Nakahama

Taraka nods.

"Shinjo-san is an interesting one. Originally, I didn't think she was going to enter the competition. She wants the feeling of the wind in her hair and while Flying Battle Carps are thrilling to fly, it's not the same as piloting a real aircraft. Utaku-san, on the other hand, has competed with us previously. She's been lobbying for racing options, both for battle carps and for real. We've agreed to lend some aid in that." she revealed.

Taraka smiled.

"I think it's likely we'll have at least a battle carp race in the next few days. Whether we can overcome the various legal and logistical hurdles to have an actual air race remains to be seen. The government's response has been predictably slow."

"Racing would be an interesting add-on," Kisha says. "What have the bureaucratic hurdles been? It would seem a straight race would be less disruptive and less potentially hazardous to others than the current practice."

"Oh! I was told about this race. Any details you can share? Not that they matter for now. I'm definitely going to participate." The Scorpion declares.

"Is it a car race? Do I need a crew? A vehicle?"

Taraka tilted her head before clarifying.

"For the carp race? It's not too bad. Just some permits for a large gathering. It will take a little effort to arrange an interesting race course. With the forbiddance of recording equipment on the carp, you've got to have something that stays within visual range, so we can't do something like a race around the island. We're planning on using balloons to make some obstacles and challenge to make it a bit more exciting to do." she said.

"Now for the actual race the Unicorn want to do with real aircraft? There's a lot more challenge. We've got to get clearance for the flights, screen for actual pilots since we don't want bored tourists flying planes into buildings while believing that they can do anything. For that matter, we have to acquire, at least for a short while, extra aircraft since the typical tourist doesn't pack an aircraft into their carry-on." she lists off.

Taraka chuckles.

"Basically every obstacle that the carp avoid, we have to overcome to make this happen."

"Not a land vehicles race?" She seems disappointed. "None on the schedule? Hiruma Akiro san, or it could have been Akito san," she waves her hand, "the one with the sword, not the guns. The serious of the two. He told me that there's an annual race. In a few days and visitors can participate."

Sumiko had fallen into silence while racing was discussed. The Unicorn arranging something didn't surprise her, although it reminded her of Jian which nearly caused a smile to cross her face. She managed to resist though, instead picking up her bottle of water from the bag to drink from.

"The Unicorn race sounds interesting" she finally added "as does the carp race. Hearing that there are even more talented racers as well would make the carp racing more exciting. Perhaps Miya-sama could even stream the race? I wouldn't want to speak for her of course" she bowed to the Miya.

"Parts of it, sure," Kisha says. "I could look into permits for that; it's why I have the administrators I do with the brand and all.

"But an annual race?" She turns to the Bayushi. "I'd love to know more."

Bayushi Senshuken wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 11:28 am "Not a land vehicles race?" She seems disappointed. "None on the schedule? Hiruma Akiro san, or it could have been Akito san," she waves her hand, "the one with the sword, not the guns. The serious of the two. He told me that there's an annual race. In a few days and visitors can participate."

Taraka considered that.

"Ah, he was probably talking about the Shiawase Rally. The one sponsored by Uomoto. That should be coming up in about five days time." she offered.

"Do you know any details about it?" She only asks and her whole attention goes to the Yasuki in search for answers.

Bayushi Senshuken wrote: Wed Nov 12, 2025 10:29 pm "Do you know any details about it?" She only asks and her whole attention goes to the Yasuki in search for answers.

Taraka considered that.

"Well, I can talk a little about it, Bayushi-san. However, keep in mind that it changes every year. Where they went and how they went could quite well look different this year." she explains. "But broadly speaking, it's a race around the island. There's a lot of off-road portions. Typically it's teams of drivers and mechanics, but sometimes they do two drivers to keep things interesting. There's been some pretty fantastic crashes in previous years, but overall it's considered relatively safe."

"Elements of danger? Crossing the wilds? Sounds like a great watch!" Kisha says. "I'm guessing the local bars play it, maybe a few of the middle-range hotels?"