Yeah, this is probably my favorite episode in the entire series so far. I am in disbelief that I was effected so deeply, but them again it’s Ranking of Kings so I should never let my guard down. I always cry during these episodes but this one really struck a nerve. I simply won’t stop sobbing.

The fact that this episode opened with Bojji witnessing his mother’s death, (and Miranjo being the one who organizes the attack,) fucking broke me. I cannot believe we are just learning that he was there when it happened. Seeing little Bojji sob while standing under his mother while pools of blood are coming out of her… FUCK. That imagery will haunt me until I die, thanks for that. I’m pretty sure I called Miranjo “a fucking bitch”  like fifteen times out loud (while I was bawling my eyes out so it probably sounded like incoherent nonsense,) and I even CLAPPED when I saw her get shot, (even though this bitch is STILL ALIVE INSIDE OF A MIRROR). Yes, I know I am doing all of this cuz of fictional people inside of a screen but I do not care. This series has me more invested emotionally than almost anything else I have ever watched.

OKAY but what about the devil???? We saw at the end that the devil dude was there when Miranjo was basically at her death, so was he the one who put her in the mirror? They seemed to be all buddy buddy so I assume so. We still don’t know why he came out of Bosse, pointed at Bojji, and started laughing like… okay sir. BUT ALSO WHATS UP WITH OUKEN?? I know it also has something to do with this same devil dude but I need more info!!! Right now!!! Like, weren’t Miranjo and the devil the ones who help grant him eternal life… UGH there’s so much happening!!

One thing I really, really admire about this show is how they give time to flesh out every single character they introduce. Even when moments have really high intensity and we’re waiting to see what will come next, it still gives time to add so much more depth to everyone. Never in a million years did I expect they would give such a backstory to Gigan. I was already an emotional wreck at this point but oh my god. Also the way that Desha handled everything?????? GOSH THIS SHOW IS SO RICH WITH EMOTIONAL DEPTH I CANNOY HANDLE IT!!!

Speaking of emotional depth, I HAVE to mention the scene at the end with Domas and Hokuro. One of the simplest moments ever but also the most impactful: Domas, the man who attempted to murder Bojji, on his knees begging for forgiveness. Hokuro, who wasn’t there to prevent it, on his knees as well. Bojji, whom has always seen the best in people, is left panicked, confused, and heartbroken. He knows that Domas had cared about him… but after that moment he doesn’t know what to do.   Kage stands in front of Bojji and declares his friendship to him, which leads Hokuro to tears. Kage also says that he was the one to save Bojji after being pushed, which also makes Domas cry.

Kage goes to Bojji and says “You wouldn’t mind forgiving them, would you?” Knowing Bojji, you would assume he would. You would  assume he would consider them good people and forget about the pain they had caused… but he doesn’t. He runs. Seeing Bojji so hurt is so very painful. I of course do not fault him for running, but after seeing him interact with people for sixteen episodes, this is so out of character and disheartening. Kage doesn’t know what to do either; his best friend is struggling and he has no way of helping. So he does the thing he know he’s capable of; playing around like a kid. It’s easy to forget that Kage and Bojji are just young boys after everything they have accomplished and been through; they haven’t really had a moment to just have fun and be kids. So seeing them run together, as Bojji wipes away his tears, is truly beautiful.