As the showdown between Tanigaki vs. both Ogata and Nikaidou continued, we really got to see how great of a hunter Tanigaki is. As his options were limited, he knew that if he took out either Ogata or Nikaidou, the other would come after him. By baiting the bear to take out Nikaidou, that allowed him to be able to use his element of surprise to take out Ogata. Of course, Tsurumi, as we know, was aware of both Ogata & Nikaidou’s movements. Though it seems he is willing to use Nikaidou’s thirst for revenge against Sugimoto in his favor. Also interesting that Tsurumi is manipulating even the higher-ups in the 7th division. Truly beating him will require more difficulty.
Though back with Sugimoto’s group, we meet Kiroranke, who was a friend of Asirpa’s father. We learn that Asirpa’s father is not Ainu, but in fact Noppera-bou is Asirpa’s father, who is alive. It definitely adds a twist to Sugimoto & Asirpa’s adventure. Of course Asirpa still wants to confront Noppera-bou even if he is her father.
Meanwhile, Hijikata is a character who feels the most mysterious. He leads the prison break at Abashiri Prison. To add to his eternal youth for someone his age. Though the most interesting is that he knows Asirpa’s Japanese name. It makes sense why Kiroranke knows that, but why does Hijikata know it?
This episode adapted chapters 45-49. As well as parts of chapter 50. Slight changes to how the group met Kiroranke and the transition between the cliffhanger in volume 5 and the start of volume 6 were well done.