This story is fiction. The names of people, places and groups are imaginary. Obey traffic rules and drive safely.
Initial
Raise up your hands takaku
(Everybody now te wo agero saa)
Tsukame brand new tomorrow
(You don't stop)
Kaze no naka de jibun wo shiru
Zutto zekkei no dream darou
(Let's go)
Oh
Oh (Let's go)
Oh, raise up your hands now.
Ikiteru dake de marumouke nara ganbarouze marugoto ittennbari
Onaji mission, onaji isshou
Dondake yume atsuika ga shobu darou
Escalator nashi no eien
Ashi koshi kitae reruze yeah, yeah
Douse noboru kaidan
Kokoro kocchi ni customize shichaeba ii
Kezurarete sugiru mainichi
Kezurarete sugiru mainichi (But you know ?)
Semegai no aru game to warai tobashite
Let's see how fast you can do it.
Raise up your hands zutto
(Everybody now te wo agero saa)
Hashire sleepless challenger
(You don't stop)
Ima ni ikiru riyuu sagasu
Yume tsukinai quest
(Let's go)
Oh
Oh (Let's go)
Oh, raise up your hands now.
I've come all the way to Kanagawa !
One and a half months behind his arch rival, Fujiwara Takumi...
...Takeuchi Itsuki finally steps into the land of Hakone !
You got it completely wrong. You're just a sightseer.
The woman at the kiosk told me that it's rare to see Mt. Fuji so clearly at this time of year.
Does this mean something good will happen ?
It should ! Today is Project D's final battle in Kanagawa !
Takumi's victory is guaranteed !
I hope it's that simple.
Oh, I thought I recognized that voice.
Nakazato and Shoji of the Myogi Night Kids...?!
I knew you guys would be here because this is the final race.
It's great that you came all the way to support us.
You know, that sounds really disturbing.
Don't think of Fujiwara Takumi as the representative of your team only.
Project D carries the hopes of everyone in the Gunma area.
So today is the last day we get to see Mt. Fuji from this deck.
I still can't believe the situation I'm in.
It still feels weird that I'm a member of Project D.
You might as well thank me.
I went all the way to Akina to invite you.
Yeah, you did.
Wipe that look off.
Don't lose.
I haven't seen your opponent yet, but I sense something really bad.
My intuition as a street racer is usually correct.
Your opponent must be like a ghost, and you'll have a tough time.
Seriously ?!
But I don't think you'll lose.
I'm saying it because you were like a ghost before, but now I can see you.
So you won't lose.
We've gotta win.
If they're focused on the data, we just have to be better than we are now.
Brothers
Great day, isn't it ?
Look, the surface of Ashino Lake shines like a mirror.
I haven't seen you for a while.
I want to enjoy the hot spring and drink tonight. It'll be fun.
What are you talking about, Sayuki ? We don't have time for that tonight.
I know. I was joking.
I've come all the way from Karuizawa to root for the cute Takumi.
I'm looking forward to seeing how handsome he has become.
That aside, how're you doing in the races ?
It's tough.
I hate to admit it, but I'm always blown away by the level of those around me.
After I started racing, I realized how great professional drivers are.
Project D's achievement is incredible, almost divine.
A lot of pros have been defeated.
It might be different this time around.
Sidewinder has a professional manager.
You might not know this, but this event has caught the attention of people from all sides.
If they win, it will cause a stir.
This might not end as a mere carnival among a small group of street racers.
Is this battle going to be tough ?
Probably so. Kubo Eiji's bio is very interesting.
He used to work at the racing division of a large manufacturer...
...but he left the company a few years ago, and now he manages his own shop.
He develops aftermarket parts while he builds demo cars to compete for times in the circuits.
His parts are known for their high performance.
He's a real pro.
What's unique is that he used to compete in rallying, and even won some big prizes in provincial races.
He sounds tough, the circuit part really creates an almighty air about him.
You're right.
By the way, Fumihiro...
What's today's pasta ?
I beg you, please.
Can you call and cancel the event ?
You can't do that any more.
If you really don't want to do it, you should call Hojo yourself.
That's impossible. He's scary.
Stop talking like a little child.
You said you'd do it, so be responsible for what you said.
I don't feel like it.
And there's a show I want to watch, too.
Are you scared ?
I've never felt fear, but this is too much of a bother.
I don't understand the meaning of racing cars.
What's the point ?
You should ask Hojo yourself.
Whether you drive or not, you're obligated to see Hojo on time.
It's like they're glued together.
From where I stand you're just plain creepy
No matter how close you are, that won't bring you victory. I'll let you know that.
Hojo...
...I've finished my data collection and analysis.
I think I know the combat potential of the FD, based on the data from the first three races in Kanagawa and last night's practice.
Your NSX's settings have been completed accordingly.
Let's take advantage of the NA engine and mid-ship layout.
Traction is everything in hill-climbing.
The key is how efficiently the car can transfer its power to the ground at the exit of each corner.
If you can gain a 0.1 second advantage in one section, you can gain a 1 second advantage in ten sections.
Motorsports are plain and simple...
It's all about physics, although I don't have to explain it to you now.
Let me get to the point.
Based on the assumption of using the same driver in the same environment...
...your car should have a 15 second advantage.
15 seconds is not a big advantage for the entire distance of the course.
Their FD is far more refined than expected, which is my miscalculation, but...
...I did my best under the given circumstances.
You aren't satisfied with only 15 seconds, are you ?
It's enough. Who do you think I am, Kubo ?
Do you think I'll lose to some punk from Gunma in driving technique ?
You can't make light of the punk from Gunma.
If you fail to use that 15 second advantage properly, you might get screwed.
Cool !
Even though it's only free practice, it still gave me goose bumps.
Takahashi Keisuke is going to race against that monster ?
How is it, Hojo ?
Pretty good. Well done.
Mr. Kubo !
What ? Inui hasn't come yet ?
I called his mother, and found out that he left home a while ago.
It's like he's playing hooky, not from school, but from racing ?
What should we do ? Should we arrange a substitute for the downhill ?
Do that, but only as insurance.
We'll wait for Inui until the last moment.
Chickening out right when it counts...
What a brat.
I think he's out there somewhere wondering what to do.
I'm sure he'll make up his mind and show up before the downhill race starts.
I hope so.
I thought you'd never show up in Hakone again.
The Grim Reaper GT-R is no more, but I'm still alive.
I'll go wherever I want to.
We haven't talked like this in a while.
I'm sorry, Gou.
I've caused a lot of problems for you and our father.
Brother, why did you come here ?
To watch your driving.
You got a problem with that ?
I'm not going to give you any advice like I did before.
You have a great strategist anyway.
There's just one thing...
Ryosuke is big.
You're fortunate.
As a man who loves cars and mountain passes, you can't be happier than this.
Do your very best. Use everything you've learned.
And enjoy yourself.
This time, I'll watch you until the end.
It's about to start.
This hill-climb is going to be good.
You were talking to your little brother a while ago.
What kind of advice did you give him ?
I didn't give him anything of the sort.
I just removed a heavy burden from his back.
You can't perform well by using negative emotions as motivation.
I just figured he wouldn't be able to defeat Ryosuke's little brother in that condition.
I see.
My Zero Theory has a similar rule, which is to get rid of all negative emotions.
Anger, jealousy, grudge, self-glory, and sadness...
Those negative emotions will not guide a driver in the right direction.
Do you know why Project D is so strong ?
They always look like they're having fun.
They love cars and mountain passes. That's what drove them until now.
No matter how difficult the situation becomes, they somehow find a reason to enjoy it.
On the other hand, Kanagawa drivers aren't enjoying this at all...
...because their sensibility and pride get in the way.
You corner yourself the moment you think there's no way you can lose.
You've got to have fun.
Rather than winning or losing, it's a matter of whether you can enjoy this or not...
...especially because today is the final day of the carnival.
Five seconds to the start.
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
Go !
Here they come.
Incredible.
The NSX looks much more aggressive than during practice.
It hugs the road like a real supercar
Watching it gives me chills.
Plus, it's in the front position, which means the FD has no chance of winning if the race drags on.
I don't like his lack of focus.
What's on your mind ? I see your hesitation from behind.
Brother, you can't show up and spout such nonsense.
You know what my responsibilities are.
I did everything in preparation to win this race.
My motivation was high enough.
But you still think it's not enough ?
I don't want to lose no matter what...
...so what were you trying to say, Brother ?
You could have jinxed him.
I wonder if Gou will understand your true intentions.
Regardless of his motivation, I still don't think Sidewider will lose.
They spent enough time on preparations in order to win.
They have a strategist named Kubo Eiji.
Kubo, huh ?
That old fart stinks.
He's just sneaky, nothing like Ryosuke, who has aesthetic quality.
I see. That sounds more like the Hojo Rin I know.
Gou might be confused for a short period of time, but he'll get it.
First, he has to empty his mind...
...so that he can recall what's truly important.
Omiya, what kind of driver is Hojo of Sidewinder ?
I know Rin, the older brother...
...but I've never competed in the circuit against Gou, because he's much younger.
The Hojo Brothers are pretty well-known on the circuit.
I remember the older Rin always guided his younger brother by showing him the ideal lines.
They seemed to like each other, and were exceptionally fast to boot.
They're very similar in some aspects to the Takahashi Brothers of Project D.
The cool-headed and logical older brother and the emotional younger brother...
You can say they are alike, especially the younger brothers.
They both drive a peaky car with a narrow margin of control, and they compete in cornering speed.
Concentration and mad-dash speed are their strengths.
This will undoubtedly become a sprint race.
The car in the lead will make a dash at some point.
They just passed the second hairpin.
The second hairpin, huh ?
From there, section 2 is a mid-speed stage where the cornering speed is slow.
Section 4, which is between two hairpin curves, is similar...
...so section 2 and 4 are where the NSX will perform better.
It has a clear advantage in terms of section time.
That's because of better braking due to the mid-ship layout, and the NA engine's immediate response.
The first key point is section 2.
If we can surprise the FD driver by picking up the pace there...
...he'll wear down his tires just trying to catch up.
NA cars are easier on tires, compared to turbo-charged cars.
If we hold on until section 4 and launch a full attack...
...the rear-wheel drive, turbo-charged FD won't be able to keep up.
Given the fact that Hojo chose the front position, that must be his scenario.
The battle will take a new turn from there.
I don't understand...
We used to drive just for fun, but that was a long time ago.
There's something strange about my brother now.
I'd better stop thinking so hard.
I just have to show how fast I normally drive...
...with this car.
He's started to show sharper movements.
I don't like this.
He suddenly pulls away even if I don't make any mistakes...
...which is exactly what my brother predicted.
He gives off the same feeling as a certain someone.
I'd be panicked if I hadn't anticipated this.
But this isn't where the real battle takes place.
He might be shocked by the NSX's speed more or less.
The hill-climb of this vehicle class was always fought between turbo-charged cars.
The NSX is the only exception, as far as domestic sports cars are concerned.
The expensive and large engine is mounted in the middle of the chassis...
...which gives the car superb handling on a twisty course.
The high cornering speed of the mid-ship layout...
...and the fast cornering exit speed of the NA engine's linear response.
The butt-kicking acceleration of the NA engine will become even handier on public roads...
...with so many more short corners than circuits have.
But I don't think he's upset...
...because he's familiar with the type of driver who has a unique style of using the NA engine's advantage.
You mean Fujiwara ?
I think Hojo Gou's NSX driving style is similar to Fujiwara's.
If you adapt that type of driving to the hill-climb...
That's a difficult opponent to deal with.
That's true.
But I knew early on that our opponent would be using an NSX.
It's not like Keisuke and I just sat back and waited for today.
We have our own trump card.
Keisuke, use all the skills you've learned up until today in this race.
I don't get it. What did they come here for ?
Even women like them.
It's odd to see someone like them in a place like this.
What should I do ?
I can't just show up like nothing's happened.
The meeting time is long past.
But I can't go home either.
Mom would be angrier than Hojo.
Why am I always like this, running away at the most critical moment and disappointing Mom ?
But the person who's most disappointed is...
Hey, young man !
What's the matter ? You look so gloomy.
Well, um...nothing really.
Really ?
You've been looking down and sighing for quite some time.
You look like you're a high school student. Do you love cars ?
Did you come here to see the battle ?
It's not that I love them, but I feel like I do more or less...
More or less, huh ? Oh, whatever.
I'm Sayuki.
This sexy lady is Mako.
What's your name ?
Shinji...Inui Shinji.
They just passed the third hairpin.
I have their section time. Looks like their pace has increased.
So far, it's going as planned.
Good enough.
Shinji, do you live around here ?
Yes.
We came all the way from Gunma.
Amazing, huh ?
Yeah.
Why did you come all the way here just to see a race ?
Well, that's because we used to be street racers.
Besides, it's fun.
Right, Mako ?
Yes, it is.
It's thrilling just to watch, and it's even more fun if you sit behind the steering wheel.
Fun ?
Here they come !
Why ? What made them so excited ?
What's your take, Mako ?
Hard to say, but at least the NSX's traction is impressive.
The exit of this corner is really steep, but it accelerated quickly without losing balance.
The FD is at a disadvantage after all, because its response was one step behind.
Hojo's red car wasn't having fun.
But the yellow car was smiling.
They passed the hairpin at the observatory, and have entered section 4.
This is where it begins...
It's begun.
I can't conserve the tires from here on, but I'm counting on you, my FD.
Please hold on.
Fujiwara Takumi: Takahashi Ryosuke: Takahashi Keisuke: Hojo Rin: Hojo Gou: Ikeda Ryuji: Omiya Satoshi: Kubo: Kobayakawa: Shinji:
Miki Shinichiro Koyasu Takehito Seki Tomokazu Nakamura Yuichi Kiuchi Hidenobu Nakai Kazuya Tochi Hiroki Kase Yasuyuki Hamada Kenji Abe Atsushi
Yuugure ni kawaranai keshiki
Iketani Koichiro: Takeuchi Itsuki: Kenji: Sato Mako: Sayuki: Nakazato: Matsumoto: Fumihiro: Shinji's Mother: Man:
Yao Kazuki Iwata Mitsuo Takagi Wataru Neya Michiko Kakazu Yumi Hiyama Shinji Nishi Rintaro Hosoi Hajime Hirose Yuka Takahashi Ryokichi
Furikaeru tadottekita michi
Setsunasa mo, yorokobi mo, kienai itami mo
Kazoetetara kiri ga nai ne to hitori aruku
A Central Anime Production Translation: Hiro-kun Timing: Todd Perkins Editing: Lillian-Hime Barbara Todd Perkins Brain Dave Mouse Steve S. Nomake
Kazoekirenai hodo no zanzo
Gambaru ikinuite kita zattou
Toki ni tatakai toki ni wakari ai
Kireigoto bakari ja nakatta shinjitsu
Shotta mama arata na ippo
Akane gumo ga machi wo someru
Kono yuku saki wo sotto toitakete miru
Sora wa nani mo iwazu
Dakedo watashi ni kono michi wo terashiteiru
Sukitooru keshiki wo kanjite
Senritsu wo yuuhi ga kanadete
Sukitooru keshiki wo kanjite
Senritsu wo yuuhi ga kanadete