Episode 32

## "Strive together"

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**"Strive together"** is the eighth episode of the second season and the 32nd episode overall of the *Tokyo卍Revengers* anime series, produced by Liden Films.

## Synopsis

Mitsuya, who rushed to the scene after receiving word from Chifuyu, was also pushed back by the strength of Taiju, and was joined by Koko and Inupi from the Black Dragon. In a desperate situation, Hakkai once again takes up the dagger, but is stopped by Takemichi. Takemichi then declares, "If I win, I get the Black Dragon!" and continues to face the overwhelming difference in power between Takemichi and Taiju.

## Summary

Takemichi states that if he beats Taiju, he is taking over Black Dragon. He tries to attack Taiju, but ends up punched by him. He proceeds rushing at him and trying, but only gets beat up by Taiju. Hakkai tells him to stop as he can't change anything. Takemichi recalls how he used to be alone and tells Hakkai that he is wrong, and Hakkai is the one that can't change. Takemichi faces Taiju again, recalling that the first time he decided to change the future was after Atsushi died, but since then little by little people acknowledged him. Takemichi manages to hit Taiju in the same moment as Taiju hits him. Taiju states he barely felt it, but then falls on his knees. Takemichi again stands up, not ready to give up yet. Takemichi tells Hakkai that even if there is a slight chance to change the future, its worth risking your life. Fighting isn't painful, but being alone is what's most painful. Takemichi tells Hakkai that he can talk with him about anything, since they are friends. Hakkai falls on his knees and asks Takemichi to save him.

Meanwhile, everyone is surprised that Taiju fell on his knees. Taiju stands up and Takemichi faces him, telling Hakkai that he will protect Yuzuha, just like he wants. Hakkai then tells him that things aren't like that and that there isn't a single bruise on his face, however Yuzuha is beaten up. Hakkai wanted to protect Yuzuha, but didn't had the courage to defy Taiju. Yuzuha was the one protecting Hakkai and all he said was a lie. The one who was taking the beatings for two was Yuzuha, and not Hakkai. Hajime finds Hakkai lame as not only he was protected by a woman, but also took her credit. Yuzuha tells him to shut up and that it was her decision. Hakkai apologizes and asks Takemichi to forgive him. He explains that all of this happened because of him as he got caught in his lies. Takemichi tells Hakkai that he sucks, but he isn't the only one who sucks, as Takemichi sucked even more. Takashi also states that Hakkai sucks, but explains that he acted big when he said to not hate the life he was born into, as in reality Takashi hated his life. One time he got fed up and left his siblings, but when he came home, his mother slapped him, however after that she gave him a hug and cried while apologizing for their situation. Takashi states that everyone is weak, but this is why people have friends. Takemichi states they won't abandon him for lying. Hakkai takes off his Black Dragon jacket and thanks everyone.

Hakkai faces Taiju and tells him he won't be wearing the Black Dragon uniform ever again. Taiju states that he is the one that protected their family and he shouldn't defy him. Hakkai then punches Taiju, stating that he will protect his family and friends, and beat up Taiju. Chifuyu notices that he didn't say "kill", but "beat", and tell Takemichi that the future will change. Hakkai and Taiju exchange some blows. Eventually Taiju gets angry that God is testing him again and takes Hakkai down with a single punch, wondering why he must kill two of his family members. After beating Hakkai, he turns to Takemichi and the rest and tells them that they won't be getting out of here alive as his soldiers have surrounded the church. Chifuyu looks out of the window and confirms that there are hundred Black Dragon members outside. Takemichi states he never intended to run away and unless they beat Taiju, the future won't change.

Takashi states that he is a failure as an older brother as his expectations for Hakkai, made him suffer. He thanks Yuzuha for protecting him on her own and tells her that he respects her, and tells her its their turn to protect him. Yuzuha recalls a day when her mother was in the hospital and asked her if she likes her father. Yuzuha explained that she doesn't know as her father is never home and almost never talks to him. Her mother apologizes and hugs Yuzuha, telling her that she will protect her. Yuzuha tells her to not worry about it and focus on getting better, however not longer after that, her mother dies. Sometime after that at her grave, Yuzuha tells her that Hakkai started going to school and that she will protect the family and hopes one day she to hug her again. Not long after their mother's death, Taiju started beating Yuzuha and Hakkai every day. One day, Taiju was angry for someone leaving the toilet seat up. Yuzuha states it was she who did it, but Taiju knew she was lying as only boys lift up the seat. Taiju took Hakkai to beat him up, but Yuzuha asked to beat her instead of him. Taiju then decided that she will be taking the beatings for the two of them. Tetta called her and told her what is happening and gave her a knife to protect Hakkai.

Takashi and Chifuyu take on Seishu and Hajime, while Takemichi takes on Taiju. Hakkai wakes up and joins Takemichi. As the two fight Taiju, Yuzuha feels her mother's hug who tells her that she isn't alone. However the beaten up Takashi and Chifuyu can't proceed fighting for much longer. Takemichi also passes out. Taiju tells Hakkai that he is a fool and had lost everything. However, Hakkai tells him to get lost and hopes he learn his lesson in hell. That angers Taiju and he and Hakkai continue fighting, but Taiju has the upper hand.

Everyone then hear a motorbike engine. Takashi recognizes it as Manjiro's bike. Manjiro then parks his bike and heads towards the church. Takemichi wonders who called Manjiro, but states that with him, they are saved. Takashi isn't so sure as they are the ones who broke the truce and isn't sure what will Manjiro think of that. Manjiro enters the church, wishing everyone Merry Christmas and wonders what are they all doing on this day.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

1. Taiju Shiba
2. Takemichi Hanagaki
3. Hakkai Shiba
4. Seishu Inui
5. Hajime Kokonoi
6. Kazushi Yamagishi (flashback)
7. Makoto Suzuki (flashback)
8. Atsushi Sendo (flashback)
9. Keisuke Baji (flashback)
10. Ken Ryuguji (flashback)
11. Chifuyu Matsuno
12. Takashi Mitsuya
13. Yuzuha Shiba
14. Tetta Kisaki (flashback)
15. Manjiro Sano

## References

 "ON AIR | TVアニメ『東京リベンジャーズ』公式サイト". *tokyo-revengers-anime.com (in Japanese)*. Retrieved on October 11, 2023.
 "STORY | TVアニメ『東京リベンジャーズ』公式サイト". *tokyo-revengers-anime.com (in Japanese)*. Retrieved on October 11, 2023.