This episode gives us a change of pace by now focusing on Hijikata’s group. In which they go after Youichirou, who is another one of the prison convicts. He & Hijikata share history together despite being on opposing sides. Still, Youichirou’s character is quite tragic, where he did what he thought was the right thing in his eyes, and he was betrayed. The only saving grace was his wife, who was Ainu. Sadly, they did not meet a happy ending.
Despite being opposed to Sugimoto, Hijikata is not as cruel as Tsurumi. As he knows, Youichirou is barely holding on and even suffering dementia before Hijikata puts him out of his misery. Sometimes the past can be repeated. Hokkaido needs to be protected from invading Russians from the north. After all, what happens if they take over Karafuto, which we have seen may be possible? Creating a multicultural nation is what Hijikata aims for. Which you could at least suggest Hijikata cares more for the Ainu than Tsurumi does.
Back to Kiroranke’s side, he aims to free Sofia, but not just her but the entire prison. Of course, getting Sofia means getting her supporters as well. It is a very curious plan. I’m curious to see how they execute it.
This episode covered the parts of volume 16 that were temporarily skipped, that being chapters 151-154. As well as chapter 170 and the first few pages of chapter 171. It’s hard to say if they will adapt the rest from chapter 171.