Emperor, a team of racers from the Tochigi region, has arrived with the goal to crush every team in Gunma. It doesn't take them long to discover a particular challenge in taking on the downhill legend known as Akina's Eight-Six.
Upgrades for the Takumi's Eight-Six are considered to increase its power. Elsewhere, Team Emperor continues to sweep across Gunma, defeating everyone else with ease. Takumi and his Eight-Six is next on their list.
Going against Kyoichi's instructions, Emperor's Seiji launches his Evo IV into full power while racing against the Eight-Six. Though his car is out-classed by the highly-advanced Evo IV, Takumi takes every necessary risk to prove his worth.
In his heart, Takumi couldn't accept his victory over the Evo IV and decides to make a vow. To add to his already uneasy thoughts ... anonymous messages are being sent to Takumi concerning his relationship with Natsuki.
Takumi soon discovers Natsuki's secret, leading him to vent his anger in an egotistic battle against Kyoichi at Akagi. Takumi disregards his disadvantages in the race and suffers the consequences of his carelessness.
Though Kyoichi recognizes Takumi's skill, he has full confidence in his rally-tuned Evo III. Takumi soon realizes the difference between his Eight-Six and the loud banging horsepower of the Evo III in an agonizing defeat.
Eight-Six is out of the picture, and the RedSuns take advantage of the opportunity. Ryosuke returns with his White Comet to take on Kyoichi, Team Emperor's experienced leader.
Mt. Akagi's battle continues, as Ryosuke plans to demonstrate his street-racing prowess against Kyoichi. Back in Akina, Takumi laments the loss of his Eight-Six and the trouble with Natsuki.
Thanks to Bunta, the Eight-Six receives a game-changing upgrade. Takumi and Natsuki's relationship continues to suffer. Meanwhile, Itsuki's heart is shaken at the sight of Kazumi.
Takumi accepts Wataru's challenge, deciding on Wataru's own home course for the one-on-one. Before he takes on the new rival, Takumi's got more to learn about the potential his new Eight-Six harnesses, as well as a few more essentials of racing.
Takumi's taking on Wataru on a treacherous mountain pass riddled with dangerous traps and obstacle. The true nature of Takumi's new hidden weapon emerges in all its monstrous glory, however, and his opponent is in store for an intense challenge.
The battle between the two Eight-Sixes becomes an extreme test of endurance and will for the two drivers. Will Takumi take his newly-tuned machine all the way to victory, or does Wataru have what it takes to force his rival to a halting defeat?
