Goldgust Art

Yes, it's a bit hazy to me since it was a long time ago, but I was thinking of some parallels. Specifically between Barok and the Masked Apprentice, and Wataru and Hokuto during the final live vs. exfine during 2nd year. (Don't the kids these days call their unit Thirteenth Day I'm not sure why)

2nd year Wataru and Barok both put on these villainous personas to draw the hatred/fear of the public, ultimately for a further goal. And personally I think Barok's grim reaper persona is so melodramatic and funny on purpose, I think it's his little joke to himself. Aka... Clown behaviour (if you didnt know wataru is a noted clown).

Meanwhile 2nd year Hokuto is a bit similar to the masked apprentice/kazuma in that they've both spent the majority of their lives working very hard towards a goal which is not what they truly want and feel increasingly lost... well, in Kazuma's case he's literally lost his memories but even afterward he'll be struggling to adapt