Episode 9 is essentially a “noble sacrifice” misunderstanding episode. After Kihachi decides to hand the completed Catalog to Yosuke (partly to free Inako from the engagement and partly as a way of stepping beyond simply carrying Seiroku’s dream), Inako misreads his intentions and accepts the marriage herself to protect his future. The two end up working at cross-purposes, each convinced they’re doing the selfless thing. The episode’s strongest element is the additional depth given to Yosuke. The flashbacks to his first meeting with Seiroku (and the devastating effect of the latter’s death) reframe a lot of his obsessive behavior. It doesn’t fully redeem him, but it makes him more tragic and understandable. The dance sequence between Yosuke and Kihachi under the fireworks is a memorable visual and symbolic highlight. Where the episode struggles is in how long it milks the lack of communication. Several characters (and even a drunk supporting character) essentially point out that a single honest conversation would resolve much of the turmoil, which undercuts the drama for viewers sensitive to that trope. The animation is still polished, but it doesn’t reach the inventive peaks of earlier episodes.