This story is fiction. The names of people, places and groups are imaginary. Obey traffic rules and drive safely.
Initial
In the Changing Seasons...
It's so rare to see a battle that takes this long.
It's a battle of attrition.
To maintain high concentration while taking a strong side G force is very tough...
...both physically and mentally.
Especially on this tricky course.
Usually, the driver would be puking by now.
So stamina will determine the battle.
The only thing we know for sure is that whoever loses concentration loses the race.
If Kazumi goes back to Saitama...
...I might not be able to see her again.
What... What should I do?
At least...I at least have to say the words...
...although that won't do any good.
But I'm in love with Kazumi.
What?
Ah...I...
Here comes the third round!
They're both really into it.
It makes me jumpy just watching them.
The Levin's running differently from his first leading run. He's good.
What the hell?
He's so much faster than the previous run.
He's so fast and I have no time to ease my pace.
I didn't mean to go easy in the first round.
It's a theory of mountain passes not to go at full speed...
...when you don't know the condition of the road.
But this time, I'll outrun him at full throttle.
Now that I've come this far, I don't want to lose.
I'll keep up with you no matter what.
The Eight-Six is finally accepting me.
I want to win. I've never felt such a strong desire to win.
Is it because I'm racing against an Eight-Six?
Anyway, I want to win with this car.
Dammit.
That was close.
If I lose concentration, I'll be in deep trouble.
It's not gonna be an easy defeat.
And I'm getting tired, too.
I started missing the line a while ago.
No, could it be the tires? At a time like this...?!
The rear end isn't stable.
The rear tires are losing their grip.
I can't do anything about the tires.
I've been trying so hard up to now, but I might not be able to do it.
Am I going to lose?
Why...?
My pace is slower, but why isn't he going ahead?
Could it be...
No, that's the only reason I can think of.
The same thing's happening to him.
The tires on his car are losing their grip, too.
T...Takumi.
Fourth round?
What an incredible battle of attrition.
Your rear tires must be wearing out, too.
If you increase power, it will directly affect the tires.
These cars with increased power have maintained an equal pace...
...and kept running until now.
So it's not unusual for both cars to lose their grip at the same time.
He's good. I can tell by watching him from behind.
As the conditions worsen, he looks more skilled.
But he's human. The first to lose his concentration will be the loser.
This is a match of how long one can endure.
Losing grip makes it easier to grasp how hard I can push it to the limit.
I don't feel any awkwardness. It's running as I want.
Now I'm in the groove.
This is how my Eight-Six should be.
Basically, I control the turning with the accelerator...
...and that's unchanged from the previous car.
But I can clearly see the difference if I let it skid.
I've figured out how to drive this car, Dad.
What round are we in?
I'm starting to feel dizzy now.
It's getting really tough, but he must feel the same.
In these circumstances, it's mentally tough to follow.
Even if there's a slight difference in our pace, you can't overtake me on this course.
When you lose, it's always the chaser who's been outrun by the leader.
In other words, I won't lose while running ahead.
There's a landslide in the next corner.
You don't have any space to squeeze by, no matter how hard you try.
I'll be safe now.
Just watch. I'll endure no matter how many rounds it takes you to make a mistake.
What the...?
The landslide is smaller than before!
You can't be serious!
You're not supposed to overtake on this course!
W...what a guy...
I won...
Shit...
I didn't notice that the landslide got small enough to allow cars to go side by side.
Besides, that precise technique, squeezing into such a narrow space...
He totally outclasses me.
They've slowed down. I guess the match is settled.
Which is it, the Trueno or the Levin?
It's the Trueno! Takumi won!
Alright!
He did it!
Takumi did it!
He did it!
They're back.
Brother...
Takumi...
Sorry to keep you waiting.
I managed to come back safely, but I'm exhausted.
Get in the car, Kazumi. We're going home.
Kazumi...
Goodbye, Itsuki.
I couldn't say goodbye...
...because I didn't want it to be a real goodbye.
Takumi...
...how was the battle?
I barely won.
I see. You're incredible.
Mine didn't go well...
...even though you were concerned about me and set up our meeting.
I couldn't say anything I wanted to say.
I've only been thinking about Kazumi since yesterday.
Since I fell in love with Kazumi, I realize for the first time that...
...it's really tough to fall in love with someone.
It's a serious matter to love someone...
...so if you can't do anything, your chest aches so much.
You might laugh though...
How can I laugh?
Do you understand me?
Yeah.
You're late.
You only have an hour or so before the delivery.
I know. I'll sleep until then, so please wake me up.
Alright.
I didn't know that the car was that good.
Hey, Dad...
...could you tell me about engines and other stuff if you have time?
What happened to you?
I realized what I lack.
Takumi, Itsuki is acting strange.
You'll find out anyway, so I can tell you now...
I see. I didn't expect that to happen.
I thought they could get along well.
So he's back to being a lonely driver.
Itsuki...
K...Kazumi...
What happened? I thought you went back to Saitama.
It happened so suddenly that day. I came back to pick up the stuff I left.
I see.
But that's not all I left here.
I was rushed, and I couldn't say goodbye to you properly.
Kazumi, do you have time now? For an hour or so.
I do, but...
"Had to leave early due to personal reasons," he said.
Again?
He's enjoying his youth to the fullest.
I guess she's more important than anything else.
Oh, that's right.
Takumi, your girlfriend, Natsuki, seems to have gotten a job.
How're you guys doing?
Mogi did...?
The red leaves are falling.
I won't forget the red leaves of Akina.
Every time I see the red leaves, I'll recall the people I met in Gunma.
Especially a little...
...impudent, but very generous boy, who always cheered me up...
...like a little brother, who's younger by only a year....
I think I'll never forget about him.
Thank you very much.
Welcome. Are you dining in?
Goodbye, Kazumi.
I couldn't tell you, but I love you.
Brother, what about forming a select team from Gunma?
I've narrowed down the candidates.
It's up to them whether they accept or not.
I can't keep losing.
I'll get revenge against the Emperor and Akina's Eight-Six.
In the street of meeting and departure...
...we sometimes get hurt, but we still keep on walking.
So charmingly, just like that day.
You are waving your hand.
You are my everlasting memory.
Original translations and subtitle scripts by Central Anime
Repro sub based on fansubfilesanime's release Time-resynch and additional editing for the conversion by FXM-ID2 Project