EPISODE CONTEXT

Coming off the professional hurdles established in episode 20, 'The Bird That Can't Fly' narrows focus from the group's career struggles to Yuuki's personal crisis, serving as a necessary emotional deep-dive before the final stretch. Positioned at episode 21 of 24, it functions as a bridge episode — processing the weight of recent setbacks while laying the emotional groundwork for the bonds that will drive the conclusion. It directly sets the stage for 'Forever Friends,' where the group's collective growth comes into sharper focus heading toward the finale.