Fans are happy to see Heisuke and Piisuke make their much-awaited appearance.
The latest episode of the Sakamoto Days anime took a break from the ongoing tension to introduce one of the most popular characters from the manga series. Heisuke Mashimo, a weak but talented gunman, came to the Sakamoto Store to find and kill Taro Sakamoto. However, Shin and the others were able to fool him. Later, he entered the paintball competition which Sakamoto and Shin participated in, and the three became teammates.
Spoiler Warning: major spoilers from the Sakamoto Days anime ahead
The episode’s straightforward title, Heisuke Mashimo, made it clear that a new character was joining the cast. However, while the sniper’s abilities were impressive, the lack of action and less-than-stellar animation left fans wanting.
Heisuke Mashimo is not intellectually gifted
Image via TMS Entertainment
The episode begins by showing a man and his yellow bird. We later learn that the man’s name is Heisuke Mashimo, and his bird is called Piisuke. He reveals that he has to spend ¥10,000 on bird food every month, leaving only ¥2,000 for himself. He lives in a tattered tent on top of a building and promises to make money by killing Taro Sakamoto and consequently, get the ¥1 billion bounty money.
However, when he reaches the Sakamoto store, he doesn’t recognise Sakamoto because he is fat now. Shin successfully fools him by saying that there are many Sakamoto stores in this country, and he must be looking for someone else. Because of his pitiful and penniless state, they give him some pork buns before they leave.
Soon after, we learn that Sakamoto and Shin are planning to enter a paintball competition, where the prize money is ¥1 million. They want to use this money to pay for the repairs of the store and install bulletproof glass to save it from assassination attempts. On the other hand, Heisuke also learns about this competition and goes to the venue the next day. Lu gets drunk and can’t enter the contest.
Heisuke, who is alone, is denied entry because he doesn’t have a partner or enough members to form a group. Spotting Sakamoto and Shin, he desperately begs to join them, and they reluctantly agree. However, they have little faith in him, given how he had already shown his slow-witted side.
The sniper’s talents shine elsewhere
Image via TMS Entertainment
Right after the match begins, Heisuke shoots down three of their opponents in a second, shocking Shin and Sakamoto. The three of them start dominating the other players. However, Lu accidentally reveals that Sakamoto is the one and only former hitman Taro Sakamoto that Heisuke has been looking for. Feeling betrayed, the sniper runs away with Piisuke in tow, crying and vowing to kill Sakamoto. He arranges his real gun and starts shooting his two teammates, who hide from him. The two realise how talented Heisuke actually is when it comes to long-range shooting.
Heisuke had never truly excelled as a hitman, often lagging behind his peers. Despite this, he was a genius sniper, capable of precise trick shots. But with no other skills to offer, his organisation cast him out. To prove his worth, he set his sights on killing Sakamoto.
However, Shin tracks Heisuke down using their headsets. Sakamoto then hurls a stone, shattering Heisuke’s gun. As they leave him behind in tears, Sakamoto tells him he’s the most talented sniper he has ever seen.
After the competition, Shin and Sakamoto sulk over having to spend their ¥1 million prize on repairing the damage caused by Heisuke’s shooting. But Hana reassures them, saying it’s fine as long as they’re safe. Curious, Shin asks how the two met since Sakamoto doesn’t seem like the type to propose.
He learns from Hana’s memories that Sakamoto fell in love at first sight after seeing her in a convenience store. When she gave him a band-aid after seeing blood on his clothes, he fell for her completely. Hearing the story, Shin can’t help but feel giddy.
Sakamoto Days episode 7 release date
Image via TMS Entertainment
Unfortunately, some fans felt that the latest episode didn’t do justice to Heisuke’s introduction due to its subpar animation. However, the storytelling was strong, and Heisuke’s character is set to become a key part of the anime.
Sakamoto Days episode 7 is set to release on Saturday, 22 February 2025. All episodes are available to watch on Netflix.
If you want to catch up on what has happened in the anime so far, read our Sakamoto Days review collection article.
