The race, which nearly ends in a lethal crash due to Rin’s brake failure, is saved by a "miracle" involving the combined braking power of Ryosuke and a third party, Ryuji Ikeda.

Ryosuke officially declares this his "last street battle," signaling his full transition from an active racer to the strategist and leader of Project D. Transition to the Final Battle

The uphill battle begins between Keisuke (FD3S) and Go Hojo (NSX). This matchup is a clash of philosophies: Go Hojo represents professional technical precision, while Keisuke utilizes the "accelerator techniques" he honed through rigorous training on Mount Akagi.

This battle is less about racing technique and more about emotional purgatory. Ryosuke reveals he accepted the dangerous duel to finally "communicate" with Rin through driving—something words couldn't achieve. By the end, Rin finds a sense of peace, realizing Ryosuke has shared the same pain over their mutual love, Kaori.

The first half of the episode concludes the "death match" between (FC3S) and Rin Hojo (R32), known as the "Shinigami" or Grim Reaper.