Wind Breaker episode 5: Suo’s Cruelty and Shishitoren’s Major Losses vs Bofurin

The highly-anticipated Spring 2024 television anime series continued with the release of Wind Breaker episode 5 on Friday, May 3, 2024 in Japan. Fans were eagerly awaiting this episode, as it marked the beginning of the Bofurin versus Shishitoren tournament-style fight that had been set up in previous episodes.

Similarly, episode 5 of Wind Breaker lived up to expectations with the beginning of the turf-war, featuring two matches before the episode’s conclusion. Both matches were captivating, but Hayato Suo’s standout performance solidified him as someone to have on your side and dread as an opponent.

Wind Breaker Episode 5 Introduces Suo as Sakura’s Partner-in-Crime for the Bofurin vs Shishitoren Battle

Episode Recap

Wind Breaker episode 5 sees Sakura and co being led to the fighting arena by the Shishitoren (Image via CloverWorks)

The fifth installment of Wind Breaker started off with a short summary of previous events before delving into the highly anticipated showdown between Bofurin and Shishitoren teams.

As they made their way to the fighting area, Choji Tomiyama led both groups and they exchanged greetings. Haruka Sakura observed that the majority of Shishitoren’s territory consisted of bars. Nirei clarified that the area was known for its lively but questionable activities at night.

Upon hearing this, Toma Hiragi raised his voice and urged the others to at least show some signs of nervousness. In response, Hajime Umemiya remarked that their collective calmness was a good omen.

The place where they had arrived was Shishitoren’s hideout, formerly known as the Orion movie theater that had shut down. It was now referred to as the “ORI,”a symbolic name meaning cage.

In episode 5 of Wind Breaker, the group entered a theater filled with enthusiastic Shishitoren members eagerly anticipating the fight. Tomiyama then stepped onto the stage and announced that it was time for the battle to commence.

After informing the others that the outcome of their matches would not affect the overall significance of the fight between himself and Tomiyama, Umemiya urged them not to be anxious. Sakura, however, retorted by defiantly declaring that he would emerge victorious regardless of the circumstances and dismissed Umemiya’s words.

Umemiya's affinity for the next generation of Bofurin fighters is further established in Wind Breaker episode 5 (Image via CloverWorks) — Umemiya’s affinity for the next generation of Bofurin fighters is further established in Wind Breaker episode 5 (Image via CloverWorks)

The initial match was disclosed as Kyotaro Sugishita versus Yukinari Arima, both of whom were recognized for their exceptional skills.

Arima mentioned to Sugishita that his eyes were bothering him and then proceeded to pretend that something was wrong with Umemiya. This caused Sugishita to avert his gaze. However, the trick did not work, as Sugishita grabbed Arima’s arm and reminded him to use an honorific when addressing Umemiya. He then threw Arima to the ground.

In episode 5 of Wind Breaker, Sugishita was declared the winner as Arima was unable to continue. Despite this, Tomiyama remained unfazed and even praised Sugishita. In the aftermath, Jo Togame’s expression was full of curiosity.

Umemiya observed that Tomiyama was attempting to communicate with Togame, but did not receive a substantial response. Togame remained still and then got up, while Tomiyama instructed other members of the Shishitoren to remove Arima.

Sakura firmly reprimanded the group who had assisted in moving Arima, instructing them and the other witnesses to never again claim to be followers of strength and labeling them as weaklings. Hayato Suo added that they would only comprehend their mistakes once they faced defeat, dismissing any further conversation as pointless. He bravely stepped forward, addressing his visibly anxious opponent.

Sugishita's fight ends as quickly as it begins in Wind Breaker episode 5 (Image via CloverWorks) — Sugishita’s fight ends as quickly as it begins in Wind Breaker episode 5 (Image via CloverWorks)

In episode 5 of Wind Breaker, Suo made a remark about Sakura’s decision to compete for Furin’s top spot, calling her foolish. However, he has now come to understand that his words and actions carry weight and have consequences.

He promised to do his utmost to match Sakura’s pace, which inevitably made him flustered in his usual tsundere manner. While Suo headed off to face Kanuma, Nirei inquired about Suo from Sakura.

Nirei clarified that his reputation in middle school was mainly due to his strength, but he couldn’t recall any specific anecdotes. Toma Hiragi and Umemiya agreed, mentioning that they recognized him as a strong and noble figure upon their first meeting.

Suo expressed his observation that Kanuma seemed very upset, noting that this was a noticeable change in behavior from earlier in the day. In response, Kanuma revealed that he and Arima had been close friends for a long time, and he was equally angry about the situation.

In episode 5 of Wind Breaker, Suo mocked Kanuma by laughing at his impatience and calling him a whiny child who always plays the victim. He even resorted to using “baby-talk”to further belittle him, questioning if someone who behaves like that can truly call themselves a gentleman.

Kanuma charged towards Suo, but his attack was easily redirected. Suo then assumed a formal stance, causing Kanuma to realize that he was trained in a martial art.

Kanuma rushed towards Suo, but was quickly knocked to the ground. Despite grabbing onto Suo’s leg, Suo effortlessly swung Kanuma away and then questioned him about what he believes it takes to become an adult.

That enraged Kanuma, who once again charged at Suo. The rest of the Shishitoren members became agitated, believing Kanuma was not making any effort, but the truth was that Suo’s prowess was creating this visual deception.

During episode 5 of Wind Breaker, Sakura and the rest of the group criticized Suo’s cruel behavior towards a weaker opponent. Toma was surprised by Suo’s emotional reaction, and Umemiya pointed out that this change may be due to his friendship with Sakura.

Sakura inquired with Nirei about his thoughts on persuading Suo to engage in a genuine sparring match, as Suo continued to humiliate Kanuma. The episode concluded with Togame proclaiming Suo as the winner and stating that Kanuma was no longer considered part of their group after such a shameful display.

In review

Although Sugishita’s fight was disappointingly short, the importance and impact of Suo’s fight against the Shishitoren certainly justifies it.

The emphasis on Suo’s character brings about meaningful growth for him, positioning him and Sakura as near equals who will both play significant roles in Bofurin for the foreseeable future. His tendency towards cruelty is also established, setting the tone for his battles throughout the series.

When it comes to cruelty, Wind Breaker episode 5 effectively showcases the relentless nature of the Shishitoren as a collective. This is particularly evident through Jo Togame, who appears to be boiling with fury over his team’s two defeats.

The attention on Togame and the potential conflict with Tomiyama adds another captivating element to the tournament-style battle, albeit in a subtle manner.

In summation

With two out of the five matches already completed, fans eagerly anticipate the next bout between Sakura and Toma, as Umemiya and Tomiyama’s fight is scheduled to be the final one.

Similarly, since Sakura’s match is against Jo Togame, it is anticipated that the upcoming episode will feature Toma entering the ring, potentially delving into his past and his connection to his opponent.