Banana Fish Episode 13 Discussion

So sad many people see Eiji as hindrance to Ash... Come on, it's Ash's feelings that impair him, not Eiji. He could have been a tough gang member and still be his Achilles' heel. Having attachments while being at war with so many powerful people is a disadvantage on itself, like with Shorter, it was enough to threaten Nadia to get him. Or attack Jessica to lure out Max. So what? Is it better to not have close connections at all? Yes, it is better and more practical and it is what Ash and ppl like him use to believe. But you can't shut down your heart. You start to understand that it will likely bring your demise but maybe it is worth it. To let yourself experience this kind of relationship, the most strong and pure feelings of connection to another human being even if it distracts you, makes you a less perfect killing machine. That was what Ash had been wondering about--what was the leopard seeking on that mountain, why did it leave his cozy jungle? To die a seemingly pointless death on the heights? He couldn't understand it earlier but probably begins to realize it now. It's like a choice between staying a leopard in the jungle--and getting out to discover what's beyond, even if you may die in the process. The same with Eiji leaving to Japan. How can you really want him to? First, there would be no story. Ash would just avenge the ones he lost, mb bring down Golzine, and then continue on as he'd been but worse, believing only in his strength and never opening up to another person. Survive, exist, but not live. And Eiji was not happy in Japan, he lost his dream, something he'd been pursuing his whole youth, and he had no destination to follow. How could he possibly leave now after all that happened and somehow be ok? Eiji is doing more than enough for Ash. He's doing more than anyone ever did for Ash, actually. He's making him reconnect with his soul, his real self, giving him chance to be a normal boy and enjoy life for once, and even heal in time. And god he deserves it.