Episode 9 of "Wind Breaker" delves deeper into the gripping one-on-one confrontation between Umemiya and Choji. As the battle rages on, it becomes increasingly evident that while Umemiya is putting up a fierce fight, he is also deliberately absorbing Choji's furious punches and kicks. "Huh? This is odd. I'm landing every hit," Choji mutters in confusion. Umemiya responds with a calm, "Your fists carry no weight. Do you know why? It's because you lack a true purpose in this fight."
Despite Umemiya's words, Choji persists, his punches raining down relentlessly. Amidst their intense exchange, Choji repeats his desire for freedom. Intrigued, Umemiya asks what freedom means to him, to which Choji replies simply, "It's when I'm having fun." When Umemiya corners him with his probing questions, Choji mentally surrenders, unleashing a flurry of punches at Umemiya's face like a man possessed.
To the astonishment of the spectators, Umemiya does not retaliate. It's not until Choji sinks his teeth into Umemiya's throat that Umemiya, with a compassionate tone, soothes him, saying, "It's alright. The answer lies within your heart." He reminds Choji of the time when Shishitoren and Bofurin had a dispute, and Choji, surrounded by his teammates, had felt unparalleled happiness.
Umemiya stands tall and headbutts Choji, jogging his memory. The truth behind Choji's story finally unfolds. The present Choji feels like a wanderer in a vast desert, but his past memories reveal a life filled with joy and camaraderie among his teammates. He once believed that reaching the pinnacle would grant him greater freedom and fun, but he was mistaken. Once he reached the top, he found himself utterly alone.
It is at this moment that Choji's eyes open to Togame. Togame breaks down in tears, apologizing to Choji for making him feel isolated. However, Choji forgives him, saying that it wasn't Togame who caused his isolation but Choji himself. He had fixated so much on his goal, like a treasure hunt, that when he finally reached it, the victory felt hollow. To fill this emptiness, he erroneously perceived his team's weaknesses as obstacles on his path to freedom. Choji finally comes to his senses and apologizes to Togame.
He rises to his feet and offers Shishitoren to Umemiya, acknowledging his defeat. However, Umemiya, with a humorous grin, replies, "Huh? Absolutely not." Instead, Umemiya proposes a friendship, shocking the audience.
