Inside the Sun

Synopsis

Hayato and Asuka announce their engagement to their parents, to Kurumada, Osamu, and Clair. All bless them with joy. But Osamu objects, saying that Hayato, by quitting racing, is merely running from the trauma of the accident. While Hayato begins a thoroughly ordinary life as a high schooler, the 13th WGPX opens. During a date, via satellite broadcast, Hayato is startled to see Kaga, who entered via ZIP, and Henri, who transferred to Sugo. Fed up with Hayato unable to tear himself from the race footage, Asuka sulks. To make amends, Hayato gives her the ring she had begged for as an engagement ring. Back at the Sugo mansion, Randoll was visiting. He says he now helps his father. 'The most fun time was when I raced the circuits with you. I wish we could race together again someday,' Randoll says before leaving. Meanwhile, Shinjo, who had returned to Japan, was meeting with Miki. With no results since the opener, Shinjo is irritated that Miki — who declined an offer from Aoi — cares more about Hayato than about him. And Hayato was still tormented by the nightmare of the 'Zero Zone.' To that Hayato, Osamu admonishes: if he keeps running away like this, both Hayato and Asuka will end up unhappy. You should know what to do. Not knowing what to do, Hayato visits a deserted circuit, sees a vision of Asurada, and weeps.