Black Butler: Season 4, Episode 6 – The Cricket Tournament Begins as Ciel Showcases His Tricks

The sixth episode of season 4 of Black Butler, known as His Butler, Scheming, premiered on May 18, 2024, at 11:30 pm JST on Tokyo MX, BS11, and various other networks in Japan. In this episode, Ciel Phantomhive employs cunning tactics during the cricket tournament at Weston College, allowing his team, Sapphire Owl, to compete against formidable opponents such as Scarlet Fox and the Green Lion houses.

Moreover, the most recent episode of Black Butler season 4 delved into the history of Ciel’s father, Vincent Phantomhive, and his successful leadership of the Sapphire Owl while he was the house Prefect. The change in focus to cricket made for a refreshing shift in the narrative. The episode also adapted chapters 75, 76, and 77 from Yana Toboso’s manga.

Black Butler Season 4 Episode 6 Highlights: The Revelation of Vincent Phantomhive’s Accomplishments

Continuing from the previous episode, episode 6 of season 4 of Black Butler opens with a flashback of Ciel Phantomhive’s father, Vincent Phantomhive, leisurely reading a book on the lawn. Deidrich, the former captain of the Green Lion house, interrupts him and reprimands him for neglecting his duties as Prefect.

Despite Deidrich’s infuriation with Vincent’s offensive response to his name, he proceeds to slander the Sapphire House. In response, Vincent is displeased with the Green Lion Prefect’s derogatory remarks about his house and makes a proposal.

Ciel’s father challenges Deidrich to place a bet on the outcome of the cricket tournament. As per the rules, the loser is obligated to fulfill any request made by the winner.

Vincent Phantomhive, as seen in the episode (Image via Cloverworks)

Despite consistently finishing last in the tournament, Vincent’s unwavering confidence impresses Deidrich, prompting him to accept the offer. Surprisingly, Black Butler season 4 episode 6 reveals Vincent’s leadership as he leads his team to a victory over the Green Lion House.

After being defeated in the battle, Deidrich approaches Vincent and expresses his willingness to fulfill his requests. Surprisingly, the Earl requests for Deidrich to become his Drudge.

Vincent, as seen in the episode through a flashback (Image via Cloverworks)

After the flashback, the present setting resumes in season 4 episode 6 of Black Butler, with Edward’s father praising Ciel’s father for his impressive strategy. Meanwhile, the vice principal is seen organizing the pairings for the upcoming matches.

In the sixth episode of Black Butler season 4, it is revealed that Ciel and Sebastian had already rigged the draws. As per the predetermined results, the Sapphire House’s first match is against Redmond’s Scarlet Fox. The boy is determined not to rely on miracles and instead, he plans to secure the victory through force.

The Matchup: Sapphire Owl vs. Scarlet Fox

Weston College's tournament begins in the episode (Image via Cloverworks) — Weston College’s tournament begins in the episode (Image via Cloverworks)

Black Butler’s sixth episode of season 4 jumps forward to the day of the match between Lawrence Bluewer’s Sapphire Owl and Edgar Redmond’s Scarlet Fox. After winning the toss, the Scarlet Fox team chooses to field first.

The episode discloses that Weston College’s cricket tournament follows a format where every match consists of two innings of twenty overs each. During a match between Weston’s Sapphire Owls and their opponents, Soma Asman Kadar, a right-arm fast bowler, goes up against the rival team’s captain, Lawrence Bluewer. Using his impressive speed, Kadar manages to get Bluewer out on the very first ball.

Following Lawrence’s dismissal, a procession takes place as Clayton and other players are quickly dismissed by the opposing team’s skilled bowling. After a disappointing batting performance, the Sapphire Owl takes the field to bowl in the Scarlet Fox’s first innings.

Redmond, as seen in the episode (Image via Cloverworks)

Despite this, the result remains unchanged as their hitters dominate the Sapphire Owl team’s weak bowling. In particular, Edgar Redmond, the captain of the red team, displays his exceptional power-hitting skills by hitting maximums over the fences.

In the sixth episode of Black Butler season 4, Ciel Phantomhive makes a decision to play dirty. During the break between innings, Sebastian adds purgatives to the red team’s lunch, resulting in their forfeit of the match. The crowd rejoices in the Sapphire Owl’s unexpected triumph, despite the use of deceit.

The Blue Team’s second game against Green Lion begins

After the Sapphire Owl emerged victorious against the Scarlet Fox, the focus of Black Butler season 4 episode 6 shifts to the match between the houses of Violet Wolf and Green Lion. Gregory Violet’s drudge impresses with his bowling skills, overwhelming the Green House batters.

Despite the Violet Wolf’s valiant efforts, the defending champions prove to be too strong for them as Herman Greenhill steps up to the crease and unleashes his powerful sixes against the bowling of the Drudge.

In the sixth episode of Black Butler season 4, the Green Lions and Sapphire Owl meet in the finals. The coin toss favors the blue team, leading them to choose to bat first. During this time, Michael Sebastian is seen conducting an orchestra in another location.

Ciel, as seen in the episode (Image via Cloverworks)

Surprisingly, the Sapphire Owl batters, who struggled to make contact with the ball against the Scarlet Fox, seem to have an easier time against the Green Lion team. Herman notices that the batters are closing their eyes while playing.

In the sixth episode of Black Butler season 4, there is a flashback in which Ciel Phantomhive informs his companions that their team’s physical weakness will prevent them from defeating the green team.

Clayton, as seen in the episode (Image via Cloverworks)

He informs them that the bowlers will aim to hit the stumps. Therefore, by keeping their bat at a height of 28 inches and a width of 9 inches in front of the stump and swinging it, they can effortlessly score runs. The timing of the swing will be based on the music.

Despite the Green Lion players observing and approving of the Sapphire Owl’s ploy, Herman Greenhill, the Green House Prefect, believes that their hard work contributed to the success of the trick. In Black Butler season 4 episode 6, Edward is seen taking his turn to bowl.

Michaelis Sebastian, as seen in the episode (Image via Cloverworks)

Edward strives for excellence, imitating every move of the violet team’s ace bowler. His admiration for those he deems superior to himself is evident, yet he continues to pursue perfection despite viewing himself as an average individual.

In that instant, Michaelis, Sebastian, and Ciel Phantomhive all spot the headmaster in the crowd. The sixth episode of Black Butler season 4 concludes with Sebastian handing off his duties as conductor to McMillan and setting off in pursuit of the headmaster.