Wind Breaker: Sakura’s Victory and the Start of Choji vs Umemiya

Wind Breaker: Sakura’s Victory and the Start of Choji vs Umemiya

The highly anticipated episode 8 of Wind Breaker was officially released on Thursday, May 23, 2024. It continued the thrilling showdown between Jo Togame and Sakura Haruka, showcasing Togame’s character development through flashbacks and noticeable shifts in his behavior and beliefs in the present. Fans were captivated as they witnessed Togame’s growth and evolution as a character.

The eighth episode of Wind Breaker also marked the end of the team fight and marked the start of the highly anticipated match between Bofuri’s leader, Hajime Umemiya, and Shishitoren’s leader, Choji Tomiyama. Although only a brief glimpse of the action was shown, it effectively set the stage for what is sure to be the most spectacular battle in the anime so far.

How Sakura Helps Togame Change His Ways in Wind Breaker Episode 8

Summary of the Episode

Haruka Sakura ridicules Jo Togame's attitude to kick off Wind Breaker episode 8 (Image via CloverWorks)
Haruka Sakura ridicules Jo Togame’s attitude to kick off Wind Breaker episode 8 (Image via CloverWorks)

The eighth episode of Wind Breaker opened with Haruka Sakura observing that Jo Togame’s determination and energy from their previous fight had vanished. He communicated this to Togame, questioning if he was still serious about the match. Sakura then mentioned that he believed the Shishitoren had chosen to fight them because they possessed extensive knowledge. However, he soon realized that this was not the case and expressed a curiosity to learn more about Togame as well.

Togame was asked by Sakura what he was attempting to accomplish, causing him to chuckle and reflect on the same question. Sakura inquired about his actions towards Arima and Kanuma, and Togame explained that the Shishitoren is not a suitable place for dishonorable individuals. As he contemplated to himself, Togame realized that a clouded mind leads to impaired movement.

In episode 8 of Wind Breaker, a flashback was shown of Togame recounting the altercation with Bofurin to Choji Tomiyama. Togame believed that this event would bring about a change, but instead it led to a fight with no real purpose. Despite this, Togame acknowledged that there was no turning back now, as he had already committed to the path he chose on the day Choji changed.

Togame began to realize where he went wrong as he and Sakura's fight continued (Image via CloverWorks)
Togame began to realize where he went wrong as he and Sakura’s fight continued (Image via CloverWorks)

Togame observed the worn Shishitoren emblem on the stage, causing Sakura to question his intentions. Togame responded that he desired to journey to the mountains, leaving Sakura puzzled. He also challenged Togame’s belief that the Shishitoren was not meant for dishonorable individuals and questioned why he was present if that were true.

During the eighth episode of Wind Breaker, Sakura continued by stating that while Togame is strong, he also has a bit of lameness to him. He was determined to make Togame see this for herself when he emerged victorious in their fight. In turn, Togame would shed her lameness and become an “awesome guy”that Sakura would eagerly face in battle. Togame accused Sakura of being selfish, to which he replied that this is what it means to truly fight for your beliefs.

As Togame spoke, Sakura charged towards him, determined not to let anyone make him turn away from the truth or manipulate his identity. This triggered memories of the pivotal rainy day when Choji’s actions altered everything, replaying in his mind just as it had before. In the present moment, Sakura landed a kick on Togame before leaning against the faded Shishitoren emblem, unable to contain his laughter.

Togame realizes where the Shishitoren went astray in Wind Breaker episode 8 (Image via CloverWorks)
Togame realizes where the Shishitoren went astray in Wind Breaker episode 8 (Image via CloverWorks)

In episode 8 of Wind Breaker, Togame commented on Sakura’s skill in provoking others before delivering a powerful punch to him. Togame proceeded to reintroduce himself to Sakura, letting down his hair and taking off his shoes as a symbolic gesture of transformation. Sakura also became enthusiastic about facing this “new”version of Togame, leading to a flurry of punches and blows exchanged between the two of them.

During the fight, it became apparent that the two were laughing, causing confusion among the Shishitoren spectators. Hayato Suo, Akihiko Nirei, Toma Hiragi, Hajime Umemiya, and even Kyotaro Sugishita were all amazed by Sakura’s determination and physical prowess. Meanwhile, Choji observed quietly, his eyes fixated on the intense battle.

In episode 8 of Wind Breaker, Sakura wondered why he was at ease fighting someone as unimpressive as his opponent. It dawned on him that Togame had called him by his name, a first for their relationship. Meanwhile, Togame observed Sakura having an annoyingly enjoyable time and acknowledged that he was improving during their battle. They charged towards each other once again, both delivering a powerful kick to the jaw.

Suo and the others are impressed by Sakura's skills in Wind Breaker episode 8 (Image via CloverWorks)
Suo and the others are impressed by Sakura’s skills in Wind Breaker episode 8 (Image via CloverWorks)

As they laughed in the aftermath, Togame expressed surprise at how enjoyable fights can be, and Sakura agreed. Togame proposed that they end the fight, and Sakura readily agreed. They both charged at each other, still remarking on the fun they were having. As they exchanged punches, Togame recalled Sakura’s words during the fight and came to the realization that on the day Choji changed, he should have faced him head on instead of looking away.

In episode 8 of Wind Breaker, Togame told Sakura that he would become stronger in the future, urging him to never change and expressing gratitude as his punch struck her. As Sakura fell to the ground, Togame realized that she had finally understood and accepted defeat. The rest of the Shishitoren members were shocked and claimed it was a mistake, but Sakura refused to believe that Togame had given up.

Despite his interruption, Tomiyama went on stage and challenged Sakura to a future fight. He then proceeded to call up Umemiya. Togame attempted to intervene, urging Choji to call off the fight due to the lack of justice, and acknowledging that they were in the wrong. As Togame reached out to touch Choji’s shoulder, he was met with a powerful kick and told to be quiet since he had lost. This caused Sakura to react and attempt to attack Choji, prompting Umemiya to step in and stop him.

In episode 8 of Wind Breaker, Umemiya expressed his happiness that Sakura was able to converse with Togame and then asked him to trust him with the rest. Togame, while leaving the stage, also requested Umemiya to stay alive. This led Sakura to question why Umemiya was so upset about Togame getting hit, as he seemed to understand Umemiya’s intentions despite not fully grasping them.

As Sakura returned, Nirei welcomely greeted her with tears in her eyes. Toma quickly interjected, mentioning that Togame’s final remark was her way of making amends. He then commended Sakura for her performance, despite not having that advantage. Umemiya turned to Choji and asked if he had any feelings while watching Sakura and Togame’s duel. Confused, Choji didn’t understand his question, causing Umemiya to express disappointment as they readied themselves for their own battle.

In episode 8 of Wind Breaker, Choji expressed confusion as to why the situation was considered a shame, but eventually gave up trying to understand. He went on to express his frustration with the Bofurin having a large number of powerful individuals, stating that he feels trapped because everyone around him is weak. This revelation led the other Shishitoren members to realize Choji’s true thoughts, as he eagerly discussed gaining control over Umemiya and Furin in order to achieve his desired freedom.

Choji immediately charged towards Umemiya, insisting that he hand over Furin. This sparked a fierce and rapid battle between the two, surpassing any previous fights. Toma disclosed that this was because Choji was the youngest leader of the Shishitoren clan in history, while Sakura came to the realization that Choji would have been defeated if Umemiya hadn’t intercepted his attack. The episode concluded with a glimpse into Choji’s past as Umemiya landed a powerful punch that Choji narrowly evaded.

Review of Wind Breaker Episode 8

Wind Breaker episode 8 excels in its incorporation of Umemiya’s concept that a fight is a dialogue between the two opponents. This key element is expected to continue throughout the series, as demonstrated by the captivating fight between Sakura and Togame. The seamless execution of this concept adds to the excitement of the encounter.

Despite some moments where the execution falls short, the installment effectively redeems Togame’s character without feeling contrived. It strikes a satisfactory balance and bodes well for the rest of the series, particularly since it is only the first season.

Wind Breaker episode 8: A Summary

In the final moments of Wind Breaker episode 8, Choji and Umemiya’s fight commences, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the series’ most epic battle yet. Additionally, the long-awaited reveal of Choji’s past is expected to take place during this fight, as hinted in the closing scenes of episode 8.

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