WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 19 of Fire Force, "The Oze Family," now streaming on Crunchyroll.
The members of Fire Force's Company 8 have come to view one another as family, so the sudden departure of Maki Oze unsettles the team as they prepare for a joint investigation with Company 2. However, no one is more affected by this than Maki herself, whose return to the military only comes after her brother is injured while looking into the Evangelist's White-Clad organization.
Aside from Shinra and Arthur, not much is known about Company 8's families or their pasts. For Maki, a flashback shows her going against her father's wishes when she chooses to leave the military in favor of joining the Special Fire Force. General Oze -- Maki's father -- seems an intimidating presence to those who serve him in the Tokyo Imperial Armed Forces and is especially protective of his daughter, showing particular contempt towards Company 8's Hinawa for recruiting Maki.
An Evangelist Incident Reunites the Oze Family
A rare family dinner brings Maki together with her parents and brother, Takigi, leading to a discussion about the Nether. Takigi, a detective, mentions a string of disappearances occurring near an entrance to the Nether and, the next day, explores them with his partner. The Nether is a mysterious underground network of abandoned train tunnels synonymous with the White-Clad's secret operations.
As Takigi and his partner explore the Nether, they discover an active laboratory experimenting with the Infernal insects. Before they can collect any evidence, a White-Clad member detonates a bomb strapped to their chest, obliterating any useful leads. Thanks to Takigi's pyrokinetic abilities, he protects himself and his partner but still sustains serious injuries.
Company 2 & Company 8 Joint Investigation Announced
The reality of the White-Clad's threat causes Takigi and General Oze to grow more resentful towards the Fire Force for what they perceive as putting Maki at risk, despite her interest and investment in the cause. General Oze decides to deploy Company 2 -- who reports directly to the Tokyo Imperial Armed Forces -- to investigate the Nether with Company 8.
Back at the 8th's headquarters, they receive the joint operation's details, including a request for Maki to return to the military. However, Maki expresses her desire to remain with the Special Fire Force, with Hinawa's surprising suggestion for her to leave shocking her. Hinawa's decision likely stems from a sense of responsibility and worry about keeping her safe, especially with her family's mounting pressure.
Maki Leaves the Fire Force
A return to her military post frustrates Maki on multiple fronts as she grapples with personal disappointments and the feeling of being her father's caged bird. While she understands that Hinawa and her family want to protect her, she's more saddened by their lack of faith in her abilities, believing their worry stems from her failings.
Meanwhile, Captain Obi, Hinawa and Licht meet with the 2nd Company's Captain Honda to discuss their upcoming operation. Due to the 8th's previous experience in the Nether, they determine that two combined groups will investigate. Though the door is open for Maki's likely return, her absence especially affects Shinra, Arthur and the rest of Company 8 as they prepare for their first mission without their resident witch queen.
