(Shitsurei Tsukamatsutta)
"Pardon My Rudeness"

Durarara may have just concluded, but Souji's revelation of Yaichi's past with the Bakuro gang had me more shocked and on the edge of my seat than that finale. The reason being that the Yaichi we know now is nothing like the Seinoshin of the past.

(Kitanai Noraneko)
"A Dirty Stray Cat"

The revelation came an episode sooner than I was expecting, but it looks like my hunch about Yaichi being Seinoshin ever since episode three proved to be true. I just love it when it paying attention to the subtleties in a series makes it so much more enjoyable to watch.

(Otasuke ni Mairu)
"I've Come to Rescue You"

After deciding to save Matsu on his own last time and making good on it here, Masa has all of a sudden become a samurai beaming with confidence. However, the one thing that everyone can probably live without is his tendency to say whatever's on his mind, especially now that they've learned Yagi is the chief of the local Kitamachi police.

(Onjin ga Futari Iru)
"Two People I'm Indebted To"

A rivalry between candle businesses that gets ugly. It may not sound like much, but when Matsu gets caught trying to steal back some some wooden passes that the Kiku-ya store owner needs to do business, the House of the Five Leaves doesn't sit idly. Of all people, Masa takes the initiative.

(Yabo de Gozatta)
"That Was Thoughtless of Me"

I can't say I'm too surprised that Yaichi has a past with another gang, but I am curious as to whether or not this Bakuro group lead by Kuhei has any relation to the guys that kidnapped Seinoshin and faked his death.

(Shiawase to Omoeyo)
"Consider Yourself Lucky"

Picking up on the Ume's backstory from last time, things fast-forward to the present where Senkichi is still being extorted for money by his ex-gang member Denshichi (Imaruoka Atsushi).

(Umaku Iku sa)
"It'll Be Fine"

I don't know if it's just the subtle way this series shifts between the present and flashbacks or if I'm just used to it being more obvious, but those transitions are evidently a key part of the screenplay that I should be taking better notice of.

(Kagen ga ne-)
"She Doesn't Hold Back"

Due to the emphasis on character interactions in lieu of action in this series, I'm not surprised by the lack of discussion it's generating; however, I personally enjoy watching Masa slowly unravel the mystery behind Yaichi's past.

(Jojo ni Makikonde)
"Gradually Get Him Involved"

As Masa slowly gets dragged into the ways of the House of Five Leaves, a lot of Yaichi's backstory is starting to flesh out and looking like it'll explain how he got into this kidnapping "business" in the first place.