Warning: This article contains spoilers for Episode 8 of SAKAMOTO DAYS, titled “Sakamoto Store vs The Lab, ”now streaming on Netflix.
Episode Overview
- Shin’s backstory is elaborated, revealing the origins of his psychic abilities through a childhood mishap.
- Sakamoto and Shin engage in a complex confrontation with Mad Horiguchi, involving psychological tricks and sedative injections.
- Kashima introduces a distinct menace with weaponry integrated into his body, while Shin faces an invisible suit adversary.
Episode Highlights
In the eighth installment of SAKAMOTO DAYS, the mystery surrounding Shin’s past unfolds. This episode offers exhilarating moments and more character involvement than its predecessor, with Sakamoto facing off against the eccentric Mad Horiguchi in a duel that leans toward the absurd.
Notably, this episode enriches the narrative, shedding light on a character who has kept much of his identity hidden. The participation of Osaragi and Shishiba from The Order injects a new layer of intrigue and excitement into the unfolding action.
Unveiling Shin’s Lab Connection
The Heartbreak of Shin’s Powers
Revisiting events from Episode 7, “Jurassic Dude, ”we learn that Lu was held captive by Kashima’s subordinates alongside Asakura, who is revealed to be Shin’s surrogate father. In their confinement, Asakura recounts how Shin was once an ordinary, lively child. However, one fateful day, while drowsy, Shin ingested a mysterious green liquid from a test tube in the lab, drawing parallels to Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece, who obtained supernatural abilities through a similar impulsive act.
As The Lab struggled to replicate or reverse the accidental alterations to Shin’s physiology, it became clear that something extraordinary about his body was at play. Initially, the scientists were impressed with his newfound abilities, but soon discomfort grew as they realized the unsettling implications of Shin reading their innermost thoughts. Although Asakura endeavored to create an antidote, his efforts were futile, and Shin expressed no desire to revert his abilities.
Eventually, after a dispute regarding the merits of Asakura’s research, Shin chose to leave the lab—highlighting the troubling fact that no one was able to file a missing person report. This led to a transformative path for Shin, culminating in his role as an assassin. The poignant backstory deeply moves Lu and Tanaka, prompting Lu to reassure Asakura of Shin’s acceptance of his powers, allowing the scientist a measure of peace. Utilizing a special concoction, Asakura aids in their escape, and Lu showcases her formidable skills by neutralizing a guard.
Confronting the Mad Scientist
Sakamoto and Shin’s Confrontation
The battle against Mad Horiguchi, continuing from the previous episode, escalates significantly. Horiguchi employs his overwhelming tactics, leaving Shin struggling with cognitive disarray due to his speech issue, while Sakamoto grapples with a drug that distorts his targeting.
This volatile environment cements Horiguchi as a formidable enemy; he toggles an agent that causes Sakamoto to inadvertently harm Shin. As the scientist boasts his superiority through scientific means, Shin counters by asserting that understanding his psyche is Horiguchi’s downfall.
A critical clash ensues as Horiguchi launches a relentless assault, incapacitating Shin with a cocktail of drugs. Dusting himself off, Sakamoto steps in to rally. Horiguchi’s self-doping leads to a grotesque transformation, but neither Shin nor Sakamoto falters. Using a force akin to “aura farming, ”Shin gains advantage over the monstrous Horiguchi, turning the tide in their favor.
Sakamoto, leveraging his telepathic link with Shin to navigate the fray, strategically evades Horiguchi’s blows while retaliating. This sequence is visually compelling and reminiscent of high-stakes battles reminiscent of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Jujutsu Kaisen. Post-defeat, the trio of heroes recovers and reconciles, with Shin conveying his contentment with both his abilities and his present life.
Encountering the Weapon Man
“Eccentric”is an Understatement
As Shin and Sakamoto pursue Lu down to the basement’s fourth level, Sakamoto unexpectedly tumbles through a concealed trap door. Meanwhile, Kashima and his henchmen confront Shishiba and Osaragi, who have dispatched several adversaries while on a quest for Slur. Kashima feigns ignorance about Slur’s whereabouts, but his reckless actions at The Lab position him as a target for retribution according to JAA regulations.
The ensuing confrontation leads to swift decapitations, exposing Kashima’s erratic psychology as he mourns his subordinates while brandishing weaponry from his body. In a comical twist, Shishiba’s hammer takes Kashima’s head for a spin, but he remains unfazed, questioning the resilience of his artificial anatomy.
Upon meeting Sakamoto, Osaragi instantly admires him, likening him to a charming giant teddy bear. Kashima recognizes Sakamoto as the only individual to have wounded “that person”(Slur) and resolves to eliminate him while showcasing his bizarre armory emanating from his body.
The episodic stylings range from well-animated to choppily choreographed, particularly the clash between Sakamoto and Kashima. Concurrently, Shin struggles against Seba, donning an invisible suit, who incentivizes a swift victory for the reward. In a desperate moment, Shin sustains a gash, marking Seba with his blood, guiding Heisuke, who enters in time to deliver the final blow, wrapping up an action-packed episode that showcases marginal improvements in animation quality.
SAKAMOTO DAYS is now streaming on Netflix.
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