Ep 4. Flowing Blood

In the fourth episode of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress(Subbed) season 1, titled "Flowing Blood," the plot thickens as the narrative moves forward. In this episode, we find two groups of characters making their way down separate paths to arrive at the same destination- Hotarumaru. Ikoma and Mumei are hitching a ride on a Hayajiro to catch up with Biba, the person responsible for creating the Kabane who also happens to be Mumei's brother. Meanwhile, Ayame and the rest of her group are trying to get to Hotarumaru on foot, unaware of the looming danger that awaits them.

The episode starts with Ayame, Kurusu, and the other samurais tracking Mumei and Ikoma, who are on the Hayajiro bound for Hotarumaru. They are worried about what might happen if the two groups clash, and rightfully so. Biba is a dangerous man with a vendetta against the people who exiled him from their society. Ikoma, on the other hand, is desperate to stop Biba from carrying out his nefarious plans and redeem himself for his past mistakes.

On the Hayajiro, Ikoma tries to probe Mumei's feelings about her brother. She remains tight-lipped, but Ikoma can sense that the bond that once held them together has been seriously fractured. Mumei seems distant and a lot more serious than before. It's clear that their relationship will never be the same again.

While on their way to the fortress, the Hayajiro gets ambushed by a group of Kabane. The Hayajiro's captain is adamant that they should continue to Hotarumaru, but Ikoma and Mumei have other plans. They jump off the train and head towards the Kabane to rid the area of the monsters. Ikoma is the first to charge and takes out the Kabane with swift and precise moves. His strength has increased since his transformation and he's becoming a lethal weapon in the fight against the Kabane.

Meanwhile, Ayame and the samurais are still walking towards Hotarumaru, but they are too slow. Their journey gets interrupted by a group of Kabane who pursue and attack them. The samurais are outnumbered, but Ayame has a trick up her sleeve. She uses her voice as a weapon to stop the Kabane in their tracks. Her singing is powerful enough to control the Kabane and make them turn on each other. It's an incredible display of Ayame's unique talent, and the samurais are able to escape unharmed.

Back on the Hayajiro, Ikoma and Mumei reach their destination and walk into the fortress. They encounter Biba, who is not at all happy to see them. In a tense exchange, Biba reveals that he has turned Mumei into a bullet train of sorts. He removed her heart and replaced it with a Kabane corset that powers her. It's a disturbing revelation that leaves Ikoma reeling. He's horrified that his friend has been reduced to a mere tool for Biba to use as he pleases.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger as Biba's men show up and aim their weapons at Ikoma and Mumei. The two Kabane fighters are now in real danger, and it's unclear what their fate will be. The episode sets us up nicely for the next installment, as we await the thrilling conclusion to this intense and action-packed story.

In conclusion, "Flowing Blood" is a gripping and suspenseful episode that further deepens the convoluted web of relationships between the characters. It's a testament to the show's excellent storytelling that it's able to keep us on the edge of our seats, eagerly anticipating what happens next. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress continues to impress with its gorgeous animation, incredible action sequences, and intricate plotlines.