Overview
- Haruka collaborates with Anzai to free Nagato from the clutches of the violent gang, Keel.
- Nagato faces immense challenges as he attempts to escape his role as the gang’s victim.
- Classmates rally together against Keel, receiving unexpected support from a group of upperclassmen.
Wind Breaker season 2 introduces an intense conflict as first-year students from Furin High confront the infamous gang, Keel. This confrontation is precipitated by a minor character needing protection from Bofurin—a key plot point that draws the attention of Haruka Sakura. What inspires Haruka to intervene, and who is the character in need of aid?
In the previous season, Haruka Sakura emerged as one of the first-year captains, navigating the challenges of leadership. Meanwhile, his peer Masaki Anzai was ensnared in a dire situation involving the notorious gang, Keel. Known for their brutal activities, this gang proved to be even more dangerous than Shishitoren (Lion Head), compelling Haruka and his fellow classmates to act quickly to assist Anzai.
Please note that this article contains significant spoilers regarding the Wind Breaker anime and manga series.
The Origins of Atsushi Nagato’s Conflict with Keel
Understanding the Abused Members of Keel
- First Appearance in Anime: Wind Breaker season 1, episode 13
- First Appearance in Manga: Wind Breaker chapter 40
- Gang Affiliation: Keel
Keel stands out as a gang characterized by wickedness and violence, engaging in harassment and theft. Atsushi Nagato, a kind-hearted and earnest individual, finds himself trapped as the newest member of this fierce group. His primary motivation is the desire to gain strength and ultimately protect the innocent, as well as reconnect with his childhood friend, Masaki Anzai.
“Money or getting hit? What do I do?”—Atsushi Nagato
In many ways, Nagato parallels Akihiko Nirei from Furin High; both lack the fighting prowess characteristic of their respective gangs but aspire to grow stronger and stand with their friends. Unlike Bofurin, which safeguards Nirei, Keel subjects Nagato to severe mistreatment, consistently exploiting his weaknesses.
Nagato’s Struggle to Escape Keel
Becoming a member of Keel is straightforward, yet extricating oneself proves nearly impossible. Once Nagato realizes the gang’s true nature, he grapples with the weight of his predicament. In an effort to avoid brutal punishment, he resorts to committing unethical acts to fulfill the gang’s demands, but ultimately finds himself serving as their scapegoat, facing violent repercussions regularly.
Nagato’s Ties to Bofurin
The Friendship with Masaki Anzai
Fortunately, Nagato’s friendship with Masaki Anzai proves to be a lifeline amidst his struggles with Keel. The two have shared a deep bond since childhood, supporting each other through thick and thin. Although Anzai is determined to alleviate Nagato’s burdens, he hesitates to intervene, fearing for his friend’s safety. Regardless, Anzai commits to rescuing Nagato, emphasizing the profound nature of their friendship.
“If only I were stronger, I could’ve forced you to come home with me.”—Anzai to Nagato
However, Nagato feels unworthy of this support due to his past wrongdoings. Despite his doubts, Anzai is determined to help, motivated by a promise made to their mutual friend, Mio, that he would protect Nagato at all costs. Moreover, Haruka’s keen observations allow him to identify Anzai’s plight, facilitating Bofurin’s involvement in rescuing Nagato.
Haruka Sakura: The Ally in Need
Challenges Faced by the New Captain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITwTpnS56TAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITwTpnS56TA
Haruka did not shy away from assisting Anzai in his quest to liberate Nagato from Keel’s grasp. His fellow classmates, including Nirei, Suo, Kiryu, Tsugeura, and Sugishita, united to confront Keel at their hideout—a decrepit shipyard perceived as manageable for their first-year gang. Contrary to expectations, they encountered an overwhelming force of armed gang members.
Armed with makeshift weapons such as metal pipes and baseball bats, Keel initially gained the upper hand against Haruka’s group. Just as their situation appeared dire, second-year students led by Kaji Ren intervened, turning the tide in Furin’s favor and ultimately overpowering Keel.
“This is all my fault! Just admit it!”—Haruka Sakura to his classmates
While Nagato’s character may appear minor within the grand narrative of Wind Breaker, his role in the conflict involving Keel holds substantial significance. He serves as the catalyst for the battle between Keel and Furin, providing Haruka a crucial opportunity to learn valuable lessons about leadership in his nascent days as a captain. Ultimately, he realizes that the essence of leadership resides not in emulating existing leaders but in fostering mutual support among his peers.