As mentioned in the last volume, we know that Sugimoto has his own wishes he is putting on Asirpa. His going after the Russian eventually allowed her to hear those thoughts, and upon hearing them, she was mature. On Sofia’s side of the story, it seems she plans to go to Hokiddo, so she will be back. Though confused about what she is after since she mentions revenge.
The cinematography was a nice break to add some good comedy to the mix of the story. Though it does show how back then it was a bigger challenge to carry down stories, which for the Ainu was important. The film that is used doesn’t have sound, which we take for granted today. It is because of the film that she can see her father and her mother for what appears to be the first time. It really shows the power of film. Though back then there were no backups you could store, Asirpa mentions how film doesn’t fully represent their stories, which is true.
This is where you can really see that Asirpa wants to lead the Ainu even before Sugimoto told her what he wanted of her. While Sugimoto is doing this for himself, he knows what killing can do to someone. For Asirpa who doesn’t aim to kill but wants to lead the Ainu. This hunt for the gold may just be a bloodbath, and she needs to be aware of it. Or is there a way for her to lead the Ainu in her own way that limits what Sugimoto is talking about?
Ariko’s Ainu roots provide a very interesting dilemma regarding the Tsurumi and Hijikata’s factions. It appears that Ariko is now siding with Hijikata because he is more aligned with the Ainu than Tsurumi is. There is also the element that his father was among the ones killed by Nobberpa-Po. Though Tsurumi uses the situation to his advantage. He aims to make Ariko a double agent, and he gives the fakes that Edogai made. Of course Hijikata more than likely realizes what Tsurumi did but still sees the upside in it. Well, he knows that Edogai is dead, and he made those fakes. The chess match between these two seems interesting, as each is very aware of what the other side is capable of.
Tanigaki’s farewell to Cikapasi is one of the other bright spots in the film chapters. He never really had a family, and he latched onto Tanigaki & Inkarmat. Tanigaki has definitely influenced Cikapasi well and figures out it is better for Cikapasi to stay with Enonoka. This is a place where, when he gets older, he can start a family with her. Still, Tanigaki saying goodbye to Cikapasi has the feeling of when a father lets his son go to become a man.
Ogata’s words have caused a good amount of suspicon towards Koito. Koito’s discussion about Tsurumi with Hajime is very interesting. The topic is about Tsurumi’s lies. Much like what he did to Hajime, Tsurumi manipulated the situation where he organized the capture of Koito. As Koito mentioned, the plan to expand was something Ogata’s father wasn’t up for, so of course Tsurumi was all for helping Ogata kill his father. Though Tsurumi maneuvering all of this also means that he is a man capable of doing great things from his point of view. This even stems to wonder, can you believe his lies, and where is the truth in his words? Though it is easy to see that so many people are willing to follow him to the end.
Shiraishi’s words to Sugimoto before they saw Tsurumi were pretty significant. All the time Asirpa was away from Sugimoto she definitely grew up. Essentially let Asirpa make her own choices. Don’t force your opinion on her. Shiraishi mentioned how sure he was that Hijikata would involve the Ainu, as he should have a good relationship with them. Do you really know that Tsurumi would leave the Ainu alone? That is the big flaw in Sugimoto’s thinking.
As they meet up with Sugimoto, Asirpa knows something is up. All throughout the manga, Asirpa has a good nose for people. Of course Tsurumi looks at her as an asset, and an asset should be locked and protected. Of course, also away from Sugimoto. Though Hajime’s mention of no more pretty lies is interesting because he could sweet-talk Asirpa, more than likely Tsurumi knows that is a hand he can’t play. Though this is a great moment for Sugimoto because now he is trusting Asirpa as a partner rather than a kid that needs to be protected.