Article Key Points
Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku Arc explores the relationship between Emma and Mikey, shedding light on their past and the bond they share.
Toman is confronted with turmoil as they discover Tenjiku's activities and the lack of their Captains, compelling them to face a challenging battle against Izana's forces.
The situation takes a grim twist with the tragic demise of Emma, a result of Kisaki's conniving actions. This devastates Mikey and intensifies the stakes for Toman's impending confrontation with Tenjiku.
Warning: The following content contains spoilers for Episode 5 of Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku Arc, titled "A Bad Hunch," which is currently available for streaming on Disney+.
In Episode 5 of Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku Arc, the imminent confrontation between the Tokyo Manji Gang and Tenjiku takes center stage. This episode delves into the deep bond between Emma and Mikey, while also addressing the aftermath of Yasuhiro Muto's betrayal, revealed in the previous episode. Additionally, shocking revelations regarding Tenjiku's activities come to the surface, causing Toman to struggle in maintaining any semblance of order amidst the surrounding turmoil.
All things considered, Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku Arc has taken its time to elucidate the connections between Emma, Mikey, Izana, and Shinichiro. Conversely, this episode also witnessed the emergence of a recurring antagonist who, after a prolonged wait, has finally sprung into action, resorting to drastic measures to accomplish their goals. In the aftermath of this event, Mikey, Takemichi, and their comrades must now confront an even more daunting tragedy as they engage in an uphill battle against the formidable forces led by Izana.
Emma's Introduction To The Sano Family
The episode began on a melancholic tone, showcasing a flashback to the day Karen Kurokawa left Emma at the Sano household, assuring her that she would be back after finishing her business. However, Emma sensed the hollowness in her mother's words, realizing that she had no intention of returning. Initially, Emma struggled to adapt to her new environment, despite the Sano siblings' grandfather urging Manjiro and Shinichiro to treat her like family.
After a class at the Sano Dojo, Manjiro and his childhood friend Keisuke Baji, who also trained there, discovered that Emma believed her mother hated her and broke down in tears. Later on, Manjiro overheard Shinichiro and his grandfather talking about their concerns for Emma and their desire to see her happy.
To make Emma feel more welcome, Manjiro suggested sparring with her and decided to be called "Mikey" to make her name fit in better. This act of kindness touched Emma deeply, and she cried tears of joy, feeling a sense of loneliness vanish for the first time in her life. From that day forward, with the support of Mikey, his grandfather, and Draken, Emma reflected that she had never felt alone again.
The Tokyo Manji Gang In Disarray
The scene transitioned to a meeting between Mikey and members of Toman's First Division. Inui stepped forward and informed them that there was a high possibility of Tenjiku striking on February 22, the anniversary of the Black Dragons' establishment. Mikey and Takemichi reaffirmed the mission of the First Division to rescue Hajime Kokonoi. Shortly after, in an urgent gathering of all Toman members, Draken provided a comprehensive overview of the situation, mentioning that Tenjiku would likely employ unfair tactics.
At that moment, Hakkai interjected, proposing that Toman should confront them on equal terms. He revealed that the captains of the Second and Fourth Divisions, Takashi Mitsuya and Nahoya Kawata (known as Smiley), were currently hospitalized due to an attack by Tenjiku members on motorcycles. Taken aback by this revelation, Takemichi realized that most of Toman's captains were now incapacitated. Hakkai rallied the troops, urging them to stoop to Tenjiku's level in order to secure victory.
At that moment, Ryohei Hayashi — also known as Peh-yan — revved his bike and interrupted, proclaiming that achieving victory would not be worthwhile if it tarnished Mikey's integrity. In response, Mikey declared that none of the Captains would participate in the battle against Tenjiku, but this decision didn't diminish his determination, as he would shoulder their responsibility alone. Stirred by his words, Toman's members regained their determination and rallied together, pledging to crush Tenjiku.
A Fateful Gathering At Shinichiro's Grave
The next day, Inui and Takemichi visited the Sano family grave to pay their respects to Shinichiro and acknowledge Takemichi's new role as the leader of the Eleventh Generation Black Dragons. As Takemichi pledged his dedication to the gang, Izana suddenly appeared, claiming to honor his adoptive older brother. Filled with fury, Inui seized Izana by the collar and aggressively questioned him about his intentions with Kokonoi.
Izana calmly replied that he had no intentions of taking any action and dismissed Inui's opinion since Kokonoi was now part of Tenjiku. Just as Inui was about to strike Izana, Mikey intervened, accompanied by Emma. The leader of Toman then asked Takemichi to ensure Emma's safety while he discussed the terms of Toman's fight against Tenjiku.
Meanwhile, in another area of the town, Kisaki picked up a metal baseball bat and hopped onto a motorcycle driven by Yasuhiro Muto. As Muto commented on Kisaki rarely getting involved directly, Kisaki explained that he couldn't trust this task to anyone else. Returning to the graveyard, Izana proposed to Mikey that they settle everything with a battle at Yokohama's Seventh Pier later that night.
Viewing the scene from a distance, Emma observed the imminent clash between Mikey and Izana. Simultaneously, she recognized that beneath his facade of invulnerability towards Toman's members, Mikey remained a vulnerable and fragile child at heart. Expressing her role as his sister, Emma reassured Takemichi that she would always be there to support Mikey whenever he felt overwhelmed by the pressures of leading Toman.
Losing What He Treasured Most
Wondering how Mikey could have lost his way in the future, Takemichi was perplexed, especially considering that Emma was always by his side. As this realization hit him hard, the focus shifted to a meeting among the influential members of Tenjiku. Continuing a previous conversation, Kisaki and Izana stood together, while Kakucho implored Izana to reconsider his decision, expressing his disapproval of murder. In response, Izana firmly stated that it was the sole method to annihilate Toman.
Upon receiving this response, Kakucho left in frustration. Kisaki then advised Izana to take on the role of Mikey's emotional support from that point forward. With this, Kisaki celebrated his victory internally, as he was now just one step away from creating his own Toman. Back at the graveyard, Emma and Takemichi heard the sound of a bike approaching, while Kisaki shouted and waved his bat. Startled by this, Takemichi could only stand frozen in shock as Kisaki rode past him and struck Emma on the head, causing a fatal injury.
Takemichi turned around and was horrified to see Emma lying on the road, covered in blood and motionless. Mikey arrived shortly after and stood equally stunned as Takemichi explained the situation to him. Determining to carry Emma on his back to a nearby hospital, Mikey lifted his sister and began walking, while Takemichi prayed for her well-being. For a brief moment, Emma regained consciousness and expressed her love for Draken, asking Mikey to relay the message.
Afterwards, Takemichi was entrusted by her to look after Mikey, as she took her final breath. The news of Emma's death left Mikey visibly devastated, struggling to find words as he shared his vision of a future where she would marry Draken and they would raise a child together. Tears filled his eyes as Mikey painted a vivid picture of their adult lives, reliving their youthful adventures alongside Takemichi, Draken, Mitsuya, and Emma.
This marked a turning point that could not be undone, as Mikey lost yet another person he considered family due to Kisaki's despicable scheming. It further highlighted Kisaki's despicable nature, willing to stoop to any low to achieve his desires. The stakes are raised for the final confrontation with Tenjiku, as Toman may now have to face this battle without their iconic leader who is consumed by the grief of losing his beloved sister.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the Tenjiku Arc in Tokyo Revengers. On one hand, I am excited to see the story unfold and learn more about the characters. On the other hand, I am worried about the direction the story is taking and how it will affect the characters I have come to love.
Overall, I think the Tenjiku Arc is a well-written and engaging story arc that is keeping me on the edge of my seat. I am excited to see what happens next and how the characters will develop.