Without a doubt, the most popular form of transportation for students was an iBroom. The iBroom 2060 outside Yuzuko's house appeared to be an ordinary bike with slots in the basket to attach devices. Hard to fathom how it could cost 500,000¥ and that's only for the pleasure of traditional cycling. Additional software, including flying, speed control and customisations doubled its retail price.
As the iBroom 2060 was one of the latest and greatest of Professor Denki's products, Yuzuko paid nothing. Twirling the outer circle of her Denki Watch until it turned green, the iBroom let out a jingle followed by celadon light. Taking her phone out of her Hello Kitty school bag, she inserted into the basket's slot. Little things like this made Yuzuko's lips stretch into a smile. After tapping the phone with her fingertips, the bike began to speak.
"Good morning, Yuzuko Shikumi. You are currently at home. Where would you like to go?"
"Asuna Ayami Academy!"
"Would you like to activate air mode?"
"Yes!"
"Installing your journey." The iBroom made another jingle. "Your journey is now ready. You may now hop on and start peddling."
Yuzuko got on and started paddling. Her calves tightened as she pushed up and down with her thighs. The room's resistance levels lowered as the wheels levitated taking Yuzuko over her roof.
"Air mode activated."
The electronic voice was like music to her ears. Activating air mode had drained her legs. At least she could admire the many beautiful gardens and temples of Kyoto on her way to school. Her stomach churned as the wind blew her towards a national park when a train whizzed on below her feet.
More iBrooms were spotted. The majority were either air taxis or rich people. Some young folks had them, but they were too far to tell if they were on genuine iBrooms or knockoffs.
Legitimate iBrooms created by Professor Denki always had tennis table racket with the company of Professor Denki's company Robots Have Feelings. Fake iBrooms may have been a fraction of the price, but they lacked comfort and stability. She was peddling towards a schoolgirl with hair down to her back. The girl had one hand on the grip and the other on her phone.
"Sakura?" Yuzuko said. "What are you doing on your phone while riding?"
"Oh, hello, Yuzuko." Sakura turned over looking as if she had only just gotten out of bed not long ago. Yuzuko had once ridden on Sakura Kanagawa's EasyCycle 54 and hated the bloated software, rattling wheels and the bumpy ride. Sakura's bike was like being in a rollercoaster without a seatbelt.
"It's only a matter going to be a matter of time before you crash!" Yuzuko told her. "And I've told you time and time again to get a genuine iBroom.
Sakura shook her head. "I've had this bike since my first day at school. It still works. Anyway, why is it called an iBroom when it's a bike?"
"It pays homepage to grandpa's favourite films: Kiki's Delivery Service and ET."
Sakura widened her eyes. "Gosh, how old are those films?"
"ET not long turned 78. Kiki's Delivery Service is 71 years old."
"Nobody made movies like Ghibli."
"No." she nodded. They were Yuzuko's favourite films too. Great films were a testament to their time, but fantastic movies we're timeless.