OVA
Description
Jōtarō Kaga, known as Bleed Kaga, honed advanced driving skills in perilous underground "Crash Races," events notorious for fatalities. He later imparted these skills to Hayato Kazami during an encounter on Japanese highways, forging an initial friendship. Kaga entered professional Cyber Formula racing mid-season in 2015 with Aoi ZIP Formula at the Africa Grand Prix. His Super License, acquired through controversial means, faced scrutiny until his close second-place debut finish. Though primarily driven by financial gain, Kaga refused a reward to sabotage rivals in the 2015 season finale, intentionally retiring to ensure a fair championship battle.
After switching to Indy racing, Kaga secured consecutive championships in 2016 and 2017. He returned full-time to Cyber Formula in 2018, identifying Hayato Kazami as his chief rival. That season, he achieved second place overall after narrowly losing to Kazami. By 2022, Kaga remained Aoi ZIP Formula's sole driver, using outdated machinery until acquiring the prototype Ogre AN-21 before the season's third race. This car featured a deadly bio-computer system implicated in prior driver deaths, demanding mastery of the Zero-Realm ability—a predictive driving state requiring intense focus and accepting extreme risk. Kaga overcame the Ogre's dangers with support from mechanics Grey Stenberg and Phill Fritz, missing one race for training.
Kaga's rivalry with Kazami intensified throughout the 2022 season, climaxing in a final-race showdown. Trailing by two points, he defeated Kazami by strategically diverting power to his boosters during the final corner, securing his sole Cyber Formula World Championship. He retired from professional racing immediately after, discarded the "Bleed" alias, and reverted to his birth name. Departing Japan for the United States, he left farewell messages for team owner Kyoko Aoi and engineer Kyōshirō Nagumo.
A significant personal history involved Eiji Aizawa, Kaga's best friend, who died in an accident during their early exploration of the Zero-Realm. Kaga carried enduring guilt over this incident, seeing parallels between Aizawa and Kazami, whom he deemed his "lifetime rival." After retiring, Kaga visited Aizawa's grave in early 2023, meeting Aizawa's widow and child, symbolizing his closure.
Kaga's driving style blended technical precision from his Zero-Realm ability with aggressive tactics learned in crash racing, including methods to damage opponents' vehicles. He reserved such tactics for extreme situations, prioritizing clean competition despite his rough exterior. His personality evolved from overtly money-driven early on to a more reserved, focused demeanor, particularly evident during his championship season and retirement.
After switching to Indy racing, Kaga secured consecutive championships in 2016 and 2017. He returned full-time to Cyber Formula in 2018, identifying Hayato Kazami as his chief rival. That season, he achieved second place overall after narrowly losing to Kazami. By 2022, Kaga remained Aoi ZIP Formula's sole driver, using outdated machinery until acquiring the prototype Ogre AN-21 before the season's third race. This car featured a deadly bio-computer system implicated in prior driver deaths, demanding mastery of the Zero-Realm ability—a predictive driving state requiring intense focus and accepting extreme risk. Kaga overcame the Ogre's dangers with support from mechanics Grey Stenberg and Phill Fritz, missing one race for training.
Kaga's rivalry with Kazami intensified throughout the 2022 season, climaxing in a final-race showdown. Trailing by two points, he defeated Kazami by strategically diverting power to his boosters during the final corner, securing his sole Cyber Formula World Championship. He retired from professional racing immediately after, discarded the "Bleed" alias, and reverted to his birth name. Departing Japan for the United States, he left farewell messages for team owner Kyoko Aoi and engineer Kyōshirō Nagumo.
A significant personal history involved Eiji Aizawa, Kaga's best friend, who died in an accident during their early exploration of the Zero-Realm. Kaga carried enduring guilt over this incident, seeing parallels between Aizawa and Kazami, whom he deemed his "lifetime rival." After retiring, Kaga visited Aizawa's grave in early 2023, meeting Aizawa's widow and child, symbolizing his closure.
Kaga's driving style blended technical precision from his Zero-Realm ability with aggressive tactics learned in crash racing, including methods to damage opponents' vehicles. He reserved such tactics for extreme situations, prioritizing clean competition despite his rough exterior. His personality evolved from overtly money-driven early on to a more reserved, focused demeanor, particularly evident during his championship season and retirement.
Cast