Emperor on the War Path With the invading Team Emperor and its Evo Army humiliating racers all over Gunma, it’s up to Take and the Phantom Eight Six to defend the racing honor of not only his hometown of Akina, but the entire prefecture. But when Team Emperor’s “Hawk” Iwaki pulls Lancer Evo IV ahead of the Eight Six, not even Tak’s most loyal teammates believe he can win. Maybe he’ll finally learn that lesson his father thinks he needs. Can Tak pull off his biggest miracle yet? Meanwhile, as Tak’s relationship with Natalie heats up, will he discover her shocking secret?
Under the snow, Natsuki and Takumi grow closer. Then, Valentine’s Day arrives, and with it, some last-minute confessions. As graduation approaches. Takumi must decide what he wants to do after high school. When Natsuki departs for college in Tokyo, Takumi stays behind…to participate in Ryosuke’s new racing team, “Project D”. With Takumi driving downhill and Kensuke going up the slopes, they’ll break records all over Japan…unless their opponents have what it takes after all. The curtain rises on the next stage of Takumi’s racing career! This omnibus edition includes volumes 17 and 18.
The road is clear for the Todo School and Project D race. Not only does the Todo School have a decorated group of graduates in professional racing, but it has also produced strong racers such as past foe, Kyoichi Sudo. At first brimming with confidence, the old guard’s anxieties heighten when the Todo School faces an unknown new group, Project D. Todo School’s Daiki steps up to battle against Takumi. Turning down advice from old members, Daiki forgoes racing in the Todo School’s powerful demonstration car so he can prove his skill and talent with his personal vehicle-but will it be enough to defeat Takumi? This omnibus edition includes volumes 19 and 20.
The road is clear for the Todo School and Project D race. Not only does the Todo School have a decorated group of graduates in professional racing, but it has also produced strong racers such as past foe, Kyoichi Sudo. At first brimming with confidence, the old guard’s anxieties heighten when the Todo School faces an unknown new group, Project D. Todo School’s Daiki steps up to battle against Takumi. Turning down advice from old members, Daiki forgoes racing in the Todo School’s powerful demonstration car so he can prove his skill and talent with his personal vehicle-but will it be enough to defeat Takumi? This omnibus edition includes volumes 19 and 20.
On the night of Natalie’s final ’date’ with the older man, Tak gets another ominous phone call, advising him to go to a certain hotel and look for a certain car. He goes and, of course, catches Natalie in the act. A stunned Tak goes straight to another race against Kyoichi, and in his agitated state, blows the engine in the 86. After picking up his son, Bunta assures him that the blown engine is not Tak’s fault. But Bunta also impresses upon Tak the seriousness of a blown engine ... he’s going to have to replace the whole thing. (Little does Tak know what surprise his father has in store for him.) While the car is in the shop, K.T. drops by to console Tak. In K.T.’s view, the race was not a loss for him, but nonetheless, he will avenge Tak. It’s cold comfort to Tak, who confides in Iggy that he regrets racing on Mt. Akagi in the first place. At the same time, Cole and Kenji spot a new turbo 86 on the road.
Defender of the Crown With Tak’s winning streak cut short by Kyle Sudoh of Team Emperor, it’s up to Ry Takahashi to defend the honor of Gunma against the invading Lancer Evo squad. But even Ry admits that Kyle drives an unbeatable car. Out of the spotlight, Tak’s father installs a new engine in the Eight Six, however Tak’s mind is addled with images of Natalie and her older suitor. But where one romance grows bitter, another grows sweet. Iggy’s love life looks up when a girl from a neighboring prefecture catches his eye. And it just so happens that her brother drives a certain, very exciting car.
As Iggy’s and Katsumi’s relationship begins to heat up, Katsumi’s brother Wataru revs up the wheels of his turbo 86 and calls out the Redsuns on their home turf. K.T. dismisses the challenge and blows him off. With his wheels spinning, Wataru shifts into high gear and crosses tracks with Tak - Wataru wants to battle, and this time he definitely won’t take no for an answer!
Terror on the Touge It’s a battle of the Eight Sixes when Tak and Wataru dash down the treacherous mountain roads. This is no quick mama’s boy road race, but a grueling clash of two warriors. Neither will give an inch … road rules have been thrown out the window … and exhaustion is not an option. Who will go the distance? Meanwhile, as Iggy and Katsumi’s relationship arrives at the crossroads, will there be time for one last goodbye?
With his reputation growing, Tak gets an offer to join a new racing team. While mulling it over, Tak wants to give the upstart, Kyoichi, a taste of his own medicine. As the race heats up, romance beings to sizzle, too!
Things are looking good for Tak after being recruited to a new racing team and trouncing the only guy to ever "beat" him on the road. There isn’t much time to sit on his laurels though, because there’s a new racer on the scene. His name is Kai Kogashiwa. He drives a sweet Toyota MR2 and he’s gunning for Tak. Turns out, that not only was Kai trained to race by his father like Tak, but his dad is also Bunta’s old archrival. Kai’s dad lost to Bunta years ago, and now it’s up to Kai to bring honor back to the family name. Before this momentous race, Bunta, for the first time, gives his son some racing advice as he cautions Tak about the dried leaves on the asphalt this time of year. Taking his dad’s words with him, Tak and Kai launch into a fierce road battle between second generation
Celica vs. Eight Six While the Fujiwara Tofu Trueno emerges victorious over Kai and his MR2, Natalie has only one thing on her mind—getting Tak back. She knows that Tak feels betrayed, so she tries her best to encourage him to warm up to her again. When Miki attempts to rekindle things with Natalie, Tak steps up to protect her dignity. But all’s fair in love and racing, and of course, Miki won’t go down without a battle: Toyota Celica vs. the Toyota Trueno. Whoever comes out on top will get the girl!
Miki struck out again! He lost the girl and the race. However, while running the mountain is no problem for Tak and his Trueno, there’s more to a relationship than just shifting gears. Natalie is getting serious and wants a definite answer from Tak. At the same time, it seems like everyone who owns a car wants a piece of the Eight-Six! Will the Eight-Six remain victorious?
The Manic Miata It’s sheer motor madness as the match between Tohru’s Miata and Tak’s Trueno takes some dangerous twists and turns. Tak performs a tricky maneuver to give him the upper hand. Tohru won’t let the victory slip away without a fight—can he perform the same maneuver and keep his ride intact? Or will this be the battle that ends his racing career? As the two hurtle down the hill at break-neck speeds, K.T. sets up for his uphill battle against Junro Kawai.
When Takumi was talking with Project D’s mechanics, he explains that he really enjoys what he’s doing now. As the race between Project D and the wildcard Toudou School looms in the near future, each team meticulously prepares for battle. Vehicles are tuned to precision and strategies are carefully considered. When the day finally arrives the first meet is between Tak and Touduo’s Daiki Ninomiya. And then it’s on.
Proving that passing Daiki was no fluke, Tak wins his race. Now it’s up to K.T. to keep up the momentum as he takes on Todo’s "Smiley" Sakai. They call the guy "Smiley" because in the heat of battle his face scrunches up into what might be deceptively described as a grin. Sakai’s smile quickly fades, though, when K.T. beats him in their race. After this defeat, a long absent member of the Todo team comes back to defend the team’s sullied reputation... a member so tough that even Kyle calls Ry to warn him.
The pressure is on Tak more than ever before and Ry’s got some words of advice for his star driver as they prepare for the big race against Tomoyuki. Tomoyuki’s been on the pro circuit and Tak will have to use every move in his bag of tricks if he hopes to beat him.
Tak is challenged by a new car on the mountain while making deliveries. Tak is left speechless when this mysterious car actually beats him. Who could have beat him? Cole challenges some obnoxious guys from Tokyo to a race. Tak takes over for Cole. As Tak passes the other car, he realizes that he just got beat by the 85 he was dissing up on the mountaintop. A mysterious driver shows up in a RX-7 and joins the race. Who is this mysterious driver?
Proving that passing Daiki was no fluke, Tak wins his race. Now it’s up to K.T. to keep up the momentum as he takes on Toudou’s ”Smiley” Sakai. They call the guy ”Smiley,” because in the heat of battle his face scrunches up into what might be deceptively described as a grin. Sakai’s smile quickly fades, though, when K.T. beats him in their race. After this defeat a long absent member of the Toudou team comes back to defend the team’s sullied reputation... a member so tough that even Kyoichi calls Ryosuke to warn him.
The Saitama dream team brings in Sakamoto - aka The Ringer - to take Tak down. Amidst sheets of rain, Ry explains to Tak that this is his biggest challenge, but he possesses a secret weapon that will drive him to victory. The only problem is Tak has to figure out this secret before he drifts into the storm of Sakamoto.
Sakamoto, the Saitama dream team’s ringer, is executing perfect drift moves around every corner. Tak’s concentration seems to be off. Ry’s words continue to resonate in his head. K.T. seems to be of no use while Tak duels his most challenging foe. Could this be the rude awakening to the ultimate dynasty of drifters?
The next stage is coming... Tak may be undefeated on paper, but this may all change once he goes head-to-head against a mysterious Impreza. Wondering who is behind the wheel should be the least of his problems as he’s about to be in a face-off against the 4WD Evo! To remain the Project D champion, Tak must push his limits.
An "accidental" oil slick leaves K.T. with an over-sized paperweight. But K.T. is back in action after sliding into the driver’s seat of Kyoko’s machine. Meanwhile, Tak is battling against the Lancer Evo team. The driver’s goons are set to unleash some road rage on Tak if he wins. Tak’s not the type to throw a race - but being on the receiving end of a beat down may be a good reason.
The cheaters aren’t going to let Team D off lightly - they call in gang-banger reinforcements. Lucky for everyone, K.T. knows one of the gang-bangers from his motorcycle days and everyone gains new respect for him. He also spends a romantic day with Kyoko. Will K.T. have a change of heart? And what’s in store for him in the big race against Purple Shadow?
The battle between Tak and Shirojima - Purple Shadow’s "God Arm" - is not going to be over quickly. While Tak is becoming more and more confused by Shirojima’s driving technique, K.T. takes this opportunity to take a nap! At the rate the race is going, it looks like Shirojima will win. Is there any way Tak can overtake him?
Tak did the impossible by using the side gutters to re-pass Shirojima and keep himself in the battle, but has he really done more than simply prolong the inevitable? As yet another round gets under way, it’s painfully clear that Shijojima won’t fall for the same trick twice! Meanwhile, K.T. gives a stranded young lady the ride of her life, but when he drops her off at a gas station, will he be tempted to ask her out, or will he keep his resolve to stay away from women until Project D’s good and over?