in a black turtleneck sleeveless shirt, his left bicep bore a tattoo with the bold inscription of "NikoCloud" adding an air of mystique to his already captivating persona. Dark washed jeans and well-worn converse sneakers completed his distinctive look, hinting at his casual yet formidable demeanor.

Her gaze followed his every move, observing his hand running over the short hairs on his chin, a subtle gesture that conveyed a sense of self-assurance. His penetrating brown eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail of the parking lot. And then, as if guided by an invisible force, his gaze locked onto the black S13.

She could feel the weight of his stare from afar, and her heart sank as she noticed her uncle, Kumoku , standing beside the car, taking a moment of respite while smoking a cigarette. Kumoku, despite being in his fifties, maintained a slim physique, though this did not diminish the prominence of his well-defined muscles, which hinted at years of physical activity and strength training. His frame displayed the subtle lines of strong muscles beneath the surface, a testament to his dedication to fitness and perhaps a nod to his younger, more vigorous days. His expression often carried an air of indifference, a trait that seemed to run in the family, inherited from the Tsuchiyas . This stoic demeanor, while sometimes misconstrued as aloofness, masked a depth of emotion and wisdom accumulated over the years.

His hair, not long, stood in a slightly ruffled manner atop his head, evidence of a hard day's work or perhaps a moment of absentmindedness amidst his busy schedule. Despite its disheveled appearance, his hair added to his rugged charm, lending him an air of approachability and authenticity.

The situation was as clear as day – the Black Panther had arrived, and her sanctuary, her beloved S13, was at the center of his attention.

With a mix of awe and trepidation, she rolled her eyes, her mind instantly recognizing the gravity of the moment. "Aigoo," she muttered under her breath, a cocktail of emotions swirling within her. The legend of the Black Panther had now manifested itself right before my eyes, and she knew this encounter would change the course of her racing journey forever.