She's kept you waiting long enough, huh?
The one where Yugiri given the spotlight for her long overdue character arc, which takes place within the Meiji Era itself.
The first part of the titular Saga Incident two-parter arc.
Tropes:
- All Myths Are True: This Jofuku is implied to be the same one who went on an expedition searching for the key to immortality.
- Because You Were Nice to Me: Yugiri's kindness and curiosity toward his goal of restoring Saga has Kiichi falling head over heels for her. She in turn appreciates him for being the first in Saga to talk to her outside of her work.
- Call-Forward: Yugiri starts the episode donned in the same oiran make up and attire she wore in "A One-Of-A-Kind SAGA".
- The Cameo: Despite being a flashback episode focused on Yugiri, lookalikes (and possible ancestors) of the other members of Franchouchou manage to sneak in at random places:
- Sakura is a merchant selling food at a stand.
- Junko is an unfortunate passerby, getting an eel into one of her sleeves after Kiichi accidentally bumps into a fisherman.
- Ai can be seen chasing a group of younger boys, playing a game with them.
- Tae is in the cart that almost ran over Yugiri and Kiichi, appearing to be a noble of some kind.
- Saki is a babysitter, trying to comfort a younger, crying Lily.
- Chekhov's Gun: The red comb Yugiri has been using since season 1 is a Tragic Keepsake given to her by Kiichi.
- Cliffhanger: Itou seems to be conspiring with an unknown force.
- A Day in the Limelight: The whole episode centers around Yugiri and her backstory.
- Diving Save: Kiichi attempts this when he think Yugiri is about to be hit by an oncoming wagon. She leaps out of the way first, leaving him to fly into a nearby river.
- Flashback Episode: The whole episode takes place when Yugiri was still alive, 1882 in a post-rebellion Saga.
- Meet Cute: The pinwheel Yugiri purchases just happened to fall on Kiichi's feet. When he picks it up, their eyes meet and he immediately falls in love with her.
- Really 700 Years Old: Jofuku has been alive since before the assimilation of Saga and the ensuing rebellion. Romero is also from around at the same time, at the least.
- The Reveal:
- As the first showcase of Yugiri's past, lots of information is revealed about her.
- She is not native to Saga. She moved there from Tokyo after being relieved of her oiran duties, right amidst the aftermath of the rebellion.
- She was legendary amongst the elite of Tokyo, to the point that her rate became too high for her to earn any steady profit. Supposedly an entire Meiji court almost collapsed trying to secure her services.
- The red comb she uses was a gift from Kiichi.
- The bartender is finally given a name. Jofukunote , implying he is the legendary alchemist who discovered a key to immortality. His appearance in this episode is incredibly decrepit compared to modern day, implying that the loss of Saga has had some kind of physical toll on him.
- Romero was revived as early as the Meiji era, having been Jofuku's pet.
- As the first showcase of Yugiri's past, lots of information is revealed about her.
- Wham Shot:
- Jofuku feeding a piece of squid to Romero.
- Itou dropping off a note to a mysterious informant on the streets.
