The highly anticipated ninth episode of Wind Breaker was officially aired on Thursday, May 30, 2024, marking the continuation of the immensely popular Spring 2024 anime series. Fans were especially thrilled as this episode promised to kick off the intense battle between Choji Tomiyama and Hajime Umemiya, with the possibility of a full conclusion.
Fortunately, the conclusion of the fight between Choji and Umemiya was fully depicted in Wind Breaker episode 9, and it also delved into Choji’s past and provided further insight into his character. Additionally, the episode’s title, “Umemiya’s Style,”gave viewers a glimpse into Umemiya’s perspective on both fighting and life in general.
Wind Breaker: Umemiya’s Redemption and Choji’s Resurgence in Episode 9
Brief Episode Recap
The ninth episode of Wind Breaker opened with Choji Tomiyama unleashing a series of punches on Hajime Umemiya, who claimed to be unfazed as the attacks lacked any weight.
He explained that Choji’s lack of motivation to fight was the reason for his defeat. In response, Choji confidently stated that it didn’t matter as long as he kept throwing punches. However, Umemiya proved him otherwise by withstanding his attacks and then knocking him down to the ground.
Choji got to his feet and instructed Umemiya to move aside, as he would eventually have some free time. He went on to clarify that this meant he wanted to have a good time, and that he found fighting someone like Umemiya to be enjoyable.
Umemiya noted that Choji did not seem to be enjoying himself and expressed sympathy for him and his regretful attitude. He also expressed pity for the team for having a leader like Choji and advised him not to treat his subordinates in the same manner as he did Jo Togame.
In episode 8 of Wind Breaker, Choji, who was injured and bruised, had a vision of Togame and the other Shishitoren members surrounding him before they vanished. He then started to express uncertainty and an inability to reveal anything, ultimately shouting “shut up”repeatedly in the quiet theater where their battle took place.
Togame looked worried as Choji repeatedly screamed and tore his own hair out, crying and saying he no longer wanted anything.
The focus shifted to Choji, who began to reflect on himself. He described feeling as though his heart had turned into a desert and began to question what he was lacking and why. Finally, he declared that he no longer cared.
Despite claiming that he didn’t care and that nothing would change, Choji’s mental breakdown persisted. His next attack on Umemiya was even more aggressive and caused significant damage, as Umemiya made no attempt to defend himself.
In the ninth episode of Wind Breaker, Togame, Haruka Sakura, and the Shishitoren acknowledged and raised doubts about this, leading Kyotaro Sugishita to hush them and advise them to continue watching.
After Choji came to a halt, Umemiya expressed remorse and explained that he did not intend to push him to his limit, but Choji was already so frustrated. In response, Choji struck him and demanded that he be quiet, while Umemiya cautioned him that if he continued this behavior, he would continue to face challenges.
By this point, Choji had fully transformed into his feral state and proceeded to bite Umemiya on the neck. In response, Umemiya embraced, stroked, and comforted Choji, assuring him that everything would be alright. However, Choji expressed uncertainty, prompting Umemiya to question if he remembered the Bofurin and Shishitoren misunderstanding that had been resolved.
It triggered a reminiscence of Umemiya and Choji back when they were younger, revealing that the two had a cordial relationship despite belonging to different factions.
In episode 9 of Wind Breaker, Umemiya complimented Choji, saying that back then he was both more radiant and had more power behind his punches. He then asked Choji about his surroundings during that time. Despite Choji telling Umemiya to stay away and kicking him, Umemiya persisted and gently cupped Choji’s face in his hands, causing Choji to flinch in anticipation of a punch.
Umemiya urged him to ponder the events he witnessed, claiming it held the answer he sought. Togame silently expressed gratitude towards Umemiya for his words, while Umemiya forcefully reminded Choji to recall the past by headbutting him.
It triggered a new memory for Choji, transporting him back to his younger days with the Shishitoren members, where he was filled with laughter and joy. But when he looked back to call out to Togame, he was suddenly pulled back to the “desert”within his heart.
During episode 9 of Wind Breaker, he noticed Togame and began walking towards her, but suddenly fell through the glass floor resembling a desert. When he woke up, he found a saddened Togame hunched over him.
Choji immediately recalled that he had lost and then shared a dream he had about the past where everyone was joyfully smiling and having fun. This made him realize that his own happiness is intertwined with the happiness of those around him, prompting him to ask Togame to also share a smile.
Togame expressed remorse for abandoning Choji, explaining that he was unsure of what was causing him distress. As a precaution, Togame decided to take everyone away from him to avoid any harm being caused.
Togame had initially expressed his desire for Choji to be adored by all, which is why he avoided looking at him on the day of his transformation. However, the Bofurin boys helped him understand his mistake and realize that he should have faced Choji with determination.
In episode 9 of Wind Breaker, Togame apologized to Choji for taking away his happiness through her actions. She cried while doing so. Choji then shared that he believed being the leader would bring him more freedom and happiness than anyone else. However, when he reached the top of the mountain, he discovered an “empty treasure chest”waiting for him, leaving him feeling scared and hollow inside.
Choji acknowledged that he needed to take action, yet he was uncertain of what to do. He persisted in his efforts until he reached a point where he could no longer see. At that moment, he attributed his struggles to the inadequacies of his team, claiming that their weakness prevented him from enjoying freedom.
Choji clarified that Togame was not the one responsible for taking away his happiness, as he came to the realization that he had already been free during the times when he and his friends were constantly having fun.
In episode 9 of Wind Breaker, Choji expressed his gratitude to Togame for holding everything together and acknowledged that he had been unaware of the pain he was causing him.
After being protected by Togame, Choji expresses his gratitude before bursting into tears and apologizing. Togame also starts crying upon hearing his words. However, Choji quickly composes himself and assures them both that he is okay. He then adds that he will make everything right in the end and proceeds to make his way over to Umemiya.
After that, he took off his Shishitoren jacket as he had planned, intending to leave the group and give it to Umemiya according to his own rules. Togame also attempted to do the same, but Umemiya boldly declined, stating that he had no desire to take in Shishitoren even if they were to emerge victorious.
Despite this, he did agree to declare that the two groups were now friends starting from today. The episode concluded with Choji’s laughter as Umemiya announced the end of today’s gathering.
In Review
The ninth episode of Wind Breaker is, without a doubt, the strongest installment of the series so far and also the most accurate representation of what viewers can expect from it overall.
In regards to the first point, the episode showcases an abundance of top-tier animation from the skilled animators hired by CloverWorks for the series. The animation not only maintains a high level of quality, but it also remains consistently impressive, a factor that some studios may overlook for various reasons.
The same reasoning applies to the former point. In addition to the animation, this episode highlights the fact that this is a story driven by its characters, and their growth and development will be the driving force behind the plot.
In general, it provides an exhilarating sneak peek into what is expected to be a continuously running anime series.
In summation
Despite the exciting conclusion of the beef between the Shishitoren and Bofurin with Tomiyama’s defeat in Wind Breaker episode 9, it leaves viewers wondering what the remaining episodes of season 1 will focus on.
Togame’s flashback hints at other rival gangs in the area, while the fact that these characters are high school students suggests that they will eventually need to pursue their education.
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