Kickin’ butt and takin’ stars.

Kaiji lays down some serious smack in this episode! It’s about damn time, too!

His so called “companions” have been nothing but dead weight from the very beginning. Despite Kaiji’s Buddha-like patience and motivational speeches that would make Donald Trump proud, they’ve time and time again proven themselves to be nothing but cowardly, backstabbing morons.

I just cannot overstate my satisfaction at seeing them get exactly what they deserve. Andou especially; what a tool.

On a somewhat unrelated note, it seems that the real life Andou has been discovered, and he apparently is a fan of Lucky Star! Who knew… O_O

ANDOOOOOOOOOUUUUU!!

Damn…where were these kinds of moves last episode when Kaiji tried to take on Funai? Before he was just throwing wild monkey punches - now not only did he going all jujitsu all on the other guy, he also managed to hold off the four yakuza suits who tried to restrain him.

If you overlook the inherent awkwardness of two naked men wrestling, it was actually not half bad as fight scenes go. Kaiji exhibited an excellent mix of fighting techniques - some decent boxing, a good ground game, and even an array of biting and streetbrawl moves.

Kaiji is apparently a disciple of the Mike Tyson school of kung fu.

I loved how the music began to swell as Kaiji tore into Okabayashi like a rabid wolverine. Well, a wolverine with a decent grasp of martial arts, that is. The buildup was so effective, you just knew he was going to get rocked. The sequence itself was pretty brutal, a much more realistic portrayal of physical combat than most anime are accustomed to illustrating. I must say, it was quite satisfying.

Just as planned!

Owned biatch!

Once again, I cannot overstate how happy this made me. I must have gone back to watch that roundhouse kick at least a half dozen times.

It’s also interesting to note that Kaiji took back his money and stars from Andou and Furuhata and none of the yakuza heavies interfered. Either they’re afraid to mess with him after the way he kicked their asses earlier, or, and this is my theory, even they see what a tool Andou is and are happy to watch him get pwned.

As great as Kaiji’s earlier brawl was, it not nearly as cathartic as it was to see Andou’s corpulent belly get a massive serving of knee. Honestly, there’s no better way to deal with treachery and jackassery than with a good old fashioned furious beat down. Also you’d think he would’ve broken his glasses as well, for good measure.

And even after all their cowardice, indecision, and treachery, Kaiji’s “teammates” still piss and moan as he rightfully takes back his stars and currency. Sheesh.

Die vile casino table!

Not content with kicking the other gamblers’ collective ass, he even beats down the furniture! OMG violence!

But of course, even with this much kickass and win, it just wouldn’t be Kaiji without some manly tears.

Kaiji’s decision to save Ishida was one of the most intriguing aspects of the episode. While rather questionable from a financial point of view, it’s very consistent with Kaiji’s character, and you can’t really blame him for wanting to help others. I just wish he’d learn some proper street smarts and know who to trust and who not to trust.

Kaiji’s rebellious attitude towards the whole notion of gambling, scamming, and the degradation of human beings for amusement was just brilliant. He tosses the money aside to rescue someone in despair who can offer nothing in return. Even in the wake of betrayal and insatiable greed, Kaiji is still able to redeem someone in a hapless plight. Thus, redemption becomes his greatest defiance. Well played, indeed.

Honestly this has been, in my opinion, one of the best episodes to date.

So thus ends Gentei Janken, Restricted Rock Paper Scissors!

Next up, a bit of downtime for Kaiji off of the Nice Boat, and then it’s back to awesome gambling action and manly tears. Zawa zawa!