Ep 11. The Fist of Bestrayal! Takeda's Sad Past

In Kenichi season 1 episode 11 titled "The Fist of Betrayal! Takeda's Sad Past," the viewers are taken through a heart-wrenching back-story of one of the members of Ryozanpaku, Takeda Ikki. The episode unfolds with Takeda's old senpai, Ukita, coming to Ryozanpaku to challenge Takeda to prove he has become stronger.

As the fight between Takeda and Ukita starts, Kenichi and Apachai watch on, with Kenichi reflecting on how Takeda often puts on a carefree attitude but is actually haunted by something from his past. All while, Takeda continues to receive some heavy punches from Ukita, but the moment he hears a girl's voice, he retaliates with a seemingly increased vigor.

The episode then takes us back to Takeda's past and reveals the tragedy of his first love, Miu Furinji's elder sister, Sayaka. While they both were very close since childhood, as they grew older, Takeda realized he'd developed a crush on Sayaka. However, he was aware that she already had a boyfriend who was training her in martial arts, and despite being heartbroken, he resolved to support her from afar.

The tragedy unfolded when Takeda and another senpai, Ukita, discovered that Sayaka's boyfriend, Kondo, was secretly using a forbidden technique to boost his power levels. Confronted with this knowledge, Sayaka refuses to believe it and insists to Takeda that she loves Kondo. The situation gets worse when Kondo is attacked and killed.

In the aftermath, Sayaka leaves the town, leaving Takeda with a burden of guilt. He struggles to reconcile how he could have trusted her boyfriend, never speaking of the incident to anyone. Meanwhile, he quits martial arts and dedicates himself to studying. It is only when he spots Miu years later and learns about Ryozanpaku that he decides to return to martial arts.

Back to the present time, Takeda fiercely fights back the emotions that are now flooding his mind, and with the help of Kenichi, Apachai, and others watching, he overcomes Ukita and finally unleashes his new original technique, ending the fight in a spectacular way.

The episode ends on a heartwarming scene as Takeda, feeling he has dealt with the demons of his past, is seen tearfully hugging Miu, finally at peace in his heart.

In conclusion, Kenichi season 1 episode 11 has an insightful story that provides necessary character development for Takeda, who up until this point has been portrayed as a carefree character. It is also an important reminder that everyone has sadness and struggles, and of the importance of friends who provide support and care. The episode provides a satisfying conclusion to Takeda's story arc while still leaving enough room for character development in the future.