Wind Breaker: Natori’s Lies Unveiled, Episode 3 Shocks!

Today, “Re:start,” the third episode of Season 2 from the anime series “Wind Breaker” was released on Crunchyroll, and it’s shaping up to be the best episode of the season thus far – maybe even the best in the entire series. The storyline revolves around troubled boys who discover purpose through friendship, and learn valuable lessons about strength and leadership along the way. However, the narrative progression often occurs following physical conflicts, but it appears that the character development doesn’t delve much into the broader aspects of their environment. In other words, the audience must fill in many blanks regarding the city, school, and home life of these characters.

Audience members will find solace in the emotionally charged yet comforting scenes that Wind Breaker offers. Despite the fact that the anime often uses flashbacks to help explain why certain characters or incidents are significant, these flashbacks never feel intrusive or misplaced. Contrary to expectation, Wind Breaker Season 2, Episode 3 lacks high-octane battles, which could leave some viewers disengaged if they’re primarily drawn to the anime for its action sequences. However, this slower tempo is precisely what the series required at this juncture. “Re:start” focuses on the repercussions of the previous events, ensuring that each character’s response to the aftermath is given adequate focus and depth, making viewers feel as if they are experiencing the events alongside the characters.

Natori Proves to Be Wind Breaker’s Most Manipulative Character So Far

Yet the Episode’s Final Scene Hints Natori Might Have Been a Puppet All Along

The narrative begins by taking us back to an incident when Nagato encounters Natori for the first time. After finishing middle school, Nagato is strolling by a river when he witnesses a group of boys harassing a younger child, attempting to steal his money. This situation reminds Nagato of his initial encounter with Anzai, where Anzai had intervened to protect him from a similar predicament. With a sense of justice, Anzai reprimands the bullies, asking them why they find pleasure in picking on one individual. Though visibly shaken, Nagato decides to step up and put an end to the altercation, only to get beaten up himself. Just in time, Natori appears, donning his KEEL attire, appearing as a hero and praising Nagato for his courage, even going as far as to call him “amazing.” This act of kindness from this mysterious stranger resonates deeply with Nagato, who may have felt insecure about his own coolness, whether it be his fighting abilities or his moral stand, or perhaps a blend of both. To have this enigmatic figure save the day and then commend him must have been significant for Nagato at that moment.

In a brief moment, it appears that Wind Breaker could potentially replicate the primary storyline of Season 1 by providing a compassionate background for KEEL’s leader, Natori. It’s possible that Bofurin misunderstood the situation, and perhaps Natori is actually a benevolent character. This might have been a foreseeable approach to develop Natori and Nagato’s past, but with the emotional resolution following the Shishitoren arc in Season 1, it could still be impactful. The intricate bond between Togame and Shishitoren’s leader Tomiyama was a significant aspect of Wind Breaker Season 1, and it was touching to witness the Shishitoren and Bofurin group members enjoying a meal together afterward and vowing friendship.

After the cold and ruthless behavior displayed by KEEL’s leader and members during the first two episodes of Wind Breaker Season 2, it would be intriguing to delve deeper into their backgrounds to understand why they act so harshly. Unfortunately, it appears that the show isn’t interested in exploring this aspect as Natori and KEEL will likely fade into the past, hinted by the post-credits scene. In a monologue during the episode, an unidentified character revealed that KEEL served as an intriguing adversary for Furin, but ultimately failed to produce desired results. All we know about this new character is that he bears distinctive tattoos: one on the back of his right hand and another on his left shoulder, which depict a compass or possibly a ship wheel with a wolf chasing behind it. The name “Frank” is inscribed below the shoulder tattoo.

Natori Seems Like a Savior, But He’s Nothing More Than a Bully With a God Complex

Nagato Was Just One of Many KEEL Victims

Despite appearing to praise Nagato, Natori was actually using him as a pawn to join KEEL. Natori exhibits a sense of self-importance, maintaining control over KEEL’s members by instilling fear and manipulation, which has been evident in the fights throughout the first two episodes of the new season. Though Natori’s words might seem genuine when praising Nagato, subtle visual cues such as lighting and camera angles indicate to viewers that Wind Breaker will not follow the storyline from Season 1. As evening approaches, with the sun setting on the horizon, Nagato cowers on the ground, still rattled by the experience, while Natori stands behind him, bathed in sunlight, urging Nagato to join KEEL. However, there’s a sinister undertone to this scene due to the audience’s knowledge of Natori’s true nature.

Viewing things from Nagato’s standpoint, Natori might seem like a champion for justice – so far, his statements and deeds back this up. However, the charm of anime flashbacks lies in the fact that the audience is privy to more information than the character, creating an underlying tension. Moments such as these prompt viewers to warn the character against trusting him, but given the current storyline, it’s already too late, and you can only watch as events unfold.

In the third episode of Season 2 of Wind Breaker, Nagato isn’t left guessing for long. The following scene finds him encountering Natori at the KEEL warehouse, a location familiar to both characters. Natori offers a friendly greeting, but his demeanor takes a darker turn as a KEEL member in the background discusses leaving the team with another member – a suggestion that is swiftly met with violence. Nagato, appalled by this perceived injustice, attempts to voice his concerns to Natori. However, instead of listening, Natori delivers an unexpected punch to Nagato. This harsh initiation into Team KEEL aligns well with viewers’ expectations of Natori’s character at this stage – erratic, brutal, and uncompromising. Although straightforward and unremarkable, it does provide a glimpse into Natori’s approach to leadership.

Rapidly amassing a significant financial obligation to KEEL, Nagato finds himself in this position due to the organization’s ability to maintain a large membership base despite its stern leader. The members of KEEL are not just influenced psychologically or manipulated, but also through financial and physical means. When Nagato fails to meet his payments to the higher-ups within KEEL, he faces physical punishment instead, effectively settling his debts by enduring pain.

Nagato aspired to become as “powerful and admirable” as Anzai, his childhood friend, believing that joining a team would help him achieve this goal. However, he found himself drawn into KEEL, a place where he was forced to commit unjust acts such as theft, merely to stay alive. This predicament left Nagato feeling undeserving of emulating Anzai, the individual he admired the most.

Wind Breaker Season 2 Episode 3 Is Full of Emotion as the Anime Explores What It Means to Be a Leader

Sakura Has a Major Breakthrough in Wind Breaker Season 2 Episode 3

Following the mid-episode opening theme, “Boyz” by SixTones, the enigma surrounding Nirei’s whereabouts during the second part of his battle with KEEL is finally clarified: he fainted outside the warehouse. The sight of Tsugeura carrying Nirei on his back under the golden sunset brings emotional respite after discovering Nagato’s past with KEEL. The lighting and character expressions carry much weight, emphasizing how Bofurin is built upon deep connections – not fear. It’s challenging to envision a KEEL combatant performing such an act after another fighter collapses during a fight; they’d typically choose to kick him while he’s down instead of helping him up.

In the anime “Wind Breaker”, for the first time, Sakura displays an emotion other than being sarcastic or arrogant, which is truly rejuvenating. Previously, his aloof attitude permeated almost every scene he appeared in. Taking on the Grade Captain role was a significant moment for Sakura’s character, a role he hesitated to accept because he didn’t want others to rely on him. Although Kaji criticized Sakura’s lack of attention during the first episode of Season 2, this fight against KEEL could provide a new perspective for Sakura as he begins to acknowledge his flaws and accepts that he is starting to care about his fellow Bofurin team members.

Umemiya’s Benevolent Leadership Style Is a Stark Contrast to Natori’s Cruelty

In the third episode of Wind Breaker Season 2, I found an intriguing narrative device where the story cleverly circles back to Furin’s report to their leader, Umemiya. After Anzai and Nagato recounted the events at the KEEL warehouse, they were bracing themselves for some response from Umemiya, perhaps a reprimand or retaliation. Yet, to my surprise, Umemiya displayed an entirely different demeanor. Instead of meting out punishment, he prepared a meal for Nagato and advised him to eat. The first bite sent Nagato into tears due to its delicious taste.

It’s appropriate that Nagato is dining with Bofurin following their confrontation – it’s an enjoyable reference to Furin’s reconciliation with Togame and Tomiyama from Shishitoren in “Wind Breaker” Season 1. Just as they did, sharing a meal after their conflict, Umemiya expressed his fondness for food. Now, Umemiya is passing this appreciation onto Nagato, who has previously experienced only harsh treatment from team leaders, thus concluding this storyline in a meaningful way.

Nagato: “It’s been a while since I thought something was so delicious.”
Umemiya: “Remember the flavor of it. In moments when you’re worn out, your senses won’t fully appreciate your meal. Yet, eating with people who make you feel truly secure, oddly enough, makes it incredibly delicious. You can’t undo the past. Regardless of what others think, you must bear that weight and carry on. I have no doubt that you’ll face numerous exhausting situations in the future. But it’s during those moments that you recall the flavor, because…it serves as a reminder that you’re not alone.

The series kicked off with a thrilling, albeit unstable, beginning, with its initial two episodes brimming with action. However, Episode 3 seems to provide the season with a welcome pause for breath. Each character gets a moment to process their emotions following the grueling battle, and they share a heartfelt meal together, appreciative of each other’s company and the food they are enjoying communally. The next ten episodes lead up to the season finale in June, leaving plenty of room for unexpected developments. Sakura appears to have some personal challenges ahead as he grapples with his vulnerability, while Furin will undoubtedly encounter a new danger in the near future.

Wind Breaker is currently streaming on .

2025-04-18 01:10