Summary

• Wind Breaker's final episode left anime fans with 13 memorable episodes to enjoy.
• Despite declining delinquent anime trends, Wind Breaker earned a shocking 4.9-star rating on Crunchyroll.
• The series' protagonist, Haruka Sakura, faces internal struggles and insecurities showcased through brilliant storytelling.

Wind Breaker’s final episode premiered on July 11, 2024, leaving behind 13 episodes full of memorable moments for anime fans to enjoy. The first episode of Crunchyroll’s newest delinquent anime, Wind Breaker, aired on April 5. While delinquent anime are declining, aside from fan favorites like Tokyo Revengers, Wind Breaker earned a shocking 4.9-star rating on Crunchyroll with 46K reviews.

Satoru Nii’s 16-volume Shōnen manga series, Wind Breaker, was first serialized in Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket manga website in January 2021. While the series is lesser known than anime giants such as One Piece or Jujutsu Kaisen, it has proven to be one of the most enticing series on Crunchyroll in the first half of 2024.

From CloverWorks Studio, Wind Breaker follows the story of Haruka Sakura, a two-toned first year, interested only in the strongest of the strong. Sakura dreams of enrolling in Furin High School, an institute of degenerates known primarily for their strength. Once there, he plans to reach the top of the food chain. However, the pessimistic protagonist’s expectations are quickly shattered when he learns that Bofurin, a gang of Furin students, serves as the town’s protectors. Wind Breaker is a solid addition to the delinquent genre and offers numerous fun, action-packed, and down-right hilarious moments throughout the series.

10 Episode 1: Opening Sequence

Episode 1 of Wind Breaker Perfectly Captures the Essence of Its Protagonist in Just A Few Simple Moments

In the series’ first episode, Haruka Sakura, a high school freshman and irer of the “strongest of the strong,” arrives in a new city ready to make it to the top of the food chain. His ultimate goal is to enroll in Furin High School, infamous for its delinquents. However, there is much more to Sakura than what meets the eye.

“But what do you expect from a delinquent like that?” – Sakura’s Memories

Sakura’s half-black, half-white hair, and heterochromia attract judging comments from those around him. He precariously balances on a tightrope in Episode 1’s minimalistic opening sequence. Snide comments he has received for his appearance echo in the distance, which causes him to stumble. Nevertheless, the strong-headed high schooler chooses to stay true to himself. Not only does he fully expect criticism when helping others, he is more comfortable with it. This brilliant representation of Sakura’s internal struggle reappears multiple times throughout the series, providing viewers with a firsthand look into the protagonist’s insecurities.

9 Episode 2: Meet Nirei, The Zenitsu of Wind Breaker

While Nirei Isn’t Physically Strong, His Tenacious Spirit Shakes the Protagonist’s Negative Assumptions About Him

The bubbly-blond Akihiko Nirei bursts into Sakura’s life in Episode 2, appearing to be a cliché fashionista. However, much to his surprise, the protagonist soon learns that Nirei is actually a student at Furin High School, despite the contrasting implications of his flashy exterior. At first, Sakura pins Nirei as a weakling and an embarrassment to the Furin name, but Kotoha Tachibana, a sassy barista, urges him to reconsider his quick judgments.

“When you look at things from only one perspective, you don’t see their actual shape. Of course, you’re free to think whatever you want, but don’t form an opinion too quick. Talk with people. Look closer. Try and understand.” - Kotoha Tachibana

Akihiko Nirei, who later becomes Sakura’s closest companion, has mirroring qualities of Zenitsu from Demon Slayer, both in appearance and demeanor: easily startled, panicky, and often fainthearted. Nevertheless, his first appearance in Episode 1 was an unexpected surprise, introducing him as a cool, casual, stylish classmate. Furthermore, Nirei proves to Sakura that he, too, can stand his ground as he is ruthlessly bullied by a group of thugs. Together, the short-tempered Sakura and notebook-scribbling Neiri make an entertainingly contrasting duo comparable to My Hero Academia’s Deku and Bakugo.

8 Episode 1: The Bofurin Save Haruka

Sakura’s Worldview is Challenged as the Bofurin Make Their First Appearance in Wind Breaker

As Sakura arrives in Furin, a band of no-good thugs from his past challenge him once again. The gang’s leader, Sakaki, berates Sakura for his looks, but this is where the young Furin member is most comfortable. Using his resentment as fuel, he faces the group head-on, alone.

“I’m unusual? All of you are actin’ like I don’t know that better than anyone. Like my looks did something to you, punks! This is me! This is the person I am!” – Haruka Sakura

Despite his best efforts, Sakura is soon overtaken by the gang as he desperately attempts to protect his friend, Tachibana. At the last moment, the Bofurin, protectors of Furin, arrives to save the day. For the first time, Sakura is praised for using his fighting abilities for good. Taken aback, he rejects the thanks, convinced that he should still be considered a social outcast, as should the delinquent Bofurin. However, after a word of encouragement from Tachibana, he soon realizes that the Bofurin are so much more than he gave them credit for: they are a beacon of hope.

7 Episode 3: Haruka Meets the Man at the Top

Umemiya’s Friendly Demeanor Throws Sakura for a Loop

After a 3-episode build-up, Haruka Sakura finally meets the leader of the Bofurin, but he is far from what the bull-headed protagonist was expecting. A confrontation occurs on the border of enemy territory between the Bofurin and Shishitoren, a rival gang, after one of the town’s middle schoolers accidentally wanders into the enemies’ neighborhood. In retaliation for their brutality towards the child, Sakura challenges the Shishitoren’s second-in-command, Jo Togame, who gladly accepts the declaration of war.

Now that Sakura has officially challenged the second-in-command of the feared Shishitoren, Toma Hiragi, one of the Four Kings of Bofurin, must report to the leader what has occurred. Sakura has been dreaming of meeting the head of the Bofurin ever since he arrived, and his moment has come at last. However, as he approaches the top of the school where he resides, Hajime Umemiya sits, gardening. Sakura is utterly shocked by Umemiya’s amicable demeanor. However, despite his chummy personality, the Bofurin’s leader shows his true abilities later in the series.

6 Episode 7: Togame Mirrors Sakura’s Sense of Justice

Jo Togame and Haruka Sakura Discover Their Commonality During Their 1-v-1

of the Bofurin and Shishitoren face-off in a 1-v-1 battle at an abandoned stage. The two second-in-commands, Jo Togame and Haruka Sakura, are up next, and their duel is far from routine. Ultimately, Sakura does not get the win he wants, as Togame trods off the stage, calling it quits. However, the audience gets a clear view of his sense of justice, which mirrors the protagonists’.

Just before Togame completely defeats Sakura, he is enlightened to the fact that his team were harassing a middle schooler. Togame pauses and excuses himself from the fight. He brutally punishes the two perpetrators, removing their Shishitoren jackets, before casually returning to the battle with Sakura. The Bofurin are shocked by his display of justice, believing that the Shishitoren were nothing more than a band of no-good thugs, but it turns out the second-in-commands have much more in common than they realized.

5 Episodes 7-8: Sakura vs. Togame

The Result of Sakura and Togame’s Battle is Far from The One That the Protagonist Desired

As Tomage fights with Sakura, it is clear that his skill level far exceeds Sakura’s. His nonchalant personality versus Sakura’s hot-headed one allows him to gain the upper hand. However, the battle between the two causes some memories to resurface: his early days in the Shishitoren gang. Through his recollection, viewers learn that he and Choji used to be close friends, that is, until Choji became a ruthless, unjust leader. In a shocking turn of events, Togame forfeits the win, allowing Sakura to claim the victory.

“Are you playing some sick joke on me? Why would you give up right at the end? You don’t decide who wins!” – Haruka Sakura

Togame’s backstory is explained throughout his and Sakura’s 1-v-1. Much to Sakura’s dismay, Togame relinquishes the battle, tired of fighting for what Choji, his heartless leader, believes. However, Sakura does not accept this type of victory; he wants to win the old-fashioned way. Still, his sense of justice (like Togame’s) got in the way. Just before Togame was about to finish him off, Sakura scolds him and the rest of the Shishitoren for their unfair treatment of a middle schooler. Togame pauses, and this new information makes him reconsider his role in the gang.

4 Episode 8: Choji Shows His True Colors to Togame

Togame Gets a Glimpse of Just How Ruthless His Leader Can Be

Despite his protestations, Sakura secures the win against Togame. In a wave of excitement, Choji Tomiyama, the leader of the Shishitoren, storms the stage. He crowds Sakura, praising him for his strength and firepower. Then, he calls Umemiya, the Bofurin’s leader, onto the stage, coercing him to begin their battle. However, Sakura still won’t let things slide. He tells Choji that he isn’t quite finished with Togame yet. Still, after a change of heart towards his team, Togame tells Choji to call off the battle, to which the latter has a jaw-dropping response.

“You need to shut your mouth. Nobody wants to hear from the loser.” – Choji Tomiyama

Togame humbly approaches Choji, asking him to forfeit the match. After hearing about the injustices his gang has been committing and ing why he began fighting in the first place, Togame realizes that their feud with the Bofurin is futile. Just before he places his hand on Choji’s shoulder, he is kicked mercilessly in the face and sent flying to the back of the stage. Choji, uninterested in hearing from the loser of the previous fight, puts Togame back in his place by hitting him so swiftly that no one, including the audience, saw it coming, making for an appalling display of his true nature.

3 Episode 9: Umemiya Obliterates Choji

Umemiya’s Potential is on Full Display as He Teaches the Over-Confident Choji a Lesson

Until their battle, Umemiya has remained light-hearted. While Sakura was surprised by the Bofurin leader being such a positive person, after witnessing Choji’s leadership style, the entire team gains a new appreciation for Umemiya. However, everything changes when he steps up to face Choji.

In a desperate attempt to prove Umemiya wrong, Choji tries to convince himself that he is doing what he loves: fighting. In addition, he tries to his gang’s smiling faces, but he soon realizes that these are only memories. He hasn’t truly enjoyed anything in years, and his friends, such as Togame, are now more distant than ever before. Umemiya teaches him a harsh lesson, not only by putting him in his place through physical strength, but also by reminding him what it really means to be a leader that others want to follow.

2 Episode 13: The Bofurin Head to KEEL’s Headquarters

Wind Breaker Concludes in the Perfect Way By Introducing the Bofurin’s Next Big Rival Gang

Wind Breaker’s final episodes leave plenty of new content to be explored in the show’s confirmed second season. The Four Heavenly Kings, the revered leaders of the Bofurin, are finally introduced, but only for a brief time. In addition, the Bofurin become wrapped up in a personal battle with the terrifying new gang, the KEEL, who have wronged one of their fellow .

As Season 1 comes to a close, the Bofurin head to the KEEL’s headquarters, the abandoned Senkan Shipyard. By the end of Season 1, Sakura has finally learned why he fights with the Bofurin: to ensure justice for all in the city of Furin. Although he surely has much more to learn, Sakura’s character arc for the series’ 1st season comes to a satisfying conclusion as he pursues the next big rival gang: the KEEL.

1 Episode 9: Choji Relinquishes His Power to Umemiya

In an Unexpected Conclusion to the Bofurin Versus Shishitoren Battle, One Leader Surrenders Everything

While Choji once fought because he found joy in making it to the top, Umemiya helps him realize that he hadn’t felt anything in a long time. After a brutal defeat, Choji not only recognizes his own feelings towards fighting but also how his actions have affected his closest allies. Choji acknowledges the ways in which he has severely failed, and Umemiya has succeeded. Thus, after his defeat, he holds his Shishitoren jacket out, surrendering his team to the leader of the Bofurin.

Choji believed that if he could beat Umemiya, his only equal, he would obtain control of Furin High School, freedom, and a sense of fun. Instead, he realizes how empty his pursuits have been. While Choji’s character arc is over rather soon, it mirrors the path that the series’ protagonist could have taken as well. As Sakura learns to fight for something other than status, he receives a view of the fate of those who do not fight for justice, but for power.

Cloverworks Studios has officially confirmed season 2 of Wind Breaker. While more information should be released soon, it is set to air in 2025, with a total of 12-13 episodes, similar to its first season. Wind Breaker, Season 1, is a fun, short watch for any delinquent fan.

Wind Breaker is a solid new anime, with twists, heartfelt moments, and great fight scenes. The 1st Season locks in viewers within the preliminary episodes, slows down a bit in the middle and then hooks audiences for Season 2 at the last minute. Fans of Wind Breaker, Season 1, and its best moments have made their feelings about the series clear through glowing reviews on Crunchyroll and a green-lit 2nd Season.