CRITICAL DAYS

Synopsis

At the season opener, Phil and the Alzard, winners on their first try, draw the press's attention. Phil gives his impressions of debuting in Cyber: 'I want to battle Kazami and Gudelhian'; but after the press conference, Nagumo tells him coldly: 'you exist only to take the checkered flag in first.' Meanwhile, Hayato, challenging with the Garland, touches Leon — a rookie from Missing Link — and retires. That night, even on a date with Asuka, Hayato can't quell his irritation over the race. Kaga, who appears there, hears Hayato grumble 'with that machine, even winning would be possible' and replies: 'if you want a fast machine, I'll trade with you,' making clear his discomfort at driving the Alzard and saying 'we're not here comparing machine performance, we're racing,' before leaving. And round 3 too is won by Phil. With Aoi's blazing advance, Kyoko's father was trying to arrange a marriage between Kyoko and Nagumo. Round 3. In Sugo's pit, unable to handle a problem with the Garland, chief mechanic Ryohei calls Clair at the factory for instructions. Unable to bear it, Hayato climbs out of the machine, berates Ryohei, and retires of his own accord. To Asuka, who goes after him, he snaps: 'winning is impossible. Running is just a waste.' The Alzard, in great form at first glance, begins to show its shadows in round 4. Just as it was flying along, it suddenly slows and retires. Nagumo carries it straight into the exclusive staff's container and administers a drug to Phil, who was screaming.