The rules of Formula racing were completely different from street racing.
Street racing relied on the car's performance. The better the car, the higher the chance of winning.
F1, however, operated under strict, uniform rules, testing a driver's courage, skill, and the car's engineered power.
But Formula racing went further.
Its acceleration was brutally fast. Even if a supercar got a head start, a Formula car could catch up and overtake.
The cars were built for professional competition.
Though Leon was known as a racing god, his expertise was limited to street racing. Driving F1 cars was a completely different experience.
Honestly, Dominic didn't have much faith in Leon.
"You better think carefully. If you lose, your god status might be at risk," he said gravely.
Formula racing required experience. The safest approach was to run practice laps first, let underlings scout the track — then enter the race.
But Leon was impulsive. He accepted the challenge immediately.
If he lost, his reputation would take a massive hit, and people would ridicule him. That sting would be unbearable.
"Don't worry. I'll leave tonight for Japan!" Leon said confidently.
For him, challenges were thrilling. The harder the race, the more it excited him.
Next, he would conquer Japan and win the High-Intelligence Formula Championship.
Dominic and Mia exchanged a look, eyes full of curiosity.
Perhaps this was Leon — a man with a mysterious background, capable of ignoring any enemy.
"Mia will accompany you and provide support," Dominic added, giving Leon a long, serious look.
Who knew what miracle Leon might create this time?
The next day, Leon and Mia walked through the streets of Akihabara, Tokyo.
Leon glanced at the countless two-dimensional (2D) advertisements and couldn't help but marvel: Japan was truly a two-dimensional nation.
Akihabara, commonly called AKIBA, was once one of the world's most famous electronics districts.
Now, it had completely transformed into a paradise for otaku.
Electronics, video games, model kits, anime merchandise, and figurines were everywhere.
This was largely thanks to the Japanese Prime Minister's push to promote 2D culture.
Anime had become Japan's second-largest industry.
Or perhaps it was political: appealing to otaku voters ensured support in the next election.
Walking down Akihabara, Leon noticed 2D designs everywhere. Even a manhole cover had a cute character from Love Live! (LL).
Vending machines were adorned with images from Yuki Yuna is a Hero, displaying adorable "loli" aesthetics.
Fans maintained these machines carefully, protecting them from the elements so that they remained pristine — almost obsessive.
"I feel like we're on vacation?" Mia remarked, confused.
By logic, they should be heading to the racetrack. But Leon didn't seem in a hurry and wandered through Akihabara like a tourist.
"Half a day to spare," Leon replied cheerfully.
Everywhere he looked, there were figurines, anime posters, and themed trains. The environment was so immersive, it felt like stepping into an anime world.
Leon fit in perfectly, features blending seamlessly.
Mia, however, with her Western appearance, stood out amidst the crowd.
Amid the bustling streets, a blonde young man walked by, dressed in a pristine white suit. His face was strikingly handsome — the epitome of a wealthy heir.
Six bodyguards and ten butlers followed him.
He was Randall, one of the most affluent High-Intelligence Formula drivers, known as a prodigy.
Unfortunately, he had never won a world championship in the CF (High-Intelligence Formula) series.
Randall enjoyed afternoon tea and beautiful women, often bored and wandering.
Spotting Mia, his eyes lit up.
Accustomed to cute Japanese girls, he was intrigued by a Western beauty.
He eagerly approached, intending to speak to her.
But Leon extended a hand to block him.
"Who are you?" Leon asked coldly.
The force in his hand was immense. Randall felt it as if he'd hit solid stone, staggering backward in pain.
"Ouch!" Randall cried out. His bodyguards and butlers tensed immediately.
"Master, are you hurt?" they asked, panicked.
"You idiots! If our master gets hurt, can you even afford the compensation?"
"How dare you collide with our master! Do you want to die?"
The guards scolded Leon relentlessly, leaving him utterly unimpressed.
Truly, this was a nation obsessed with anime culture.
If this had happened in America, they would have been dealt with swiftly — here, it was only verbal posturing.
"Just talk, don't act. Have the guts to draw a gun, then," Leon said, smiling with a cold gleam.
He spoke in fluent Japanese, having learned it instantly via the system. No study required.
The mention of "drawing a gun" terrified the bodyguards. They shut up immediately.
In Japan, you only inspire fear if you are bolder and more dominant than them.
"When did you learn Japanese?" Mia asked in surprise.
She didn't know Leon spoke it fluently. He could easily work as a translator — yet he chose racing. Truly a prodigy.
"I'm just smart," Leon said proudly.
Randall finally recovered from the chest impact and looked up at Leon, stunned.
"The American racing god… Leon??"
He recognized Leon's identity.
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