Fifth Stage - Act 6

Keisuke's Determination (啓介の意地, Keisuke no iji) is the sixth Act of Initial D Fifth Stage.

This episode features the second half of the battle between Keisuke Takahashi and Hideo Minagawa.

This episode also features the impromptu battle between Ryuji Ikeda and Rin Hojo.

Synopsis
As it appears that the FD vs. Supra battle is giving no quarter, the question is, is it possible for Keisuke to hold off Minagawa's professional pressure? Meanwhile, a new racer appears on the slopes of Hakone, and it's evident he wants to kill himself, and take anybody with him!

Plot
As Keisuke and Minagawa battles fiercely uphill, Eiji Kubo comments on how the Supra is a different sportscar compared to the FD, as it being a Gran Tourer makes it heavier. Go states that the Supra wouldn't be a good match against the FD, especially if both drivers share the same amount of skills. At that time, some Sidewinder members clocks the times of the two cars racing past. Eiji receives the updates on his phone and shares it with Go. He states that the pace of the battle had increased and tyre condition will determine the result of he battle. While Keisuke is feeling the pressure, it is Minagawa who is facing the blunt of it as he didn't expect the pace to increase by this much. Meanwhile Keisuke realizes Minagawa is indeed gaining on him slowly and feels the pressure building up due to his presence. He then remarks pro racing drivers to be fearsome. Ryosuke hopes Keisuke keeps his calm as emotions can easily mess up driving. He wants Keisuke to make use of his experience. As both drivers race towards the goal, Minagawa keeps on adding more pressure behind Keisuke, as far as closing the gap all the way to the FD's rear bumper. Soon Minagawa loses his steam and bumps slightly behind Keisuke, indicating his defeat as he slows down, while stating how he lost all his tyre grip to go for a second round. As the FD speeds up to the finish line, Eiji notes the FD's lightweight body resulted in less tyre wear for Keisuke, while Go states Minagawa's pride made him put up a fight, which resulted in the battle breaking the course record. After the battle Keisuke tells Ryosuke on how he almost lost his edge near the goal despite maintaining his pace, and wonders how Minagawa was able to keep up with him for so long despite having heavier tyre wear. Ryosuke simply states it's because Minagawa's expertise in professional racing career, and it likely has to do with his spirit than his skills. After this, Project D heads back to Gunma. At Akina in early morning, Takumi drives back home after the delivery in the Impreza using one hand-steering method, dissatisfied that he still can't drive the way he'd imagined. After returning home, Bunta checks the tyres and asks out of doubt what driving trick he's been doing recently. Takumi informs him about the one-hand steering method and how he learnt it from one of his previous race. He also compares it with the gum-tape deathmatch battle he raced last year. After telling its easier to do in the Impreza as its AWD capabilities makes it more balanced, Bunta tells its a good thing he's practicing tricks like this and also suggests him to try the same thing in the Eight-Six, to which he responds it's too hard to do it for now. At the golf training centre Takumi in front of Mika tries his best to hit shots properly. After he nearly hurts his hands trying to hit a shot, he gives Mika the turn to play to observe. When Mika hits a perfect shot, Takumi feels she really is an amazing player. Meanwhile in his pants his phone in silent mode keeps ringing. At the gas station, Itsuki gets annoyed that Takumi isn't picking up his phone, knowing very well that he is mostly hanging out with Mika. Iketani then states that Takumi and Mika are suited for each other as they are both highly skilled in their own ways. When Kenji tells its because Takumi is 'dedicated and honest', Itsuki also tried telling them he has the same qualities, only to be countered by Iketani that the talent makes the difference. That night while driving Mika back to her home, Takumi shares his thoughts on Mika's amazing talents in golf. Mika is thankful on hearing this as she sometimes loses her confidence in it. Takumi assures her to believe in herself. Mika states her wish in becoming a pro, to which Takumi also tells her its his same dream. They both plan to see who becomes a pro first. That same night at Hakone, a blue Nissan S15 parks at the Daikanzan Observation Deck. Ryuji Ikeda of Team Spiral stands near his Fairlady Z when Hiroya Okuyama emerges from his car. They both share their thoughts on Team 246's and RT Katagiri SV's failure to defeat Project D. Okuyama states Minagawa's pride as the cause of his ultimate downfall. When asked by Ikeda if he can take on the Eight-Six, Okuyama assures him victory, as he doesn't plan to race with showing off skills, instead will just try to win. Ikeda understands and tells Hakone will quiet down soon after Project D's defeat. While driving down the Turnpike, Ikeda thinks of Okuyama's statement on Minagawa's defeat. He is sure he can beat Project D with their superior vehicle potential. It was just then he realized he was being tailgated closely by another car. Knowing no locals would want to pick a battle with him, he decides to start off this impromptu battle. Soon after some corners, they pass a car on the opposite lane. The occupants of the car notes the leading Fairlady Z and recognizes Ryuji Ikeda of Team Spiral, however the other passenger recognizes the chasing car and realizes fearfully who the driver was. As Ikeda keeps speeding down the road, he finally realizes it was no local who's battling him as he knows every braking point. He gets frustrated and slows down to a corner, only to get shunted from behind, catching Ikeda totally off-guard. As he proceeds to slide wildly across the corner, a desperate Ikeda somehow manages maintain control just before almost hitting the guardrail. He then gets back on track as the car behind him maintains the chase. Ikeda realizes the person chasing him was none other than the 'Shinigami' in his grey R32 chasing him. Meanwhile somewhere at Hakone, Go Hojo explains to Eiji about the sudden reappearance of the 'Shinigami', which happens to be his elder brother Rin. He explains about his girlfriend's suicide, which affected him negatively a lot, making him quit his job and become anti-social. He doesn't care about it now, but he knows for one thing that he is after Ryosuke, which when asked upon by Eiji on why exactly, Go reveals Ryosuke had an affinity with her at the same time. He then reveals the name of the late woman to be 'Kaori'. At the same time, Ikeda gets shunted once again at a highspeed corner, sliding wildly along the corner, somehow maintaining back the control. Realizing he can't risk playing anymore with the Shinigami, he decides to withdraw from the battle by stopping at a layby. As the R32 keeps driving ahead, Ikeda vows revenge on him soon. The next day at Esso Gas Station, the SpeedStars discusses about Project D's third expedition in Kanagawa. They hoped they could go and spectate the battle, but they can't get any leave. Iketani insists Kenji to visit, but he can't afford to visit either. Itsuki had made up his mind and decided he will visit Project D's final expedition, no matter what happens and even if it costs his job. Kenji says if Project D fails this one, they won't have another expedition, but a tearful Itsuki is sure Takumi will never lose. Iketani agrees with Itsuki and decides to visit the final battle expedition to give support. That night at Kanagawa, Project D meets up with Team Spiral at Nanamagari. After Ryosuke introduces the team, Ikeda asks them to answer what comes to their mind first when they think about driving. Keisuke responds first by stating its like 'masochism'. For Takumi, he answers it by stating its just any other daily activity for him. Ikeda then finally asks Ryosuke, despite him not being a driver. Ryosuke then states 'a dream', which surprises Ikeda. After this, Keisuke and Takumi goes for their practice runs. Ikeda asks Junichi Sakamoto about his thoughts on Project D. He states they have a strong presence thanks to their continuous winning streak, yet they remain calm and not aggressive. Ikeda agrees with Sakamoto and states they are the perfect opponents to try out his 'Zero Theory', which according to Ikeda is when you clear your mind from any other external influences mentally. Meanwhile Go and Eiji at the same location discusses about the upcoming wet weather for tomorrow, which usually gives the local team the advantage, can hamper Team Spiral as they rely on their vehicle's potential. This means Okuyama can have a tough time to defeat Takumi as the performance gap of the former's and latter's vehicles will be more evened out in the wet weather condition. At this time Ryuji Ikeda is seen meditating inside his car.

Airdates

 * Animax: January 11, 2013

Characters (in order of appearance)

 * 1) Takumi Fujiwara
 * 2) Shuichi Matsumoto
 * 3) Eiji Kubo
 * 4) Go Hojo
 * 5) Keisuke Takahashi
 * 6) Hideo Minagawa
 * 7) Ryosuke Takahashi
 * 8) Fumihiro
 * 9) Tomiguchi
 * 10) Kenta Nakamura
 * 11) Bunta Fujiwara
 * 12) Shingo Shoji (Flashback)
 * 13) Mika Uehara
 * 14) Koichiro Iketani
 * 15) Kenji
 * 16) Itsuki Takeuchi
 * 17) Ryuji Ikeda
 * 18) Hiroya Okuyama
 * 19) Rin Hojo
 * 20) Kaori (Imagined)
 * 21) Junichi Sakamoto

Cars

 * 1) Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX (AE86)
 * 2) Mazda ɛ̃fini RX-7 Type R (FD3S)
 * 3) Toyota Supra RZ (JZA80)
 * 4) Subaru Impreza WRX STi Coupe Type R Version V (GC8F)
 * 5) Honda Civic SiR-II (EG6) (Flashback)
 * 6) Nissan 180SX Type II (RPS13)
 * 7) Nissan Silvia K's (S13)
 * 8) Nissan Silvia Spec R Aero (S15)
 * 9) Nissan Fairlady Z Version S (Z33)
 * 10) Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR32)
 * 11) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII GSR (CT9A)

Music

 * 1) Raise Up - M.o.v.e
 * 2) Crazy On Emotion - Ace
 * 3) Flyleaf - Clutcho

Quotes
Ryuji Ikeda: I have a favor, or more like a question to ask. Just tell me what pops into your head. What is driving to you? Let me hear your answer. Takahashi Keisuke, you go first.

Keisuke Takahashi: In short, proof of masochism.

Ryuji Ikeda: That's interesting. How about you, Fujiwara?

Takumi Fujiwara: To me, it's a daily activity, like washing my face.

Ryuji Ikeda: That's interesting too. And finally you?

Ryosuke Takahashi: I'm not a driver here, but should I answer?

Ryuji Ikeda: I'd love to hear it.

Ryosuke Takahashi: A dream.

Notes & Trivia

 * Fifth Stage Nissan Stagea.png Kubo's car, a Nissan Stagea made its only appearance in this episode.