Ep 6. Episode 6

After a heartwarming and touching victory against the arrogant baseball team led by Junkei Tsubota, the story of Kiriyama Rei, a prodigious professional shogi player, continues in March Comes in Like a Lion season 1 episode 6.

This time, the focus is on the Kawamoto sisters and their family dynamic, particularly with the introduction of their estranged father, who returns for an unannounced visit after many years of absence.

The episode opens with Akari, Hinata, and Momo excitedly preparing for their father's arrival, decorating the house with flowers and making him a welcome home sign. However, as soon as their father arrives, it is clear that there is tension between them. Akari tries to keep a happy facade and welcomes him warmly, but Hinata and Momo are hesitant and distant.

The episode explores the reasons behind their father’s absence and why they are distant with him. It turns out that the father is a gambler and left the family many years ago, leaving their mother to raise them on her own. This left a deep impact on the three sisters, especially on Hinata who grew up feeling abandoned by her father.

As the episode progresses, we see Hinata struggling with her feelings towards her father. She is angry and feels like he doesn’t deserve to be a part of their lives. Momo, on the other hand, is too young to fully understand the situation and is just happy to have her father around. Akari, who feels the need to be the peacemaker, tries to smooth over the tension between them.

Through their interactions with their father, we see the different ways the sisters cope with their feelings. Akari tries her best to be hospitable and put on a brave face, hiding her own fears and worries. Hinata, on the other hand, is blunt and confrontational in her approach, refusing to forgive her father for his past mistakes. Momo, though too young, is the most accepting and forgiving, happy to have a father in her life despite everything.

As the episode progresses, we see the father make an effort to make amends. He cooks for the family, takes them out for a day trip, and tries to reconnect with them. However, no matter what he does, Hinata remains cold and distant, and Akari struggles with how to move forward with their relationship.

Throughout the episode, we also see glimpses of Rei’s life as a shogi player, as he prepares for an upcoming match. We see him practice and train, but also struggling with the pressure and his own doubts. His matches have been less than satisfactory recently, and he feels like he’s been stuck in a slump. However, despite his struggles, we see the Kawamoto sisters supporting him in their own way, reminding him of their belief in him.

The episode concludes with the father's departure, with the three sisters standing outside their house saying their goodbyes. Hinata remains aloof, but Akari and Momo bid their father goodbye with a smile. As they watch him leave, Hinata finally opens up and speaks her mind, telling her father that she is still angry and hurt by his actions but is willing to try and move past it.

Overall, March Comes in Like a Lion season 1 episode 6 is a poignant and emotional episode that centers around the Kawamoto sisters' family dynamic and their complex relationship with their estranged father. It explores issues of forgiveness, acceptance, and the impact of past mistakes on familial relationships. Through it all, we see the sisters relying on each other for support and comfort as they navigate their way through this difficult time.