The conflict between the city’s two gangs escalates, due in part to Sunohara pretending to be Kazuto. The rival gang, feeling threatened by his return, is encroaching on the territory of Kazuto’s gang, thus increasing the fighting in the city. Tomoyo advises Yukine and the others to make peace with the rival gang before the police intervene and make matters even more serious.

Yukine and Tomoya go to meet with the rival gang. They arrange a one on one duel between Sasaki, the leader of the rival gang, and ‘Kazuto’ to settle who gets control of the city. At the riverbank the next afternoon, the two gangs stand poised for the duel. Nagisa inadvertently multi-kills Sunohara and most of the gang with Sanae’s rainbow bread (with Akiko jam for good measure!), leaving Tomoya the only man standing. Tomoya steps up and fights Sasaki despite the severe handicap of his bum right shoulder. Although Tomoya is severely outclassed he manages to hold his own with Sasaki until well into the night. Suddenly the silhouette of Kazuto appears under the moonlight. Sasaki punches the fake Kazuto and it turns out to be Yukine who donned the disguise to make the two gangs stop fighting.

The next morning everyone visits Kazuto’s grave with Yukine, who reveals that she and Kazuto’s gang kept his death a secret from everyone so as not to upset the balance of power in the city. She recounts being afraid of her brother and his friends but as she got to know the gang after his death, she felt like she finally understood Kazuto and his ideology. Sasaki’s gang is moved as they pay their respects to Kazuto and stop the territorial feud. Tomoya briefly sees an orb of light floating away in the sky.

Yukine later tells him the legend of the city that when people are happy, orbs of light appear that can grant wishes. She proposes that perhaps Tomoya is special since he was able to see the orb of light. Yukine counts her blessings for having so many wonderful friends from the gang to Tomoya and company.

Want to put your head on my lap?

Okay.

Sunohara is shocked, not like it takes much to shock him anyway.

Don’t make Tomoyo open a can of Hyakuretsu Kyaku on your ass.

The Clannad universe seems to center around Sunohara’s room.

Sasaki, leader of the rival gang and all around badass.

Maybe we should have called for backup.

Sunohara, the truth is… I’ve always loved you ever since the moment we met!

Why thanks. I’m flattered.

Oh warriors, come out to play~i~ay.

If you got that reference, kudos to you.

Nagisa: Before your street brawl, how about some delicious…

RAINBOW BREAD!

And special Akiko jam~

EPIC JAM MEETS EPIC BREAD!

It’s freakin’ delicious! Your tastebuds will explode with flavor! EAT IT!

Maybe we should have offered some to the other gang.

Tomoya is overmatched…

But he has guts and GAR to compensate.

Mada mada dane.

You’re doing great Tomoya. You’re wearing him out by letting him beat you up, right?

Pawnch!

Is that Kazuto?

No, it’s Yukine. And she got Falcon Punched in the face. =(

Visiting Kazuto’s grave.

I guess this means Yukine is technically the gang leader?

Crying Yukine. ;_;

That’s what you call respect.

UFO sighting.

Yukine: Thanks for being my friend even though I’m really weird.

The beautiful Yukine Miyazawa. My heart is fluttering~

In memory of Kazuto. The soul still burns.

Impressions:
A nice end to the brief but great Yukine arc. I already had the conclusion spoiled for me before watching this episode, but it was still executed very well. Yukine is technically a secondary girl, but I really liked her arc and thought it was good enough to be a main arc. I also thought it was substantially better than the weak Tomoyo and Kyou arcs. At any rate the Yukine arc provides a vital clue concerning the oft seen orbs of light gathering in the city.

Sanae is hilariously dangerous even when she has no screen time, and I positively love the reference to Akiko from Kanon being her friend. Two moms with dangerous foods… Priceless. Sanae bread + Akiko jam = Instant KO. Sunohara’s reaction after barging in to see Yukine with her head on Tomoya’s lap, also priceless. So next episode looks like to start wrapping up the school life portion in preparation of the real after story. Does this mean no mini Ryou arc? Next time, The Melancholy of Tomoya Okazaki.

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