Overview (Spoilers Below):
Shin teams up with Mafuyu, Toramaru, and Kaji to take down a berserk Shinaya. Can these ragtag new allies work together to defeat their rampaging foe?
Our Take:
Given how the JCC operates, it’s no surprise that the exams aren’t going to end well for the contestants. But, with Slur and Gaku invading the exams, some of the few would be lucky to survive the outcome and live to tell the tale. Considering that we’re nearing the end of the season, it also allowed the opportunity for the series to conclude with a bang. This is evident with the arrival of Shinaya, who’s revealed to be controlled remotely by Gaku, and I have to say. This guy is one tough nut to crack, not just for his dangerous strength but also for Gaku’s fighting skills. This puts Shin, along with Mafuyu, Toramaru, and Kaji, in a do-or-die struggle that once again tests his limits with his clairvoyance, at least until Sakamoto finally comes to their rescue.
Sakamoto Days usually satisfies with its stylized and highly entertaining action sequences, with some elevating the stakes for its characters. “Hard Mode” is undoubtedly no exception to the latter, further utilizing the action scenes to fuel Shin’s determination to fight his own battles. Although given that Shin couldn’t read Shinaya’s mind, this showdown puts him in a situation where he must use his fighting skills over his clairvoyance until he activates his full power. Regardless, this particular handicap for Shin was enticing enough to warrant the episode’s narrative stakes. It also did a solid job highlighting Kaji’s insecurities as well as his super hearing, which helped turn the tide of the battle. With it being the penultimate episode of the season, I’m once again satisfied with the show’s balance of action-packed thrills and humor that accompanied the stakes of its characters’ motivations.
