Ryosuke Takahashi vs Rin Hojo

The battle between Ryosuke Takahashi and Rin Hojo is the forty-eighth battle of Initial D.

Prior to the Battle
Rumors start spreading that a white RX-7 FC with a wing was spotted in Akagi. Ryosuke and Matsumoto are nowhere to be found, which worries Project D. Takumi ,who is on a date with Mika, enquires about them from Fumihiro, who has no idea of what is going on. Meanwhile Ryosuke and Matsumoto are headed to the Hakone Turnpike to accept the challenge of the Grim Reaper, Rin Hojo. During their journey, Ryosuke reveals everything about his past to Matsumoto. After reaching the top of Hakone, Ryosuke finds Rin Hojo, who would be waiting for them. Both of them accept the battle to the death. Matsumoto says he will be waiting for him to pick him up, even if he has to wait 100 years.

During the Battle
At the start of the battle, Rin notes that while Ryosuke's FC is lighter, he still believes that his R32 has the advantage; Matsumoto adds that Ryosuke hasn't been able to adapt to his new FC after his hiatus. Regardless, Rin gives Ryosuke one round: If he pulls away in this race, he wins, which Rin says it won't be easy for the former to do so. As they were racing by, a Team Spiral member informs Ryuji Ikeda about the two drivers, while the latter is in his Z33 waiting for them. As they pass by, Ikeda gives chase, despite struggling to catch up to the two cars. Throughout the battle, the whole story of the feud between Ryosuke and Rin over Kaori is played out, which played a huge role in her suicide and Rin shutting himself from the outside world. While these flashbacks were going on, Rin attempted several times to shunt and side-press Ryosuke in order for the latter to crash. However, Ryosuke escapes every attempt, barely escaping bar scratches. Ikeda also notes that Ryosuke is a more natural driver than Takumi Fujiwara, and that his racing style is the part that is needed for his "Zero Theory". In the latter part of the downhill battle, Rin's driving style considerably wears down his brakes and tyres, which puts Ikeda on alert, since Rin is looking for one final attack on Ryosuke. In desperation, Ikeda was hoping for Rin to exit thru one of the side roads of Hakone, but he dodges it. As the cars go down the steep downhill section, Rin overspeeds out of corners and bumps into guardrails as his brakes lost all its efficiency. Ryosuke, sensing that Rin's car is out of order, brakes and the R32 now comes in contact with with Ryosuke's FC, but the heavy R32 meant that his FC cannot handle the weight, causing a misalignment in both the cars as they speed downhill, desperately trying to slow down. However, Ikeda joins in and helps Ryosuke by joining the formation and they together stop Rin's R32 and themselves from crashing into the tollbooth at the bottom. While slowing down, Ryosuke and Rin senses Kaori's perfume and her presence around their car. As they all slow down to a halt, they hit a traffic cone at the very bottom of the downhill, which hits the tollbooth.

After the Battle
Rin and Ryosuke reflect on their battle and the pain that they shared with Kaori's death. However, both men agree that their feud is finally over, and Rin is able to get over with Kaori's death. Ryosuke eventually returns to Matsumoto, who comments on the FC being heavily scratched from the battle. Ryosuke admits it can't be helped, while Matsumoto comments on Ryosuke being different, which is a good sign, considering the final battles of Project D's expedition is in full force. Shortly after the battle, Rin scraps his R32.

Fifth Stage

 * The Race Of The Night - Dave Rodgers
 * A Perfect Hero - Chris Stanton
 * On your Wings - Rich Hard

Battle Stage 3

 * Eternity - Denise
 * Prison of Love - The Wonder Girls
 * Ray Light - The Spiders From Mars

Arcade Stage 8 Infinity

 * When The Sun Goes Down - Ken Blast

Arcade Stage 8 RivalSide Info
Story arc: Sidewinder

Driver: Rin Hojo

Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II (BNR32)

Opponent: Ryosuke Takahashi

Team: Project D

Car: Mazda RX-7 Infini III (FC3S)

Mission: Do not fall behind the Rival

1-ryu Condition: Do not fall behind within 80 m

Cho 1-ryu Condition: Do not fall behind within 40 m

Course: Hakone

Rule: Downhill

Start: Standing

Weather: Clear

Time of day: Night