Kikuta & Ariko’s dynamic has been interesting since their introduction in S4. It seemed that they fought together during the Russo-Japanese War. Quite interesting, as Ariko was meant to be a spy on Hijikata’s group from Tsurumi, Kikuta offering him a side with the Central Government. Though it is good for Ariko to choose to follow and embrace his Ainu roots, it seems like Kikuta is happy that Ariko made that choice.
It is not a surprise that Asirpa finally broke because everything Tsurumi did was on point. At the very least, it is thanks to Ariko that she managed to escape. In her one moment of weakness, thankfully Sugimoto knew she needed comfort, showing he understood what it means to be her partner in the search for the gold.
The good news is that Asirpa remembers a story that aids in detecting the fake skins, which she noticed before she left the church. So there is that silver lining in aid with the information for Botaro that they now have a head start on the gold, but Tsurumi will be far behind.
For Koito who finally felt he was right in his belief of Tsurumi and now is in doubt again. As with how he & Tsukishima smell the possibility that Tsurumi wanted to hear this information. Tsurumi is a man who isn’t full of truth or full of lies. It is always a mix, much like how he mixed the real and fake skins. There is more than likely truth to his story, but it is undeniable that he wanted them to hear it. Tsurumi is such a great villain in that you can never feel at this point if he intends to manipulate or not, as it isn’t clear to see either way.
This episode adapted chapters 271-274.
- For chapter 271, it was the rest after the title drop.
- Overall, everything was adapted and on point. Most particularly, the moment when Asirpa was in anguish and how Sugimoto helped ease her through that was well adapted.
- Tokyo Love Story will be included in this season and not as an OVA. Which means we have 5 episodes for the final arc. There is a lot of action, so I think it is more than doable, but it will be a tough squeeze.