Wind Breaker – Episode 4 “Clash” Recap & Review

Clash

Episode 4 of the Wind Breaker begins with Bofurin’s representative Umemiya being obsessed about his leafy vegetables for 5 mins straight and Sakura realising the reason behind Hiragi’s stomach issues: Umemiya talks too much and doesn’t listen!

Finally, after much comedic discussions about vegetables, the boy whom the Bofurin saved, Sasaki, tells the group about how he chased a man who was shoplifting and found himself in the Shishitoren’s area. Shishitoren chased him before Sakura and Sugishita saved him. Umemiya thanks him for protecting the city and Sakura realises that it’s because he’s such a compassionate leader that everybody looks up to him. When Sakura bursts about how lame Shishitoren are, Umemiya ruffles his hair and thanks Sakura for protecting his family. No wonder Sakura’s all red like a ripe tomato while Sugishita is jealous.

No sooner than this jovial exchange takes place, trouble brews as Shishitoren’s leader, Choji Tomiyama, who looks like an immature kindergartener looking for a fight for fun, turns up at Furin High, fighting and defeating all the students on his way. He repetitively asks Umemiya to fight him since he’s bored after being the best of Shishitoren. His presence changes Umemiya’s demeanour, who instantly transform into a responsible leader, whom even Sakura cannot seem to defy. Soon, a few more of Shishitoren appear, including the second-in-command, Jo Togame. Sakura and the others join their leader as well. Tomiyama, who’s over excited about anything that has to do with fighting, suggest that they all fight one-on-one:  Tomiyama vs Umemiya, Togame vs Sakura, and so on. The fight is agreed upon.

Later, at Kohota’s café, everybody assemble while Nirei is losing his mind upon the impending doomsday fight. Suo explains that Kohota’s café is a Bofurin favourite and everyone assembles there before a fight. Soon, Hiragi and Umemiya enter, with Umemiya completely changing into a Kotoha fan. It seems like they’re in a relationship when Kotoha explains that they grew up in the same group home while Umemiya adds that she’s like his sister. Hiragi explains to Sakura discreetly that this is why Umemiya should never know that Kotoha was ever in danger or he’ll kill the rest of them. We also find that Kotoha is the same age, 16 years, as Sakura and the first-year students.

Later, Hiragi reminisces that Shishitoren were not as they are. Fighting with them used to feel good in a strange way but since Tomiyama took over, rumours began spreading that Sishitoren started picking fights forcefully. We learn that Bofurin is going to talk to them the next day, which is obviously going to be a fight as Umemiya explains how a fight is a conversation to learn more about your opponent. The next day, Bofurin cross the bridge over to Shishitoren territory and the episode ends.

The Episode Review

This episode had a lot of humour and introduction to interesting and amusing characters. Umemiya seems like an old soul obsessed with his vegetables and never on the same page with Hiragi. While Hiragi is talking about something, Umemiya is replying about something entirely different leading to frustrations and stomach issues on Hiragi’s part, it’s absolutely hilarious.

But at the same, we saw how a great leader is in this episode. Umemiya is not respected for being strong, but he’s liked because he’s compassionate and kind towards everybody. His strength lies in his deep love and respect for all the town and the school, whom he considers his family. He never rule with an iron fist like the power hungry Shishitoren. Sakura learns how just being powerful is never enough. “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together” is what Bofurin is all about.