Stage 1, Episode 1
Short summary
Iketani invites Itsuki and Takumi to a Speedstars' (a street racing team at Akina) gathering at Mt. Akina that night. Even though Takumi has no interest in cars, he's dragged into it by his close friend, Itsuki. The Speedstars received a surprise that night when the RedSuns, the fastest team in Akagi, stops by with a challenge. Later that night when everyone has gone home, Keisuke, the number 2 of the Red Suns, sees the legendary Hachi Roku that is rumored to be the fastest on Akina.
Longer summary
A mysterious car is seen drifting down Mt. Akina. Yuichi, believing that it's his friend, flashes his lights at it, but it just speeds past him.
The next day at school, Itsuki talks with Takumi about buying a Hachi Roku when Takumi has no interest in or knowledge of cars anyway. Mogi interrupts their conversation and finds out how Itsuki and Takumi work hard to earn money. Takumi hasn't talked to her in about a year, and memories from a year ago begin to come back.
After school, Mogi is picked up by "papa;" she wonders if it's ok to get so much money from seeing him just 3 times a month when Itsuki and Takumi have to work hard to earn theirs.
At work at the gas station, Iketani invites Itsuki and Takumi to the Speedstars' gathering at Mt. Akina which happens that night (and even offers them a ride in his S13!) Even though Takumi has no interest in this, he's dragged into it by Itsuki. Before heading out, their boss, Yuichi, tells Iketani about the Hachi Roku that is rumored to be the fastest on Akina, but it's driven by a old tofu shop guy who delivers tofu at 4AM...?
Later that night, the RedSuns, Akagi's fastest team, makes their grand entrance at the gathering and challenges the Speedstars to a battle (race) a week later at Mt. Akina. The Speedstars accepts the challenge, and then both teams practice on the mountain. The Speedstars become frustrated when they realize they're no match for the RedSuns, but they refuse to have the local's pride damaged.
Meanwhile, Yuichi called his friend, Bunta, telling him that he saw him on the way back from his tofu delivery. Bunta claims that wasn't him although it was his car. His son, Takumi, has been doing the deliveries for the past 5 years.
Keisuke, the Red Sun's number 2, is still on Akina after almost everyone had left. As he leaves Akina, he is tailed and then passed by a panda Hachi Roku...
Notes (extra explanations)
About Mogi: There were some small details I mentioned about her, but they will come up again later in the series. Mogi's "papa" isn't really explained until 2nd Stage nor does it have any real importance until then. The money and working issue will come in during 3rd Stage.Takumi's Flashback: was really short, but the "full" flashback will be shown later in 1st Stage.
Red Suns: Their number 1 racer (also Keisuke's older brother), Ryosuke, has something he calls the "Fastest in Kanto Project." They plan on leaving the fastest records in places in the Kanto area which is why they never race on their home course.
Legal Driving Age: in Japan is 18 which is Takumi's current age. However, Bunta says he's been driving the past 5 years so he's really been driving illegally.
