The episode opens with Asta in a rare state of dejection. His "funk" isn't caused by failing the exam, but rather the frustration of being too injured to face his rival, Yuno, in a head-to-head match. To snap him out of it, Yami forces the Black Bulls into a mandatory group bath—a classic shonen trope used here to build camaraderie rather than just fanservice.
Yami uses this story to teach Asta that even captains have rivals who drive them to be better. It mirrors Asta and Yuno's bond, highlighting that rivalry is often the greatest catalyst for growth. Key Highlights & Fan Reception YAMI'S RIVAL! | Black Clover Episode 85 | Reaction & Review Black Clover (TV) Episode 85
The heart of the episode is Yami’s flashback to his days in the squad (now known as the Azure Deer ). We see a younger Yami and William working together for the first time to defend a village's crops from a massive bandit raid. The episode opens with Asta in a rare state of dejection