anime episode summaries

Hachi-Roku vs. Cappucino. Because the Cappucino is way lighter than the Hachi-Roku, Takumi is having a hard time, but he still manages to keep up though.

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. (more…)

Kyoko’s Confession

Ryousuke giving Takumi
last minute instructions.Keisuke and Kyoko return to the starting point. Keisuke explains how he wins. Takumi and Nobuhiko prepare for their match. Nobuhiko knows he can’t keep up with Takumi but he chooses to be the chaser so that he can observe Takumi’s techniques from behind. Before starting, Ryousuke tells Takumi to let the opponent keep up with him until the first hairpin. After that, he can go all the way. The race starts. Wataru came with his Levin to watch.

Kyoko approaches Keisuke and they thank each other and then they talk about the battle and car stuff. Back at the match, Nobuhiko is amazed by Takumi’s cornering. Kyoko asks Keisuke if he’s seeing anybody and as soon as he says no, Kyoko thanks him and runs off. Kenta is eavesdropping while eating onigiri.

Back at the match, although Nobuhiko is impressed, he wonders why he’s able to keep up with Takumi. Takumi is holding back, just as Ryousuke’s instructed. However, after the first hair pin, Takumi is soon out of the opponent’s sight and he wins the match (duh!).

Hardly an even match.After the race, Wataru and Nobuhiko discuss Takumi (Wataru gloats that he lasted 5 rounds with Takumi; Nobuhiko retorts that Wataru’s match wasn’t purely downhill). Nobuhiko suspects Takumi purposely allowed him to catch up at the beginning of the match. Because he was able to observe his opponent, Nobuhiko thinks he figured out a way to defeat Takumi. While they’re talking, Takumi is doing the time trial. Nobuhiko says their match is only a prelude to the Saitama Showdown and that they’ll defeat Project D then (dream on!).

Back at Akina, Kenji tells Iketani and Itsuki about Project D’s victory. The trio decide to watch during Project D’s next battle at Saitama. Elsewhere, Kyoko is happy that she was able to talk to Keisuke and that he was single (go, Kyoko!).

While Keisuke is practicing, Kenta and 2 other guys are talking about how popular Keisuke is. The mechanic guy tells them that Keisuke broke up with his previous girlfriend when he bought his FD and joined the Red Suns and that he’s not interested in girls since he thinks they’re trouble. Keisuke isn’t like Ryousuke who can balance several things at the same time. Kyoko (wearing a short miniskirt and a tight shirt!) shows up with her black FD (she drove all the way to Akagi!) and Kenta is certain that she came to see Keisuke. Keisuke returns and he talks to Kyoko.
Keisuke, you insensitive prick!The three are eavesdropping. Kyoko confesses that she likes Keisuke and that she came because she just wants to see him. Keisuke tells the tearful Kyoko not to come anymore because she’ll just be in his way (that bastard! making a girl cry! how low!).

On his way home, surpassing Takumi is the only thing on Keisuke’s mind and that he can’t afford to fool around with girls. Elsewhere, Takumi is also practicing with his water cup technique. Kyoko is devastated but she understands Keisuke’s reasons (aaaaw!).

Elsewhere (Saitama?), Wataru introduces Nobuhiko to his cousin Sakamoto (apparently, he’s the guy they’re pitting against Takumi next), a rally driver. They discuss Nobuhiko’s plan on how to defeat the 86. Nobuhiko asks Sakamoto if he’s driven an FR before. He shows them his "ultimate weapon," a red car that we don’t know what model yet since all they’re showing are the wheels.