Ichigo II releases in November 1998, selling slightly better than the first but drawing criticism for repeating itself. Sadie and Sam agree it is a creative step backward, attributing the stagnation partly to Opus’s tight schedule and sequel expectations.

Over dinner, Sadie tells Sam and Marx she does not want to make a third Ichigo. Sam argues for redeeming the series with a great finale, while Sadie insists she is finished for now. Tensions rise as Sam’s foot bleeds through his sock, Marx tries to mediate, and Sadie leaves, unwilling to concede.

Back at her apartment, Sadie contemplates leaving Unfair and making a solo game. On the phone from Israel, Dov urges her to treat conflict as normal and to apologize, advice that does not address her dissatisfaction. Alone, she weighs her preference for a controlled, orderly life against her desire to protect her creative freedom.

That night, Sam arrives in the snow to hear Sadie’s ideas and acknowledges her reluctance to continue Ichigo immediately, while still hoping to end the series well someday. Their conversation softens the rupture; they watch TV, talk about Marx and Dov, and Sadie reflects on how her best ideas are sharpened with Sam. She names the project she wants to make next: Both Sides.