It’s very nice that we get to dive into the connection that Sugimoto & Kikuta share. Interesting to think that Kikuta never knew that Norabo would turn out to be the Immortal Sugimoto until just now. Interesting that the center of this flashback is Yuusaku surrounding his virginity. It is no surprise that his mother wouldn’t want him in that role. Which adds another layer to Ogata’s side of the story.
It’s a bit sad when Sugimoto mentioned Ume and Toraji because it is clear as day he still cares for them so much. This is clearly before Sugimoto served in the war where Toraji dies. Kikuta grilling of Sugimoto is well deserved. This conversation, very much, you can tell is still ingrained in Sugimoto in the present.
The show has shown us a parallel between Asirpa and Yuusaku with regards to Ogata back in S3. When we see Sugimoto talking to Yuusaku, it is very much like how his dynamic was with Asirpa initially. Asking, is this what you really want, as it is clear that Yuusaku was doing it to make his father proud? The other takeaway from this conversation is regarding the cap that Kikuta gave Sugimoto as it belonged to his older brother. Now that holds more significance in Sugimoto’s cap in the present.
It wouldn’t be a flashback without Tsurumi taking part in it. We know in the present the First Division is spying on Tsurumi, but it seems regarding the Ainu gold Tsurumi was working with them. Interesting that this is the start of where Tsurumi ended up dethroning Ogata’s father. Some pretty interesting stuff. Sugimoto’s decision to protect Kaneko shows that Sugimoto has always been a good guy despite how he puts himself down. Excited to see where the next episode takes it.
I have to say I am so happy I was wrong about doing this whole flashback arc in 1 episode. I think it is clear now that the season will end on chapter 300. Leaving the rest in a special or movie format. Which is the perfect portion for the final portion of the final arc?
- This episode adapted chapters 275-277.
- The start is a bit rearranged, but I really like how they added Sugimoto’s flashback segments when Kikuta was grilling him. Imo it elevated the scene quite well.
- The next episode will definitely end at 280, which leaves 20 chapters for 4 episodes. Overall, this anime follows S3’s pacing, then S4’s pacing, which makes me delighted.