MF Ghost season 2 episode 9 review: Takahashi’s pupil is introduced in the latest installment

MF Ghost season 2 episode 9, titled The Conclusion, brings the intense Lake Ashinoko GT race to an end. While Kanata’s performance throughout the race was exceptional, the final outcome may leave some viewers slightly disappointed. Despite narrowly missing a higher position, it remains a significant achievement for Kanata. Moreover, the stage is set in this episode for even more thrilling developments in the series.

In the previous episode, viewers had seen Sawatari devise a strategy to prevent Beckenbauer from regaining the lead, but his efforts ultimately fell short. Beckenbauer managed to reclaim first place in the race with ease.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

Lake Ashinoko race concludes in MF Ghost season 2 episode 9

Brief episode highlights

Kanata and Akaba racing in MF Ghost season 2 episode 9 (Image via Felix Film)

In MF Ghost season 2 episode 9, Akaba is seen pursuing Kanata, with less than two seconds separating them. In addition to Kanata not allowing Akaba to overtake, the wet spots on the road reduce Akaba's traction. However, during the uphill stretch leading to the finish line, Akaba accelerates and narrowly secures third place by just 50 centimeters.

Meanwhile, Beckenbauer claims first place. Sawatari, who finishes second, appears frustrated for the first time in his three years in MFG, having lost his lead. Maezono takes fifth place, while Aiba begins to close in on Sakamoto.

For a brief period, Sakamoto remains slightly ahead, but Aiba bumps his car and speeds past. Sakamoto then chooses to back off, deciding not to engage with someone as aggressive as Aiba. Taylor finishes eighth, Kitahara ninth, Otani tenth, Yanagida eleventh, Yashio twelfth, Ishigami thirteenth, and Kyogoku fourteenth.

Sawatari as seen in MF Ghost season 2 episode 9 (Image via Felix Film)

MF Ghost season 2 episode 9 includes a celebratory moment where Kyoko and Ren are called to give congratulatory kisses. Ren reluctantly gives Sawatari a kiss, as he specifically requested. This leads to a confrontation later on when Aiba demands that Sawatari stay away from Ren because he is interested in her.

Meanwhile, Marie gives Kanata her contact information and asks him to reach out although Kanata would lose the piece of paper with all the information. Ogata, content with Kanata’s success, looks forward to receiving half of Kanata’s 25-million-yen prize.

Elsewhere, Takahashi shares with Ryosuke his intention to enter Moroboshi Sena, his student, into the upcoming Manazuru race. Ryosuke had delayed introducing Takahashi’s students until the competition had further matured.

In MF Ghost season 2 episode 9, viewers see Ren, who seems to have realized her infatuation with Kanata. She is seen chatting with her friend, Wakana, about him, but she does not say anything about her feelings. She reflects on her friend's experience in dating and thinks about what it would be like to be with someone.

Later that day, Kanata meets Ogata and Hiroya Okuyama after work. Ogata suggests getting a Toyota Supra for Kanata instead of just adding a turbo to his 86. While Kanata is unsure about changing cars, the idea of getting a turbo appeals to him. Then, a yellow Toyota Supra pulls up, and Sena steps out. He is there to meet Kanata.

MF Ghost season 2 episode 9 review

Kanata as seen in MF Ghost season 2 episode 9 (Image via Felix Film)

In MF Ghost season 2 episode 9, the thrilling Lake Ashinoko race finally reaches its conclusion. The weather was a big factor in this race, with shifting conditions that made things tough for almost everyone and led to a few mishaps.

Viewers will probably feel a mix of emotions given the results. Sawatari lost his lead and missed his chance to shake up the status quo. The same goes for Kanata, who just barely missed third place in a close finish.

After the race, the episode shifts focus to the personal thoughts of other characters. Ren comes to terms with her feelings about Kanata. Meanwhile, Ogata wants to support Kanata even more.

Now that the format of the race and the strengths and weaknesses of the current racers have been established, the series is going to introduce new characters to make things more exciting. And one of them is Sena, who is going to make future races way more competitive. Takahashi not being impressed by any of the Godly Fifteen seems to suggest that will be the case.

MF Ghost season 2 episode 8 recap

Sawatari and Beckenbauer racing in MF Ghost season 2 (Image via Felix Film)

The previous episode opened with Kanata in third position, maintaining a lead of nearly nine seconds over Akaba, who was in fourth place. Ikeda provided an explanation for Kanata's exceptional performance, particularly in navigating corners. He attributed it to Kanata's ability to keep his Toyota’s tire temperature higher, unlike his competitors, whose tire heat was being dissipated by rainwater.

However, as the rain had stopped and the roads began to dry up, the tire grip began to improve, allowing Akaba to gradually close the gap. By the end of the episode, the distance between Kanata and Akaba had narrowed to just over two seconds.

Sawatari, who was in the lead, appeared to anticipate where Beckenbauer might attempt to overtake him. He devised a strategy to let his car spin out of control to force Beckenbauer to slow down. Unfortunately, the tactic did not succeed, and for a brief period, both drivers were neck and neck until Beckenbauer took the lead.

Meanwhile, Kakeru advanced to twelfth place after overtaking Ishigami. Despite Ishigami’s car being heavily damaged, he chose to continue racing instead of citing technical issues and withdrawing. He did not see quitting to be a dignified act and wanted to secure as many points as possible.

Final Thoughts

Kanata and Ogata as seen in MF Ghost season 2 episode 9 (Image via Felix Film)

MF Ghost season 2 episode 9 offers viewers a fresh sense of anticipation following the conclusion of the Lake Ashinoko race, where Kanata's performance, though impressive, fell short of leaving the impact many had hoped for.

The introduction of a new racer promises to elevate the competition in MFG. It will be fascinating to see how Kanata, now a rising star despite his rookie status, is perceived as the dynamics of the racing scene begin to shift.