Ever since Inkarmat’s introduction, it is clear that Asirpa holds some feelings for Sugimoto. Of course, to what degree is uncertain. Asirpa’s faith in who her father is the father she always believed him to be. So Sugimoto eventually leaving does feel like something she can deal with on her own. Sugimoto’s goals have not changed, as he does want enough money to help with Ume’s eyes. Of course it was Toraji who saved Sugimoto and perhaps his immortality is a reflection on that incident? Though no surprise, the guilt lies deep in Sugimoto as he thinks he should have died instead of his friend. Shiraishi is the one who has changed. There is personal investment in Asirpa where he stuck with her in Karafuto. It’s very interesting how the three of these guys have come so far.
Usami offers some interesting insight regarding Ogata. As we recall, Ogata murmured the name of his now dead half-brother. It feels like there is some implication that Ogata truly wanted his father’s love. His failing to take away the pureness of his half-brother and just killing him just made the situation worse for Ogata. As Usami does bring up the great point that they are all pawns for Tsurumi. What is the reality? A lot of these moments with Tsurumi do feel like he is trying to set up these various men in having hopes in him. Granted, Hajime lost everything. What is the truth regarding Tsurumi, though? Is it closer to what Koito wants to believe or what Hajime believes?
Ueji is definitely one of the more bizarre personalities among the tattoo prisoners that we’ve seen so far. Essentially he gets high off other people’s disappointment. He doesn’t sink too low as he basically kidnaps kids.
Though it is because of Ueji that Sugimoto and Hijikata’s forces meet up again. No surprise that Sugimoto is furious at Hijikata for betraying them back at Abashiri Prison. To even add the fact that Ogata is with them again. Still, it is interesting to learn the scope of Hijikata’s goals. He aims to use Asirpa to star as the leader of a nation that unites Hokkaido, the Karafuto Ainu, and the Poles persecuted by the Russians. It is still clear that Hijikata’s side is markedly better than what Tsurumi is after. Though is that really what is best for the Ainu? Also, what is the deal with Hijikata and Wilk’s relationship?
Of course the bigger revelation in the meeting between Hijikata & Asirpa is the tattooed skins that Hijikata shows Asirpa. The interesting thing is, as Asirpa pieces them together, she has doubts about the code she figured out. This is why Tsurumi makes for a great antagonist. He might have had a clue that Hijikata is aware of the fake skins. In reality, one could assume the 5 skins are fake but disregard them. However, the fact he mixed some real ones most likely stirs the pot. It leaves Asirpa in doubt if she knew the key. Of course it is clear this is what Tsurumi wants. Hijikata’s side not knowing the key to the fake skins now puts them at an obstacle because now you can only notice the fake skins if you know how they are created since they aren’t grouped together in a group of 5 anymore.
The more focused we get on Botaro, the more we can see how much he loves himself. You could say among the ones searching for the gold, his reason is the most selfish. As the search for the killer continues, it is shown that he is one of the tattooed prisoners. So it would be odd that this be an older version of Jack the Ripper. Next we got Usami approaching with the 7th Division close. As well as who knows what Ogata is even going to try to do. It makes the situation quite unpredictable to guess.