Episode 9 reveals that while the Beast Knights still have numbers on their side, the loss of one ally may have eliminated some major advantages.

The following contains spoilers for Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer Episode 9, "Akitani Inatika," now streaming on Crunchyroll.

Many shonen anime feature an extremely powerful veteran who serves as a goal post for their comrades' skills. Especially if the story emphasizes coming-of-age themes, that character will often meet a tragic fate, signifying the torch being passed to the next generation. However, a real rarity would be killing off the supposed mentor figure before they have an opportunity to teach their younger compatriots anything. Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer's Akitani Inatika may seem to an example of this -- but while he has already lost his life, the late Swordfish Knight's skill set may have enabled him to contribute to the battle even from beyond the grave.

Subaru and Yukimachi previously hinted at the significant nature of the Swordfish Knight, whom they referred to as their master. Even so, Akitani's identity and history were shrouded in mystery until Yuuhi found a journal left for him by name, even though the two had never met when he was alive. The memoir provided valuable insight into their now-deceased ally's past, revealing facts that defy belief -- even for the absurd world of Biscuit Hammer. Rather than simply being some skilled elderly sage, Akitani turned out to be a 500-year-old clairvoyant with a direct connection to the omniscient deity of the universe.

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Born and raised in the feudal era of Japanese history, Akitani made contact with the root of existence after a near-death experience. As he began his own ascetic training armed with his visions of the future, he attracted pupils who learned numerous disciplines. Yet while his premonitions and link to the true nature of reality served him well, they also carried the curse of longevity, as he would go on to outlive almost every one of his students. That is, until he met Yukimachi and Subaru.

Interestingly, Akitani's mentorship of Yukimachi and Subaru predated the fight against Animus by several years. While Akitani's future sight gave him foreknowledge of the struggle against the Biscuit Hammer, it also informed him that he would meet his journey's end protecting the Tortoise and Rooster Knights, who would in turn be his final apprentices. Through this setup, Biscuit Hammer inadvertently creates a sort of paradox regarding Akitani's life. Did he really get a chance to choose his students, or the cause he committed himself to? Or was he bound by predestination to take the long path that he did through life?

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Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer has played with the idea of fate prior to Episode 9, though not in such a clear way. Mikazuki theorized that destiny brought him to Yuuhi because of the latter's significant role in his brother Hangetsu's death. Similar to that situation, Akitani died protecting Yukimachi and Subaru from one of Animus's golems. Despite his role as their teacher for much of their young lives, his brave act of sacrifice may have been his most significant action toward them -- especially by showing them to never stop fighting, even in the face of death.

Unfortunately, Akitani's knowledge of events to come was cut off shortly after his death, with his last insight being where to bury his diary for Yuuhi. If he had survived longer, it's possible he would have been able to see further into the war against Animus to provide the Beast Knights with additional knowledge of the ultimate outcome. Still, as formidable as such a power might seem, it could also spell doom for all those involved if Akitani had lived to predict the defeat of humankind at the Mage's hands. In fact, it may be that Akitani's early demise enabled the possibility of the Earth's salvation, rather than locking it into a single future.

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Nevertheless, one critical point Akitani could've predicted was Samidare's eventual plan to destroy the Earth herself. Since her resolution to do so seems to have predated his death against the sixth Golem, in theory he may have possessed that knowledge. However, aside from himself, Yukimachi, Subaru and their respective animal companions, Akitani's journal is silent on the other Beast Knights. The only other member of the Princess's army mentioned within his writings is Yuuhi, the one he left the text to. Perhaps this was Akitani's way of challenging Yuuhi to take up his mantle, knowing the unique predicament he faced as Samidare's confidant.

All that aside, Yukimachi and Subaru have already proven to be the most concrete remnant of Akitani's legacy. It is suggested that they inherited Akitani's immense power, making them perhaps the strongest Beast Knights in Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer to this point. This is complemented by their application of his teachings to form an "unbreakable shield" and an "unstoppable spear" when working in tandem to combine their Holding Fields. While Akitani may be calling on Yuuhi to become a hero and chastise Samidare, Yukimachi and Subaru may be his final insurance policy in case Yuuhi ultimately chooses to follow after the Princess' devilish goals.

Chris Nishijima is an Anime Features Writer for CBR. He is a lifelong devotee of the way of the otaku and still believes that in his hour of need he'll either have a Magical Girl rescue him, or he'll be isekai'ed to another world. He has previously written for Anime News Network in their Interest column and has worked for ELEVEN ARTS in distribution and promotions.

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