Wind Breaker episode 11: Sakura's core friend group formed as Grade Captain election process begins

Despite fans’ expectations, Wind Breaker episode 11 didn’t focus on what school life at Furin was like, instead continuing to give fans intense action even as season 1’s conclusion approaches. Released on Thursday, June 13, 2024, fans saw two key new characters introduced in an exciting and action-packed way.

Wind Breaker episode 11 also sees Sakura begin to form friendships in his class, with these two new characters, Nirei and Suo forming his core friend group. However, the episode ends by teasing Sakura as taking on a role that will see him forced to socialize with his classmates even more.

Wind Breaker episode 11 sees Sakura’s core group of friends and allies officially formed

Brief episode recap

Wind Breaker episode 11 begins with Sakura still reeling from his Shishitoren fight injuries (Image via CloverWorks)

Wind Breaker episode 11 began with Haruka Sakura walking to school, clearly in physical pain while pondering Hajime Ummeiya’s words to him. Hayato Suo and Akihiko Nirei then appear in front of him, revealing they had been calling out to him for quite a while.

The two walked with Sakura as they entered the school and went to class, upon which they were swarmed by their classmates with questions about the Shishitoren fight.

Sakura hilariously said they could ask Suo and Nirei all about it, prompting Suo to pass the duty off to Nirei. Taiga Tsugeura then appeared wanting to know more, with Nirei saying his skills were on par with Sakura’s and Suo’s. It was then revealed Suo and Tsugeura knew each other, but Tsugeura instead spoke to Sakura and asked him what his virtue was.

Wind Breaker episode 11 then saw Tsugeura assert that a man’s virtue is how he lives, praising Nirei’s virtue of collecting info on all the fighters. Suo then confirmed to Sakura that while he’s a pain, he’s strong. Sugishita then entered the classroom but went to sit down as Tsureuga tried to speak to him.

Wind Breaker episode 11 teases Suo and Tsureuga having a history together (Image via CloverWorks)

The episode then jumped ahead to after school, where they met with Tsureuga at a professional wrestling-themed restaurant. Tsureuga continued to try and get a virtue out of Sakura but asked him to fight when it became clear he wouldn’t talk. Tsureuga praised his proclamation at school the other day regarding being in the top spot, before saying he’ll find out his virtue from Sakura’s fists.

Wind Breaker episode 11 saw Sakura remember Umemiya’s words here before saying that would be fun when a pink-haired classmate of theirs walked in holding hands with a girl. Tsureuga called him Kiryu and invited the pair to sit with them, but they were ignored. Sakura asked how strong Kiryu was, demanding to learn more after hearing about some of his feats.

Tsureuga then called out to Kiryu and his date after realizing Sakura was very interested in him, resulting in Kiryu and Sakura making awkward eye contact. Kiryu said he was interested in Sakura but was busy now so they’d talk at school.

Sakura felt embarrassed, prompting Tsureuga to approach Kiryu’s table and demand he sit with them. Kiryu apologized to his date for this before getting in Tsureuga’s face and asking him to stop.

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Wind Breaker episode 11 saw Kiryu explain that Tsureuga’s large frame and shouting could spook girls, like his date, and that if he stayed like that he’d never get popular with girls. Tsureuga seemed angry at first but then began apologizing, while Kiryu and his date left the restaurant to go somewhere else.

Tsureuga explained that it wasn’t the comment about girls that bothered him, but that carelessly scaring others is against his virtue. The group then heard a commotion outside, with Kiryu explaining he beat up the leader of this gang when he saw him with the girl running into an alley. Tsureuga then commended Kiryu and his virtue, while their opponents shouted about being mocked and went to attack.

Wind Breaker episode 11 saw Sakura make the first strike, knocking down the leader before starting on the rest. Suo, Nirei, and the girl stood back while Sakura, Kiryu, and Tsureuga prepared for a brawl. However, Tsureuga was sent to the floor after one punch, seemingly revealing him as weak. Tsureuga set the record straight by claiming he wanted his opponent to get the first hit before hitting him with a German Suplex.

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Tsureuga said his virtue is to let the opponent shine before stealing the spotlight, to which Sakura said he’d die young with that attitude. Meanwhile, Kiryu was also shown to be an impressive fighter, with the trio quickly making work of the large group. However, Suo recognized he was holding back for fear of him and the others, prompting him to tell Kiryu he doesn’t have to worry since Suo is there for them.

Wind Breaker episode 11 saw Suo make good on this promise as someone went to attack them, which impressed Kiryu. Sakura then saved Kiryu from a sneak attack, telling the others to send them all his way for the fight. The aftermath showed all three virtually uninjured while their opponents were down for the count. Tsureuga then taught Sakura the Bofurin motto about how those with evil in their heart will be purged from the town without exception.

Sakura recognized the phrase as what Toma Hiragi shouted after the brawl from the first episode, while Kiryu told the leader to take his guys, leave, and change their ways, which they obliged. The girl then thanked them for their help before departing, while Kiryu implied that he wanted Sakura to be the Grade Captain. The five then all exchanged contact information, with Sakura blushing out of embarrassment.

The others laughed at Sakura’s only contact being “Weather” before adding their info. At Kotoha Tachibana’s cafe, she asked why Sakura was staring at his phone, before seeing the screen and adding her number. Sakura then hilariously got overwhelmed by the fast pace of a group chat, taking out his frustration on the others at school. Wind Breaker episode 11 ended with Suo nominating Sakura for Grade Captain.

In review

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The greatest compliment that the latest installment in the Wind Breaker anime series can be paid is its ability to blend Sakura’s character growth and development with exciting action. Likewise, the series continues to prove that it is a character-driven narrative and that it knows exactly what to do to make that narrative as enthralling as possible.

The little moments in the episode specifically highlight this, such as Sakura being so unfamiliar with texting and group chats that he’s physically overwhelmed after forming one with his friends. His body language as he meets Kiryu and Tsureuga further highlights his discomfort and unfamiliarity, but also makes it more rewarding as he visibly warms up and opens up to them.

In summation

While Wind Breaker episode 11 didn’t quite go in the direction fans were expecting, it was nevertheless an exciting episode that set up an engaging conclusion to the first season. Although it won’t be action-packed, it will see Sakura take his biggest step yet to truly becoming Furin’s number one.