Now with Ogata making the train on a one way stop to hell really shakes things up. We getting some answers for what Ogata was after and that is to become the divison commander. Though as Tsurumi points out the answer lies back to Ogata’s father where it all makes sense. Ogata has no makings to be divison commander, but if he can be one then for him he could claim that his father is worthless as well. Sadly through this entire manga his brother and father are the demons he is still fighitng.
Hijikata & Koito end up fighting on the train and unlike his fight with Nagakura, Koito throws away the hesitation he had. As his sword breaks, Koito doesn’t lack hesitation this time and makes a quick strike to Hijikata’s head. This is a callback from earlier in the series when Hijikata mentions how he doesn’t believe in the gods and tries to limit luck in the most strategic way. Of course this kind of bad luck is unavoidable. For Koito it is the type of confidence he needs. Still his way of telling Hajime he doesn’t
Though the next casuality is Ushiyama. After Hajime throws the bomb which would have ended up taking out Asirpa, Ushiyama protects her. The beauty in this scene is that Ushiyama is a man who feels invincible, but his weakness in this series has always been woman. Of course it is not fair to label Asirpa that, but to go out shielding Asirpa is in a way a beautiful way for him to go out as Shiraishi points out. Still not all is good because Hajime gives the deed to Tsurumi thought this brings about a very interesting scene with Koito. It stems back to how Tsurumi should not want more deaths if it doesn’t help him in his plans. Koito more so figures Tsurumi is the man that will use every ally for as long as he wanted. At least he saved Hajime from a clear death.
Though it feels fitting that Hijikata would still go on as long as he wants. This brings us back when Hijikata’s group encountered Youichirou, who suffered from dimentia. Much the same way Hijikata has memories of his time with the shougunte. Though interesting that Hijikata looks at Sugimoto and he is reminded of himself before he comes back to the present. Before he dies he asks for Sugimoto to fight for both the Japanese and Ainu. As he knows Sugimoto born of Japanese loves his nation, but his vow to fight for Asirpa. He has grown to love the Ainu like much is the same for Hijikata. Sugimoto now carries Hijikata’s will. It is remarkable to think after the incident in Abashiri prision that we would see a scene between these two. Truly a remarkable scene.
Finally now Sugimoto gets to fight and kill Ogata to keep Asirpa pure from having a kill on her. Of course thanks to the bear that made it to the train it gives the Ogata the chance he needs. Now this gives Asirpa her time to step up. We recall at the beginning of the series Asirpa had a clear no killing rule. We have heard her wanting to be worthy of being Sugimoto’s partner and going to hell for him. As Sugimoto learned to fight for what Sugimoto wants we have Asirpa understand there are situation of needing to kill. For Sugimoto it was survivial and the ones he loved. The latter is springing Asirpa into action where she goes to kill Ogata to protect Sugimoto and being worthy of being his partner. The best part of this scene is we have Sugimoto in full supprt of Asirpa killing Ogata which show he looks at her as a partner as well.
Once again we see Ogata is reminded of his brother Yuusaku. He was the only person who showed Ogata love, but of course Ogata killed him. Though Ogata’s life is left with guilt of killing his brother and father. His brother loved. Did his father love his mother? Then killing his own mother was for nothing and he could have had the family he deisred. To see Asirpa do what Yuusaku refused to do looked at him thinking what if. Mentally Ogata has always had issues, but this awakened them to another level where he just ends up killing himself. Ogata is an example where hatred can drive someone so far, buteventually if that hatred can be though of as guilt that can destroy a person.
The only one left for Asirpa and Sugimoto to be concerned of is Tsurumi. One of the questions in this series of what the pursuit of the gold has down to these men. So many men died or are nearly dead on this train because of it. Of course Asirpa knows Sugimoto is the only one who isn’t driven by the gold first. Thus the gold must be kept away and hidden from men. Sugimoto and Shiraishi respects the decision form her. After all Gold must have a Kamuy and it is by angering the Kamuy and taking too much of it you feel their wrath. The series decides to respect the themes it has led out beautifully.
The point to this highlight is how Tsurumi blames the Golden Kamuy for killing everyone he loved. It is because of Wilk his wife and daughter died. Which you can understand the true emotion Tsurumi must feel. That just more so proves that Asirpa made the right decision because the greed of humanity will lead everyone to chase the gold even if it is to their demise. Thankfully as Asirpa gets the deed back, Sugimoto throws her on the horse where Shiraishi and Tanigaki. Granted this is the 2nd time Tanigaki has come out of nowhere to save Asirpa. More then likely it is Noda ensuring it is Tanigaki who pays his death. Though to think his death was baited leaves how his character was used in the last part not the best.
Still Sugimoto and Tsurumi shink to the bottom of the ocean. Though both end up surviving however despite that the difference is Sugimoto isn’t alone as Tsurumi holds blame for what the 7th Division did. Though it is good to see Koito stepping up with Hajime as his right hand man. It is mentioned he is the last commander of the 7th Division.
For Sugimoto he is great that he accomplished his goal in helping Umeko get her eyesight back. Given the cirumstance it is good that the series didn’t force them to be together as there are issues with how Sugimoto left. Though it is clear that Umeko cares for him and Sugimoto is doing more then what Toraji asked for. More then likely for them to be connected as friends. Still Sugimoto is filling the void that Hijikata left as someone to fight for both the Ainu and Japanese as both are essentially for the future of Hokkido. Though Umeko’s situation is a reminder that the kamuy isn’t all bad. It is about balance you take and give.
Interesting enough how Noda used Tsurumi surviving he still accomplishes his goal even though the good guys won is an interesting element added at the end. He continued being the manipulator that we know him to be, but he protected Hokkido from Russia. Which is something that clearly benefits the good guys. It is crazy to think what Tsurumi would have done with the gold, but of course it is better that he never gotten his hands on the gold. Though the funnies aspect of Shiraishi living up to his mantle of being both greedy and being known as the escape king. In effective Botaro’s goal in become a king of a nation is a fun way to end this masterpiece of a story.