The Closed Tomorrow

Synopsis

Round 8, the Germany Grand Prix, the race. Hayato keeps driving in the Zero Zone and finishes 3rd. Even though he's grown used to it, his nerves still get shredded, and in round 9, the Spain Grand Prix, he loses concentration and touches Bootsholz. Kaga, who had noticed Hayato was using the Zero Zone, tells him about a driver who likewise awakened to the Zero Zone and died in an accident, and about its true terror and how dangerous it is. Meanwhile, after the race, Henri deliberately touches Shinjo, Heinel, and Gudelhian while feigning chance encounters. In tears, she claims she was struck when she warned Hayato about his dangerous driving. Heinel is suspicious of that false confession, but Gudelhian is completely deceived. Shinjo too publishes bashing comments in the newspaper. Amid this, Osamu tells Hayato why Henri hates him. Hearing the reason, Hayato vows to race in a way befitting a Double One champion. Qualifying for round 10, the Africa Grand Prix. Gudelhian took action to sue over the dangerous driving with the F.I.C.C.Y. Bootsholz is also approached, but with a firm stance he rebuffs the idea and lectures Gudelhian. The race takes place in fog. But for Hayato, who races within the Zero Zone, poor visibility makes no difference. Running alone at high speed, Hayato finishes 1st for the second time this season. At that time, at Aoi's head office, Shinjo's dismissal was on the agenda.