With Asirpa being taken north through Karafuto, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that there could be tattooed prisoners here. As for what Kiroranke’s goal is here? With Sugimoto, Hajime, Koito, and Tanigaki being forced to participate in the “Stenka Na Stenku” with the Ainu’s dog being held hostage and rumors of the tattooed prisoner coming around. Though when they fight Gansoku, it becomes a mess when Sugimoto becomes “drunk from punches.” But after they have their rematch, this becomes a good scene to illustrate Sugimoto’s regrets. Between Umeko, Toraji and now Asirpa. He blames himself for each of them. Gansoku’s advice of forgiving yourself is important. As the only thing Sugimoto can do now is push ahead forward. Also nice to see a very “father and son” relationship between Tanigaki and Cikapasi as they take out the werewolf.
Though it’s good news for Sugimoto that Asirpa still believes her to be alive, and from what Enonoka tells Sugimoto, Asirpa is still showing signs of her old self. Though, as Shiraishi points out to her, there is so much in the dark, and hopefully everything will make sense eventually. At the very least, Shiraishi seems to be the only one that is on Asirpa’s side. Ogata is clearly in it for himself.
It is difficult to get a read on Kiroranke, as his words show kindness, but it is still clear that he is using Asirpa. Though him bringing Asirpa to Karafuto is important, as we learn that this was her father’s home. Though the tragedy of Karafuto is that it was caught between Russia and Japan in the war. Eventually Karafuto became a part of Russia, and Chishima became part of Japan. Many Ainus, as we know, went to Japan, while Asirpa’s father stayed behind. It does feel clear what Kiroranke’s motive is, and that is for the continuation of the Ainu, as we see the Ainu of Karafuto are gone. Of course he is right that following her father’s footsteps will give her answers. The question still is, will Kiroranke abandon her if Asirpa gives them the code?
Hajime’s word of advice of doing something you can’t take part in comes from the heart. At a glance, Hajime’s backstory feels very similar to Tanigaki. Thinking that his beloved is dead by someone close to them. Though here we see Tsurumi tell Hajime that Igogusa got married to someone wealthier. For some reason he was so particular about Hajime and knowing Russian, even though he didn’t know that. What Hajime is referring to, Sugimoto, is that he spent 9 years dedicating himself. Though Tsurumi told lies to Hajime as he learned the truth in battle.
Though one could argue that it was for Hajime’s benefit, as he is a capable soldier who would have wasted away. It was by chance that Hajime learned the truth, but it does seem perhaps that wasn’t by chance with how Tsurumi glances at the man. Tsurumi is definitely a lawful evil character. It is what makes him so intriguing. At this point Hajime could blame Tsurumi, but he chooses to look at it as he saved him. After all, it would not make sense to throw his life away. Also, interestingly enough, Sugimoto was in the flashback holding Toraji. Showing that all of these players were part of that war and now are clashing with the chase to the Ainu Gold.