Ep 4. Act. 4 The Battle Begins

Initial D: First Stage season 1 episode 4, titled "Act. 4 The Battle Begins," follows Takumi as he prepares to compete in his first official street race. After the excitement of his previous sketchy race, he begins to take racing more seriously and trains hard in his father's AE86.

Takumi's rival in the upcoming race is a driver named Keisuke, who is a member of a local racing team called the Red Suns. Keisuke drives a Mazda RX-7, a car that Takumi knows very little about. To prepare for the race, Takumi's friend Itsuki arranges for him to meet with a local mechanic, who teaches Takumi about the basics of car tuning and the different types of cars used in street racing.

As the day of the race approaches, Takumi becomes increasingly nervous about his abilities. He struggles to deal with the pressure and the fear of losing, but is determined to do his best and not let down his father, who has placed great faith in Takumi's abilities.

When the day of the race finally arrives, Takumi is ready to put his skills to the test. The race takes place on a treacherous mountain road, and the drivers must navigate hairpin turns and steep inclines while racing at high speeds. As the race progresses, Takumi finds himself in a neck-and-neck battle with Keisuke, with both drivers pushing their cars to the limit in an effort to gain an advantage.

The episode is full of tense moments as the race unfolds, with both drivers taking risks and making split-second decisions to try and gain an edge over their opponent. The animation and visual effects in the episode are particularly impressive, bringing the excitement and intensity of the race to life on the screen.

In addition to the race itself, the episode also explores Takumi's personal growth as a driver. He begins to believe in himself more and develops a deeper understanding of the dedication and preparation required to be a successful street racer. This character development adds depth to the show and makes the race even more compelling to watch.

Overall, "Act. 4 The Battle Begins" is an example of what makes Initial D such a beloved anime series - thrilling racing action, compelling character development, and stunning animation. Whether you're a fan of racing or just looking for an exciting anime to watch, this episode is sure to deliver.