In the premiere episode of "Wind Breaker," we are introduced to the protagonist, Sakura, as he treads a perilous tightrope through pitch darkness, amidst a barrage of insulting epithets hurled by unseen strangers. Their derogatory remarks, primarily targeting his appearance, cast him as a delinquent in their biased eyes. Abruptly, Sakura awakens from this haunting nightmare, troubled by visions that cling to him like shadows.
The scene transitions to the lively Tonpu shopping street, adorned with vibrant graffiti-covered walls. Sakura narrates his profound admiration for strength and his disdain for weakness, as we witness a group of gang members menacing a helpless woman. Without hesitation, Sakura steps in, delivering fierce punches that swiftly bring the bullies to their knees. He introduces himself to the prone figures as Haruka Sakura of Furin High School, his voice echoing with authority.
As he prepares to depart, the woman halts his exit, her gratitude shining brightly. She further extends an invitation for a meal, to Sakura's visible embarrassment, his cheeks flushing crimson. Over a plate of omurice, she introduces herself as Kotoha. Through her, we learn that the town was once plagued by gang violence and territorial wars, but those dark days are now a distant memory.
In stark contrast to Sakura's past encounters, Kotoha shows a genuine curiosity about his "half and half" appearance, refraining from making unfounded assumptions about his character. Nor is she intimidated by his prowess in combat. Simultaneously, it transpires that Sakura has arrived at Furin with a singular mission: to ascend to the pinnacle of the notorious delinquent hierarchy.
During their conversation, an elderly man exits the restaurant, only to realize he has left his bag behind. Sakura, ever observant, promptly hands it over with a polite smile. Later, Kotoha gently reminds Sakura that his solitary journey up Furin's ladder of power will be an uphill battle.
Later, the very same gang members return with the intent to wreak havoc, smashing windows and vandalizing shops with impunity. The townsfolk, fear causing them to close their homes and rush to the outside world for help, dialing numbers of unknown benefactors. Recalling Kotoha's poignant mark about feeling alone, Sakura, fueled by courage, dashes headlong into the fray, engaging the gang in a fierce battle. Kohota is unfortunately taken hostage, and Sakura, despite his determination to shield her, finds his combat prowess hindered by his concern. As he braces himself for an impending blow from a baseball bat, a mysterious figure steps in, shielding them from harm.
Suddenly, students from Furin arrive on the scene, their arrival heralded by the residents' exuberant cheers. With elegance and prowess, they dispatch the remaining gang members. Kotoha enlightens a baffled Sakura, revealing that the town's transformation and newfound peace are attributed to the Furin students who have taken it upon themselves to safeguard the local inhabitants. They've erected warning signs throughout the neighborhood, earning themselves the endearing moniker 'Bofurin' from the grateful locals.
Post-conflict, the residents converge to meet and express their gratitude to Bofurin. Sakura is astounded by how drastically these students differ from his preconceived notions of Furin's pupils. He feels uneasy, repelling the kind overtures extended by the townspeople. Kotoha, sensing his hesitation, encourages Sakura to embrace connection. Undeterred, Sakura charges towards the gang leader, driven by an unspoken resolve.
The first episode of Wind Breaker concludes with a poignant quote: "This tale recounts the journey of a boy, reviled by all and cast to the depths of despair, who, with nothing but his fists to his name, rises to become the town's hero."
