One of my friends once said that the Broccoli arc went as it went mainly because the Ekubo-Mob-Reigen trio basically fell apart. Mob got carried away, Ekubo became completely obsessed with his desire for godly power, Reigen decided to turn his middle-schooler-apprentice into a cult leader… It turns out these three are quite dysfunctional when left on their own.
And now I have something to add: I think that if Ekubo had talked to Reigen instead of Mob (which, by the way, wouldn't be completely out of nowhere, because they formed a partnership during season 2), the whole arc would have been prevented. Ekubo and Reigen are mirrors for each other. Ekubo would have seen what Reigen was doing and understood how crazy that was. Reigen would have seen Ekubo and realised the same. (The basis of their relationship is that they are very similar, they see themselves in each other, and that leads to mutual hostility at first, but then it transforms into a very deep understanding).
They would have started arguing, both of them, most likely, still pursuing their own goals… But eventually they would have understood how dangerous the situation had become.
And Mob would have stopped them from getting too heated and going too far. And they’d have made up. And lived happily as two fathers and a son ever after.
A super quick sketch I’ve just done during my free time at work, because I love them so much!!!
I love them I love them I love them!
And I think it's important to remember that they are a trio. They have a very balanced relationship as a trio. And it's beautiful!