Initial D Final Stage

This story is fiction. The names of people, places and groups are imaginary. Obey traffic rules and drive safely.

This is fun.

It's not about logic.

You can't just allow your opponent to pull away.

If I see a car trying to outrun me, I must chase it.

It's only natural.

It makes my blood boil.

The view is different from usual. I'm going at an extraordinary pace.

I can't stop. How can I quit having this much fun ?

He's fast.

Not only is my car under-steering, but it's over-steering as well ?!

I've never worn the front tires so much in a hill-climb before.

He must have the same problem.

Dammit !

I can gain on him a bit if I can go flat-out for at least 3 seconds.

I have to shed every tenth of a second I can in order to keep up.

After that curve there's a 4 second flat-out segment.

I must take every opportunity one by one.

Is my entry speed too fast ?

No, I've gotta go for it.

Swing the tail a bit, and use four-wheel drift...

I have to keep on pushing, or I'll fall behind.

I have to push it.

Mako, Sayuki, I have to go.

Go ? Where ?

The best part of the show is about to begin.

Why don't we watch the downhill race from here together ?

No, I....

I must go.

Mako, please watch me from here.

I might defeat Fujiwara Takumi.

What is that supposed to mean ?

Could Shinji be...?

Just like Takumi, he's driving an Eight-Six...

...and it's a Trueno to boot.

No way.

Takumi's opponent today is...

Shinji ?!

Initial

The race was at such a miraculous high pace it exceeded the limits Kubo Eiji had set for the car.

It tells us something about human potential.

The margin of victory between the winner and the loser is very thin.

The goddess of the mountain pass cast her smile on Keisuke tonight.

Keisuke's honest passion and love for mountain passes must have surpassed Hojo Gou's by a small margin.

Natural

Brother...

Did you have a chance to talk to Takahashi Keisuke ?

No, but I felt like we had an elaborate communication while we were driving.

There's no need for a conversation.

He must feel the same way.

I lost.

I feel frustrated, but also refreshed.

I saw views I had never seen before.

I see.

If that's the case, you'll grow from here.

You must have done your best.

Good job.

Ouch...

It's all yours.

I'm counting on northern Kanto's fastest downhiller.

You're just too awesome, like I always think, Keisuke.

It's in my bones.

I'm glad you came, Shinji.

I was worried.

What changed your mind ?

I was moved while I was watching you drive, Hojo.

I want to be a hero.

I want to race. Let me do it.

I like your expression. Go for it.

There's no one else.

Only you can stop Project D's consecutive victories.

Oh, right. You don't need to hear stuff like that.

Just express yourself as you like.

Drive freely and have fun.

Tonight's stage is so thrilling.

You're the star, Shinji.

Okay.

In my opinion, we should take the lead position regardless.

Shinji has overwhelming speed, but his opponent has more experience with battles.

Eliminating all uncertain factors is what a strategic plan is all about.

He can make the best use of his talent if he drives as the lead.

This match must be settled on the first run.

I have no objections, Kubo.

Shinji has a good look on his face.

When he's concentrating, his skills are unmatched.

He's Sidewinder's Eight-Six driver ?

He looks so young. He's probably younger than Fujiwara.

This's like a joke.

Has Fujiwara ever raced anyone younger than he is ?

And why an Eight-Six ?

Let's completely crush Project D.

This's the first street race for our miracle boy, who grew up on the mountain pass of Kanagawa.

Brother...

Yeah, this final battle could be his toughest challenge.

I'm Fujiwara Takumi.

I'm Inui Shinji.

Nice to meet you.

Same here.

As expected, they chose to lead.

The first run is the hardest part.

Think of him as your strongest opponent ever.

Keep up with him, even if you have to use the tires to the fullest.

He's tough.

I understand. I'll do my best.

Let's begin.

Five seconds...

Finally...

It's finally time for Project D's downhill ace, Fujiwara Takumi, to take off !

Four...

Calm down, Itsuki.

That being said, I'm getting excited.

To be honest, so am I.

Of course we are !

Takumi represents our home region of Gunma !

He's more like our pride.

Right, Takumi is our pride.

Please win.

Three...

Two...

One...

Go !

Hey, those two Eight-Sixes have different body shapes...

...especially the chasing one.

Yeah, the Eight-Six has two kinds, the Levin and the Trueno...

...and each has a two-door and three-door type.

Project D's Eight-Six, with the rear hatch, is called a three-door hatchback...

...and the other is called a two-door sedan.

Oh, I see.

The Eight-Six was very successful in motor sports...

...but the two and three door types were used in different fields.

The three-door was mainly used in circuit racing because of its aerodynamic advantage.

The two-door was the mainstream in rally and gymkhana because of the stiffer body.

If that's the case...

...does Sidewinder's two-door have the advantage in a street race like this ?

Well, in this case...

...I guess it does.

What the...

It broke.

I've been using this since I bought my Eight-Six.

Man, this'll bring bad luck.

I'd better toss it.

Wow, he's fast.