Wind Breaker episode 9 premiered on Thursday, marking what many consider the peak of the 12-episode season. The intense battle between Umemiya and Choji had viewers on the edge of their seats. Surprisingly, the way this part of the story unfolded caught me off guard. Nevertheless, the unique approach had more positive aspects than negative ones, once again proving that I should have faith in the series that I believe truly deserves the Anime of the Season title to exceed expectations.
The final showdown between Umemiya and Choji took an unexpected turn
Instead of just exchanging blows until one emerged victorious, the fight transformed into a chaotic and intense moment of self-discovery for Choji. It was a surprising twist that left me intrigued and slightly puzzled at the same time.
I was really looking forward to seeing the two captains face off with an intense soundtrack and amazing animation, but Choji's emotional breakdown and sudden realization didn't disappoint me at all. I initially thought Choji should be the main villain of the season, but just like with Togame, I was proven wrong. The series continues to surprise me in the best way possible.
I regret not being more patient with Umemiya. He had a clever plan to help Choji see the light, and I completely missed it as a viewer. It was a surprising twist, a reverse dramatic irony that I found intriguing. The writing in this show is exceptional, especially the way it reveals the deeper backstory between the characters. It's refreshing to see a story that challenges the typical portrayal of villains and makes you empathize with them. Wind Breaker is definitely breaking the mold, and I'm loving every moment of it.
I genuinely believed that Umemiya would take the lead in this episode and receive a significant amount of attention. One could argue that he was actually the one in control the whole time, and Choji only realized it at the very end. So, if that's true, it means that Umemiya allowed Choji to take control of the aux cord at some point in episode 9.
Choji and Togame
I often find myself torn when series try to humanize antagonists towards the end of their stories. Some do it well, while others fall short. Fortunately, Wind Breaker excels in this aspect. I initially misjudged Togame as the main antagonist, but his backstory changed my perspective. And now, I'm once again mistaken in thinking Choji is the true antagonist...until his backstory unfolds.
The bond between Choji and Togame was truly special. In my extensive anime-watching experience, their dynamic stood out as something quite unique, particularly for supporting characters who eventually become pivotal. Episode 9's symbolism and visual narrative left a lasting impression on me, much like the previous week's episode did. Togame's bloodied hands attempting to mend the shattered fragments Choji left behind resonated deeply, especially given the revelations from the previous episode, solidifying Togame as one of my top characters.
It's truly invigorating to witness how two adolescent gang members in a rebellious anime embody such authentic perspectives on life that align with their age. Togame willingly got his hands dirty just to bring a smile to his closest companion's face, while Choji became entangled in his peculiar notion of freedom, ultimately leaving him feeling like the complete antithesis. All of these elements are beautifully complemented by symbolism, a gentle piano score, and the exceptional voice acting prowess of Kikunosuke Toya, who flawlessly portrays Choji in Denji - Chainsaw Man.
Toya-san's reaction when Choji reached his breaking point gave me goosebumps and transported me to a different world. There have been countless memorable screams in anime, but it's sad to think that this powerful moment might be forgotten or overlooked in the future. It perfectly captured Choji's emotions and the visuals were simply stunning.
Episode 9 of Wind Breaker concludes with an absolutely stunning ending!
I believe this episode really deepened my admiration for Umemiya. The intense 1v1 tournament followed by Bofurin's sudden announcement to wrap it up with a casual "Okay, everyone! Thanks for coming! Time to go home now!" perfectly encapsulated Umemiya's character.
