Wind Breaker – Episode 12: Sakura officially becomes Grade Captain as Furin’s Four Kings introduced

The twelfth episode of Wind Breaker was highly anticipated to continue its exploration of the Grade Captain selection process. As expected, Haruka Sakura was ultimately chosen for the role, despite feeling pressured into it. Interestingly, Hayato Suo and Akihiko Nirei also earned positions as Sakura’s Secondaries and were promoted to Grade Officers.

In addition to Sakura, episode 12 of Wind Breaker also delved into the stories of other Bofurin leadership members. Furthermore, the ending of the episode hinted at the highly anticipated debut of Bofurin’s Four Kings and their Secondaries.

Exploring Friendship and Relationships in Wind Breaker Episode 12

Brief Episode Recap

Wind Breaker episode 12 sees Suo push forward in his plan to make Sakura Grade Captain despite his complains (Image via CloverWorks)

The twelfth episode of Wind Breaker opened with Taiga Tsureuga, Akihiko Nirei, and Mitsuki Kiryu all supporting Hayato Suo’s suggestion of Haruka Sakura for the position of Grade Captain. Despite Sakura’s reluctance, the rest of the class was in agreement, leading Suo to offer himself and Nirei as her Secondaries for the role.

After reflecting on recent events, Sakura expressed his belief that he and Choji Tomiyama were similar. However, before he could continue, Ren Kaji interrupted and scolded them for taking too much time. Ren then directed Sakura to take charge, reassuring him that perfection is not expected from the start and that someone else can step in if needed.

In episode 12 of Wind Breaker, Takeshi Enomoto revealed to Sakura that Ren was actually the second-year Grade Captain. As a result, Sakura was confirmed as the Grade Captain, as Ren had decided. This was something that Sakura had originally asserted, but his friends and classmates reassured him that it was okay and they should take it easy, causing him to feel embarrassed.

Wind Breaker episode 12 sees Nirei and Suo join Sakura in his leadership duties as is Secondaries (Image via CloverWorks)

Sakura, Suo, and Nirei proceeded to swap contact information with the rest of their classmates as well as the second year Grade Captain and Secondaries. Takeshi then offered Sakura guidance on leadership, advising him to focus on what he personally wants to do at the moment. However, Sakura was disheartened by this suggestion as he had no particular aspirations. Takeshi then disclosed that the Tamon team was conducting after-school patrols, and that Ren would be joining the new officers.

In the twelfth episode of Wind Breaker, an older woman approached Ren and the others, seeking their assistance in locating a lost child. Despite his frustration, Ren made a promise to help. He instructed the woman to return home and asked Yuto Kusumi to handle the rest. Sakura and the rest of the group were shocked by Ren’s actions, with Sakura specifically comparing it to Umemiya’s behavior.

Suo shared a comical group chat message exposing Sakura’s enthusiasm, causing him to feel embarrassed as the others praised her. Just then, Takeshi arrived and pointed out that the “girl”they were searching for was actually a cat perched on Sakura’s head. Despite the cat being out of reach, Sakura cleverly scaled a nearby wall to pursue it on the rooftops.

Wind Breaker episode 12 sees Sakura's thoughts on the Grade Captain position change after meeting Ren Kaji (Image via CloverWorks) — Wind Breaker episode 12 sees Sakura’s thoughts on the Grade Captain position change after meeting Ren Kaji (Image via CloverWorks)

In episode 12 of Wind Breaker, while Ren was taken aback by Sakura’s actions, the rest of the group pursued him. Sakura, on the other hand, chased Risa, a cat from Furin, until it leaped off a bridge into a river. Suddenly, Ren appeared and jumped after the cat. The others joined in and helped Ren out of the water before they returned the cat to its owner, an elderly woman.

Upon approaching Ren, Sakura inquired about his intentions and reminded him that he had been chosen as Grade Captain for a reason. However, Ren claimed that he had not sought out this position and was only convinced to take it on by his friends. Sakura was taken aback by this and argued that without proper motivation, there was no point in him fulfilling the role.

In episode 12 of Wind Breaker, Ren became frustrated but managed to calm himself down by sucking on a lollipop. He went on to confess his shortcomings and how his Secondaries make up for them, acknowledging that he relies on them but they also rely on him. He strives to live up to their expectations and believes this is the true reason behind his role as Grade Captain.

Upon hearing this, Sakura found himself doubting his abilities. However, Nirei quickly came over and praised him, lifting him out of his slump. Nirei even went as far as to call Sakura dependable, causing him to shyly question if they chose him because they trusted him. They both nodded in agreement, assuring Sakura that he could also rely on them.

The twelfth episode of Wind Breaker shifted its attention to Sakura’s presence at Kotoha Tachibana’s cafe, where it appeared that he was struggling to fall asleep. Sakura acknowledged this to himself, admitting that he had spent the entire night pondering over Ren’s words and what actions he could take. Kotoha soon found out that he was the Grade Captain, viewing it as a positive development. However, Sakura refuted her statement, stating that he was unsure of what to do. She then advised him to begin with the things that he was capable of doing.

Sakura initially disputed this, but fell silent when he claimed that it was not related to her. Kotoha then suggested that he begin by learning the names of his classmates and addressing them correctly. It dawned on Sakura then that he had never referred to anyone in Furin, including Kotoha, by their names. The elderly woman he frequently carried around then introduced herself as Chiyoko, and both of them insisted that Sakura address them by their names.

Despite his embarrassment, Wind Breaker episode 12 saw him leaving before confessing. Kotoha later stated that Sakura’s shyness was not just a facade, but a genuine fear of forming strong connections with others. Sakura was also struggling with finding names with Nirei’s assistance at school, expressing frustration at his difficulties. Suo and Nirei attempted to figure out the cause of this change, but Sakura refused to divulge the reason.

Sakura and Nirei became aware of Anzai, their classmate, who appeared to be injured. Sakura immediately went to check on him before he left the classroom. Shortly after, Umemiya announced over the loudspeaker that all first and second-year Grade Captains and Secondaries were to gather on the roof. It was later revealed that this gathering was for the purpose of introducing everyone to each other, with Sugishita also in attendance for unknown reasons.

Sakura was feeling overwhelmed by the task of memorizing more people, but Nirei reassured her that he would assist her with this challenge. In episode 12 of Wind Breaker, it was revealed that Nirei had already memorized the names and faces of every student in the entire school, all to aid Sakura. Suo and Sakura were both astonished by this, and Suo even offered to take on the role of “negotiator”for their group, using his strong social skills.

As a result, Sakura felt embarrassed before finally addressing them by their names for the first time. Shortly after, Umemiya showed up and the Four Kings of Furin, along with their Secondaries, made their appearance as the episode came to a close.

In review

Episode 12 of Wind Breaker continues to exemplify the series’ storytelling style through its focus on character-driven narrative. While certain events drive the plot forward, the main developments, conflicts, and resolutions all revolve around Sakura and the other members of Bofurin.

Throughout the episode, Sakura is given significant attention (which is well-deserved) and it is evident that he is beginning to embrace the role of Grade Captain and build connections with others. While there is still much for him to learn, the second-to-last episode of the first season demonstrates his determination to evolve and make positive changes.

In summation

Similarly, the focus on Sakura’s development in Wind Breaker episode 12 continues in the season finale, which is expected to delve further into her struggles with the Boufrin command hierarchy. The appearance of the Four Kings adds an intriguing element, and with Anzai’s injury being highlighted, it is possible that Umemiya has important news to convey to the Grade Captains.