Golden Kamuy Season 4 Episode 12: Discharge

The episode opens with an aerial shot of Goryokaku, the star-shaped fortress, quickly plunging into the chaos of battle. Imperial soldiers advance, met by the determined resistance of Tsukishima and Koito. Amidst the gunfire, Kadokura observes, his thoughts turning to Asirpa and the land rights, a prize he means to claim for himself. A blurred book floats in deep water, a mysterious symbol of the hidden stakes. His focused eyes betray a calculation, a cold resolve beneath the battle's heat.

The title "Bushido" appears, a stark declaration over the chaotic aerial view of the fortress. Nikaidou shouts orders, driving his men forward, only to be ambushed by Hijikata's forces. Hijikata, ever the tactician, calmly assesses the enemy infiltration, revealing his plan to lure them deeper into the fortress. His map comes alive, red circles of enemies drawn into a purple web of allies, a deadly trap. He asserts their victory with quiet confidence, a promise of survival against overwhelming odds.

Sugimoto, covered in blood, fights with a terrifying ferocity, bayoneting soldiers with brutal efficiency. His primal screams are a visceral counterpoint to Asirpa's worried gaze from behind a house. Kadokura advises Asirpa to focus only on protecting the land rights, reminding her of Kiroranke's dying wish for the Ainu. A single tear forms in Asirpa's eye, a silent testament to the heavy burden she carries. Her determination to honor the Ainu legacy hardens her resolve.

News spreads of Russian attacks and sunken ships, causing widespread panic in the coastal town. Amidst the chaos, a wounded Nagakura lies injured, his head dazed, but his spirit unbroken. He refuses to abandon his former comrade, Hijikata, choosing to return to the heart of the battle despite his injuries. His resolve is clear: he will stay with Hijikata until the very end, a poignant echo of their shared past. The slight smile on Hijikata's face, as Nagakura is mentioned, hints at a deep, unspoken bond.

Koito and Tsukishima press their advantage across the smoky battlefield. Suddenly, Nikaidou launches a desperate attack, throwing grenades that injure Kadokura, a knife lodging near his ear. Kadokura, wounded, defiantly fires his pistol and struggles to reload, acknowledging his life is already a debt to Hijikata. Hijikata grimly sends Kadokura away, a gesture of both command and compassion, leaving him to defend the fort. Kadokura fires back at advancing soldiers, his desperate struggle to reload highlighting the raw, frantic nature of his survival.

Koito and Tsukishima stand confidently, rallying their men to converge on the north gate, their objective clear: locate the land deed. Tsukishima urges his men forward, only to be shot from behind, falling wounded. Despite this setback, Koito remains focused, outlining his plan to search the buildings for the crucial document while securing the gates. He walks towards a traditional wooden building, his masked eyes betraying a singular, unwavering resolve.

Severely wounded, Kadokura continues to fight, screaming in defiance as he is shot again. An explosion engulfs him, but he rises, spitting defiance at his attackers, "You guys... you'll never kill me!" His world suddenly goes quiet, a serene white light surrounding him, a momentary peace before advancing Imperial soldiers surround him. He looks up, pained but resigned, having completed his duty.

Sugimoto continues his brutal rampage, parrying and striking with desperate force, his bloodied face a mask of rage. He faces Nikaidou, whose glowing red eyes are fixed on him, their personal feud reignited with savage intensity. During their frenzied exchange, Nikaidou inadvertently stabs himself, his mask falling off to reveal his disfigured face. Their fight descends into a pit, a claustrophobic struggle where Nikaidou, in a hallucinatory flash, sees his lost brother, Yohei, reaching out, a moment of ethereal pain. A final explosion erupts, leaving Sugimoto standing amidst the aftermath, his eyes glowing with fierce intensity.

News of the naval destruction reaches the shore, with sailors bringing the grim report of casualties. Koito, informed of his father's fate, maintains a grim composure. He reflects on their path, acknowledging the risk of being labeled traitors if they fail to secure the land deed. With unwavering resolve, he vows to obtain everything and protect his subordinates, even as he watches Tsukishima depart, a silent understanding passing between them. He walks forward, alone, his determination hardened by the gravity of his choices.

Hijikata lies calmly, receiving tattoos from a masked prisoner, engaging in a shrewd conversation. He questions the prisoner about the Ainu gold, testing his resolve. The prisoner, revealing his Polish heritage and disfigured face, speaks of an independent multi-ethnic Hokkaido, free from Russian influence. Hijikata observes, smiling slyly, understanding the deeper motivations. He challenges the prisoner on his commitment, explaining his own concept of "Bushido," a fight not just for oneself, but for something greater, like family and hometown, a philosophy that extends even to the Ainu. He reminds him of the fate of rebels in war.

Hijikata demonstrates his legendary swordsmanship, effortlessly deflecting bayonets and felling soldiers with ruthless precision. He moves with an almost supernatural speed, a whirlwind of steel and bullets. He and Sugimoto briefly fight side-by-side, a formidable, albeit temporary, alliance. Sugimoto, his face grim and bloody, admits the enemy's overwhelming strength. Hijikata remains resolute, instructing Sugimoto to find the enemy commander, confident that their morale will shatter with his defeat.

As the battle rages, Asirpa spots Shiraishi frantically waving from the distant embankment. He rides his horse across the bridge, carrying a sack, creating a diversion. Imperial soldiers are confused, but Shiraishi maintains his desperate ride, drawing their attention. In a moment of apparent panic, he drops the sack, only to reveal his clever ruse: the sack contains not Asirpa but the gold, secured against moisture. He jumps into the moat, then, with a rope, pulls Asirpa to safety, a triumphant escape.

Hijikata and Sugimoto reflect on the battle's toll, acknowledging the enemy's wounds as a sign of hope. Meanwhile, Tsukishima and Koito run towards the fortress, Koito convinced the land deed is still inside. Koito gallops across the bridge, only for Tsukishima to suddenly slice the rope, sending Koito and the sack into the water. Koito surfaces, shocked and distraught, calling out Tsukishima's name in disbelief. Tsukishima, grim-faced, drops his sword and runs, abandoning his comrade.

Asirpa, observing the dramatic turn of events, her face filled with worry, sees Tsukishima run past her. The masked prisoner, now revealed to be the tattooed man, watches her intently. With a fierce and urgent resolve, Asirpa runs across the grassy field, her determination driving her forward. She enters a building, intent on her own mission, while Koito kneels in despair, confused by Tsukishima's actions.