WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Episode 10 of SAKUGAN, "OH MY TONY," now streaming on Crunchyroll.
Gagumber has always been portrayed as a less than ideal father. Through his own words and actions, as well as the words of others throughout the show (including Memempu), it’s clear that parenting doesn’t come easily to him. Given his lone wolf type of motto and inability to care for himself, it isn’t surprising that Merooro declared he would have been the better father to Memempu, and continuously and blatantly egged Gagumber on. However, the terrorism in Episode 10 helped showcase Gagumber's natural parental instincts -- in the loudest and most violent way possible.
Shibito, the terrorist group that has been at work taking down the stability of multiple Colonies through merciless violence in the background of the show, finally made an in-person appearance when Memempu encountered a terrorist member on her way to reunite with her beloved stuffed animal, Tony. The terrorist almost completed her mission to kidnap Memempu but ultimately failed thanks to Gagumber kicking into overprotective dad mode.
Memempu may fight with Gagumber frequently, but she had never said anything worse than the usual bickering until this episode, when she seemingly saw Memooro as a better alternative. In actuality, she is well aware of the fact that her father cares deeply for her, even if his way of doing so is flawed. Tony, the stuffed animal that she carries around everywhere, was a birthday gift from Gagumber and she treasures it greatly. She’s even taken steps to modify Tony to help save her in less-than-ideal situations. Gagumber’s potential death also continues to be a great weight on her mind.
Gagumber’s relationship with Memempu has always been one of care. He gave her all of the freedom to strive in academia and never truly distrusts her genius. However, he reels her back into reality as necessary as a Marker, since he is more experienced than her, and this has saved their lives more often than her genius within the show. Nonetheless, he was willing to go on this journey with her and will fight countless Kaiju to protect her even if it means losing his own life.
He has always been working with her in mind, and their relationship finally evolved in this episode because he made it very clear to everyone how much he loves and cares for her. This will only benefit them in the long run, as Shibito seems to be targeting Memempu specifically for the map she carries.
