In the final race against the Kanagawa street racing crew Sidewinder, Project D driver Takumi Fujiwara encounters an unexpected rival: Shinji Inui, a 17-year-old high schooler. Having started driving at a very young age, Shinji knows the mountain pass where the race occurs well and also pilots a Toyota AE86—the same model Takumi drives. At first hesitant to join due to a lack of interest, Shinji gets motivated after seeing the intense clash between Keisuke Takahashi and Gou Houjou. Unbeaten on his home course, the Tsubaki Line, Shinji could turn out to be Takumi's toughest opponent so far.