anime episode summaries

Saitama Area Ultimate Weapon

Eat my dust puddles, Takumi!Sakamoto is trying out Nobuhiko’s shiny red car. Wataru is impressed with Sakamoto’s time. According to Nobuhiko, the reason why the 86 has the advantage in a downhill match is because of its light weight. Nobuhiko’s ultimate weapon, the Cappucino, is a "K" car whose light weight can match that of the 86. Wataru calls Sakamoto crazy since he slides the car sideways on the corner (the car’s wheels turn easily). Wataru says Sakamoto is as crazy as Takumi and with these factors, Wataru and Nobuhiko are certain of Project D’s defeat.

Takumi arrives from his tofu deliveries and his dad remarks how much the car has changed. Bunta decides to give the 86 to Takumi. He adds that he’s buying a second-hand car for himself. Takumi asks what kind of car it is and Bunta simply replies that it’s a simple and practical car to drive. Takumi thinks Bunta’s reply is weird though. Bunta says that Takumi will be paying for the car’s taxes starting next year, that is, if the 86 is still running by then.

Keisuke and Fumihiro, the mechanic, are on their way to check out the next course. Fumihiro remarks how the next course is tight and full of storm drains, as most roads in Saitama. He also tells Keisuke that Kyoko is a sweet, nice, cute girl (you damn right she is!) and asks him what is there not to like. Keisuke replies that it’s not a matter of like and dislike, it’s just that he want to concentrate on Project D. The mechanic advises Keisuke to loosen up a little but Keisuke doesn’t want to talk about it anymore.

What are you doing, Kyoko?A driver tells Kyoko of the Saitama Alliance headed by Nobuhiko, saying that Project D is the same. They can’t defeat Project D individually but by banding together, they can do it. They ask Kyoko to chip in, too, financially, but another driver asks her if it’s ok. The driver tells her that if her feelings are split, she shouldn’t chip in. He also remarks how the Takahashi brothers are sons of a hospital director and that they’re filthy rich, plus they’re good-looking and really popular. He implies that Kyoko has no chance with Keisuke that’s why she has to wake up.

Sakamoto is practicing some more. Back at Akina, Takumi is at the gas station where he used to work. He’s telling Itsuki about changing the 86’s registration since it’s now his. Itsuki also wonders about Bunta’s new car and Takumi says it’s probably an automatic van or wagon (yeah right!). Itsuki thinks it’s weird for Akina’s legendary driver to drive an automatic van but Takumi just replies that his dad is getting old already. Bunta sneezes (there’s a saying that if you sneeze suddenly, somebody’s talking about you). Takumi leaves to attend Project D’s meeting.

Ryousuke tells Fumihiro that the next match is the toughest one Takumi has to face yet. Ryousuke says that this is probably even tougher than Takumi’s previous race with the Toudou School pro driver. He adds that opponent is not always the other driver but when Fumihiro asks him what he meant, Ryousuke takes a nap.

When Project D arrives at Saitama, Nobuhiro welcomes them. Ryousuke remarks that it’s probable it will rain. Keisuke and Takumi begin their practice runs (they’re supposed to do 50!). Fumihiro notices Kyoko isn’t around. Kyoko wants to watch Project D practice but she is discouraged. She feels left out and that she doesn’t belong to either side.

Wataru worries about the rain but Nobuhiko thinks it’s better for Sakamato because then, being light weight would have its advantages. Nobuhiko knows that Project D won’t back out because of the rain and believes that luck is on their side.

When Keisuke stops for gas, Ryousuke tells him to turn off his headlights and instead practice with his foglights on because visibility will worsen once it rains. Keisuke has to drive based on the course’s image in his head.

While driving, Kyoko notices her darling’s FD (haha, I love it when Kyoko calls Keisuke that) parked on the street. Kyoko approaches the yellow FD and strokes it (wtf?) but then she notices Keisuke is inside! Keisuke is tired and sleepy and hungry but he can’t sleep since it’s too bright so he asks Kyoko out to eat. Kyoko is happy to know that Keisuke is down-to-earth since he eats at family restaurants although he’s rich.

Cappucino vs. Hachi-rokuKenta and the others find Keisuke’s FD empty and they decide to eat near his car. They tell Takumi to rest but Takumi wants to run a couple of laps if it rains because he wants to know where puddles form on the road. While driving back to Keisuke’s car, it starts to rain and Kyoko notices that Keisuke has fallen asleep in her car. Kyoko drives softly so that Keisuke doesn’t wake up (aaaw, how sweet!).

The rain won’t stop but it seems the race won’t get canceled. When Keisuke wakes up, it’s already 6 pm. Kyoko fell asleep beside him, too. He says he’s never slept so long in an expedition before and he apologizes to Kyoko for wasting her time. Of course, Kyoko doesn’t mind

The Saitama Alliance arrives at the starting point and Project D is surprised when they saw the Cappucino. Fumihiro understands why Ryousuke thinks this is a difficult match for Takumi. The battle starts and Takumi is taken away by the opponent’s speed.

More screenshots:

Keisuke and Kyoko on a lunch date.
Project D picnic!

Keisuke sleeping in Kyoko’s car.
Ryousuke and Fumihiro eyeing the enemy.