Stage 1, Episode 17
Short summary
Iketani explains the situation with Mako to Takumi, and Takumi decides to race against her. Kenji feels like Iketani is betraying his friend because he doubts Takumi could win on a course he's never driven on before. Though they tell Takumi he can turn back, he insists on going. On Usui, Sayuki explains the rules of the race. Since the road is narrow, they use a Sudden Death-Death Match which is like playing tag. Instead of starting at the same time, one car starts in front and wins by leaving the other person behind. If that doesn't happen, they switch positions until it does. Takumi has the choice in choosing to go in the front or back first. Though they all expect Takumi to choose front to practice the course, he chooses the back. His thought is that no matter what they do, he should be able to take the corner at the same speed as them. And now starts the battle between Akina's Hachi Roku and Usui's Sil-Eighty.
Longer summary
Iketani invites Takumi out to dinner and explains the situation with Mako. Takumi doesn't feel good about it becaue he doesn't like what Mako has done. Iketani still defends her though and begs him to help. Takumi thinks back to Usui's mountain pass and decides to go.
At the gas station, Itsuki hears news of Takumi's race against Mako from Kenji and is in disbelief yet also excited. Both of them are confused as to how it happened since Takumi isn't the kind to challenge people. Kenji is worried though. Takumi has only driven on Akina and doesn't know what will happen if he drives on a different one. Kenji has doubts about Takumi winning, but Itsuki is positive Takumi can do it. Yuichi thinks Takumi is doing this so that he could test his skills at another place.
At the Fujiwara residence, Bunta runs out of cigarettes and decides to get more. He is surprised to see a Hachi Go in his car's spot instead. Takumi has left a note that he's borrowing the car and left a replacement.
As they drive to Usui, Kenji questions whether Iketani thinks he might be betraying a friend by having this race. Kenji doubts that Takumi could win, since this is his first time on Usui, which is also a difficult pass. The Hachi Roku is Akina's pride, and Kenji wants to see this race stopped. Iketani sees his point.
Meanwhile, Mako is discussing with Sayuki about quitting, which Sayuki doesn't understand. 2 years ago when they first started, it was really exciting and fun, but now that excitement is gone. Mako also wants to have a boyfriend and a normal relationship, which she doesn't think she can do while racing. Sayuki thinks it's because Mako already has someone in mind. Mako blushes at the thought of Iketani. She also admits a one-sided love that she's had for a while, someone that she's been loving secretly. Sayuki ends the conversation saying that they can't lose at Usui, or else she won't quit.
At a stop on the way to Usui, Kenji tells Takumi that he doesn't have to race. He can turn around, and Iketani will explain to Mako. Takumi doesn't want to go back though. He actually wants to race. Kenji still thinks there's no chance that Takumi will win, though Takumi doesn't care. He doesn't want his name to go above his skill and would rather the gossip about Akina's Hachi Roku disappear. He wants to drive on a pass other than Akina, and thus is still going
As Mako and Sayuki wait at the top, Sayuki gives Mako tips. She tells her not to drift wide and to differentiate corners that she should drift and ones that she shouldn't. They're confident they won't lose and are looking forward to the match.
In Takumi's car, Itsuki is surprised that Takumi has no plan or strategy ready. He suggests that Takumi cuts in front and doesn't let them pass since the road is so narrow. Takumi refuses to play dirty though. When they reach the top, Sayuki and Mako finally meet Takumi and can't believe how young he is.
The rules of the race are explained by Sayuki. Since the pass is so narrow, it's difficult to start at the same time since it's favorable to the person who makes a breakaway at the beginning. Instead they use a Sudden Death-Death Match which is like playing tag. The first to leave the other behind wins. If that doesn't happen, positions switch until it does. Sayuki lets Takumi choose the position first.
The guys end up pulling Takumi away to talk about it. They think he should choose front first, so that he can have that round as practice. Sayuki and Mako also predict that he would choose front. Takumi decides on back instead.
Meanwhile, Bunta gets a call from Yuichi and learns that Takumi is racing at Usui. He's not worried at all though.
The race is about to start and Sayuki explains that they take it slow until the first corner. That's when they speed up to signify the beginning of the battle. Iketani goes up to Takumi's window and admits he now sees his stupidity. He feels he's done an unforgivable thing because Takumi, who is Akina's pride, is about to lose because of him. Takumi, on the other hand, actually has a "plan" for starting in the back. No matter how fast the car in front of him drives, it's not like they can fly. If they can make a corner at a certain speed, so can he, and that's the basis of his thinking. The race now starts as the cars disappear past the first corner.
