This week’s episode is a perfect continuation to episode 35. It was not easy to watch the disbandment of the team but watching them being passionate and thinking more about it is fascinating. This anime never ceases to amaze us when it comes to showcasing emotions and reactions of the characters on certain thing – these include even those characters that you didn’t expect to show up and react on such events. What’s more amazing is that it makes you divert your attention from the main character.
I like that Mokichi came to attend the tournament on second day because I feel it is a good way to conclude the match between Kuzo and Shinjo. In the previous episode we came to know that Kuzo had lost the match and Shinjo reached the next round but in this episode we that they were outshined by Saijo (and I am not happy for Kojima and Takahashi) which shows that even if our team would not have lost and reached the next round, same thing would have happened with them. So in this way Kuzu Vs Shinjo arc is not that disappointing and I am satisfied with how it ended.
Now let’s get back to the disbandment of the team. At the time when Chuck, Nabe and Yasu were trying to avoid the situation that ignited the fire, Momoharu stepped forward to tell the truth openly which annoyed them. It wasn’t the right way to avoid the situation because if the he also have done the same thing and lied like others then things could have led to worst possibilities if they were caught and we know what occurred after telling the truth. Honestly, I don’t think that getting mad at him is wrong. Nao was so much hopeful about the team but it would have been hard for her to see them being involved in this kind of things. When I saw Satsuki saying it is a betrayal, I thought he went too far but how Kite and Nao acted after that, I don’t think betrayal is not the wrong word. I feel sorry for Kite particularly, for rejecting the offer from that school. If we look back when he bet on 1%, it is evident that he had put faith in his team, he would never have said this if not asked. But after listening to the truth, there is no reason for him to trust them. Kite was hopeful but this whole situation that they are put in because of some team members, there is no hope left. I haven’t had enough of Kite and I really wish that we could see something more from Kite’s point of view. I could literally feel him but when he was lying on the floor with that frustration on his face as if he has lost all hopes.
Moving on from the team and the frustration of some team members, what Mr. Satsuki did was surprising and in a good way. He requested to other teachers. He has discovered a soft spot for this team and finally found a chance to express it. When we first met him, it was implied that he is the sternest advisor but still they were able to make him have faith in them. It’s true that they are not very bright but they all have made improvements at their own pace after joining the team and strengthened the team as a whole. I really like how he responded on a rude comment from a teacher who said that his job was to made them quit instead of wasting energy on something useless. That basically means that there is no use of wasting time and effort on something that can’t be good. These teachers have no faith in them and they believe that there is nothing that can be done for their growth and development. So Mr. Satsuki won the show by taking a stand for them and speaking up as he is not someone who gets to have much to say but when he does, he does it the right way.
But unfortunately, no matter how great the speech was, the team has disbanded along with the suspension if Momoharu and others. If this would have happened in the past, they wouldn’t be feeling guilty or even sad but things have changed a lot now and the guilt on their faces is evident. Momoharu seems to have taken it very seriously of them all and I don’t see hi at the fault. I would like to see his vie point on this whole situation. Because he seems to have been thinking a lot lately but didn’t get a chance to express those thoughts.
But he Momoharu is not the only one who seems to have hard time after losing the match. Madoka, who is not in the basketball season and trying to overcome the rush of emotions after getting the news, gradually understanding that she is missing out on some very significant things of school life. The girls of her age are having fun and going out with boys – honestly, leaving her behind. Although she has not admitted it herself but it looks like she is thinking about that. Regarding her inclining towards Momoharu, it’s not really shocking but I’m looking forward to them having a conversation. There were some cute moments that took place between them so it’s natural for them to have feelings for each other. It’s good that there is no romantic feelings in her for Sora as it would have become difficult for her to deal with the current situation as she already having hard time dealing with her thoughts of regret about things she could do for Sora. I would like to see how things will move forward from here. I also like to see Mika again! He was able to not let go that do! I honestly enjoyed the discussion that happened between Sora’s grandmother and Madoka after the reaction of Momoharu, but what more important is what happened afterwards when Madoka stood up and went to Sora’s bed to cry while the instrumental cover of Happy Go Ducky was being played in the background. That was really sadly dramatic. I really wish that things could get better for Madoka and she could get help after what she has been through. Honestly, I wish that for everyone as they all need some support.
It was completely fine to me if this episode ended on that dramatic moment but I’m glad that the episode concluded on Mokichi and Nao, while Chiaki was standing alone in the rain, implying that there is still some hope! That the team will return to play Basketball together again and things haven’t ended for the team. So it was a great ending to a wonderful episode. I loved this episode. I wasn’t expecting it to be an emotional one but it was not filled with just the sad emotions as I could feel anger, anguish, hopefulness and a little motivation throughout this episode. I hope the best for the team and eager to see what comes next in this amazing series.
