The battle between Keisuke Takahashi and Aikawa is the thirty-seventh battle of Initial D.
Prior to the Battle[]
During a practice run, Keisuke's FD runs over an oil slick (placed by the Lancer Evo drivers) and crashes hard, destroying the front-right axle. Understandably upset, Keisuke almost flies into a rage, fully intending to beat up the Lan Evo drivers, however Ryosuke immediately tells him to calm down. Keisuke, utterly dejected, asks his brother if they're going to repair the FD. Ryosuke shuts him down, coldly telling Keisuke that it's his own fault that the FD is damaged, and that if Ryosuke was driving, it wouldn't have crashed. He scolds Keisuke harshly, calling him complacent and careless before leaving the scene. Kenta, standing next to Keisuke, cries as he reassures Keisuke that he doesn't agree with Ryosuke, telling him that it couldn't have been his fault. Keisuke disagrees, tears in his eyes. He admits that if his brother were the one driving, Ryosuke would've cleared it no problem. He states that it's embarrassing to have fallen for an enemy's trap, it's why he's so angry.
The next day at 10 am, Takumi finds Ryosuke and Project D's mechanics working on the FD. Takumi offers to help out, but Keisuke refuses, telling him to prioritize resting as their race is later that night. Takumi points out that Keisuke hasn't slept all night, but Keisuke replies that even if he wanted to sleep, he wouldn't be able to. Keisuke tells his team that even if he has to risk his life, he's going to race. He won't let Project D's winning streak break because of some trashy stain of defeat.
Later that night, Keisuke attempts a practice run in the slightly repaired FD, however he ends up spinning out due to the messed up fundamental balance. Distraught, he curses and punches the steering wheel before exiting the FD and laying on his back on the hood. He mentally apologizes to his brother, tears in his eyes as he gets choked up. He snaps out of it as soon as he hears an engine approaching, wiping the budding tears from his eyes. It's Kyoko in her black FD, and she gets flustered as Keisuke stares her down, debating on asking her for a favor. She ends up agreeing to lend Keisuke her FD and Keisuke returns to Ryosuke, telling him that even if he doesn't approve, Keisuke is going to race no matter what. To Keisuke's surprise, Ryosuke makes a call, telling the other person on the line that they won't need "the other car anymore", leaving Keisuke stunned that Ryosuke was going to lend him a car. Everyone cheers as Keisuke is able to participate in the race again.
During the Battle[]
While initially struggling to adapt to a vastly different car to his, even if they are the same model, Keisuke quickly picks up and pressures the Evo V into an extremely tight gap he knows he can shoot and ends the battle with a quick pass through a construction barrier. Aikawa states that they're nearly about to crash near the barrier since they don't have space and curses in anger just as he concedes the race.
After the Battle[]
Aikawa brashly claims that Keisuke played foul by running him out of space, but is refuted by Keisuke himself noting just how much space there was to the outside - far more than was enough, far less than what the Evo V's driver's skill could manage. Ichijo then began to race Takumi, who assured the latter that he will lose.
Trivia[]
- This is the only battle Keisuke competes in where he does not drive his signature yellow FD3S, as it was damaged prior to the battle.
Music[]
Fourth Stage[]
Battle Stage 2[]
Arcade Stage 8 Infinity[]
Arcade Stage 8 RivalSide Info[]
Story arc: Tsuchisaka Lan Evo Team (Men in Lan Evos)
Driver: Aikawa (Man in Evo V)
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V RS (CP9A)
Opponent: Keisuke Takahashi
Team: Project D
Car: Mazda ɛ̃fini RX-7 Type R (FD3S)
Mission: Preserve the Steering Gauge
1-ryu Condition: Keep at least 1 Steering Gauge intact
Cho 1-ryu Condition: Keep at least 2 Steering Gauges intact
Course: Tsuchisaka
Rule: Outbound
Start: Standing
Weather: Clear
Time of day: Night