A big focus on this episode surrounds Asirpa. As we are introduced to more aspects of Ainu culture, we can see that Asirpa has a grandmother and fellow Ainu that clearly care for her. Though the two closest people to her left. Her father being killed and Retar going back to the wilderness. Huci does say to Sugimoto to stay with Asirpa forever because she knows somebody like Sugimoto is what Asirpa needs. Much like Retar, we can tell that Sugimoto feels guilty being partnered up with Asirpa. With all the killing he has done, he definitely feels like Asirpa shouldn’t be around someone like him. Of course Asirpa tries to look for him with Retar.
As Sugimoto gets captured by the 7th Division, we see that Tsurumi is looking for recruits. He lists his motivation clearly as his fellow men lost more than they gained in the war. He clearly wished to use the gold to take over Hokkiddo. It’s hard to see Sugimoto easily getting his way out of this one.
As compared to the manga, they are adapting 2 volumes per episode. Which does take the immersion regarding the setting and world-building. Though the bigger issue is that the episode skipped more characterization from Sugimoto. As we have the stuff with Asirpa being lonely, his regret regarding Ume adds a lot, which the anime skips. The anime is making Sugimoto someone who is pitying Asirpa more than in the manga, where it is his past and what he has done that he doesn’t want Asirpa getting involved with him.