Episode 4 of Tokyo Revengers Christmas Showdown is here, and it's a great example about how to make a good episode without relying on thrilling fights and action-packed scenes. Titled Family Bond, this episode explores the Shiba family relationship.
The episode also delves into the story of Takashi Mitsuya and Hakkai Shiba becoming close friends, with many unexpected twists and turns. It helped solve some of the early mysteries that had been created over the first three episodes and paints a clear picture of what's to come.
Truce Exchange
Episode 3 intentionally left out one phrase when Mitsuya was saying he won't allow Hakkai to just leave the Tokyo Manji. He wanted to negotiate with Taiju before doing anything. He was aware of the Shiba family situation and that Hakkai has been protecting Yuzuha from their older brother who had a history with besting both of them out of very twisted way of loving. So he proposes to Taiju that he will let Hakkai join Black Dragon in exchange for a truce with the Tokyo Manji and the immediate release of Yuzuha.
After this moment they go into Hakkai's and Mitsuya's past. They ran into each other when Hakkai beat up a kid in a park and Takashi took care of his two siblings. Despite his young age, Takashi had to watch over his much younger siblings, cook and do of all the house duties while their mother was at work. His motto, "use your strength to protect others", his positive attitude, always smiling regardless of how hard his life was, inspired Hakkai and won him over in no time. He admired Takashi's maturity and started to apply his motto to his own family.
This led to multiple confrontations. Similarly to the Mitsuya family, the Shiba family was characterized by the eldest sibling being in charge because the parents are away most of the time. However, Taiju kept abusing Hakkai and Yuzuha to make them learn, or so he thought. Although he loved them dearly, his violence was out of control. Hakkai started getting in the way when Taiju attacked Yuzuha, getting all the beatings to save her from the monster within their older brother.
Hakkai's Murderous Intent
Taiju agrees to Mitsuya's conditions and confirms the inevitable fate of Hakkai joining the Black Dragon. As they walk back Takemichi and Chifuyu are still shocked that Mitsuya wasn't actually trying to avoid him leaving. Both disappointed that they failed in changing the future. Then Hakkai comes back to talk to them in private. Takemichi's suspicions came true when Hakkai unveiled his real plan. He was ready to kill Taiju and face the consequences for the sake of his sister, as no matter what promises Taiju makes, he knows he will hit her again. Takemichi's new resolution is crushing the Black Dragon, so none of this has to happen.
In the meantime, Mitsuya and Mikey went over to see Yuzuha and talk to her about the agreement in place. She tells them about her work picking up money for the Black Dragon, which she will no longer do, but both feel like she is hiding something. They go for a ride to the Christmas tree as asked by Mikey. He tells Mitsuya that he no longer knows where he is headed with the gang. After Hakkai's departure, only half of the 1st Generation members remain in the ToMan. With a slight heartbroken attitude, begs Mitsuya to never leave.
Kisaki, An Ally?
With their almost romantic ride along the city, they were actually skipping the officials meeting where Takemichi and Chifuyu proposed to declare war on the Black Dragon, revealing that Hakkai plans to kill Taiju. Draken, who acted as leader due to Mikey's absence, rejected their proposal with a simple logic, you can't betray Mitsuya's truce right away. Afterwards, Kisaki approaches them in an attempt to join forces. It's also in his interest to stop Hakkai. He states the obvious, the two of them don't stand a chance against the Black Dragon, plus he has an informant inside their crew.
Reluctant at first but pragmatic at the end, they join forces with Kisaki and Hanma. They meet with the informant but even before having time to ask questions Hajime Kokonoi, the Elite Guard Captain, interrupts the meeting and has the "rat" taken away by a couple of his subordinates. After that and against all odds, Kokonoi proposes Kisaki to give him any information he wants for 100,000 Yen. Kisaki wants to know when Taiju might be alone.
Kokonoi tells them that he is always surrounded by a group of Black Dragon soldiers, except for one particular moment. Even with all the crimes and aggressiveness, Taiju is a devoted Christian. Every December 25th, he goes to church alone at night. Kokonoi offers them any more information they want, for a fair price. When asked about his motive for betraying Black Dragon his answer was that he just likes strong people. One more doubt lies ahead for Takemichi. Why Kisaki wants to know when Taiju will be alone? Because that's when Hakkai is going to murder him.