This episode does a fantastic job again at showcasing the difference in style between Misumi and Asama. Asama is very direct, but at the same time he is very clever in his misdirection. His direct approach is what wins him points in this episode.
While for Misumi he brings Ryuumon on his means purely based on his intelligence. It more so showcased how impressive Misumi was. He aimed to get Ryuumon to kneel willingly. It perhaps alludes to insight into his strategy: forcing your opposition to do what you want isn’t his ideal approach. It is a big contrast to what Taira’s approach is.
Though speaking of Taira how disrespectful he is, sitting down in front of the Emperor. So we have where the people in attendance are addressing Taira rather than the Emperor. It’s clear to him the Emperor is a meaningless bug that is barely worth addressing. It is clear that he will eventually seek to dethrone the Emperor, which should terrify anyone.
Ryuumon’s willingness to beg for as long as he did highlights something that Misumi said before: he would suck up if he had to. Perhaps it alludes to the fact that Ryuumon’s and Misumi’s approaches are much more similar. It is depressing that Ryuumon is the only one that can stand up to Taira. Asama is denoted Deputy Master of Arms, and Misumi is denoted Auditor of the Borderland General Corps. It will be curious how they act in their new roles.
The condition to surrender has reached Seii to surrender, and because of his action, a female dictator has arisen. Things should be interesting.
