Preceeding the Mugen story's events of Christmas Eve, this arc takes place at mid January revolving around the life of Keisuke Mamoru (called as Kogure earlier in the story) and his relationship with Tomogashi Kitsumoro, his intimate cousin whom Tomo considers more of a father than a cousin or big brother. Tasked by the Kitsumoro's to eye on Tomo on their absence as they move overseas to ease on the economic financial load of the family, Kogure was able to fulfill Tomo's childish wishes, something that Tomo's parents were unable to provide because of hefty demands of the boy. This was possible due to Kogure's secret affiliations with the racing world, unknown to the Kitsumoros. Tomo's wishes have taken its toll when he soon lost his life in a little school mishap, only causing his memories of Kogure. Not much racing was revealed in this arc as this was focusing more on Tomo & Kogure's relationship with each other; however extraordinary drivers do appear in the arc and are able to create memorable races with Kogure himself. A 7-part story that you'd be moved by the emotions of these two.



 

• Kogure Seishiro / Keisuke Mamoru - The Protagonist of this series. Columnist for Young Magazine. He is Tomo's guardian and is the one who introduced to him the true form of street racing at the Gunma Prefecture. Has a healthy rivalry with D1 Contender, Gonsuke Hamagaki. Only a handful of people know his true name (Keisuke) while most of the time he uses his pen name in public. Called by Tomo as the "parent he wished he had". He drives a white Nissan S14 K's Kouki which he passed on to Tomo after making a tough decision.

 

• Haruhi Satou - Kogure's love interest.  She's a very bubbly red-head who likes to embarrass Kogure a lot to a certain extent on street meets. She freely cares about him from a distance and doesn't mind the passive, long-distance relationship she has with Kogure (especially when he joined the D1). A skilled driver, enough to give Kogure a run for his money. She also knows Kogure's true name. She drives a light tuned blue Mazda NA8C MX-5 Miata.

 

• Gonsuke Hamagaki - Kogure's professional rival, friend, and one-time client. He speaks on behalf of Kogure's love for auto racing in general when he faced the tough decision of leaving Tomo behind due to his selective-Amnesia scenario. Although affiliated with the D1, he has a very skilled repertoire in terms of Rally racing. He drives a 4WD-converted Amuse Honda S2000. He might be even considered the Anti-Hero to Kogure; he also knows his true name.

 

• Tomogashi Kitsumoro - He stayed in with Kogure when his parents decide to leave the Northern Kantou for whichever reason; he protested to stay in Gunma. A very avid car enthusiast who dreams of owning and driving a Nissan Skyline R34. Suffered a head concussion giving him selective-amnesia / Selective Memory Loss. 

 

 

 

Theme: Kaido Touge (Mountain racing)

Era: January 2005 - May 2005

Featured car: NISSAN SILVIA K'S AERO (CS14)