The Flight of the Pegasus

Synopsis

Hayato becomes unable to pull the boost lever. They say it's not a physical abnormality but, in all likelihood, a psychological aftereffect. Miki visits Asuka, tells her Hayato is suffering, and persuades her: 'the Hayato of now needs your help, Asuka.' Meanwhile, Shinjo grows jealous at the sight of Miki worrying over Hayato and becomes more and more irritated. To that Shinjo, Henri whispers that there's a rumor 'Miki harbors special feelings for Hayato.' Round 7, the Norway Grand Prix. Asuka had secretly come to the venue. Spotting her, Clair, drawing on her own experience, tells Asuka she reached a conclusion: 'even with a man who seems hopeless, if you can't leave him, all you can do is resign yourself. And if so, rather than fret, I'd rather help even a little,' and that 'it's a choice you make for your own sake.' In the race, Hayato, as expected, can't use the boost and is left behind. Then, over the intercom, Asuka's voice comes. 'I'll pull the boost lever together with you.' With Asuka's support, Hayato grips the lever. And when Asuka's countdown begins and the two's feelings become one, Hayato's arm smoothly pulls the boost lever and he manages to accelerate Asurada. Though the Zero Zone seizes him again, he uses it well and reaches 3rd. Consumed by jealousy, Shinjo throws away the race's outcome and tries to obstruct Hayato, but Hayato, once more using the Zero Zone, passes him. Then he passes the leader Henri too and claims his first 1st place of the season.