She was just using him as a tool all along while he was at one point felt “attracted” toward her even though he kept deceiving himself and convincing himself otherwise lol
How long did it take for a backstory of Kihetai to finally unveil? It has been something that I have been waiting for and we finally got it. A long time ago, I once thought they were the worst of the worst; reality is that they have done dark deeds under more or less good cause; whether it favors the heroes or not. It’s the greatness that Takasugi and his team bring in a very nice narrative. If their task is to make a name for themselves, then mission accomplished.
They came a long way to this point. I remember the first arc that they were all introduced and they did start off like full-fledged villains and Takasugi felt like the final boss. At least that’s how I first saw them. The more series progressed, the more the group begins to feel more towards anti-hero or anti-villain, which has been the case. It is warranted to see the other side of a group who has a dark ambition yet manages to do the good deeds along the way. It’s refreshing.
In Sorachi’s writing fashion, the backstory is conjoined with the sequence of the current action scenes and the result is profound; leaving a strong mark. I thought it was smart to have Matako to narrate the story of Kihetai, which also show her origin. It all begins with Matako wanting to join Takasugi to avenge her family because they were wrongfully executed. It’s interesting that the gun she has actually belonged to her father and that’s why till this day uses it. It’s her way to take revenge for her family.
There are some really good dialogues as well. The words Takasugi said to Matako are grim but give you a good idea of what his life became. It’s distressing yet a relieved that time has changed for the better, even if he maintains to do his routine. It’s the thought and feeling that he has developed for the best. Each member has been following his footsteps and remains loyal.
It also shows Bansai and his first meeting with Takasugi, while Matako was being punished for her meeting with a wanted criminal, even though it was said to be just because. It is mainly done for bait. It’s the corrupted system that they despised yet Takasugi is not the guy that would continue to watch them to do whatever they want. He managed to free Matako.
As it is hard to justify the chapter in this review, it does goes back and forth from present to past whenever it was time to focus on one character and his/her perspective view on the moment that changed their life. In the beginning, it transfer over to Takasugi as once described as a sad lonely man who claims that he will destroy the world, yet the expression doesn’t have a sign of pure evil. When it comes to others, it presented as life changing event.
It connects to the flashback that was shown back in the previous arc; so now we have the bigger picture and it’s a pretty nice moment between the two. It makes sense on why Bansai was led to prison as well as how he was influenced by Takasugi’s words. He always has been a guy who wants to find the best tune, metaphorically speaking for best ideal. He has grown respect for Takasugi because he chose to save the girl; indicating that he’s not just pure evil for the hell of it. Their interaction is amusing as they like to subtly say that they both like the same type of people.
It’s worth mentioning that we even have a backstory of Takechi. It’s like the birth of his feminist running gag or should I say how that plays a role. It’s quite funny that he has been called a pedo since that time. Who knew we would get an origin somewhat of being persisted as a pedo. The interesting point is when he no longer classified Matako as a kid, but as a woman, around that time, he has converted and joined with Kihetai.
He was invited a while back but didn’t think through until now and declared that Takasugi has saved a woman. That’s wonderfully clever to use that trait. I also love how he gave her gun back as to say, “If you’re going to fight, make sure your family is with you.” What a nice tie-in. Only Sorachi can really pull that comical gimmick. I loved it.
The reason why it was smart to use Matako to be the narrator of the chapter is because she in fact started the rise of Kihetai in a way. It all started with one girl that wanted to join and be saved. Takasugi has shown a bit of loneliness. But because of her turmoil, it led him to meet other characters like Bansai and Takechi to join along. Matako felt like she owe her life to Takasugi and wanted to set him free as she knows how he truly feels. Because of how everyone joins with Takasugi, he is no longer alone to fight and aim to destroy the world.
It’s actually sublime to see how and why Matako has fallen for him. He saved her life twice. All he wanted her is live long and enjoy life as his is nothing but dead end. She wants to save him because she feels that the country needs him more than he needs it. She doesn’t want to be acknowledged; she wants to selflessly put his life over. It’s no wonder she was in tear in the last arc. This whole chapter made me respect Kihetai more than ever.
It leaves a badass address to the theme of the chapter. Although they are technically saving the world, Matako, who can be considered the co-founder when you think about it, reassured that they are always the same. The only difference that can always occur is when there is something in the way they will crush those rotten pieces of shit. That’s what Kihetai is all about.
The chapter is sequenced very well done. As it shifts back and forth timeline, it draws a convincing viewpoint of development from each of the members. It also shows how badass they are, especially with Takasugi with that evil smile. This guy loves to be this vicious criminal to the universe. Correct me if I’m wrong but is Matako wearing the same jacket as Takasugi? The last pages are what certified the chapter as greatness. It’s well drawn with an epic shot, address the theme profoundly, and it consists Joui Four. Gintoki isn’t there, but it’s still a glorious shot.
The chapter focuses only on the backstory of Kihetai but the message is well received. After the flashback, their return is well worth of a hero return, despite how ironic that is. It’s nicely addressed, sublime perspective views from each characters, and great sequence that capitalized why Kihetai is born and is here to stay.
