Sakamoto Days Episode 10, titled “Bathhouse Roughhouse,” delivers a mix of lighthearted comedy and intriguing plot developments, marking a turning point as the anime approaches its season finale. Released on March 15, 2025, the episode is a two-parter that diverges from the series’ typical formula, balancing humor with the setup for a new arc involving Lu’s past.
Relaxing Hot Springs Turns Chaotic
The episode begins with Shin and Lu expressing exhaustion from their recent battles at the lab. Taro Sakamoto, suggesting a family outing, proposes a visit to the Ikoi No Yu Natural Hot Springs. However, their relaxing trip takes an unexpected turn when the cashier, Yutaro, recognizes Sakamoto as the legendary hitman with a hefty bounty on his head.
Amateur Assassin’s Mishaps
Yutaro, secretly an amateur assassin, seizes the opportunity to turn his luck around. He initiates a series of comical attempts to eliminate Sakamoto, tampering with the bathhouse’s facilities. These antics include:
- Increasing the jet stream in the bath, sending Shin flying while Sakamoto remains unfazed.
- Overheating the sauna, which only intensifies Sakamoto’s relaxation.
Despite Yutaro’s efforts, Sakamoto remains oblivious to the danger, while Shin becomes the unintended victim of the escalating pranks.
Sakamoto’s Unintentional Kindness
Yutaro’s aspirations of being a hitman are mocked by former colleagues, leading to a confrontation. Sakamoto intervenes, showcasing his signature theatrics by incapacitating one with a ping pong ball and launching the other into a vending machine.
Sakamoto reveals he was aware of Yutaro’s attempts on his life but chose to ignore them. He even commends Yutaro for the “exciting” bathhouse experience. Inspired by Sakamoto’s words, Yutaro abandons his dreams of assassination and decides to take over his family’s bathhouse business.
Mafia Ties Resurface
The second half of the episode shifts focus as Sakamoto, Shin, and Lu visit a family restaurant. Their meal is interrupted by Lu Wutang, an advisor from Lu’s mafia family. Wutang wants Lu to return to the mafia, filling the void left by her parents. Lu, content with her current life, refuses.
Gambling for Freedom
Wutang, unwilling to accept Lu’s decision, proposes a contest centered around gambling at a casino. The stakes are high: Lu’s freedom in exchange for information on Sakamoto’s bounty. Despite Shin’s mind-reading abilities, their lack of gambling knowledge puts them at a disadvantage, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Crepe Stand Cameo
The episode includes a humorous after-credits scene featuring Seba and Tanaka, who now run a crepe stand, adding a lighthearted touch.
Reception and Analysis
Critics have offered varied opinions on Episode 10:
- Some view it as a lighthearted and funny interlude, offering a break from the intense battles of previous episodes.
- Others consider it the least engaging episode of the season, with jokes that “quickly lose steam.”
- Some appreciate the episode for fleshing out the characters, while others criticize it as a filler that lacks plot progression.
- The introduction of Lu Wutang and the casino plot is seen as intriguing, though some find Wutang’s character annoying.
Overall, “Sakamoto Days” Episode 10 serves as a transitional episode, blending comedic elements with the setup for a new storyline centered on Lu’s past and her connection to the mafia. While opinions on the episode’s quality vary, it successfully sets the stage for the final episodes of the season.
Key Takeaways
- The episode is a two-parter, deviating from the show’s usual format.
- The first half focuses on comedy with Sakamoto and Shin visiting a bathhouse.
- The second half introduces a new arc involving Lu’s mafia connections.
- Critics are divided on the episode’s quality, with some praising its humor and others criticizing its lack of plot progression.
- The episode sets up an intriguing casino plot for the next episode.
