Takumi Fujiwara vs Toru Suetsugu

The battle between Takumi Fujiwara and Toru Suetsugu is the twenty-fifth battle of Initial D. It is also the first battle of Fourth Stage as well as the Project D arc.

Prior to the Battle
Even though acknowledging that the opponent's car is just an AE86, Toru still decides to give out all of his skill on the battle to defeat him, as he had heard that they were the twin aces of Project D, who are not to be taken lightly. And also about the fact that he promised his girlfriend that if he loses any battle, he would forfeit from further street racing.

During the Battle
As the battle begins with Toru taking the lead, Takumi notes that Toru's corner entry is aggressive, as understandable on how much he is aware of his home course. Ryosuke later on talks with Matsumoto about his strategy told to Takumi to use in the uncovered gutters of the course. Unlike the gutters Takumi had faced so far, this one was different as it was not shallow enough to safely put the wheels on. He says about the tactic of 'weight shifting' of the car from the front to the rear. As corners with the uncovered gutters appeared, Takumi performs a Wheel Lift over the gutters on the edge of the road, allowing him to overtake as a shocked and utterly confused Toru watches. As Takumi takes the lead, Toru decides to watch how Takumi overtake him. On witnessing how, Toru attempts to copy the technique, but fails to transfer weight properly, flipping his car and losing him the race. However, Toru is left unhurt.

After the Battle
Toru advices Atsuro Kawai for his battle with Keisuke to take the insides while cornering so that he may not be the victim of the same technique.

Later on he admits with Nao that he had retired from racing due to his kept promise, even though she later admits that she only said that because of her guilt.

Fourth Stage

 * Let's Go, Come On - Manuel
 * Go Beat Crazy - Fastway

Battle Stage 2

 * Forever Love Me - Symbol

Special Stage

 * Crazy For Your Love - Morris

Trivia

 * This battle was previewed early in Dear Boys/Hoop Days.