English Dub Review: Wind Breaker “AFTER THE STORM”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
“All of us will work together and become one unit.”  Suzuri-led GRAVEL resolves to walk a different path “together” as they take the extended hand of Roppo Ichiza.  Shizuka, whose decision would have made everyone sad, sincerely apologizes and expresses her gratitude to Tsubakino and Kanji.  Just then, as they have reconciled and everyone’s feelings are in sync, a former Furin student named Endo, covered in tattoos from his back to his shoulders and arms, appears.

Our Take:
Through the power of compassion and fists, GRAVEL has now become the latest antagonistic team to see the error of its ways.  I think the Shishitoren arc in season one was a bit better because it was fleshed out more. Nevertheless, the Keisei Street arc still packs an emotional punch, despite its surprisingly short narrative, which further showcases the show’s balance of action, comedy, and heartfelt depth.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean Bofurin’s problems are over, as they’re now confronting their opposing team’s boss, who happens to share a history with Furin.
This particular person, known as Yamato Endo, doesn’t classify himself as the season’s final boss, but rather a tease of what he’ll be capable of in the next season.  Yamato is not only the mastermind behind GRAVEL’s assignment, but he is also the type of person who loves to push people’s buttons, especially with his twisted nature.  He was considered a legend when he attended Furin, but his mysterious actions led him to leave the school.  Based on Tsubakino’s reactions towards Endo, it’s easy to say that what he did to the school was extremely personal to the school.  Of course, knowing Sakura, the team captain knows an asshole when he sees one.  While his arrival provided more questions than answers, Endo’s first impression showed the potential of him being one of the show’s complex characters, mainly due to his interest in Sakura, with Aaron Roberts’ performance effectively conveying Endo’s sadistic personality.
Fortunately, “AFTER THE STORM” didn’t end things off with a fight to the death like the previous episodes.  Instead, it’s more of a post-fight celebration that has the crew goofing off and celebrating their victory, mainly by playing a video game.  Unsurprisingly, Sakura struggling with a racing game conjured up the most amount of laughs amid his frustration toward Endo, continuing the show’s development of Sakura fitting in with the group.  However, with Endo pushing Sakura’s buttons, would the latter be able to retain that friendship with the crew?  Only time will tell.