Arima and Kanuma had no loyalty to anyone but each other, gladly picked on anyone weaker than themselves. They failed to have any larger ideals, any empathy for others. Sako had loyalty to Hiragi, but expressed it as an expectation. Hiragi would be the top, and Sako would follow. When Hiragi changed it up, Sako failed to understand himself, to express what it is he really wanted - to follow Hiragi wherever, to the top or not. Instead of fighting to keep what he really wanted, he lashed out in anger. Shishitoren so far has shown a theme of being lost, of fighting for wrong or unworthy reasons. I wonder if that will carry on into the next matches. Sugeshita fought for his loyalty to a worthy leader, and he CRUSHED Arima. Suo found Kanuma's childish selfishness offensive, fought to enlighten, and absolutely humbled his opponent. Hiragi fought to tell his old friend that he doesn't regret following Umemiya, but does regret leaving his friend behind. Him protecting Sako after the match is huge. Sakura thinks he's fighting to fight, but he's clearly trying to find his place, and he's embracing Bofurin's justice and rejecting Shishitoren's bullying. He's a young idealist, going up against Jo and... well, we'll see. I like that Hiragi and Umemiya are recognizing his potential and putting trust in him so early, because that is EXACTLY what this character needs, and it is an interesting contrast to Shishitoren. Umemiya is amazing. You think he's awesome now, wait until the end of this arc. His patience and understanding and willingness to put his body on the line to teach the right lessons... there's a reason why Hiragi chose to follow. There's also a reason he's associated with his garden. Honestly, the theming in this series is so on-point. The music, too, holy crap.

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