Wind Breaker: Anzai’s Troubles and Sakura’s Growth as Grade Captain in Episode 13

Despite being the finale of the first season of the popular Spring 2024 anime, Wind Breaker episode 13 left viewers on the edge of their seats with an intense setup for the upcoming second season. The episode, which premiered on Thursday, June 27, 2024, heavily featured Anzai and introduced a formidable new enemy group known as KEEL.

In episode 13 of Wind Breaker, protagonist Haruka Sakura showed significant development in her character, both as an individual and as a Grade Captain. By the end of the installment, it is evident that Sakura has completed a full circle in just 12 weeks, highlighting her growth and understanding of being a member of the Bofurin.

Wind Breaker Episode 13: Introducing New Rival Gang KEEL, Even More Brutal Than the Shishitoren

Brief Recap of the Episode

Wind Breaker episode 13 opens with a focus on Umemiya and the Four Kings of Furin (Image via CloverWorks)

Episode 13 of Wind Breaker opened with Akihiko Nirei excitedly informing Haruka Sakura about the Four Kings. He introduced them as Tsubakino Tasuku, the leader of Jikoku Team; Mizuki Saku, the head of Komoku Team; Momose Takumi, the leader of Zojo Team; and of course, the well-known Tamon Team head, Toma Hiragi. Nirei explained that these four individuals formed the heart of Bofurin, while Umemiya transformed into his plant form and the group enjoyed a summer barbecue party.

Toma immediately addressed Umemiya’s actions, causing him to bow to the Grade Captains and acknowledge that he needed their assistance as he could not handle everything alone. Afterwards, Umemiya instructed everyone to start socializing, resulting in the introduction of multiple new characters such as Matsumoto Yodai and Yanigada Jien.

In episode 13 of Wind Breaker, Umemiya praised Sakura and his friends for taking on the responsibility of Grade Captain. He assured them that he had full confidence in their abilities and they could rely on their seniors for support. Ren Kaji and Sakura shared a lighthearted moment before attention turned to the return of Sakura, Nirei, and Suo to their classroom. The rest of the class was curious about their absence and they excitedly recounted their encounter with the Four Kings.

Suo, Sakura, and Nirei are specifically praised by Umemiya in Wind Breaker episode 13 (Image via CloverWorks)

Despite being worried about the whereabouts of Anzai, Sakura remained focused and went about his day. After school, he and his closest friends encountered a group of individuals dressed in white jackets with blue and black accents and dark pants, who seemed to be part of a rival gang. There was a brief exchange of words, but the group eventually departed, revealing the symbols on their backs.

In episode 13 of Wind Breaker, Hayato Suo recognized the white jacket adorned with a blue dragon skeleton as a signature outfit of the KEEL members. He warned that although they were a small team, they were still a dangerous force. Sakura and her friends then pieced together that the KEEL members were searching for someone in Furin. Just as they came to this realization, they stumbled upon Anzai, who was badly injured and unconscious in a nearby alleyway.

The brief flashback caused Anzai to recall his old connection to KEEL, but it abruptly ended before any significant information was revealed as he was awakened. He told Sakura and the others about being chased by a large dog, but they were skeptical. Anzai insisted it was nothing and left, despite still appearing injured. However, Suo directly asked him about KEEL, which visibly affected Anzai.

Suo once again proves how well he knows Sakura in Wind Breaker episode 13 (Image via CloverWorks)

Despite Wind Breaker episode 13 depicting him leaving, Nirei still turned to Sakura for advice on what to do next. Sakura reminded Nirei that the person in question did not seek their aid, so they should refrain from interfering. However, Nirei remained adamant, arguing that it was their duty to offer assistance. As Nirei spoke, Sakura couldn’t help but recall Umemiya’s words, and this prompted him to depart without further deliberation with the group.

During their conversation, Kiryu and the rest touched upon Sakura’s lack of honesty before reassuring Nirei that everything will turn out okay. The topic then turned to Anzai, who had recently met with a girl in a park. They discussed a person named Nagato, and Anzai admitted his failure in trying to bring him back. He also expressed worry about Nagato crossing a dangerous line. The girl suggested seeking assistance from the Bofurin, but Anzai declined, stating it was a personal issue he couldn’t involve them in.

In episode 13 of Wind Breaker, the girl was visibly upset and tearful as she expressed her desire to go with Anzai next time. However, he rejected her offer and assured her that he would make things work while putting on a brave front. He then left her alone in the park, where she questioned both his ability to succeed and his well-being while crying. Sakura then approached her, introduced himself, and demanded to know the details of her conversation with Anzai. She complied after realizing that he was with the Bofurin.

Wind Breaker episode 13 sees Sakura get the scoop on Anzai from his childhood friend, Tsuchiya (Image via CloverWorks)

The girl went on to recount how Nagato, a boy they used to play with at the park when they were younger, was different from the rest of them. She mentioned that they had all gone their separate ways in high school, but she recently discovered that Nagato had joined KEEL and become a delinquent known for stealing purses. She also revealed that Anzai, who was supposed to bring Nagato to the park that day, had been beaten up by KEEL when he tried to take Nagato with him.

In episode 13 of Wind Breaker, Sakura was taken aback when the girl started crying. She found it amusing and couldn’t help but ask her why she was crying. The girl revealed that she was frustrated by her lack of power, to which Sakura responded by promising to bring Nagato to help. The girl laughed at Sakura’s sheepishness and thanked him before going home.

The following day at school, Sakura sat next to Suo and co. and pondered what to do. As they chatted, Suo and the others seemed to effortlessly read Sakura’s thoughts, much to his amusement. Suddenly, another student approached Anzai and handed him a letter, presumably from KEEL. Though the contents of the envelope were not visible, it caused Anzai to hastily leave the room. Sakura, curious about the situation, quickly followed.

In episode 13 of Wind Breaker, Sakura finally confronted and separated from him after learning the full story from the girl in the park, who introduced herself as Tsuchiya. After taking the envelope from Sakura, Anzai opened it and discovered a photo of a battered Nagato being held captive by KEEL. Despite Anzai’s assurance that it was not his concern, Sakura persisted in asking for more information.

Anzai’s breaking point came when he revealed the details of the purse-snatching incident from two days prior involving Nagato. Upon realizing Nagato’s involvement, Anzai responded by punching him, discarding the stolen bag, and fleeing. The following day, Anzai returned to the same location and discovered Nagato being attacked by other members of KEEL as punishment for his failure. Anzai intervened and engaged in a physical altercation with the others before reaching out for Nagato’s hand. However, Nagato rejected his gesture and questioned Anzai’s actions.

In episode 13 of Wind Breaker, Nagato tearfully declares that he has made the decision to stay with KEEL, pushing Anzai away and arming himself. Sakura questions why Nagato would stay with KEEL when it’s clear he doesn’t want to, but Anzai is unaware. Sakura suggests they leave, reminding Nagato that he promised Tsuchiya to assist, making it his responsibility as well.

After Sakura’s plea for help, it was discovered that her entire class had been listening and were now eager to assist. They all expressed that their motivation was simply to support a friend, not as members of Furin but as Anzai’s classmates. The episode concluded with Ren Kaji and his followers observing Sakura and her group leaving the school premises, foreshadowing the upcoming battle between Sakura and her friends against KEEL in season 2.

In Review

In Wind Breaker episode 13, Sakua’s character development and growth as both a person and Grade Captain are effectively showcased. His interactions with Tsuchiya and Anzai demonstrate this growth, as he begins to truly embrace the words of Hajime Umemiya and Kotoha Tachibana.

The installment effectively highlights the fact that although all the students at Furin High are members of the Bofurin, they are still capable of acting independently as a group. This detail opens up numerous possibilities for future developments and suggests that the majority of the series’ storylines will follow a similar structure.

In summation

With the conclusion of Wind Breaker episode 13, the first season ends on a satisfying note. All story and character arcs are neatly tied up, yet the finale also manages to foreshadow events to come in season 2. While fans may have to wait for Sakura and her team to return, their comeback is sure to be just as, if not more, impressive than their initial debut.