As the tension rises in the one-on-one brawl between Shishitoren and Bofurin, the characters’ personal and psychological issues are brought to the surface. Most of this has something to do with Choji Tomiyama’s leadership in Shishitoren or Lion’s Head, which put the entire gang in a bad light.
In the upcoming episodes of the Wind Breaker anime, Choji Tomiyama will finally come face to face with Bofurin’s Hajime Umemiya, resulting in a clash of ideals, making it yet another non-typical shonen fight like the Togame Jo vs. Haruka Sakura confrontation.
Why Was It Bad for Choji Tomiyama to Become Shishitoren's Leader?
Choji Tomiyama is Shishitoren's youngest leader in history, an accomplishment that ordinary gang members cannot achieve.
He possesses unparalleled power, speed, and combat wit, and when combined with Togame, he is a formidable opponent.
However, Choji's ascent to dominance in Shishitoren not only tarnished the gang's reputation but also took a toll on his mental health.
Unfortunately, Choji lost himself in his quest for happiness and independence, causing the gang to shift their perspective, as depicted in both the anime and manga series.
Here's why we think it was a bad choice for Choji to become Shishitoren's leader:
Choji Tomiyama’s Definition of Strength and Freedom
What exactly does it mean to be strong? Shishitoren's top dog sees strength as a means to achieve independence which he has desired for the longest time in his life.
He is always vocal about his desire to be free, which frustrates his subordinates, who don't even grasp how his mind works. After all, they only cared about strength and nothing else at this point.
Choji believes that freedom will bring enjoyment to his already uninteresting life. Although becoming the strongest is necessary to attain freedom, his situation is unique.
Even Choji’s vice-captain has a hard time trying to understand him, not to mention Hajime Umemiya, who can’t figure out his obsession with freedom.
The difference is that Hajime is eager to have Choji understand his perspective, whereas Togame insists on comforting Choji, including his flawed beliefs.
ALSO READ: The Best Adrenaline-Pumping Fights in Wind Breaker
Choji Tomiyama Is an Empty Shell
At the top of Shishitoren stands Choji, living in a constant state of loneliness, emptiness, and boredom.
Who knew that becoming the strongest person in Shishitoren would make him feel this way, contrary to his expectations that he would have the most fun in the world?
He had so many expectations that they ruined him. He once thought that becoming the strongest in Shishitoren would change his life, but nothing happened, as if he won the first prize in a contest, but there’s no prize at all.
Then there’s Umemiya, who’s always having fun despite being the strongest in Bofurin. Why are they different? Why can’t he have the same fun as Hajime?
All these questions strained Choji’s mind even more, leading to his descent into the dark, dragging Togame and the rest of Shishitoren.
Choji Tomiyama Is Completely Lost
Having so much power may make someone feel lost, and Choji Tomiyama is an excellent example.
He may be the strongest person in Shishitoren, but no matter what he does, everything feels dry, as if he can no longer feel anything.
He has no idea what his heart is lacking, and turning to his friends doesn't help either.
Because he couldn't figure things out, he stopped caring and destroyed everything in his path, including his most valuable connections.
He's not sure where to go next or which way to take his gang. No matter what he did, he was wandering through emptiness, terrified of what lay ahead. Worse, he has forgotten the happy faces he once knew.
Do you think Choji has a chance for redemption in Wind Breaker? Let us know in the comments below and follow us on Facebook for all the latest anime news!