From Nikkou, Tochigi, Kai Kogashiwa is the son of an old rival of Bunta Fujiwara, Ken Kogashiwa. Kai is one of the best drivers in the series - he's rated even better than Seiji Iwaki from the local Emperor team. Unlike most drivers, Kai is also pretty good with a motorbike - he has been riding bikes since 16, and only switched to cars when he got his licence.
Kai first shows up at the gas station where the Akina Speed Stars work and hang out, asking Iketani if he was the driver of the AE86. Iketani told Kai that he wasn't, and asks why Kai is looking for the AE86 driver. Yuuichi overheard their conversation and when Kai mentions his surname, Yuuichi goes and asks Kai if he knows of a Ken Kogashiwa; Kai tells Yuuichi that Ken is his father.
Kai later returns to the gas station and challenges Takumi to a race. On the night of the race, Takumi manages to take the lead from the start. However, Kai cuts him off at a hairpin, overtaking him from the inside. Takumi was surprised at first, but he recovers and follows Kai closely...
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