This story is a fiction, and all names and places are used in a fictional manner. Obey the traffic laws and drive safely.
Bigger world, huh ?
A car's gaining on us.
A hillbilly from Akina is ten years too early to be putting pressure on me.
I'll just leave him in the dust.
I can't believe this. Is this really my Eight-Five ?!
That's the Levin we saw earlier at Akina's peak.
It's that Eight-Five Levin.
Eight-Five ? Don't be stupid.
There's no way a turtle like an Eight-Five can keep up with me.
Takumi, you've got a frightening gaze.
Itsuki, it might be a little scary, but just trust me.
No. I'm scared enough.
Now I'll show them the max potential of the car they mocked and laughed at.
That's definitely the Eight-Five from earlier !
Huh ? What's wrong ?
I can't pick up speed on the downhill.
And these tires have no grip.
Once the car starts skidding, it doesn't stop.
I can't shake it.
The brat behind us is too good.
He's so fast.
So slow...
I'd better do it.
What the hell...?!
How did I get passed ?
Those brats were lying.
It's gotta be an Eight-Six, not an Eight-Five.
Spoke too soon. That hideous roll...
And under-steering due to the roll...
But it's still fast. What's with that car ?!
Enough ! That's enough, Takumi !
Here.
Thank you.
I never thought a car could be driven like that.
It changed my view on life.
I felt like I was in a whole new dimension.
Did I scare you that much ?
I'm sorry.
Those guys dissed your car so badly, so...
No need to apologize, Takumi. I'm so happy.
It was my dream to have my own car.
I worked so hard to buy this car thinking it was an Eight-Six, but it turned out to be an Eight-Five...
Did you hear that ?
It's not an Eight-Six, but an AE85, an Eight-Five...
The Eight-Five's slower than a turtle.
The body's identical to the Eight-Six, but the engine is SOHC, only good for a grandpa.
My tears won't stop.
I never thought I'd see anyone driving an Eight-Five these days.
Well, it suits street-racer-wannabees.
Try hard so you don't annoy the tourist bus driver.
Man, I laughed so hard.
But now I know better.
The performance of a car doesn't matter.
If I had skills, I could drive well, too.
I've come to like this car very much.
I'll treasure it.
I'll practice hard.
Even if someone mocks me, I won't give a damn.
My Levin is awesome.
You're right. I envy you.
Oh, give me a break. You drive a genuine Eight-Six.
That's my dad's car.
I was really shocked when you...
...arrived at the gas station in this.
Even if it's used, having your own car is amazing for a high school student.
I really envy you, Itsuki.
Takumi...
I suppose...
...having a few driving skills doesn't make you a street racer unless you own a car, does it ?
Iketani and Kenji own their own cars, and they take good care of them...
...like they're a part of them.
Watching them makes me want to have my own car.
Somehow, you've changed recently. You used to be so bored.
Nice sound.
Must be coming back from the mountain pass.
The battle against Takahashi Ryosuke is soon, right, Takumi ?
Yeah.
Do you think you can win ?
He's the real deal.
He's very fast. Faster than anyone I've met.
That's why I'm really excited.
You have changed.
Local Business Joint Career Fair
Takumi !
Hey, Mogi.
You don't work today, right ?
Wanna hang out somewhere ?
Fine with me.
Tokimeki Deck Shibukawa-city
Joetsu Shinkansen
Mt. Akagi
Mt. Nikko Shirane
Mt. Komochi
Mt. Hotaka
Huh ? You're going to buy a car, Takumi ?
It's a long ways away, though.
The pay from a summer job isn't enough at all.
I was working part time without a goal, but now I've found one.
A goal ?
That's wonderful. I don't have anything like that.
Mine isn't that great.
Probably just a dream until I get a full-time job...
Oh, don't say that. I'm sure you can afford one.
Until then, you have the Trueno.
It's so cute. I like it a lot.
Don't you like it ?
I do.
It's fun to drive, and it's a really great car, but...
...it's not my car.
I didn't know you were into car racing.
August 27 at 10 pm
I'll be waiting at the peak of Mt. Akina
Takahashi Ryosuke
A declaration of challenge ? It's like a period drama.
Let's see, that's where the school is, right ?
So, beyond that is Mt. Akagi ?
And far beyond that is the ocean, right ?
Probably.
So big...
We only know a small area. The world out there is so much bigger.
So, this Saturday, huh ?
Right. Akagi Red Suns versus Akina Speed Stars.
No, it's more like a downhill battle between Takahashi Ryosuke's RX-7 and Akina's Eight-Six.
The mountain pass will become a festival site again.
Your son has changed so much. He became Akina's hero in just one summer.
His driving has changed.
He was just a good driver, but he drives fast these days.
He broke through a wall, which is a good sign.
Hey, Bunta. Did you plan all this from the beginning...
...ever since you decided to let Takumi handle the delivery ?
What do you mean ?
Like telling him to drive without spilling water in the cup, so he wouldn't damage the tofu.
But you wanted to teach him the basics of weight transfer, didn't you ?
I dunno.
I think I was more concerned about the tofu in the beginning.
But Takumi has it.
Eventually, I did start tuning the suspension, brakes, and transmission to match his growth.
I admit I changed his driving style to my liking.
What's the purpose ? Why are you giving him special driving training ?
I don't have any purpose, really.
It's just fun to watch him getting better and better.
He'll eventually surpass me, and do what he likes to do.
Whatever it is, I hope he'll be ready, since I wasn't.
I see.
The view from here hasn't changed at all, even though the world's changing so rapidly.
We stayed in this city, and we're exactly the same as we were in the old days.
Iketani, I'm still not up for it.
I don't think I can drive your car well because I've never driven anything other than the Eight-Six.
I beg you, Takumi. I think I can learn a lot, even if you just cruise around.
So, what do you want me to do then ?
Braking drift. I want to learn the timing.
Okay.
H...hey, we're going for it already ?
This feels way too fast !
It sounds pretty good, whoever is driving.
Well, I'd better get going. I have to check the updated suspension.
R...ready.
Incredible. Just like Itsuki said, whether it's the Eight-Five or the Silvia...
...he's fast, even when it's his first time.
He's incredibly fast.
But I feel safe for some reason.
So it's true. You don't feel scared when a skilled driver goes fast.
It's a little different from my dad's car, but now I know how to drive this.
I'm going to try drifting.
You're going to ?! Then what were you doing back there ?!
Here it comes ! His entry speed's just incredible !
What the hell are you doing, Bunta ?!
I need a smoke.
I...I...In the middle of drifting ?!
Oh, no !
Oh well, good enough.
Now, I'd better get serious.
You really haven't changed since the old days !
Let me get out !
Oh man, what a terrible night.
They say you don't feel fear when a skilled driver goes fast, but...
That's a total lie.
Bunta's super crazy when it comes to pursuing speed.
And even Bunta recognizes Takumi, so he must be...
Akagi's White Comet ?
People call Takahashi Ryosuke that ?
Yeah. It was about three years ago...
Akagi's level was already high.
Then word spread quickly when a super fast white FC3S showed up.
That was the lone wolf Takahashi Ryosuke.
The "lone wolf" ? What about the Akagi Red Suns ?
Takahashi Ryosuke formed the Red Suns later. The goal was to perfect driving technique.
They participate in gymkhana and circuit runs.
The team's fundamentally different from the usual groups of friends.
That's why their level is so high.
Together with his brother Keisuke, they're now known as the Takahashi Brothers, but to me...
...Akagi's White Comet sounds right.
Takahashi Ryosuke's charisma is unmatched in Gunma.
Akagi's White Comet, huh ? Sounds awesome.
This Saturday's battle is getting more interesting.
Right, Takumi ?
Isn't it ?
Huh ?
Where is that low tension coming from ?
You said you were excited the other day !
Are you going to be alright ?
I heard this at the shop.
Is it true that Ryosuke turned down an offer from a professional team ?
Yeah, it's true.
I see.
Is it because it's hard to strike a balance with his med school studies ?
That'd be a piece of cake for my brother.
Then why ?
RS Giga is an elite team with stellar achievements in production car racing at Fuji.
Becoming a pro driver, stepping into the spotlight, and getting recognized...
That's the success story every street racer dreams of.
Kenta, Ryosuke's not interested in the world of the pros.
Then why is he so into gymkhanas and circuit runs ?
What's the reason ?
The public street...
Process is what matters to my brother...
...in order to be the best on the public street.
Welcome home, Brother ! Is your FC ready ?
Yeah. I'm going to take it for a spin on Mt. Akagi.
Are you coming ?
I'll be right there !
So, how much power did you add ?
Don't be surprised, Keisuke.
It's got 260 hp at the maximum.
You dropped it from 340 hp ?!
What's the point of slowing the car down ?
You must've learned the lesson the hard way after you raced him.
Total balance is the key to mastering the downhill, not power.
Sometimes you have to lower the power to go faster, which makes street racing complex.
So Akina's Eight-Six is a formidable opponent ?
You could say that.
I was confident I could manage big power on the downhill, so this de-tune is humiliating.
I have to put my pride aside in order to win.
Incredible. The exit speed at the corners is definitely faster.
There's another reason why I dropped the FC's power.
If I just out-power the Eight-Six on the straightaways, that's not a victory.
That won't satisfy me.
Technique against technique.
Drift against drift. That's my way.
I'm happy to have met a driver who makes me feel this way.
I feel like I've changed back to Akagi's White Comet, instead of Takahashi Ryosuke of the Red Suns.
Brother...
Takumi, aren't you happy to be with me ?
You look spaced out, like your mind's somewhere else.
I do ? Sorry.
Thinking about cars ?
The day after tomorrow, I'll race against a driver, who's very skilled, fast, and famous.
Lately, I've been thinking about him a lot, and feeling uneasy.
Maybe this is pressure.
Is that it ?
Cars have to be fast ?
If you don't like it, just ignore it.
Just because someone challenged you doesn't mean you have to take it.
I don't hate it. I don't know if I can win, but...
...I have no intention of running away.
That's so you, Takumi.
Deep down, you're really eager to race, right ?
You look modest, but you're a very competitive type.
I've known all along.
I wasn't the soccer club's manager for no reason.
Wanna head home ?
Just a little longer, let's talk just a little bit longer in the car.
Okay.
I know one more thing.
I know why you punched an older student in the soccer club's locker room.
A junior student told me what really happened long after you quit the club.
Natsuki's body's just gorgeous.
I can't get enough of this.
Hey, I'll have dirty thoughts every time I see Mogi's face from now on.
Don't be so envious.
The other day...
Cut your dirty talk.
It gets on my nerves !
What's wrong, Fujiwara ?! I'm dating Natsuki !
I'll say whatever I want !
Besides, how can you talk to senior students like that ?
Like I care ?!
You got angry for my sake.
Sorry, I misunderstood you for a long time.
It's okay. It doesn't matter now.
See ? Something's wrong with Takumi.
I'm sure of it.
Now that you mentioned it...
But Takumi's always spaced out.
He's even worse lately. Almost completely out of it.
At first, I thought he was concerned about tomorrow's battle, but...
It's not ? Then what is it ?
Remember what Kenji said earlier ?
You mean about how Kenji's friend saw a panda Trueno with a girl inside ?
Hey, why can't Takumi have a girlfriend ?
Stop. I know what's going on.
He must be lost in love.
He is ?!
Welcome.
High octane, right ?
Yup. Fill it up.
Right away.
No need to clean the glass.
Okay. Thanks.
Hey, being love sick the day before a battle is pretty bad.
What should we do, Iketani ?
I want romance. A passionate one.
This isn't the time for that.
I'll take care of this...
...while being completely free from personal envy like "How come he's the only lucky one ?!"
So, what's this about ?
You've been seeing a girl lately, without telling me, haven't you ?
I didn't mean to keep it a secret from you.
But I don't have to report to you, do I ?
No excuses. Just answer my questions.
So, how far have you gone ? Be honest.
How far...? Up to Akina Lake.
You moron, that's not what I meant !
Hey, watch out ! Itsuki, watch where you're going !
You must have kissed her already, I suppose.
I did.
What the hell...?!
Stop that ! I mean it !
Takumi, you've been acting weird for the last few days.
I've been thinking about something for a while.
I know. It's not about tomorrow's battle, is it ?
You're right. I've been thinking about what comes after that.
After that ?
How dare you say that to someone like me who hasn't had a girlfriend for 18 years and counting !
There's only one thing after a kiss.
A hotel, right ? A hotel !
What are you talking about ?
I'm talking about what will happen after tomorrow's battle.
I don't have any concrete vision, so it keeps bugging me.
Huh ? What're you talking about ?
Don't you see what I mean ?
No, I don't. You think there has to be something after the battle ?
You don't need anything. You're already fast enough.
No, I'm not.
You are.
Seriously, Takumi, please stop thinking about the small stuff and focus on the battle.
By this time tomorrow, you and Takahashi Ryosuke...
A car's climbing up.
Not one, but two cars.
That's Takahashi Keisuke's FD.
And that black GT-R must be Nakazato Takeshi of the Night Kids.
Why are they racing on Akina ?
That surprised me !
They looked so amazing from the outside. Those cars are going very fast.
What're you talking about ? You look much cooler on the downhill.
Have you forgotten ?
You beat those two.
My victory was under a specific condition...
...but those guys are fast wherever they go.
I'm so curious about that Eight-Six.
It makes me come to Mt. Akina, hoping that I can meet it again.
Nakazato...
Our team has a downhill specialist named Shingo.
He has a terrible personality, but great skills.
He was defeated by Akina's Eight-Six recently, but he happily praises the Eight-Six driver's skills.
He hardly ever compliments anyone because he's so full of himself.
That Eight-Six has a charm like that.
Once you race him and see his drift before your eyes, you'll be mesmerized by his splendid maneuvers.
I don't want him to be defeated by anyone but me.
No matter who his opponent is.
The Eight-Six is totally exposed.
My brother has already completed his simulation for victory in his head.
I can't think of him losing.
Both of them are in a class of their own, but when they race, one of them will lose.
I don't want to see their battle for some reason.
You know boys...
They like cars.
Are they that interesting ?
Sure they are. You can go anywhere you like.
Is that all ?
There's more to it.
Any licensed driver can drive a car, but...
...only a handful can truly master driving.
I've been thinking a lot about things like that...
...wondering what I should do to become a faster driver.
I feel good thinking about things like that.
Takumi, you're a pervert.
Where did that come from ?!
I see. I finally figured it out.
I've been wondering why, but...
I know the secret of your pheromones.
You're answering your own question !
I have no idea what you're talking about !
Never mind. Never mind.
Sheesh.
Your race is tonight, isn't it ?
Yup.
I've seen an accident.
You can lose, but don't crash no matter what.
Promise ?
The moment of truth has come.
Right.
Undefeated street racer Takahashi Ryosuke of the Akagi Red Suns...
...and Akina's dazzling new star, who drives the Eight-Six and defeated Takahashi Keisuke and Nakazato Takeshi.
This match'll decide Gunma's fastest driver.
Hey, Mako, don't you think the mood is stuffy ?
Is Akina always like this ?
I feel odd.
Whoever wins, it'll be hard on us.
Same here. Takahashi Ryosuke and Akina's Eight-Six driver aren't just fast.
They're charismatic drivers with mysterious appeal.
I feel like something will change when the battle ends.
I see...
Newbies like to watch from way up there, which is so typical.
The battle won't be decided up there.
This's the only spot where they can make a move.
That's your prediction as well, Shingo ?
Just like you, I'd say.
You too.
Takumi isn't here yet.
I can't take this heavy mood.
The gallery along the course is huge.
Iketani, what brings so many people here ?
Well, it could be a yearning.
A yearning...?
A yearning for the super technique demonstrated by Takahashi Ryosuke and Takumi.
Everyone gathered here likes cars so much.
Here comes the panda Trueno !
That's Akina's downhill specialist, huh ?
Once you see his splendid drift, you'll dream about it !
Finally, the crowd's pumped up, Sayuki.
He's good.
Keisuke, I've been thinking about this for a long time.
When I lose in street racing, I'll retire.
What's gotten in to you, all of a sudden ?
You can't lose.
I'll leave the front lines, and pursue my project for the fastest team in the Kanto area in a different way.
But what'll happen to the Red Suns if you quit ?
We have you.
I'm...I'm no match for you, Brother.
We need you when the stakes are high.
Only two drivers have made me feel that I'll eventually lose.
One of them is you, Keisuke.
Me ?
And the other one...
Don't worry. I don't think I'll lose any time soon.
Takumi !
Tonight, I'll drive at full throttle.
It'll be fun.
I'm going to count down !
In five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
Go !
It's begun ! It's the best downhill battle in the history of Mt. Akina street racing !
The Eight-Six's fighting an equal battle with the FC !
Go, Takumi !
My brother's standard strategy in an important battle.
He deliberately lets his opponent take the lead, and then overtakes them.
He's defeated all his opponents that way.
The Eight-Six is ahead.
What an incredible super twin drift. They almost touched.
Both of them are showing their best from the beginning.
Both of them are so incredible !
But Takahashi Ryosuke usually doesn't use drift that much.
He must be trying to win in the field his opponent is best at for him to remain king of the street.
Amazing. The angle of his counter steer is smaller than half a month ago.
His tendency of taking a wide counter steer during the turn-in is gone.
He grew in such a short period of time.
But that won't change the result. I'll still win.
He's staying right behind me.
Are you serious ?
They skidded all the way through this tricky downward complex curve.
But it must be tough for the Eight-Six driver to have his opponent right behind him.
Right. The chaser has the advantage in both technique and mentality.
That's a street racer standard.
On top of that, his opponent is Takahashi Ryosuke.
The pressure must be enormous.
He's so good that he gives me chills.
Beginners are only fast on the straightaways.
Mid-level racers know the corners.
Top-level racers accel in the third point, which isn't a straightaway or curve.
The main theme of my fastest street racing theory is to perfect that third point.
I've found a near perfect sample in a place like this.
I can only keep up with him because I'm copying his line and rhythm.
But it'd be difficult for me to do the same alone.
He's frighteningly good.
It's no good, I can't shake him !
What ?! Are you sure about your section time ?!
I thought I messed up...
...but they're eight seconds faster than our first match here.
Eight seconds ?
Eight seconds faster than Keisuke's time ?
What's happening to those two cars ?
I'm not done yet ! I still have it !
My gutter run didn't work.
He's not an opponent I can defeat after all.
I'm going to lose this battle. I hate it, but I'm going to lose.
That's right. If they reach the goal at this pace...
...they can shorten the course record by 12 seconds.
Gimme a break. This is madness.
This is too much.
Yeah, I have a bad feeling.
It's the ultimate all-out battle that only those two could pull off.
Tonight's battle will become legendary for sure.
Takumi...
They're approaching the five consecutive hairpins.
I'm looking forward to their hard braking match just before the first corner.
The Eight-Six is ahead !
You won't be able to turn at that speed.
Dammit ! Turn !
He was passed. The FC took the lead.
I can't believe this. The Eight-Six under-steered.
So no street racer can escape Takahashi Ryosuke after all.
He's strange.
He's got incredible skills, but he's not used to racing.
He's unexpectedly fragile when pressured.
I wasn't going to show my card by staying behind him a little longer...
...but now that I'm ahead, I'll just pull away and settle this match.
Better than I've heard. Their speed range is way higher than that of the average drift brats.
But it's over, right ? Takahashi Ryosuke's going to win this battle.
You're right, since he's taken the lead.
But the Eight-Six's line is slightly better.
The Eight-Six isn't done yet.
He's not pulling away. I thought I'd fall behind right away.
There's no difference in speed.
Then I should shorten the gap as much as possible.
Whether it's a meter or two, I must get closer to the RX-7 before me !
I'm closing in. The gap's getting narrower.
I haven't lost. I am faster.
The front tires are losing grip. They're overheating at this critical moment.
But my skills are solid even if the tires are a bit worn.
I'll be the winner.
Alright, go !
Finally.
Judging from the squealing sound, the battle must be deadlocked as expected.
The goal is right ahead. This's the only point where they can make a risky final maneuver.
This straightaway will give them enough speed for a braking contest.
Akina's roads are mostly narrow, but only this corner has three lanes...
...which allows for flexible line taking.
Ahead of that is a combined curve of two different radii.
The one who takes the lead in this corner will win.
Here they come !
Good ! The Eight-Six is right behind !
What're you going to do ? How are you going to attack ?
Outside ?
You can't overtake from the outside ! The shorter inside path is the best choice !
The FC's sliding ! He'll miss the clipping point and lose momentum !
The Eight-Six ?
He's got it !
This thrill. I can't get enough of this.
Yeah.
When their lines crossed during the four-wheel drift, I felt goose bumps all over my body.
We were lucky to be able to see a real battle.
No word was spoken from either side.
Not from the one who was disappointed in Takahashi Ryosuke's defeat...
...nor the one who was overjoyed with Takumi's victory.
Everyone just stood there.
The only thing that was certain was that the miraculous battle on Akina ended with an unbeatable downhill course record.
And something else began.
Something's bothering me. Can I ask ?
Why did you wait until I caught you ?
You're completely mistaken. You increased your pace.
Indeed, my car's front tires were worn, but I kept my loss of pace to a minimum.
I have no excuse. We fought under the same conditions.
You didn't abuse your tires. I admit my defeat.
How did you attain such skills at your age ?
You keep amazing me.
Everyone's overrating me.
I'm just familiar with Akina because I've driven here so many times.
I don't have any special technique.
I...
I don't think I'm faster. Not at all.
Did you stop me to tell me things like that ?
I've met so many people, but you're unique.
You're a nice person. I like you.
Fujiwara Takumi, right ?
Don't be satisfied with a small stage. Look out to a bigger world.
A bigger world...
See you again.
A bigger world, huh ? That must be what's been bugging me.
I learned and developed my driving on Akina.
I only know Akina's mountain pass.
What kind of mountain passes are out there ?
What kind of drivers are there ? What and how do they drive ?
Here.
Takumi...
Dad...
What is it, Dad ?
What is it ? Say it.
It's just...nothing important.
Mine isn't either.
I see.
I'm off.
Let's see...
That car...
Show me what you've got.
Alright !
Fujiwara Takumi: Takahashi Ryosuke: Takahashi Keisuke: Nakazato Takeshi: Shoji Shingo: Takeuchi Itsuki: Iketani Koichiro: Mogi Natsuki: Tachibana Yuichi Kenji: Mamoru: Shigeru: Fumihiro: Nakamura Kenta: Sato Mako Sayuki: Shoichi: Hiromichi: Akio: Fujiwara Bunta:
Miyano Mamoru Ono Daisuke Nakamura Yuichi Suwabe Junichi Sakaguchi Shuhei Shiraishi Minoru Tsuchida Hiroshi Uchida Maaya Shimura Tomoyuki Katsu Anri Goto Kosuke Nozawa So Fukuda Kenji Naruke Yoshiya Hara Yumi Okuno Kaya Irikura Keisuke Fujimaki Daigo Taira Osamu Hirata Hiroaki
Editing Todd Perkins Barbara Dave Mouse Steve S. Randall
Timing Todd Perkins
A Central Anime Production
The route of no return is chosen.
So just race through it. So drastic.
Leave the endless darkness behind.
Test yourself ? Then break free from ambiguity.
Pick up pieces of luck and take up the challenge.
Frustration runs wild. Yes, that's an invitation.
Once you dive in, you can't escape. Dead or alive.
Clash of rationale and emotion may leave you in the dark.
Tear away from gravity now.
Make the sound of caution ring in your heart.
It's a race for speed or nothing.
When you stop hesitating...
...you'll hold the dream you've been chasing in your hand.
Frustration runs wild. Yes, that's an invitation.
Not later. Don't put it off. Now is the chance.
There's something more credible than the street signal.
Once you dive in, you can't escape. Dead or alive.
Clash of rationale and emotion may leave you in the dark.
Tear away from gravity now.
Make the sound of caution ring in your heart.
It's a race for speed or nothing.
When you stop hesitating...
...you'll hold the dream you've been chasing. Let's go.
You'll realize the dream you've been chasing on your own.
Me, in an expedition match ?
Unfortunately, I don't have much time left.
I think I have only one year at most.
Before then, I want to see the end of this game.
Let me get to the point.
I want my expedition team to completely dominate the Kanto area, and I want you to join our team as a driver.
If we combine your gifted skills and my theory, we're unbeatable.
Mountain passes in other prefectures ?
Our goal's to become the fastest street racing legend. My Project D has begun.