Ep 3. Gradually Get Him Involved

The episode "Gradually Get Him Involved" is the third installment of House of Five Leaves, a historical anime series set in the Edo period of Japan. The series follows Akitsu Masanosuke, a ronin or a masterless samurai who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is hired by Yaichi, the charismatic leader of the Five Leaves gang, to work as a bodyguard. However, Masanosuke soon realizes that the gang's activities are not what they seem and questions his own morality.

In this episode, Masanosuke is still new to the Five Leaves gang and is not quite sure what his role is. He spends his days doing odd jobs around the brothel where the gang takes refuge. Meanwhile, Yaichi and the others are planning their next heist, which involves a rich merchant named Shozaburo. Masanosuke is not included in the planning, but he still wants to prove his worth to the gang.

One day, Masanosuke sees a young boy named Seinoshin being bullied by the older boys in the street. He intervenes and rescues the boy, who is grateful and curious about him. Seinoshin is an orphan who lives with his grandmother and sells flowers on the street to make a living. Masanosuke gives him some money and starts to form a bond with him.

As the day of the heist approaches, Masanosuke wonders if he should tell Seinoshin about the Five Leaves gang. He is torn between his loyalty to the gang and his growing affection for the boy. He decides to bring Seinoshin to the brothel but keeps him hidden from Yaichi and the others.

During the heist, Masanosuke's loyalty to the gang is tested. He sees how the gang uses tactics like deception and manipulation to achieve their goals. Masanosuke is conflicted and wants to protect Seinoshin from the gang's influence.

After the heist, Masanosuke takes Seinoshin to his grandmother's house and meets her. He learns that Seinoshin's father was a samurai who died in battle, and the family has been struggling to survive ever since. Masanosuke feels a sense of kinship with Seinoshin because they both come from a samurai background.

In the end, Masanosuke decides to gradually get Seinoshin involved with the Five Leaves gang. He believes that he can still be a good influence on the boy and wants to protect him from the life of poverty and hardship. Masanosuke is slowly realizing that he has found his purpose in life, but it comes at a cost.

"Gradually Get Him Involved" is a poignant episode that explores Masanosuke's internal conflict and his relationship with Seinoshin. It delves deeper into the character development of both Masanosuke and Yaichi. The episode is beautifully animated with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that captures the essence of the Edo period. House of Five Leaves is a hidden gem in the anime world, and this episode showcases its exceptional storytelling.