Yakuza Fiancé Episode 2 Review: Yoshino and Kirishima’s Relationship Deepens During Intense Confrontation

The second installment of Yakuza Fiancé premiered on October 14, 2024, adopting a lighter tone compared to the darker themes established in its debut. Viewers can currently enjoy the anime through international streaming on Crunchyroll. This episode sees an improvement in Yoshino’s relationship with Kirishima, with their interactions taking on a more playful nature.

This anime adaptation of the manga has been noted for its inconsistent pacing. It is produced by Studio Deen and stands out as one of the rare romance titles showcased in the Fall 2024 anime season.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Yakuza Fiancé episode 2.

Highlights of Yakuza Fiancé Episode 2

Yoshino portrayed in the anime (Image via Studio Deen)

The episode opens with Yoshino deliberately avoiding Kirishima, who has been relentlessly pursuing her. Memories of his troubling past—like his attempt to coerce her into working in a brothel—fill her mind, leaving her questioning his genuine motives. Despite her efforts to distract herself, Kirishima’s insistence leads them to a meeting with the Miyama family.

At their residence, tension builds when Yoshino learns about the disappearance of Shiori, the daughter of the Akaza Enterprise President, and that she must remain with Kirishima for her own protection. During dinner, Kirishima shares a picture of Shiori, suggesting the possibility of her abduction or sale. Despite the dire context, Kirishima’s nonchalant demeanor perplexes Yoshino.

As she converses with Inamori, a member of the Miyama family, she uncovers Kirishima’s violent history, revealing his long-standing ties with the Yakuza. The unsettling revelations cause Yoshino to doubt her capacity to manage her complex emotions towards him.

Kirishima depicted in the anime (Image via Studio Deen)

Yoshino later spots Shiori at a nightclub and brings it to Kirishima’s attention, prompting them to investigate. Inside the club, Kirishima showcases his violent side by quickly neutralizing aggressors, which shocks Yoshino. Although injured and alarmed, she assists him during the altercation. Following the chaos, she grapples with reconciling her fear of Kirishima’s brutality with the deepening connection they share.

Ultimately, it is revealed that Shiori had chosen to hide voluntarily, causing significant fallout for President Akaza, including his public resignation and subsequent exile, while Shiori was sent abroad.

Kirishima receives ten million yen for his role in locating Shiori, which he offers to Yoshino. However, she declines, leading to a lighthearted banter about their previous interactions. Their outing to purchase a new hairdryer for Yoshino concludes with a fleeting moment of normalcy. The episode concludes with an enigmatic figure resembling Kirishima departing on a motorcycle after shadowing them.

Review of Yakuza Fiancé Episode 2

The mysterious figure presented in the anime (Image via Studio Deen)

Yakuza Fiancé episode 2, brought to life by Studio Deen, significantly minimized the graphic content and Kirishima’s menacing persona, which had been notably more aggressive in the initial episode.

While the pacing has seen a transition from covering two chapters per episode to three, this installment remains true to the source material, with the only deviation being the ending sequence. The culminating interaction between Kirishima and the mysterious figure was an original anime addition.

Yoshino’s portrayal, including her personality and behaviors, aligns closely with her manga representation, preserving the fierce impression developed in the first episode. Conversely, Kirishima’s aggressive tendencies took a backseat this time, providing a humorous contrast rather than defining his character.

Yoshino confronting a thug in Yakuza Fiancé episode 2 (Image via Studio Deen)

Despite Studio Deen facing criticism in recent years for subpar animation in the later seasons of The Seven Deadly Sins, such issues have not emerged in Yakuza Fiancé. While CGI is utilized in certain segments, the majority of the animation remains faithful to the original manga’s distinctive aesthetic.

Though it borrows thematic elements from titles like Nisekoi, Yakuza Fiancé episode 2 clearly prioritizes exploring the deeper motivations and conflicts of its main characters, maintaining a more grounded narrative unlike other romance series. The audio effects and soundtrack have yet to make a memorable impression, although there is potential for improvements in forthcoming episodes.

Concluding Thoughts

The third episode of Yakuza Fiancé is scheduled for release on October 21, 2024, and will also be available for streaming on Crunchyroll as part of its Fall 2024 offerings. Unlike the premiere episode, episode 2 adjusted the pacing and adapted chapters 3 to 5 of the manga. Fans wishing to continue following the narrative can start from chapter 6 for an uninterrupted experience.

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