I have read the manga and the anime adaptation sticks closely to the source material. One of my favorite qualities the anime provides is the ability to draw out moments that are otherwise fast-paced in the manga. The anime really highlights the suspense and necessary pauses in conversation. I think the anime does a really good job with pacing and letting these amazing characters exist. My only complaint is the amount of extra punches thrown.
Season 2 focuses on Takemichi trying to course correct the future where the Tokyo Manji Gang has been corrupted by the wealth the Black Dragons provided. Mikey has fallen into darkness and Kisaki Tetta is the puppet master leader of Toman. Hakkai Shiba is introduced at the end of Season 1 as the former leader of the Black Dragons who killed the previous leader. That leader was Taiju Shiba. This is pretty much all the knowledge Takemichi has to work with before being sent back to his delinquent youth. He meets Hakkai and Hakkai is actually a good dude. In order for Takemichi to save all his friends and now Hakkai, he must prevent Taiju Shiba's death.
This season allows us further insight between Takemichi and Chifuyu. We get to see their relationship get stronger. We also get to see more insight into who exactly is Kisaki. Episode 10 grants us a closer look at Draken and Mitsuya. We get to see more of Mitsuya this season. Of course we are introduced to the Shiba family and we get to know and like Yuzuha and Hakkai. Importantly, we get to start seeing a different side of Mikey. While it may seem confusing and a little off, Mikey's character development in this season plays a big role for the future.
Overall, I love this show because of the characters. Takemichi is one of my favorite protagonists because he does not give up. The other members of Toman excel in other ways like fighting, bravery, kindness, and compassion for your brothers. Hina, Emma, and Yuzuha show us unrelenting confidence and love. They all exemplify virtues and are kept to their principles by Takemichi never giving up. It's okay if you don't love these characters, but they rule (so your loss ♡).
