Norahike, also known as . . within the Extreme Cup, is a retired professional racer who plays a major role in Choro-Q HG 4. He seems to care for others, but has a hard time expressing it, and seems rather lost in his own world, likely as a result of his past as a racer, and his relationship with Norkia. Originally from Poqui Town, he used to be poor and was looked down upon by the Nyaky Town nobles until he was praised by Norkia for his racing skills. At the end of the main storyline, Norahike leaves Gapecotch, rendering several items and events unobtainable.
Norkia and Norahike were very close, and helped each other improve as racers. However, Norahike retired from the public racing scene after an accident, moving to Brachy Town. At one point in time he had initially trained Ania to become a racer, then later trains the protagonist, seeking to fulfil his goals to see Otto's glory be finally taken.
Background
As portrayed in Event 86 - Norahike's secret, about 20 years ago, before the protagonist arrived in Brachy Town, Norahike's story begins. Originally a Poqui Town resident, Norahike participated in racing, only to be bullied for being too poor and being too slow as a result of not being able to afford better parts and to be on par with the Nyaky Town nobles. Poqui Town residents were looked down upon by the racing community because they were poor and of the lower class. Racing was considered a rich man's sport that majority of Nyaky Town nobles and very few ordinary citizens could afford to compete. One day, after being bullied by a group of noble racers, Norahike was approached by a racer named Norkia who believed in his skills as a racer. They would spend hours talking about ways to improve their racing skills and also how to beat Otto. Eventually they had become close friends and rivalled Otto, all three became legends of Gapecotch as the 3 Leading Men who raced in the Grand Prix.
Eventually however, Norkia and Norahike would get into an argument, which soured their relationship. As shown on the official developer website, Norkia had attempted to try to speak to Norahike about the the idea of women being allowed to race, in order to reveal her true identity to him. However, Norkia feared that due to Norahike's manly, stubborn personality, he would resent her for being a woman, or for hiding her identity from him. The discussion between the two did not get very far, due to Norahike's simple-minded thinking leading to him not understanding Norkia's point of view. Despite this, Norahike expected to recontinue their conversation afterwards and apologise, though, unfortunately, Norkia had crashed out on the track, ending her life in the process.
As a result of this, Norahike left the racing scene, losing his passion for racing. He would come back to the High Speed Oval to lay some of Norkia's favorite flowers where she had perished. Norahike later joined the Extreme Cup, a cup with no regulations and rules. He felt at ease there, finding a place of belonging to his new life while finding people to mentor in the meantime.
One day, while at Arbuk's Cafe, Norahike overheard a conversation between Ania and her father. The argument was involving Ania's wish to race like the other noble women, but her father believed that it was too dangerous, and thus he would never allow her to participate. Despite the fact that female racers were now allowed to participate (unlike the rules at the time of Norkia's career), there was obviously still a lot of prejudice surrounding women's involvement in racing.
The argument reminded Norahike of the conversation Norkia had mentioned to him back in the day, and so he interrupted the conversation, exclaiming that women are capable of racing, or at least in his opinion they are. This left an awkward silence within the cafe, in which Sir Kisbaba asks who he was. Norahike, seemingly, terrible under pressure and not wanting attention, claims he is not Norahike and quickly speeds out of the cafe. He dwells on what Norkia had tried to tell him back then, finding more understanding to what she had tried to tell him. A few days later, he would return to Arbuk and ask who Ania was, eventually leading to him being hired to mentoring her to become one of the most strongest racers in the Grand Prix.
Events of Choro-Q HG 4
The opening scene of Choro-Q HG 4 features an ongoing race. It plays from the perspective of Norahike, who can be seen talking to himself, confused as to why he cannot speed up, and concerned as to whether he will even be able to finish the race. Shortly afterwards, a racer is seen spinning out and crashing, and Norahike shouts out Norkia's name. He wakes up from what is revealed to be a nightmare and develops a sense of foreboding, claiming that "something is going to happen". He questions what Norkia was trying to tell him, as the screen fades to black.
During the events of Event 2 - Here are the Tough Chicks!, the protagonist is challenged to a somewhat high-stakes street race by a Tough Chicks member, Bidalt. The race ends in front of Norahike's house. Once the protagonist wins, Bidalt will begin acting childishly, trying to belittle the protagonist. Tensions continue to increase, before a Norahike begins driving towards the scene. Norahike attempts to confront Bidalt, telling him to stop acting like a baby, and to grow up. Bidalt and Daktan run away, scared of the "crazy old racer", leaving the protagonist to get chewed out for wasting their talent on "stupid games". Norahike tells the protagonist that he will listen to their problems, and will act as a coach for the player throughout the story. Throughout the game, Norahike will instruct the protagonist on how to complete the next stage of the main storyline, giving hints, or outright telling the protagonist what to do.
After the protagonist completes Event 3 - Meet Norahike by fate, and Poqui Town has been unlocked, during August, Norahike will throw a rod, resulting in him struggling to move. This month marks the anniversary of Norkia's death, and Norahike routinely visits the cemetery in Poqui Town to put flowers on her grave, but now he is unable to do so. He sends the protagonist a letter, explaining his circumstances, but that he does not expect them to help, and that he simply wanted someone to hear him out. From here onwards, at any point during the Summer (as long as the protagonist has not completed Event 104), the protagonist can visit Cherny to pick up Norahike's Bouquet of Flowers, thus starting Event 37 - Put flowers on the grave. From here, visiting the Poqui Town cemetery will begin an encounter with Norkia's spirit.
When the protagonist returns to Norahike's house, he is surprised that the protagonist had ran the errand that he was unable to do, and provides the protagonist CD 7 as a thank you. He reminds the protagonist that they didn't have to do it, but appreciates it anyways. The protagonist explains how they had a message to deliver. While the protagonist did not understand what Norkia's spirit meant, they deliver the message of 'of course' to Norahike, in which Norahike begins to tear up.
He explains how he had got into a fight with Norkia on the day of the accident. While they were racing, he had thought about apologizing, however, Norkia had ended up crashing and going straight to heaven in front of him. He thought he saw Norkia's spirit in that moment in time and had to ask, "I think of you as my true best friend, but... Do you think of me the same way?" After all this time, he got an answer, and the protagonist believes that it was a good answer to receive.
Before completing Event 104, if the protagonist places 4th or lower twice in a row in any race, Norahike notices and sends a letter to the protagonist, titled "Norahike's Letter / Slump", stating that they appear to be in a slump, criticizing their racing skills, and asks if they would like to train. He states that they can stop by his house at night. The protagonist greets Norahike when stopping by and Norahike pulls them into training right away, beginning Event 31 - Norahike's harsh coaching. The protagonist races Norahike on the outskirts of Brachy Town.
Norahike is a formidable opponent, and requires much stronger parts than are expected at this stage of the game. This event can technically be accessed right after the protagonist has completed Event 3 - Meet Norahike by fate, however, Norahike's parts are significantly greater than those of Bidalt during the Signal Grand Prix. A good gauge of whether the protagonist has sufficient performance to beat Norahike is to attempt to win a race in the Fight Cup. After the protagonist wins against him, Norahike gives them a Lucky Charm that is used as an accessory, applauding their skill, seeing that they are capable of winning races.
Throughout the story, he will tell the protagonist about his past, explaining his relationships with Otto and Norkia. Before the protagonist defeats Otto during Event 104 - Win Otto, clear the game!, Norahike can be seen competing at the Extreme Cup. During these races, his name appears as ".." (or "?" in the Japanese version). The racer is identical to Norahike, but acts as if he does not know who "Norahike" is. This could possibly be due to Norahike not wanting to be recognised, as he is likely ashamed of competing at such a controversial event. It is unlikely that this is genuinely someone else, as Norahike reveals that he indeed does compete in the Extreme Cup during Event 86 - Norahike's secret.
Once the protagonist has won the Grand Prix against Otto, Norahike will leave the celebration early and appears in the credits heading towards a mountain as the sun sets. He will then write a letter to the protagonist stating that he has left on a journey and will send the Shining Piston item.
Trivia
- Even after Norahike has left on his journey, he will still send the protagonist Birthday gifts. He will also become unavailable to gain items from once he has left.
- Both Norahike and Norkia are based on classic Ferrari racing vehicles, the 156 F1 and the 250 GTO, respectively.
- Nafree calls Norahike "Nora Nora" because she didn't remember his name. She also believes he is the reason why Ania became such a good racer.
Barnhouse Effect Secret Information: Part 11
| Q．ノラヒカはノルキアの親友ではないのですか？
Q. Isn't Norahike a good friend of Norkia? |
 A. Yes, indeed, he was a good friend. Though, they had met each other when Norkia was still pretending to be a man. They had became friends as men, thus, Norahike was under the impress that he (Norkia) was also a man. Norahike is hot-headed and simple-minded, so he had no idea that she was actually a woman. Norkia did not have an easy time talking about it (to anyone) as it was a secret between her and Otto. And so, she kept quiet (about her identity) because she was afraid that Norahike, who had a strong many personality, were to find that that he had become best friends with a woman, he would be hurt (with the fact). But, before the last race, Norkia tried to tell Norahike her secret by talking to him about the idea of a women's participation in racing. Norahike, who was straightforward about everything, didn't understand (her point of view). Therefore, (because of the argument) they had ceased talking. |
| Q．ノルキアの事故は、どうして起きたんですか？
How did Norkia's accident happen? |
A．それは、レース前に、悪徳政治家のチャーランキが、ノルキアを脅したからですね。もっと詳しく説明すると、チャーランキはいろいろな情報網を持っていて、ノルキアが女だという情報を手に入れたんです。だからこれをバラせば、ノルキアのレース生命は終わってしまう。それをネタにして、レースを自分の予想通りに展開させるため、八百長（インチキ）試合をするように命令しました。ノルキアはしかたなく承諾しました。でも、レース中にどうしてもそれが出来なくて、悩んで悩んで悩みぬいた末、自暴自棄になってしまったんです。それで事故死してしまいました。だから、すぐ後ろを走っていたノラヒカには訳がわからなかったはずです。
A. Well, that happened because, before the race, a corruption politician, (by the name of) Charlanki, threatened Norkia. To be more precise, Charlanki had a variety of networks that provided him information, and such, (through that method) he had obtained information that Norkia was actually a woman. Therefore, if he were to release this information, Norkia's racing career would be over. He (Charlanki), forced Norkia helping "rig" a race into his favor, otherwise, he would blackmail her. Norkia had no choice to agree. Although, during the race, she just couldn't follow through and became desperate after worrying so much. That is how she died in the accident. Norahike who was driving right behind him never knew what was going on (at the time). |
| Item Drop List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| These items are only available after the protagonist has joined a team, and has no unopened letters. They have a chance to appear if you talk to Norahike during the night-time. These items become unavailable after completing Event 104 - Win Otto, clear the game!, as Norahike is no longer available to visit. | |||
| ITEM NAME | PICTURE | ITEM NAME | PICTURE |
| 2GB CPU | 
|
Base of Automatics | 
|
| Base of Manuals | 
|
Carrier Parts | 
|
| Charger Parts | 
|
Engine Parts | 
|
| Meter Parts | 
|
Spoiler Parts | 
|
| Spoiler Parts |
|
Steering Parts | 
|
Game Dialogue
General Dialogue
- "You must be the new racer, (Protagonist)! I'll be watching your racing!"
- "Well done. But your time needs improvement. Attack the turn!"
- "Your driving was outstanding. Keep up the good work!"
- "Good timing. I'll give you this. It should help you in racing."
- "What happened at the race!?" Think about 'why' you lost!"
- "Your driving won't work! Sharpen your senses!!"
- "Where am I? What!? I can't speed up! I won't make it!! Norkia!!!"
- "Why did I have that dream? Something's going to happen... Norkia... What are you trying to tell me?"
- "You seem worried. You haven't been to Letoba's Cafe yet? You really should! Letoba's Cafe is near the water fountain in Brachy town."
- "Oh, it's you. You don't read letters, huh? Read them, and if you still don't understand, come again."
- "It's you, (Protagonist). What's with the glum face? "You haven't challenged Eskan yet? You can't join a team yet. He's in front of Brachy School."
- "It's you, (Protagonist). Are you stressed out? In that case, just drive! Drive, drive, and drive!! Let's see, try driving 100 kQm!"
- "What's with the glum face? You haven't challenged Draoga yet? You can't join a team yet. He's at the Poqui hang-out."
- "You seem worried. You haven't met Zeltaf yet? You can't join a team yet. Zeltaf lives in the northeast of Poqui."
- "It's you, (Protagonist). How's racing? You haven't won 3rd place 3 times in the Holiday Cup? You can't join a team yet. Hurry up and achieve the goal!"
- "What's with the glum face? You haven't done the street race against Barat? Challenge your rival! And make sure you win!! He's waiting at the water fountain in Poqui!"
- "It's you, (Protagonist). How's racing? You haven't won 3rd place in all of the Holiday Cup races? You can't join a team yet. Hurry up and achieve your goal!"
- "How's racing? You haven't raced in all Beginner and Holiday Cup races? You can't join a team yet. Hurry up and achieve your goal!"
- "It's you, (Protagonist). I was waiting for you! With your skills now, you'll do fine as a pro. Go to a team first. Then challenge them to a tryout. Ranolfka is in Brachy, Pomnik in Poqui, and Sovass in Nyaky."
Here's Norahike's Session!
- "I'll tell you about braking. Before you go into a sharp turn, brake a little! It's the basics! Hold the brakes and you'll spin! Press the button bit by bit."
- "The surface grip is important during the race! Even a little jump decreases the grip! You won't be able to accelerate, so you'll fall behind! Try driving without jumping!"
Letters
- "If you go to the harbor in the southwest of Brachy, some proud guy will challenge you. You have to listen well. Well, try going there sometime."
- Norahike
- "There's a strange guy who appears at the Brachy fountain."
- Norahike
- "I had a good old friend. He was hot-stuff when he raced. But one day, he got a little too hot and blew up on the track. So I visit his grave on the anniversary of his death, but I threw a rod, so now I can't move. I want to put his favorite Bupleurum on his grave. It would be nice if you went in my place. Well, I'm not asking you to do so. I just wanted someone to hear me out."
- Norahike
- "It seems like the owner of the photo shop came back. Take a look. It's located near the Brachy fountain."
- Norahike
- "Your time is no good. Of course I know. Are you being lazy? I'll train you, so come see me. But just at nights. Oh yeah, I live in the southwest of Brachy"
- Norahike
- "You should go see Shoebinde. Word is he's got connections with the laboratory. He's an influential politician. But he's so busy, it may be hard to catch him. There is a book Shoebinde alwyas wanted. If you bring it, he might be willing to see you. He lives in Nyaky Town."
- Norahike
- "A top secret project is in progress at the lab in Nyaky town. If you have Shoebinde's letter of recommendation, go visit the lab."
- Norahike
- "Things seem strange with Barat these days. He doesn't show up at any of the races."
- Norahike
- "Did you know Barat was in the hospital? He's at Murtica Hospital in southwest Brachy. Why don't you visit him?"
- Norahike
- "You'll need a letter of recommendation from Shoebinde to synthesize. Now, listen up! Get into 1st place in 2GPs. Then you'll be famous. Then go to Gedluna's in Poqui. You should be able to get inportant info there. It's too risky to tell you more."
- Norahike
Event 3 - Meet Norahike by fate
- "Ok, that's enough! Stop acting like a baby. Grow up!"
- Bidalt: Oh no! It's the crazy old racer! Let's burn rubber!"
- "Don't waste your talent on such stupid games!! You're a ChoroQ, dream big! Be a Grand Prix racer! Ok? I'll listen to your problems."
Event 37 - Put flowers on the grave
- "Oh hey, it's you. Did you. Did you go to the cemetery?"
- Protagonist: "Yes I did."
- "You didn't have to go there. But, thank you. Here, take this CD with you. This is my theme song."
- Protagonist: "Really! Thank you so much. Oh by the way, I have a message for you."
- "From who?"
- Protagonist: "Of course, from Mr. Norkia when he crashed during the race. I didn't get what he meant, but the answer is 'of course'. What did you ask him?"
- "That day... I had a fight with Norkia. I thought about apologizing after the race. But he had the accident right in front of me. And he drove all the way up to heaven. At that moment, I thought I saw him. So i asked him. I think of you as my true best friend, but... Do you think of me the same way...."
- Protagonist: "Then it was a good answer."
- "Yes, indeed."
Event 31 - Norahike's harsh coaching
- Protagonist: "Good evening."
"Good to see you. So you will let me train you? Let's start."
- (Success): "You did it! With your skill, you can win the next race! Here, take this with you. See you later!"
- (Failed): "Come on! What's wrong! At this rate, you're way off from racing at the Grand Prix. Do you want to try again?"
- (No): "If you get into a slump, come back! I'll train you again."
- (Yes): "That's it! Good answer! Ok, let's start."
Event 15 - Got birthday present 1!
- "Your birthday is coming up! I sent "Engine Parts" for your good work. Check your item list. Should see something.
- Norahike
Event 86 - Norahike's secret
- "Oh, it's you. What's up?"
- Protagonist: "Umm, aren't you the powerful racer of Poqui?"
- "What are you saying out of the blue? Where did you hear that?"
- Protagonist: "Would you tell me the story?"
- "No! ...but you won't give up huh? It was a long time ago. At first, racing was for rich nobles. I was poor, so I was made fun of in the world of racing. I was especially angry at the racing nobles. They treated me like trash. Ladies couldn't race either. Old mind-set was dominant. But that's not the case anymore. One of the racing nobles did not look down on me. That was Norkia. After the race he said, "Your driving skill is a world-class level. Continue racing". He gave me the courage. That's why I was able to continue racing. I had no friends, but I talked with Norkia after the races. We talked until dawn about how to attack cornering, and also the timing. We especially argued about how to beat Otto. Talking to him improved my records, and I was doing pretty good, aiming to reach Otto. There were no teams at the time, so the 3 of us battled in the Grand Prix. But I changed after Norkia died. I lost confidence in racing. And for some reason, Otto also disappeared. From the beginning, he was a silent loner among the nobles. The reason he left is unknown. On my part, I lost interest in racing, and I cared about nothing, After that, I entered the Tough Races to earn a living. It's a rough race without rules, Setups, obstructions or anything. But it was perfect for someone in despair. I felt comfortable there. Yes, I'm the one who ran away from racing."
- Protagonist: "Aren't you frustrated!?"
- "I lost my friend and racing. I should be frustrated."
- Protagonist: "Then why!?"
- "Don't worry about me, worry about yourself! I want you to leave for today."
Event 32 - Got birthday present 2!
- "Your birthday is coming up! I sent "3GB CPU" for your good work. Check your item list.
- Norahike
Event 57 - Got birthday present 3!
- "Your birthday is coming up! I sent "V12 Unit" for your good work. Check your item list.
- Norahike
Event 80 - Norahike/Ania at church
- Ania: "Hi, uncle. It's been awhile. What made you call me here?"
- "Ha ha ha, you look great!"
- Ania: "Of course. But you're no longer interested in me. It's about that, right?"
- "So you can see right through me. Yes, I wanted to ask your opinion."
- Ania "You trained the racer, right? The racer has an aptitude. Only you could have done it."
- "Good. I'm relieved to hear that."
- Ania: "It brings back memories when you put everything into me."
- "Was that so? Training you was my only purpose in life those days. I cared about nothing. But you gave me hope to live. I appreciate it."
- Ania: "Oh, uncle. I have to thank you. I was glad you convinced my dad, who said girls shouldn't be racing. Thanks to you, I love racing now. But are you thinking about Otto?"
- "..."
- Ania: "I knew it. You're going to hit him once more."
- "No..."
- Ania: "You shouldn't use people for your own revenge."
- "Umm, I don't mean to, ...well, maybe so. I might still be thinking about it."
- Ania: "Well, it's all up to you."
- "Excuse me for today. Thank you."
- Ania: "I had a great time, too."
Event 103 - Race Otto in the GP!
- (Lose): "Too bad. You think you can try again?"
- "Do you wish to continue?"
- (No)
- (Yes)
- (Lose): "Shame on you! Think of all the training you've done. Try again with the new parts. You have to win now!
- (No)
- (Yes) "You got Devil's Engine!"
- (Lose): "Shame on you! Think of all the training you've done. Try again with the new parts. You have to win now!
- "Do you wish to continue?"
Event 85 - Got birthday present 4!
- "Your birthday is coming up! I sent "Black Ring" for your good work. Check your item list.
- Norahike
Event 104 - Win Otto, clear the game!
- Otto: "Excellent. I guess the goddess of victory has smiled on you. I've never had a greater race in my life. There was an accident, but a race is never without incident. It brings back memories. The glory days I had with my great rivals... From now on, I won't go back to the Grand Prix. Now, your glory days will begin. Congratulations! New winner! (Protagonist)!"
- Lafnek: "Finally! Congratulations (Protagonist)."
- Zeltaf: "Yes, indeed!"
- Ania (Male Protagonist): "I don't want to say much. But you are great!"
- Ania (Female Protagonist): "You're so awesome! I knew my senses were right about you. Oh, he was here a minute ago."
- Draoga: "I can't believe this!! Incredible!"
- Protagonist: "Thanks everyone! ... I don't see Mr. Norahike. Anyone know where he is?"
- Ania: "Oh, he was here a minute ago."
- "... Now, there is nothing to look back on. So... Norkia. Iit took a long time, but I finally get to see you."
- Reporter: "Excuse me!"
- Protagonist: "What? What happened?"
- Reporter: "We were just contacted by the hospital and...Barat... He just passed away."
- Protagonist: "What!?"
- Protagonist: "Thank you Barat. I'll never forget you."
Event 57 - Got birthday present 5!
- "How are you (Protagonist)? It's me, Norahike. Congratulations on your victory! I sent you a "Shining Piston" as a gift for your victory and birthday. Check your item list. I'll be on my journey for a while. You've got potential. Don't neglect your training. See you."
- Norahike
Overtaking the Protagonist in Event 31 - Norahike's harsh coaching
- "You, dummy!"
- Romaji: "Kono, suttoko dokkoi!"
- Translated - English: "You're, a complete mess!"
- "You, idiot!"
- Romaji: "Kono, anpontan ga ~a!"
- Translated - English: "You, idiot!"
Overtaken by the Protagonist in Event 31 - Norahike's harsh coaching
- "Wow, you're in high gear!"
- Romaji: "Nanda, zekkō chōda nā!"
- Translated - English: "Wow, that's awesome!"
- "Race like that in the actual race!"
- Romaji: "Hon ban demo, sono kurai de, ike!"
- Translated - English: "Even if it's just a little improvement, that's enough to go for it!"
- "Yes! That's it!"
- Romaji: "Yoshi! So nochi ~youshida~a!"
- Translated - English: "Yes! That's it!"
- "You're doing a lot better!"
- Romaji: "Daibu, koshi ga, haitte kita na!"
- Translated - English: "You're getting a lot more tougher!"
Overtaking the Protagonist in the Extreme Cup
- "What driving! Oops..."
- Romaji: "Nanda, sono hashiri wa! Otto, mazui"
- Translated - English: "What the hell was that!? Oops, not good..."
- "Hey you... Didn't say that!"
- Romaji: "Kono, suttoko ttena, nan demonai zo!"
- Translated - English: "God, that was... Didn't say anything."
Overtaken by the Protagonist in the Extreme Cup
- "I don't know you, but you're good!"
- Romaji: "Dare ka wa, shiranuga, nakanaka, yaru na!"
- Translated - English: "I don't know you, but you're good!"
- "Good job! Oops! Caught me?"
- Romaji: "Sono, chōshida! Tte mazui! Bareta ka?"
- Translated - English: "That's it! Oops! Did you hear that?"
- "Norahike? Don't know him."
- Romaji: "Norahika? Son'na yatsu wa, shiranai na"
- Translated - English: "Norahike? Don't know anyone like that."
- "I don't know you, but pretty good."
- Romaji: "Dare ka wa, shiranuga, mā mā, ī hashirida"
- Translated - English: "I don't know who you are, but that's a pretty good start."