The world-building in this series is really outstanding, and the anime doesn’t do this manga the justice it deserves. The depth it is exploring for both Asirpa and the Ainu is outstanding. They seem like an outstanding tribe, and the greedy fukks that stole their gold are the main issue. Though we have seen Asirpa as a very independent huntress, it is easy to forget she is still a kid. Which is clearly the reason why Sugimoto left her behind because it probably is easy to forget her actual age with the danger he will likely put her through.
Just like the anime is concerned, Tsurumi is a nutjob. His main reason for wanting the gold is to take over Hokkaido. I guess it makes sense that those that came back after the war felt like they were in an even worse spot than they are right now. Meanwhile, we have Hijikata gathering his own forces, which for now seems like a battle of 3 forces coming against each other.