[alvinkhorfire]

Originally Posted by Archon_Wing

The most important thing though is that he did what he should have done seasons ago and told Kazumi off.

Well, I believe there are reasons for that.

Spoiler for Possible Answer From Novel Summary:

I believe that Yuji actually loves Shana quite a long ago, but he did not realize it. Notable examples can be found in Season 1 and Season 2, one of them being Yuji looking back only at Shana, instead of Kazumi during culture festival parade (Anime Season 2 Episode 12). Back then, he was not confident enough to declare that he loves only Shana. In other words, he was indecisive and just could not reject Kazumi's love.

The merging of him with Snake of Festival creates an distinct air of confidence and power surrounding him. Now, Yuji has the necessary confidence and bravery to choose between Shana and Kazumi, and he rightfully chooses Shana, not without rough beating. Of course, excessive confidence causes him to be arrogant, hence the blatant rejection of Kazumi at the end of Episode 4.

Originally Posted by Rising Dragon

It did amuse me with how screwed the Misaki City crew was without Yuji. He has the one weapon you don't dare block or parry, the ring that makes one invulnerable to flame (and thus immune to just about every Flame Haze), he knew where their mission control was kept, knew the strengths and weaknesses of all three Flame Hazes present... and he was also their ace in the hole against powerful Tomogara in the first place, and now they had to fight against that ability...

Yes, Yuji is the strategist behind the Misaki City crew, throughout Season 1 and Season 2. His idea is influential in aiding Flame Hazes' victory in Misaki City, most notably during Sabrac's attack. With Yuji joining the other side, Flame Hazes in Misaki City just have to charge their tactics. Well, it really makes the subsequent episodes more exciting.

Originally Posted by Senshigeia

alvinkhorfire: Got it.

Sure, no problem.