WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Season 1 of Fire Force, available to stream on Crunchyroll and FUNimation.
The anime series Fire Force takes place in a world where one of the leading causes of death is spontaneous human combustion, a phenomenon where someone is engulfed in flames and becomes a creature known as an Infernal. Shinra Kusakabe, a third-generation pyrokinetic, is the protagonist whose tragic past reinforced his desire to be a hero. He eventually becomes a Fire Soldier for Special Fire Force Company 8 to find out the truth behind the Infernals and what happened to his family. With a trailer out for the second season, set to premiere in July, let's look back at the series' fiercest fiery fights.
Shinra vs. Rekka
As Company 8 continues its quest to learn more about spontaneous human combustion, their search leads them to look within the Special Fire Force itself, specifically at Company 1. This leads to a confrontation between Shinra and Rekka, a Lieutenant of Company 1, who reveals he works for someone creating artificial Infernals known as the Evangelist. The fight is visually stunning; Shinra's mobile and flashy footwork fighting style is on full display as he pummels the traitor Rekka.
Throughout the clash, viewers learn about the Evangelist's desire for Adolla Bursts, and meet members of their White-Clad cultist organization like Arrow. Shinra and Rekka's old friend Karim, another member of Company 1, defeat and capture the traitor, but before they can interrogate him, Arrow fires a hole in his chest, killing him. While David Production's animation is the shining highlight of this fight, the continued mistreatment of Tamaki is the battle's major flaw.
Maki vs. Flail
Maki introduced herself early on as a force to be reckoned with, but when she runs into Flail and a team of other White-Clads in the Nether, it's revealed just how devastating she can be. With the combination of her physical strength, combat training and second-generation pyrokinesis, Maki makes quick work of the foot soldiers before moving on to the main attraction.
Maki recognizes Flail as the one who had "roughed up my dear colleagues" during the attack on Vulcan's workshop. She decisively avenges those colleagues. With her fire spirits, Sputter and Flare, Maki controls her "Twin Hover Units Tekkyo," which perfectly combines with her fighting style as she delivers a world-class beatdown on Flail. Aside from the sequence being great spectacle, it's refreshing to see one of the female characters shine on center stage in a more dominant way than the series has done for much of the season.
Shinra vs. Leonard Burns (Rematch)
Set on learning what happened the night of the fire at his childhood home, Shinra unleashes his newfound speed and signature kicks on the Captain of Company 1. If Shinra can prove his strength, the one-eyed Burns has promised to reveal that sweet tea. Burns' immense power makes it impossible for Shinra to land a hit, but he is ultimately impressed by the boy's growth and relents.
Truths Shinra thought he knew melt away as he learns Shō awakening of his Adolla Burst was the cause of the fire, and his mother, who may still be alive, was the horned infernal in his memories. Shinra's motivation throughout the first season was basically to avenge what happened to his family, and while this remains the case, there is a new dimension. With the knowledge that his brother and mom are still out there, he wants to save them and find a way to return that latter into a human.
Benimaru vs. Demon/Haran
Benimaru Shinmon is the aloof Captain of Company 7. He is known as the strongest Fire Officer in the Special Fire Force. During the Asakusa arc, Beni goes flame-to-flame with Haran, a White-Clad member, who ingests a bug that turns him into an infernal demon. While Shinra and Arthur play a small role during the fight, Beni's hybrid second/third-generation pyrokinesis abilities shine in the battle to save his town.
Beni was fooled earlier in the arc by the illusion-creating, White-Clad Mirage, so to make amends, he puts everything on the line to protect Asakusa. The people of Asakusa look at Beni as their protector, so he must be the one to save them. Plus, it was against a similar demonic foe that Beni's friend Konro lost the power to fight by developing Tephrosis, a condition brought on by overusing pyrokinetic abilities. With devastating attacks like "Iai Chop, Form Seven: Sun Wheel" and "Crimson Moon" in his arsenal, it's no surprise Beni is able to soar to victory.
Shinra vs. Shō
Nothing screams a Fire Force family reunion like an all-out brotherly brawl where speed is king, animated to absolute perfection. This familial bout highlights the extreme power possessed by Shō, the commander of the Knights of Ashen Flame. The battle also explores new heights in Shinra's skill. Shō dominates in combat early on with his power to slow time, but by using the Adolla Link with his brother, Shinra can tap into the Evangelist's grace as well and achieve lightning-fast abilities.
With one brother able to halt time and the other moving at light speed, this breakneck battle also reveals some crucial world-building and plot development. Not only do the Adolla Flames come from a strange, monochromatic dimension that Shō shows Shinra, but the Evangelist makes their first appearance. However, after an emotional Adolla Link induced memory sharing experience reduces Shō to tears, Haumea, a member of the White-Clad, appears and uses her ability to control him. As Company 8 arrives to save Shinra, who was accidentally impaled by Shō's sword, the Nether begins to collapse, which once again separates the brothers at the conclusion of Season 1's most intense battle.