Despite literally fighting in the dark, I really liked how it showcased each of the group’s skills. For the most part, Ogata is always on edge and still has his weapon on hand, which comes to be a huge save. While Asirpa living through nature and having a Chinoyetat was huge, it added Ogata. Sugimoto with his endurance and survivability, as we have seen from before. For them to take down Anji Toni is impressive. Though thankfully with Hijikata coming around, he got Anji Toni to back down. Though Anji’s comment of Sugimoto being a younger Hijikata is curious. One great thing about this series is that all 3 leaders of their factions, Sugimoto, Hijikata, and Tsurumi, are all shades of gray, granted of different degrees. It is what makes them going at each other and willing to cooperate very engaging.
On the other side of this, we have Kiroranke, Tanigaki, and Inkarmat together. Of course Inkarmat is on edge with Kiroranke around, but of course his reasoning to cooperate even if he suspects him is sound. Though as they are attacked, Inkarmat drowns, first with Tanigaki & then Kiroranke saving her. This volume has a point for her where she is being more accepting of fate being capable of changing. Granted, she has feelings tied to Uiruku, but she loves Tanigaki because he has shown to change her mindset. Overall, the dynamic between these continues to become more engaging.
As Hijikata has come back to the group, more of his plan is coming out. There is mention of the power of photographs. As it gets mentioned, it led America to go to war against Spain. A picture can tell a thousand words. However, what is Hijikata’s aim with that, though? To add moreover, we have the start of infiltrating Abashri Prison. Where we see Hijikata has the aid of Kadokura the head guard at Abashiri Prison. It seems his father fought alongside Hijikata and doing this is what he wants to do. Got to admit how thought out Hijikata is in his scheming.
Though the series comes with an outstanding twist. In that, before we heard the doubt of whether Asirpa’s father and Noppera-Po are the same person. When we see Asirpa and Noppera-Po, their eyes don’t match, so you assume that we get the answer. In a genius way, it is the opposite. Rather, Noppera-Po was a body double. As the true Noppera-Po is hidden somewhere else. More than likely, Kadokura worked with Hijikata to fool Sugimoto’s group. Sugimoto clearly has suspicions about it, and we learn of it when Asirpa escapes when the alarm sounds. Interestingly enough, we can tell Kiroranke is not filled in on it, so he isn’t allied with Hijikata. It makes sense that these two factions weren’t 100% trusting.
Though Inkarmat was still in communication with the 7th Division. It’s hard to say if she would have told them after the events with Tanigaki. Now we are all 3 factions gathering, and the winner here is the one who grabs Noppera-Po & Asirpa. Sugimoto is the one in the roughest position.