Akuyaku Reijou Wa Ringoku No Outaishi Ni Dekiai Sareru

Sighs. Here we go again this season. Here I go again this season. Yup, yet another reincarnated villainess anime. I swear I must be a closet fan of this series. Anyway, you can expect the similar ingredients from Akuyaku Reijou Wa Ringoku No Outaishi Ni Dekiai Sareru because we’ve got a fantasy world based on an otome game. Hardcore fan who plays the game until she knows every nook and corner of it, dies. Reincarnates into this world as a villainess. And yes, it is also another one of those who gets her engagement to the prince cancelled and that cancellation made in public to humiliate her. So will she be off to her death flag now? Not quite. Because if this jerk prince doesn’t want her anymore, this prince of another kingdom will take her in. Sure not pulling a fast one? Once bitten twice shy? Oh well, might as well go for it. What has she got to lose, right? And so this so called villainess has now been given a new lease of life as a new romance blooms between them. True happy ending or just a facade masquerading as the inevitable tragedy? We all know better. Hopefully.

Episode 1
Tiararose Clementille Lapis will graduate from school tomorrow and spend a year undergoing bridal training so that she can be the worthy future queen to crown prince, Hartknights Lacmouth Lapis Lazuli. But as she goes to see him, she goes into shock and faints when she sees Akari running into his arms. We are briefed that all the events unfolding are from an otome game called The Ring Of Lapis Lazuli. Hartknights is the main hero who ends up in love with the commoner, Akari who is the player. And yes, Tiararose is the villainess who tried to get Akari out of her way but in the end was casted away. So this avid player who played this game so many times until she died, has been reincarnated as Tiararose. Tiararose wakes up with Hartknights by her side. Was he this cold of a person? He notes he can’t even escort her to the graduation ceremony as he has things to do so she’ll have to go herself. Oh well. She realizes the condemnation at the graduation ceremony is inevitable. However she stays positive as she has her friends, her personal maid, Philine Sunfist and her parents (her father is the Prime Minister) who have supported her through thick and thin. Before the ceremony begins, both Akari and Hartknights come to personally see her. They seem worried and are glad she is alright.

But as soon as Tiararose makes her entrance into the hall, both scheming devils shock all as Hartknights calls off his engagement to Tiararose. Tiararose stays cool and demands a reason for this. Hartknights claims she has been mean to Akari and bullying her. Technically, he is not all wrong because Tiararose did try to teach Akari the ‘proper’ ways to greet and interact with the crown prince. With Hartknights throwing accusations after accusations, she realizes no amount of defending would do. This is the end. She accepts the cancellation. Hey, she still has her friends and family. Think again because Hartknights considers mistreating the future queen a crime and banishes her to another kingdom! Horror! She won’t see her friends and family this way! Panicking, this is when the first prince of the neighbouring kingdom, Aquasteed Marineforest goes up to Tiararose and proposes to her. He is the main character for the sequel but our player girl died before that sequel got released. Hartknights is not happy with this intervention but Aquasteed chides him for humiliating a lone girl at an event where it is supposed to be celebratory. Tiararose is stumped that Aquasteed has long wanted to make her his. He kisses her hand and this makes her very happy. So what’s Akari’s problem then? She tries to pull Aquasteed away from her while accusing her to be a mean girl. Despite Tiararose’s warning not to treat the prince of a neighbouring kingdom like that, she presses on and so a pissed Aquasteed has his men take her away! Hartknights did nothing and just stood there?! What did he say about treatment of the future queen?! Tiararose is left further confused as this is supposed to be the end of the game for her but what now?

Episode 2
Tiararose wonders how Aquasteed knows her since they do not interact. Well, as an exchange student studying here, from the library he always observed her having tea and reading a book at the garden with Philine. F*cking stalker. He relished seeing her cute side but decided to keep these feelings to himself as she was engaged to Hartknights. It wouldn’t be right of him to steal a prince’s fiancée. But then it became a blessing when he annulled the engagement. So as not to let this chance slip, Aquasteed swooped in for her hand. Yes, he is serious in wanting to marry her. He sends her home as her family is furious of Hartknights’ doing but take heart that a prince from a neighbouring country is interested in her. Meanwhile Hartknights seems to regret his actions as he talks to Akari for assurance. It is hinted that Akari may know about this being a game. She claims she wants to now save Aquasteed before he gets hurt but Hartknights has his reservations. Tiararose is surprised Aquasteed visiting her this late as night as he wants to invite her to this Fairy Star Festival (an event in the game where the heroine gets close to the guy she chooses). But now isn’t its season. Don’t worry, he can summon the fairies! Hartknights now talk to his father the king and looks like he really regrets what he said to Tiararose. The king points out they used to talk often and Tiararose has always done things in consideration of his future. Well, you reap what you sow. What has been done cannot be undone. Now we see Tiararose and Aquasteed in their lovely picnic date. Such a lovely couple. After this, Tiararose requests to her father that she wants to visit Aquasteed’s home. While it saddens father to see his daughter marry a man from a different nation, as long as she is happy, that is what matters most. Upon arrival, she is greeted by Aquasteed aide, Elliot. But soon they bump into Hartknights who is also here to see Aquasteed. Hartknights wastes no time to apologize to her from the bottom of his heart for all the things she has done for him. She doesn’t hold any grudges and is happy to see him back on his feet. But as he is about to touch her hair, Aquasteed quickly flicks them away. What are you doing trying to touch my lovely fiancée?

Episode 3
Flashback a year ago, in Aquasteed’s bid to become a worthy prince, he studied here to gain more knowledge. Despite many invitations from many ladies, he turned them down. Until of course he saw Tiararose. When Hartknights first introduced them, Aquasteed felt the dignity in her in upholding the good name. He continued to watch her from the library and even used his magic which he rarely did to turn the bad weather into good so she could continue her picnic. That smile was worth it. But he knew he couldn’t get closer to her for she was Hartknights’ fiancée. Then he was there when Tiararose fainted after seeing Akari and Hartknights together. He carried her to the infirmary and pondered about Akari growing closer to Hartknights before that prince took over the watch. Then the next day, Hartknights annulled his engagement to Tiararose. With that blessing, Aquasteed swooped in for his prize without hesitation. Now, Aquasteed has been bogged down with paperwork and would’ve gone to greet Tiararose earlier. So when he finished, he sees Hartknights touching her. Hartknights is surprised that they are now officially engaged. That means you can’t touch her freely now. Hartknights apologizes and he looks sad over this. After vowing to protect her, the duo have a lovely picnic in their garden. Both introduce their loyal servant to each other. Meanwhile Akari is bored while worried that Tiararose is still hogging the spotlight. Because she too likes Aquasteed! Oh no, she has come up with a devilish idea. Aquasteed proposes to Tiararose and she gladly agrees. They hug and kiss. Happiness interrupted when a bright light shines across the horizon. Tiararose recognizes this rare holy prayer magic that only Akari can use. This purification magic is very powerful and you bet all countries want to have this power. Even Marineforest. She fears Aquasteed may come to desire Akari’s power.

Episode 4
A subject reports that light as a magic equipment malfunction. Thank goodness? But Tiararose continues to worry. Later Elliot reports to Aquasteed about the truth and that is the holy prayer light from Akari. Even Aquasteed knows its importance that every nation wants it as those who have it, their nation will prosper. 2 weeks have passed and Akari is stumped Aquasteed has not come to get her! Does he not want that holy prayer? Aquasteed now pays a visit to Tiararose’s home. He relays the official news that Akari is getting married. Tiararose fears the worst that Aquasteed has been taken from her. Well, good news. Akari will officially marry Hartknights. Must be so relieved and happy that she’s crying. Now do you believe in your man? That night, Akari personally pays a visit in Tiararose’s room. Akari knows she also played the game but is shocked to learn she died before playing the sequel. Because it is way better than the first! That is why Akari has been trying to get her hands on Aquasteed because he is her favourite. Although both guys are good, if she had to pick among them, it would be Aquasteed. She continues to sing praises of how damn good the sequel was, that she played so many times over and over again. Oh yeah, there’s a new heroine too, Icilla Pearllant.

Akari wants Tiararose to break up with Aquasteed so she can marry him. This is where Tiararose draws the line. No way. B*tch fight coming? Akari intends to injure her to force her to call off the engagement. Tiararose is saved from her zap thanks to Aquasteed’s arriving in time to protect her. Oops, make that a second too late because there’s a small wound on her face. You’ll pay. Akari trying to convince Aquasteed to marry her since she has holy prayer. He admits of such power that will prosper his nation. However he believes he can lead his kingdom to prosperity without it and thus she is not needed. Akari in despair as Aquasteed has her arrested. That’s the second time, b*tch! Tiararose is on top of the world, learning his true feelings and for him coming to save her. Hartknights visits Akari and notes about her feelings for Aquasteed. While she admits to that, you’d be dead wrong if you think she doesn’t love Hartknights too. Oh well, second best is also good enough. She agrees to marry him. Tiararose says goodbye to her parents as she will be moving to stay with Aquasteed. Suddenly a letter from Akari. Suspicious Aquasteed reads it first to make sure. It seems Akari has decided to become happy with Hartknights so she wishes for Tiararose to find her own happiness. And if she loses to Icilla, she’ll never forgive her! Oh well, at least this b*tch fight is over. On to the next one. Tiararose is happy for Akari and wants to keep this letter as encouragement.

Episode 5
As narrated, Marineforest has fairies who use their powers to help keep the kingdom clean and all. As Tiararose arrives at the beach of the kingdom, several sea fairies greet her but they don’t seem to like her and prefer Philine? Don’t be disheartened. But who is this woman whom Aquasteed knows? Oh dear. She is Icilla! Her ducal family oversees the oceans and she has just finished some of her duties. Tiararose now worries if she too will become a villainess in the sequel or has been removed entirely from it. She takes a breather in the forest and makes a few friends with the forest fairies. With the rest worried looking for her, Tiararose realizes there is no need to be afraid of the heroine as there are many who support her. More Aquasteed x Tiararose moments as the former can’t wait to make her his wife. However Tiararose needs him to be patient for she has to undergo a year’s training as his wife so she can properly support him. Yeah, it will be worth the wait. That night, a ball to commemorate their engagement as Tiararose meets Aquasteed’s parents, King Sotirisand and Queen Lavina. With Icilla inviting Tiararose to her home, Tiararose gets worried about being involved with her too fast. Her worries may be baseless as Icilla shows great hospitality around her place. They talk about love and it seems Icilla claims she has not fallen in love with any men yet because the ocean will always be her first love. Tiararose wonders if she could be lying but can someone lying put up such a pure and honest face? As the ladies also go explore underwater (magic bubbles to keep themselves dry! No scuba gears, DUH!), shortly at the shore, Tiararose spots Icilla talking to Aquasteed. Oh dear, he touches her face?! Tiararose has her doubts if this is all part of the game but it is time to make get her feelings across. She confronts Aquasteed (who is here to get her). Looking a bit mad, she then hugs him and tells him not to leave her alone. Later the forest fairies has Tiararose follow them into their forest home where she is brought to see their fairy king, Keith. Uhm, what a hot handsome guy!

Episode 6
Keith finds Tiararose interesting as she hands him some of her cookies. Because fairies are capricious and live freely as they want, Tiararose laments that as human, many things tie them down. Keith hopes to be her strength. As Tiararose explains all about Aquasteed, she realizes the need to go back so Keith whisks her back just when Aquasteed is about to go look for her. He points his sword at Keith thinking he is an intruder. But soon sheathes it and bows when Tiararose explains about the fairy king. Aquasteed introduces Tiararose as his fiancée and even so, he doesn’t want the fairy king to lay his hands on her. Keith is in a good mood and will let her go. He kisses her hand and if things get too hard, call him. Time for Aquasteed to romance Tiararose but she wonders why he is still mad at her. Oh. He called Keith by his name. She does the same for Aquasteed and that is how easy to make this man happy. As Tiararose and Icilla has baked cakes, can Aquasteed say which one is better? He stays silent although Keith points out Tiararose is better. Another warning from Aquasteed not to touch his fiancée so Keith disappears. Later Elliot asks Aquasteed about not just saying Tiararose’s cake tastes better. He needs to be mindful and not make Icilla sad as her mood may affect the sea. If she is happy, the sea shares their bounty.

Tiararose wakes up and realizes she forgot that single picture sample of the game’s sequel reveal that showed hot Aquasteed soaked in water. That event happened at the sea with Icilla. So it won’t happen if he doesn’t go with her? Well, looks like he is going as part of his inspection. Tiararose speaks her mind for him not to go and just like that he agrees and will send Elliot instead. On another day when Icilla visits, they observe the rose garden. Suddenly some force pulls Icilla into the fountain. Aquasteed saves her and he gets wet instead. Oh, this scene looking familiar? Tiararose becomes disheartened and runs away to her room. Keith thinks Aquasteed made her cry despite she denies but still whisks her away to his forest against her will. He forces her to sleep. Keith notes humans are a pain but so are their rivals the sea fairies. He remembers a tragedy centuries ago when a girl those sea fairies loved was in trouble and the entire ocean was soon covered in red, the fish and coral all died. Aquasteed realizes Keith has kidnapped Tiararose but asking his men to search for her is like finding a needle in a haystack. So he heads down to the royal library to search through some forbidden texts to find his whereabouts. What’s this? The path to its forest is in the queen’s chamber? Oh, how nice of Keith to show up here. Angry Aquasteed warns Keith again but this time the later says this time he is taking Tiararose for real. Bye.

Episode 7
Elliot follows Aquasteed into the entrance of the fairy forest via a painting. Of course with Keith anticipating them, he has the trees and vines block their path as the men cut their way through. Tiararose wakes up and the fairies wanna play. After they dump fruits for her to eat, they usher her to the kitchen when they start cooking cupcakes together. Once done, Tiararose wonders into Keith’s chamber and he of course carries her to his throne. As usual, he won’t listen to his request. Just in time, Aquasteed is here to take back his fiancée. Unhand her! And if he refuses? Will take her by force! Keith notes Aquasteed can have any women he wants but since he only wants Tiararose, Keith blames him for making her feel this uneasy in the first place. So it’s gonna be a fight. Human king vs fairy king. Tiararose has no say in a fight between men. However when the men start to use magic in their fight, Tiararose gets caught in the crossfire and falls off. Aquasteed dives down to save her. He apologizes although she admits her fault for being jealous of Icilla. Aquasteed feels happy but what are they going to do about the free falling? Holy sh*t is that an angel?! Actually, the correct term is sky fairy. Yes. Sky fairy. Aquasteed calls upon their powers to give him wings! Wow. Lovely aerial view of the kingdom and adding cherry on top, the kiss. Lovely. Tiararose lectures both Aquasteed and Keith although both men still can’t see eye to eye. She needs both of them to work together and gets an idea to share her cupcake. I guess this will do for now. The fairies teasing her she has 2 kings at her service now. I take it, both men laughing means they’re good for now?

Episode 8
Tiararose returns to her home after a year. Her parents are happy to greet her but what’s this? Akari is here to visit? Father wants to shoo her away but Tiararose will go talk to her. Akari says she is working hard with Hartknights and congratulates her on her marriage. Knowing that she is having trouble with sea fairies, she gives her earrings blessed with holy prayer charms as protection. After all, they are now best friends and what’s this about taking down the sequel’s heroine? After bidding goodbye to her parents, Tiararose returns to Marineforest. On the day before the wedding, Icilla visits to congratulate her. Tiararose worries if she has feelings for Aquasteed but Icilla assures she doesn’t even know what love is. Suddenly Akari visits too. She notes Icilla should be happier since she is the heroine. Tiararose doesn’t want Akari to be mean to her but Akari claiming to be Tiararose’s best friend, warns Icilla not to get too close to her friend’s husband. Icilla apologizes that she should be more considerate although Tiararose doesn’t want her to mind so much. Tiararose wonder if Akari is here to say something to Icilla. Not really. She is here only to see how the sequel ends. This leaves Tiararose confused. On the day of the wedding, Tiararose is wondering if some sort of event will happen. As the wedding gets underway at the altar, Icilla soon realizes perhaps she has feelings for Aquasteed. She gets up but luckily Akari who is seated next to her will not allow her to disrupt this holy event. As Icilla cries about the pain in her heart, Akari narrates that in the game, the heroine can intervene and stop someone’s marriage. Even so, she can’t allow anyone to ruin her best friend’s wedding. She’s smiling so happily. Even Keith agrees to that. Is Icilla crying so loud that the newlyweds pick this up? Well, Aquasteed reacting… Tiararose starts to worry again. But this time she doesn’t want to lose so she clings onto him. I guess that snaps him out so he apologizes for making her worry again. As he carries her, he thanks Icilla for attending the wedding. Icilla admits she did admire him. The rest of the wedding procession goes on without a hitch. The exchange of rings. The kiss. Keith then blesses the wedding with his magic. It’s snowing petals. This tie Tiararose’s cries are of that of happiness. Game over, right? Oh… Who this sea fairy b*tch who thinks love is worthless?

Episode 9
Aquasteed gives Tiararose a hair ornament. Lovely. Cue to do more lovey-dovey stuffs to make our hearts go ~kyun! One day as Tiararose makes cookies, she suddenly notices some go missing. Asking Philine about it, the servants would never take anything without permission. Tiararose then goes to ask the forest fairies. Same thing. They wouldn’t take stuffs without asking or else their king will get mad. As this is a small matter, Tiararose doesn’t want to bother Aquasteed about this. But he too knows about it as his aide reports strange things happening around Tiararose but it is unclear whether it is harmful or not. Knowing Tiararose will not confide in him so easily, he is going to pamper her. She also knows this is coming up when he sees that sneaky face of his and spills the beans. Disappointed he can’t pamper her now? He promises to look into this matter. Next day as Tiararose bakes more cookies, she sees a sea fairy popping out from the sink faucet, grabs a cookie and runs back in! OMFG it looks so cartoonish! Unbelievable! The sea fairy brings the cookie back to the queen, Pearl but she doesn’t want it. In fact, she hates sweets made by humans. Tiararose and Aquasteed go to see Icilla about it. She will see the sea fairy about it but she notes it is her fault that the sea fairies are bullying her. When Icilla was crying over Aquasteed’s rejection, the sea fairies thought Tiararose was a meanie and decided to get back at her. When Tiararose is having a tea party, suddenly an unknown hot hunk shows up seated next to her and time around her froze. Don’t worry. He is Claire, the sky fairy king. He is just here to see Aquasteed’s wife. They become friends and of course, even Aquasteed won’t let this friendly sky fairy get too close to his wife. Icilla goes down into the ocean. Yeah, how did she not notice the ocean has turned murky under her watch?! Seeing Pearl, she talks about Tiararose and then to her dismay, sees the dustbin filled with Tiararose’s cookies thrown away. Full to the brim! Wasteful! Why are you doing this? Because I hate Tiararose! Oh… But that is no reason to waste the cookies, no?! Okay, never mind…

Episode 10
Pearl is not amused that Icilla doesn’t know what the f*ck is going on. Even more so when she doesn’t know who Claire is! Pearl is agitated and kicks her out! Icilla goes to talk to Aquasteed and Tiararose. It seems Pearl has locked her out so she can’t go to her palace anymore. They are willing to help her as Claire and Keith pay them a visit. Claire has brought special coral for the tea and as they enjoy it, Pearl pops up from one of the cups! This is part of Claire’s setup to introduce Pearl to the rest. Knowing that Pearl is angry, however like a true woman, she won’t say it and leaves. We can tell that Pearl likes Claire but the feelings might not be mutual. Claire thinks Pearl hates him or something. As Claire hopes to get closer with Pearl, he invites Tiararose to go shopping with him to help pick the perfect gift. Later in the bath, Tiararose ponders if Pearl got jealous of her having tea with Claire. Pearl pops up and chastises her for plotting something. She accuses her of trying to win over the fairy kings with her sweets. Tiararose denies this but Pearl will let her go if she declines to go shopping with Claire. So when Tiararose goes to decline Claire’s offer, oh damn, the sky just turned dark! She reasons when picking a gift for a woman, you can’t bring another woman along. She believes Pearl would be happier if he chooses the gift himself. Claire agrees to it and while doing his shopping, Pearl can’t believe seeing him so happy and gets angrier. Wow. The seas are now murkier. Her fairies are scared as Pearl summons Icilla to tell her she hates Tiararose because she is leading on Claire. For that, she tasks Icilla to steal Aquasteed from her. She gives her a love potion. Add your blood in it and give Aquasteed to drink. He will have eyes only for her. Icilla knows this is wrong but still hopes for Aquasteed’s love. When Claire comes down to check, Pearl doesn’t entertain him and goes away. Icilla tells Claire what happened so he is stumped it is impossible that Tiararose loves him because she loves Aquasteed. Oh Icilla, do you have to make that sad face?

As Tiararose makes cookies in the form of everyone, here comes Pearl to b*tch again that she is after Claire because there’s a cookie in his image. As usual she denies but it seems Pearl has had it. Enjoy this while you can because she assures Tiararose will feel the same pain as her soon. Aquasteed soon makes arrangements to investigate the sea and wants Tiararose and Icilla to accompany him. With Icilla looking so worried, Tiararose suggests some tea and refreshments to think this over. Probably her demon side won since Icilla puts a drop of her blood into the potion and then spikes Aquasteed’s tea. And by the time he drinks it, she chickens out and tells him not to because it is spiked. Oh man, must you half assed things like that? Too late to cry. Looks like Aquasteed is now using the same gentle and kind voice speaking to Icilla. Oh, you love it, do you girl? Now Tiararose understands what Pearl meant. She can tell Aquasteed is under the potion’s control and worse, Aquasteed allowing Icilla to touch him while he disregards her. She watches in horror and fears some unholy romance might bloom between them. F*cking Icilla smug…

Episode 11
Aquasteed manages to hold back his lust. In good timing, Elliot is here to inform Aquasteed that the sea has turned murky and dark. As they head there, Aquasteed ruing he ‘mistreated’ Tiararose. Even if the effect doesn’t last forever, he will still be in trouble if he sees Icilla. A flashback sees Pearl enjoying some guy’s company. You bet she loved him. But then she spotted him talking to another woman. Jealousy. She got confused on what is love. Can I recommend you that Haddaway hit song?! JUST KIDDING! And then Claire consoled her. Guess where her love shifted? And then she saw him with Tiararose. Damn, this woman gets jealous so easily! Aquasteed’s body is still lusting for Icilla and he is trying to fight it. Tiararose arrives trying to help. Oh my, why is Icilla here too?! He goes to her. Look at her damn happy face! Like as though she wants it! Tiararose devastated until she cries and yells out she loves Aquasteed more than anyone in the world! Even more than her own parents? Because of that, Aquasteed stabs his own thigh to break the spell. Now he can hug Tiararose all he wants but reconciliation have to wait as the ocean takes priority. The only way is to go see Pearl but with the ocean this dangerous, if the fairy kings say they cannot survive this, what are the chances for humans? Pleading for Keith and Claire to help, the fairy kings explain why there are 3 fairy kings in the first place. When 1 goes awry, the rest can fix it. Majority rule? But humans blessed by the fairies must be the ones to fix it. Aquasteed is blessed by Claire but does Tiararose have any magic? Well, Keith can bless her. The humans use their power but Tiararose fails. Hey, don’t blame her. It’s her first time. Realizing the magic in the cookies, she eats them and now all those dead trees she sprouted, turn into lush forests! Superb magic! Using the trees to absorb the contamination, Aquasteed then channels the murky waters into it. Just like that, the sea is purified. So easy. Fabulous rainbow! I guess we need our usual weekly fix of Aquasteed and Tiararose getting lovey-dovey with each other. So here’s their usual hug and the usual romantic stuffs. More magic delight because the trees now blossoming flowers and their nectar made of sweet sugar! Enough with the flirting. Time to get down to business. With the sea now clear, Claire will go down to see Pearl. Tiararose decides to come along to talk to Pearl. But can she breathe underwater? That’s where Icilla also volunteers to tag along as atonement. Of course Tiararose is not going to hold a grudge for trying to steal her husband, right? Aquasteed will return to his people to relay the news of the healed ocean. It’s time to settle things with Pearl once and for all.

Episode 12
Claire lectures Pearl about getting humans involve in a problem that is just primarily between them. A slight repent on Pearl’s face as she narrates although she never wanted to separate people who are deeply in love, she got jealous seeing Claire having fun with others as she thought fairy kings are lonely beings. By the time Tiararose and Icilla arrive, Pearl commends Aquasteed for she never expected him to free from the potion’s effects. She wonders who Tiararose is. Obviously she can’t say she is a villainess! Pearl starts revealing about the human man who once loved her but had to separate for he felt a human and fairy king cannot be together. He said that before settling on a human lover. In order not to forget her, he took upon her name. It is hinted it could be Icilla’s ancestor. But that is all in the past now. Claire then gives her a hairpin he bought himself. He teases her he got jealous of him and loved him so much she darkened the ocean. Pearl flusters but Claire needs her to receive her punishment. I don’t know why but Icilla wants to suggest the punishment?! Claire condemns her for trying to intervene so he sends her back onto the surface while letting Tiararose remain. Pearl’s punishment is to give Aquasteed and Tiararose her sea fairy blessing until her magic depletes. Oh, is Claire a sadist?! Doing so will flourish the kingdom. Pearl agrees to it as Aquasteed and Tiararose feel the power welling inside. Icilla thinks she is now of no use since the both of them have the sea fairy’s blessing. But they want Icilla to continue managing the ocean as she loves it and is the best person for the job. Next day, Keith brings Tiararose’s special flowers. He has harvested lots of sugar and special nectar. With this, she can now make new sweets. Yeah, the whole new forest is blooming with them and you might need the entire army to harvest them all! Claire spots a sad expression because he has felt Pearl using up all her magic and now she has gone into slumber. Uhm, did he not think this will happen?! Tiararose gives him her new sweet in which he throws it into the ocean, hoping it will reach her. At a ball, Tiararose receives a letter from Akari describing her happy days with Hartknights. Too bad her letter came too late warning her about that potion event. Yeah, it did happen in the sequel. But she also states once she receives the fairy king’s blessings, a hidden stage will be unlocked. Tiararose thinks that if she further describes what happens in the sequel, perhaps she could avoid the pitfalls in the game and secure a happy future. But we don’t want any spoilers, right? Better to live the moment and be lovey-dovey with Aquasteed. Because as long as she has him, no matter what kind of story unfolds, she will be happy.

One Man’s Ex is Another Man’s Lover
Happiness is what you make of it. Not because you follow blindly some script of some game. So whether this is a game or real romance, you bet Tiararose isn’t going to let her favourite game dictate her life. Because now she has something better: Aquasteed. Living the dream. And with that, can I say that it is actually happily ever after for her? Uh huh. No point for us viewers to become busybodies seeing how much they love each other. Yeah, it’s gonna make us jealous seeing how close they are. Let’s leave the lovebirds be and move on.

Yawn… Ah well, that says a lot of my sentiments for the plot and story of this series. I should have known better myself and what to do? Seeing I was ‘stubborn’ in wanting to watch this, I myself would know better on what to expect. Yeah, I find this to be quite boring. What was I hoping for the ultimate plot twist to suddenly wake me up with my eyes wide open? Oh, maybe alien invasions or the attack of the Demon Lord who wants to take over the world so our lovely couple has to save the world with the power of love! Ultimate proof that their love for each other is unlimited and forever! HAHAHA!!! Sometimes I have to laugh and diss at myself with coming all sorts of stupid plots and even with the slightest hope for it to happen just so as to keep my attention for this series alive. Sighs. Thankfully. All that didn’t happen. So it turned out to be all so generic and boring and within my expectations of what this umpteenth reincarnated villainess trope I have watched. Yawn.

If you are new to anime or a huge hardcore fan of pure romance anime, this is the anime for you because it is just mostly that. Tiararose finding her new happiness with a new prince rather than trying to find ways to avoid her death flag and the likes. That is what this series is mostly about. The drama of her being separated away from her love felt like over the top drama just for dramatic sakes. This is after all a romance genre and thus we need some sort of drama reaction from the pure Tiararose. Though, it was surprising that this series had 2 arcs because I thought the entire series would be about something to do with Hartknights and Akari. Seeing them getting their just desserts as Tiararose rises back up from her public humiliation to own them. But it didn’t turn out like that. Because Tiararose isn’t that sort of person to begin with. No wonder it felt boring. No severe punishment or penalty on Hartknights and Akari. No jealousy plots to bring Tiararose down. Nothing. I mean, they basically slandered Tiararose with fake lies! They should’ve been tried for defamation! But alas, all that was swept under the rug and they too eventually led their own happy lives. Yawn.

Once Aquasteed secured Tiararose, the story now shifts away from Hartknights and Akari to a different kingdom and different characters. I guess in this second half, we get to see a lot of Aquasteed x Tiararose romantic moments. This is where romance lovers would squeal with glee to see their pure romance with each other. I don’t know, maybe it’s because I never had such personal experience (no, watching so many romance animes in the past does not actually constitute as such experience!), I find it quite cheesy! And of course we have to up the drama with a new heroine and a jealous deity so that we could have more Tiararose drama because whose heart wouldn’t wrench in pain seeing her put up such worrisome face because her beloved Aquasteed may be stolen by another girl. Yeah well, if your love for each other so strong, not even God and His angels can tear you apart! Not even death, HAHAHA! Sighs. So yeah, this is all part of the drama which also serves to enhance Tiararose and Aquasteed’s love for each other. Oh you know, love grows stronger with every trial, test, obstacle, blah, blah, blah. You get the drift.

What else can I say about the characters? Especially Tiararose and Aquasteed who are deeply in love with each other but for drama’s sakes and to test how much they love each other, thus the ‘incidents’ we see befall on them. Yeah, I know I’m repeating myself but what else more can I say? It is to prove that the power of love will prevail all! Yeah. After all, Tiararose was originally the villainess in the game. And now she’s this meek girl in love. Talk about that annulment of her engagement was more like a blessing in disguise as it led her to even blissful happiness. That is why the first half was to help reassure her that love was not a lost cause to her and to help her regain her confidence. Because if her then current fiancé didn’t want her, that doesn’t mean she is unwanted by any other men in the world. I mean, it is easy to see why if a prince of the kingdom doesn’t want you, why would other men settle for a reject, right? And alas, herald Aquasteed her saviour. Now you can regain back the confidence in love. With Tiararose being a typical and very feminine lady, your typical reactions of her when Aquasteed romances her. Don’t your heart just squeal seeing such scenes? Whereas Aquasteed despite looking like a pretty boy, tries to show his manly side and is more aggressive in shoving other men aside, those who dare touch his beloved. Uhm, actually no mortal men would dare touch Tiararose. Just the fairy kings. Yeah, I bet even if God wants Tiararose, Aquasteed is ready to turn into a demon to fight Almighty off! Hell yeah. The power of love!

Hartknights must be having buyer’s remorse after he ditched Tiararose. He acted like a dick but after she’s gone, he regretted it. Was he under some sort of strange spell? Yeah, but I guess it is good for him seeing he doesn’t turn into an even bigger dick after that. Because of that, a repentant Hartknights felt somewhat weak in my books. It’s like he lacks the oomph after that. Like as though they want to do away with this character and move on to the next chapter in Tiararose’s life. Then there is of course Akari. I thought she would be a sneaky villainess despite her character helming the heroine role. Yes, at first she was quite irritating and conceited. If greedy girl had Hartknights wasn’t enough, then she wanted Aquasteed too?! Was she gunning for a reverse harem?! I don’t know but she was kinda annoying. But because of her jovial character, it was hard for me to extremely hate her as she did not harbour that kind of evil animosity. She just wanted the men for herself. Though, she had to be a b*tch about it. But once Aquasteed was out of her reach, I guess settling for Hartknights was the next best option. Oh well, you can’t win everything. And suddenly she became (self-professed) friends with Tiararose. Talk about sudden change in character. But at least it is still better than her being the enemy in which she might come back for revenge in the near future.

With Tiararose now officially engaged and then wedded to Aquasteed, this of course throws the entire original plot of the game out of the window. At least for the sequel. That is why Icilla’s character was somewhat confused and strange. It could have been her with Aquasteed instead of Tiararose. But who was the villainess of the game’s sequel anyway? Don’t tell me it was Tiararose again! Anyway, because of that, Icilla felt out of place and despite her initial assurances that she does not have romantic feelings for Aquasteed, plot convenience and drama’s sake reared its ugly head. Thus she was in this strange-cum-comical position, a desperate girl who wanted to taste Aquasteed’s love. Yeah, personally Icilla really felt weird and out of place when she used that love potion on him. Like as though she was in a trance, would have went all the way in taking his love in the event if Aquasteed did not snap out of it. Yeah, really strange. And also so we get to see Tiararose’s troubled face. Don’t worry. As always, the power of true love will prevail! The irony of Icilla was about to turn into the actual villainess! It would really have turned everything upside down. And now she’s back to being a minor character as an ocean ranger or something. Hah! Sorry girl, I guess the villainess of another kingdom took away your spotlight and became the heroine in your stead! Can I consider Icilla a tragic and losing heroine in this context?!

Even Keith and Claire cannot stand against the might and true love between Aquasteed and Tiararose. For the first time in fairy history, a human defies them and prevented them in giving them what they want. It’s a good thing it didn’t turn to bloodshed because that is not how this anime works. So yeah, Keith and Claire remaining to be very close friends with Tiararose so as to also keep Aquasteed on his toes, ever ready to push them away whenever they get too close. Also an opportunity for him to get lovey-dovey with his wife. Hey, they are the prince and princess of this kingdom. They can f*cking do whatever they want! And Pearl, oh well, must be the umpteenth time I am going to repeat her jealousy character is for drama’s sakes. Yeah, if she wants to experience romance the human way, she needs to learn how to love from a couple of humans and not be some whimsical vengeful petty fairy who contaminates the sea just because her fee-fees got hurt. And yes, once more, the power of love gonna open her eyes and show her the way! Don’t you just love how the power of love can solve everything so amicably? Now that Tiararose can overcome the fairies, perhaps she could do the same if God’s angels decide to make a move on her! F*ck yeah! Revelation and end of the world might come as Aquasteed defies God just for his woman! I wanna see this epic confrontation!!! Never mind. Stepped out of line there again.

I have mixed feelings about the art and animation. To start off with the character designs, characters like Tiararose and Aquasteed are of course designed in your typical beautiful Japanese animation style. Yeah, everybody in such worlds especially the otome games must look exceptionally gorgeous. Non-negotiable. The overall colouring and hues are quite light, tempting for me to think the studio is trying to save money on this department. But oh well, if the colours and hues are too rich, it won’t give off this light and dreamy feel. However, many the backdrops and sceneries especially at Marineforest look a lot like art sketches. I don’t know if the producers think we are so fixated on the hot looking people, we won’t notice the backgrounds. Sorry, I did. Sometimes it feels like they did a quick job for the backgrounds and didn’t put too much effort into it. After all, we’re supposed to fawn over the hot people and not the lush trees or the sandy beaches or the sparkling blue sea. And my biggest beef of all, the f*cking horrendous CGI. Ah yes. It strikes again. The horses. I swear they recycled this crappy horse CGI from previous animes. Shouldn’t horses have the same right to look as good as their human counterparts?! Oh Studio Deen, are you gonna improve on this in your future anime projects?

Voice acting is normal and nothing extraordinary. This is a romance genre after all. I only recognized Yumeichirou Umehara as Aquasteed (his usual typical trademark low calming voice), Junichi Suwabe as Keith and Shinichiro Miki as Hartknights’ father. The other casts are Mai Fuchigami as Tiararose (Nagisa in Ansatsu Kyoushitsu), Yumiri Hanamori as Akari (Nadeshiko in Yuru Camp), Takuya Satou as Hartknights (Sasajima in Nana Maru San Batsu), Marina Yamada as Icilla (Pino in Jashin-chan Dropkick), Hikaru Midorikawa as Claire (Lancer in Fate/Zero), Ai Furihata as Pearl (Ruby in Love Live! Sunshine!!), Minami Takahashi as Philine (Megumi in Shokugeki No Souma) and Shou Karino as Elliot (Keita in Kamierabi God.app). The opening theme, Ai No Fanfare is a duet between Ayahi Takagaki and Yuu Shirota. Generic upbeat anime pop with some jazzy fanfare. Though, I find it weird at times when Ayahi Takagaki trying to hit the high notes. The drum beats in some parts of the song remind me of, uhm, those tribal drums? I could be very wrong in this but it does give me such impression. The same pair also sing the ending theme, Mahou No Oto. A slow-moderate ballad with lots of strings to enhance the dramatic tune. Sounds just slightly better than the opener.

Overall, I am not impressed with this anime and definitely I find this boring. Yeah, I have got to stop myself from watching this genre altogether if I am to avoid such disappointments! But what to do? I bluff myself every time hoping that something will be different. Unfortunately, this series wasn’t it. I won’t go so far to say that this series is totally bad and crappy. It is really for those who are into pure romance. Nothing more, nothing less. The usual romantic tropes as per expected. Otherwise, ‘heartless’ people like yours truly would be better off looking somewhere else. Yeah. But you know me, I am probably going to give this genre another chance should another similar anime show up next season. Because like Tiararose who found true love after being given a second chance at it, I too have this feeling that by giving this tiresome genre another chance, I am sure it will live up to my expectations and I’ll find something about the genre to truly love. Hopefully. Oh well, why do I get this feeling that I won’t get a happily ever ending after all?

Himesama Goumon No Jikan Desu S2

Keh-keh-keh… Have you waited long enough? Has 2 years been a long enough time? Can’t wait a second longer for the next season, eh? Are you feeling like you are dying and your soul leaving your body if you can’t have your sequel? Keh-keh-keh… I see that you have endured and persisted that long. That is why it is only right to give you poor souls Himesama Goumon No Jikan Desu S2. Keh-keh-keh… That is your reward for being patient in waiting for the sequel. Now you can watch and enjoy at all the fun filled tortures that our captured princess is thrown with just to make her confess all the juicy and important details. I bet we all are going to have loads of fun. Keh-keh-keh…

Episode 13
Due to some experiment gone wrong, Hime has lost her memories! So Ex thinks this means Hime is back to her strong tough self and will resist any torture laid out by Tortura. Bring it on. Well, here is the toast! Hime caves in! Oh well, nothing changes! Even if Hime tries to tolerate it, it is real torture as Tortura starts to eat it! Hey, have we seen this scene before?! You’re watching the correct season, by the way! The torture so unbearable that Hime got all her memories back. Yeah, that did the trick. And with that, we’re having a toast party now! Maou is ecstatic that his favourite anime is having a second season. So yeah, have this celebratory cake. Don’t worry Hime, the cake isn’t the torture. But blowing the candle is! So if she wishes to do that, tell a secret! So as we see Hime’s panicking mind deliberating about this, better hurry or Tortura will finish her singing. And as we know, she gives in. The king turns 50 this year. That’s the secret. Now we have a basketball team of Hime vs Maou. The usual shenanigans that make you wonder if they really know how to play basketball or not. Oh hell, they don’t, really. In the end, Maou wins this friendly match and all head out to celebrate together at a family restaurant. Hime thinks Tortura can’t get on with the torture but she did anyway and Hime still confessed. Useless. Back in her cell, Hime has visualized all the things she needs to do to counter Tortura’s torture. I don’t even know spewing random secrets is her way of countering all those delicious treats! Thankfully, all those happen in her head. So you think Hime is ready? Ex’s reaction says otherwise. Yup, no faith. Thus Hime makes a bet that if she gives in, she’ll give up this and that and even have Ex maintained by Gilga. As we can see, she lost. Later at night, an intruder sneaks into the castle and her mission is to kill Maou.

Episode 14
Kanadge reports to Maou about the intruder, Sakura Heartrock here to kill him and not rescue Hime. Yes, you read that right. Currently she has been captured and now interrogated by Tortura to further learn more about her. And so Tortura gives her… Ginger pork! With rice! At first Sakura is stumped and perhaps they want to poison her. But as expected, she gives in and finds it so delicious! Time to confess. Before Maou, she reveals that her original mission was supposed to get close to Hime and assassinate her. However she failed because when she tried to assassinate Hime, she hesitated because of all the good times they had together. When she received orders to kill Maou, she thought it was death sentence for her failure. She has no regrets now that she has eaten her final meal and resigns to her fate of being put to death. But Maou is not amused. He wants her to join his legion! Putting Tortura as her mentor, Sakura is given a new lease of life! Meanwhile Inki and Youki present this metal puzzle to Hime. However she is too strong and breaks it each time! Yeah, she really wanted to have fun with it. Don’t worry, Gilga will help shape the puzzle that could withstand her strength! Once done, Hime is able to put all her strength into it and it still won’t break. However she still cannot solve it. Hime reveals she never mixed with other kids so she never got to play such things. Ex feels so sad for her that he reveals a secret so that Inki can reveal a hint on how to solve it! Oh yeah. Win-win situation. Next torture has Krall unleash a cutie rabbit. Wanna feed it? Hime stays strong. Okay then, she’ll let Tortura feed it. Hime changes her mind but Krall says it is too late. They can’t overfeed the bunny as its health is more important than Hime’s submission! Hime regrets her decision! But don’t worry, we have another bunny! F*ck yeah, Hime confesses and has a lovely time feeding it. Tortura goes to sleep happy as we see her flashback that she wanted to feed the rabbit. Because she feared the rest will be disappointed if she showed her true colours, she held it all in. So when Krall presented her the perfect chance to feed it, you bet Tortura was over the top. Now she can go to sleep happy. Krall presents the cute bunnies to Maou. Does he look unamused? Nah, he wants to pet them!

Episode 15
Ex alone in his cell? Well it is Sunday so no torture as Hime is hanging out with Inki and Youki. As for Tortura, she is hanging out with the new recruit AKA Sakura. Gotta show her around. Back to torture session, Tortura thinks of forcing Hime to skip breakfast as part of her ritual to get tough on her. However Mr and Mrs Kobayashi, the little gnomes who prepares breakfasts for Hime are in shock. I mean, look at how Hime is looking forward to breakfast and her face in despair when she doesn’t get it! How can you stomach this cruel scene! As much as Tortura tries to act tough, eventually she caves in. Give her breakfast right away! She forgot the most important thing while trying to get short term gains: The smile on your target’s face. Uhm, are you sure you’re in the correct line of business?! And look how happy Hime is having her breakfast. Yeah, worth it. Giant is giving Hime a great hair washing massage as well as massaging her face with various Chinese techniques. You can see Hime’s face devolving as she experiences the uber comfy masterful touch of Giant’s hands. To a point that she becomes Super Saiyan and so energetic, she is convinced she won’t confess today. Too bad, she is also so chirpy that she confesses right on the spot! Maomao’s turn to torture and Hime is so looking forward to it that she apologizes to Ex in advance. Yeah. Today’s Maomao’s torture is making cookies with cream. Like Oreo?! I guess nothing could prepare Hime for it as we see metaphors of her being defeated. It’s gonna get worse as Maomao introduces milk to dunk it in! Instant defeat. But shockingly instead of a confession, Hime spews words of gratefulness for Maomao being born. Maou is so touched Maomao inflicted the perfect torture that he is in tears! They grow up so fast. We see short snippets of Hime’s daily morning ritual. Usually sleeping in and despite washing her face, doing stretching and looking at her phone, she goes back lazing in bed. Until breakfast is served and you bet she is finally up.

Episode 16
Hime is looking forward to Krall’s torture in using a hamster! Oh yeah. Gotta love those cute little furry creatures… Uhm, isn’t this hamster a bit too big to be cute?! Because of that, Hime loses motivation and won’t be giving it. Krall feels disappointed but before this case is over, Hamungous begs for another chance and doesn’t want to waste Krall’s goodwill. So what can he do? Cook Chinese pepper steak. So we see Hamungous cook a mean dish and since it tastes so good, Hime confesses! Next up is Gilga as she uses this flaming hell blade to cook fried rice! However it is so hot that the wok melts! Gilga feels sad because Tortura is busy doing paperwork and tasked her with today’s torture. She begs for Hime’s help to wield it and control the flames so she can cook fried rice. You think it is Hime’s victory but since the enemy bowed her head and asked for help, Hime will help her! And so both cooperate to cook the best fried rice ever! So good that Hime confesses! WTF… Vanilla’s dad is worried that she is down after her failed tortures. So Konko Kon the maid suggests some jumping stairs torture. I don’t know, doesn’t this look more like a game? Papa thinks it is brutal enough so he goes to suggest it to his daughter. But before he could mention it, Vanilla seems to be back on her feet as she claims she has come up with the best torture. You go girl. So when Vanilla is up next to torture Hime, she realizes she forgot to bring that torture device! She left it back on her bed! She rushes back to get it while Hime and Tortura follow close by, thinking she needs help. At one point Vanilla looks like she is giving up but shedding a few tears won’t stop her so she continues to be steadfast. Hime and Tortura realize they have nothing to worry and head back. So turns out to be a teddy bear sewn by hand by Vanilla. She wants Hime to have it. Hime so happy that she confesses. I don’t know how this torture game works anymore… We see Tortura out shopping and as she buys an ordinary sweater, she didn’t realize how expensive it is. Not to embarrass herself, she pays for it rather than rejecting it. Back home, she rues having buyer’s remorse but what’s done is done. She dons it and finds it comfortable. This gives her the confidence to even enter an expensive hotel with an expensive café that she feared stepping in before. The lesson is to have an open mind in approaching things as it led her to a day with new experiences! Worth the price.

Episode 17
For today’s torture, Hime is worried what kind of pilaf will be served? When Tortura shows its contents, she realizes she forgot to cook the rice! Aww man! She deems herself a failure but Hime doesn’t mind. She can start cooking it now and while they wait, they can talk. Eh? Okay. Whatever. So they talk on a few stuffs as Tortura mentions a new recruit who might start torturing her too. Yeah, looking forward to it? And of course the pilaf turns out good so as usual, another confession. As Hime is about to tug in, she realizes she forgot to put away her diary. Did she even lock the drawer? Oh sh*t. Because of that, before the next torture starts, Hime surrenders and tells Tortura the location of her diary and to burn down the entire section! Woah! Hold on! Tortura learns what it’s all about as Hime is fraught with embarrassment if anyone should ever read it. However Tortura knows how her diary looks like. As Hime left for her mission, she packed it with her belongings. When she got captured her items have been confiscated. Phew. But? Tortura read them all! So all those romantic poetry was hers, eh? Can’t blame Tortura. She had to read it to find any military info. Anyway, Hime is so dead that the torture had to be called off! As Inki is next to torture, she plans to torture Hime using her favourite movie but fears she may not like it? Yeah, her heart can’t take that rejection! Youki notes Hime is also a movie buff so wouldn’t it be fun for them to share the same passion? Inki goes ahead to show Hime that movie. At the end of it, Hime loves it and now they can’t stop talking about it. So happy that Inki forgot to make Hime confess! But don’t worry, there’s a next time. Recommending a foreign action movie to her (uhm, starring Stanegger… Stallone x Schwarzenegger?!), Hime is excited watching the collection until she realizes the final volume is missing. You see, this is all part of Inki’s torture. Love the movies, eh? Yeah well, here comes to spoiler for the final volume! Hime in despair! Don’t say! Want to watch it spoiler free!!! And after confessing, she is given the final volume to watch. Brilliant. We see Tortura and Sakura making pancakes together. So how is this a torture device? Oh yes, Hime confesses after she can’t help herself to these delicious pancakes, right? Tortura later relays the good news to Sakura how much the target loves it. Great day.

Episode 18
OMFG. Maou making puns of an anime based on isekai, reincarnation, villainess and abandoned titles! Classic. Maomao is going to torture Hime by making animal balloons. However she is afraid it will pop so she stops and this makes her sad. Hime is willing to help her but mom is here to help. Once Maomao gets over her fear, they make lots of other balloon art. In the end, so much fun that they fail to get any confession from Hime! Soon, Maou has a mouth ulcer! Man, Kanadge has to initiate an emergency meeting over this and you bet all the generals are panicking! As healing magic might hurt him, the only way is to place him on leave. So now we see Maou spending some quality time at home with his family. Isn’t this the loveliest? The best way to cure his ulcer? Maybe. Worried Bruse calls to check on him but Maou assures he is already healed and planning in making his next town! Eh? What? Yeah, this paper town he is making and playing with Maomao. With Maou healed, it is back to normal working hours for him. Maomao feels sad but hopes he should get more ulcers from now. How angelic and devilishly. And now we herald Maou back from the depths of hell! That doesn’t make any sense… Now it is Hime’s turn to have a painful eye infection. Don’t worry, Tortura has some eye drops. What’s this? Is Hime scared of using it? Yes, she is. Damn. The fear of dropping with her own hands weakens her tremendously. Don’t worry, Tortura will do it for you. And just like that, Hime is feeling so much better already. Now we see Tortura recovering from fever although her throat is still uncomfortable. So she cooks herself a great meal and enjoys it. Yeah, good for the soul! Nobody can resist such delicious food so give in to this ‘torture’! With plenty of fluids and sleep, Tortura is soon back to health.

Episode 19
Tortura asks Sakura if she now wants to apply to be a torturer. Don’t worry, demon or human, Tortura has seen her put in the effort so she is sure she can make it. But first, Sakura wants to test a torture on Tortura. She agrees. Uhm, I don’t think this is how it works but whatever?! So the torture… Sakura dressed as a jester… Doing juggling and apple cutting tricks. Wow. Amazing. Tortura impressed. Sakura now has the confidence and submits her application. Krall is disappointed as today’s torture might be cancelled. You see, she’s supposed to bring a hell penguin but due to the heat wave, it is not faring well. Don’t worry, penguin’s health comes first. However, Penjamin is shockingly here. He refuses to give in to the heat and will do all that is necessary! So we see Krall and Penjamin doing the usual penguin circus stuffs and tricks. Even if Penjamin looks like he is on the brink, hell he will give in! He perseveres until the end! For unimpressed Hime, everything was as expected but she confessed anyway since she felt bad. Later we see Penjamin and Hamungous are best friends as they worked in the same Chinese restaurant before. They both cook food for each other but since they cannot eat it, Krall has to finish them. Twice! Hime can tell from Giant’s gaiting, she is depressed. Breaking her favourite mug this morning, she is taking the day off earlier to go walking. Hime accompanies her as they meet a few people and of course enjoy nature. What a great outing. Due to an experimental spell went wrong, Hime turns into a little bird! You think it is better she can’t talk this way, eh? However, she can still string proper sentences together when it comes to confession! Curses! How do you like Hime as a pet bird? Hime wants to eat chocolate cake so bad. But this is bad for birds. How? So desperate, Hime reverts back to herself? Well, only her head is still a bird! I suppose a human stomach can digest the cake. Tortura gets an idea to give crackers since birds cannot eat it. Once more, Hime’s will so great that she transforms… Oh well, at least her mouth is now human. Sakura and Tortura hang out at a diner and as they bide their time, they play the spot-the-difference puzzle on the kid’s menu. The final difference is tough and Sakura is tempted to search online for the answer. But Tortura remains steadfast to find it herself. Sakura remembers why she admires her. She never seeks help and tackles the problem with utmost sincerity. Eventually all the differences are found. Good job.

Episode 20
It’s bring your kids to work day? Maomao and her classmates will be doing a performance as part of Hime’s torture. Wow. Hime worried if she has enough secrets to confess! And so we see their cute handbell performance. Such great work. Of course Maou wants to see the video of Maomao in action but is told there was no video recorded. OMFG Maou just died!!! Actually, he is in so much despair that an emergency team led by Lulune is put together to help cheer him up. So basically she suggests doing the handbell performance again but via flash mob style. Kanadge will first report the failure to extract info. Then he will do a little dance before Maomao and gang bust in for their act. Yeah. You bet Maou is back. Fully resurrected! Vanilla thinks of inviting Hime for tonight’s festival but seeing Inki and Youki already asked her, she feels down and goes away. But soon Hime calls her to hang out and Vanilla is back in action. The quartet have loads of fun there. Inki and Youki soon hold a shooting gallery as part of Hime’s torture. Knowing she isn’t good with guns, Youki fires at prize/targets to earn points. Hime needs to do better to beat her. She goes for the biggest point and Youki is confident she cannot hit it so easily. Surprise, surprise. She does. OMFG is Hime a math and physics genius because she worked out the trajectory from her earlier missed shots! Luckily Youki has a backup plan. Knowing Hime’s pride won’t allow her to change her target, there are traps to stop her, including the stall owner which is Vanilla in disguise that will press a secret button to hold the target down. Ex advises to go for smaller targets and points and then add them up. But Hime insists in that prize because that is what Vanilla wants. You bet Vanilla so touched she forgot to do her job. Hime wins.

At the park, Vanilla sees a dejected Sakura sitting by and tries to show off by lending an ear. You see, next week will be Sakura’s first torture job and she is worried if her torture will be good enough. Vanilla brags about her own genius and will help her. So show me what you’ve got. OMFG Sakura tosses stones at the Rubik’s Cube while airborne, changing the pieces until she completes the puzzle! Sakura also explains she is good at stealth and speak many languages. Wow. I don’t know if Vanilla is feeling despair but there’s nothing more she can teach her. Sakura is still worried and admires Vanilla for her coolness and confidence. There’s your buzzword that makes her happy. This leads Vanilla to also confess her weakness and that she too gets worried before a torture. She also reveals making a cool friend recently. Instead of running away, she decides to challenge herself to gain the confidence she lacks. Both girls find motivation in each other and decide to do their best. Tortura tells Hime the new recruit will be making her debut next week. Hime can’t wait for her torture. I’m very sure it doesn’t work like this but whatever.

Episode 21
We’ve heard it a million times before, right? Hime won’t give in this time. Yeah, we all know better. But this time it will be different! Because now she gives Ex a lightning charm that will activate a lightning strike on her from his mind whenever he thinks she is about to give in. It’s the only way to control her. But we all know better… So today’s torture will be fried chicken! FCK?! Why does this fast food joint sound like profanity?! You bet the lightning strike activates many times. But ultimately with the only drumstick that is Hime’s favourite part and Tortura is going to eat it, the lightning strikes the longest. Wow. She might hold it out for… Scratch that, she gave in. F*ck. Due to some experimental failure, Tortura’s evil side takes over. How evil? Well, she is torturing Hime by buying a chocolate éclair from the convenience store. Uhm, how is this different than the old Tortura? Well, it seems she also bought another one just for Hime. Eh? Confused. You see, her evil version screws all the rules and puts her own feelings first. This means, screw the torture, let’s have fun eating this together! Hell yeah! Uhm, isn’t this still basically the same? Whatever. Eventually Hime reveals a secret for Tortura via a letter even if her evil side doesn’t need it. Later Tortura talks to Hime that a missing lightning amulet was the cause of the recent experiments gone wrong. Oh sh*t. An apology is coming up… Finally it is Sakura’s debut for torture. But to her dismay, she realizes it is Hime. Afraid and panicking, shockingly Hime cries. Because she is happy Sakura is still alive. Yes, Hime recognizes her despite that lame jester outfit. Hime knew from the blow that Sakura was the one who struck her down. But she can also tell Sakura didn’t want her dead and thus that blow didn’t kill her. She knew Sakura had her circumstances just like Hime herself. That is why she is happy to see her alive. Sakura truly treasured their times together as friends and wished they were really friends. But now their past relationship doesn’t matter as they are torturer and prisoner. Do your worst! Yeah, Sakura doing circus tricks. Amazing. They then talked for hours and Tortura decides not to report any of this and let the friends be. On an outing, Sakura joins Hime and the gang to visit a petting farm. Lots of great fun. Yeah, such great friends. On the way back, Hime takes a sneaky photo of Sakura sleeping and teases she let her guard down. Inki also took a pic of sleeping Hime next to sleeping Sakura so now they’re even.

Episode 22
It’s about time that Louch dude showed up to rescue his beloved Hime! Yeah, not sure what spell he developed that makes him invisible to all except those who consider him as friends who is pure of heart. Pfft. He manages to sneak into Hime’s cell. There she is sleeping like a baby. He tries to wake her up but continues her slumber. Oh my. Does this mean his spell failed? Is he not pure of heart! A dejected Louch leaves but stumbles into Maou. Yes, Maou can see him. How can he not recognize his own friend! The anime buddies reunite happily as Louch tells of his problem. But the fact Maou can see him is because he considers him as his friend, right? Then they talk about anime as Maou invite him to his room to watch. Remember, he is invisible. Let’s go! An amazing unforgettable anime evening. Tortura returns to her parents’ home to pick up a package. But she gets too cosy in the kotatsu and makes herself at home. Mom is certainly most happy to let her stay this way. Until she thinks about Hime and realizes she needs to get out of her comfort zone and back to work. When dad is back, Tortura has gone home and he is furious to learn she has stopped by. He really wants to see his girl. Mom just shows a photo of her and that revs up his spirit. Vanilla will be taking Hime out to a new pancake shop. So, this is torture? Her parents are happy she is all grown up but since they worry, they tail her. At first, father thought Vanilla is lost and all but mom is observant enough to point out the tiny aspects that both are looking out and covering for each other’s shortfall. Or is she just overthinking things? In the end, the parents are assured as they go off. Vanilla and Hime have a nice time chatting that Vanilla forgot to extract any secrets. As Maomao plays with a newly met friend at the park, Maou sits at the bench with that kid’s father. His mind is racing and panicking because he doesn’t know what or how to start a conversation. Awkward. But since he starts talking, Maou is relieved that he may just go with the flow and perhaps expand the topic from there. There’s combo system in talking? The conversation goes steadily until Maou accidentally talks about anime. Oh dear. What if he is not into that? Guess what? He also reveals he is a big anime fan! Combo extension! The adults continue talking away.

Episode 23
Kanadge fetches Maou since he needs to give some speech at some award ceremony. Along the way, they pass this fast food joint, Mark Dragon Hamburger. Seriously?! Kanadge asks if Maou would like to grab a bite before the event but he is too nervous and will pass. After driving past, Kanadge describes the delicious and juicy signature burger. Oh well, Maou now craves for one! But he decides to put up with it. Once they reach their destination, Maou calculates the time taken needed to head back to that joint. So he uses his power to fly there and buy some burgers. Both enjoy their burgers at the backstage. Meanwhile the rest are having fun at the bowling alley. Hime doesn’t know how to play bowling so leave it to pro Tortura to teach her how to throw including good postures and all. Into the gutter. Bummer. Vanilla tries to show off. Gutter. Bummer. Youki trying to infuse basketball into the game? Well, she knocked down a few pins. Until Inki does a weak throw and scores a strike! Now it’s game on for Tortura! After the great fun, they hang out at the diner and play that spot-the-difference puzzle. Vanilla shows Hime a children’s picture book she wrote. Giant also reads it as Vanilla notes it is her dream to put out a real one someday. Giant then talks about Gekkou who is now successful writing picture books. It seems Vanilla has dreams to meet him but is afraid. She wants him to read it too but she has no confidence and for now brushes this off as a hobby. After Hime giving her some advice, Vanilla talks to Giant who in turn lets her meet Gekkou. She is amazed to meet him in person and lets him read her picture book. Hime asks Giant if she has any dreams. None. Because she is happy to enjoy every day to the fullest. Tortura is driving home late into the night after her conference ran longer than expected. She stops by a rest area to grab some food. She is surprised with all the vending machine food treasures here. One Piece? She tries and enjoys many of them. Yummy. When it is time to get going, she then sees the burger one… Oh my… Thankfully, she buys it as takeaway and will eat it later. Back to the road trip home.

Episode 24
OMFG. Hime gets a magazine interview and featured in the articles?! Are you f*cking sure a war prisoner has such privileges?! I believe she is more than happy to divulge her kingdom’s secrets and you bet Ex is thinking she will not become a celebrity but a traitor! Hime teaches Maomao how to skip since she has a recital coming up. Because of that, Tortura decides to cancel today’s torture so as not to ruin their great time. However, when Maou receives word of Tortura’s failure, he cannot accept this and she must be punished! Oh gosh. Maou showing his true colours? Tortura’s punishment is to help the teachers prepare for the recital. Hime too. Oh my… The night before the recital, everyone watches the shooting stars and make a wish. Next day, OMFG Hime is buffed?! She made a wish to be strong?! The wish came true?! But damn, personally I think Xena Warrior Princess still looks better than this! HAHAHA!!! However Hime is not the only one. Many of the other characters also have their wish granted, including Maou who is now reincarnated into another world! Holy f*ck!!! With the chaos, it is unsure if they can get Maomao to the recital. Don’t fear, this is where all the friends come in. With their weirdly wish granted, you bet Hime will help deliver Maomao to school. Just ride on Youki who turned into a bike! Inki turned into a light to shine the way! Krall is a chimera while Giant is a cloud! Gilga as the only one who didn’t make a wish, luckily she is able to fix Inki the bike when she runs into mechanical problems. Maomao’s wish is for today to be sunny. Not for her recital to be successful? That depends on her hard work! She’s grown up so fast! Everyone makes it to the recital and even Maou returns in lightning speed! Won’t miss this for the world! The play is a success that Hime is brought to tears and this returns her to her normal stature. She’s still crying, though… Hime returns to her cell and notes how much she has gotten used to life here. You don’t say! A short flashback of her and Ex being kidnapped the first time and put here. When Tortura first entered, she wasn’t here to torture her but to show her all the hidden amenities like closet, washroom and even electrical outlets! OMFG this explains everything! But is this a prison cell or a hotel???!!! So yeah, reflecting back, Hime is proud to have held on strongly from all the tortures. Oh well… The usual friends visit and they have their usual fun. Once it is over, Tortura reminds her of tomorrow’s torture. Hime is definitely looking forward to it. I don’t even…

Sweet Surrender: The Tortured Party Department
Oh well… I guess it goes to show that having fun with your friends still beats fighting wars and having your comrades hurt or dead. They might as well give Hime a PR status if she divulges more secrets. Heck, if she surpasses their expectations, she can be given a permanent citizenship in this demon realm! I kid you not! It is so crazy that is not impossible! Holy f*ck. I want to be Hime! Can you swap places with me so I can enjoy my torture time! Ah well, I guess I am not cute as Hime and I don’t have any important secrets that anybody wants to here. So uhm, me going to bed at 3am in the morning every day after watching my daily anime fix, counts as a starting confession for a place in this 5-star luxurious hotel cell?

If it is not broken, don’t fix it. This season’s format remains largely the same as last season. No real and messy plots to follow. Just the same ol’ random antics for each episode. So if you enjoyed how it all went in the last season, you are most likely to feel at home here in this second season as nothing much has changed. It is more of the same shenanigans designed to make you laugh and confused. Yeah, you wonder if this is really torture at all because for the most part as always, Hime will drum up her courage to tell her torturers she will not give in today. And then the torturers will show her something she probably likes. Rest assured, it is not something gross, vile or even painful! The only pain is Hime’s loss of pride! If she even feels it! Or cares about it! In the end, it is always the same because Hime gives in, gets her reward and then does her confession. Rinse and repeat. I am so inclined to use that meme, “You keep using that word… I do not think it means what you think it means!”. Yeah, we are all so freaking confused by the definition of torture now. Do you folks even torture?! Hey, even that Goumon Baito-kun No Nichijou, an anime in the same season with a torture theme, at least had some sort of torture. Although that series still confused us about the definition of torture because the torturers having fun and being happy…

As you may have come to notice, that most of Hime’s confessions are not really big secrets. They are just more like trivial pursuits. Little trivia. It is nothing so revelation that will bring the end of the world! Yeah, even those classified documents hidden in government’s secret bunkers and all could change the world as we know it if the public finds out about it! At first I thought perhaps those small trivia could be secrets because well, it might be trivial to us but not to another kingdom. However I do notice that whenever Hime does hint of confessing to military secrets and the likes, Maou is not interested! At least the way he tells us. This only proves that there is no war between both sides and further enhancing my conspiracy theory that this whole thing is a setup. Just one big summer camp vacation for Hime. That’s why nobody had the urgency to come rescue her. Only that dumb Louch guy came (and failed. Again!) because he probably simps for Hime big time. This further supports my conspiracy theory that Maou is not some bloodthirsty warmonger war hungry bastard who wants to conquer worlds and subjugate humans. Because he loves all the juicy ‘secrets’ Hime confesses, it shows that he wants to be friends and gets to know the human side better. DO YOU NOT THINK THIS IS THE MOST PLAUSIBLE IDEA?! Keh-keh-keh. We’ve all been had.

Because now you will also notice that how similar the demon realm is to our world (which I have also covered in my previous blog). You thought such dark realm will have barren and corrupted plains, violent volcanic activities with lava spewing out 24/7, hostile weather and environments, magical radiation, etc. Only Maou’s castle exterior has that. Other than that, the demon realm looks like a pretty decent place to live. I don’t know if Maou or his predecessors want to emulate human civilization and thus you see human-like modern amenities. F*cking hell, they even have anime! How can you not be otaku friends with them?! That is why Maou is trying to get his men to ‘interrogate’ Hime for ‘secrets’ so that he can help make his realm a better place not only for his denizens but humans who would one day visit this place. Oh yeah. Wouldn’t you like to migrate to this lovely place one day or retire here, huh?!

As for the characters, they are the same lovable idiots we all know from the previous season. No big changes. No big surprises. Everyone is making Hime’s torture, oops I mean her stay as pleasant as possible. The usual torture time getup feels like a big playtime for everybody. It is a huge win-win situation for everybody. I don’t see anybody including Hime losing anything significant. Lost her pride, you say? At this point I can say that she might define pride in a very different way. The same of how this series misuses, uhm I mean defines torture. After all, you might be a bigger dumbass if you can’t compromise giving your kingdom’s secrets just to enjoy this freshly baked apple pie now! YUM! Screw your nation! Gotta fill my desires first! Everybody is having a great time having fun, building friendships, I bet Hime doesn’t want to go home any time soon! I mean, it is already 1 year since Hime has been captured! Why has her kingdom not even take a f*cking action! Here’s my dumb conspiracy theory: They are all dead! That’s why nobody else has come for her! In order to cushion the shock and hide her from the gruesome reality, Maou and his people took Hime in and put up with this ‘torture’ charade! OMFG!!! I can’t believe I thought of this! Oh yeah. So can we go back living a delusional happy life? We’re happy here as always…

There aren’t huge changes for the rest of the casts who remain as they are from before. Repeating them here would be a waste of time since my sentiments for them are the same. Only now they know each other better as they have bonded with each other a lot of times via torture (a term which I still believe should be used very loosely here) and as long as everybody is enjoying themselves, nothing else matters. Tortura being the best and most considerate torturer for Hime, Vanilla trying to find footing and acceptance in this torture game, Maomao still running cute, Ex still trying to be the voice of reason for Hime but screw that because he is mostly going with the flow now, and of course Maou being the best Demon Lord ever in the history of anime’s Demon Lords. Who wouldn’t want this great sporting and casual guy to be your father and ruler of the kingdom! Keh-keh-keh. Even new characters especially Sakura fall into the comedic flow freely. The irony she exchanged her assassin garb to a jester! This is not to show that she has downgraded or fallen but it shows her true nature of what she wants to be. Oh you know, instead of being a scary killer who takes lives, why not be a joker who makes others laugh? And that is how Hime and Sakura became friends again. Rather, reborn as real friends this time. Such great friendship story, sob, sob.

Art and animation remain consistent as the previous season. Our characters looking cute and even the demons themselves too. Nothing really scary. Yeah, once you get to know Maou is such a great guy, his scary exterior means nothing. You can look past that and see his big heart! The casts from last season are also retained with only a handful joining, namely Mutsumi Tamura as Sakura (Sonya in Kill Me Baby), Asaki Yuikawa as Konko (Shannon in Yuusha Ga Shinda), and damn, Yukari Tamura as Hamungous and Tomokazu Sugita as Penjamin! Not forgetting Kikuko Inoue’s cameo as Tortura’s mom. This season’s opening theme, Sunday Morning by Illit is an upbeat rock beat. But I find it weird that the singer is singing the song in a flat robotic way. I don’t know if Auto-Tune effects were used but I guess it was intentional for the singer’s voice (and the background vocals) to sound robotic. Yuika sings the ending theme, Ohimesama Ni Wa Narenai. Sounds like generic pop music. Got some dubstep, got some effects, some parts felt hollow, some parts felt chaotic. Not really my kind of cup of tea.

Overall, the fun and excitement of Hime getting her just desserts, cakes and whatever, and eating them all, still remains the same. It’s like as though this second season is actually an extension and continuation of the first season rather than a direct sequel because of how similar everything is. They only split it up because they want to torture us by making us wait almost 2 years for it! Or were they considerate enough to not make us get addicted to Hime’s torture?! But it’s all worth it, right? Any secrets you wanna share for enjoying this sequel? Now you’re acting like Hime! So yeah, even if this whole torture thing was real and they were using reverse psychology to torture victims for info, I guess it is not a bad idea. After all, it is proven that we are more inclined to willingly talk and give out more info when we are happy or more importantly, treated with respect and dignity (okay, perhaps it is mostly stupidity that rules the day in this anime). That is why until today, I am still putting up with all the crappy, garbage, nonsensical, subpart sh*tty animes in every season even though I know they are one by reading the synopsis and before even starting to watch its first episode. You bet I’m gonna enjoy more next season! Bring ‘em on because I love anime! F*ck yeah! Keh-keh-keh…

P/S: I have to confess, sh*tty animes aren’t so bad after all and have their own sh*tty charm…

Minna Agechau

Must be every guy’s wet dream. A hot girl wants to live with you and have sex. That’s right. Not a dream. Horny girl actually wants to have sex with a plain guy like you. Not even porn either. I kid you not. Of course, this is the basic premise of the retro 1987 OVA, Minna Agechau. I had to do a double, triple and quadruple take to make sure that this isn’t hentai. Yup, not hentai. Ecchi, yes. Hentai, no. You bet I am going to watch this for fapping material, oops I mean to see how funny sex can get and all the sexy shenanigans in this 45 minutes of whoregasms…

Cummageddon…
Rokurou Chikanaka is your typical normal college guy. Yeah. Pretty normal for a guy masturbating to porn material. But a few blocks across, a few naughty girls are spying on him and getting their kids watching this kid jerk off. However Yuno Mamiya pities him. He is doing so because he is lonely and has no girlfriend! YOU DON’T SAY!!! Next thing Rokurou knows, Yuno is knocking on his door and asking if he wants a girl. I can’t blame him for thinking if this is a dream or a scam but yes, Yuno is asking you if he needs a girl!!! F*ck yeah! Guys who pass this cutie up are gays!!! And so we see Rokurou living a happy sex life with him. Yes. She does the chores and even have great sex. Who needs masturbation when you have a great girl like her! And did I mention she is also a rich girl! F*ck yeah! Can life get any better! However she is a bit naïve because when they visit the public bath, she thought she could enter with him. Obviously shooed away to her side. Then she causes some ruckus and Rokurou has to go peep on all those lovely naked ladies. I don’t know how they got out of that one.

Back home, Rokurou scolds her about it because he has to go to a further public bath house if he gets banned from this one. A sorry Yuno wants to make it up to him by giving him a blowjob. WHAT THE HECK?! Yes, you did not mishear her! However Rokurou wants to study since exams are cumming coming up. BORING! Well, suit yourself. Because Yuno will masturbate herself! OMFG! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! And get this. While she masturbates, she proves she has learnt her history stuffs as she recites all the historical dates that Rokurou throws at her! OMFG!!! She’s sexy and she’s smart! HOLY F*CK SH*T SHE CAN RECITE WHAT THE CONGRESS OF VIENNA IS!!! I HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF THAT TREATY!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNTIL NOW!!!! And she’s cumming while she is doing all that???!!! I guess seeing her having so much fun, Rokurou doesn’t want to be left out so it’s time to change from history class to physical education! YEAH!

One day, Rokurou is shocked that Yuno drives her car to pick him up to her home. When he declines to go today, she thinks he doesn’t love her anymore and tries to kill herself by giving the exhaust pipe a blowjob?! WHAT THE HELL???!!! Okay, okay. Let’s go. And so we are here at Yuno’s family estate. Holy sh*t! How big is this place! I bet it is its own kingdom! Yuno introduces him to her mom, Sakurako and asks if they are getting married. When Yuno notes only if they have babies, mom starts crying. Not tears of joy but because she doesn’t want to be a grandma yet! Not at this age! What the hell?! When her husband tries to give advice about marrying in haste, Sakurako gets the wrong idea and thinks he is cheating on her! When Rokurou goes to the toilet, a maid guides him there. Then she starts stripping and gets flirty with him. She wants him to make her his concubine after he marries Yuno. She doesn’t mind being his second. Or third. Or fourth. This shenanigan is stopped when grandpa is here to talk to him about their future. As Yuno is a smart girl and going to a prestigious university, Rokurou will have to work hard if he wants to be with her.

Meanwhile Sakurako talks to her daughter about having orgasms. Yuno claims she never had any. WAIT A MINUTE! THEN WHAT ARE ALL THOSE ORGASMIC FACES WHEN SHE HAD SEX WITH ROKUROU???!!! ARE YOU F*CKING SURE???!!! With that, mom arranges a tutor who will teach her how to orgasm! WHAT THE F*CK?! Uhm, I don’t know about this vaginal training but this looks more like torture! First, Yuno is made to squeeze her vagina. Because it is so weak, the teacher inserts her hairpin into it! OUCH!!! I AM DEFINITELY NOT INTO THIS KIND OF FREAKY PLAY!!! Then she trains her vaginal strength by having her vagina carry weights. Mom cums comes to check on her. Yuno not happy with this training and is happy the way she is. Mom begs to differ because she believes men must be kept on a leash and if you’re not careful, they’ll chase other women and leave you crying. Continue with your vaginal training!

Sakurako now sneaks into Rokurou sleeping in his room. She tries to give him a blowjob. Rokurou thinks this is Yuno and jabs her butt! Her scream awakens the entire security! OMFG all the guards and policemen are here!!! Yuno slaps him for trying to assault her mom but he tells the truth. It was Sakurako who assaulted me! It seems she is trying to check whether Rokurou was interfering with her orgasms but found nothing wrong. So, uhm, they can f*ck like normal now? Next morning, Rokurou sees Yuno in her vaginal training. OMFG, tying a rubber tyre to her vagina and doing running?! I don’t even… Later when they talk, Yuno worries that they may one day be apart, blah, blah, blah. That is why she wants to orgasm. By doing so, she might see clearer visions. HOLY F*CK! IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL POST NUT CLARITY???!!! I’m f*cking speechless… So we see the couple frolic around. True love indeed. At night, they both have sex but it is interrupted when Yuno spots a Concorde plane landing. Oh no. Is this trouble? You bet it is. Yuno had to run down to her parents’ room (sorry for interrupting your sex too) and warn them that great grandma is here.

Great grandma, Chiyo whom I believe is the matriarch of the family has arrived from America and she heard about this boy Yuno is f*cking and wants her men to find him. She will not allow this punk into the family. She tells Yuno to forget about this man and will find a bridegroom for her. But Yuno doesn’t want any other man than Rokurou. Sorry girl, Chiyo’s words are law so she has her men knock Rokurou out and drive him out of the estate. Yuno can only watch in despair. Rokurou returns to his boring mundane life. As he wanders about, he realizes he is not going to let rich people push him about. So yeah, he sneaks back into Yuno’s mansion. Yeah well, they’ve got a whole control room of guards and surveillance crews! Damn, I thought this was NASA’s control centre! They detect Rokurou the intruder and send the alert. Holy sh*t! The entire army coming in like as though they’re hunting down a commie! Yuno confronts Chiyo about this and the latter is still stubborn that Rokurou will only bring shame to the family. Yuno denies and hates her. Chiyo feels saddened as she reminisces she too was like her. In her youthful days, it looks like the man she loved went away. She thought her father had a hand in this and while he admitted so, he only paid him. So yeah, that guy took the money and left, claiming he didn’t want to cause her unhappiness, blah, blah, blah. Yeah. I guess money > love.

OMFG. Rokurou running hard from this crazy bloodthirsty trigger happy helicopter gunman! Either he is a bad shot or Rokurou is f*cking lucky! Must be the latter because he manages to take out a few soldiers driving a tank! Then he fires randomly using its machine gun!!! OMFG!!! HOW CAN A YOUNG UNEXPERIENCED PUNK USE THIS AND KEEP THE LOAD OF ARMY AT BAY???!!! Is this the power of love? More like the power of lust! Yuno then drives up to him. She wants to have sex with him now. NOW?! As in, right here in the tank?! Okay. Love > war. Wow. Must be pounding her so hard that the tank is even humping up and down!!! But sex is interrupted when he realizes he can’t pull his dick out of her vagina! HORROR! Must be that sick training she did. I don’t know how but they manage to slip away into the forest. Yeah, those guards must be embarrassed to chase them down. I mean, what are you going to do when you catch a guy having his dick stuck in the girl? They manage to get themselves to the hospital as all the nurses can’t stop laughing at their predicament. Don’t worry, the doctor can help. Cut it off. JUST KIDDING! Some muscle relaxant thingy and they’ll be apart in no time. After that, Yuno teasing him how he got caught with his pants down. You don’t say. But the moment they leave the hospital, Chiyo’s men surround them. Oh no.

Back at the estate, Chiyo is holding a trial on them. Sakurako tries to defend the young ones but it seems Chiyo has changed her mind on Rokurou. Acknowledging he risked his life to be with Yuno, he will allow him to be with her if he pays the dowry of 200 million yen! HOLY F*CK?! DOES POOR KID HAVE THAT MUCH MONEY?! Yeah, it might be small change to you rich bastards but Yuno is happy because this means they can be together. Chiyo’s reason is that if he can’t come up with that kind of money, he has no right to be part of this family. Unfortunately, Rokurou cannot come up with that money. Sad. Money > love. So he goes back to his poor lonely life. But suddenly, a helicopter shows up as Yuno jumps into his arms. What gives? She decided to run away. Really? Who is piloting the helicopter then? Anyway, they have sex right away when the helicopter soon drops tons of cash that collapses the entire building! OMFG WHY???!!! F*CKING RICH PEOPLE! Chiyo scorns Rokurou for getting scared at the thought of the dowry and now he dares touch Yuno again? But since she understands their feelings, she allows them to carry on to do whatever they wish. Because this money is her parting gift to them. Yuno is not allowed to set foot on Mamiya property again. So are they going to continue having sex in the open? Yeah, why no commotion from other people? Are they dead?! Why is there no one taking a peep at this disturbance or scooping some of the money?!

Sex/Life: Orgasm Addict
I can’t believe I watched this. Oh right. I watched a lot of other weird sh*ts like this one too so it’s no different. Despite all the dumb parts and they use sex as the selling point, I guess I have to admit that it was pretty entertaining in its own right. Uh huh. Call it dumb fun or guilty pleasure but I suppose if an anime, new or retro can make me have lots of reactions as well as maintain my attention for the entirety of the episode, I’m going to consider this a good anime in my books. Yeah.

There is nothing much going on in the story and it is your typical love story. Except that there is sex in it. Heh. Doesn’t all love story will end up in having sex eventually? Anyway, the whole sexual shenanigans is what kept my attention for the most part as they are dumb as well as hilarious. Yuno masturbating while reciting history takes the cake! OMFG! I don’t think I can even do any of that even if a girl gives me a blowjob! Sorry, I’m not that kind of a genius! And that classic line of hers that she wants to orgasm. Uhm, doesn’t every woman?! But classic masterpiece quote.

As OVAs released in the 80’s, once again I am going to say that the OVA is just promotion material and advertising for interested party to go read the manga that this series was adapted from. Probably you’ll get more sexcapades from our horny duo there. And get this, there was a live action film of this in Japan back in 1985?! I don’t know how that played out. I don’t even know if it has ecchi elements since I read it won some award at a prestigious national film festival. I kid you not. And of course this anime OVA came later but was banned in USA because of negative publicity. Yeah, as if moral policing governments and parents having moral outrage at the children television cartoon and toys aren’t enough already. Yeah, the Japs were way ahead of their time in sex on media. Sucks to be a horny westerner in the 80’s, huh?

The characters aren’t anything special and sometimes they come across as dumb and shallow. Everything just for the convenience of the story. I mean, can a girl like Yuno take pity on a guy like Rokurou and provide him with sex? ONLY IN PORN SUCH LOGIC EXISTS!!! And then along the way, they find true love. Via sex. I guess that is the best form of love. Heh. I don’t get it about Yuno’s orgasm but I suppose girls find it hard to orgasm. Although I am still confused about the inconsistency of Yuno touching herself and having orgasms as opposed to telling her mom she had none. Unless she was lying. So a win-win situation for Yuno and Rokurou because they get to continue to make love and even get the matriarch to approve their love. Or at least let them be together. Yeah, I suppose old hag didn’t want her great granddaughter to make the same mistake in her life. But still, can’t stand this f*cking filthy rich people! It’s like they own the f*cking world. No wonder they say money makes the world go round.

Art and animation are quite decent. Oh the irony. What I’m saying is that although it is indeed looking outdated and even your characters looking like typical 80’s anime characters, I guess I can still consider it as decent quality. At least this doesn’t look like VHS quality version nor did I watch some remastered version whatsoever. And of course, bare tits are the most we get as fanservice and with the crotch area censored out or cleverly hidden, that is why this is not hentai. Loopholes. Yuno may not have the biggest busts around but 2D boobs are still 2D boobs. Yeah, we love ‘em all! Thanks. And oh, this series was animated by J.C. Staff? Wow. Yet another retro show I accidentally stumbled made by this veteran anime studio.

Surprisingly, this series samples a couple of famous orchestra songs. Namely Johan Strauss’ The Blue Danube Waltz and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Yeah. Trying to give you a feel of how f*cking rich the Mamiya family is. F*cking rich people. The ending theme doesn’t sound bad. Same as the name of the series and sung by Irene & Erika Starmans, it has a jazzy and Broadway-like tune. The insert song, Ai Wa Nice Feeling also sung by the same band is more of a typical 80’s synth pop style. Personally, not as nice as the ending theme, though.

Overall, I have to admit I enjoyed this one despite all the dumb sexy shenanigans. After all, they don’t label this as an erotic comedy in the first place. Back in those days when people were being more conservative and a whole less liberal, sex is one of those taboo subjects but without that, all of us won’t be here today, right? It is what keeps the human population going and exploding! Now I am only jealous and very sad that there is no such cute girl (OR JAPANESE ANIME MAID) knocking on my door and wanting to be my sex partner. Sighs. Looks like poor people like me can only continue to dream. Porn sites still abound to help with that, though… And in the event if one actually shows up at my doorstep, I’m just gonna slam the door and lock it because I know that’s a f*cking scammer!

Omae Gotoki Ga Maou Ni Kateru To Omouna To Yuusha Party Wo Tsuihou Sareta Node Outo De Kimama Ni Kurashitai

Alright. Not another one. Oh you know, that abandoned from the hero’s party genre. However, unlike many animes of this category that I have seen in the past, Omae Gotoki Ga Maou Ni Kateru To Omouna To Yuusha Party Wo Tsuihou Sareta Node Outo De Kimama Ni Kurashitai aside its long ass title (or we can shorten and call it as Omagoto – Oh Mah God what???!!!) has the unlucky main protagonist a female. Yeah, mostly they are all guys who have this ‘useless’ power and the excuse some arrogant party leader-cum-jerk kicking him out. So to have a female protagonist getting kicked out, that’s pretty rare. I suppose we’re gonna have a yuri theme instead of the usual harem one? And of course the rest is pretty basic or predictable. Her powers aren’t really useless, she tries to rebuild her life while the hero’s party is slowly crumbling without her. Who is it that is really going to roll over and die?

Episode 1
Well, looks like Flum Apricot has been exiled from the hero’s party. Now a slave and thrown into prison with other slaves. She notices Milkit nearby because of her beautiful eyes. But the slave trader finds these slaves as useless and have no value. Faulting them for wasting his money, he unleashes a few ghouls to eat them as part of his entertainment. If they manage to defeat the ghouls, he might reconsider putting them back on the market. Of course there is a sword to help them fight. But this sword is cursed and anyone who touches it melts into nothingness. We see snippets of Flum’s story. She was chosen by Origin the Divine Creator to be part of the hero’s party. However later when the rest appraise her stats, all her skills are zero! It is believed this reverse affinity skill of hers is locking her stats behind the zeroes but since she couldn’t draw her powers out, she is left to do menial chores. Unlike her childhood friend, Cyrill Sweechka who is a polar opposite and is way more powerful and useful than her. One day, Jean Inteige decides to sell Flum as a slave. He claims all especially Cyrill wanted to do away with her. All will be glad never to see a burden like her again. With that, Flum stopped her resistance and accepted being branded as a slave. Now that she believes she is trash, she doesn’t want to live anymore. In a race to grab the sword and melt away, the ghouls are now devouring her. Eventually she manages to grab it and relishes her suffering is over. However something strange activates. She didn’t melt and in fact all her wounds heal. She uses the sword to kill the ghouls and then break free. Now the slave trader begging for his life? STFU! She kills him! With that, she now resorts to want to live. She takes Milkit with her as they are the only survivors. However Milkit has been a slave her entire life and is lost if she doesn’t have a master. Thus Flum becomes her master.

As they head out to town, many guys bully them because of their slave crest but Flum stays wise not to pick a fight and goes away. At a back alley, Flum takes a look at her sword again. Despite all the negative results, it is all reversed in Flum’s hands. Then she realizes this is reverse skill does. It turns negative effects into positive and vice versa. This means curses makes her stronger as she never knew this affinity could be used this way. Now all they need to do is earn some money for food and shelter. Meanwhile Jean tells the rest of his party that Flum has decided to go back home on her own accord. Cyrill is lamenting some mean words she said to Flum only because she didn’t want to burden her with the pressures of being a hero. Now she rues being ungrateful and she can’t consider herself as her friend. We hear this is all part of Jean’s plan to get rid of anything troublesome. He wants a union with Cyrill as he believes gifted people must be together. Flum is at the guild trying to register for a guest although the receptionist, Y’lla Jelicin denies her. Until Dein Phineas uses his authority to bulldoze the approval and let Flum take the quest. Flum is grateful and makes her way. Then we see Dein’s true colours to have them get killed by monsters. He is scumbag who uses whatever underhanded means to get what he wants and rank up even if he is very well not qualified for it. Y’lla feels sad that 2 good lives will be wasted.

Episode 2
Flum tries to wash off her slave crest but Milkit says it is impossible as a special paint was used. As for why she just didn’t sell her to get a better slave, Flum believes she did this all for her own ego. She was a useless person so she thought by taking her in, she’d make herself happy. Meanwhile Dein learns that some slave trader is killed. Well, nothing out of the ordinary as that happens sometimes. However, church knights were investigating the scene and thus he believes some illicit medicine trade must be involved. He is thinking of blackmailing and thus orders his men to find out more and this might help them gain a foothold at Central. Flum and Milkit being their werewolf quest. However they see one killing the rest to devour them and then grow stronger into some chimera. Flum tells Milkit to run while she fights this thing alone. Although Flum has confidence fighting it, it seems this chimera can also regenerate. Her arm gets infected and turning into a werewolf so she has to forcefully cut it off to avoid spreading it to her. Don’t worry, she too can regenerate. By now the chimera has evolved into some hideous creature. Flum wants to run away but she realizes she is not who she was before. If she dies, what would happen to Milkit? Thoughts of her give her the much needed strength to continue fighting this monstrosity. Meanwhile Milkit reflects on Flum’s words about being useless. She remembers her own case where pervious masters told her that her existence was to make him rich and thus sold off as a slave and other mean stuffs. Flum was the first one who said all those kind words. When Flum reunites with her, Milkit tries to convince her to sell her. It is then she unwraps the bandages all over her face to reveal hideous toxin scars. This face will only be a burden to you and might even spread. However Flum doesn’t care and hugs her. Is this enough proof that she wants her as her master? She promises to get her out of a dark and build a happy life together. Milkit doesn’t understand and in some ways Flum too. But don’t worry, they can search for it together. Meanwhile Jean is complaining nobody here cooks good food. Well, Flum was the one doing all the cooking, right? Worse, everybody knows that relations among the members are souring and Jean is furious all everybody talk about is Flum, Flum, FLUM! Flum returns to the guild to show proof of completing her quest. Dein’s guys thinks she is bluffing but she shows them her cursed sword. You better believe it now. Now that she is paid, they can order some decent food. Flum is glad to feel like being treated like a human again. Tomorrow, we go shopping for clothes!

Episode 3
A maid outfit for Milkit! Yeah! Flum also buys her a lot of stuffs. This is for her to be happy. In the streets, they stumble upon a couple of Dein’s guys stealing something. Flum goes into pursue and manages to apprehend one of them. The other one by this church nun, Sara Anvilen. Returning the item to Leitch Mancathy, he hopes they can take a request from him. Despite being only F-rank, Leitch has seen her abilities and all the more he needs to ask her help. You see, his wife is really ill and in the past, illnesses were treated by medical practitioners until the church started using their healing magic and banned the use of all herbs and other medicine. As some cannot be healed by magic but via herbs, that is why he needs them to find this kialahri flower that is able to treat that illness. Flum will help but hopes the church guys won’t hear about this. Even Sara wants to help and doesn’t care about all those protocols. She just wants to save people. Of course she too can’t let those church folks know or it’s big trouble. After all, she learnt a lot from Sister Maria Afenjuns. Meanwhile Dein hears some of his guys got captured so it’s time to teach that Flum her place. Flum is feeling down because Maria is in the hero’s party. Milkit talks to her so Flum reveals the truth about being banished. She also remembers fellow members, Gadhio Lathcutt and Eterna Rinebow who taught her a lot of things. Really good people.

Meanwhile the hero’s party are fighting against demons, Tsyon and Neigass. With the rest failing to do as Jean instructed, the demons escape as they’re not here to kill humans. Jean blames some of them for this failure. Next day, Flum, Milkit and Sara take a ride to the countryside to find kialahri. Noticing a mark behind Sara’s back, she explains that is the sign of her faith as her hometown used to worship a different God other than Origin. However, demons destroyed her hometown 8 years ago. She was only 2 then and couldn’t remember much. Maria saved her and doted on her as her village too suffered the same fate. Flum wonders if this is the reason why Maria hates demons so much and wants them all exterminated. Sara even notes that every now and then, demons continue to invade and attack human territories. Many towns have disappeared off the map but the church isn’t making it public. Strangely, no deaths. The girls stay at an inn and the next day, Flum and Sara head to the cave to look for kialahri. However they soon realize some of Dein’s guys have sealed off their only exit. Worse, there is a spiral faceless ogre hunting them down. It has a message addressed to Flum, telling her to die. As they cannot beat it, the only way to escape is jumping into this hole. Better take your chances with this pit than the monster.

Episode 4
Following the path leads them to a huge underground secret lab. Lots of experimented freaks in chambers and a pit filled with discarded corpses. What the f*ck is happening down here?! Sara then finds a book in which somebody wanted to gain true wisdom and true peace but something is not connecting. At the end of it, Flum’s name is written there too. Hearing someone’s voice pleading for help, they follow it to a bright room with pillars. Turns out to be a spiral faceless woman as she tries to absorb her arm. Oh, that ogre is here too! Flum forces Sara to heal her so she could break off her arm and break free. They run back to the lab and down the pit of corpses. But the ogre follows them here too. No choice, they attack but the ogre regenerates each time. Time to remember Gadhio’s teachings on how to defeat enemies stronger than you. Yeah. Whatever this Cavalier Arts thingy. Clear and focus your mind, blah, blah, blah, then swing with all your might. With Sara buying her time, this allows Flum to release it. It deals a substantial damage but not enough to destroy it. Weakened, but Flum’s perseverance to return to Milkit has her summoning up all her strength to finally pierce its core and destroy it for good. Oh sh*t, you mean there’s another ogre?! F*ck! No more strength! Luckily this one is taken out by Neigass. Both girls are shocked by this as Neigass assures that she is not here to harm them. In fact, demons do not kill humans out of pleasure! Sara doesn’t believe her but is asked if she has seen it with her own eyes. Nope, but those guys at the church said so… Neigass then asks what about the church doing shady experiments down here then? Yes, you do recognize the church’s logo on the ceiling, right? Sara has to apologize since she saw the signs but couldn’t bring herself to tell Flum. Neigass is here to investigate since whatever the church is doing will be posing problems for demons later. Neigass learns what happens to Flum and Sara apologizing for acting out of emotion. Yeah, we’re all good friends now, right? Flum and Sara ponder if the kingdom is involved due to the size of the lab. The church can’t build it by themselves, can they? And with demons don’t really kill humans, everything is so messed up that they don’t know what to believe in anymore. But they find the flower so that’s good enough. Time to go back to Milkit.

Episode 5
By the time they return to the inn, they see blood everywhere. Oh sh*t. Owners dead. Flum rushes to her room to see Milkit being assaulted. She becomes mad and kills that bastard. The other accomplice flees but she manages to pin him down. Before she kills him, Sara tells her not to and that the inn owners are still alive after she healed them. When baddie threatens to kill her by pointing his knife at her neck, in fact she lets herself be cut, shocking the hell out of him. She then kills him. This makes Sara sad as Flum schools her about such bad people will never learn their lesson. Flum returns to Milkit who feels bad because the clothes she bought for her is ruined. However Flum is sad because Milkit will not admonish her. Milkit still believes she is a slave and has no right to do that. Flum doesn’t want them to be in such a relationship. She wants them to live a happy life and she’ll do anything to grant her wishes. Flum breaks down but Milkit is still confused, unable to grasp all that concept. Next day as they leave, Sara buries and says prayers for the baddies although the inn owners don’t think it will do any good. Sara still cannot wrap her head around not being compassion to others but Flum doesn’t blame her. Meanwhile the hero’s party yet again fails another mission. It is no surprising given the state of Jean and Cyrill. Maria and Linus Radiants talk about Flum despite having no stats, was it a mistake to let her join the party. Maria believes Origin never makes mistakes and there was a reason behind it. Meanwhile Neigass reports back to Tsyon, Sheitoom and Dhiza about her investigations. It is believed some power is leaking from somewhere and perhaps the Demon Lord’s seal is weakening. They need humans to realize that demons don’t want war but to do so they have to fight them? Neigass also talks about Flum’s unusual powers and believes she can reverse the spiral created by Origin. Anyhow, they cannot risk her or the hero’s party get near the seal. Otherwise world peace will be under threat.

Flum and Milkit return to Leitch to hand him those flowers. They also meet his sister, Welcy who is part of the newspaper agency. She is investigating the shady doings of the church and as the rumours go around, the church is eyeing all the places with medicinal plants so as to monopolize them. She is trying to investigate people who are supplying those plants to them. She asks if Flum knows anything more so Flum says no and keeps her mouth shut on that lab. Welcy hopes they will be in regular contact and Flum can let her know any info so she can expose the church’s wrongdoings. As thanks for the flowers, Leitch gives them a huge house of their own. Can both of them live here normally? Well, they find the house strange because it is quite clean and with all the stuffs around, it is as though somebody is living here. As Flum goes upstairs to investigate, she is surprised to see Eterna doing her usual experiment in a room. Likewise, Eterna is shocked to see her here as she thought she has gone home. Eterna is angry learning the slave mark on Flum was done by Jean because had they all knew the truth, they would have put a stop to that damn mage. Flum breaks down in tears, happy to know that there are others who still support her. After Flum introduces Milkit to her, Eterna can work on a solution to cure her toxin. However Milkit still doesn’t feel it will change a thing. Because even her scars are gone, she will still be a filthy ugly being. Short snippet of some old b*tch telling Milkit she’s not ugly because of her scars but every inch of that was oozing out from within. Flum hugs her and assures her feelings are not that shallow. Whatever happens, she promises to be with her.

Episode 6
Milkit wakes up early to make breakfast. Flum doesn’t find her in bed. Goes down to hug her. Milkit startled. Butter all over. Messy. Licking it up. Is this the start of the yuri life?! We see them out enjoying themselves in town. They also bump into Sara and her comrades, Ed and Jonny. The guys thank them for helping to nab those thieves then because they got rewarded and now have some money. Meanwhile Dein and his buddies are stumped their comrades are dead but yet Flum lives. Dein thinks it is time to mentally torture her. When Flum visits the guild, Y’lla warns her that all the quests for her are traps. As Flum is not fazed, she hints to take out Dein if she wants to change this for the better. Eterna tells Milkit how Flum used to make the best cheesecake when she was in the hero’s party. Eterna now knows it was Flum who was holding the party together and it made Jean jealous. As Flum is a great girl, Eterna assures Milkit she won’t go wrong sticking with her. With Milkit making her cheesecake request, Flum is more than happy to oblige. Even Sara coming over to enjoy the delight. After that they talk business. It seems Sara found nothing about the lab and even documents of the flower had gone missing. They may have other facilities in other churches but Sara can’t access them all especially parts where the rich and powerful live. Eterna adds the roots of the research run deep. While it seem like the church and kingdom work together on the surface to maintain peace, there is a power struggle beneath this twisted relationship. Even if there are no active facilities, there might be ruins in the capital that might be worth investigating. Eterna begins to look into Milkit’s scars. It is probably given to her by her previous mistress who was jealous of her beauty. Milkit is still reeling from its trauma. Next morning as Flum goes out to investigate, she sees lots of nasty notices pasted over their house walls. Murderer! Get lost! Flum knows this is Dein’s doing but won’t let this get to her and tears them all down. Soon, she is surrounded by the royal guards who want her to come with them. She thinks they are in cahoots with Dein and hurting them is a serious offense.

Episode 7
Flum runs as the guards go after her. They are confused since despite Flum taking damage, she heals up and continues running. Meanwhile outside Flum’s house, Dein’s lackeys are hanging about. When Flum is cornered by Dein and his men, scumbag Dein picked up a blind girl and uses her as hostage. In exchange for her freedom, he wants Flum to drink this poison enough to kill a dragon. Flum does so. But Dein’s vengeance is short-lived as Flum soon revives. And you know Dein, going back on his words not to spare the blind girl. Flum starts killing some of his men but why isn’t Dein doing anything? Because here comes a high ranking guard and his men. Here is the murderer. Arrest her. However before they do that, Lieutenant General Ottilie Fohkelpi is here to weed out corruption in the army and takes down her men. Dein and his run. It seems Flum and Ottilie know each other as Ottilie was the one who escorted her from her home to the capital after she was selected to be part of the hero’s party. As the blind girl also has amnesia, Flum brings her home where Ottilie is also shocked to see Eterna who quit the hero’s party, living here. While Ottilie is mad at Jean for doing all this, her primary concern is now the corruption in her army. She enlightens Flum that Dein is a fallen noble and used his knowledge and cunningness to run his own band of thugs. With the church and royal army having growing conflict, Dein used this opportunity to bribe some of the royal guards under his influence. That is why General Henriette who is Ottilie’s older sister, ordered the matter to be dealt with swiftly. Oh, did I mention Ottilie adores her sister so much. See her squeal in delight while idolizing her!

Sara is also here to report an investigation she did in a remote mountainous village called Anichidey. She found the same abandoned church research lab and there was also a lady with a spiral face. Could it be the church is experimenting on orphans? They talk about Flum’s reversal power because there is no way she would have been chosen by the church to fight the Demon Lord if her stats were all zero, right? But if they knew how powerful it is, why did they not abduct her? Maybe they have other uses for her. The girls make a pact to share info like this in the future. When they take off the blind girl’s bandages, they see magic tattoos over her eyes. Did she run away from the lab? Eterna will take responsibility looking after her. Dein is hiding and nursing his injuries. He thought his buddy, Kahnis is here to see him but turns out he has sold him out to the royal guards. If Dein can’t handle a little girl, he is useless so Kahnis will be the boss of this district now. Dein makes a run for it and to his horror, there is this huge blob mashed with all his fellow bandits. Hideous. They look like in pain…

Episode 8
Blind girl is amazed as she feels the food she is given. After the rest introduces themselves, she introduces herself as Ink Wreathcraft. Noting that all are living together here despite not being family, she too wants to live here. After all, she doesn’t remember who her family or relatives are. Later Flum talks to Sara about Ink and it doesn’t seem she matches any runaway orphans. At least not from the orphanage under the church. She thinks Ink probably ran away from home. Flum goes to see Y’lla for a job but there’s none. Flum learns that with Dein missing, Kahnis is now ruling the place in his stead and all his lackeys lapping up to him. After Flum leaves, a seemingly rich woman sees Y’lla to request for a job to look for a runaway child. Ink continues to have fun living in Flum’s house. Uhm, is there some sort of rivalry and competition between Ink and Sara because they’re trying to eat Milkit’s food? Tastes good as always. Flum soon gets word that Dein is now seen praying at the church and became an Origin follower. Does he want to live so bad that he is willing to become the church’s lapdog? Flum goes to observe him and looks like he is like a zombie and having his own trauma. He’s like a psycho too. Ottilie advises Flum not to mess with him carelessly as now he has the backing of the church. She also mentions about that grotesque blob that was mixed with Dein’s guys and soldiers. So mashed up you can’t tell them apart. Of course the church swept it under the carpet and even ordered a gag order. Ottilie laments the king is now a puppet of the church. As they are making bolder moves, she feels the need to expose this to the public soonest. Ottilie gets her motivation to protect her Henriette and likewise she notes Flum being heroic in saving Ink. As Flum wants a normal life with Milkit, Ottilie prays their wishes will come true. More happy family-like shenanigans in Flum’s household. Until Ink remembers people telling her being useless. Now she feels down and laments nobody wants her. Flum digresses that nobody is unwanted. All assure that if anybody tells her that, they will kick their asses. Because we’re friends. Uhm, I thought we’re supposed to be family? Oh never mind. Eterna’s cure on Milkit’s scars is done. Flum unwraps her bandages. Looking cute. The only ‘scar’ both have on their face is the slave crest. So matching. Is it time to get yuri?

Episode 9
Although Milkit is healed, she wants to continue wearing the bandages as she feels comfortable with them. She only takes them off when alone with Flum. Flum acting like she’s a young maiden in love until she sees Ink getting too friendly with Milkit. Why does her heart hurt? Flum sees people gathering. And what’s with that foul stench? Oh, those giant grotesque balls. As the church guys take over, Ed and Jonny lament to Flum that they notice such high ranking guys from the church are always at the scene. It’s like they are trying to cover up something. Small fries like them know nothing. They also mention that witnesses have said a flock of eyeballs attacked the victims, turning them into this state. Flum is confused as she remembers she was the weakest in the party and Cyrill was always protecting her. Cyrill always managed it with a smile but Flum herself is worried she can’t live up to the task of protecting her own family. Speaking of which, looks like another failed mission for our hero’s party and Jean is furious. Is he blaming Cyrill now? Her morale is now so low and blames herself for being weak. Meanwhile, Linus thinks of leaving the party since Flum and Eterna are not around. But Maria can’t as she vows to exterminate all demons. She still remembers the night clearly when those demons razed her hometown to the ground and killed many. Sara explains how Ed and Jonny aren’t her real brothers but they’re like family to her. Flum remembers those guys telling her they promised to keep Sara safe. It is because they worry about her that they treat her like a child. Ink feeling down about this family and friends concept so Eterna talks to her about it. Because watching her reminds her of her old self and family. In town, Sara hears that Kahnis is going to have a showdown with Dein. Calling Ed and Jonny, they spy on the ruffians as they square off. Dein seems to be losing his mind as Kahnis chops him up. Easy. However Dein soon revives and decapitates Kahnis. He thinks he has killed Flum! Snippets of somebody giving Dein this strange power. Dein goes crazy upon realizing this is not Flum he killed. Suddenly eyeballs rain down on the ruffians. Coming into contact means you turn into that grotesque blob. They can even chase after you! Sara and her bros run but they sacrifice themselves to let her live. Sara in despair but Ed and Jonny have no regrets are happy to know they saved her. Sara continues to run but she has run out of strength and resigns to her fate.

Episode 10
Y’lla tells Flum that a woman showed up looking for ink. She is Satils Francois and the owner of a shopping district in the east. With Dein and Kahnis not showing up here, Y’lla says both entered a duel but she believes Dein won because none of Kahnis’ guys returned. Confused, Flum goes to the church to look for Sara but is told by the nun that she has been excommunicated yesterday. Orders from the pope to banish her for worshipping demons. She knows it is a lie but what can she do? Flum tries to look for Jonny and Ed but is told they got transferred out. Okay. Maybe Ottilie knows something. However Henriette doesn’t even know and laments she may have incurred the wrath of the church. She also laments had she not been a general, she would’ve been more responsive to her feelings. Wow. With everyone gone missing, a depressed Flum starts to blame herself for dragging all into this mess. Before she calls herself a useless master, Milkit reminds her how she did everything for her. If not for Flum, she will not be standing here today. Now Flum and Eterna goes to question Ink and wants her to stop lying. She still feigns amnesia but carelessly gives herself away, claiming Mother would never look for her. Is that what she calls Satils? Eterna also notes Ink has a heart condition and must take some medicine or she’ll die. However she has never seen her take it. Ink reveals Mother always told her take it but for the first time she has not taken it for a long time and is fine. She further reveals she and her siblings all take that medicine. She was told to take it because she is the first generation. It seems all communicate with their Papa whom they have never seen. Ink has been bullied by her siblings and when she met Flum and co, they were so nice and that’s why she wanted to stay with them. Eterna notes the strange method she addresses her parents. Ink doesn’t know Mother’s name but Papa’s name is Origin. This confuses Flum further but that night Eterna tells Flum another shocking secret: Ink’s heart isn’t beating.

Flum does her own investigations to trace what happened and learns Sara and her bros watched Dein and Kahnis’ fight. Then examining the spot where it is supposedly Sara’s last stand, there she also stumbles into Welcy. A huge fight has happened here with lots of different sized blade marks on the wall. Flum believes it is not Sara as she fights with a mace. Asking about the culprit smuggling herbs into the church, Welcy says she has found the culprit. It is Satils but she does not have solid evidence. Flum returns to learn magic from Eterna. As she sleeps after a tiring practice, Eterna and Milkit go out to do their errands. However they stumble into Dein who hints them about the secrets behind the children. They are monsters and got those dark crystals embedded in them. This means they are housing a calamity. Dein drops his eyeballs! Eterna lets Milkit run while she staves off Dein. By the time Milkit returns to Flum, the latter is shocked she is all drenched. By the time Flum gets a towel and returns, Milkit is gone. She tries to find her and even follow her water trails outside. Nothing. She returns home and finds something creepy on Ink in her room. Playing with those eyeballs and her face is that faceless spiral! Yikes! Nightmare has begun!

Episode 11
WTF this horror montage?! Then suddenly everything back to normal? Ink checks on Flum but the latter knows what she saw. It’s not a dream. It’s real! Flum thinks Ink is a monster and the medicine she took was meant to suppress her powers. She continues to add everybody went missing as Ink continues to deny. The last straw comes as Flum tells her this is not what a friend should do. Poor Ink. Running off in tears. However, Ink is soon kidnapped by Dein and confirms Satils was Milkit’s former master. Flum tries to give chase but is surrounded by Dein’s lackey. As she scans them, she is stumped that all of them are named Godin Torres. She is having a hard time until Gadhio drops in to kill them all off. He says Sara told him to come to her aid. Flum happy to learn Sara is still alive. Then a strange child pops up from a portal trying to hinder them. Gadhio will fight her so that Flum can go after Dein. Flum finds Dein at Satils’ mansion but he is not telling where her friends are. He only wants to kill her. Damn, Dein got tentacles for arms? Sorry folks, no tentacle rape. Dein brags how he got this power from the church and feels he can change the world’s laws. He adds he has orders not to kill her but screw that, he wants to kill Flum and then take over this kingdom!

Oh no, before Flum gets tentacle rape, she uses her reversal powers on him. Now whenever his tentacles touch her, it crumbles. Dein now confused and scared. Origin’s power not so mighty after all. Dein continues to hear voices telling him to kill Flum as he wonders why they are so scared of this girl. As he summons the eyeballs to do his bidding, Flum remembers Eterna saying that if Ink doesn’t have a heart, she must have core keeping her alive. When the eyeballs stopped attacking, Flum realizes Ink does have that eyeballs power but did not realize she was attacking people with it because that was Dein’s doing. Flum regrets saying mean things to Ink because even at this point, she is using her powers to protect her friends. Flum tells Dein off that he was given such powers only because to easily manipulate him. Dein starts to panic but continues to give excuses to justify his actions. Of course Flum lectures him that she is not like him. Even if she was in his shoes, she will never sacrifice people dear to him. Dein is just running away from the fact he betrayed his own friends. Dein tries to play up that she too was betrayed by her own friends and sold as a slave. But Flum is done taking pity on him. Dein’s power starts to go out of control. His face turns into that spiral. Flum strikes and breaks his core, turning his entire body that ugly grotesque blob. Final word from Flum: You sacrificed others for your dream so regret your choices that led you here and die! Brutal.

Episode 12
Milkit is in the hands of Satils who is going to torture her and make her uglier than before. Ink is also there but is unconscious. Milkit pleads for help from her master but Satils continues to torture her. You f*cking b*tch! How dare you rip her maid outfit!!! Meanwhile Flum is looking about and stumbles into Welcy who followed her trails earlier. She saw a secret chamber so it could be what she’s looking for. Milkit continues to resist and just in time, Flum barges in to give this fatty her beat down! The girls reunite. Flum apologizing to Ink for saying those mean things. Suddenly Satils is pulled downwards into the thorny pit where the zombies eat her alive! Then out of the portal comes Nekt and Mother. They are the ones who abducted Milkit as per requested by Satils. However they find Satils and Dein to be useless. Mother thanks Flum for taking care of Ink but now wants her to come back. Mother adds that all his children have their hearts replaced by a core and notes Ink is a useless failure. Ink denies and explains how Flum has been more of a family to her although Mother insists that they are her real family. Mother continues to mock her she can’t live without her medicine and can do nothing but spit those ugly eyeballs. As Ink is adamant to stay, Mother gets mad but will allow her to stay. She will soon learn she made the wrong choice. Mother won’t have Nekt fight or kill Flum because he is quite interested in Flum’s power as it could destroy a core. Mother and Nekt go away as a sad Ink wants to die as a human. Taking Flum’s sword to aim at her core, she wants her to stab through it and end it all. This is to atone for Sara and Eterna’s death. Milkit asks if this is what she wants. Because she too was in the same predicament until she met Flum. Ink realizes she wants to continue having fun with them. Emotional girl group hug interrupted as Welcy brings Gadhio in. More good news as Eterna is still alive.

Back home, Gadhio explains he was fighting Nekt but that kid escaped after being defeated. That was when Eterna showed up. It would take more than eyeballs to kill her because after she saved Milkit, the eyeball fury stopped and that’s when she ran into Gadhio who soon ran into Welcy. My, such a small world. Gadhio assures Sara is alive but is now staying in the demon realm. It was Neigass who came to her rescue, slashing away all the eyeballs. However, the same cannot be said for Jonny and Ed. Gadhio also met Neigass and thought she was trying to stop the hero’s party. That was when Neigass revealed the whole truth why the hero’s party was formed. Not to exterminate demons but to undo the seal on Origin. You see, Origin was a dream machine that produced infinite energy and gave humans wealth and prosperity. Of course humans got corrupted and all that hi-tech living and luxury came to an end with all the endless fighting. Then the world gave birth to a new form of humanity who could use abilities. The first hero then sealed Origin as the root of evil. As the demons are the ones guarding Origin for eons, the reason the church formed the hero’s party as a cover to bring back Origin. So, when Dein obtained Origin’s power, it proves there is a leak in the seal and that’s why Neigass was here to investigate. It is believed one of the demons is a traitor and worked with the church to orchestrate that village massacre in which Sara was a survivor. There was also a pregnant woman who survived and gave birth to 5 kids known as Children, all to be researched by the church. Not only kids but monsters too. It seems Gadhio lost his wife to one such monster and that’s why he joined the hero’s party to find info and get revenge.

Eterna has removed the core from Ink and transplanted it with Dein’s live heart. Now she gets to live like a human. Meanwhile Maria gives this spiral thingy to Jean as she has done the same to Cyrill. Now we see Jean drunk on such power as he turns the tables on while fighting Tsyon. Is he going Super Saiyan?! Cyrill is afraid and thus hesitant to use hers. Ottilie returns to Henriette’s side as she divulges she found the church’s hideout that contains a secret research team. By the time Welcy has garnered info to locate that facility, it is already abandoned. Nekt narrates in order to build Origin’s resistance to that reversal power, they have to absorb Flum without killing her. Which is hard. Because time is running out too. Meanwhile we see Flum and her happy friends living a happy life. Oh well, looks like Gadhio is replacing Sara’s place for now. Poor kid still in Neigass’ home and crying over Ed and Jonny.

You Gotta Roll With It!
Oh wow. The last episode’s big revelation of everything felt like they needed to rush things because yeah, time was running out. Before you folks fall asleep expecting nothing much would happen and our gang going back to their happy normal lives (for now), here it is, voila! The origins of Origin and how f*cked up the church really is. Now are you curious and interested to know more? Yes I am. So why not just make another f*cking season, won’t you please?! Or is it getting to dark and grimmer for you puny cowards to do one so this is where the adapted journey ends?! Continue via the manga, huh?! Oh well then, I guess I’ll just have to wait for the good news. Any moment now…

I have mixed feelings for the series. I was confused how this series was going to turn out as I thought since this was going to be that abandoned by the hero’s party trope, I was mostly resigned to the fact that the rest of this show would see Flum living a peaceful life with Milkit. Hence their struggles are everyday grapples from cooking to cleaning to going to the shop to do errands. Yeah. I really thought it was that. However, I wasn’t 100% sure it would be that way either because with the series themed as dark fantasy, it sounds awfully confusing to see these girls living a blissful life away from the stress of being in a hero’s party, right? Maybe there will be scumbags trying to harass these cuties because apparently Tinder platforms, Only Fans sites and TikTok videos don’t exist in this world! HAHAHA! So perhaps that was the dark fantasy and reality these girls will have to go through if they are going to protect their new normal life. Oh well, in a way thank goodness I was wrong.

It was pretty interesting and intriguing to see the dark secrets and conspiracy brewing underneath the kingdom. Something sinister that the church is trying to hide and even blaming the demons for it. For all you know, I can bet my ass 100% that the humans are the real demons and the demons themselves are the real saviours of mankind! After all, from what I have seen, the church and the kingdom have been piling on the lies and who are to question them? Unfortunately with only a dozen episodes, not much can be revealed in this adaptation so a lot leaves to be desired. It might get a bit boring once in a while seeing Flum living her new life but I suppose this series has to juggle between both plots of Flum’s new freedom and her misfortune of trying to uncover the schemes that is plaguing the nation from the shadows. We all know what happens to the curious cat, right?

Therefore by the time this season has ended, the plot leaves a lot more to be desired. Because like many other abandoned by hero’s party series, more than often the abandoned protagonist will get some sort of closure with the jerk who cut him/her off. That idiot will received the just desserts he/she deserves for kicking the main character back and even had to gall to ask him/her to come back just when the going gets tough. In this case, it was really weird not to see Jean get his fair share of retribution and while I believe he will receive justice one day in the future chapters, for now it feels like the criminal has been let off the hook. I believe this is to concentrate and focus on Flum rebuilding her new life without that asshole getting in the way. Yet. So once everything is mostly settled, then her past can come back to haunt her and she can face another round of sh*t which I feel is of course plot convenience for her character to grow and move on.

And you know the story that Flum’s ability is considered to be useless because it isn’t measured by standard means. That is your flimsy excuse for a person to be deemed useless and all the reason needed for the big dick to kick her out. Nobody knows the extent of her power or what it is for and even more so everyone is so puzzled that Origin the supposed God and creator of this world, chose her to be part of the party. It only shows nobody bothered to really study her strange power and kicking her out is like going against God’s will? But then again, with the church being really sneaky people, I won’t be surprised if this was all part of their doing in using Origin and then showing the fake prophecy, etc. In that case, why made her join in the first place if they’re to hide whatever conspiracy behind it? Oh, I don’t know, maybe some clerical error?! Oh right, final episode big revelation says it all blatantly to our face why Flum needs to be kept alive. What a shame. Now I can’t carry on expanding my crazy conspiracies!

The series focuses mostly on Flum and Milkit’s relationship. After all, both have been wounded and mistreated by their own circumstances. It takes a lot for them to get back on their feet especially Milkit who has been particularly brainwashed that she will never ever be able to experience such kindness. It took a lot of effort by Flum just for Milkit to finally open up her heart to her but it was all worth it. After all, Flum isn’t looking for the usual master-servant relationship. Yeah, because once Milkit’s mind set is changed, we can have some yuri fun! Wow. Isn’t that what this series is also about? Yeah well, don’t rush it. Things like this take time. So the important thing is to not give up especially Flum who despite feels weak at times, she is the strongest. Not because of this strange reversal skill she has. She isn’t perfect but we see what she has done for Milkit. Flum has her own flaws too but my guess is that this is for future character development. When she is down in the dumps and at her wits’ end, people she once help will come to her aid and lift her back up again. That is how it works, right?

So as not to look as an obvious yuri bait between Flum and Milkit, I guess this how is big enough to turn our girls into sorority sisters. Sort of. Sara sounds like she’s the comic relief of the group. Acting mostly like a freeloader because she can’t miss Flum and Milkit’s tasty meals, she has a good heart although naïve at most times. It’s like she has a strange rivalry with Ink whom the show tries to portray her as being suspicious. Like as though they want us to think that she is a traitor who will finally show her true colours. A spy to infiltrate Flum’s household. Thank goodness this curious girl is misunderstood, right? Finally rounding up the sorority is Eterna, the taciturn witch who plays the mother especially to Ink. Such nice happy house. The more the merrier.

Sadly, the other characters don’t really make an impact yet and the dozen of episodes do them no justice. For instance, we get to know Ottilie being a staunch ally for Flum and before you know it, she disappears. Welcy is still investigating so she is hardly making any impact too. Even the hero’s party leaves more to be desired. With Flum’s departure, it is slowly breaking apart and Jean the bastard is showing his true colours, getting more disappointed for each failed mission. This is also taking a toll on Cyrill who has been weakened mentally and blaming herself. With other members already leaving the hero’s party, at the end of the day there will be none. Wanna bet that they are just pawns in a bigger scheme? Yeah, they are. Otherwise, at least from what we are shown, nobody gives a damn when the hero’s party doesn’t perform well. Like it was all brushed off. Just a distraction to hoodwink the people. This include the demons whom I have already said may not be the real villains of the whole thing. Humans will always be humans, being the scumbag they are, huh? And to think the previous civilization was some sort of futuristic dystopia and then we downgraded to this backwater fantasy magic setting. Oh well, good times never lasted. No wonder some people want Origin’s power back to have all that decadence back.

Being a dark fantasy, there are some bloody, violent and gory scenes and probably the first episode was what draw me in when I watched Flum desperately fighting for her life. I won’t say it is the goriest anime I have watched but if you can’t stomach scenes like Flum cutting off her own limbs to save her own life, I can safely say this isn’t the show for you. But overall, the fight scenes itself are just average and won’t be putting you on the edge of your seat. Also, it isn’t the spookiest but I sometimes can’t help be spooked by those spiral faceless characters. Feels like a horror moment and I hope I don’t get any nightmares dreaming about it! Yikes. So far so good. Hope it stays that way!

Art and animation are pretty standard. Not the best there is but at least it isn’t the worse. In this dystopian fantasy, there are a lot of dark scenes so I can’t blame my hardware for failing. Character designs, I have to say that the first time I laid my eyes on Flum, I was wondering what the hell is that Biribiri AKA Misaka from To Aru Kagaku No Railgun doing here! Just less tomboyish! No more sequels so she’s moonlighting in other animes as part time jobs?! Just kidding. But I’m sure I’m seeing shades of other anime characters in the other characters here too like Milkit having uncanny resemblance to Rem of Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu, Eterna an emotionless version of Denpa Onna To Seishun Otoko’s Erio (and perhaps Mushoku Tensei’s Roxy), Ottilie could be the long lost triplet of those red head twins from NieR Automata and Sara looking like your countless blonde anime lolis while Maria your countless blonde anime nuns. Yeah. Holy f*ck, is Gadhio a long lost brother of Guts from Berserk?! And is Cyrill’s design taken after Jeanne from Fate/Apocrypha?! Jean’s evil face mirrors that of Ares from Shin No Nakama!

As said, those spiral faceless characters do give me the creeps. But at the same time, they somewhat remind me of Tobi AKA Guruguru from Naruto. Only, even way scarier! And yeah, those grotesque balls of human clump together. Well, perhaps low quality visuals here prevented me from experiencing a full horror heart attack. I don’t know, is it kinda sloppy? Like Dein’s tentacle arms too. And those eyeballs! Please don’t unleash so many of the! This anime is done by A.C.G.T. who did Freezing, Boushoku No Berserk and Orient.

There’s a handful of casts here and some I recognized are Ami Koshimizu as Neigass, Eri Kitamura as Sheitoom, Yuu Kobayashi as Henriette (sounds so mild without her trademark crazy voice), Misaki Kuno as Eterna (sounds so different without her trademark squeaky voice) and Kikuko Inoue as the narrator (no dreamy voice here but modest and serious). The other casts are Ayaka Nanase as Flum, Miku Itou as Milkit, Machico as Sara, Ayami Fujino as Ink, Misato Matsuoka as Ottilie, Takaya Kuroda as Gadhio, Honoka Inoue as Y’lla, Makoto Yasumura as Jean, Masakazu Morita as Dein, Miki Kariya as Cyrill, Jin Ogasawara as Linus, Aya Endou as Maria (you mean it’s not Saori Hayami?!), Mariko Honda as Welcy, Eiji Miyashita as Jonny, Minoru Shiraishi as Ed, Akeno Watanabe as Satils, Yoshihisa Kawahara as Leitch, Tetsu Inada as Mother, Yuki Tanaka as Nekt and Ryouta Takeuchi as Tsyon.

From time to time, there will be a song that will always shock you when you first here it. That’s right. Liberator by Passcode as this series’ opening song will have you jumping out of your seats because you will be shocked at WTF this guy gradually screaming at the opening like as though it is some demon worshipping cult! I kid you not! This guy even continues to sing-cum-scream crudely like you hear those in heavy metal hard punk rock music! Yeah, the female voice which is the main singing voice of the rest of the song pales in comparison! While I believe this song wants to get you into the pace of this dark fantasy, sometimes I feel it is so out of place. I also feel my soul is in danger of getting sucked by Satan if I hear this song any longer!!! Oh sh*t! But it sure does make an impact. Because of that, the generic synth pop ending theme, I Need by Yuki Tanaka (you mean it’s not May’N?!) just doesn’t quite cut it. It is not a bad song but considering the punk-like screaming of the opener, it sounds just average in comparison.

Overall, I am having mixed feelings for this series. While I do not totally dislike it and would be interested to watch another season of it since it has the potentials and developments, at the same time I can’t bring myself to like it as much as other dark fantasy animes that I have watched recently like Clevatess and Yuusha-kei Ni Shosu. Perhaps the ‘slow’ pacing of the series got me a little impatient as I was expecting more from this. Yeah, that is the risk of setting high expectations. But considering this belongs to the abandoned by the hero’s party genre and trope, I guess this one is still more interesting than many that I have watched over the seasons because the rest just literally tries to lead a boring, normal and happy life without trying to be entangled with all the conspiracy sh*t. If I wanted to watch a boring, normal and happy life, I might has watch my own life! Sad. Hope I won’t roll over in my own grave for choosing the otaku life!

Tensei Shitara Dragon No Tamago Datta

Oh, yet another closely confusing anime name. Here I thought Tensei Shitara Dragon No Tamago Datta could be another one of those strange spinoffs from that famous reincarnated slime series. Nope. Nothing related at all. Phew. But still, it is yet another reincarnated genre and this time what kind of beast will our main character become? As you would have guessed from the title, a dragon egg. Yeah well, doesn’t sound a whole lot majestic but hey, even dragons who grew up to be ferocious grand looking legends had to start out as an egg, right? And so it is the usual formula that our little dragon egg has to level up and grow stronger if he is going to survive in this dog eat dog world. Oh sorry, make that monster eat monster fantasy world. When you’re already starting as a defenceless egg and at the bottom of the freaking food chain…

Episode 1
Confused guy wakes up in some dark place as a Divine Voice shows him his stats and that he has been reincarnated into a dragon egg. Unbelievable, right? Obviously he panics and rolls and falls about. WTF he can even level up in falling and rolling?! Confused as how he ended up as an egg, suddenly he is attacked by a dark worm. Well, better run the hell away because eggs are on the menu for many, RIGHT???!!! But he can’t run forever and uses his brains to outsmart and even kill the worm. Thanks to that, he levels up and now has a choice to choose between Little Dragon or Baby Dragon. The former has some useful attacks but the latter tastes great and is often hunted for its meat! But it can evolve to many other species and forms. Eggy decides to take the safe path of choosing Little Dragon but a voice tries to convince him to get as strong as he can. Noting that Little Dragon doesn’t evolve very far or worse, does not evolve after this, he decides to go for Baby Dragon. Now he breaks out of his shell and into his young hatchling form. Aww, look at this cute Digimon! Needing strength, he needs to eat. Does that dead worm look appetizing? Tastes horrible… Dragon baby fights more worms to level up himself. One day he hears human voices nearby. He thinks of making friends with them and shows out from his hiding. You think he can win them over by being this cute? Oh hell, in their eyes he looks like a vicious monster! Instantly the guys slay him! Left for dead. What the hell were you thinking trying to make friends?! However seeing his pitiful state, Myria Milleania stops the guys from killing it and even uses up her own MP to heal it. You’re such a lucky dragon. Then they hear the guys scream ahead. Dragon can tell they are already dead after whatever ferocious monster killed them. He warns Myria not to go but she heads forth anyway. By the time he heals up and catches up, Myria is down and who this huge Little Rock Dragon?! Well, Baby Dragon looks good to eat… Oh sh*t…

Episode 2
Detecting Myria is still alive, but Divine Voice tells him to run. Knowing his skills is not enough to defeat Little Rock Dragon, he cannot abandon Myria and goes to rescue her. After a few attacks to distract it, he finally carries Myria away. However he is now attacked by a pack of grey wolves. Baby Dragon fights them all to protect unconscious Myria. When he finally arrives at a human village, he tries to call for help. Unfortunately, his screams sound like monster roars so the villagers mistake him for attacking Myria. They attack back and with a heavy heart, Baby Dragon is forced to escape. 2 days later, Myria wakes up under the healing care of Marielle. She relays the bad news that Grantz is dead while Doz’s body is not found so it is presumed he has been eaten. Myria regrets she should have stopped Doz because he is the first one to fend of monsters and protect the village. Many kids look up to him too. But all this happened because he was challenged by some guy who thought he cannot beat a rock dragon. So Doz approached Myria claiming he had permission from Marielle to go fight a rock dragon despite Myria remembering Marielle’s words never to fight a dragon. Doz roped in Myria to help him out because without her, he might die. Myria is stumped that others claim she ran back here on her own because she fainted after being attacked by Little Rock Dragon. As they also claim a monster was attacking her outside the village’s perimeter, Myria wonders if it was that little dragon who saved her and brought her back. Next morning, Baby Dragon is healed. He laments he should have been stronger. Oh well, go to fight more dark worms to gain more experience for the next evolution. Now with 5 choices, Divine Voice explains each type. The final Young Plague Dragon sounds like one he should stay away because it brings disaster and is evil. But learning this has high intelligence and can transform into human and enter human settlements (although for ill intentions), this one is looking really tempting.

Episode 3
So what will it be? Wanting to see Myria again, he goes for Young Plague Dragon. Now he looks even more evil. But as Divine Voice describes all his new calamity level skills, uhm, where’s the human transformation one? Oh dear, I guess he can’t go back now, can he? As Marielle explains about barriers and monsters returning back to the same spot, Myria is interested to learn more. However this makes Marielle suspicious because has she got feelings for that monster now?! She explains about monsters levelling up to different types and each have their max level. They evolve until they become a very powerful monster. Just like humans, monsters too can level up by defeating other monsters. Even if that dragon saved her life, it may now evolved into another creature who will kill her without second thoughts. No use regretting so our dragon kid is going to level up and learn more skills until he gets that human transformation. He is now faced with a monster spider. Knowing he can’t beat it, he runs away. In the process, levelling up on several skills and abilities as he also rolls over several other monsters in his path! How convenient. He has finally levelled up powerful enough to do some fire breath to destroy the spider. More skills obtained but none of that human transformation. Was he really scammed? He then finds a cave and starts cooking his own meat. Damn, levelling up into a chef, huh? So that is not human enough of a skill?! He realizes that with this new form, Myria won’t even recognize him and now that he really looks like mankind’s enemy, he really regrets his choice. Meanwhile Myria hears from Bertz that he saw Doz alive. But he was in a daze walking somewhere else. She goes to tell Marielle about it but she vetoes about going into the forest to look for him. She knows something is wrong because why has Doz not come back to the village then? Seeing Myria is still worried, Marielle assures her she’ll ask the guild to investigate and in time will send some adventurers for help. Next day, dragon boy sees a strange slime puddle monster. When he starts to view its stats, he suddenly starts to feel pain.

Episode 4
Dragon boy makes the right call not to engage it further and runs away. He decides to hunt something else. What is this? Is it a pot? Is it a tortoise? It’s a potortoise! Strangely, it can’t swim so easy meat. Defeating the whole group earns him lots of XP. But the good news is that he has now tons of meat and pots! Ceramics! Yeah, about time his cave has some furniture. He needs some clay so he faces off with this clay bear. Well, better be prepared to face off with this scary spike bear that can regenerate! After wearing down its MP and getting ingenious using its own clay as weapon, our dragon emerges victorious. More levelling up and the likes. Life is good. He also learns to differentiate between various different plants that could be for food or poison. Because I suppose vegetables need to go with meat when you make nabe! F*ck yeah! This dragon is living his dream life cooking the best nabe dish ever in his dream cave! Meanwhile a stubborn and guilt ridden Myria still heads into the forest to look for Doz. She still feels responsible. Had she stopped him then, all this wouldn’t have happened. What do you think is going to happen? Now that she’s seemingly lost too! Just keep calm, fight low level monsters and carry on. Dragon dude is getting used to this world and living a good life. Stocking up the wolf meat, he is irritated when those damn monkeys are trying to steal his entire jerky stock. He thinks of making poison to teach them a lesson when suddenly he stumbles upon this cute little black lizard. As the name would have warned you already, it’s a f*cking venom princess! It attacks him as he gets knocked out by the poison despite being poison resistant.

Episode 5
Learning that black lizard can create antidotes from the poison it creates, his job now is to capture her alive for it. Knowing she is waiting for the poison to take effect to kill him, he runs and baits her into chasing him. She also has a few other skills that puts him on his toes. But when he counterattacks and this risks her falling into the river, he can’t have his antidote die so he goes all out to save her. Next thing he knows, he is healed. Black lizard heals him. Must be love, huh? He brings her back to his place to share his food and before you know it, they’re living the best days of their life together. Of course, she eats high poison with no effect but for him, it will take a lot to get used to. They also hunt enemies together and make a good team. Life is good. Until they meet their match in this twin headed dog. The mutt really puts up a fight until black lizard poisons one of the heads. Thinking the fight is done, the other head bites the poisoned head off! Then that head becomes kamikaze as it tries to take down black lizard. Dragon guy goes to give the other one a beat down till it dies. Once over, he realizes blood all over. Oh God. No. Black lizard wounded! He is so mad, he beats the rabid head to a pulp! He doesn’t care about human transformation anymore and wants his only friend to live. Wow. Great snippets of your time together. Thankfully she lives and what do you know? Divine Voice says he has levelled up to now attain human transformation skill. Eh? What was it you were saying? Myria is back home as Marielle shows her an old book containing various monsters. Their rank indicates how beatable they are. E-rank anybody like Myria can handle them. But D-rank (like the twin headed mutt), that’s a lot dangerous. So those rock dragons are C-rank, huh? With possibility of evolving! Such monsters can easily kill normal humans and that is why she always reminds you folks never to go into the forest. Now you understand, Myria?!

Episode 6
Adventurers Meltia and Yuno see Marielle. They are being hired by her to look for Doz and put an end to the rumours. Marielle suspects Myria has gone to the forest to look for him and doesn’t want to put her in further danger. After dragon boy leaves black lizard in his cave, he goes to the lake to test his transformation. It works but he looks worse than before! How does this look even close to a human?! Plus, it drains his MP as long as he stays in this form. Meltia and Yuno stumble into that cave and as they inspect it, they see black lizard although she escapes. Dragon boy is outside and knows humans have entered his cave. Thinking of making friends with them, he transforms to his human form to say hi. Of course the ladies see him as a dangerous Plague Dragon! They attack and use the chance to escape after dragon boy’s MP has run out. Next day, dragon boy tells black lizard about his plan to poison the jerky meat to teach those thieving monkeys a lesson. She laces them with poison and all they have to do now is wait. One of them takes the bait and is frothing. They go fight the rest but then they have called for reinforcements in the form of their chief. Dragon boy scans his skills and notes the ability to communicate. So he takes a monkey hostage and threatens it will die if no antidote is administered. However monkey boss doesn’t care because he believes the weak will die. They consider dragon boy a threat and must get rid of him now. No choice left, dragon boy challenges him to a duel between themselves as clan boss. Monkey boss agrees but takes black lizard hostage as collateral. They will hand her back only if dragon boy wins. The fight rages on until dragon boy manages to land his knockout dragon punch on him. But he too gets knocked out by monkey boss’ counter punch. And he still gets to level up in points and title…

Episode 7
Dragon boy is back in his cave. Don’t worry, he is fine. He thought the monkeys are here for revenge but it turns out he is their new boss! Oh yeah, they’re following him now. Of course this means black lizard feels jealous and neglected as he gives his attention to the monkeys. He even teaches them how to cook and make stuffs. Now dragon boy doesn’t have to do anything! Black lizard has to play a poison prank on the monkeys before getting dragon boy to realize he has been neglecting her. So he suggests they go hunting just like old times. Too bad those monkeys usurp and fight the monsters in their stead. Date ruined? Meanwhile, I guess Myria is being stubborn and worried so once again she goes into the forest. She thought she spotted Doz and tries to follow him. Oh dear. What monster did she stumble into now? As dragon boy and black lizard rekindle with each other, he hears Myria’s screams. Oh boy. What did you say about black lizard being the most important in your life? Sorry, if Myria is in trouble, he is obliged to help. Oh man, you breaking her heart. Dragon boy rushes down as he wonders if there are other humans with her. Before these mean mahawolf kill Myria, here comes Plague Dragon to the rescue. He gets a bad feeling because it seems their stats are unclear like that slime. After defeating them, he checks on Myria. Obviously she is scared of his form. But then she soon sees his actions are familiar of that of Baby Dragon. She tries to roar to communicate? But dragon boy knows she is trying to talk to him. Better cut the chatter because more mahawolf showing up. He has her ride on his back as he runs away from the pack. He promises to protect her.

Episode 8
With Myria not in the village, Marielle knows she has went back to the forest to look. Oh well, her turn to go look for this stubborn girl. Similarly, Meltia and Yuno have brought the rest of their party members here because it’s going to take their whole strength to investigate this. Dragon guy manages to kill some of the mahawolf while escaping. He is in a dilemma to bring her back to the village. Great timing as Divine Voice notes he has evolved and can choose which form to branch into next. Definitely not going for that evil Jormungand route! Taking a break, he continues to agonize about the choices as Myria tries to communicate with him. As some of her words have now become clearer, he starts to understand her. Wow. They’re celebrating like it’s a big breakthrough. So he learns that she is looking for Doz whom he thought was killed that day. She is happy to realize that he is that Baby Dragon who saved her. Then she asks if he has a name. Uhm… Yeah… Never thought about that. So how? She wants to name him. Illusia. The name of her favourite flowers. Divine Voicing warning him to accept or reject because once confirmed, he cannot change it. He accepts of course. But soon they have to run because mahawolf are back. This time they stumble into Doz riding on one! Shocked that he is with monsters, Illusia scans him and is surprised he has no skills. Is he being controlled of something? When they hear loud footsteps, it is when Myria realizes something terrible. Doz is holding a Rock Dragon’s egg and using it as bait to lure the big mama to the village! He runs off as other mahawolf hold them back, Illusia fights through although Myria gets injured. Now Illusia has double mission to save both Myria and the village. Can he make it in time?

Episode 9
Myria still has strength to heal Illusia and relieve his back from some of the strain for carrying her. Gregory just killed a mahawolf and is confused on what’s happening. He is shocked to see a Plague Dragon here and thought he is done for. Confused at why Myria is riding on his back, she soon explains Illusia is on their side and the one who was trying to help her then. After explaining Doz’s goal, Gregory notes he saw him go to the watchtower area. Illusia lets Gregory hop on his back because it’s much faster that way. Because Myria is injured, Gregory wants her to help the villagers evacuate. She will only be in their way if she continues with them. Meanwhile the other villagers at the watchtower are confused at Doz. Illusia arrives in time to fight Doz as Gregory tells others to run. Illusia cannot kill him for he doesn’t want to turn into an evil dragon so he knocks him out. But Doz revives and grabs a nearby child, Jean as hostage. Illusia notices that strange slime coming from within. The Rock Dragon has already entered the village and it looks pretty mad. Doz throws Jean off the watchtower and while Illusia goes to save him, Doz then smashes the egg. Hope you like your eggs sunny side up. Just kidding. Doz revelling in this as the Rock Dragon squashes him! Illusia wonders if this is the result of not killing Doz. He has Gregory take Jean to safety while he fights the Rock Dragon. Even if its stats are way stronger (even higher when it is enraged!), Illusia must try. Well, no effect. Even with Gregory coming back with a few men to help, they still can’t do much. Then everybody gets hurt. What a fine time for Divine Voice to level up? WTF? Is this even possible? Is this levelling up so Divine Voice can spew some sarcasms freely? No wonder Illusia so mad. You level up just to tell me this crap?! Illusia now has to think about his next evolution. With a new simulation skill, it seems he can predict the odds of winning and the outcome from the various evolved forms. Well, either his chances of winning are pretty low or the village will be destroyed. Yeah, all his next evolution are crap. Can’t blame Illusia for being so frustrated with this crap. What’s this? Is Illusia going Super Saiyan?!

Episode 10
Illusia sees Gregory injured. He wants to transform into Little Arc Dragon with healing abilities to heal him. However Gregory wonders why a Plague Dragon like him is helping humans. He knows he isn’t using his full power and wants him to eat him to get stronger. Illusia refuses to do that as Divine Voice reminds how this wouldn’t stray too far from the righteous path and has a chance of backtracking. With Gregory guiding his claw to kill him, he wants him to protect the village. No choice, Illusia decapitates him. With that, he levels up and grows bigger. In this more powerful and meaner form, he fights on par with the Rock Dragon. It’s time for a huge royal rumble. Rampage! Discount Brock dude runs back to Marielle and Myria to tell them he saw the horrific scene of Illusia killing Gregory. Myria cannot believe it but Marielle says their task at hand is to tend to the wounded. Illusia using his power ups including his poison to defeat the Rock Dragon. Illusia levels up, more goodies and titles. Myria then stumbles into the scene. She still recognizes him. However Marielle wants her to get away as she prepares to attack Illusia. But Myria protects him. Unfortunately, Illusia’s poison starts filling the air. Even so, Myria still stands up for him. But Illusia realizes he cannot be by her side anymore and flies off. Goodbye. As he bums around in a safe place, he sees that flower he is named after. He remembers all the good things Myria said to him. He feels ashamed to have this name now and wants it erased. Oh boy, do you not remember you cannot change your name? Regrets. He starts to ponder about his goal, what he wanted to become, why he is even brought to this world.

Episode 11
Meltia and co return to the village and are shocked to see its state. Marielle gives them a status update and since there are some villagers missing while evacuating for cover, Meltia and co will go find them. Myria offers to act as their guide. Illusia is glad to be reunited with black lizard. Hating himself for killing Gregory and possessing such power, he wants to leave this forest but before doing that, he must get to the bottom of what happened to Doz. As he flies around, he detects that slime zooming along at a breakneck speed. Noting its mysterious stats and connecting the dots to Doz and his strange act, he believes this slime is the mastermind. As Illusia dives down to strike, he is shocked he almost hit a couple of children. Turns out this slime is a shape shifter and prefers not to fight each other. He admits he attacked the village but thinks Illusia wants to eat some humans himself and that’s why he protected the humans. Slime reveals his goal that he wants to eat as many people so he can steal their skills. He shape shifts to the various people’s form he killed until he reaches Doz. Yup, he controlled this guy to provoke the Rock Dragon to attack it so he can steal the villagers’ skills. Slime offers to enter an eating competition to see who can eat more humans. Of course Illusia won’t do that and is very angry for the deaths he caused. He’ll beat his ass up. Marielle and Myria continue to argue about a certain someone still supporting a certain dragon. Yup, Myria still believes Illusia had his reasons. But it doesn’t hide the fact that he killed Gregory and attacked her. Myria still wants to go see him to find the truth but Marielle is sceptical they can understand each other. Meltia suggests to find Illusia. It’s not like Myria is going to listen and stay put, right? She also reasons that Marielle herself can observe the Plague Dragon for the future. Illusia fights slime guy who now shape shifts into a spider. He trolls Illusia by being dead after being cut in half but soon regenerates. No matter how much he is cut down or torn apart, he grows back. But slime guy didn’t expect to be caught off guard and poisoned by black lizard. Angered, he takes her hostage and crystallizes her.

Episode 12
When Meltia learns about Illusia and Doz, she confesses she also met a Plague Dragon earlier in a cave and that they are known to take on human shapes to deceive them. Marielle can’t believe she didn’t tell them about this but Meltia thought it was unrelated to the missing person she tasked them to find. She has also did a lot of research on Plague Dragon after that but there is nothing concrete as all info were based on myths and legends. Thus no one actually knows the truth about them. Illusia panics when black lizards’ MP and HP start depleting. By the time he punches her out, her stats have been drained. Worse, slime guy is back to normal and has neutralized the poison. Illusia fears he may have stolen her poison skills. It also dawns to him that because he too spouts terms like stats and skills, could it mean he also sees the same things as he does? Slime guy admits he does. He can also see Illusia’s stats and even hear Divine Voice. Thus he is just obeying her orders to become stronger. Illusia becomes mad and does not consider themselves the same. He will not follow some stupid voice and will do what he believes in. Illusia continues to fight him because losing to him means he will continue his journey to eat everyone at the village. When slime guy stuck himself onto Illusia’s chest to steal his skills, Illusia flies high up into the sky. He couldn’t be happier for slime guy’s move because now he can’t run away. Illusia plans to drop down and take both themselves out. Slime guy panics as he pleads for mercy, even promising not to eat the villagers and will leave the forest. But Illusia remains committed to sacrificing himself. Slime guy desperately tries to free himself but time is up. Both slam into the ground hard. Myria’s side as well as black lizard see this horrifying episode. What a great convenience, the river valley just washes the monsters away. Returning to the village, Myria becomes depressed. Marielle requests Meltia to help Myria because she knows she will leave the village. Black lizard now is lord of the cave as she bosses around the monkeys to take care of this place until Illusia returns. Good news, Illusia is still alive. He thought he reincarnated as an egg again but thank goodness he is still in his Plague Dragon form. But where the hell is he? A desert meeting the sea? What the hell is going on?!

Dragonborn & Dragon’s Dogma
What the heck this crappy cliff-hanger ending? I was thinking that this would get another sequel because some shows in the same season unexpectedly (at least to me) got another season. Perhaps the producers saw all the toxic comments about how sh*tty everything was and decided to change his mind about having a sequel. Damage has been done so it is better to just leave everything hanging. From Illusia stranded in the desert and Myria being a sad chick. But we all know she won’t give up, right? Yeah, those determined eyes told us. But sorry, can’t say the same for this series.

Well, as I would have come to expect myself, I am not impressed with the story. I only have myself to blame seeing I am tired with this kind of isekai trope every season. Even though I keep on the small sliver of hope that it would be better, often that imaginary hope betrays me. In other words, I find this series to be quite boring. All within my expectations on what to expect. Of course it would be unfair for me to say that because the light novel that this adaptation is based on is still ongoing. I have it doesn’t drag on forever. Get it?! Drag on?! DRAG-ON?! DRAGON???!!! HAHAHA!!! Sighs… Never mind.

I believe it will get better seeing I accidentally read a bit of spoilers in my bid to do a bit of lazy online research. Yes, Illusia evolving to be a powerful dragon, having his own band of allies and fighting against antagonists who want to harm him or those dearest to him. However in the context of this season, everything seems to be just introductory and that is why in my eyes, it seems somewhat draggy and boring. To a point I somewhat noticed that in later episodes, they take up a few minutes in replaying scenes from the previous episode. They must have calculated that if they’re going to end at this point, they can only adapt so much material into so much screen time and hence the recycling of scenes at the start of each later episodes. Talk about wasting time. No wonder it felt draggy and boring. Yeah, at the same time I’m gonna b*tch about it if they rushed things, skipped a few chapters, confusing the hell out of me as I scream why the hell they do that! Tsk, tsk, tsk. So I will have to be content with Illusia this season as he levels up with several abilities, earns new nicknames, trying to find his footing and sense of belonging in this world.

Character wise, you could also say that I am not impressed as all fall within the expectations of what I had in mind for another adapted isekai series. But as I have pointed out before in my previous paragraph, everything is just introductory so the characters felt like they may have not done nothing much for now but with the slow and steady pace of Illusia trying to build his reputation as a dragon who is an ally to humans, perhaps in later chapters, the characters will play a much vibrant and vital role. So for Illusia who remained nameless for more than half of the season, he is still trying to figure out the mechanics and how things work in this world. Things are not even clear of how he got reincarnated here. We are not even sure if this is a game or he died and got reincarnated in this magical fantasy world. He has to be very careful with the actions and decisions he makes because there is no turning back once he chooses a path. Oh how similar it is to our real sh*tty lives, right? And you think people have a hard time choosing what career or profession they want to go into. Illusia has to pick an evolution tree, not knowing what kind of dragon he would turn out! That’s more than enough stress for a kid trying to take his exams! And of course, Illusia won’t be alone and shouldering all the burden himself as he will get allies who will fight along his side. The power of friendship. Or in some case, love? Otherwise he would be earning a new nickname, Il-loser!!! HAHAHA!!! Sighs… Forget it.

The most curious character is Divine Voice. You might think she is some busybody, making snarky and sometimes comical or sarcastic comments whenever Illusia levels up. Sometimes at the most inappropriate of times too. She also provides info but not enough for Illusia to make conclusive decision as she often leaves him hanging and with more headache, trying to decipher what her info usually means. Incomplete info causes more harm than none? It’s like she is trying to mess with Illusia and forcing him to take a certain path. Oh well, looks like I spoilt myself too much during my lazy Google research. So there goes my conspiracy theory about classifying Divine Voice as the main antagonist because yeah, spoiler alert, she really is the antagonist! Trying to use oblivious Illusia as her pawn for her own purposes that has yet to be revealed (is she trying to create her own army of strong monsters?). So yeah, this is one of the few cases where listening to voices in your head is a bad idea that could lead you down the path of destruction! This voice is definitely not the voice of reasoning! But I am sure in time, Illusia will learn how to differentiate to follow his own instincts/guts rather than this strange interface-like voice in his head. I don’t know if that slime guy being an antagonist (I bet he still isn’t dead because if Illusia can survive, so can he), are they trying to subtly make a joke and pick a fight with that famous reincarnated slime series? What would Rimuru have to say about this! Nah. Probably he won’t bother with this dragon anyway. He’s got his own Veldora to deal with!

The other supporting characters, Myria seems to be the big reason why Illusia has not been hunted down ferociously like a witch hunt. She’s like the thin line that keeps Illusia from being misunderstood and killed by other humans although at this point the Plague Dragon has not have much contact with other humans. It feels like Myria is in love with him but that’s just my dumb wishful thinking. After all, Illusia saved her and according to the unofficial laws of such situations in anime, the girl always falls for the kind boy who helped her, right? Heh. Thus it seems like a running gag that she keeps butting heads with Marielle who has opposing views about the whole thing. It is not that Marielle is a bad person, she wants Myria to be safe and you can’t blame Marielle for being sceptical as there are no records or proof to show that monsters could coexist with humans. Let alone understand each other. At times it feels naggy that Marielle just keeps reminding Myria that monsters are bad, do not attempt to mix with them. Trying to guilt trip her the Plague Dragon killed Gregory! Remember that! But just how Illusia changed Myria’s life and thinking, I bet the same will be for Marielle once she meets him up close and personal. The same for Meltia and her fellow adventurers. Terrified at coming into contact with a Plague Dragon at first, once they get to know Illusia, I bet they’ll become his allies. So uh huh. Don’t judge a person, or in this case a monster by his looks. It’s the inside that counts!

It would just seem very strange if Myria ran away just to join and be together with Illusia. It would evoke strange memories of Beauty and the Beast sort of thoughts. Yeah, that scene where Myria and Illusia frolicking together at the river for the short moment, while it looked like a happy scene, the more I think about it, the more disturbing the scene looks. Yeah, blame me for being racist but that’s okay. Remember, humans and monsters don’t get along so definitely there isn’t going to be any union between 2 different life forms. I’m sure veterans will really feel weird remembering that awkward sex scene in the comedic sci-fi movie, Howard the Duck! So in order not for poor Illusia to be alone, hence this nameless black lizard whom I am surprised to find still remains nameless in the light novel. I don’t know, does naming her would turn her into a hot smoking beautiful humanoid girl? But she is Illusia’s companion for the most part and you can tell she has a crush on him. Imagine if Myria stays with them. Oh boy, a weird love triangle gonna happen. I think. Maybe. So with black lizard around, Illusia doesn’t have to feel lonely and can be of use to him in times of battle or hunting for food, etc. When things can get too heavy for Illusia to handle, we can count on this cute little reptile to help calm his nerves so he can make better decisions rather than rushing to his doom. So uhm, is black lizard doubling as a supporting character and pet mascot?

Action wise, nothing amazing that blows my mind and wait for it, all within expectations. Yeah, when you have this kind of genre and you don’t have battle scenes or at least kill monsters to level up, you’re not in the right genre. With this season being introductory, Illusia will find himself levelling up like hell as he gains all sorts of new abilities to take on tougher enemies. It is by no means a walk in a park as Illusia has to go through trial and error to see what works but ultimately landing the decisive victory. Nothing that spectacular if you ask me. Can’t remember many of his signature attacks. Except for that rolling away one. For some reason. The higher he evolves in his dragon tree branch, the more awesome skills he gonna get. Speaking of which, looks like he has evolved many more times in the light novel and he is like some world dragon now! One more step to reach godhood…

Art and animation are somewhat mediocre. The quality seems just average, especially the human characters, they all just look plain. Cutie pie Myria looks plain. Elf girl Marielle also looks plain. And then you have Illusia starting off as an egg which looks really comical and cartoonish if you ask me. Eggs with a pair of legs poking out? Why does this remind me of Sheldon from the Garfield cartoon? Then as Baby Dragon, he looks like some rejected Digimon or Pokemon design! Yup, still looking cartoonish. Looking a bit better as he matures into Plague Dragon but then there is this problem… Oh no. Not the mediocre CGI! While it is not as sh*tty, I still feel it could have been better. Used on the monsters, it feels like the monsters came out from some amateur video game and into this 2D anime. Okay, I take that back a bit because in the final episode, the water effects were just freaking weird. Is that water even in the first place?! Did they get lazy?!

I don’t know, in the same season we have another anime with similar theme and genre: Hell Mode. Their CGI renders were also mediocre. So did the anime studios, Felix Film (Urasekai Picnic, Kimi Wa Maid-sama, Aharen San Wa Hakarenai) and Ga-Crew (Saikyou No Shienshoku Wajutsushi De Aru Ore Wa Sekai Saikyou Clan Wo Shitagaeru) borrowed the same programming software or CGI assets from Yokohama Animation Lab (who did Hell Mode) because their CGI animation of the monsters seem somewhat similar. Illusia in Plaque Dragon form, his movements don’t seem all that bad, is it because of his dark design that makes it a bit hard to see? But with the overall visuals and designs looking somewhat cartoonish at times, sometimes I feel this series can be mistaken for younger audiences. I assure you it is not. After all, in this series, most of the background sceneries are in the forest because that’s where Illusia hangs out and rumbles. In a way, easier to have lush greens, lakes and valleys as oppose to ‘modern’ human civilization structures. Yet.

One main reason I took a look at this series was because of Rie Kugumiya having a role here as Marielle. Imagine, a veteran seiyuu was the biggest factor for me to watch this in otherwise yet another isekai series that I would have easily skipped. While it is nice to hear her voice again in a while, but sorry, she is mostly meek here and don’t expect her trademark tsundere specialty. Gosh. I really missed those days when she’s doing tsundere characters. Yeah. Her speciality. And the other seiyuu is Ami Koshimizu as Divine Voice. Pretty basic. At first I thought it was Tetsuya Kakihara behind Illusia or even that slime monster. What do you mean I got it wrong?! Who the hell is Shunichi Toki as Illusia (Akane in Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun) and Kazuki Ura as that slime guy (Gorou in Kamierabi God.app)?! Yeah, even black lizard has Tomori Kusunoki (Makima in Chainsaw Man) behind her character. No real dialogue at all but see if you can retain your sanity by voicing a character that goes, uhm, whatever this black little thing squeaks out. Yeah, many of the other monsters too have some unknown seiyuus voicing them and making their monster roar. At least they don’t sound human.

The other casts are Miku Itou as Myria (Miku in Go-toubun No Hanayome), Azusa Tadokoro as Meltia (Koito in Wonder Egg Priority), Wakana Kuramochi as Yuno (Cuff in Shinigami Bocchan To Kuro Maid), Masaaki Mizunaka as Doz (Ryuuen in Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi No Kyoushitsu E) and Kenichirou Matsuda as Gregory (Gordon in Black Clover). The opening theme is Gliding Claw by Sizuk. A lively rock piece trying to be edgy-cum-epic to suit the pace of the series but personally it sounds generic and the song feels messy and all over the place. Also, I find the singer’s voice to be just average in singing this. The ending theme, Sky Clipper by Tao & Sak is mostly hip hop and synth pop. Also sounds generic to me and didn’t really quite like it.

Overall, yet another boring anime of the season although it is not a bad anime per se. If there is another season, I’ll still watch it to find some sort of closure. So hopefully this would not drag on forever. See what I did there again?! GEDDIT?! DRAG-ON?! DRAGON???!!! Sighs again. Never mind. But if I had to choose a closely similar anime, I would pick Kumo Desu Ga Nani Ga over this one despite I too found that series to be boring, draggy and even confusing. At least Kumoko can still crack jokes in the midst of danger! Gosh, spider girl > dragon boy? Yeah, Illusia doesn’t even have half the charm of Kumoko!

Anyway, there is nothing special in this series with all the typical isekai and levelling up tropes that have been done to death in many other similar series. So ubiquitous. So everywhere. It’s all the basic formula and ingredient that won’t impress veterans like yours truly but may still impress anime noobs and newcomers. So yeah, it doesn’t matter what form you take on when you reincarnate into your isekai, human, animal or monster. Or an inanimate object like a vending machine! Yeah. It all depends on the actions you take and the choices you make that matter. Make that choice wisely or it’ll come back to haunt you in ways you can never imagine. Like how I always choose to watch the same isekai shows every season and then b*tch about it at the end. I should’ve earned the nickname and levelled to level 1000 as Crappy Anime Watcher by now! We already have isekai reincarnations as a dragon, spider, dog and cat, what will they think of next? Oh right. Somebody gonna be reincarnate as a pig! Oink, oink! HAHAHA! Tasty bacon. Oh wait… I think they also did that one already. And that f*cking pig could dance! Why is this f*cking dragon so uncool compared to the other animals?! The spider could crack jokes, the dog got premium fanservice, the cat got women wanting his seed, and the dancing piggy is even a self-professed pervert! Never mind, I don’t want this silliness to drag on forever… Drag on… SIGHS! NEVER MIND!

Game Tengoku: The Game Paradise

Obviously, an adaptation from a game that I have never heard of. Once more, my random browsing led me to this strange and bizarre 1997 title, Game Tengoku: The Game Paradise. Based on a vertical scrolling shooter arcade game of the same name, it parodies other similar games in the genre. Thus the 15 minute OVA was made to be bundled with the game itself. Must be one of those strange promotions stints, huh?

OVA 1
Yuki Ito is cleaning up the arcade when this pervy mad scientist, Genius Yamada wants to take over the world and forces Yuki to come with him. However Momoko saves her by entering an arcade machine. Inside this game world, an army approaches. Momoko runs away?! Thank goodness for sisters, Miki and Misato to the rescue in their ship. However with Genius also here and counterattacking, these ladies eject and escape! Misato fails to escape in time and Genius’ machine vomits on her? We are also introduced to Genius’ assistants, Kato and Nakamura who are helping him with his schemes. It is hinted they are being brainwashed to do his biddings. Miki explains to Yuki that their mission here is to stop Genius from taking over their world. Taking her back to their base, she meets the other members who include Jeynus Starmine, Selia, Z-Dyne MK II and Pig. Momoko cooks for them but everyone who eats it suffers! Does she even know how to cook?! She gets sad if nobody eats it so I guess everyone has to eat and die. Yuki doesn’t care and all she wants to know is how to go back to their own world. If it’s any consolation, Pig eats it all and has no side effects.

Meanwhile Genius shows his new mecha to his assistants and is going to use it in his next attack. An early morning raid that catches them off guard. Poor Misato becoming some guinea pig being controlled by Miki to counter attack Genius. Almost got killed. Other members soon come attacking the mecha. I don’t know, Genius wants to use Nakamura’s brain? Meanwhile Yuki is asking why Z-Dyne isn’t attacking. I don’t know, some programming flaw? More attacking and explosions as Selia downs Nakamura. Genius not happy and attacks. This is when Z-Dyne moves in to protect Selia. So, he only moves when his loved one is under direct attack? What programming is this?! Jeynus not happy because robo guy stole the good part. Did he not concentrate and does a kamikaze crashing into the mecha?! Genius now uses Kato as barrier to protect from the onslaught of attacks. More chaos and helter-skelter. With Genius losing Kato, he uses himself to transform into a stronger mecha. Don’t worry, Momoko also powers up because her cooking is now deadlier! It burns through the metal! Pig finishes him off with his bombs. In Genius’ last ditch attempt to finish everything, he self-destructs?! BOOM! Miki notes with this, Yuki can return to her own world. Uhm, this planet explodes?! Miki finds herself back in the arcade. However the place is in a mess and she is panicking on how she’ll explain this to her boss!

OVA 2
Yuki is back in this world and looks like she has learnt how to be crazy. Because she’s telling us she doesn’t even want to bother telling us how she ended up here! Of course Miki will tell us on her behalf. Another boring usual day for Yuki at the arcade when of course that pervert shows up to harass her for world domination. Then came Sakura who is Momoko’s younger sister to save and whisk her away to this world. Pig then bombs the hell out of Genius. Until next time. Yuki goes back to base to meet our usual characters. We see a few of their shenanigans like Jeynus and Pig arguing they are the main character. Jeynus wants to play with Sakura but she is turned down because it’s just troublesome. Yeah, she is a big eater and moving around uses lots of energy! Pig trying to get some attention but when he doesn’t, throws a tantrum.

Z-Dyne soon detects Yamada is here. Looks like he has got a couple of new assistants, Francoise (his daughter?!) and Mieya. Selia engages in an aerial dogfight with him. However Jeynus can’t start his engine due to some jamming mechanic by Genius. Once again, Miki tying down Misato and forcing her into battle. However she crashes head on with another new member, Claris. Great job, you girls. More bizarre aerial dogfight between Selia and Genius. The latter thinks he has the upperhand but Jeynus has managed to start his plane and joins in. This has Selia reminisce the times she admires him as cool. Pig and D-Zyne also join in but they crash into Jeynus. Great job, you guys. That sure ruined Selia’s memories. Oh, they crash into her too! WTF, guys?! Genius must be confused as Francoise thinks they can go home now. But Genius wants to show off more so he starts firing. F*cking Miki using Misato as a meat shield! Miki then hands Yuki a key. Claris recognizes it opens something in their tent. Claris goes to distract Genius to buy Yuki time. She really goes up to punch him?! So, the key opens a lock of a fridge? Good timing because Sakura is damn hungry! Now that she has eaten her fill, she powers up and fires a beam at Genius. Boom! Team Rocket blasting off into the sky! Although the day is saved, Sakura has eaten a week’s worth of their food. Hey, at least they’re alive until Genius’ next attack.

GUNbusted! Crash! Boom! Bang!
Well, truth to be told, I expected not to understand what the hell is going on! But I still had my little fun because there’s lots of wacky explosions so that’s enough to keep me entertained for the duration of the episode. Yeah, you can say that is the only thing that kept my interest. Don’t worry about anything else. Here, have some crazy explosions no matter how silly it goes and you’ll be fine. Not! So if you forget about the conversations and just watch all the mind blowing boom, you’ll get by. I think.

Firstly, hindering my enjoyment is of course I know nothing about the game. I believe that you need to have some sort of prior knowledge of the game if you want to understand and appreciate what is going on here. Otherwise, this looks like your mindless wacky slapstick comedy with lots of explosions because that’s what scrolling shooter games do, right? Shoot and blow things up! Maybe fans may understand what is going on but for casual viewers like yours truly who just jumped in and know nothing, it is all confusing. Oh hell, we just need to know that a perverted mad scientist is hell bent in taking over the world and hence the bombastic fight and explosions from both sides. Will they protect this world or will the pervert finally rule it?

Secondly, both the OVA episodes are not actually subbed. Yup, after all these years in watching tons of anime shows, my Japanese vocabulary is still lacking. Sure, I can still pick up some of the words but I still struggle when the sentence is long and contains mostly words that I am not familiar with. Especially when they start using inside jokes of the series and that flies over my head. And to think having this auto translation feature would help but as I would have come to expect either, it is not very good or accurate with lots of missing lines, simple mistranslations and misspelling of names. So you bet that watching 30 minutes in total for both episodes, it felt more like a drag. The crazy explosions offer just a little salvation.

With a handful of characters, it gets even confusing especially from one who doesn’t know the series well. I believe there are a few instalments for this game and thus certain characters appearing only in either of the episodes. With limited time and a handful of characters, I doubt they will get any proper fleshing out. So they have to be as dumb as wacky as they can be. Hence the craziest one would be Miki and Misato because it seems Miki is some cold hearted b*tch how always throws her sister into the frontlines against her will. It’s their running joke for more explosions that come afterwards. Yuki, I thought she’s the main character but she doesn’t do any jack sh*t and feels more like a side character.

Genius of course as the main antagonist is your typical comical evil villain. He is designed to be an idiot and even more so his perverted design. I know all scientists are mad geniuses but do they have to be this level of a pervert? Maybe he is just a pervert. I don’t know what he wants with Yuki but this gives us the setting for more explosions and slapstick comedy. And yes, the motivation for me watching this obscure series is because of Shigeru Chiba as Genius. He doesn’t disappoint and sounds like his usual crazy characters he voiced like One Piece’s Buggy. As per my expectations. Good job.

Overall, this is really a weird series and I can’t say I really like it that much because of the limitations that I said a few paragraphs above. But I did enjoy all the dumb explosions so I guess it is not a total loss. As always, watching this short series did not make me have any interest in going to find and play the game. Not really a big fan of shooter games especially those scrolling ones. Yeah. Explosions might not solve the problem but it looks like it does the job at least for this series. Sometimes things going boom might just be the best answer for the best gaming paradise. I don’t even know what I’m saying…

Yuusha Party Wo Oidasareta Kiyoubinbou

Oh God. Not again. More like, here I go again. For the umpteenth time, another season, yet the same similar trope of useless guy being abandoned by his own party members but we soon find out he is actually f*cking powerful or overpowered. Yeah. Thus Yuusha Party Wo Oidasareta Kiyoubinbou is no different than any other anime of this genre. As the title suggests, our main guy has been kicked out simply because he is a jack of all trades. HUH?! Why the f*ck do you want to kick out a guy who can basically do everything?! Sure, he may not be the master of any one particular skill but what kind of f*cking logic makes jack of all trades a weak class?! HOW?! And of course as we would have also seen it coming, he is powerful as f*ck and to say master of none is an understatement because damn, he is master of all! So to speak. You dumbasses better not regret it and do the shameful thing of forcing him back into your party.

Episode 1
Orhun Dura is slashing goblins in the dungeon while activating certain support and magic spells but notes they only lasts exactly 3 minutes. I guess he has a lot on his mind because just yesterday, he got kicked out by the hero’s party. No, not a joke. His best friend Oliver Cardiff said it right to his face. Even Anneli and Derick took Oliver’s side as they claim he will only be slowing them down. Orhun can’t believe that his childhood friend would cut him off. After all they’ve bene through, especially achieving S-Rank a few years ago and being the first to reach some great southern dungeon. You see, their joint raid last month had Oliver rethink this. The other party’s enchanters were totally way out of Orhun’s league. True. But Orhun’s forte was originally to be a swordsman. Because they needed an enchanter, Orhun volunteered to swap roles as he was the one with the highest aptitude for it and even created his own spells. With Oliver not wanting him anymore, there is nothing left to say but leave. As Orhun leaves, he hears a group of men retreating. They argue about abandoning a female comrade behind. Not Orhun’s business but he knows the pain of being cut off. He tells off those losers and will go save her instead. Sophia Claudel is being cornered by monsters, scared that she will soon die. But of course Orhun kills them all and saves her. As thanks, she wants to treat him to dinner. Can’t say no to a cutie, eh? From her crest, he can tell she is from Night Sky Silver Rabbits, one of the strongest guild in Nohitant Kingdom. Even more so, he knows her sister, Selma. She is a powerful S-Rank of Silver Rabbits and developed the idea of party members having different roles. This changed how adventurers venture into dungeons and it was Silver Rabbit whom Oliver joint raided with. Selma is not happy Sophia went to the dungeons herself when there is a big dungeon expedition coming up.

Sophia now realizes Orhun from the hero’s party but he claims he is no longer with them. Selma asks if he is free so Orhun thinks she wants to recruit him. However she wants him to go on a teaching expedition with Silver Rabbits tomorrow. He will be paid. The job is to for higher ranking adventurers to train new recruits on the job. They will all be going on that expedition. Orhun finds it impossible for rookies to improve that fast as it takes at least half a year. Not if you take the shortest cut. Also, Silver Rabbits’ sponsor wants it so… However Orhun can also tell that this is part to help strengthen the clan because if they can’t defeat a floor boss on their own, a veteran can help and then register to head on to the next floor. But once bitten twice shy Orhun is hesitant to take up this job. Not even when Sophia pleads with those begging eyes? Oh well, he’ll think about it. But if he does accept, he wants to go as a swordsman and not enchanter. This surprises Selma but whatever. After that, Orhun goes to visit some old man of the bar he frequents. He apologizes he can’t advertise for him anymore as he is no longer part of hero’s party. But old dude thanks him for working hard. Orhun is Orhun no matter who he is, hero or not. He advises to live for himself and help others.

Episode 2
Selma brings Orhun to see Vince Bryars, the leader of Silver Rabbits. Previously Selma talked to Vince about Orhun leaving the hero’s party. Because of that, they know the hero’s party will be weakened because it was Orhun’s magic that took them to a new level. Their loss is Silver Rabbit’s gain because now they can become the top party. As Selma goes over the plan, Orhun asks about not having enough A-Rank parties to support the rookies. Selma claims this is to let the newbies gain experience but Orhun can sense something more is at stake and they’re not telling a stranger like him. As Selma and Orhun go meet up with the expedition members, Selma remembers Vince telling his worries that she wanted Orhun whom he thinks is an enchanter like her to be part of her same group. Because party balance is very important. Because Orhun volunteered as a front line attacker, Selma is desperate to move forward as it has been a year they haven’t made any improvements. Thus the reason she desperately turned to Orhun. Orhun meets the newbies he will be monitoring: Sophia, Logan Hayward who is an enchanter plus group leader and Caroline Inglot who is a defender who prefers to dodge rather than block! Making their way in, Caroline can’t help spam Orhun with questions about why he left the hero’s party. But could it be her talkative behaviour is also to help nervous Sophia calm down? Orhun observes the newbies in action as he notes their talents and flaws. They have good potentials. Next day, Orhun is dismayed to see the front page of the newspaper of his dismissal from the hero’s party. Now everyone knows. As he heads off for the expedition’s meeting point, he is met with Luna Flockhart who is part of the hero’s party. She was the only member that treated him well but when Oliver kicked him out, she was away. Although she has not read today’s newspaper, she is pleading him to come back to the party on her own accord and will do her best to persuade others. But as Orhun has read today’s news, there is no way he can go back. Nor does he even want to go back either. When Luna brings up that promise to conquer the great dungeon together, Orhun becomes agitated. Sorry, that is never going to happen. As much as he wants that day they made the promise to remain, there is now no place for him. It all has ended and it is too late for him already.

Episode 3
With the news now spreading to the newbies, some are confused over Orhun. Even Selma had to apologize for not knowing the situation and used him to inspire the rookies although Orhun doesn’t blame her. But they remember his credentials so they are not worried about him being a fake. While Sophia and Caroline continue to have faith on Orhun, Logan doesn’t seem convinced. As the expedition continues, Logan’s side now fights orcs. Logan thought Orhun is doing nothing when Sophia froze in fear as she faces an orc. But after Orhun debuffs the orc and gives words of inspiration, Sophia is back to herself. Then they fight a death tarantula as Logan notes Orhun giving sound advice to them on what to do. He anticipates all its moves and this allows the rookies to achieve complete victory just by listening to his advice. At the end of the day, Logan reflects on what happened. When news broke about Orhun being kicked out, he felt disappointed that he got his hopes up. Then as he observes Orhun easily does enchanting magic that even Selma has hard time using, coming up with fighting and supporting formations, it proves Orhun is the real deal, reading the battle and giving the perfect orders. But he is still stumped he converted to become a front line attacker. But Logan still wants to become stronger than him and surpass all that he is. As Orhun drinks with some of the instructors, they are curious about his change in role so he tells them how he is most compatible for it as he is a jack of all trades. Before he joined the hero’s party, he wanted to be a swordsman since his grandpa was one. Orhun also converted at a time when enchanters were getting important but he felt they should’ve slowed down and gotten stronger than rushing it. Sophia feels sad that tomorrow is the last day and she won’t see Orhun anymore. So why not ask him to stay at Silver Rabbits? Never try, never know. Meanwhile the hero party is coming to town.

Episode 4
A few days ago, the hero party welcomes Philly Carpenter as their new enchanter. Luna then returned and tells them the shocking news that Orhun is going on a dungeon expedition with Silver Rabbits. That’s when the rest told her that Orhun left the party and she felt disappointed. Despite Oliver explaining Orhun was no longer strong for them, she believes otherwise. They only made it this far because of Orhun. Since this deadlock wasn’t going anywhere, Oliver suggested they raid this dungeon and test their compatibility. Luna still opposed this because there’s a black dragon down there and she doesn’t want to die. With Oliver’s orders absolute, that’s where we are now. So you bet those dumb arrogant folks are wondering why they are so weak against this mammoth despite Philly already trying her best to buff, support them and all. I guess Luna already knows the answer but don’t look now because here comes the black dragon in average CGI! These fools still think they are strong enough to fight it? Think again. Everyone left in despair and dumbfounded. Have we been this weak?! We know the answer. The only way to escape is to use some random teleport device that may have them end up in some random boss floor but it’s better than fighting this black dragon. But it is that dragon who flies into the gate! Oh wow, it’s gonna get worse as adventurers may find themselves being attacked by this surprise mother. There’s another guild card that teleports them out but there’s a penalty to pay. As Luna heals Anneli and Derrick, she reveals why all of them are weak. Wait for it, because we don’t have Orhun. Still can’t believe it? Luna explains despite Orhun being a weak enchanter, thus he created his own original magic to make up for his flaws. It increases potency by over 50 times! Now you know why you were so strong then? And you dumbasses got complacent about it. Now do you idiots understanding? Yeah, too late. As the hero party runs out of the dungeon, they hear others praising them but Oliver knows better they are not the real heroes. Still think you’re fine without Orhun?

Episode 5
As Orhun gives more advice to the rookies, this leads them to talk about Albert Sensible. He was the ace of Silver Rabbits but died last year while protecting his comrades from the black dragon. Caroline’s tone suddenly shifts as she believes in fighting alone so others won’t be in danger and to keep all those you protected far away. Orhun knows it is not his business so he doesn’t want to get involved. Later Orhun talks to Selma who also talks about Albert who was a very reliable person. The guild is still trying to fill the hole he left but it’s hard. The final day of the expedition starts. But Orhun and co feel something is odd because they’re this deep below and there are no monsters at all. As though the monsters are afraid of something. Finally a goblin shows up and bloodthirsty Caroline rushes in to kill it. Not sure what would have happened had Orhun not debuffed it. More advice from Orhun the veteran as he also teaches his team in setting magic traps and debuffs. The hero party arrives at the guild as they see the guild master to inform him of the impending danger. They plead to use the very costly teleport magic to teleport everyone out of the dungeon. Okay. It’s going to take some time and real focus. Guild master also want the hero party to head back and defeat the black dragon. Before the rest can complain about not recovering from it, Luna agrees to it. Sophia hopes Orhun can teach her something personally than her sister. I guess he has to agree to avoid complicating matters. Now it is time for the veterans to show their stuffs while the rookies sit back and observe. With Orhun taking the lead, they impress the rookies as they slaw one floor boss to another. So easy. Because of Orhun, right? With this, the expedition is over and now all can finally go home. And the timing is so great because here comes the black dragon now! This is not part of the expedition!

Episode 6
Time to panic. Orhun has thoughts of running away himself but can he let other innocent people die? Of course not! It is part of his job to see through it that the newbies return alive. So yeah, this entire episode is seeing how awesome Orhun is as he faces the black dragon alone and has other teachers protect the students. Watch and be in awe! So as warmup, we see Orhun using his magic and that obviously doesn’t scratch the black dragon. Testing waters. So he has to buff himself up many times, using multiple spells simultaneously, making everyone’s jaw drop because no one normal can do such things, right? It takes a toll on Orhun but he cannot give up now. Apparently there is a difference between magic and special abilities?! And thus Orhun stepping in mid-air is not magic but his special ability?! I’m confused! Yeah, no wonder everybody watching is so amazed. As he continues fighting, short flashback how his village was ravaged by bandits. So, did Oliver and Orhun buried the entire dead townspeople themselves?! I dunno. They vowed to become stronger. Orhun knows the black dragon is not fighting at full force. It means it is underestimating him and hopes to keep it that way. More tough fighting as Orhun is also considerate to keep the fight at a distance so that others could stay safe. More awesome magic showing off and Orhun slashing a deep cut on the black dragon’s chest. Still not enough to make it go down as it is smart enough to cut off its own tail to avoid being killed. Yeah, you people watching must be feeling how useless you are compared to talented Orhun, huh? With both sides now at their limit, they are aiming for the final ultimate blow. And here it comes… Orhun survives! As expected. Here’s a nice smile to show he is okay. Like as though Orhun survived God’s massacre, the happy teachers and students rush toward him for a big group hug. Like winning the World Cup, eh?

Episode 7
By the time Oliver’s group arrives, they see a dead black dragon and a very tired and wounded Orhun. With everyone else safe, Luna deduces that Orhun has fought and defeated this monster himself. Sophia is happy as she is writing her report. All on Orhun, huh? Is this going to be some sort of weird love confession for him? But it’s not the same for Selma. She’s so tired. She asks Sophia’s opinion in watching Orhun fight because she can’t understand someone with so much power. But Sophia understands him. Selma wants to know more about it so Sophia explains all his magic and movements. Selma further feels sad she is unable to see things simply like her sister but Sophia respects her as she has lots of people rely on her and wants to be like her. Orhun gradually heals himself as Selma comes to see him. After thanking him for his contributions, she brings him to see Vince who of course invites him to join their clan. However Orhun has his doubts and needs time to think about this. Orhun then attends a meeting by the guild master to confirm he defeated the black dragon alone. Orhun first tries to uncover what the hell Oliver is doing taking such risks. When he claims he got a better enchanter, Orhun is upset he doesn’t respect enchanters even if he claims so. Eventually this pisses off Orhun so much that he had to tell his best friend how hard it is for him to plan everything, right down to the exact seconds their buffs last. Sophia and co wonder if Orhun will join their guild. They go to ask Selma about it and she is fretting someone so powerful doesn’t need to join a guild like theirs. Their level will only slow him down. However despite so, they want him to join because they can learn much. A tired Orhun leaves the meeting. Then he sees those newbies coming after him. Time to run? At least he has enough energy to run and hide at the old man’s bar. Orhun knows they want him to join and will be sad if he declines them. Old man notes he cares about them and they look up to him. He believes he is looking for a place to belong and that he doesn’t he has to be alone. That night, Orhun happens to stumble into Sophia at one of her favourite spots. She asks him to join Silver Rabbits and wants to stay with him. He asks what the guild means to her. A place that taught her many things and given her so many smiles. She is proud to call it her home. A motivated Orhun soon sees Vince and requests to join. Orhun now spotting their guild’s uniform. Welcome aboard.

Episode 8
Flashback shows a young Oliver beating Orhun in a mock match. Oliver wasn’t happy and accused Orhun of not using his full strength. However Orhun claimed Oliver just got better and stronger. That is all. That didn’t appease Oliver and it made him madder. Later Sion Nasturtium talked to Orhun and actually knew he was holding back. Orhun admitted to it because he didn’t want to carry that burden but now felt bad for Oliver doing it. Sion then promised to become strong enough to support him. The guild master reports to Grandmaster about a black dragon being defeated singlehandedly. As it was not Oliver’s doing, Grandmaster can tell it was Orhun and is stumped over his actions because with his powers, he wouldn’t have chosen to defeat a floor boss. He believes he has not returned to his original state and orders surveillance on him. We see Sion in a party investigating some eastern dungeon. They receive a messenger from HQ about someone powerful enough to defeat a black dragon. Their job is to make contact with him and decide if he is an enemy, kill him. As rumours that he might be aligned with the church, Sion knows it is not Oliver. It seems Sion is under the impression that the person she loved most (Orhun) has died on that day when she received that letter. Her heart froze. She vowed to carry on fighting even if she is all alone. She vows to kill all those old buggers in the church who drove Orhun to his death.

Vince is in a meeting with other lieutenants of Silver Rabbits. He proposes a vote to make Orhun as a lieutenant and replace Albert. First, one of them asks if he is willing to risk his life for the clan. Orhun remembers his promise and swore he cannot break it. Thus he answers he is not prepared to offer his life. While this shocks many, he explains his vow to protect those he loves. So while it is not the clan he offers his life to protect but its members. What a way to play with words! You almost scared Selma there! Safe to say, he is now a lieutenant. Selma introduces him to Estella who is of the management division. Then she takes him to join her unit which is the strongest unit in the clan. The other members are Rain Hugwell, Lucretia Otis and Wilkes Savery. As they will be going to the dungeons again, Orhun says he doesn’t have a weapon and needs to go buy one. The rest are surprised because it takes time for a custom made weapon to be ready. For Orhun, he doesn’t need it and would just buy one off the shelves and buff it with his magic. Of course now he is a high ranking personnel, they can’t have him do such a thing and take him to see a weaponsmith. Don’t worry about the materials. He got most of them during his time in the hero’s party and never used them. Because he also has a black dragon scale, he realizes too late that this is sending trauma to the rest who lost a member. But they stay professional and hope to see the sword made out of the scale.

Episode 9
Selma’s team discuss today’s mission to gather noxious sheep pelts. As they face fighting earth dragons along the way, this is also to gauge how Orhun will help the party. But for Orhun to do that, he has to see how his comrades fare in battle. You bet Orhun has high praises for them and this is the kind of party he always dreamt of. Thanks to Orhun’s cooperation, the monsters are no match for them. After completing their mission, they head over to the bar to drink. Lucretia in tears because she didn’t think she would get along with Orhun but now they’re like friends. Selma and Rain drink too much so as what you expect of most drunk women, they start getting flirty on Orhun. The sober ones watch with glee. Before things get out of control, Orhun has to put them to sleep. Orhun isn’t mad or anything but he hasn’t had this much fun in a long time. Sophia wonders why her sister is taking too long to come back. When Orhun is heard knocking on her door, she thought he is here to see her! Banish those thoughts because look at her surprised face when she sees Orhun carrying Selma on her back. Fearing they have had some kind of relationship, Orhun explains what happened. Now look at her unimpressed face. Yeah, onee-chan really had fun, huh? For once, Sophia is going to be the big sister and lecture onee-chan on how much she is bothering Orhun. Luckily Sophia forgives her. Selma starts thinking Sophia has been smiling more often and needs to be more careful with Orhun. She wants to be supportive of Sophia’s first love. Uhm, Orhun x Sophia? She can’t believe she is thinking about this but is also confused because she likes Orhun as an adventurer. Are you sure it is not more than that?

Episode 10
Orhun will be training Logan’s group. But he has also read the file on them and realizes that each of them have their tragic history. For Sophia, her mother was the family’s maid and died after giving birth. Because she was not part of the main family, she was often mistreated. Selma was the only one who protected her. So when she left to become an adventurer, things got even worse. That was why Selma returned to take her away and hoped she become a great adventurer. With the newbies happy to learn under Orhun, he makes it clear a few rules like never assume what he says is correct because he sometimes get things wrong. Then he has everyone tell him why he wants to be an adventurer. Sophia: She wants to be like Selma. Logan: He wants to make more money because his village doesn’t grow enough food. But the villagers pooled all their money to send him here so he became an adventurer to pay them back. Thus he needs to be stronger to achieve his goals. Caroline: She wants to make everybody happy and smile. You sure there is all to it? Orhun can feel the darkness as she elaborates that smiles gone when monsters are around. Because smiling people don’t hit her! She can say that with a straight smiling face? Orhun needs a shortened name for Caroline since hers is too long to be called in emergency. She gives him the liberty to choose. Carol. Even Logan wants one? Okay. Log. So happy! Sophia… Sophie. No difference but oh well. Still happy. Training in the dungeon, Caroline is being reckless and could’ve been badly hurt. However she shows him a secret that she heals instantly. So, she can’t really die? Orhun has read her history that she was captured by a criminal cult organization, Cyclamen Church. They kidnapped and conducted human experiments to revive some evil god. She was rescued by Albert’s team and was mentally unstable at that time. Though, she became an adventurer by her own will. Orhun realizes he promised himself not to treat them like kids. He shows Caroline that the rest aren’t smiling. Why? Despite she is healed, the pain she felt was real. This means others also worried and felt her pain. They care for her. Caroline starts to panic. What must she do?! Orhun realizes her greatest fear is not seeing others smile. She promises to do whatever he says so everyone can smile again. She fears he will hit her but instead he hugs her and promises to knock out those who try. Orhun then gives personalized training to each of them. They improve a lot with practice. Orhun’s new personal sword is now ready as he vows to protect his comrades.

Episode 11
Orhun names his sword Schwarzhase which means black rabbit. It is to commemorate him joining the guild. Just in time because Selma’s unit will be going back down to fight the black dragon. It is their anniversary to avenge Albert’s death. Later old man tells Orhun about Amunthoth. They along with Cyclamen are the greatest criminal organizations. Amunthoth has been heard killing adventurers in the area and since nothing is sad about this by Silver Rabbits, Orhun takes it they are keeping this quiet to avoid panic. While the rest prepares to for the black dragon fight, Orhun continues to supervise Logan’s group. He is happy with their improvement and soon they’ll no longer be new recruits. Logan submits his dungeon exploration application to Estella and she approves of it. Though, they will have another observer to follow them. Not Orhun? Well, it’s on the same day as he joins Selma’s unit to take down the black dragon. Can reschedule it because there’s no other observers available on other days. The trio hope Orhun put his trust in them for they have learnt a lot from him and can handle this by themselves. First, he reviews their plan and seeing no problems with it, he agrees to it. Then he gives them charms to stay safe. The day arrives as Orhun and co begin their fight against the black dragon. Logan’s unit is making steady progress until they stumble upon a group ahead of them. After identifying themselves from Silver Rabbits, it seems this group is Amunthoth! Sion reads Logan’s mind and affirm that they know Orhun. They decapitate the observer as the young ones run but all exits are blocked. Caroline jumps in to attack but is easily taken out by Gibeah. Orhun notices his charm is glowing. It means the trio are in danger. Oh great. Now he and Selma have to worry something has happened to them. But they have to deal with this black dragon and not let history repeat itself by getting their comrades get killed. Can they keep focus and finish this quickly?

Episode 12
Sophia is scared but Logan reminds her Orhun wouldn’t give up. Don’t worry about Caroline too. She can heal herself. While the duo put up traps to hinder Gibeah, it still isn’t enough since he is stronger. Before Logan gets killed, Sophia so afraid that her special ability awakens. Uhm, telekinesis? Because it stops Gibeah dead in his tracks and then she flings him away. Back to Orhun, looks like they’re in pinch fighting the black dragon because it can now heal itself. But long story short, Orhun using his abilities and with cooperation from others, the dark beast is taken down. Gibeah is going to kill Sophia as Amunthoth believes her ability will cause big problems to them. Sophia is now too scared to activate her ability or move. What else can she do but pray for help. Selma? No. Orhun!!! Just like magic, Gibeah is blasted back. Yup, your hero is here! You can cry now. Orhun apologizes for being late. Now it’s his turn to take over. You bet he is mad. Amunthoth gets ready to fight them but 2 of them underestimate him and get blasted by his spell. This only leaves Sion left. They fight as Sion reminisces how Orhun resembles a dead childhood friend. She seems sad hinting why they killed adventurers. She didn’t want to do it but some original is dead while the replica has fallen into enemy hands. Don’t understand? Yup, Orhun too. As he continues to scorn her, Sion gets angry and blames people like them for destroying the world. The fight continues until Orhun binds her in his magic. As her hood comes off, however Orhun doesn’t recognize her but Sion is in shock this is the real Orhun. She becomes mad that it is those guys playing tricks on her. As Orhun does not recognize her still, Amunthoth comrades are getting back up. It’s about time Selma’s unit also arrives. Sion suggests retreating and Orhun not wanting further casualties, lets them go. Sion hopes the next time they meet, they won’t be enemies.

Later Sion is happy Orhun is still alive. However she laments he doesn’t recognize her. She blames a certain woman for taking everything from her and will promise her a fate worse than death. Meanwhile Oliver continues to practice hard because if Orhun can defeat a black dragon himself, surely he can too. After all, there are rumours that Orhun is the new hero. Then there’s this tournament coming up. Oliver plans to defeat Orhun there and prove he is the real hero. Grandmaster can’t believe it was Orhun who defeated the black dragon singlehandedly. This means he found another way to become stronger. At this rate he might even clear the dungeon. He finds the whole thing ironic because if Orhun keeps this up, he will be his saviour. Then he will forget the past on what Orhun did to him. He wants Orhun to keep dancing for him and not awaken from his dreams until he dies. Orhun continues to guide Logan’s team. It was a lucky thing the fight didn’t last longer than that as it also proves they were weak. Orhun also admits there are other strong people out there and right now he isn’t strong enough to protect the ones he cares. Even though they got defeated, as long as they are alive, they can start over if they fail. Thus, do not regret. They return to training.

Diversity Is Our Strength!
Well, if you think that this is how it somewhat ‘ends’ because series like this do end in such a way, think again and be surprised because there is going to be another season! Yeah. I was really surprised. Here I thought that with the way things ‘ended’, when things started to get a little bit more interesting, the series has already ended its season. And then they are left behind forever in the abyss of such series never getting a sequel. I was actually contented that this would be the fate of this series. But they decided to prove me wrong and make me eat humble pie. Yeah. Should I be feeling ashamed for jumping to conclusions? Nah! Bring on your next season!

Story wise, seems pretty generic that has been done to death in almost every other anime under this genre. I feel it could now be a whole category of meme by itself when you mention abandoned by the hero’s party. Therefore it was really nothing new as main character Orhun gets kicked out by the hero’s party for unreasonable reasons. When this happens, that abandoned guy either will leave the industry and lead a normal quiet life or he goes on to greater heights as he shatters everyone’s expectations, earning respect and admiration from many. So you could guess which path Orhun took, right? With the season nearing its end, it got a bit interesting (because it got my attention) as there is more than meets the eye to Sion’s circumstances as well as Orhun. I think Grandmaster too has had a hand in this in wiping Sion from Orhun’s memories. Perhaps he or some other party may have manipulated the memories of certain characters, all part of the plan that includes kicking Orhun out of the hero’s party. My conspiracy theories may be running rampant right now because I am suspecting Philly to be the main mastermind! Don’t let that cute face fool you! Does she not have that suspicious looks at times?! Hopefully, the second season will either confirm my theories or they will make me eat humble pie again and totally change my perception on the whole thing.

I have to admit that the series started off as mostly boring and generic because as I have mentioned in my previous paragraph. Another factor is that Orhun and Oliver did not settle their outstanding differences. Like in many other animes in this genre, usually the jerk hero will get his just desserts and his ass kicked trying to get back at the main character or worse, asking him to rejoin the team. If this happens, this proves that the hero is not an important character and perhaps no longer needed or play an important role in future chapters. So for this one, it might indicate that Orhun and Oliver do not have a shallow and superfluous relationship and that their bond goes deeper than what they have shown. After all, Oliver is not entirely a total jerk as you can see hints of regrets in his face although his pride may be the greatest factor in stopping him to admit he is wrong. So yeah, with another season announced, perhaps we will get to see a real clash between Orhun and Oliver rather than this season that boggles our minds because after Orhun defeated the black dragon after the hero’s party failed, nothing else happens between them? Like as though that didn’t happen.

Character wise, it is the usual. Orhun is your typical main character from the genre. This whole season feels like the need to regain his confidence and trust in others and that is partly why I felt this season also felt boring. After all, he has sacrificed so much and his closest comrades do not even show a hint of appreciation but utmost scorn. That’s the fastest way to lose trust in humanity. Of course it is always wrong to generalize all humans are scumbags and thus that is why we need to see him interact with various characters, mostly from Silver Rabbits so that he can learn to trust again. And we see him doing that in record time. Well, no use thinking about it too long. We don’t have that much episodes in a season! HAHAHA! Just kidding. But yes, Orhun regaining his faith in others is the character development characters like him need so this can also springboard him to greater heights. You know, get even stronger. Remember, this guy created a few original magic himself that somehow many don’t even f*cking appreciate. I bet at this rate he is gonna surpass God!

Other characters are okay but not enough fleshing out as of yet. Selma and Sophia seem to be leaning towards more than just admiration over Orhun. Can you just feel Selma wants to be more than just a comrade or Albert’s replacement? Can you feel Sophia wants to be more than just her instructor? At least, they’re baiting us to try to make us think that way. Or it is just me. Imagine sister fighting over the guy. On the other hand, they might be so considerate to give the other Orhun that it might just happen. As long as Orhun is around, no need to rush. I hope. With Logan and Caroline, I believe that these newbies also help Orhun to learn because it is a 2 way street and it’s not like they just take, take, take from what Orhun gives. I believe this relationship will help make them stronger as they learn from each other and at this rate, Orhun might just take them all under his personal wing as his personal apprentices. Yeah. Though, Caroline’s tragic past seems to be most intriguing and interesting. Hope to hear more about this next season.

The rest of Orhun’s new comrades in Silver Rabbits, they might feel lacking but you can see that they treat Orhun way better than Oliver’s party did. Makes him feel like home, right? So as to make it less obvious that Orhun and Selma are always together so you can’t call it a date. What the hell am I saying… I believe they don’t see Orhun as Albert’s replacement and that Orhun is an individual of his own. I don’t know if their victory over the black dragon has blown away this ghost because I don’t see them celebrating about it. Maybe they skipped this part because they have not much airtime left… Just kidding. It is still unfinished business with Oliver’s party and looks like the hero’s party is all over the place. It feels like a ragtag team now. Anneli and Derick continue to harbour unfounded hatred towards Orhun. Oliver still confused about it. Luna as the only one who is not impressed with it all and feels like she has given up hope. Newcomer Philly looks suspicious as hell… Gonna bet that Orhun’s new party will clash with Oliver’s party in the near future. Most probably at the tournament.

And then there is Amunthoth whom unsurprisingly Sion is part of. I bet they will clash in the future and it will be interesting to learn more about Sion’s circumstances. I hope all these years of being lied to, Sion won’t turn into an emotional wreck. But wanna bet Orhun will somehow be there to save her? There’s also Grandmaster but at this point it is too early to deduce his true goals. He might look like he is an antagonist but I can’t also discount the fact that he might be playing the villain or he’s actually supporting Orhun. He just likes to play around with his words just to troll us. So yeah, next season better prove me wrong or I’m gonna be like, “I told you so!”.

Action wise, personally it just feels average and nothing that put me on the edge of my seat. After all, I have been ‘programmed’ that characters like Orhun is the strongest there is despite in this world he is told he is not. Therefore he could fight monsters with ease and if you see him struggle a bit (like his fight against the black dragon), it is all for drama’s sake to make the fight last longer and to play with our minds that the black dragon is one tough mother, making us worried that overpowered Orhun may not be enough to even defeat it. True, Orhun may not be one of the most powerful characters in this world, but he is still way more powerful than lots of you average folks out there. So yeah, nothing really memorable from his set of arsenal. Swinging his sword, casting magic, setting up traps. Something that the rest of Silver Rabbits and other adventurers do. Besides, I still don’t really understand the battle role formation but I guess having a diverse range of types is better than just having 1 type. Imagine if a party is all just attackers or all enchanters. Common sense will say that chances of victory will be greatly reduced. So I guess this means an all rounder is either not highly valued or is so rare that it is close of not existing. If the latter is true, once again I am betting on my money that Orhun will be the first to become the ultimate jack of all trades and a master of them all! After all, he already is good as a enchanter and attacker (perhaps not as good but since this was what he wanted to be, I considered this to be a plus point).

Art and animation are also standard. Your typical conventional anime character designs. Orhun looking like your plain main character and other female characters looking pretty and kawaii. The usual stuffs. Mostly the feel of the overall visuals is somewhat dull because for the most part, the locations are set in the dark dungeons and if not, just in town which is pretty typical European style buildings. For better or worse, it’s not like this series have to animate exotic locations. And now we have to talk about the CGI. I have to admit that it is not sh*tty and not anywhere near being the worst. But I won’t say it is a superb masterpiece either. At least the CGI for the monsters like the spider look smooth. Even the black dragon CGI despite looking average, my guess is that the darkness of the dungeon helped to cover its shortcomings! At least the movements are smooth and don’t look wonky. At times I noticed that Orhun in action seems to be given the CGI treatment. It is not very jarring but it is obvious. I don’t know, can he defeat the monsters better in this format?! This anime is done by a relatively new studio, Animation Studio42 and this is their first work.

Voice acting also nothing special. Didn’t recognize anyone in particular except for Showtarou Morikubo as Grandmaster. The casts are Takeo Ootsuka as Orhun, Saori Oonishi as Selma, Hina Tachibana as Sophia, You Taichi as Logan, Manaka Iwami as Caroline, Yoshiki Nakajima as Oliver, Masumi Tazawa as Luna, Rumi Ookubo as Philly, Akane Fujita as Sion, Shinnosuke Ogami as Gibeah, Kento Hama as Wilkes, Seria Fukagawa as Rain, Tsumugi Okura as Lucretia, Kou Bonkobara as Derrick, Sayumi Watabe as Anneli, Kenji Akabane as Vince and Kana Yuuki as Estella. The opening theme is Shirube by Towa Tokoyami, a generic rock piece. Likewise, the ending theme, Sukuu by Nowlu is also generic synth pop music. Don’t really like them both.

Overall, this is another average series from the ubiquitous and tired trope of abandoned by the hero’s party. It does have its interesting subplots but I will have to wait and see the next season. Even so, it is still not enough for me to give huge points for it to stand out from other titles in the genre. It checks all the boxes of what you expect from this kind of genre so don’t expect more. That way you can save yourself a load of disappointment. Of course with the sequel, there is a possibility that they may surprise us with something better but more than often, what are the chances, right? A veteran like yours truly knows better. But still, a possibility. A hope. That is why diversity is so important. Because you’ll definitely lose your mind if you continue to watch the same genre every season, every year. It is good to diversify the genres you watch as variety helps stimulate your senses and the likes. But there’s the problem that every genre too is as sh*tty and crappy…

Hell Mode: Yarikomizuki No Gamer Wa Hai Settei No Isekai De Musou Suru

Games are supposed to be fun. But when it becomes too easy and you still haven’t get bored of the game yet, the only way to still have the game maintain its fun is by ramping up the difficulty level, right? Yeah, I guess there are sadists out there who can’t get enough of that thrill and that is why some games have this super duper extra hard mode for all you crazy gamers out there. So I thought Hell Mode: Yarikomizuki No Gamer Wa Hai Settei No Isekai De Musou Suru is going to be another one of this reincarnated shotacon world building theme. While that is not entirely wrong, basically our hardcore gamer wanted something so challenging that he took up this mysterious challenge to play a game at this hell mode. Must be super hard, eh? So now he’s got to work harder and figure everything out himself to level up and the likes. No cheat codes, no magazine or YouTube walkthroughs and not even any online forums will be available. And he has got to do it all in his new reincarnated form. Wow. Best immersive VR game, huh? So are ‘ya winning, son?!

Episode 1
Some hardcore gamer laments another game shuts down after years of playing. Trying to find another hardcore game, he stumbles upon some strange website that offers hell mode. Strangely, a summoner class is worth better than a Demon Lord! Thinking it would be fun, he accepts it and before he knows it, he disappears. And yes, he is being reincarnated to another world as a baby. Allen, born to young serf parents, Rodin and Theresia, he retains his memories as well as being aware of the hellish mode that is required to level up that needs 100 times more XP. Challenge accepted. Allen is able to summon a book that holds his stats and skills as well as whatever other memo (including an apology from God that says this class is still under testing?!). For now, he is able to summon the lowest level class of insects and birds. He experiments and gets used to the system via trial and error basis. When he is 3 years old, he is forced to spar every day with Krena, the daughter of their neighbour, Gerda and Mithilda. She beats him flat every time since it’s like her sword skills are just freaking overpowered! He really got his weak ass handed to him. At the same time, Theresia is also pregnant with her second child. And then she goes into labour. Soon, a safe baby boy has been delivered. Allen now has a younger brother, Mash. He is very happy about this and reflecting his old loser otaku left, he has no regrets and not even sad of leaving it behind. He vows to horde the best equipment and max out all his stats while pulling his family out of this poverty life.

Episode 2
Now that Allen is 5 years old, Rodin takes him to the town centre to be appraised to see what kind of skills he has. Gerda also takes Krena along. As the children of similar age get appraised, some have no talent and that is okay because their family still loves them. Come Krena, she hits the jackpot with this Sword Lord thingy. As for Allen… He has no talent?! Everything ranks E and WTF this gibberish “RU?NEOM/SH”???!!! IS THIS SOME GLITCH???!!! But Allen doesn’t bother much about this no talent of his since his family is still the same loving family. After all, he realizes he took on the challenge of this hell mode so he is going to prove it with his hardcore gaming talents. One day, a few knights visit the village. Captain Zenof wants to test and see if Krena’s skills are true. Because if it is falsified, she and her entire family must die! Gerda is horrified but oblivious Krena is more than happy to take up the challenge. She fights the vice, Leibrand. And while she holds her ground, eventually she is defeated. But then something activates and then she goes berserk until she breaks his sword! So yeah, now you believe she is the real deal? Zenof apologizes for everything and wants to further talk. With other summoned guests, Zenof explains some time ago, an individual with the same class went on to serve the royal family but failed to meet expectations. Then it was found out he falsified his appraisal. Not only him but there were many others too. That’s why they had no choice but to send knights around to verify the results. Now that Krena is the real deal, he hopes she can hone her skills and then serve under the royal family. Zenof also suggests naming this nameless village as Krena Village to mark this special occasion. Zenof then realizes who Rodin is. He offers his apologies and respects for not recognize this legendary wild boar hero because of his supply of such meat to the baron.

Episode 3
Another few years later, Theresia is pregnant with her third child. Allen is excited as he has levelled up a bit. He continues to experiment combining cards he summons to create new ones. Although he still doesn’t hold a candle to Krena, she too notes that he has become tougher and some of his stats in sword skill have also increased. And something about expansion of his inventory and giving him more space to buff his endurance and attacks. Allen hints he wants to join Rodin in his hunt but papa refuses as lives can be lost. One day, Rodin returns heavily injured after a big hunt. Thanks to Zenof giving some special herb, he is kept alive. Gerda explains that many of his fellow men blame the commoners for this. Although they do not volunteer to hunt, because of Rodin’s reputation, they think he is safe to be around. During the hunt, they’re supposed to hold the boar’s attention but they chickened out. Rodin had to protect one of them running away and got gored. Although Rodin finally wakes up, this makes Allen realize he was so preoccupied trying to level up himself, the people here are trying hard to survive and it is no game. With that, Allen helps around with the chores. He surprises many with his strength. Allen can’t be bothered to hide it now seeing there is Krena around. A talentless serf like him would draw no attention. Soon that commoner comes to apologize to Rodin and although papa forgives him, Theresia was a bit harsher, reminding him that everyone here has a family to return to. Allen sets traps to catch some birds. However a huge monster bird attacks instead. Thinking he has levelled up enough to take it on himself, he summons more familiars to help in his bid to take it down. However he soon realizes doing so only weakens himself as he loses buffs for every defeated creature he summoned. Now the bird has the advantage and is going in for the kill. Is this the end for Allen?

Episode 4
Using a few sucker bugs and wolves to bite for distraction, Allen then slays the bird. He brings it back to show to his family and they are shocked-cum-impressed. Gerda helps Allen to drain its blood as well as teach him some of its valuable parts which they can use for negotiations. So the duo head to the chieftain’s house to use this bird and put up an act to get better deals and even hunt more of such birds to keep its meat for food. Next time, Allen hunts and successfully kills 2 more of such birds. Now he knows the trick, he is a pro. Better still, he finally levels up! After 6 long years. Must be worth the wait. He decides to tell his parents about it. So cooking up a little story that he actually had an oracle from God while he was 1 year old, it seems God has blessed him with power and wisdom as long as he overcome his trials. Allen does not let them know about his summoner class since he himself isn’t sure what it is. The parents are happy, relieved but also concerned Allen has been doing this by himself. They agree to keep this secret among themselves. Allen follows Gerda to town to do some training. He learns about barter trading as well as the money denominations and all. There is also a difference between serfs and commoners so it seems you can upgrade by paying a few gold coins or the baron awarding it himself. At a medicine store, Allen learns the owner is still fretting about selling some very previous herb flower to Gerda months ago. He was so persistent in begging for it and all so he had no choice but to let him have it. Allen gives him a present as thanks because thanks to that, Rodin’s life is saved. Feeling better now? Dogora tries to bully Allen into making him his lackey just like how he made Pelomas (the chieftain’s son). Obviously Allen beats him flat in a weapon’s combat. Dogora trains under Allen and Allen now has a baby sister, Myulla. Soon a crisis. With the chieftain needing the serfs to increase their boar meat, this forces Rodin to get back into the action despite just being healed. If they don’t fulfil this request, the baron may recruit serfs from elsewhere. Their land may also be taken away. Worse, the baron also stated an increase in boar meat for next year. They have no choice but to hunt more. Allen now weighs his opinion to let more commoners join the hunt. Even if they are useless, they just need to find a way to make them useful. Allen wants them to let him handle this, claiming he has God’s blessing. In gamer’s sense, he knows how to level up characters.

Episode 5
Allen joins the hunt with the men for the first time. As he guides the men into luring, trapping and killing the boar, the hunt is a success. Everyone has levelled up greatly. Except Allen. Because he did not participate directly so obviously no XP gained! A little smarter now, the next hunt he releases one of his familiars into the fray as sacrifice. Because it got killed by the boar, technically this means Allen ‘participated’ in the hunt and gets levelled up. Thanks to all the successes, the family has a great feast and Allen himself has been given a bottle of liquor by the chieftain himself. He uses it as leverage to the dads that he wants to hold a spear in the hunts if he wins against them in this arm wrestling challenge. Allen defeats Gerda but is no match for Rodin. At least the guys get to drink good liquor. One day, Allen realizes an unlimited hole inside his book. He experiments with it. It sees he can store anything without limit. However he finds this strange to have something like this so he further experiments with it. As now he needs magic stones to create new summons. He throws them into the hole and voila! There’s your new summoned creations. He continues with his creations and also learns from Pelomas more about magic stones. Time to collect them all. So we see Allen summoning various creatures in his fight against this amateurish CGI boar! But… Could all this just be his imagination because suddenly the field he is fighting is now void? Anyway, Allen tells us he has now get the gist of this summoner potential. He realizes he can summon different types designed to fulfil specific roles in battles. This allows him to fulfil every role in a typical party by himself. This also explains why he got that hole now as he couldn’t walk around carrying hundreds of magic stones. With an unrivalled army of summoned creatures at his disposal, he can overcome any situation and thus this is what makes a summoner even stronger than a Demon Lord class.

Episode 6
The chieftain talks to Rodin and Gerda that Baron Granvelle intends to come watch them in their boar hunt. He also requests Allen to join them to serve as their guide during his stay. Allen accepts believing this will be the ticket to earning his commoner status. Granvelle arrives with his entourage that includes his daughter, Cecil and well as Zenof. They are awed by the delicious boar meat they serve as Granvelle hears of Allen’s achievements. But Cecil isn’t so pleased. On a safe tower, the VIPs watch as Allen explains while Rodin and his men take down a boar and then a few more. Damn, Cecil fainting each time she sees blood? With Granvelle amazed at the success of the hunt, he agrees to Allen’s requests of building more shields for next year’s hunt as well as trade liquor to keep the men’s spirits high. Later Granvelle summons Rodin, Gerda and Allen to reward them and as per Allen’s expectations, they are given the commoner status. Allen is over the moon as he can now step out of his territory to go dragon hunting in the mountains. As Granvelle also wants to promote Krena Village as a shining example, Gerda takes over to explain its history because the incident is still a sore point for Rodin. Apparently during their boar hunt when the village was first established, Rodin covered for a friend but he died. It wasn’t Rodin’s fault but he continues to fault himself. Granvelle is sorry to hear such story but because of that, the village was able to progress. He will allow another reward and Allen is hoping dad would ask for more liquor. However Rodin wants Granvelle to take in Allen as their manservant. This shocks both Allen and Cecil. No more dragon hunting for him. Living under the same roof with him for her. As much as Allen tries to think his way out, he couldn’t and has to reluctantly accept. The day comes for Allen to leave so as a farewell gift, he spars with Krena and finally defeats her but calls it a draw. He hopes they will settle this in the future and this has Krena smiling, something Allen has wanted to see. Even Dogora gives Allen a small dagger. The family part ways as Allen leaves in Granvelle’s carriage.

Episode 7
As expected, Cecil bossing Allen around. Start of hell mode? He’s hanging in there. Allen makes friends with fellow servant, Rickel and learns how lucky he is to be a servant. Because apparently there’s a difference of being a hall boy. Because if you’re the latter, you’re not considered part of the family even if you’re working here. No wonder Rodin was so happy when Allen was made a servant. When the family learns Allen has no talent, Cecil snickers and brags about hers being a wizard. However her brother, Thomas is in tears because he too has no talents. He wanted to attend a school like older brother, Mihai but because he has no talent, he has to go to a lesser school. Granvelle assures him all that is not lost because he himself had no talent and went to that lesser school. It is where he met mom and now they’re a wonderful family. Allen goes to the adventurer’s guild in hopes of joining it but is only told the minimum age is 12. Then this rude adventurer, Raven telling the kid off that it isn’t child’s play although he still tells Allen a few important details about monsters. Allen further trains and levels up with his familiars. This includes killing some goblins in the woods. Allen continues to work hard for a month so Granvelle is suspicious of what he does all day because he leaves so early and returns so late. Allen had to cook up excuses about hunting (which isn’t entirely a lie). Granvelle suggests he can earn some pocket money if he hunts bunnies and he’ll buy it from him. So as Allen does so, he stumbles into goblins attacking Raven and his party. Raven is badly wounded while Rita and Milci are barely holding it. Allen goes to kill the goblins and uses his miracle leaf to heal Raven. They want to repay him so he hopes they can keep this a secret. He also requests them to gather some magic stones for him. They’ll have it ready in a week. Back home, Cecil bossing Allen again as she tries to reach some jam above a top shelf because Mihai is returning home next spring. Crash! Oops!

Episode 8
Thomas complains that there isn’t enough boar meat. Allen is stumped because didn’t they hunt a lot of them? Or did all of them go to the capital? As Thomas wants white deer meat, Allen is happy to do that as he needs to practice his hunting skills. Soon, he hauls back that huge majestic cervidae and Granvelle starts doubting if this kid really has no talent at all. Soon, Allen is given another role as a huntsman and he will hunt meat for the family and will be paid. Allen is happy of his new job. Until of course he is told that he must still continue to be Cecil’s servant. Not looking so happy now… Soon, Mihai returns and the family happily welcomes his return. Mihai has levelled up in his swordsmanship so Allen requests to spar. Allen thought this would be easy but soon realizes Mihai is on a different league. Allen loses as Mihai explains his growth is due to exploring dungeons and being trained by sword masters. Since he will be going back and won’t return home till next summer, Allen requests for another spar. Okay. In exchange he needs to look after Cecil. Oh dear. That grimacing face again. A small price to pay, don’t you think? After Mihai leaves, Viscount Carnel visits. He ranks above Granvelle and you bet both men have some sort of rivalry. Granvelle tricks Carnel into thinking he is being served delicious boar meat when it is just rabbit meat. Obviously he is not using that meat for this scumbag. Carnel is here to relay news that his youngest daughter underwent the appraisal ceremony and they found her having no talent. Carnel is so happy, laughing about it! Granvelle angry. This confuses Allen. Maybe having a talent is something no good for nobles? As Allen is now 9 years old, he wants to do hunting further from his home so he seeks Raven for advice. They get him some equipment before Allen does his hunting to prop up his stats. Noting his intelligence stat is high, he decides to take an appraisal to see if he has any aptitude to take magic. Well… Nothing. No magic talent. All that intelligence for nothing. A huge morale blow to Allen. Summoner class is a joke now?

Episode 9
Rickel reports a Murdergalsh monster has been spotted and will reach the city within 2 hours. Granvelle orders for evacuation and protection but Allen offers to help. He is after all their huntsman. Murdergalsh is already outside the city walls as Allen starts pelting it to also save a carriage with somebody’s wife and child from being eaten. Allen then becomes bait to lure it into the forest. Allen has to make do until his MP replenishes. Once it does, he summons his familiars to help. However they are all not strong enough to defeat it. The only thing Allen can do now is run and hide. Thus begins the biggest and weirdest game of hide and seek. 3 days later, Allen manages to lose it and return to the city. You bet Cecil is worried something may have become of Allen. Granvelle rewards Allen handsomely for his bravery and with enough money, he is able to buy himself a mithril sword. Allen then tests the intelligence of his familiars and is glad to learn that even if they die, their knowledge gets passed down. Allen is on his way to become an immortal summoner. Mihai returns as Allen requests for another sparring. Allen loses again although Mihai is amazed that Allen managed to beat a Murdergalsh. Well, technically all he did was run away… Soon, reports of the white dragon inhabiting the mountains has migrated. Granvelle immediately has his knights occupy the area because this means they can mine mithril freely. But this is bad news for Allen because if the knights start clearing out the monsters in the area for a path to the mines, he can’t farm XP. So as Allen figures out what he can do with his skills, he notices a new share skill. Testing it out, it seems this skill allows him to share the vision of what his familiars see. He can also share multiple visions from several familiars simultaneously although there is a limited number he can do so. But he can overcome this as long as he increases his intelligence stats. This leads Allen to get a new idea that he can use his familiars to hunt monsters. He creates a squad of familiars for hunting purposes to also help him farm XP. Finally, he realizes 1 more important thing he can do with this share ability. Using a bird, he takes a peek on how his family is doing back at the village. Everyone is doing fine. He also sends money back and hopes to send them more every month.

Episode 10
Zenof reports to Granvelle that with all the unused facilities, monsters have been nesting in them so it will take some time to clear out. Carnel tried to carry out his mining operations and intruding upon the white dragon’s nest, his miners were all burnt to death. With the knights coming to help with the extermination of the monsters, it is time for Allen to farm some XP. So we see him summoning a horde of his bear familiars taking out the goblin settlement. Easy. Soon, Mihai graduates and returns home. However he doesn’t look happy. He wants to spar with Allen and goes all out. Allen thinks he has levelled up enough to beat him but is wrong again. Mihai beats him flat. Mihai soon relays the news that he needs to leave tomorrow to perform his noble duties. This shocks the rest but Granvelle seems to know about it. Cecil is devastated but will wait till he returns after 3 years. Allen perhaps now understands why Carnel was mocking about noble kids having talent. We now see Allen taking on the huge orc settlement. For the first time, he encounters smart orcs using magic. Now he is faced with the orc king himself. Even more shocking, what is Zenof doing here? Isn’t his team supposed to only be here tomorrow? Well, with all the fire from the commotion, he came to see what’s happening. Allen hides his familiars but too late, Zenof already sees them but acts like nothing. Zenof then goes to fight the orc king and defeats it without using any special skill. Even Leibrand easily destroys the rest of the orc and those using magic.

As they camp, Zenof reveals he actually knows what Allen is up to. Reports of monster carcasses piling up and their magic stone missing, it is easy to connect the dots. Allen fears his secret is busted. Zenof also says that Granvelle knows of this secret and that is why he promoted him to be the huntsman. Zenof can help keep this a secret and not report this but in exchange Allen must inform him of his progress on monster hunts. Oh well, can’t keep farming XP all to yourself. 6 months later, royal messengers (why they look like ominous baddies?!) arrive to tell Granvelle that Mihai has been killed in duty! Granvelle is furious and talks about they knew Mihai was a freshie and yet sent him on a dangerous mission. But the messengers don’t give a sh*t. That is all. As everyone is in shock, Granvelle then talks to Cecil privately that this is the noble duty that they have to perform. Eavesdropping Allen realizes that he knew Mihai was going to die. Even Mihai knew it himself. No wonder he was asking Allen to take care of Cecil. Sad Cecil locks herself in her room while Allen is at a lost on what to do. Talking to Rickel who relays that Granvelle’s parents and older brother also died at a very young age. More bad news as Cecil has run away. Allen vows to find her.

Episode 11
Thanks to the watchful eyes of the familiars, Allen finds Cecil wandering the streets. But he is not here to force her back and will accompany her. As Allen talks about Mihai’s bravery and strength, Cecil gets scared because she fears she will also die like him. She remembers reading his letters as he himself believed he will not survive the quest. Allen suggests to leave this place and travel with him and they can register next year as adventurers when they turn 12. Remembering Mihai’s words that he chose what he did because that is what he wants to rather than what his family or people wants, Cecil is ready to go home. Everyone is relieved that Cecil is okay as Granvelle assures that with the mithril mine ready in the near future, he can try to get her exempted from noble duties. However Cecil says she will follow Mihai’s footsteps and do her noble duties. The family accepts and as life continues as normal half a year later, the mithril mining is gaining momentum. With people moving and resettling nearby, Allen decides to wipe out an ant colony that would pose problems for miners later. Even if Allen is patient and consistently wipes out the ant swarm every day, it seems there is no end to their waves. But after a month, it all pays off as the wave is no more so Allen goes in to hunt the queen ant and even map down the colony maze. He defeats the queen ant and presents it to Granvelle. However he finds this exploit unbelievable so Allen shows him mithril ores he also found in the colony. Granvelle thanks him for his hard work and will grant him 30% mining rights.

Life returns to normal as Allen ponders if this easy life was what he signed up for this game. It is getting too comfortable. Soon, the royal messenger visits and with Carnel by his side. It is suggested that the mining sites will be equally split between Granvelle and Carnel and end whatever spat they have. Granvelle refuses to decide now and this causes those bozos to be mad as they leave. Granvelle knows he is getting the raw end of the deal because just as fortune is blowing their way, they want to make a fair split of it? No way. Soon, bandits barge in to kidnap Cecil. Allen does his best to fight back but they put him to sleep. It seems he is also captured. Pretending to be asleep, he hears the bandits talk among themselves. When Dagrah their boss comes in, he beats them up for taking Allen along. They thought since he is good with the sword, they can sell him at a higher price. But Dagrah is not amused. He wants Allen disposed before he causes trouble. Allen then uses a bird familiar to scout his surroundings. Say goodbye to easy escape because they are on an airship! Then in a room, the royal messenger and Carnel are heard to be in cohorts. They are planning to use Cecil as blackmail to get Granvelle to agree to the contract. When Cecil wakes up, she starts to panic. The bandits also panic and feel the need to knock her out again. Allen summons his butterfly familiar to put one of them to sleep. Allen breaks free from his ropes and it’s payback time.

Episode 12
Allen uses his familiars to trick the baddies and escape from the airship. Oh Cecil, ready or not, we’re gonna jump! Strange, why does Allen not use his bird familiars to float him down? I know he can heal himself even when he lands hard on his feet but can he at least spare a few minions? Allen carries Cecil as he makes detours instead of taking the straight road home. Because he knows Dagrah is trying to hunt them down. As Allen and Cecil camp, she asks about his skill so he admits his summoner skills. Why did he not tell anyone else? Because nothing good comes from making it public. She somewhat agrees. When Dagrah manages to track their path and begin his pursue, now that Murdergalsh has popped up. Uhm, why Allen not try to lose it the last time? Or bait it to fight Dagrah? Oh well, need to settle it and earn those big XP! Allen fights it and tricks it by letting himself be devoured. Just to get close and stab his eye. Yeah, that really killed it. However Dagrah has found them and will kill them. Allen fights him but is not strong enough. Cecil shows her skills for the first time, shooting weak fireballs but is easily taken out. Allen tries to buy time by calling Dagrah a coward as he knows his background of running away from last year’s war. Before he gets to kill Allen, Zenof arrives thanks to Allen’s familiars guiding him. Dagrah wastes no time in running down nobles and their knights. He blames them because all his brothers were killed. Now he is out for revenge. Zenof says they sacrificed their lives for the nation so he will not let Dagrah dishonour them. Unleashing his skill, OMFG Dagrah is cut in half! No chance!

Everyone is glad with Cecil back in their fold. Allen tells them this was all part of Carnel’s plan to steal Granvelle’s mining rights. To ensure he never tells the king about it, thus Cecil’s kidnap. Enraged Granvelle wants to report to the king but Allen cautions that even if Carnel gets his punishment, the royal messenger will not get his. He suggests forgoing his mining rights so as to use it as bargaining chip to convince the king to conduct an extensive investigation. This might sound like a bribe but those corrupted bastards tried to line up their pockets without getting their hands dirty. As he comes from a family who toiled the land, that is how one protects his family. Granvelle agrees to this. In the aftermath, Carnel has been convicted and stripped of everything. Granvelle rises in the ranks and becomes known for his noble justice. Soon, Allen and Cecil attend a history lesson. Showing a map of their world, it is divided into several continents. The central continent in the kingdom of Ratash is where they live. The north lies the huge Giamut Empire. Once enemies, now they are at peace. But now the biggest threat lies from the demon continent up north. The first Demon Lord appeared 112 years ago and demanded all submit to him. Nobody agreed to that. 62 years ago, the Great Calamity happened as all monsters somehow levelled up and invaded the continents. The central continent formed an alliance with Baukis (dwarven continent) and Rohzenheim (elven continent) to fight them. This resulted in a system for each country to establish an academy in which a child with talent will undergo training and fight in the frontlines. Giamut went on to lose their land to demons until a young hero named Helmios drove them back. He was 15 then and is still now leading the war effort at 22. Even with the noble duty thingy, many youngsters continue to die in the battlefield. Now Allen understands why he was born at that village and why lots of boar meat was demanded despite the frugal lifestyle.

Now Allen is 12 years old as Granvelle rewards him with loads of money for rescuing Cecil and defeating Murdergalsh. Because he cannot get exemption for Cecil to attend the academy since her powers are deemed too valuable, Granvelle now rests his hopes on Allen. He wants him to accompany Cecil at the academy as her bodyguard. After Allen reveals his summoner class, he will agree to that in exchange for 2 proposals: First, exempt his and Krena’s family from the tax. Second, he will resign as Cecil’s manservant and become an independent agent providing security for Cecil. Granvelle anticipates this and gives him a short sword. Because he has been promoted to viscount, holding this sword proves he is one of his guests. Proof that Granvelle will support him. He thanks Allen for all that he has done. Allen soon realizes this is the conclusion of events he triggered for the past 12 years. His question to why he was reincarnated instead of being transported is now answered. By going through all the hard work and working his way up, he would not have attained the set of skills needed to fight the Demon Lord. This is why hell mode exist because God was looking for someone to tackle the hellish challenge of being reincarnated. As the Demon Lord continues to pose a threat even after a hero appeared, thus his appearance to help restore balance to the world. Allen accepts Granvelle’s request.

Helluva Fun Mode
Holy hell! Looks like the difficulty is gonna ramp up! Sh*t gonna hit the fan soon. Because there is going to be a second season! Which is already running at the time of this blog! OMG! I thought it would end here but the surprising revelation at the end proved too much of an interesting potential to not have a sequel. So yeah, true hell mode is going to begin and come to think of it, this whole hell mode was just one elaborated recruitment and training drive?! Seems like it to me. Yeah, only hardcore sadistic gamers can take on the challenge to succeed. And if that is not planted in the early stages, you’ll never achieve greater heights. If Allen had taken the easy way out and chose the easy challenge, he might take things for granted and eventually he would have failed as he could not understand how hard and tough life is in this world. So yeah, Allen passed to hell training mode. Because now it’s time for the real deal. Real hell coming soon!

Sad to say, despite the big revelation at the end, as far as this season is concerned, the story and plot is quite generic and boring. At least to me who is considered a veteran in watching shows from this genre. Here I was thinking that Allen’s life would be a living hell from the start because that is the difficulty option he chose. But from what I have seen, he is living mostly a mild and normal life. Sure, he is not born with a silver spoon in the mouth nor is he given a few privileges on a silver platter. But considering that there are much worse life than this, I’d say that Allen’s life and especially game play is much on casual mode. After all, Allen may have started off living a poor life in a nameless village but at least he has a happy family and doesn’t starve to death. Of course, Allen puts in the brains and effort to unsure such tragedy doesn’t happen but it is still far from the hell mode that I envisioned he would be experiencing. It’s not like Allen is living in a place where there are no resources at all and has to fend off a wave of hungry zombies every night! F*cking hell, that kind of nightmarish situation I was predicting! My, I’m such a sadist.

Therefore (notwithstanding the final episode’s revelation) I am thinking that the hell mode depends on one’s perception. It all boils down to individuality too. You know, one man’s meat is another man’s poison. So what the game developers or God perceived to be the hardest hell on earth mode, it might just be a walk in a park to others. To them, perhaps starting out with this poor farm life in the middle of nowhere may sound like a hard mode to them but for a veteran gamer like Allen, this is all nothing. That is why Allen seems to be breezing through his life without much difficulties and even has the ‘privilege’ to complain how hard it is for him to level up! That is it? It’s not like Allen is living on a land that is constantly caught in the crossfire of nations waging war against each other because they’re sitting on some ancient sacred holy land, aren’t they?! (Perhaps fighting against the Demon Lord’s army is much worse). So yeah, once again I have to call out this hell mode that I have seen because I have played games that are f*cking harder than this! Perhaps I am just jumping the gun because the worst is yet to come for Allen. Real tragedy will not strike until he reaches a certain age. So by then, hopefully he will be prepared. Of course from a viewer’s point of view, Allen might look like he has it easy but remember, Allen has to do all that tough sh*t unlike us sitting on our comfy chairs and just watching him do it all with no risks. It is us having the easy mode.

Having said all that, this is why I find this series to be somewhat boring because there is really nothing much to it. Most of the time, we see Allen experimenting with his great book as it works better than a computer since it has unlimited data/pages to record all his achievements and skills. In between while he is not helping his family or somebody to resolve a problem, Allen is mostly seen dabbling and experimenting with his summoner magic. So the first half sees him living his less than perfect but blissful life in the unnamed village and then in the second half, he upgrades by becoming a manservant of a noble’s bratty daughter. Once again, the same formula follows. If Allen is not busy attending to the problem at hand, we see him happily engaging with his book of secrets, experimenting and gaining familiars, skills and abilities like as though it is so easy. Where’s the hell mode in this?! Furthermore, there is no penalty when something doesn’t work out. Oh, this combination doesn’t work, try something else. He doesn’t lose any HP or even gets cursed so Allen has no incentive to be cautious in what he tries. Again, where the hell is the hell mode in this?! I thought this was supposed to be super hard! Yeah, I’m such a sadist wanting to see Allen suffer and then later b*tch about how God is so cruel to throw a young kid into the lion’s den. Heh. But yes, it would be true hell mode for Allen if he didn’t made such early preparations.

Sad to say, the characters don’t resonate with me at all and Allen as the main character is as generic as he is ubiquitous of other main characters in other similar genres. In other words, nothing special. Sure, he doesn’t start off overpowered and has very limited abilities. He puts in the hard work and with that effort, he does amazing stuffs with it. It’s not like he has to truly suffer to attain his skills, right? Oh I don’t know, some kung fu master vigorously training for decades just to achieve his ultimate kung fu skill. Just saying. Even so, Allen is already considered overpowered in this context because even with his small skills during his toddler days, everyone else was just normal. And the rest you could have guessed it because Allen doesn’t get too arrogant although sometimes gets his achievements go to his head but that’s okay as long as he keeps his feet grounded. He is a nice guy who helps others and in time to come, I’m sure he’ll become a very important person and asset for the kingdom. I can foresee his future from over the ocean! Unless a sudden tragic plot twist to throw me off. But in such shows, what are the chances of that happening, right? Not hell mode…

If this are my sentiments for my dear Allen boy, what do you think are my opinions for the rest of the other characters? You guessed it. Not even impressed at all. I believe it is not to take too much limelight away from Allen because this series is about him and how he rises to greatness via hell mode. Which of course at this point I feel is debatable. So for his family he left back at the village, they are all doing fine and well. Nothing to worry about. My guess is that they will pop up later when they are older and cross paths with Allen’s life in the future. But for now, the likes of his siblings, Mash and Myulla, the future potential great swordswoman Krena, big bully Dogora and the reserved Pelomas all have little impact at this point.

I am also guessing that they want to showcase Allen’s maturity because instead of dealing with these kids or even adults from his village, what better way to show his wisdom by dealing with a lesser noble like Granvelle. Allen will go places if he impresses him and prove himself worthy. And yes, what are the chances Cecil will turn from an arrogant brat into a girl who falls head over heels over him? Oops, I mean his friend. After all, Allen has put up with her whims and fancies and so what are the chances she realizes his worthy, she being a dick to him and repents by falling for him? Uhm, I mean respect him and be an equal adventurer partner. Something like that. So when the time comes, Cecil and the rest of those kids from the village can also become Allen’s ally when the time calls for it. Yeah, it was sad that Mihai had to pay his life for Cecil to make the ultimate change. Perhaps that is her hell mode. Her admired brother is now gone and she needs to step out from his shadows and prove she is her own woman. To say that Mihai’s death was the most shocking moment in the series speaks volumes about my sadism. Yeah, it really got my attention there that something more may be brewing behind the scenes and that the nightmare mode I have wanted will soon be coming. But oh well, Mihai who perhaps is the supporting character who makes the shortest screen time, had to die just for this little wakeup call.

Action bits are nothing spectacular and if I should say, they are boring to watch. Perhaps it is already embedded in my head that Allen is overpowered despite he sometimes note it is not enough. Yeah, I don’t know what the measurement is so seeing all those numbers to his attributes mean nothing to me! The way I see Allen go about fighting the monsters, he makes it look easy even if he looks like he is struggling sometimes. In short, I was never worried he would lose his life or be in grave danger of getting wounded permanently or getting paralyzed. This gets even lazier when he learns he could summon multiple familiars and throw them into battle. Yeah, at this rate he might be a great Pokemon warrior! Just kidding! So with Allen sitting back and commanding his familiars to do the battles, you bet this is getting easier for him to farm XP and the likes. So where’s the hell mode already???!!!

Art and animation are just mediocre. The character designs are plain and boring because you can tell how generic Allen looks. Just like any other main character in such genre. Even the other characters too look plain. Understandably the villagers looking so because they are poor but when you look at Zenof and Granvelle and the other nobles, they too seem plain. Of course this is nothing compared to when I bring up the dreaded topic of CGI! OMG. Damn. The CGI. So okay, I have to admit that they are not the sh*ttiest I have seen so far but they could have at least be done better. With the monsters and familiars rendered in CGI, their movements make them look like as though they just came out from some amateur video game. While this might work and no one would bat an eyelid if it was a video game, this won’t quite cut it if it’s for anime. So I think I have to go sterilize my eyes after seeing too much of this ungodly CGI because damn, Allen can now summoned so many crappy CGI bears, so many crappy CGI bugs, so many crappy CGI birds, just to fight so many hordes of crappy CGI monsters. Oh. My. God. Is this hell mode for me???!!! Yokohama Animation Lab (Majo To Yajuu, Tensai Ouji No Akaji Kokka Saisei Jutsu, Miru Tights) did this and I hope they do better in their next whatever anime project!

Voice acting nothing special either. To think that they got powerhouse veterans like Sayaka Ohara as Theresia and Tomokazu Sugita as Granvelle but they too failed to save this anime. The rest of the cast are Mutsumi Tamura as Allen, Sayaka Senbongi as Cecil, Hideo Ishikawa as Rodin, Mayu Iizuka as Krena, Akio Ootsuka as Zenof, Shouya Chiba as Mihai, Tasuku Hatanaka as Dogora, Hiroshi Shirokuma as Gerda, Akemi Okumura as Mithilda, Marie Miyaki as Thomas, Masato Kokubun as Leibrand, Takahiro Miyamoto as Carnell, Rintarou Nishi as Dagrah, Makoto Koichi as Mash and Miho Wataya as Myulla. The opening theme, Haku by Atarayo is another generic anime rock piece and the same can be side for the ending theme, Sanctuary by Kaya. Just another generic anime pop music with strings added for some dramatic tune.

Overall, this is not a bad anime but because I have watched so much of the same crap in every season, this has taken a toll on me and I have to say that I am bored and disappointed with the easy mode story, characters, action and the crappier CGI animation that I have seen. As usual, a dozen episodes are not enough to justify my harsh criticisms for this series as the light novel this adaptation is based on is still ongoing and yes, another season soon. So yeah, watching this series feels a lot like watching it on easy mode since Allen is doing all the work while I just sit on my comfy ass and watch him accomplish stuffs, criticizing everything. After all, I’ve seen so much crappy animes, I can’t tell if I am living a hell mode watching such! Perhaps not. Because I’m so privileged getting to watch animes in the first place. Yeah. The real nightmare mode only begins when there are no more animes to watch! So uh huh, boring and disappointing animes still better than none at all.

Cosmic Fantasy: Ginga Mehyou No Wana

Wandering through the vast space of obscure retro anime OVAs as usual, that is how I accidentally stumbled upon this single 1994 retro anime OVA, Cosmic Fantasy: Ginga Mehyou No Wana. I guess I have no reason to pass this up seeing this space theme series had some sexy space babes and space battles, I mean, 42 minutes isn’t going to eat up much of my time, right? Yeah. And off to (retro) space I go again.

A Cosmic Hunter’s job is never done…
As narrated, space pirates have become an increasing threat an annoyance to mankind. But thanks to Daigo Tokida establishing Cosmic Security Company, a group of young Cosmic Hunters help keep the freedom and peace of the galaxy! Yuu and Saya are part of this company but today is their day off and they are out on a date. Many are confused if this is Yuu because he has just become a hero in rescuing some kidnapped princess who also praised him for his efforts. Can it be Yuu in person? So as Yuu shops for some parts, a few guys try to hit on Saya. She warns you but if you don’t GTFO, you’re gonna find out the hard way and pay dearly. Then at the clothing store, this pervy robot salesperson gets pushy in wanting to have Saya try out a dress. She resists but the robot soon undresses her. Sorry folks, no bare tits but thanks for the sexy lingerie fanservice. Now prepare for your punishment! She beats up the robot and causes it to go malfunction. Okay, you folks better run away from the store now!

Meanwhile Monmo receives an emergency call of someone in distress. He is told to check it out and seeing there are no other teams nearby, Monmo is forced to contact Yuu and Saya despite it is their day off. Yeah, you just ruined Saya’s moment as she prepares to kiss Yuu. F*ck. No wonder Saya looking so annoyed. Yuu stays true to his job and goes off to pick up the distress signal. Turns out to be one of their comrades, Nyan. Hey, his engine blew out so it is an emergency to him! And to think he abused the system by calling this emergency because it is free! You think Saya would be mad but instead, she is sad. Thanks for ruining our first date! Of course they can take another day off but this is their first date! Don’t you feel something special?! Saya locks herself in her room when another emergency call comes in. Looks like some missing cargo ship has been detected. As Yuu arrives in the area, they enter right into some space battle. Yuu tries to prepare for battle but a ship then latches onto theirs, preventing them from any sort of battle. That is when Yuu decides to ride Monmo who also doubles as a bike into that ship.

Riding into the cockpit of that ship, they are met with this pirate lady, Belga. If you’ve never heard of it, that’s because she is new to the business. She proposes Yuu joins her and they can be rulers of the galaxy. It is a win-win situation because she believes Yuu is not paid enough to justify the risks he takes on the job and she doesn’t want to have Cosmic Hunters chasing her every now and then. She tries to flirt with him but his heart is set on Saya and won’t fall for her temptations. In that case, Belga will just kill him off and claim her fame of killing a hero. As he chases her down, this leads to a room with a nice bed. It’s not what you think because it is attached to a huge bomb in which will go off soon! Yuu orders everyone to evacuate while he thinks of something. Oh Saya, you done your sulking now and regret not going to help Yuu? The bomb goes off. Everything goes boom. Debris flying in space. Oh, there is Yuu being protected by some protective barrier although unconscious. Monmo is a wreck…

As Yuu is taken in and treated in ICU, Saya once again blaming herself that this wouldn’t have happened if she helped him. Well, too late for regrets now. Crying won’t bring him back to life. Luckily the doctor soon relays the good news that Yuu is alive and will pull through. Maybe Saya’s prayers to God helped. I think it is the power of love! Soon, Belga makes an announcement across the galaxy that she has killed Yuu. The pirates are going wild now.

Saya then calls on Belga to face off on this uninhabited planet. Clearly, Saya is out for revenge as they can go all out here without endangering anyone. Belga is also not amused she heard Yuu is alive. Imagine her tarnished reputation if the pirates find out that hero is still alive. Both ladies start fighting. Uhm, they’re using magic? Whatever. Saya seems powerful enough so Belga surrenders. However Saya is not here to give mercy and will eliminate her. But Belga scorns her that she doesn’t even show mercy to those who surrender. This hesitation allows Belga to escape into her mecha. Sneaky and cheating but hey, she’s a pirate so it’s all fair to her. Obviously Saya is no match to her big mecha. Once down, Belga whips Saya to her heart’s content. Saya in pain and plea for Yuu, OMFG suddenly Yuu revives?! And how the f*ck did he teleport here?! Is he going Super Saiyan?! The only explanation is the power of love! And did he borrow this suit’s design from Dragonball?! Anyway, Yuu will not allow Belga to hurt unconscious Saya anymore. I don’t know what ultimate move Yuu draws but it is enough to shock Belga and destroy her entire mecha. Though, she escapes in a pod and rues she’ll get her revenge next time.

As Saya recovers in the hospital bed, the doctor is stumped that suddenly Yuu disappeared from his capsule. Yuu doesn’t even know how. Science can’t f*cking explain it. So how? Oh hell, Daigo from his own mouth says it is the power of love!!! This settles it. The power of love saves the day! Heck, Daigo is supportive of the duo as a couple and will try to apply for longer leave days for them. So rest up and take it easy! Yuu trying not to take all the credit in their victory and believes it is their teamwork was what attributed to their victory. I still think it is the power of love, though… They’re gonna kiss again but damn, can’t that bloody Nyan stop interrupting their greatest moment?! So what is it this time? Because he bought too much parts, he made lots of robot nurses just to take care of Saya. Uhm, aren’t these robots looking like that robot salesperson? Yes. Because they were also defective, hence their orders to Nyan got cancelled. So as not for them to go to waste, he programed them to be nurses. Have fun. I think Saya would only prefer Yuu nursing her…

Comical Love Fantasy
Well, if it seems like a one off standalone anime, that is fine. Nothing much to it and it’s just your typical space battle and battle for love mini plot. Nothing too serious. That is of course you’ll soon find out that this OVA was adapted from the JRPG of the same name. Yeah, I believe this OVA is one big promotion and advertisement for the fourth sequel of the game that was released shortly after the OVA. What?! The 4th instalment?! To a video game that many have never heard of?! Yeah, probably that’s why they made the OVA. For exposure and advertising purposes so you can go check out the games under its belt. That blatant advertising by Nyan and Monmo at the end of the episode says it all. But I am also going to guess that the series died after that because that is all the games that were released in this series. So did the adaptation killed the video game?

I believe that you need to have some sort of prior knowledge on the lore of this game because they don’t really explain a lot of details. However I also believe that you won’t lose much if you have never played the game before because from what I have seen and said, this works fine as a standalone. All you need to know is just the basic setting and perhaps some of the characters. Because I think there are some characters from the game that didn’t pop up here. How do I know if I have not played the game or even seen any screenshots of it? The opening narration of the episode, you see a bunch of characters whom I will assume that are characters from Cosmic Security. Uhm, I think it’s like half of them did not appear here at all in the OVA! You might wonder why showcase them if they’re not going to appear at all. My theory is to tease us. After all, if they even make their short cameo, it will not do them any justice. So might as well save these characters for us to explore and find out further when we play the game. Isn’t that better this way? If you’re interested to find and play the game in the first place.

As far as this OVA is concerned, it is another one of those usual space action animes of the 90’s. Nothing that spectacular but I can’t say it is not that bad either. The plot is average and it turns out to be ladies fighting over a cute guy. Uh huh. Power of love! I thought I would be the only one making fun of this trope but nope. What if this power is for real in this universe! Not so funny now, huh? But yeah, it feels like it is going to be some plot convenience. The few characters here too don’t matter much. Saya may look annoying and casted as some sulking girl in love but I guess that is to showcase, wait for it, the power of love! After all, they need to drill it into our minds that Yuu and Saya are a couple because there are 2 incidents they almost kissed but failed. Botched. Yuu may be the hottest bachelor in the galaxy now that Belga has her sights on him. My bet is that this will be used as an excused for them to clash, fight and whatever shenanigans they may think of. What a way to test the power of their love.

Oh Monmo, is that robot critter still alive?! I’m sure they can fix him up with a mechanic but it just feels sad that towards the end, no focus was given on him and it felt like he was ‘abandoned’. All because we needed to focus on Yuu x Saya love drama. Poor thing. Oh, for me to keep wondering what kind of animal he is based on, is he a cat? A bear? A mouse? Nope. He’s a flying squirrel! I would never have guessed if Monmo never said it himself.

Art and animation are rather okay. Typical anime character designs from the 90’s that feel so dated. Yeah, back then this was how we envisioned the future of space would be! So typical. But I can’t hate it either. After all, I think I am watching an upscale version of it because the animation quality looks better and not VHS-like. Did this had some remaster or something? Dunno. If you have never heard of this Jitensha studio who made this OVA, that’s because this was their only work. And why do space babes have to dress all so sexy and expose lots of their skin. Don’t they need the protection of the spacesuit? I guess not. Their sexiness negates the dangers of cosmic space. I think. Power of love!

If there was something about the voice acting, I want to point out that Nyan and Monmo’s voice are too squeaky high! It makes them feel like some sort of magical girl familiar mascot rather than Cosmic Hunter warriors. It’s hard to take them seriously when they talk in that high pitch. In other words, I don’t feel the squeaky voices match their characters. For the record, the casts are Minami Takayama as Yuu, Yumi Takada doubling as Saya and Monmo, Sanae Miyuki as Nyan, Rei Sakuma as Belga and Tesshou Genda as Daigo. The ending theme which is the same name of the series is sung by Minami Takayama and it reeks retro style anime pop. But its lively jazzy vibes sometimes remind me it is a sentai show. The insert song, Yume Smile Forever by Yumi Takada goes at a casual pace. Sounds okay but I think the singer’s voice sounds a bit flat.

Overall, not a bad series but nothing very special about it either. Ah yes, my usual on the fence answer as always. It may be cheesy and not very heavy series to watch but still, better than many crappy anime shows I have seen in recent years! Once again, it is a good thing that this adaptation is one of the many series that are so obscure and unknown, it has been spared from the atrocity of being given the remake, retelling and reboot treatment. Even if opportunists do find it, can it be given a modern makeover in this current climate and era? For such shows, I’m just gonna put it back where it belongs after watching it, let it wander again alone through the vast space of obscure retro anime OVAs and continue more cosmic journey to find other retro anime OVAs. That’s my power of love for anime!

Osananajimi To Wa Love Comedy Ni Naranai

Sounds a bit confusing at first because it sounds so similar. But yup, Osananajimi To Wa Love Comedy Ni Naranai is not a sequel or spinoff to that 2021 Osananajimi Ga Zettai Ni Makenai Love Comedy. But both deal with the typical romcom of the childhood friends trope. And as you would make a guess from the title, our main guy dreams of doing such romcom stuffs with all his cute childhood friends. Which anime guy wouldn’t? When teens grow up, they have all this raging hormones, emotional instability and rebellious phase. Damn puberty. He thinks they hate him. Better to just dream and fantasize it all in his head, eh? But guess what? These girls actually secretly love him too but they think he hates them! So the big game of pretending goes round in circles. See where this is going? See how this is going to play out? You bet it is. Love comedy indeed. Oh wait. Make it a clown show! Get your popcorns ready!

Episode 1
Yonosuke Sakai is like any other teen guys. He fantasizes about getting lewd with the girls. But he is also a realist. He knows it cannot happen in real life. So that is why when neighbour-cum-childhood friend Shio Minamo is seen sleeping right next to him, he pushes her off. She does a lot of flirty stuffs but he isn’t fazed. Then as they walk to school together, she presses her boobs on him. As usual, nothing happens. In fact, in Yonosuke’s mind, he absolutely loves it. Here is the catch: Shio is actually in love with Yonosuke and has been trying hard to seduce him but can’t understand why he is not taking the bait! And so we see this pattern that both lust for each other but in reality, they act as though they hate each other. Then in the crowded streets, both tightly hold hands so as not to get lost. They are spotted by Akari Hiodoshi who is also Yonosuke’s other childhood friend. She scorns him for trying to do something lewd to Shio. Here is the catch: Akari is actually in love with Yonosuke and has been trying hard to catch his heart but for unknown reasons she keeps saying mean things to him. So yeah, another obvious pattern that Yonosuke and Akari are always seen quarrelling but deep down inside, they regret saying such stuffs. When Akari almost had an indirect kiss drinking from Yonosuke’s bottle, both argue about having experience in kissing. This has them go somewhere to prove it and we can see both shaking in their pants. Yonosuke gives in and admits he has never kissed anyone. This brings Akari relief that means this would be his first kiss. She is about to gladly kiss him when Shio sees this. Akari trips, revealing her animal print pantsu. So kiddie-like. She punches his gut and the usual argument ensues. Yonosuke’s friends are jealous he has childhood friend babes hanging around him. Yonosuke lies that he doesn’t see them as women. Heard that, Shio? On pretence on wanting to copy his homework, she sits on his lap and starts twerking. See where this is going? Akari tries to tell them off, especially Shio can copy her homework from somebody else. But since Shio claims he can handle it, this means Akari now sits on his other lap and starts twerking too! Are you feeling it yet?! Yonosuke then shoves them off and goes to the toilet. His pals think he is hardcore to brush them off like that but he is breaking down from all the sexy time in the toilet. Shio and Akari vow to continue until they win his heart.

Episode 2
Yonosuke bumps into Shio in a crowded bus. Of course, expect the usual tropes. With the crowd and the bus motion, you bet Shio is pushed close to him and her boobs pressing onto his body. Yeah. With Shio seemingly enjoying the hugging, suddenly she fears he has picked up her signals. Has Yonosuke finally realize her feelings for him? Because he suddenly requests for the next bus stop. They alight and he buys her a drink? He thinks she is suffering from motion sickness like she always have in the past. Bummer. Then she sits and leans against his body, causing him to spill all his drink. In class, Yonosuke and Shio play shiritori. Akari didn’t want to get into this childish game but seeing both accidentally say words that mention each other’s game, Akari joins in and tries to rig it so that Yonosuke says hers. However that dumb guy manages to find another word! Curses! When she has the opportunity to say his name, she retracts and disses all that, causing her to lose the game. Heavy rain after school, Yonosuke sees Akari changing her stockings at the shrine! Oh no! Those animal prints pantsu again! She freaks out and tells him to GTFO! Seeing she has no umbrella, he shares his. You know this trope, right? He thinks she really hates him but in actuality, she doesn’t know what to do in such situations. She notices his wet shoulder and ushers him to walk closer. She even has to point out her handkerchief is for his shoulder. Idiot. Before they realize it, their hands touch as they hold the umbrella. Don’t so shy now. More mixed signals until Yonosuke protects her from a car splashing puddle. All wet now. Did I word that correctly? But Akari’s shirt is all see through. She slaps him, thinking this was all part of his plan! Back to square one.

Shio hops over to Akari’s room to share her snacks. Because Akari is wearing her ear buds, she doesn’t realize Shio is listening to her inner thoughts that she likes Yonosuke but can’t be honest with her feelings! Imagine her horror when she does. This makes Shio suspicious but also confuse since Akari continues to say she hates that guy. More confusion as her search history is all about childhood friend love and her closet filled with pictures of Yonosuke! Not photo bombs! Shio is certain Akari has a crush on Yonosuke. Flashback shows both made a promise not to keep secrets and stay as best friends. I guess it’s a different game now that love is involved, huh? Both girls are in sync as they start dissing Yonosuke for being some dense dimwit. Yonosuke outside heard part of that and thinks they really hate him. He is about to leave when he hears them scream and barges in. Oh, they spilled the drinks and are changing. Oops. Akari beats the hell out of him and this has Shio confirm there is no way this girl likes Yonosuke, right? We know better.

Episode 3
Shio reads the latest romcom manga and wishes for her life to be like that. Well, Yonosuke is soundly sleeping… Yonosuke later gets his hands on this latest manga too but to his surprise, Shio and Akari catch him in the act. He tries to hide it but as they keep pushing him (sending those romcom vibes), his cover is blown but Shio is not surprised because she knows where he secretly keeps his collection! So when Shio tries to get all flirty on the way to school with him, he pushes her away, thinking she is trying to make a fool out of him. Remembering he has duties today to clean the gym storage, she tries to hide there as per the manga to get steamy with him. Unfortunately she will be sleeping there until night fall because the teacher reminds Yonosuke there is no PE today so he doesn’t have to be on today. By the time Shio realizes this, the door is locked and her phone out of battery. Classic. Worse, alone and not with her love. This sucks. Fantasizing about old times is all she can do. Until suddenly Yonosuke opens the door! Because she did not come home and Yonosuke remembered he had cleaning duties, he figured she would be waiting for him here to ambush him. Call it childhood friend intuition. Also, he read this in the manga. Shio is very happy and in her attempts to hug him, he falls on her, creating that typical cliché scene. She is hoping to get flirty with him but too bad, he won’t fall for her tricks! He thinks she is trying to fool him still! Both regretting it in their hearts. Then as they sit down and talk, she hints she wants to be with him a little longer and sits really close to him. Physically touching close. When things are about to get steamy, lights are on, Akari is here. She is stumped Yonosuke did not reply her. He did. 20 minutes ago. In that case, what were they doing in the dark for the past 20 minutes?! Although Shio claims she just needed time to calm down, Akari confronts Yonosuke and asks straight if he likes Shio! He says he does. Like a family. He assures her that they are childhood friends so nothing happened.

Next day as Yonosuke walks to school with Akari, he starts to see her in a cuter way. Even her actions are hinting that she may like him. Thus he can’t dismiss the possible start of his romcom with her. Wow, starting to imagine lewd things already, huh? This is caught on by Akari as she gives him the tsundere act. He takes note of this and also wonders if she too is starting to like him. At the school toilet, Akari confronts Shio about last night. Yonosuke overheard things and thinks they are already fighting over him! As he heads over to stop them, this is when he hears Shio clearing the air that she is not dating Yonosuke. She was just following what happened in the manga and only wanted to make fun of him. As we can guess, the girls realize he heard all this. Poor Yonosuke, he feels so disappointed and runs away in despair. Shio feeling dumb she blew it all. Akari so relieved. Back home in the bath, Akari ponders about this when suddenly Yonosuke enters?! WTF?! Turns out their families are having a gathering with Shio’s too. Yonosuke notices Akari wanting to be left alone, which is contradictory to her past self because she was always begging not to be left alone. She wonders if he remembers the promise. Yes he does. The one where not to leave her alone at night if they go to the toilet! Bummer. Not that one. That time when she was sad when her pet cat died. Yonosuke promised to always be with her. For life! Yes, he still remembers this. So as she is about to ask him when he’ll take her as his wife, here comes Shio all drunk! And she only drank water?! But the one having the reddest face is Yonosuke. We all know why.

Episode 4
Just hearing a couple of young kids talking about love at the park is enough to give Yonosuke the shivers. Think childhood friends are still a pain? Suddenly a girl overhears him noting this so she takes a close look at him. Wherever he goes, she follows. And then after examining closely, she recognizes Yonosuke. Oh, don’t tell me you don’t recognize your other childhood friend, Runa Tsukimi who is a year your junior? She used to stay in the neighbourhood until she moved away 5 years ago. Now she is back to stay at his place but until spring as she is trying to get into the high school here. Yonosuke may be fantasizing about having some romcom with her but with the rate things are going, he is sure that he only sees her as a little sister. And likewise, him as her big brother. Really? Because when she is moving boxes into her room, she trips and he catches her. She confesses she loves him but he takes it as sibling love. Later Akari and Shio visit and are glad Runa is back. While Yonosuke is in the bath, Runa tells the girls she is in love with Yonosuke. The kind where she wants to do ecchi things with him. Oh no. Red alert. Now the duo are scared to leave her alone with the guy. However Runa has a penchant to get close to him so the girls have to tear her away. Even sitting with them, her foot starts to caress Yonosuke’s foot! Having fun underneath? Then she wants him to tutor her, purposely showing her cleavage. The other girls too want to help tutor her but she gets the best seat, sitting on his lap! Then she confesses she loves him and is about to kiss! Turns out she fell asleep. Phew? You girls better be wary that the competition is up now. Snooze, you lose. With Runa making breakfast for him, he thought he was just overthinking about Runa being romantically in love with her. Until she hugs him and wants to go on a date. Take her to nostalgic places. Frolicking at a river bank, Runa helps an injured kid reunite with his mom. Yonosuke has always thought she’s a kid but she is way more adult than he is. She corrects him that she is still a kid who can’t wait to be an adult. Is there a hidden meaning to it? Conversation interrupted with Akari and Shio joining in. The girls have fun wetting their feet but for Yonosuke, his mind starts drifting looking at them.

Episode 5
Akari tails Yonosuke to the store, worried about what Runa said. Of course he spots her and thinks she is fooling around. Not wanting to lose to him, she claims she is here to buy some stuffs. However she picks this super spicy bread! Yonosuke warns her she’ll die! But the prideful girl remains stubborn. I chose this! In class, she sums up her courage to eat it and damn, it’s spicy as hell! Yonosuke fears she cannot take it any longer but she tells him to watch her finish it all. And boy, she did. While holding his hand! He has new respect for her so in her confused spicy state, she says she loves him before collapsing. With the exams over, it is summer vacation. But Yonosuke realizes he can’t be dumber than his childhood friends so he holes himself up in his room to study! OMFG WHAT?! The girls try to bug him to go with them somewhere for the holidays but this guy remains steadfast in studying. Not even Akari’s scolding that a day’s rest would reset everything. It’s not like he will become a genius over 1 day, right? Sorry girls, not working. Until Shio comes up with a plan. They dress up in their swimsuits! Can we go to the beach? And just like that he agrees. The other head must have made the decision! Turns out Yonosuke’s grades are very good! He just wanted a perfect score like Runa? So did Akari and Shio fail and have to do remedial classes?!

As Yonosuke lies in his bathtub, suddenly the girls come in. WTF he goes to hide under the covers?! WHY?! Oh right. So we can hear what they say and hope something fanservice will happen. Aside boobs talking, Runa then goes into the bathtub. Not sure how Yonosuke contorted himself to hide further! But he did! Runa then poses the question if Yonosuke will see them more than just childhood friends. Akari and Shio deny he ever would. Until Runa says she would be happy if he says he likes her. This makes the duo also hint they would like that. Once the girls are done and Yonosuke manages to get out and clean himself, Runa returns and hints she knew he was hiding in the bathtub. Can’t miss that mole on his ass! Oh, is this blackmail material for him to take responsibility in the future? One day, Yonosuke goes out with Shio alone. Is this a date? Well, if you consider studying at the library as one. Of course Shio tries to get close to him, having some physical contact and this makes Yonosuke confused. He still thinks she sees him as a childhood friend. This has him lament things will never change between them and that they will be doing the same thing as they did before. This has Shio asking if they will always remain as childhood friends even if they marry someone else. I guess so. You can clearly see the sadness on Shio’s face. That is when she poses the question: What if she asks him out. Is this finally the start of his romcom? But trolled once more because she meant ask him out to go buy ice cream with her. Shucks. Back to square one.

Episode 6
Beach episode! Last episode was a preview of the girls in their swimsuits. Now it’s the real deal. Yeah! However with all of them bugging Yonosuke to have fun with them, this guy doesn’t look interested. While he might put up a sourpuss face, inside he is holding it in, hoping to resist all the temptation! Akari thinks she is falling behind because Shio and Runa are being very aggressive today. Since he continues to be a dick, Akari tells him off she was looking forward to have fun with him. An accidental slip has Yonosuke fall into the sea as the girls quickly scoop him up. Eventually he relents and the day just flew by just like that. As they prepare to get on a bus home, because Yonosuke and Akari continue to bicker, the bus left without them. Shio and Runa are on it but they’re tired and already fast asleep. Oh, did I also mention that the phone signal doesn’t work here? Oh well, at least better than dead batteries! Of course, thoughts that it is just the 2 of them alone race through their minds. Akari trying to put up a tough front but the slightest jump scare is good ingredient for her to huddle close to Yonosuke and be a tsundere. Eventually her legs give in so he has to carry her and hike all the way to the nearest civilization. Yonosuke have been serious and tense all the time because he is concentrating on protecting her. She realizes he has not changed. When they finally have phone signal, their families manage to get through and relieved they are fine. They book a nearby hotel for them to stay. You can guess it. Sharing the same room and the same bed. Yonosuke is on his guard expecting the usual Akari but to his surprise, she is quite cooperative. Even when he gets clumsy during dinner, she isn’t mad but thankful. Bedtime. She huddles close to him for warmth. It is then she tells him to look at her like he used to. He then hugs her as she utters I love you. This shocks Yonosuke but then he realizes she has fallen asleep. Next morning, Yonosuke is smirking because last night was definitely the romcom moment he always wanted. He never knew his first would be Akari. So as he goes to talk to her and beaming with confidence, Akari is back to her grumpy and scornful self. She leaves him and heads home herself. Oh well, back to square one. No romcom for you, lover boy. Meanwhile Akari is distraught on what she said last night. Did she really say it? Yes, you did.

Episode 7
Yonosuke is already having his head full thinking about Akari’s confusing actions and here comes Runa asking to hang out further with him because she has to go home for the holidays. Since he isn’t interested, she laments he doesn’t know a girl’s heart. That should be the buzzword. He needs to speak to her privately. Meanwhile Akari is still ruing from what she said to Yonosuke. Her solution? She is going to make him lose his memories with this metal bat! As she waits outside his window to ambush him, she sees him coming in with Runa. He asks about his stint with Akari but in third person. And yeah, asking for a friend. While Akari gets he is trying to ask her about them, Runa paints this romance as no hope! He should let this go and move on! But when he explains about her behaviour, Runa changes her mind and believes she is tsundere! This shock has Akari slipping. Yonosuke spots this and catches her in time. The tsundere being a tsundere, scoffs him off and goes home. This is when Runa starts connecting the dots over what he asked. Oh man, just like that she gets snarky with him and tells him to think about the rest himself! Hmph! Poor Yonosuke, he still doesn’t get girls! Akari sees an ad for the fireworks. And there’s this legend about couples kissing will be together. Do you believe this childish nonsense? Or do you wanna try?

The girls go out shopping for yukata as Shio’s actions has Akari note that she too likes Yonosuke. Likewise for Shio too. Flashback shows they are so close and did everything together. But now they lament that they too have fallen for the same guy. Shio talks to Akari about that legend. Because she plans to ask Yonosuke about it. Akari’s heart sinks but she puts up a strong front to support her. However Shio asks if she is really okay with this. Because she wants to be honest with her and not ignore her feelings. Knowing she wants the same, Akari also admits to it. This makes Shio relief because Akari has always closed her heart. Knowing the truth makes her glad that they are childhood friends. Well, it won’t be so nice to be the losing heroine, eh? And here we are at the fireworks festival with Yonosuke. Shio panicking because she had her chance the whole day to ask him and when that time came, she chickened out. She makes her attempt again but since she is too meek, Yonosuke doesn’t pay much attention and ignores her. You snooze, you lose. Because it seems Akari is going ahead to ask him… And fails! Shio so glad because now they know how hard it is to ask him out! Is this some sort of consolation? With time running out, the girls are egging the other to ask him first?! Do you even know how to play this game?! Anyway, Yonosuke must be the biggest winner as he stays true to himself having a lot of fun. Well, time for the fireworks. Oh sh*t. With the girls fumbling again on the invitation, Yonosuke takes it as they want to be together and not with him. Desperate, the girls finally manage to say it. Now he has to choose one of them. Because both of them will be waiting at different places. Oh sh*t. Can he clone himself?

Episode 8
Yonosuke so confused. Can’t blame him. What if this is another trap set but them? As he runs around looking for them, he spots Akari near a tree and trying to kiss a mask? Of course she sees him and freaks out. Thank goodness a few passing girls are talking out loud about some legend that if you kiss someone during the fireworks, they’ll be together. Oh. Typical Akari’s move is to run away as he gives chase. This gives other men the wrong impression there is a pervert chasing a girl so they arrest him. Akari had to apologize and they both get lectured. Yeah, what a dumb lover’s quarrel. Looking like a couple, eh? Suddenly a call from Shio to say she can’t make it for the fireworks. You see, she felt like an eternity waiting for the appointed time to happen. Then she thought she could kill some time by helping a lost girl find her mummy. Then helping a lost grandma. And then sending a lady in labour to a hospital! Even trying to run back, her sandal straps break. Oh gosh. She’s as good as missed the fireworks. So she starts reminiscing how when her parents were working late, Yonosuke often came to her house to accompany her and stayed with her, refusing to let her be alone. Shio thinks Yonosuke would have done the same thing so she resigns to her fate. As she thinks Akari will be the ‘winner’, I guess Shio has a change in heart. Or at least her heart for Yonosuke has never changed. She tries to run back to the festival grounds barefooted but looks like the show is over. To her shock, Akari and Yonosuke are here! They lecture her about saying it when she needs help but she still remains guilty she ruined their outing. No worries. They can have their own fireworks. Yeah, they bought some to play. Well, must be a waste of money since their fireworks went out with a sputter. At least the sparklers are okay. Even so, best summer for Shio. As to how the duo know about Shio’s predicament, that grandma recognized Akari’s hairpin the same as Shio and she saw what happened and told them about Shio bringing a pregnant lady to the hospital. I don’t know how Yonosuke can fall asleep soon after but I guess this allows the girls to renew their rivalry. Stop blaming themselves because they are strong enough to vie for Yonosuke’s heart. So loving a childhood friend isn’t easy? Girls, I’ve seen dozens of similar genres and even strangers find it hard to be true to their heart! To pull a trick on Yonosuke, they both kiss his cheeks. Yeah, that boy missed it so when he wakes up, he is confused why those cheeky girls are running away! Meanwhile Haru Hinata was also at the festival and she thought she saw Yonosuke. Definitely it was him. About time she showed up!

Episode 9
The usual dilemma from Yonosuke about having romcom with his childhood friends. While on an outing with Runa, Haru recognizes him but he doesn’t. Next day, heading to school with Shio and Akari, Haru once again cycles by to say hi. Haru gets physical with Yonosuke as she also recognizes the girls. However they too are unsure who she is. In school, the guys are jealous of rumours that Yonosuke is hanging out with Shio and Akari. Even the girls are whispering if this guy is dating multiple girls at once. The trio then trace the rumours to being spread by Haru who is a rising athletic star. Yonosuke goes to find her to set the record straight but catches her changing in the changing room. Oops. But she’s not panicking. She’s cool about it. Then the cliché accident in which Yonosuke falls on top of her but instead of getting mad, she gets flirtier. The girls are worried so they go check on him to see him in this compromising position. Wasn’t he going to straighten things out? Before they blow their top, Yonosuke now knows who she is and tells them this is Haru, their childhood friend. You see, they always thought Haru was a boy! So typically tomboyish. Haru laughs at this misconception and gets even flirtier with Yonosuke. Now that he knows she is a girl, is he getting conscious? Haru apologizes for the rumours and will correct them. However she asks if they are dating because think about it, the trio are always hanging out together. Why are they sheepishly denying that? If that’s the case, Haru is relieved because nobody is cheating, right? After school, Haru invites Yonosuke to hang out with her alone. They play basketball and obviously she beats him. Lots of close contacts and near accidents that only bring smiles to Haru. She tries to ask him if he sees Shio and Akari as more than friends. After all, she saw what happened at the fireworks. He denies but she can tell his trademark lying looks. So they challenge each other by doing stupid-cum-funny faces. In the meantime, Haru trying to dig further because she remembers Shio, Akari and even Runa asking her opinion about Yonosuke during their younger days. Although Haru loses, Yonosuke admits he does see more than just childhood friends with the girls. But he is unsure if he is in love. He would feel dumb for being in love if he doesn’t know their feelings for him. Don’t worry. Haru will ask them for you! So when they have a party to welcome Haru, she blatantly asks the girls what they think of Yonosuke. There’s another can of worms opened…

Episode 10
Yonosuke takes Haru away for a pep talk. He reminds her to stay out of this but Haru was trying to help and believes he wants to know too. Well, he says he doesn’t so that’s that. Returning to the rest, they talk about that Pocky stick game they used to play for losers. Yeah, now it rings differently. Kiss, right? Both sides are thinking the other will be mad about this. But the game won’t materialize because Runa returns. However she is afraid of Haru! Why? She blames her for the cause of her trauma for hating frogs. You see when they were young, Runa was fond of this frog plushie. So Haru thought she would prefer the real deal and brought her real frogs! Scared Runa ran but Haru tripped and accidentally all the frogs in the bag spilt over her. Ugh. Haru chases Runa around, trying to make up. Accidentally, she trips and her lips connects with Yonosuke’s! No count? Well, if everybody says so. And the night ended just like that. Everybody pretended it was nothing but deep down, everyone is so damn bothered by the kiss. Next morning, Shio out on a morning run, can’t stop thinking about it. She bumps into Haru as she asks if she has feelings for him because she looked happy about the kiss. Haru denies and tries to throw it back to her that she seemed worried about it so that means she likes him, right? The girls try to outrun each other? I don’t know, is this some logic they will be too out of breathe to talk? Though, Shio mentions she was always the first to do things with Yonosuke and thus she is not jealous?! What kind of logic is this?! In the end, both try to play this childhood friend card. Is there any difference? Shio on her way back, bumps into Yonosuke. She collapses into his arms and then kisses him! From that angle, we viewers are left to wonder. Did they kiss or not?

With this confusing the hell out of Yonosuke, looks like he feels jumpy each time the word ‘kiss’ is heard. Even more so when he sees Shio acting so normal as usual at school. So it did not bother her? Confused. After school, Haru continues to chase Runa. Then they see Yonosuke alone at the park and try to surprise him. But they catch him trying to look up about a girl kissing you! At first they thought he was into Haru but he dismisses it. Relieved? Then they believe it is someone else and bug him who. They think it is Akari but he accidentally gives it away and names Shio. Haru advises to just go ahead to do it and as well as other advices do it. But since he continues to be hesitant and is confused over their relation as childhood friends, the girls change their tune and don’t like a guy who can’t make up his mind. At this rate, he will be rejected by all. In class, he is dejected about this but the class needs to pick a committee for sports day. Because Shio volunteers, Yonosuke soon follows. They are checking the equipment in the store. Yeah, classic and cliché moment to expect, right? Both are trying to ask each other about the kiss but eventually chicken out. You see, Shio is also bothered about that kiss she gave him. In her eyes, Yonosuke looked unamused and thought he was bothered by it. So as they sum up all their courage to ask about the kiss but eventually fail, this presents them a lot of close proximity moments. But as we all know, nothing happens. Status quo. And they act like normal for the rest of the day. Are we getting irritated or what? Since Shio is so obviously miserable about it, time for Akari to have a talk with her.

Episode 11
Akari can tell something has happened between them because they’re acting so obviously strange. Shio tries to run away but when Akari catches, those tears in her eyes. Real tears. Akari believes the kiss is bothering her. Well, Akari thinks it is Yonosuke kissing Haru but for Shio, it is her kiss with Yonosuke. So you bet they’re on different pages as they talk this out. Akari hugs her, believing she is having it hard after being rejected by Yonosuke. As Shio continues to wallow in despair, Akari reminds her that they are childhood friends. She is willing to help her. Meanwhile, Haru takes Yonosuke to a batting centre to cheer him up. She too can tell something is off between him and Shio. He tries to give excuses it is not so Haru reminds him again at this rate, everyone is going to reject him. Worse, everyone will grow apart. I guess that is a harem lover’s worst fear. Damn right Yonosuke gets his mojo back. Shio continues that she wants things with Yonosuke to be like before but is afraid of the thought of being rejected. With everything going through her head, she doesn’t know how to talk to him anymore. She is afraid. Akari smacks her back and reminds her no matter how much they fought in the past, they always made up. This time is no different. That is the bond of childhood friends. This gives Shio hope because a mere kiss with Yonosuke will not break their bond. She will go talk to him. At this point, it dawns to Akari that it is Shio who kissed him! Oh God. Confused! As thanks, Yonosuke gives Haru a gatcha toy. Looks like this is the missing piece she has always wanted from the collection. You feeling something in your heart now?

A call from Shio that she wants to meet. Suddenly a loud crash is heard and the line is cut off. Oh dear. Could she have fallen down the stairs and died?! Yonosuke rushes back to school where she said she was but couldn’t find her. Did he also go around town to look for her?! Where to start?! Nowhere to be found! Not even at home. Oh, but she is waiting in his room! Looks like she tripped and smashed her phone. WTF why she go outside the rooftop just to talk to him?! You see, now she slips and falls on him. Their lips meet! Oh… So that’s why… She hopes to stay as friends. He too hopes the same. So they’re brushing off the kiss again? That night, Yonosuke thinks deep of Haru’s words that everyone will grow apart at this rate. During the sports festival, Shio thinks of teasing Yonosuke and goes up close to him. However… WTF why does he spot a dumb pure face?! He is also like, uhm, innocent? Yeah, the sky so beautifully blue today. HUH?! Gross! Shio summons the rest about this problem. It’s like the guy is freed from all the world’s suffering! Haru tries to give him a shock therapy by slapping him many times but it did not work. Runa then cuddles close to him. The rest also follow suit. Wow, who could ever imagine that Yonosuke’s romcom dream has come true! This must be hell because he gets up and says how silly they are. Because they’re childhood friends and they’re all acting so lovey-dovey. Because they are his precious childhood friends, it would be silly for them to be in this romcom situation. The girls are in shock because, damn, did they get rejected! Say it isn’t so!

Episode 12
The girls are in shock as they narrate Yonosuke’s bad points but eventually the good person he is. Is romcom possible at this point? The event continues with Yonosuke paired up with Akari for the 3-legged race. She is not impressed with this gross version despite he mentions he would like to run with her and would do anything she wants. Wow. Thinking about that kiss now, eh? As the run begins, Akari notices Yonosuke matching her pace even those this puts them in last place. Akari thought she could be more honest if he is this kind. More flashbacks on their past but this causes Akari to be irritated so she runs at her own pace, dragging Yonosuke behind. They’re out of sync but they’re moving up the ranks. She then chides him for not being himself as she blurts out she loves him. I wonder if everybody heard that. Suddenly they trip but he catches her and looks like they’re going to kiss! However Akari uses her hand to shield their mouths. She’s not going to let this gross version steal her kiss! Because Yonosuke continues to be his gross version, none of the girls want to join him for lunch. Elsewhere and alone, it seems Yonosuke has been putting on this gross version act and can’t fathom why they are acting so. But he revels hearing Akari’s confession. That is when his inner voice or rather the real gross version of him pops up and accuses him of getting horny with his childhood friends. Yonosuke denies so gross version turns into sexy visions of his childhood friend, egging him to be horny with them. He tries hard to hold it back but his gross version knows he wants it. Then he gets lectured about how he should’ve been more honest with his feelings and cherish then. Runa finds him and realizes this is the old Yonosuke she knows and hugs him. As she treats him to her lunch, she talks about how strange he was acting the whole day. He tries to psycho himself not to get horny over her but accidentally said that out loud. However, Runa accepts his horny feelings. This leaves Yonosuke confused because there is no way that could happen with a childhood friend, right? Well, here is Runa’s words of wisdom. Come closer…

The event returns with the final scavenger hunt. Yonosuke participates and looks like he hit lottery. Because this one needs him to bring the person he loves! Oh dear. Who is it gonna be?! Short snippets of all his lovely childhood friends. But now he has decided. He heads straight to Runa and has her come with him. The other girls are shocked his true love is Runa. Are you feeling disappointed? Don’t jump your guns yet because he soon approaches them and wants all of them to come with him. Flashback to Runa’s words of wisdom: When she hugged him, she told him that both feelings of horniness and wanting to cherish someone are okay. It’s okay to have both feelings. As they cross the finish line and the judge asking if he really loves them all. His reply is that he doesn’t know but they are all his precious childhood friends. The judge clear him and his team wins. Though, his girls aren’t really that happy with his ambiguity. With Yonosuke ready to be honest with his feelings, his gross version bids goodbye. Next morning, Yonosuke gets a rude awakening. Or rather, the awakening he always wanted? Runa and Shio sleeping by his side. They head to school together with Akari. Haru joining soon after. Looks like her bicycle has a flat tyre so she can’t cycle? What lame excuse is this! Yonosuke feeling the bliss they are all his childhood friends. They fear his gross version will return so they tease him by running away! They hide and see him flustered and confused because now he isn’t sure if romcom is possible with childhood friends.

When Love And Hate Collide…
Well, keep dreaming. There is no harm in doing that. As long as you do, romcom with childhood friends will always be possible! It’s like its version of Schrodinger Cat! So yeah, keep fantasizing, continue to leave everyone in the lurch without picking anybody specific, that way they will continue fighting over your attention and voila! There you have it. Your magical romcom moments with your childhood friends. Ah yes. Yonosuke, you don’t know how f*cking blessed you are having 4 beauties fawning over you! And also a f*cking torture that you can’t really end up with anyone in the foreseeable new future. So yeah. Keep dreaming…

You know the drill. It is a pretty standard romcom harem affair with all the usual antics and tropes from the genre. Guy loves girls and the girls love him back but because love is such a complicated issue when it comes to human beings and even more so in the hands of Japanese anime teens, that is why you can stretch this romcom tomfoolery to a dozen episodes and many will still not get bored of the same tropes over and over again. Sometimes feeling frustrated or bored over the repeated stuffs but we always return for more of the same antics. Just ask yours truly. Heh. Yeah, I guess it is a dream for us otaku losers to have our own harem and since many can’t have one in real life, the next best choice is to obviously watch a series about it. Sighs. Get a life, huh? So yeah, any girls wanna be my girlfriends and fight over my love in real life? Didn’t think so!

So there isn’t anything else much to say about the plot and storyline for this series because well, it is what it is. It is not the most unique of romcom premise because guy and girl(s) who hate each other on the outlook whereas behind all that facade they actually like each other, this has been done many times in many other animes. I’m sure Kaguya-sama Wa Kokurasetai would be the most popular recent anime for this kind of plot. So yeah, to keep this misconception between both sides running (they have to, it is the ‘main ingredient’ for this series), that is why both sides think the other side hate the other due to whatever unfounded and baseless ideas. But deep down, they don’t want to give up and cling onto that faintest hope that he/she may change his/her mind. Yeah well, when that happens, the romcom harem magic ends. The moment Yonosuke chooses one, it is all over. That is why status quo is so important in a harem genre and why all the girls are happy rivals because that is the only way that all of them will continue to be together. Haru said everyone will grow apart? Oh come on. Do that and you lose out big time! Therefore nobody here will dare do that and it will always be back to the safest status quo circumstances. That is how it works! And don’t let the name of this anime fool you. There are no rules to say you can’t be in a romcom with your childhood friends! It feels like a flimsy excuse to cock block everybody!!! A reason for everyone to stay miserably single! Do you not agree with me?! Whatever.

I know they’re trying to spice things up late in the end with Yonosuke turning into some zen monk by rejecting this romcom notion but we all know he is just kidding himself, right? Wow, is he trying to salvage everything by giving up on everything, especially on the biggest dream of his life? How can you have the privilege of rejecting cute girls who are big potentials for your romcom harem! Yeah, this method is the fastest and sure fire way of actually making everyone grow apart! Because this gross-cum-dumb Yonosuke is not the Yonosuke that the girls fell for. So as to play it safe and not wanting anybody to get hurt makes it much worse because you cannot grow or develop if you stay in your safe zone, right? So uh huh. It sounds like a complicated formula that it is better for everyone to fight (fair and square, I presume) and get a little hurt once in a while but that is okay because competition is healthy. Supposedly. So pure Yonosuke who tried to salvage his friendship turned out to be even more detrimental and fell into that classic adage of the guy who tries to catch both rabbits at the same time, will catch neither. So we all prefer the old Yonosuke and fight over his love, right? Yeah, we prefer Shio, Akari, Runa and Haru to show their sexy side to get his attention and falling flat on their butts while doing so. Because that’s how it is. Remember. Status quo, people!

Character wise, what else can I say? It’s the usual same stuffs that you’ll probably find repeating itself in previous blogs of mine in the same genre. It will make me sound like a broken tape recorder. More accurately, I’m just too lazy to write them down again for this series. Heh! So yeah, Yonosuke, main guy in a harem anime. What else is new? Just like any other healthy kid of his age, who wouldn’t want a bevy of cute girls to shower him with attention and love? Yeah, dream on. And of course, he is not some sleazy scumbag who is a pervert in fantasizing such dreams because as we have seen, he is also a nice and kind kid who cares for his childhood friends. It is the biggest factor of why the girls like him. First impression counts. It is the heart that counts. Yonosuke may be a plain guy but they know he has a good heart despite everything that has happened. That is why they nickname and call him as Eiyuu AKA Hero. Who is the hero of their heart? You guessed it. Therefore it is worth fighting for his attention and eventually his hand in marriage. Oh right. Status quo. So Yonosuke, I hate to break it to you but I’m gonna have to say it that your dream is just right beneath your nose.

As for the girls in his harem. Your usual tropes but we can’t cover them all in a harem anime because it will look like this is some prostitute agency! HAHAHA!!! Imagine having girlfriends with personalities that cover all the tropes imaginable. Oh wait… Hyakkano… F*cking sh*t… Anyway… Since we are focusing on the childhood friend trope, now we need a little bit more variety so that they aren’t just copy and paste of each other. So you got the popular and carefree girl, the tsundere girl, the little sister girl and finally the tomboyish girl. I wonder if they’re going to add the returning foreigner girl in the future… Never mind. Good thing they are all childhood friends because the power of friendship will have them be nice and friendly to each other rather than resort to psychotic b*tch fights for the same man they love. Hah.

My personal pecking order is Shio and Akari at the top follow by Runa and then Haru at the bottom. Well, Shio and Akari are your standard beauties so obviously they are tied at the top spot. Runa is like a little retard despite her bold actions but that is only meant to shake things up. A sign that Shio and Akari better buck up or this little sister will steal everything under your nose. As long as Yonosuke sees her as a little sister, she remains a dark horse candidate. The same can be said for Haru because suddenly a childhood friend whom you thought was a guy turned out to be actually a girl! And no sex change surgery was involved! Her mug was after all on the promotional poster. I mean, this Haru girl showed up so late, I was wondering if she would show up at all! Yeah, 2/3 of the season is already over and finally this girl graces our screen. So unless the rivalry gets too heated up and too confusing for Yonosuke to handle, perhaps he’ll take Haru as a safe bet. That’s the only way I can see this tanned athletic girl win his heart. Don’t be fooled by scenes that show her that she might be starting to fall for him because that is part of the element to confuse us that she is not out of contention. Well, at least not by a long shot. Though, I am baffled that if she was in the same school as them, did Haru at least not notice them at all and thus hung out with the? Or did she transfer away but I don’t think so since it felt like she was in this same school for so long. Was she too engrossed with her athletics ability to even consider them? Yeah, it made like as though Haru just popped out of thin air all because of plot convenience and to complete the harem. At the end of the day, it is going to be Yonosuke who has to pick them, right? And yes, status quo rules! It’s the only way to get his harem route, dammit!

Art and animation are quite standard. Cute looking girls because this is romcom anime so your girls have to be looking kawaii, right? Right. Yeah, even your tomboyish Haru is looking as much feminine possible so that people can’t make gay jokes of Yonosuke x Haru!!! HAHAHA!!! Sighs. Sorry. If there is one thing I want to point out about the visuals of this series, it is that the colouring and hues are quite light. It’s like the studio doesn’t have enough budget or they did not allocate enough in the colouring department and thus the visuals from the characters to the backgrounds all turn out to be looking lightly coloured. Sometimes the scenes also look like sketches but it is nothing that will break the anime. Then there’s the CGI. Although sparsely used and doesn’t break the show, it could’ve been a bit better. Especially that bus animation in the second episode that just felt mediocre. Is that a bus or some stiff CGI abomination? This anime is done by Tezuka Productions who did a few series under this genre such as Kanojo Mo Kanojo, Go-toubun No Hanayome, Megame No Café Terrace and Isekai Maou To Shoukan Shoujo No Dorei Majutsu Omega. Maybe that’s why the similar light colouring and hues.

Voice acting is also decent, nothing special to note. The casts are Takehiro Urao as Yonosuke (Hisui in Hanyou No Yashahime), Rin Kusumi as Shio (Hiyori in Slow Loop), Yuu Serizawa as Akari (Yumemi in Kakegurui), Sae Hiratsuka as Runa (Meiko in Boku To Roboko) and Yuuki Yamamoto as Haru (Biddy in Spy x Family S3). If you love your anime songs as super sugary sweet synthesizer pop, then I Love You by the quartet of Yonosuke’s dream harem girls should be your cup of tea. It has all the ingredients of what makes it cute and upbeat. Even more so the cringe, oops I mean cute mini dancing that the girls do in the opening credits animation. It won’t be as infectious and addictive as Gangnam Style but it has its own cringe, oops once more I mean cute charm. But if you like slow-moderate anime pop, Amanojaku by Hikari Codama as the ending theme will suit you just fine. Though, it sounds pretty generic to me.

Overall, another average anime for me even for the romcom genre. There is nothing really new that breaks the mould for this series and it is your typical romcom harem stuffs. If you are a hardcore lover of this genre, you’ll definitely will love it. Otherwise, other casual viewers like yours truly (despite I consider this genre to be one of my favourites), it’s just one of those silly and perhaps guilty pleasure animes of the season. After all, I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to have my own romcom with my childhood friends. Of course the big problem is obviously glaring: I have no childhood friends to begin with! Oh well. So looks like I’m gonna have to start looking on Tinder to start looking for girlfriends of my own. Are there rules that say I can’t get a romcom harem from an online social and dating app?! Never mind, I don’t think girls like me at all in the first place :’(…

Mato Seihei No Slave S2

Have we waited long enough for the sleazy sexy sequel to come out? For you perverts of the series, 2 years might sound like a long time waiting for Mato Seihei No Slave S2 to arrive on the airwaves. But I guess patience has its virtue. Sort of. Now you hopeless slaves can rejoice once more and jump back to life with the return of this special kid who helps power up his female comrades in battle to fight monsters from another dimension. Uh huh. Despite his title and job being a slave to them, he gets the best fanservice reward of being caressed and done sexual-like stuffs onto. Are the girls actually his sex slave?! What are the chances that more girls from other squadrons discover the benefits of sex, oops I mean, hentai-like flirting and find joy in this unholy activity? Don’t care. Just bring ‘em on. Yuuki being rented out like a pimp, huh? Sharing is caring? Whatever. The more the merrier. You bet, still the best and luckiest slave ever!

Episode 1
In case you forget, we see Yuuki working hard as a caretaker. More accurately, being made to work like a slave! But I don’t see him complaining so I guess it’s okay. Soon an emergency because a horde of Shuuki is detected and a couple of innocent girls have strayed into Mato. So yeah, this is where we get to see the girls from 7th and 6th squadron show their chops to us as they take down the Shuuki. Easy as pie. And of course, Yuuki in his Shuuki version because he needs to get stronger to save his sister. And yes, the lewd fanservice reward that comes after fro Kyouka. Isn’t that why we watch this sleazy series???!!! Tenka visits Aoba and updates him about Yuuki. Sister couldn’t be proud. Yup, Tenka can’t wait to become her sister-in-law. The rest of the series has all the squadron commanders being called by Ren for a meeting. Kyouka is suspicious because she too has called for Yuuki to come. Kyouka warns not to make eye contact but I guess it’s too late. So we are introduced to the other squadron commanders such as Mira Kamiunten (2nd), Bell Izuyo (3rd), Konomi Tatara (1st), Yakumo Ezo (5th), Varvara Pilipenko (8th), Fubuki Azuma (9th) who is Himari and Yachiho’s mom. First order, old hag Riu Myouga steps down so as to give Konomi a younger new blood the reigns of the 1st squadron. Then, many commanders have an argument who will become the next Supreme Commander. They also talk about the threat of the Eight Thunder Gods that decimated Bell’s squad so you bet she is very afraid. Afraid of Ren ‘scolding’ her. Kyouka and Ren butt heads on how to deal with Eight Thunder Gods and Shuuki. Ren asserts her strategy to lure them here and wear them out is best because it has proven the number of Mato mishaps have drastically decreased. Thus her method stays. When they are about to discuss Yuuki, an emergency because a horde of Shuuki approaching. Ren orders some of them to action and after that, because of their abnormal actions and all, she feels something amiss and decides to head out and catch the perpetrators behind this. A group of nerdy terrorists? With no mercy, Ren kills them all! So swift in diffusing the threat, it’s all over by the time Kyouka and Yuuki arrive. Ren wants to see how Kyouka rewards her slave so she demonstrates with a simple hug. A simple reward for a simple task, right? Ren seems interested as Yuuki feels his sister’s vibes all around this Supreme Commander.

Episode 2
It’s time for Shushu to get aggressive with Yuuki. Shrinking herself, she sneaks into his room but before she is about to pounce, she notices something strange. Shikoku is about to launch her attack on sleeping Yuuki but Shushu manages to stop her. For some reason, Tenka is also here to provide backup. Shikoku then suggests whoever seduces Yuuki the best wins. Tenka agrees to it and together with Shikoku, they both start making out with Yuuki! WTF is going on?! Care to join in, Shushu? As she is about to, she senses something amiss. In reality, both are being hypnotized by Shikoku but before she is about to deliver the death blow, Tenka snaps out and they both attack her. Shikoku retreats. Thanks to this incident, Yuuki is now lucky to sleep the rest with the girls until the barriers are further strengthened. Lucky bastard. As they take turns to watch, Shushu is once again up to her no good as she tries to sneak into his futon. Strangely, she gets beaten up by Himari sleepwalking. Yuuki realizes Nei has crawled to sleep by his side. Before you can scream loli rape, he sees her crying in her sleep, calling out to her parents. He assures her they will find them. As Yuuki, Kyouka and Nei continue their patrol, Ren drops in and now she knows that Yuuki’s transformation depends on which girl he is a slave too. This means others can ‘borrow’ him. Kyouka is not happy with this because Ren now hints she too can make Yuuki her slave. So as reward, Kyouka hugs Yuuki? Nah. Some bone breaking punishment for making eye contact with Ren. Once she sets her eyes on something, she’ll come up with excuses to treat them as her plaything. Look what happened to Bell. Next day the 7th and 6th squadron have an exercise with 4th squadron consisting of Yakumo (team leader), Kaiko Itsuki and Saki Tokoroyama. Since Ren has blabbed about Yuuki being able for ‘sharing’, Yakumo too is interested to test him out. Of course Kyouka warns her that they need to reserve him for emergency and today’s mission is their joint training.

Episode 3
No big deal. Girls training with each other. When can we get to the fanservice part? Oh yeah. Girls bathing. Kaiko healing everyone after their training but must be naked. This is what we’ve been waiting for! Yachiho disheartened that Himari prefers to train with Saki rather than her! Nei feels down because she compares her abilities to Kaiko. But Kaiko gives her words of encouragement that Nei can scan for Shuuki and further help protect her friends. A tied up Yakumo sneaks into Yuuki’s room and hints he can touch her if he helps untie her. Others have gave him warning about this pervert so, no. But Yakumo can still untie herself and is of course curious about him. She asks if he provides sexual services to Kyouka every night! Obviously not. She continues flirting with him and sees him like a little brother. She is also very used to have bodily contact as she has lots of sisters. Later Yakumo gets permission from Kyouka to borrow Yuuki. In his Shuuki form, Yuuki is now faster than the wind. When he soon runs out of juice, this is the moment of reward we’ve been waiting for. Oh yeah. Yakumo taking off her top and starts getting into foreplay with Yuuki. Do you think I’m sexy yet?! She reveals her dream is to make a harem out of DDF girls and Yuuki can join in. I wonder how this will work out but I’m sure it’s a win-win situation. She starts fondling him and touching him all over. Feeling good? At the same time, narrating her poor life as a kid and how the sisters used to huddle close together for warmth. Hinting something? Yeah, she missed the cuddling and all. But sorry folks, no penetration sex here. Returning to the rest, I guess Yakumo reports the trial as a success but without all the sleazy fanservice bits. The next training will be with 10th squadron whom Ren is the commander of.

Episode 4
Kyouka and Yuuki are to see Ren personally. Kyouka paints her as a ferocious person but uhm, she looks like a nice person playing with her dogs. Well, this might change your mind. As expected, Ren wants to borrow Yuuki and test his power. With no reason to decline, Kyouka reluctant allows Yuuki to be borrowed. Yuuki turns into a malicious Shuuki form. So powerful. So evil. What good timing, there’s a horde of Shuuki outside. Time to test your powers. He instantly kills all of them with his godly power as Ren enjoys the bloody view. However Yuuki then turns onto Ren. It is time to teach this dog his place. Ren uses her Buddha powers to subdue Yuuki into submission. After that, she feels her body moving on its own to appease Yuuki as reward. It is Ren’s turn to be humiliated as Yuuki pets and touches her like a dog! Flashback showing how Ren always aces in everything. She impressed everybody including, and I kid you not, “That Country’s President”!!! OMFG THIS DISCOUNT HILLARY WAS SO F*CKING IMPRESSED WITH REN’S FIGHTING CAPABILITIES!!! No wonder we never got sexy fighting babes in this world because Hillary was never f*cking president!!! OMFG!!! By the time Kyouka arrives, Ren manages to regain her composure. She notes her form is too formidable for this slave and for him to lose control like that, he needs more training. Ren heads off but we see that frustrated face, not sure if she is humiliated or loves it. Kyouka is bothered on Yuuki being borrowed by others that she can’t focus on her practice. With Yuuki worn out, he needs to rest and recuperate. This means he can’t attend the next meeting despite upon Ren’s request. In that case, she’ll target Bell. Yikes! Even Tenka is feeling bad for Yuuki being used like that. Better treat your toy man better. Himari is looking after Yuuki and as she ponders about her next lewd moments with him, mom stops by. Move aside. Let momma show you how it’s done. Just a few massages, Yuuki feels so much better. Of course Fubuki is here to remind Himari about the family banquet in a few days. It is when the family chooses the next head. Himari doesn’t care about the place nor who becomes the next head. Fubuki reminds her that having others cover for her weaknesses is only gets others hurt. Before she brings down the family name, she will finish her off personally. Thus if she wants to prove herself to be strong, be at the banquet. Himari takes up the challenge and will blow everyone away. While everyone is arguing to give Yuuki the best massage, Himari is genuinely worried about mom’s words.

Episode 5
We see some of Himari’s other sisters, Homare and Maia. Damn, these b*tches look so crazy, they make Yachiho looking like a saint! Then there’s this Tovera whom I thought was the smallest sister but she is actually grandma and will oversee this battle royale! There are a few other ladies from the branch family who will be participating but I can foresee their fate already. So as the contenders head into the portal to have their battle royale fight on this uninhabited island, we see Fubuki taking on the branch family ladies who are stepsisters of Fubuki. Meanwhile Himari gets to bring Yuuki into the fray in his Shuuki form as she faces off with Homare. The latter having this data processing ability that augments her body with all the right moves and everything so that her victory is assured. Well, will Himari and Yuuki be screwed? Not that kind of screwed, I mean lose?! For dramatic purposes we see them taking a beat down as Himari remembers always being bullied by Homare. Meanwhile, Fubuki easily takes down her stepsisters with Maia’s help. With Yuuki powering up, this helps to give Homare a run for her money. Even if she is now tired, she still won’t give up and will fight with her own hands. That will be her mistake because this is Himari’s specialty and we all know she has grown stronger to kick anybody’s ass. Especially one who was her big bully. Homare can be as mad and angry as she wants, hating those eyes who look down upon her but she still got her ass kicked. How the tables have turned. Himari wins. Although Yuuki feels he has not contributed much, Himari still has to give him his reward. The moment we have been waiting for this tongue to tongue French kissing! Yeow! Smoking hot! Well, if you mind mom watching! I think she must be interested too to have them not mind her and continue. Elsewhere, Ren is still ruing from Yuuki’s humiliation. Yeah, I thought there wasn’t enough fanservice this episode so they had to add more scenes of her shame being treated as Yuuki’s pet. But now she has ordered from Amazun (?!) to make Yuuki know which one of them is the dog. Or are you gonna be his b*tch?! HAHAHA!!! Anyway, uhm, this dog collar is it?

Episode 6
When Rairen mocks Kuusetsu as a hatchling, the latter transforms into her true demon form and beats the sh*t out of her. Shikoku advises her to hone her skills until the next battle because only 1 God left to complete the Eight Thunder Gods. We return to our sizzling fanservice because Fubuki is here to teach Himari how to properly do it! Holy f*ck?! What?! F*cking Yuuki is doing it with a teen and MILF! Once that is over, it is time for Fubuki and Himari showdown. Yuuki goes down despite in his Shuuki form. So is Himari now defenceless without him? Show your true worth now. Himari fights Fubuki with her own powers but even so, mother is way more formidable even if daughter has some tricks up her sleeve. Yachiho can’t go to Himari’s aid as she is being held down by Maia. But when Fubuki starts to badmouth Kyouka, that’s when it hits Himari’s nerves. Flashback shows how Kyouka appointed Himari as her vice despite everything. Yeah, it brought her to tears. With this, Himari is able to power up to something that mother has never seen before. As they clash, Himari runs out of juice. But Fubuki is satisfied. In the end, Fubuki wins and becomes the next head. Tovera is trying to pair Yuuki up with Himari so Fubuki had to beat her down to make her know her place. She’s the new boss in charge now. Tovera accepts how much her daughter has grown stronger. Fubuki also thanks Kyouka for helping to train Himari well. Meanwhile Kuusetsu has devoured 2 people and gained their abilities and can devour another one. Shikoku suggests avoiding DDF for now and has a plan. Kuusetsu arrives in the human world.

Episode 7
Still sore about her loss, Homare plans to usurp and steal Yuuki. Too bad, he is not here and has gone training with Fubuki and Himari. Such a shame. Because Tovera is also here having the same thoughts. We are enlightened of Tovera’s youth because of her abilities to steal life force. Any excess, she uses it to heal others. Now we see Yuuki’s training. Looks pretty normal until of course Fubuki borrows him and now he has a new set of powers. And of course, what we have always been waiting every episode is for the reward. Oh yeah. Will it taste sweeter if you add honey? I dunno, Himari x Yuuki honey filled kiss may look sweet but taking the cake is Fubuki pouring them over her boobs and planting Yuuki’s face in it! Boy, are we getting some ideas now! Mother and daughter won’t lose so they start stripping… Meanwhile this hot model, Shiki Kawabata is taking a shower when Kuusetsu drops in to take her. Now it is time for a beach episode! I guess Shushu must be waiting for this moment because with Yuuki spending his recent time with Himari’s family, it is time for her to get her deserved quality time with him too. Can she be aggressive? Well, looking at Kyouka and Tenka’s hot bod, she may need more than that to win Yuuki’s heart. So we see her trying to flirt with him but to no avail. Eventually when they talk normally and he notes how much she has gotten cuter, she didn’t expect that mental ambush and just froze. See ‘ya, gotta go training with Kyouka now. Try harder next time. During the practice, Kyouka and Yuuki soon realize that the more Yuuki is loaned out, the stronger his Shuuki form gets. So to say, the more he whores himself, the powerful he gets?! Oh man, are we gonna start a loaning agency? During the next meeting so as to help make Yuuki’s abs stronger, all the commanders take turn to sit on his abs!? WTF?! Oh thank goodness just a sh*tty dream from Kyouka. Yeah, I guess she is not happy with thoughts her slave is being loaned out. So when she goes to talk to Yuuki about it, looks like this guy has changed his mind. He doesn’t want to be everyone’s whore. He only wants to keep working with her because of her, his life is where it is now. You can see the happiness on Kyouka’s face. Accepted! That’s my slave! They continue training and more power up goodness because damn, what’s this light emitting skill?! Probably the best reward from Kyouka afterwards: A kiss on the lips. Then Eight Thunder Gods emergency sounds. Looks like these bad girls are almost done…

Episode 8
At the HQ, Yuuki is about to be assaulted by Yakumo. What else? For sexual purposes! Luckily he manages to run away as Tenka escorts him for the rest of the way. Weird. She doesn’t pull off any sexy moves on him? With all the commanders in the meeting, Ren relays several women in Yokohama have gone missing and a footage shows Kuusetsu doing the kidnapping. Ren will have a disposal unit sent to the real world to dispel the threat and picks Mira. She gives her the liberty to pick a partner and she chooses Kyouka. Along with Yuuki, the trio head back to the real world. Looks more like an outing. We get a little glimpse of Mira’s life as the strongest and unbeatable delinquent in Okinawa until of course Kyouka came along. Both have been rivals ever since and definitely they’re not backing down from their Supreme Commander goal. Back in their hotel, a few tantalizing scenes of Kyouka and Mira’s boobs as the latter believes she is hiding something and although the former acknowledges it, she cannot tell her now. That night, Yuuki goes to the toilet but stumbles into naked Mira! He thought he is dead meat but she allows him to stay. Next day, they head down to the place where an alleged kidnapping is taking place. They fight a couple of Shuuki who play dirty by using kidnapped women as hostage. Mira shows her cloning techniques as she defeats them. Kyouka gets grazed on her arm when she takes down one. As they search for clues inside, Kyouka thinks it is safe to strip naked and give Yuuki his reward. So you bet Mira walks in and sees this unholy act! Sorry to interrupt. Now she is panicking about Kyouka doing something so bold. Is this what taking to the next level mean?! Uhm, I think her brain is going to explode thinking about this! Later Mira asks Yuuki if they are dating so he denies and how Kyouka is like her master who motivates her. Are you disappointed with that answer? As Yuuki rests, suddenly he is immobilized by Kuusetsu. She notes before attacking one of her preys, she caught her in the middle of sex! Now she is curious to try it on Yuuki! Let’s find out what happens when a human and God consummate!

Episode 9
Sexy time begins. Are you stimulated with the deep kiss and caressing?! Sorry to interrupt your fun because Yuuki manages to free at least his voice and screams to Mira for help. Like in a flash, here she is. Who this b*tch! Kuusetsu tries to escape but Mira is fast enough to send a flying kick to her beautiful body. I guess now that they’re outside in the park, they can fight freely. Yes, Mira cloning herself to fight. Because Kuusetsu is not allowed to fight, she unleashes cards containing Shuuki that were sealed by Shikoku. Hell on Earth as the Shuuki rampage and cause havoc. Normal people in fear as they flee. Kuusetsu wants to know how many she can save but Mira claims she can save them all. Thanks to her clones, many ordinary people who are about to die are saved. Then there is this freaking huge and powerful Shuuki behemoth. Shingeki No Shuuki? Yeah, about time Kyouka showed up to kick its ass down. With Yuuki freed, he meets up with Kyouka to go rendezvous with Mira. Kuusetsu wants to run until Mira calls her an ugly coward. Kuusetsu underestimates Mira, thinking she is tired after all the cloning but to her surprise, still has enough energy to beat her down. So no more nice Kuusetsu as she transforms into her true form. Although she is stronger, Mira continues on the offensive and giving Kuusetsu a hard time. Kuusetsu mocks her that had she not cloned herself and used up her energy, she might have been able to defeat her. However, Mira asserts her goal is still the same: Save everyone and defeat her. Time for the final showdown. With all Shuuki are terminated and everyone evacuated, Kyouka and Yuuki finally arrive but they’re a moment too late as they watch in horror as Kuusetsu devours Mira completely! Sorry, she is already full and can’t absorb another DDF.

Episode 10
Kyouka and Yuuki attack but as we all know, you can’t be successful when you’re attacking in anger, right? They are easily defeated and Kuusetsu wants to continue her sex experiment on Yuuki. That won’t happen because Aoba nee-chan will not allow it! It’s about time she shows up. Aoba has a reason to be here because she has tracked down Coco and Naon whom Kuusetsu has devoured. Because she still feels their presence inside her, this gives hope to the rest that everyone devoured can be rescued. But they have to act fast as Kuusetsu can also use abilities of those she devoured. This means she can clone like Mira. She also uses a card to create a new huge Shuuki to wreak havoc. Don’t worry, some DDF arrive as reinforcements: Tenka, Tovera and Maia. It’s perfect chance to see these babes show off their skills. Even Ren wants to join in despite being halfway round the world in USA. She unleashes her greatest kick that would make all footballers jealous! F*ck yeah! The curveball kick all away around the globe! So awesome that discount Hillary has to be shown again as she is f*cking flabbergasted and impressed by her skill. She is Earth’s true answer! But as the fight drags out and both sides taking damage (is there some sort of synching between Yuuki and Aoba as whoever gets hurt, the other goes into attacking rage?), Kuusetsu still not used to her new abilities while DDF are getting tired, it is time for Kyouka and Yuuki to use their trump card. Wow. Slave mode has got better uniform now? Go for gold!

Episode 11
Big epic fight coming up. Kyouka freeing her mind of limitations as part of her technique she developed to fight the Eight Thunder Gods. Kuusetsu got distracted when she thought she saw Mira. This allows Kyouka to deal her some damage as Kuusetsu realizes she has not absorbed Mira completely. For the ultimate move, Yuuki ‘disappears’ and becomes one with Kyouka’s sword. Her lethal strike frees all the victims Kuusetsu devoured. Kuusetsu then reverts to her default form (a giant egg) in her final desperate attempt to kill Kyouka but it backfires as Kyouka is faster to slash her in half. Though, Kuusetsu manages to escape. Yuuki passes out from exertion. Must be the greatest shock to wake up with naked Kuusetsu by his side! She assures him this is his inner world. His mind palace. As a God cannot die easily, Kuusetsu just lost her corporeal form and manifested traces of her energy here. So, she is inside Yuuki? Yeah, she is still horny and wants to f*ck him but thankfully, it is time for Yuuki to wake up for real so he disappears from this inner world. He is back at his dorm with Nei watching over him. Then as he goes to bath, here are Kyouka, Mira and Tenka. Yeah. It’s time for a threesome reward!!! Oh sorry, make that twosome. Because noob Mira getting cold feet just thinking about thoughts of undressing. Not so tough now, huh? She can’t copy veterans Kyouka and Mira who easily just strip naked! Oh well, 2 hot babes flanking him in the bath is better than nothing. They learn about Kuusetsu residing inside him and since he can’t communicate with her, they’ll watch and see. Later, Mira trains with Kyouka. Seeing she can’t accept her own defeat, she wants to borrow Yuuki. Time to whore himself again.

Episode 12
Kyouka believes that Kuusetsu as the newest Eight Thunder Gods, she is the weakest. Thus she allows Mira to borrow Yuuki so they can become stronger. Oh wow, Yuuki’s form is a motorbike! Speed demon coming through! Those slowpokes Shuuki can’t catch up! At the end, the reward is just having a drink? Is this a date? They exchange cans as Mira is blushing with the prospect of an indirect kiss. But of course we are not here nor content to see just that, right? Yeah, Mira sums up her courage to strip her boobs as she starts kissing Yuuki. Deep tongue kiss. Wow. She’s like a pro already. Later, Tenka brings Yuuki to visit Aoba. Trying to score points with future sister-in-law? Tenka talks to Aoba and assures DDF won’t bother them for now since they are having their hands full juggling Eight Thunder Gods. As they have not found any leads to turn them back, Tenka will continue her probe. Yuuki trolling us like as though he is having sex with Naon and Coco but we know better because he is giving them a great body massage. Soon, the DDF commanders have a meeting. Because of the real danger the enemies pose, they have to coordinate their plans with the real world (you mean we gonna see more of discount Hillary???!!!). For now, they are to train and improve themselves. Looks like Eight Thunder Gods too have their own meeting as we see the rest of the members: Jakuun (the newest member), Naruhime, Fukuma and the big sister boss Taikyoku. Since Shikoku regrets sending Kuusetsu alone and failed, Taikyoku stabs her sword through her as punishment. Since it is not fatal, her punishment has been mete and now they move ahead. Planning their next move, Shikoku suggests waiting for their Purification Day since their strength will increase. But since some oppose this because that takes too long and they want revenge for one of their comrades, Jakuun suggests a compromise. They attack DDF on Purification Day but the ones attacking will be Holy Tributes, former humans who have been granted power by the gods. The strongest one gets to join Eight Thunder Gods as an official member. It’s time for a massacre. Kyouka addresses her squadron that since they need to get stronger, she allows Yuuki being loaned out. Wow, now the real fight begins! Later, Ren visits Yuuki alone. After eating his cooking, her reward is, uhm, treating him like a pet? However she soon loses interest and leaves. This is not the same (is it because she didn’t use that Amazun dog collar?). Punishing him in human form is pointless. Only in his slave form she can punish him as payback for that humiliation!

Slave To The Grind
Are we going to have another season or not? Strange, they announced it immediately after the first season ended. So does this mean we’re not going to see more sexy exploits of Yuuki sexing up the girls in the name of getting his reward for being their battle slave? Ah well, perhaps they will surprise us later down the road with another season. They might be considerate to us that we need to take a little break from all the seductive fanservice or it’ll break our libido before the next season arrives! Just kidding! But it’s so crazy it might happen! So sit back and wait for the news… Oh wait. I read it late. There it is. F*ck yeah! We’re going to have another season!!! We are s(l)aved! Heh!

So, are we seriously here for the story? Nah. Yeah, even if you are here for it (I don’t believe it!), it is still boring and nothing really much. This season we get a glimpse of the Azuma household and thus giving Himari some much needed love. Then for the second half, we witness a new member of Eight Thunder Gods flexing her stuffs and give DDF a run for their money. So it is not really the most interesting or mind blowing story but I guess they needed some sort of plot to run the second season. After all, the manga is still ongoing so I am sure that there are a lot more other plots and chapters down the road, the challenges that DDF will undertake as they try to free the world of this Shuuki menace. Seriously, you still find this plot interesting?

So yeah, we’re here for the fanservice and every Tom, Dick and Harry knows that this is the main reason why we are here, right! Although the fanservice is still on par with the first season and sometimes you can say that it is testing the limits of how far it can go without crossing the hentai line, personally I am not that impressed. Oh gosh. Have I turned gay or have grown old enough to lose my libido???!!! Well… You see, the fanservice levels have all come within expectations. As such, it no longer becomes a surprise to me. I mean, what are they going to show, actual sex scenes and penetration?! I don’t think so. Therefore the delicious fanservice you could say, I have expected them to be delivered as per expected. And of course this is all thanks to my recent stint watching that shocking ecchi Nukitashi series. Now ecchi animes have got to do better than that if they want to stimulate my libido! I don’t know if that has done me any good or worse off. But seeing all the topless big breasted girls shove their boobs up Yuuki’s face as well as showcasing-cum-teasing their sexy panties, I just don’t, uhm, feel it anymore! Yeah, it is such a waste now because even if there are more girls and more sexy shenanigans, I’m afraid I have grown immune to it…

This season introduces more characters and among them are the rest of the squadron leaders that did not make their due appearance in the first season. As said, Himari getting a bit more of the limelight in the first half because of her strange family tradition to find the next household head. So we get to see weirder and sexier b*tches from her side. Yes, there are some plain elder aunties and I am sure that these boring women won’t get a chance to score in Yuuki’s pants! Baseless rumour from me but my guts sure tell me that Homare, Maia and even Tovera have a good chance of getting up close and personal with Yuuki than these Azuma aunties that look more masculine than feminine.

Yuuki really being the ‘star’ of this season because suddenly they realize he can be loaned out. In order words, Yuuki whoring himself. Oh yeah. There’s your sleazy reason so as to have various fanservice creativity with various other girls. Like they say, sharing is caring. Although many won’t get bored seeing Yuuki being recycled among the 7th squadron girls, it will soon hit saturation point if we don’t provide more variation. That is why the rest of the other squadron commanders are introduced so that in the future, we can have more variety of sexy scenes disguised in the form of Yuuki’s reward. Yeah, Yuuki being the greatest manwhore in DDF. So much wanted that even the Eight Thunder Gods covet him. I wonder if his dick is made out of steel or something like that!!! HAHAHA!!! Sighs. So empowering, no?

Of course you think that sharing Yuuki around in the name to help humanity is a noble effort. But eventually Yuuki needs to realize that he is still a man and the only one for him is Kyouka. Yes, Kyouka x Yuuki combo will eventually be the most lethal and powerful no matter which other girls he gets loaned out too. Am I right? Right. So even if Kyouka approves of prostituting, oops I mean loaning Yuuki out in the name of getting stronger, eventually this guy will go back to the original girl he loves. Yeah. After Yuuki’s taming of Ren, strangely this Supreme Commander somewhat takes a backseat. I thought she was going to show Yuuki his place? Maybe it is not the time yet. Last episode’s final scene shows she has not forgotten about it nor is she ready to let it go. Be careful, Yuuki. And one thing I noticed, do you not notice the striking resemblance between Ren and Fukuma? They also sound the same… Oh gosh, could Fukuma be her evil twin or is Ren a double agent for Eight Thunder Gods! Gasp! Uh oh…

I don’t know if there is some political motivation but it boggles a lot of mind with the appearance of a failed would have been US president. Most probably as a joke but I guess many would lose their minds if Donald Trump was featured! F*cking hell, I’m waiting for some parties to blame Japanese interference for the loss of her presidency that year! Forget about Russian collusion or Chinese spies or Iranian sleeper cells, it is Japanese anime f*cking awesomeness that derailed your presidency chances! F*ck yeah!!! And now I dread that we have to see more of her face in the next season since DDF is going to collaborate with real world leaders. Hope her tenure has ended by then…

Sadly with all that has happened this season, many of the characters from the first season felt a lot negligible. Yeah, I think I have even forgotten the names of some of the lesser ones! Sorry, no sexy time with Yuuki = don’t remember who the f*ck you are! How despicable of me. Anyway, this includes Aoba whom I thought have been shoved to the side-lines so much that I thought she was close to never existed in the first place. Even when she came to Yuuki’s aid during his fight against Kuusetsu, I felt it was forced and that she didn’t really do much. Sure, not wanting to overshadow Kyouka x Yuuki relationship thingy but it is hard to imagine that Aoba and her little merry band of Shuuki girls were the main antagonists in the first season. Even Tenka felt a lot missing for the most part and the series missing that sort of sexy oomph without her brazen flirty antics. This means Shushu and Nei are close to being forgettable and I wonder if Shushu dreaming of sexy time with Yuuki is her only means to be remembered this season. Well, keep dreaming.

Action wise, all still passable and nothing really exciting for me this season either. Now that Yuuki has paired up with many other girls outside his squadron, he gets a little bit more power up and abilities added to his arsenal. Even that ultimate heavenly combo with Kyouka seems pretty generic and boring. I mean, it is the ultimate trump card and it has to be the most powerful move of all moves, right? Right. There is also less fighting with the usual Shuuki monsters this season considering the story arcs featured here. I guess when you have upgraded yourself, you can’t always be fighting low level Shuuki forever. Now you fight with God level enemies! We’ll see if Yuuki can control whatever dark forces inside him whenever he is under control by Ren. So, if the ability Yuuki takes on in his slave form reflects the girl he is whoring with, does this mean Ren is actually a darker person than we know? Hmm…

Art and animation remain consistent with last season and nothing extraordinary better. Got to keep the same consistent quality even for the fanservice scenes which I think those bare tits are enough to keep horny guys satisfied. Heh. That includes the mediocre CGI reserved for the Shuuki monsters. Although, I think they discarded that atrocious CGI of Nei they used in the previous season for the next episode preview. This time a chibi 2D animated version of the series’ girls as they showcase us not the clips of the next episode but sexy tantalizing fanservice pictures of the girls. Bet those pics are enough to have you little pups follow them like Pied Piper leading the rats! For the record, this season is animated by a new studio. Taking over from Seven Arcs, this season is jointly done by Passione and Hayabusa Film who have jointly done a couple of animes together like Nukitashi, Hitoribocchi No Isekai Kouryaku and Katainaka No Ossan.

With last season’s seiyuus retained, the new ones joining include Kana Hanazawa as Ren and Fukuma (oh no! I’m having conspiracy theories they are the same person! Ren is a f*cking spy!!!), Ami Koshimizu as Kuusetsu, Shiori Izawa as Tovera (why did I mistake her as Naomi Oozora?), Yukana as Fubuki, Yuuna Nemoto as Homare, Kaori Maeda as Maia, Ai Fairouz as Mira, Fuuka Izumi as Yakumo, Kana Ichinose as Konomi, Anna Yamaki as Kaiko, Hina Kino as Saki, Manaka Iwami as Bell, Minami Tsuda as Jakuun, Manami Numakura as Naruhime and the best f*cking surprise of the lot, MAMIKO NOTO AS TAIKYOKU!!! F*CK YEAH!!! I HAVE BEEN GREATLY REWARDED WATCHING HIS SLEAZY SEASON!!!

Akari Kitou reprises her role to sing the opening theme this season. However, Hikari Yo Boku Ni sounds like it has similar vibes as the first season’s opener. Edgy rock music but still comes off as generic and boring. Kana Hanazawa trying to show off her singing chops with the first ending theme, Cipher Cipher. However I am not impressed as her voice sounds weak compared to the rock music that seems to drown out her voice that doesn’t seem to fit anywhere. It’s not cute, it’s not flirty, it’s not even her wicked style. It’s like she’s confused and thus her singing comes off as meek. So as not to let DDF hog all the limelight, that is why for the second half, the Eight Thunder Gods take the limelight for the second ending theme, Love Love Beam by Maaya Uchida (ironically she is Tenka’s seiyuu – I better not come up with dumb conspiracy theories that she is on the Eight Thunder Gods’ side! Because having the Ren theory is already bad enough!). This rock piece has naughty, sexy and sultry vibes and comparatively it sounds better than the other songs here. It must be me as I think I heard this tune somewhere but couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

Overall, my sentiments for this season remains somewhat the same as the first. Mediocre. Sorry, Mamiko Noto’s cameo is not a reason to give overall higher points. The only real reason to watch the second season is only because you cannot get enough of the fanservice of the first season and you require more of the same sexy shenanigans without resorting to real hentai. Yeah. Even if this season makes Yuuki feels a lot cheaper because he is whoring himself out to other girls and all of them loving it, it makes him a loser because he loans himself out to other girls, in the bigger picture, it is Yuuki who is the bigger winner. Because he gets to sleep with all these sexy babes and it is actually these girls who are whoring themselves to him! Think about it! As the saying goes, a key that can unlock many locks is a good key. But if a lock can be unlocked by many keys, it is a bad lock. However in this case, there are so many of the same locks that is unlocked by the same key so uhm, master key system? Isn’t this empowering? I don’t know, I have not degenerated so much yet because I can still take in another season. Bring it on. Yeah, after all that is said, I still really love all the degeneracy shown.

Kiss Wa Hitomi Ni Shite

Dreams were much simpler in the older days. I think. Back then, all girls ever dreamed of was for their Prince Charming to come sweep them off their feet and have a very romantic kiss. I think. Heh. Don’t ask me because I was never that Prince Charming. What the hell am I saying… Anyway, stumbling upon the curious Kiss Wa Hitomi Ni Shite, this heroine dreamt of kissing her Prince Charming the night before and it’s like God decided to play a prank and grant her that wish. Yup, that dreamy Prince Charming is the new transfer student in her class. F*ck yeah! Make it double the fun because he is living with her too! Holy f*ck! Can her heart take it? Can her love survive? I hope in the end this is all not just a f*cking dream!!!

It started with a kiss…
Hope that dream of kissing Prince Charming on a white steed is worth it. Because Ibuki Morisato wakes up late for her first day at high school! She rushes and good thing she skips breakfast because she might even miss the train. Got on board in time. Phew. She makes it to class in time and well, can’t help daydream about her Prince Charming. Guess what? She must be pinching herself because suddenly that prince of her dreams is the new transfer student, Naoto Ebisu! Probably she bragged to her friends about this prince because now they’re teasing her about this prince. She tries to talk to him but it seems he blames her for being late too? Poor Ibuki. She thinks Prince Charming hates her. Yeah, they quip she is not made to be a princess after all! Best friends. However to her shock, Naoto invites her to walk home together. Oh yeah! Love back on track.

So as they walk home together, Ibuki fantasizing and happy her whole dream may come true. Be careful where you’re going because… Oh… Too late… You stepped on dog poo! Worsening her woes further, Naoto laughs about it! So much for Prince Charming. When they reach Ibuki’s home, she thought it is the end but eh? Naoto also walks in? What do you mean Naoto also lives here?! You see, their dads are best friends and with Naoto’s dad moving to Canada for work, Naoto will be living here for a while. Mom tried to tell Ibuki about it this morning but she was sleeping in and when she woke up, she rushed herself to school. Worse, Naoto calls her a criminal. Why? When Naoto came to greet her mom this morning, because the breakfast was burning, mom told him to go wake up Ibuki. So he did. Guess what happened? She was dreaming about kissing Prince Charming and actually kissed Naoto! Holy f*ck! Although it was both their first kiss, Naoto brushes it off as bad luck and this doesn’t count. You bet Ibuki is not happy about it.

Ibuki’s friends are here to study but they rather flirt with Naoto. Yeah. Ibuki then picks up a call from a woman asking for Naoto. She assumes this is his girlfriend. So much about that. Later as Ibuki cleans his room, he finds a photo of a beautiful lady, Izumi Kawahara. Wow. This must be his cute girlfriend, huh? Obviously she compares herself to her. Yeah, you’re way out of her league! Have they kissed too? Hmm… In school as Ibuki discusses this with her friends, they notice Hiromi Nitta eavesdropping their conversation. Not good. They believe this guy is gay so and has hots for Naoto. Better be careful, Ibuki.

One morning, Ibuki decides to tail Naoto who is going to meet his girlfriend. However mom has her do some errands and even walk Naoto’s dog, Eve. Tailing gonna be harder now. Ibuki sees Naoto meet with his girl. Wow. She is even much prettier than in the photo. Eventually Eve goes to her master and this gives Ibuki away. Oops. Girlfriend invites Ibuki to come along with them. Eh? Wouldn’t she be in the way? With Naoto says she has nothing to do with it, this makes Ibuki jealous so hell yeah, she’ll be coming. Turns out this ‘date’ is a visit to Izumi’s grave. Oh man. What?! This girl is Izumi’s older sister and Izumi died in a traffic accident. Naoto has been visiting her grave every month and probably feels she is alive. When they return home, Ibuki feeling guilty for jumping to conclusions. She tries to apologize but did Naoto (wo)manhandle her? Be careful! Almost stepped on another dog poo! This has Ibuki note he is strong. Well, he used to play American football when he was in USA. He wants to play it again so Ibuki suggests starting a club. And just like that, Naoto recruits some of his classmates and Ibuki is the cheerleader. Among the friends who join include Nitta. Because he blushes at Naoto’s acceptance, this has everyone really think he is gay for him. And so American football club is on. But damn, is it me or are these scrawny guys really fit to play that game?! I mean, look at them! None have the size, honestly speaking!

One evening, Ibuki notices Naoto looking frantically for Eve who has gone missing. Ibuki believes doggie will come back when it’s hungry but that is not good enough for Naoto. You see, it was Izumi who picked up Eve. Something similar happened. Izumi was looking for Eve and got into an accident. Oh. History repeating itself? Ibuki thinks Eve will be at the grave. And they really find Eve there. OMG. Is this a Hachiko moment? The way Ibuki interacts with Eve, this scene is familiar to how Izumi interacted with Eve. Is Naoto having a moment? He hugs both of them and is thankful they are safe.

One night, Ibuki picks up a phone call from Naoto’s mom. She has been trying to convince her son to come over to Canada and now he has made up his mind. This devastates Ibuki because that guy never said anything about leaving. Yeah, she holes herself in her room all depressed. You sure you wanna waste precious time not being with Naoto? Next day at school, Ibuki spots Nitta talking to Naoto. It seems Nitta is asking for Naoto’s permission to date Ibuki because he actually likes her! Well, who is Naoto to object, right? Nitta soon realizes Ibuki heard this and tries to tell her but she apologizes. Sorry, can’t think about that right now. Well, at least it doesn’t sound like an outright rejection.

Ibuki and Naoto have a chance to talk. She wonders if Izumi is the reason he is leaving. He admits back then, she looked like her for a second. Apparently that’s not the right answer so she screams she hates him and just go away. Okay then. I’ll just go and be out of your life. For some reasons, she runs to the top of the pedestrian bridge and starts calling him names, blaming him for ruining her first kiss. How dare you dismiss it as bad luck! Even more WTF moment because Naoto runs right into the middle of the street! YES! IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUSY STREET WHERE CARS ARE STILL MOVING! JUST TO HAVE A F*CKING NAME CALLING ARGUMENT WITH HER!!! OMFG!!! WHAT DAFAQ, YOU GUYS!!! That is also when he admits he is in love with her. More name calling before they move aside to get closer to each other so that Ibuki can also confess she loves him. She hopes he will come back soon. They hug and as they are about to kiss, he kisses her eye and promises to be back.

Kiss And Say Goodbye
Eh? What? Uhm… Oh well… I should have known better about single OVAs like this one. The ending leaves us in such an unsatisfying way that once again I am going to say that this 1993 half an hour OVA is more of a promotion and exposure to go find and read the source manga. Yup, if you are already hooked and interested to find out more, feel free to go read that source material, which is a short one by the way, lasting for only 10 volumes. This OVA did its job to get you curious. But for the rest of us who don’t read the manga or can’t even find it, we’ll be left hanging forever wondering whatever happened to the couple. But oh well, at least the OVA had the decency to end with the couple assuring their love for each other before parting. So even if the ending felt somewhat incomplete, at least in this context it had a happy ending.

What else more can I say about this series? It is a typical shoujo genre and even if the plot and characters sound outdated and generic, I believe fans of this genre will never get old of this. After all, like I have already pointed out, this OVA was just promotional and advertisement material so everything we saw here was just the setting up. Therefore it might feel out of place and redundant that this Nitta guy had a crush on Ibuki but I guess this is to have some sort of love triangle later on when Naoto is away or when he comes back. It’s not like this nerdy looking guy has given up, right? With Izumi’s death, veterans can see from across the sea that the power of love is going to play a very important role in having Naoto move on. Oh you know it already. He can’t move on or love Ibuki because he is being held back by the ghost of his dead girlfriend. And Ibuki (and pet mascot Eve!) will help him overcome all that with the power of love! How wonderful. Even if Naoto is not the perfect Prince Charming that Ibuki envisioned him at the start, we all know that the power of love will bust through all that because one’s flaws makes you perfect and she will love him for who he is. Hey, it is love, it doesn’t have to make sense, dammit!

Art and animation are pretty basic and even if it is reeking early 90’s anime style, honestly it just looks plain. I mean, even hot guys like Naoto and cute girls like Ibuki are just looking average. I’m not saying the quality is even bad but I might be watching VHS version so the colours and hues look somewhat mundane and uhm, faded? Yeah, and to think that Madhouse animated this obscure OVA. Yes, that Madhouse who brought us Death Note, One Punch Man, Overlord, Highschool Of The Dead, Sousou No Frieren and other popular titles you may have watched over the years.

For the voice acting, sounds pretty normal to me but I was surprised to find Megumi Hayashibara as Ibuki. But then again, I shouldn’t as I personally felt she was almost everywhere in the 90’s. Ibuki panicking sure reminded me of female Ranma sometimes. The other shocking seiyuu is Takehito Koyasu as Nitta. Yes, it is this guy. He sure sounds gay enough too in contrary to badass Jojo-like roles. And to think I will not be further surprised but damn, even Ikue Ohtani had a role here as one of Ibuki’s friends?! Not exactly Chopper or Pikachu’s trademark squeaky voice and could’ve missed her if I didn’t scan the credits.

I find the songs amusing. Sung by The 5 Teardrops, the insert song of Come Back My Love sounds like retro jazzy pop and quite to my liking. Just that the singer’s voice makes it sound so gay! But I can’t bring myself to hate it! Even the ending theme, Kiss Wa Me Ni Shite Poo has the same gay vibes! Yeah I love that retro rock n roll tune mixed with the jazzy vibes. But to my confusion, I was shocked that Beethoven wrote this song?! WHAT THE HELL?! IS HE STILL ALIVE OR WHAT?! I had to do double and triple takes to make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me. Yes, that f*cking legendary German composer Ludwig Van Beethoven was partly credited in writing the song. Well, that is because there is a considerable stretch in the song that samples one of Beethoven’s famous compositions, Fur Elise. Ah… Still can’t hate this one either.

Overall, rather another okay retro OVA anime to me and nothing that special. It’s not like it was one of the greatest masterpiece of the romance genre of the era nor is it such a crappy garbage either. Of course the only downside is that if you just watch the OVA alone, you might feel incomplete and have a few questions hanging around your head and never have them answered lest you go read the manga. Otherwise, do girls nowadays dream of a simple Prince Charming on a white steed sweeping them off their feet with a romantic kiss? Well, I believe they want their ‘princes’ to come loaded with cash, fast car, credit card, huge luxury mansion, a big yacht, fame, status, symbol and a whole lot more. Wow. Girls these days are so demanding. Oh sorry, those aren’t girls. Those are freaking gold diggers!

Gnosia

Oh gosh. They made an anime literally out of that Among Us game? Yup. Gnosia definitely reeks all the where, who and sus from that popular online social deduction multiplayer game. Oh heck, this series is actually adapted from the 2019 visual novel game of the same name. Not an imposter! Right before that infamous lockdown period made that online game pretty famous. So if you don’t know this game format that is based on the old Werewolf game, to simply put it, a group of surviving crew members on a spaceship must smoke out evil titular aliens masquerading as humans before they kill all the real humans on board. Be prepared to trust no one and sus everybody. Imposter alert! Getting para-gnosia, eh? HAHAHA!!! Bad pun makes me sus…

Episode 1
Yuri is awakened from his cold sleep in the sick bay by Setsu as she poses a question if mankind deserves to be erased from the universe. However Yuri does not remember anything so she explains that their ship took off from Liu-An for another planet. However at this rate they cannot get clearance to land until the issue at hand is solved. Meeting the rest of the other crewmates, SQ, Jina and Racio, they start accusing the other of Gnosia and talking about voting. Yuri is at a lost so before the next meeting begins, Setsu requests the ship’s AI, LeVi to give them more time to talk to Yuri and explain. Setsu begins that the ship was attacked by Gnosia infectees when they left Liu-An. As Yuri was gravely injured, he was quickly put into a medical pod for healing. Unfortunately, nobody has any idea on mankind’s greatest enemy AKA Gnosia because those who come into contact with them will be infected. Be warned, act like humans and will lie to protect their identity. LeVi has been administering the ship during this crisis and has detected a Gnosia on board. Based on protocol, LeVi is to cease navigation and self-destruct but due to circumstances that all inhabitants of this vessel are refugees from Liu-An, LeVi agreed to postpone self-destruction and they play that werewolf game in which the one receiving the most votes will be sent to cold sleep. One by one. Until LeVi does not detect Gnosia’s presence, this process continues. Uhm, why not just put all to cold sleep? Unless you tell me Gnosia is immune to that and if so, doesn’t that point out the culprit? Yuri still thinks this is a bad dream and wants everyone to survive. But it is time to vote. Racio receives the most votes and is put to sleep. But LeVi still detects Gnosia on board. So it’s a miss. Before the next warp, Setsu shows Yuri their Liu-An planet as Yuri have a feeling they might have known each other. Then SQ comes to Yuri’s room to tease and flirt with him. Once warp is over, looks like Jina is dead. It boils down to the trio. Setsu and SQ suspect each other so it is now all on Yuri’s shoulder as the decider. Eventually he votes for Setsu but she doesn’t blame him but herself for not being convincing enough. Before she enters cold sleep, she gives him a cube. He feels something strange after absorbing it as Setsu says he now has the power to transcend death. He also has a chance to escape here although it will be a long journey. Once Setsu goes into cold sleep, LeVi still detects a Gnosia as SQ shows her true colours! Bad end! Imposter wins! But suddenly things reset and Yuri is back to the point he is awakened from his cold sleep by Setsu?

Episode 2
Yuri realizes he is back at the beginning. A loop. He tells Setsu that her cube works but obviously she doesn’t know what he is talking about. Bringing Yuri back to the meeting, Yuri realizes everything is heading in the same direction because Racio is trying to accuse Yuri as the Gnosia for being suspicious. Yuri then voices that SQ is the suspicious one and this has Setsu and Jina siding with him. Of course Racio continues to suspect Yuri so it is all back to square one. As she further accuses Setsu and Yuri of being close, this has Setsu admit she is Yuri’s lover. Although it is just a spiritual connection. Meeting is over so it is voting time. However majority votes this time goes to Setsu. Before she is placed into cold sleep, Yuri talks to Setsu about SQ being the Gnosia and that he is experiencing the loop. Setsu believes him but all she can do is to advise him not to stand out because it basically makes him more suspicious. The more you give others a reason to suspect, the more you’ll be at a disadvantage. Some take it as a sign of admission of guilt. Her final piece of advice: Don’t trust anyone. After Setsu goes into cold sleep, looks like Gnosia is still around. Yuri then talks to Jina but with Setsu’s words still fresh on his mind, she suggests doing space work in pairs as this is one way to build trust. Jina explains her origins from Earth and all. With that, both trust each other. Then as Jina shows him around the place, Racio comes by to mock them because Gnosia may still get them during the warp. How could he forget about this part? Yuri then talks to Racio about the loop and SQ being Gnosia. However Racio laughs it off as there are some species who can actually time travel. Even so, when going back in time, it does not guarantee the same outcome as like in the future, there are also countless possibilities in the past. So is SQ the Gnosia this time? When Yuri asks if Jina is human, she answers yes. But he feels a strange aura. After the warp, Racio has been done in. A meeting between the trio. Now to vote. Who to trust? The results show SQ will be put to cold sleep. After that, Yuri praying so hard for this nightmare to end. Sorry boy, Jina is the Gnosia! Imposter wins! Again! Yuri wakes back up in another loop. He thought things are going to be the same again but wait, who these few new characters?!

Episode 3
Meet Shigemichi the alien and Stella who seems to be in love with Yuri. With 7 people now, here is the other twist: There are 2 Gnosia among us! During the meeting, the outspoken Racio as always suspects Yuri. After all the deliberation, it is Racio who is sent to cold sleep. Now lies therein the problem: They do not know if Racio is human or Gnosia. If there are actually 2 of them, things will be harder to work with. Shigemichi has Yuri join in to eat noodles made by Jina. Then they go visit Stella as Shigemichi notes she is in love with Yuri because he saved her at Liu-An. Shigemichi likes Stella and wanted to save her but Yuri did it first. Shigemichi tries to impress Stella but she ignores him and only interacts with Yuri. After the warp, Setsu gets done in. As they deliberate, Yuri thinks hard on how to spot a Gnosia. First, he asks all if they are human. Kinda weird for Shigemichi to say he is one! Anyway, Jina seems to give off this weird aura when she lies. This makes Yuri certain she is lying. However with the rest not convinced as they suspect others, it is time to vote. In a narrowest margin, Shigemichi goes into cold sleep. Well… You lose again because Stella is the Gnosia! And yes, Jina is the other Gnosia. In the next restart, same 7 casts and 2 Gnosia. But 1 Engineer? A human having this Engineer tag can access the database and during the warp, they can determine if that person is human or Gnosia with 100% accuracy. Yuri is the Engineer although Racio claims she is. Both start arguing as Yuri must prove it that Racio is the liar and definitely Gnosia. After the meeting, the vote has decided Racio to go into cold sleep. Before the warp, Yuri contemplates in using his Engineer to find the Gnosia and has LeVi do him a favour. After the warp, Jina is dead. Yuri points out Shigemichi is Gnosia. He learns Racio and Shigemichi both voted for him and they orchestrated this beforehand to drive Yuri to a corner but the plan backfired. But if Shigemichi was it, would it not make sense for him to eliminate Yuri? Because Shigemichi found out Jina was the only one voted against him and at that point he did not realize Yuri knew he was the Gnosia yet. Yuri is adamant he will vote this alien. Shigemichi is put to cold sleep and finally for the first time they win! GNOSIA ELIMINATED! VICTORY AT LAST! But wait! Yuri restarting again?! Is something missing?!

Episode 4
This time we have a new character, Yuriko. She is a shrine maiden and she acts really weird. In the meeting, Yuri notices Jina is missing and when he asks, it seems none know who she is. Yuriko her replacement? With only 1 Gnosia infiltrated, Yuri ponders about this. He was motivated to get out of the loop but even after getting it correct, he still loops. So what’s the meaning of doing this? Yuriko points out to Shigemichi as the most suspicious and because of that, all vote for him to cold sleep. Yuri observes she holds the most influence and wonders if she knows anything more about him. She talks in strange riddles as Yuri contemplates whether to answer her or not. He is left feeling strange when their conversation ends. During the warp, Yuri gets killed by the Gnosia who is Racio. Waking up at the start, it seems Setsu knows about his looping. She too has this cube called Silver Key. It is actually a life form that embeds itself into humans. Both Yuri and Setsu have been looping but across different timelines. While Yuri is on his 5th loop, Setsu has already gone over 100 times! The point is to fill up Silver Key with knowledge. To do so, hence the loop to collect info. It seems if you fill it with info you know from the previous loop, it will not work. Silver Key needs new info and to learn about humans on a deeper level. Once it is filled, Silver Key will leave its host for another dimension. That is why it is important they talk and mingle with the rest just to gain more knowledge. The longer you survive, the more chances talking to others. Yuri is motivated to do this but Setsu throws him a question why she never told him she was also looping. Why? Because there’s a chance he may be a Gnosia but she knows he is human this time. Because Setsu reveals she is the Gnosia! During the warp, SQ was eliminated. During the meeting, Yuriko casting her suspicions on Yuri but Setsu defends him. During the vote, Yuri is in a dilemma to pick Setsu. Because of that, Stella gets cold sleep. Later Setsu talks to Yuri about not voting her despite being told so. He asks back about her defending him during the meeting. Setsu wanted to know what he would do if he knew she was a Gnosia. Yuri doesn’t thinks she is so because a Gnosia wouldn’t admit it. But he wants her to kill him during the warp to atone for Stella. Setsu wants him to promise her to do his best in all the loops even if she is most suspicious. All for the sake of breaking the loop. Setsu keeps her promise by eliminating Yuri. So she’s really the Gnosia.

Episode 5
In the next loop, we have a couple of new characters. Meet Chipie who has a cat attached to his neck and Comet. Before the meeting starts, it is confirmed that there are 2 Gnosia and 1 Engineer among the 8 casts. Both Stella and Yuriko claim they are the Engineer. This confirms that one of them is lying and the Gnosia. Racio explaining why to refrain voting either 1 of them because they have 50% risk of losing the real Engineer. As Gnosia doesn’t attack their own, if they lose the Engineer, it will confirm that person to be human and the other to be Gnosia. When voting is done, Jina is the one who gets the cold sleep. As they ponder why she got voted, it is probably because she doesn’t talk much. That would make everyone think she is observing and thus suspicious. So, you talk too much or don’t talk too much, you get sus. Yuri learns Chipie works on a cargo ship and got mixed up during the evacuation. He helped Comet get to stow away. Yuri learns Comet has weird microorganisms all over her body. From her planet, many kids are left alone to see who survives. The microorganisms serve as a mould that allows them to travel and go out but if it devours your body, you die. During the warp, Racio dies and it is evident she talked too much. In the meeting, Setsu reveals she is a Doctor. This ability allows her to check the status of those in cold sleep and she confirms that Jina is human. This means with 2 Gnosia on board, if they vote the wrong one to cold sleep, it is game over. Stella announces that Chipie is the Gnosia while Yuriko announces Setsu is human. Yuri now starts his deductions and based the hypothesis if either one was true, both proved Setsu is human. He believes the suspicious one is Yuriko. After getting her to explain why she picked to examine Setsu, Yuri finds her answers to be too complete. Like as though she was prepared it beforehand to avoid risk of singling herself out as Gnosia. He also explains the reason Yuriko’s choices that would have made enemies that would vote against her. Yuriko is voted to put to cold sleep and before she does, she warns Yuri that she believes there are many versions of them in other parallel timelines. She knows they will meet again. After that, Chipie reveals himself to be the Gnosia because with Yuriko gone, Stella’s accusation is true, right? Chipie volunteers to go into cold sleep. With that, Gnosia threat is gone. Yuri wakes up in a new loop. More new characters.

Episode 6
We’ve got this cowboy dude, Jonas and a mute flower girl, Kukrushka. In the meeting, looks like the whole cast is here. 12 members. 3 Gnosia. 1 Engineer. 1 Doctor. 1 Guardian Angel. One who can protect any 1 crew they choose from Gnosia attack during the warp. Guardian Angel cannot protect themselves. Obviously no one is going to step up as the Guardian Angel because by doing so, Gnosia will definitely target that person. Yuri is the Guardian Angel. Kukrushka and Comet both claim they are Doctor while Yuriko and Shigemichi both claim they are Engineer. Somebody is lying. After deliberating and since it is hard to get everyone to agree, Stella volunteers to be put into cold sleep since doing so won’t put humans into disadvantage yet. With Stella in cold sleep, Jonas who is the ship’s captain tells Yuri that Stella is a combat maid sent to look after him. But back in his room, LeVi warns Yuri not to pay too much heed to Jonas as he has been deemed insane by the federation. As Yuri figures out who to protect, he needs to think like a Gnosia and protect the real Engineer. After the warp, surprisingly nobody is killed! This means he protected the right person who is Kukrushka. This means Comet is a Gnosia, Yuriko is human and that Shigemichi is the Gnosia. Both Doctors confirm Stella is human. With Kukrushka claiming Comet is Gnosia, Comet panics and claim Yuri is Gnosia. Yuri knows it is not time to panic so he plays it cool. This makes Comet further panic as she demands everyone to believe her. Her Gnosia aura slipping out? Because of that Comet gets voted into cold sleep. When Kukrushka goes to talk to Yuri, he thinks she is still suspicious of him. He then reveals his secret as Guardian Angel and as the one who protected her. He hopes he can help her find the last Gnosia. However Racio spots this tryst. During the warp, Setsu gets killed. Because Racio hints to Yuri, he realizes she is the final Gnosia. The issue is convincing the rest. However Yuri starts to sip when he cannot convince the rest that Kukrushka is the real Engineer. He only knows because of his Guardian Angel role. That is when Racio claims she is the Guardian Angel who protected Comet on the first day and look where it got her. She then shows a photo of Yuri and Kukrushka’s tryst. Yuri now in full blown panic claims he is the Guardian Angel who protected Kukrushka. However this panic state earns him the cold sleep. You lose. Next loop, who the heck this dolphin?!

Episode 7
Meet Otome the dolphin who thinks she is human. There’s also Remnan who isn’t very good at talking. Other casts on board this time include Jonas, Jina, Stella, Shigemichi and Setsu. Oh, there is one more: Sha-ming. It seems he is holing himself in his room and won’t come out no matter what. Yuri and Setsu go to talk to him as he remains stubborn. Go do your meeting and voting without me. When they threaten him, he dares them to just vote him and put him to cold sleep. They return to the rest as they deliberate on voting Sha-ming because if the day ends without anyone being put to cold sleep, it is considered a breach of contract and LeVi will self-destruct the ship. Stella suggests a key to open his door but it is in some storage she needs to find. Shigemichi wants to help but she refuses. Later the rest hear Shigemichi crying his heart out about his love for Stella. Some explanation that Shigemichi’s skin is actually some artificially implant. Although Stella thought he never should have undergone it, had he not, she wouldn’t have met him in this new form. That’s when he started falling for her. Otome suggests he talk to Stella directly. But she’s always with Jonas. Can he? Well, Shigemichi goes talk to Stella but she dismisses him. Sad. As Jonas who just returned with Stella’s key that it still won’t open Sha-ming’s room, Shigemichi issues a direct challenge to him over Stella. Challenge accepted. Not sure what crappy game they are playing but Remnan is noting a great fight between 2 extraordinary players! In the end, Shigemichi loses. Jonas praises him for the fight and he only won because of his awakening as Gnosia. Eh? Did he just confess?! And with that, Jonas is sent to cold sleep.

Shigemichi talks to Stella that she is freed from Jonas and wants to start out as friends. Unfortunately she still rejects him. Another round of him crying over drinks. Later, Stella shows Yuri and Setsu a letter from Shigemichi. They wonder if she hates him that much but that is when she reveals that nobody has realized that her body is just a vessel for LeVi. She is just an AI terminal to communicate with others especially Jonas who is stuck in the past and doesn’t understand about AI. As Jonas also spouts human stuffs she doesn’t understand, this is why she believes she isn’t fit to enter into relationships. But Yuri notes that he has seen her being affected by Gnosia elsewhere. As they believe she is human, Stella soon accepts Shigemichi’s friendship offer. Alien guy so happy. But no hugging. Starting off as friends, remember? Remnan who is also somewhat AI himself can tell that this will work out. After the warp, Jina gets done in. Once again, Yuri and Setsu going to get Sha-ming out of his room. This time Otome giving her views. Still stubborn, Setsu has had it and if Sha-ming refuses to act like a human, he better just open the airlock and suck himself out to space. Because everyone on this ship are dreaming about their future and their lives depend on it. She will not allow that to be lost just because someone chose to be selfish. With that Sha-ming opens his door (which he kept it shut using a pipe). Sha-ming shockingly reveals he is a Gnosia and that’s why he told them to just vote him out in the first place. Sha-ming gets cold sleep as Otome thinks he is a good person.

Episode 8
So we pretty much know how the game works now, right? Now with 15 people on board, 4 are Gnosia. A brief summary stating Comet being put into cold sleep and then Stella got attacked during the warp. Next for the cold sleep was Shigemichi before Jonas getting done in. Then there is the role of Guard Duty who are guaranteed human. Kukrushka and Remnan are those. Yeah, it’s getting more complicating! Chipie is the Engineer claiming Setsu is Gnosia. She likewise suspects him as Gnosia. Both Jina and Racio claims they are Doctors and both investigated Shigemichi. However Racio says he is human but Jina claims he is Gnosia. Yeah, it’s really getting confusing. With Sha-ming making snarky comments, Kukrushka thinks he is most suspicious. Because of that, Sha-ming is voted next for cold sleep. However he begs for a chance to let him go this time. So uhm, they did? Because they chose someone based on sketchy reasons? I thought LeVi would blow them up if none were put into cold sleep?! Have the rules changed?! While Yuri believes they will just loop again, Setsu notes it is only for them. For the rest, this is their only world. Remnan talks to Yuri and it seems he is afraid of Kukrushka. When she plays with him, Remnan experiences some sort of trauma. Yuriko talks to Yuri, hinting that even if Kukrushka is not Gnosia, she may be something else. During the warp, Yuriko dies. Before Chipie makes his report, Racio suggests putting him to cold sleep. Yuri seems to agree with this because Shigemichi was the other one claiming to be the Engineer. Since he was put into cold sleep into early leaving Chipie as the only Engineer, if he is Gnosia, he may freely manipulate info. If that’s the case, Chipie also wants special treatment like Sha-ming. Kukrushka suggests all get cold sleep except Guard Duty. Remnan is against this but since they broke the rules yesterday, Setsu notes this is the only way to restore order. Yuri is rudely awakened by Remnan from his cold sleep. He is telling him to escape because Kukrushka is killing everyone!!! Is she on Terminator mode?! Not even Gnosia would do this! Eventually only Yuri and Remnan are alive as they try to escape via a pod. Remnan is unsure about Kukrushka because he explains he was someone’s pet-cum-property before. He was toyed around and eventually ran away. But no matter how far he ran or hid, his owner still comes after him. Kukrushka exhibits the same traits. Time’s up. Kukrushka has found them. In the next loop, Yuri wakes up with Comet welcoming him to Gnosia world!

Episode 9
Well, Yuri is also Gnosia like Comet! The other Gnosia is Sha-ming. Comet admits she isn’t good in lying so Yuri remembers Setsu’s words about playing his role to his best ability. Yeah, he is going to be a Gnosia. In the meeting, there are 10 people with 3 of them Gnosia. SQ and Comet both admit they are Engineer. Setsu has everyone speak up to admit if they are human. Obviously everyone says they are. Including Otome. In the end, Jina is voted to cold sleep and she is relieved because she doesn’t have to worry about being attacked by Gnosia. She’d rather take her own life than be eliminated by Gnosia. Before the warp, SQ visits Yuri to thank him for covering her. As she flirts with him, he ponders on getting her as the real Engineer on their side. But she leaves seeing he warns both might be Gnosia. When warp begins, time stops for Gnosia. The Gnosia trio meet up to discuss who to eliminate. They think Otome as it would be cruel for her to let her go back to some lab. Using their powers, they turn Otome into nothing. They ponder if not knowing to be eliminated like this is crueller than knowing you are going to be killed. Sha-ming says he will play the Doctor in the next meeting. Comet worries about lying so Yuri asks if she really wants to win. Comet mentions about her conditions of growing up as a kid on her planet. That’s why if she got out, she wanted to explore the universe. Yuri promises if they take over this ship, they can explore it together.

In the meeting, Setsu claims she is a Doctor. With Sha-ming proclaiming likewise, he says Jina is Gnosia but Setsu’s diagnose says she is human. This confirms one of them is lying. SQ reports Setsu is human. As for Comet, she follows Yuri’s advice to pick one of the humans so technically she isn’t lying. But she picks Setsu as human. But now everyone is on the edge because both Engineers claim the same person as human. This leads to everyone suspecting Sha-ming as Gnosia. Sha-ming panics and pleads for forgiveness but they send him to cold sleep. During the warp, Comet feels bad over her wrong choice but Yuri blames himself for not being specific. Yuri thinks they can still turn this to their advantage. After Shigemichi is eliminated, the next meeting has Racio and SQ suspicious over Comet based on her voting pattern. But this is part of Yuri’s plan to argue if it was so, it would be like Comet selling out her own comrade. This means Comet is cleared of suspicion and SQ goes into cold sleep. During the warp, Racio gets killed. Because Setsu and Yuriko are the only humans left, they get eliminated and Gnosia wins! With the ship all to themselves, Comet can tell Yuri won’t be accompanying her to explore the universe. Even if she could see through lies, it doesn’t mean she can read minds. Before he goes, she confesses she loves him.

Episode 10
Yuri wakes up now as a woman! Everyone is at the meeting except for Sha-ming who once again locks himself in his room. LeVi explains there are 2 Gnosia, 1 Engineer, 1 Doctor and Racio and Shigemichi are confirmed to be Guard Duty. Yuri goes to talk to Racio about the gender change. So she asks questions of why the loops are happening and basically Yuri answering her own questions. As Silver Key seeks info, it is believed there are only info he can get in this form. Next, Yuri goes to talk to Jonas for info about his old self. But when he asks about Kukrushka, Jonas becomes suspicious as he has not introduced her to anyone (at least not in this loop). He doesn’t want to talk anymore so Yuri joins Setsu to go convince Sha-ming to come out. He only would if he gets a hot kiss. Yuri offers herself and enters his room. She knows he has no intentions of kissing anyone and is doing so to make everyone think he is Gnosia so they can force him into cold sleep. From previous loops, she knows Sha-ming isn’t that kind of person and is afraid of others finding out how he feels. Sha-ming gives up the kissing seeing Yuri is starting to cry?! Suddenly red alert from LeVi, asking all to take shelter. They head outside but see no one. Remnan is being eaten by some slime mould?! Reuniting with Setsu who explains she was in a world where Kukrushka killed everyone, she has been watching Jonas in subsequent loops and now she finds this. A dead body of Kukrushka? Stella explains this is only a doll that resembles his late beloved, Arya. There is another doll that could move but failed to board with Jonas on this ship. Thus the one that went killing is that animated doll.

Soon, we learn Comet accidentally went into cold sleep. Her microorganisms thought their host has died and went on to find a new host. Obviously no one here can coexist with it. With Setsu done in, Stella plans to seal Yuri and Sha-ming in this air tight chamber while she expels all air from the ship and kill the slime. As both head in, Yuri tells him she has looped so many times, she can tell his various sides. He doesn’t believe her and thinks she has ulterior motive. He tells of his past of growing up surrounding by smart monkeys. But they probably pissed off someone who then had them all exterminated. Sha-ming couldn’t do a thing and lived his life blaming himself. That’s why he claims this world sucks. Yuri remains positive that there is a future out there where he can keep smiling. As they fall asleep, we see the Gnosia are Sha-ming and SQ. The duo wake up and find themselves in the same loop but it’s like a sauna now. Stella explains Jonas found out the slime’s weakness as heat and turned up the temperature of the ship. Sha-ming is disappointed with this outcome but Yuri remains confident that there is a world where everyone is happy.

Episode 11
Yuri is back being male. This time he is awakened by SQ who claims they are both on Guard Duty. With 9 people, 1 Doctor, 1 Engineer and 2 Gnosia, both Remnan and Shigemichi claim they are the Engineer while none step out as Doctor. The first vote puts Kukrushka into cold sleep. This makes Yuri sad as he can no longer ask Jonas about her. Yuri is further confused the more he loops, the more he doesn’t understand about others. When SQ comes to talk to Yuri and is flirting with him, desperate to get more info on her, he becomes a bit pushy. SQ didn’t like that and goes away. Yuri gets his second chance as he goes to talk to her again and asks about who is Gnosia. SQ thinks Shigemichi could be Gnosia as Remnan can’t boldly lie. Yuri remembers SQ ‘tormenting’ Remnan in the last loop and SQ picks up that he knows something more. Thus Yuri reveals about the loop he is in and the knowledge he is gathering for this Silver Key. SQ now reveals about herself. Why is she named so? If you number the alphabets from A to Z and continuing from AA, AB, AC, etc, what number will reach SQ? 511. Hence she is the 511th vessel created for her mama AKA Manan so she can be young again. Thus in strict terms, she isn’t human. But with the transfer failed, spares like her developed their own personalities and there are bits and pieces of Manan’s memories mixed into it.

When it is time to warp, Yuri realizes she forgot her hairband and goes to return it to her. Despite LeVi’s warning, he still goes ahead. And… Nothing happens to him after the warp?! But don’t worry, SQ is still around and it is Jonas who got done in. Setsu reveals she is the Doctor and that she has diagnosed Kukrushka as Gnosia. With 1 Gnosia left, it is either Shigemichi or Remnan. Yuri as LeVi show yesterday’s voting patterns and because Gnosia won’t vote for each other, Shigemichi is the Gnosia as Remnan voted for Kukrushka. But what if Setsu is Gnosia and Kukrushka is human? If so, then both Gnosia would’ve voted for the same person to minimize being voted out (both Shigemichi and Kukrushka voted for Setsu). With Shigemichi put into cold sleep, Gnosia threat is gone! We won! Yuri goes to see SQ in her room and despite the numerous holograms, he can pick out the real one. After returning her hairband, he wants to tell her that she is not a spare and a unique person. She is her original self. After meeting her so many times in previous loops, he can tell who she is because she always tries to hide herself behind the lies. SQ is sad that Yuri will loop and go away. He might meet her versions where Manan’s transfer might succeed so her advice is never to trust her as Manan is a natural born liar. And also please don’t fall for her. At this point, SQ gets very emotional, blurting out she loves him. Another win for Yuri also means another girl loves him?!

Episode 12
A short flashback of young Jina crying when she got separated from her mom. But when reunited, mom assured they will always be together. Yuri is in another loop and it is Jina who goes to get him. Yuri has looped so much that he is indifferent and knows what is to happen. Gnosia on board, blah, blah, blah. Meetings, blah, blah, blah. Vote the Gnosia out, blah, blah, blah. Because of that, Jina is scared because she is timid and doesn’t do well with meetings. So with 10 on board, 2 Gnosia and 1 Engineer, none comes out to admit as the Engineer. Racio as usual tries to blame Yuri so the latter suggests paying attention to someone’s mannerisms and tone rather than words to find Gnosia. Eventually, Yuriko gets cold sleep. Yuri suggests to Jina not to stay too quiet as she may be suspected. As Jina continues to worry, Yuri talks to her and tells her about his looping and Silver Key. As he has been through this countless times, he has met many versions of her, some where she ended up being Gnosia. He explains how she was when she was Gnosia. This makes Jina feel uneasy as she wants him to put her into cold sleep as she cannot handle the lies. She reveals she is Gnosia! But Yuri doesn’t want her to rush so they continue talking.

She creates a simulation of her home planet and explains she hates lies. She mentions about cyberization which is something like when Gnosia kills you. A group of space shrine maidens called Hoshibune float around the galaxy and cyberizes others. But she feels they corrupt them and turn into something else. This happened to her mom as she thought she would be freed of all bodily suffering. Jina couldn’t go on with it despite they assure mom is now in heaven. Jina is confused Yuri wants to help a Gnosia. No, he is not helping Gnosia. He wants to help Jina. During the warp, it is revealed that Jina and Otome are the Gnosia. Otome thinks of killing Yuri as he suspects them but it is Racio who got killed. During the meeting, Chipie admits he is the Engineer. But when Otome admits she is one, Jina also admits it too! Now we have 3 Engineers! Chipie checked Otome to confirm she is Gnosia. Both Otome and Jina say Chipie is Gnosia. By logic as Gnosia don’t vote each other, they now believe Otome and Jina are Gnosia. Otome gets cold sleep. Jina continues to be unstable. She doesn’t want to deal with herself who is no longer human. She wants Yuri to put her into cold sleep now. However the ship passes through some magnetic field anomaly so Jina heads out on pretence to fix whatever shields. This means she will float away and die but Yuri will not allow it. Jina knows Yuri won’t stay longer but is happy Yuri stayed by her side even if it’s a lie. She confesses she likes him, pushes him back and floats away. Ah well, there’s another woman Yuri has her heart broken!

Episode 13
Yuri fretting how he can make everyone happy because it’s like somebody has to be sacrificed in every loop. In the next loop, Setsu collapses from exhaustion so with permission from LeVi to postpone the meeting for a day, Yuri wants them to hang out. Setsu asks how much he knows about Kukrushka because the more she loops, the more she encounters world where Kukrushka is present. It proves Silver Key wants more info on her. All she can tell is that Kukrushka is hiding something big. The duo go fishing (fishing out Otome WTF?!) and watch a movie. At the end of the day, it is time for both of them to go into cold sleep. Setsu has realized that was how Yuri managed to exempt them from the meeting in exchange for this. In the next loop, Yuri realizes Kukrushka isn’t on board. As he cannot concentrate, this causes him to be the first to be voted to cold sleep. Ah well, another loop. With Kukrushka around, Yuri now tries to connect the dots. As Setsu said, Remnan could be the trigger causing Kukrushka to go berserk. With Remnan sometimes fearing SQ, perhaps Manan once kept Remnan as a pet and treated him horribly. That is when Yuri may have realized something so he goes tell Setsu that Kukrushka could be Manan as something went wrong and she ended up in Kukrushka instead. With Setsu’s warning not to casually tell her anything, Setsu reveals herself as a Gnosia! New loop as Yuri as he ponders more about Kukrushka. Then he plots out all the characters who have been present in subsequent loops since Kukrushka went berserk. There is 1 who is always there: Yuriko. He rushes to her room to ask why she transferred Manan’s consciousness into Kukrushka. Yuriko laughs how off he is as she is a fugitive and fallen shrine maiden. What can she possibly do? But she notes his connecting theory is not that far from the mark and everything that has happened is because of a singular cause. As reward, she will tell him the truth.

Episode 14
However, the condition is that Yuri must survive this loop if he wants her to spill the beans. Well, this loop has all 15 characters. 3 Gnosia, 1 Engineer, 1 Doctor, 1 Guardian Angel and Yuriko and Otome are on Guard Duty. Yuri notes he has Engineer credentials but he is not going to reveal himself yet. As the gang contemplate on the issue, Yuriko suggests voting her to cold sleep. Or would you vote someone else? And just like that, Yuriko is voted for it. But before she goes in, she warns Yuri of another threat: Anti-Cosmic Follower AKA AC Follower. Although a human, he/she acts like a Gnosia and will lie. In short, a traitor. Although AC Follower can still be killed by Gnosia such purpose of that lunatic is to throw everything into chaos. As Yuri contemplates about this, Comet comes to talk to Yuri about Shigemichi being suspicious and possibly Gnosia. However Yuri plays cautiously and can’t support her as they both might be Gnosia. During the warp, Yuri reels on investigating Comet or Shigemichi because either could be AC Follower and lie. So he decides to investigate Kukrushka. During the warp, Otome gets killed. As Yuri reveals himself as Engineer, so does Jonas. But Yuri is unsure if he is Gnosia or AC Follower. Yuri and Jonas investigate Kukrushka and Setsu respectively when Racio wants to know Yuri’s reason for investigating Kukrushka. Uhm, because she contributed the least so that makes her suspicious? Okay. Chipie then eggs Comet to speak her mind so she says Shigemichi is sus. Yuri notes because he won’t help her, she turned to Chipie. In the end, Shigemichi gets cold sleep. Before the warp, Kukrushka approaches Yuri and reveals she is Guardian Angel and will protect him. She now believes him after he reported her as human. After the warp, Jina is dead. Now Remnan and Racio reveal they are Doctors. It makes sense to not reveal themselves before because Yuriko was guaranteed human so what’s the point, right? Both report Shigemichi as human. Both Yuri and Jonas report Comet is Gnosia. With that, she goes into cold sleep. Yuri now ponders Comet’s actions to approach him and Chipie. Doing so only raised suspicions on herself. After the warp, it seems nobody died. Remnan and Racio both report Comet was Gnosia. Yuri thinks it is his victory because he investigated Racio and that she is Gnosia.

Episode 15
Jonas reports Yuri is human and if that is the case, Jonas could be AC Follower. However Jonas claims he investigated Yuri to see if he is Gnosia. Since he isn’t, he is AC Follower. Racio claims she is human because evidence shows she voted for Comet. Yuri knows Racio has thrown Comet under the bus and if he continues to argue about it, it would make him sound desperate. Yuri tries to debate that the goal is to send Gnosia to cold sleep and save as many humans as possible. So it doesn’t matter what kind of human, eh? Racio believes his statement only makes him suspicious as AC Follower. With no way out, Kukrushka steps up and confirms she is the Guardian Angel who protected Yuri so she vouches he is telling the truth. During the vote, both Yuri and Racio are tied. LeVi postpones a day to vote but Yuri knows the voting must be done now. As Kukrushka has exposed herself, it is no doubt Gnosia will go after her. It will be him the next night. Yuri prostrates and begs for another round of voting now. They go ahead and this time Racio has the most votes. Sha-ming defected seeing he likes the way Yuri prostrated himself. Before Racio goes to cold sleep, Yuri believes she has told the remaining Gnosia to attack Kukrushka first followed by Yuri. But if Yuri is attacked, wouldn’t Jonas be suspected as Gnosia? Yuri believes he is AC Follower and that’s why Racio doesn’t care what happens to him. Racio is confident that Yuri has fallen into her trap.

Before the warp, Yuri is trying to deduce who is Gnosia. Because those who voted for him were Jonas, Chipie and Remnan. With Racio eliminated, Remnan is proven to be the real Doctor. This leaves Jonas as Gnosia or AC Follower. Thus Yuri decides to investigate Chipie. During the warp, obviously Kukrushka is gone. But to Yuri’s shock, Chipie is human. He wonders if Gnosia and AC Follower are working together. With Remnan reporting Racio as Gnosia, now suspicions fall on Jonas. However Jonas claims he investigated Remnan and found he is Gnosia. At this point, it is useless for Yuri to announce Chipie as human because everyone will be focused on whether it is Jonas or Remnan. If Jonas is frozen and proven to be human, it is the end for Yuri as the last Gnosia will attack him. Yuri then announces Remnan as Gnosia. He realizes this is a trap set by Racio. Playing footage from yesterday’s meeting, when the real Doctor was called forth to identify himself, Remnan hesitated and took a while before doing so. It could be that Jina was the real Doctor that Gnosia unknowingly eliminated the day before. So both decided to play Doctor on pretence that the rest will assume one as human. If Jonas was the real Engineer, he would’ve confirmed Remnan as Gnosia and Yuri as human. Remnan believes they both can be fakes but Yuri reminds on that day when Jonas and himself announced they were Engineers, only Yuriko and Otome were eliminated. No Engineers were eliminated then as both were on Guard Duty. Racio was confident of her plan as she knew Jonas was AC Follower and will report Remnan as Gnosia just to confuse all. As Remnan goes into cold sleep, he wonders why Yuri did not investigate him. He replies that humans too occasionally lies. With Remnan in cold sleep, the ship is free from Gnosia! Humans win! So, uhm, nothing to be done for AC Follower? I guess no more meetings so no more chaos and lies.

Episode 16
Yuri wakes up in a new loop but in his room. Thinking he should go see Yuriko, Comet invites him to join some of them at the cafeteria. They are thanking Setsu’s quick actions that got them off Liu-An and saved them from any Gnosia infection. That’s right. There are no Gnosia on board. Could this be the world where everybody lives happily ever after? Even so, Yuri notes Yuriko as the only one not in this world. Kukrushka tells Yuri that this universe will end soon. Huh? Suddenly LeVi detects an unknown anomalous life form in the sick bay. Yuri and Setsu go to examine it and that is when Yuri reveals he did not wake up in the usual pod as always. So… Could it be another Yuri in here?! Is this an error from Silver Key after looping too much? As the open the pod… OMG it is Yuri! 2 Yuri?! Suddenly everything goes to black. Uhm, so this is how the end of the universe looks like? This is when Yuriko pops up because if nothing truly exists here, thus existence is uncertain. She asks if he understands now. Understand what?! The cause of the universe destruction is Yuri himself! He is actually a bug! Somebody who should not exist in this universe. A fake Yuri was created separately from the original one. This is why he had no initial memories as he never had one in the first place. You see, as this world is the only loop where there are no Gnosia infections, this means humans won’t be attacked. In other loops where there are Gnosia infections, the real Yuri was sleeping in the pod and already eliminated from the start due to Gnosia infection. After that, the bug recreated Yuri and he has been looping ever since. So, having 2 people in the same universe breaks some law and because it’s too much for the universe to handle it, it gets destroyed! Yeah. Love that logic. Thus this bug Yuri can only exist in a world where Gnosia exist. Yuriko did not create this bug but rather Gnos, a collective entity formed from cyberized minds of humanity. Shrine maidens worship them as their God as the cyberization technology was granted to them. So perhaps something is trying to determine if it would be a universe where countless individuals struggle to communicate with each other or one that is ruled over by a single great will AKA Gnos. Yuriko is unsure what comes next but will see it through the end. Yuri finds himself at the start of the loop in his room. He goes to check on the pod. Sees himself. Oh man, you gonna destroy the universe again?!

Episode 17
Another loop. Yuri realizes that he is in the same world with no Gnosia. He fears he will continue to loop in this same predicament. And when the sick bay detects an anomaly, the universe gets destroyed. Rinse and repeat. He tries to solve this case before the real him wakes up but it doesn’t work. Universe gone. Realizing that both cannot exist at the same time and considering himself as the bug, Yuri decides to kill himself. Well, did not work either. Back alive again. Yuri tries various grotesque methods to kill himself but all the same. Right back where you started. Looks like he isn’t even allowed to die. A fate worse than death? Then he tries to convince others he is the fake Yuri. Well… Did not f*cking work too! At this point, Yuri is depressed. SQ talks to him and he explains the problem at hand. Long story short, what matters now is that SQ feels alive even if she is a fake or a copy. On the next loop, Yuri goes to talk to Setsu but the latter notes she has not looped many times yet and not as knowledgeable. Yuri gives her a few words of motivation. In his next loop, Yuri talks to Racio. Don’t understand Racio’s reasoning about Yuri and his 2 phenomena existing because his inability to leave this loop has nothing to do with his status as a bug. As his Silver Key is not filled up much yet, it will keep returning him to this same loop until it has the info it wants. Yuri realizes this means in this loop, there is a person whom he can only meet and that is himself. This time, bug Yuri hides somewhere in the sick room as Chipie talks to the real Yuri who has finished being treated. Chipie credits Yuri for saving everyone. He got hurt because he protected Setsu. It seems Setsu is unaware of this so Yuri hopes he won’t tell her. Perhaps this is the info Silver Key needs. Next loop, Yuri wakes up with LeVi issuing a warning received from Liu-An’s control tower to evacuate.

Episode 18
In this loop, the ship has yet to depart Liu-An. The planet is in chaos and many ships are seen hectically leaving. The group is split in leaving now or waiting for clearance. Yuri says to leave now or they’ll get infected by Gnosia. With the ship taking flight, they manage to leave Liu-An and LeVi does not detect any Gnosia on board. Yuri soon realizes this is day zero. The day before he wakes up in the sick bay. This means he has 1 whole day to figure things out. When he talks to Setsu, it seems she doesn’t know him personally. So he goes to talk to Racio about this problem. She teases him that Setsu has been lying and was never looping in the first place. Of course this is a lie and the real answer is simpler. Because in this loop, Setsu doesn’t have Silver Key yet. The Setsu in this world line is the Setsu from before they started looping. When an anomaly is detected in the hull, Yuri rushes there only to see Setsu being crushed by the debris. Setsu thinks she is done for but how can Yuri save her? He returns to seek Racio’s help but it seems she knows what is going on and leaves her Silver Key for him. Yuri then gives this Silver Key to Setsu just to save her, knowing it will drag her into this looping mess. And now Yuri and Setsu are in an alternate dimension. Yuri’s Silver Key is now full. Setsu is glad she can repay him for letting her survive. Going back to the ship, everyone is holding a party. Many credit Setsu for helping them escape. Stella then notes to them a problem because there are 2 Yuri detected. Setsu knows how to solve this so don’t worry. Taking Yuri to the sick room, she reminds Yuri that once Silver Key is full, it leaves the host for a new one. Using Yuri’s Silver Key, it opens a wormhole. This leads to a whole new universe that doesn’t affect other universes (like different save game files). It seems Setsu intends to take the Yuri inside the chamber to that other universe. Doing so will end Yuri’s loop. Yuri is against this but unfortunately, Setsu’s Silver Key is still incomplete. And this version of her has not given Yuri the Silver Key yet. She has to keep looping on the other side till she does so. She doesn’t want the loops they shared to be for nothing. After Setsu goes off, we see a brief narration of what happened to the other characters. Some pretty normal (Sha-ming a zoologist? Remnan became the leader of a group of rebels?). Some baffling (nobody heard of Shigemichi again?). Some tragically funny (Jonas died alone?). Some mysteriously unknown (Kukrushka and Yuriko).

Episode 19
Yuri wakes up the next day. Confirmed, he doesn’t loop anymore. Worse, nobody knows who Setsu is. Nearing a military ship who is asking them to reply for docking permission, the gang is split in whether to respond or not. So they are asking Yuri? Why not? Just respond. Going down into the city, Yuri tries to ask the military for Base 52, the regiment Setsu belongs to. Sorry kid, no such person. Gloomy Yuri wanders about and sees a couple of military dudes trying to hit on Jina. He shoos them away claiming they arrived from Liu-An and possibly infected by Gnosia. Those guys not thinking because if they’re infected, you think the military would let them walk so freely! Yuri talks to Jina about Setsu and this looping thingy. So now she doesn’t exist here because it’s like she went to another universe. But because he cannot loop, he cannot confirm she is alive. But Jina points out something odd in his story. If Setsu says she needs to keep looping until she passes the Silver Key to him. How is she going to pass it to him in this universe? Are you seeing it now? Stumbling into Racio in a shop that sells a Silver Key, she mentions the danger of using it because despite one may use it to return to the past, one may find oneself looping for eternity. Telling her what Jina said, Racio confirms Jina is correct and that Setsu knew about this when she went to the other universe.

More depressed Yuri as he bumps into Chipie who tells him to run. Who is on his tail?! Uhm, Sha-ming? He takes Yuri to a nightclub and needs his help to pay the tabs! Oh. But Yuri is too depressed to have fun, thinking that he can’t do anything or even go after the person he admires because he is scared of getting hurt. Sha-ming wonders if he is just making up excuses to give up. Poor Yuri, he runs away in tears. He returns to the store but looks like somebody bought Silver Key. Turns out it is Racio and she wants it for her experiment. She also knows what Yuri is trying to do. Sure, Setsu is stuck over there, unable to end her loop. But she wants Yuri to think carefully. If he goes looping again and meets his other self, the same universe destruction will happen. Isn’t that redundant? All for nothing. What should Yuri do? Forget about Setsu. She doesn’t exist here and thus no point thinking of somebody who doesn’t exist. If he can’t accept that, think of it this is what Setsu wants. Yuri goes away, believing what she said is right. Stumbling into Otome, although she doesn’t know about Setsu, she gets a tingling feeling in her mouth whenever she remembers that name. Oh, remember the part Setsu fished her out?! Yuri laughs. Some things can’t just cease to be even if they went to another world. Because their feelings are stronger than that. Yuri returns to Racio’s room. She isn’t around but the Silver Key obviously left out in the open. You know what he is going to do, right?

Episode 20
Racio is not happy Yuri ignored her warnings. Do you not know how scary looping forever means? Of course Yuri doesn’t know but he reasons that the more he loops, the more time he’ll have to figure things out. Can’t argue with that. He also knows that all of them will be in the loop and knowing that, he is certain he will make it. He will find an ending where no one is unhappy. What else Racio can do but let him do as he wishes. Yuri then goes to explain it all to the rest of his pals. So yeah, basically he is going to chase after the non-binary girl he loves. The only one bursting with sadness is SQ. This girl really had feelings for him! But sorry girl, for Yuri it is Setsu > SQ. Hence everyone prepares a farewell party for Yuri. Once everyone is out drunk, Racio has compiled some data to form a plan for Yuri to use during his looping. Theoretically it is impossible to pull off but Yuri will do his best. Yuri cannot thank her enough because when he first started looping and had no memories, he was in despair. Even more so, Racio was always cold towards him and tried to accuse him of being a Gnosia. But now he knows she is actually a kind person. Yuri says goodbye to everyone and starts his looping game. As Yuri plays this game again, he notices that in all of the loops, Setsu is never present. And so does Kukrushka. She is always dormant, sleeping in her chamber. Countless loops later, Yuri finally wins his bet against Yuriko to tell him the truth. But he already knows about this Gnos and cyberization thingy she told him before. This time he wants to make a request. He wants Jonas to take him to Hoshibune. He will take full responsibility if everything fails. As Jonas won’t do it for free, Yuri admits he cannot pay but he can go down in history of confronting Hoshibune and their infamous cyberization. That is enough for Jonas to agree to Yuri’s request. Once making contact with Hoshibune, Yuri undergoes the cyberization. As part of Racio’s plan, she claimed the key to solving this dual existence problem lies within cyberization. If he can travel between dimensions by cyberizing his consciousness, this dual existence will not happen. Even if his cyberization is successful, there is a risk that Gnos will swallow him up but it’s a risk he is willing to take. And here we go… In another dimension, Silver Key is full as it opens a path. Yuri wakes up in the sick bay pod. There’s your Setsu checking on you.

Episode 21
When Setsu asks if humans should be erased, she is shocked by Yuri’s well prepared answer. This proves who this Yuri is as Yuri assures he is back to save her from looping forever. They have not much time before the real Yuri regains consciousness. So they return to the meeting and the only ones here are SQ, Racio and Jinna. Just like the first time Yuri woke up. Yuri feigns he doesn’t understand what’s going on, allowing LeVi to give them more time to talk. As Yuri gets to know others, this is to buy time for Setsu so that she could go to Racio’s room to steal the Silver Key she found lying in the hallway earlier. Now Setsu needs to pass it to Yuri but since suspicious Racio is closely watching them, Yuri resorts to drastic measures as he takes the Silver Key from Setsu’s pocket. Pretending to be in shock she stole it, then both run off with it to another room. But Setsu has doubts to give it to him. What is going to happen to Yuri? He says he will no longer exist. He came from another universe and should exist here. That was also what he asked for during the cyberization when he came here. By returning the universe to a bug free state, the Silver Key will disappear along with Yuri. As much as Setsu is against this, Yuri takes it from her and absorbs it. Uhm, he is still around. It means something must be done. They go back to the meeting and Racio claims they have decided on who to vote to cold sleep. Setsu now takes over as she claims she has a way that will end without sacrificing anyone. Yuri told her that in a universe where Setsu never existed, Kukrushka was also never part of the crew but remained as a doll. With that, Setsu put the pieces together and has a plan.

First, Setsu accuses SQ of being Gnosia and then shows her Silver Key which is now full. After looping hundreds of times, she notices a pattern. There are loops where Manan failed to transfer her consciousness to SQ because of the way the real SQ addresses herself. Therefore the one here now is not SQ but Manan. Manan admits so but this doesn’t prove she is Gnosia. There is another pattern she noticed from her loops: Manan only appears when SQ is infected by Gnosia. Even if she has no proof for that here, the voting will tell if Setsu is lying. When they vote Manan votes for Setsu while the rest all vote against Manan. But Setsu won’t put Manan to cold sleep and has LeVi/Stella open the storage where Kukrushka lies. Setsu suggests Manan transfer her consciousness into Kukrushka and then walk through this portal Silver Key has opened. This way, Manan doesn’t have to keep transferring her consciousness as Kukrushka’s body doesn’t deteriorate. With Silver Key in her hands, she can go loop as many times she wants since her goal is to stay young forever. Manan accepts this proposal. After transferring to Kukrushka, she heads off into the portal. The real SQ wakes up in her own body. As Setsu and Yuri lie down together, Setsu says she was prepared never to see Yuri ever again and going to loop forever in a world where he did not exist. They thank each other for working hard and finally end up in this one. What is Yuri to her? She knows he is not a bug. Setsu thanks him for being here. He is all that she needs.

The Usual Suspects: Keep Looping Again And Again Until We Get The Results We Want
Finally Yuri and Setsu can be together till the end of days without the anxiety of looping forever and not seeing each other forever. I bet it will be a tiring affair if they still get to see each other but have to go through that Groundhog Day thingy. Literally, by just throwing the Gnosia bug away into another universe, I guess this universe is now free of any Gnosia. Yeah, pity the other universe that infected Manan has gone too because remember, she is infected with Gnosia! Or don’t tell me she left it behind with SQ! I don’t think so. Imagine real SQ waking up and just f*cking kill them during the warp! So yeah, Gnosia gone to another universe and not bugging this one, what a pity but this is not this universe’s problem anymore! How nice of Yuri and Setsu to dump this problem to another universe. Hmph! Sneaky. The price another universe will have to pay just so these looping lovers can be with each other.

Well, the story isn’t much and certainly you don’t need a lot of brain cells to keep up with it. As long as you understand the basic mechanisms and rules of the game, you are safe to follow. But therein lies the problem. At least for me. When the series first started off, it was all simple and easy to follow. Because there were not many cast of characters and there were no other additional rules. But as the series progresses, more characters are added and the complexity level increases (because certain characters have certain roles). Sure, it is to stem boredom because why do the same thing over and over again for the rest of the season. That is insanity! So as more characters and rules pop up, it becomes increasing confusing and this is where your brain cells saved from understanding the storyline, are very much needed grey matter to help understand the deductions and analysis made. Yeah, you have to put on your thinking cap at that point. For me, it was starting to get messy so I had to shut off my brain before it explodes! I just accepted whatever was deduced as the truth and didn’t actually put much thought into thinking deeper about it. Not that I would understand it anyway. No matter how many loops it takes!

I know it is all part of the rules of the game but sometimes I find it just mind boggling hilarious and dumb when they try to play it out here. Do you understand what I am trying to say? For instance, LeVi must be one useless or dumb AI ship because she cannot detect accurately who the Gnosia among the passengers. But after that accused is put into cold sleep (assuming there was just 1 Gnosia on board), she can now detect the ship is Gnosia free? I mean, doesn’t that show that accused is the Gnosia so why can LeVi not detect exactly that person before being put into cold sleep?! I might be missing something but I feel this is just dumb. But of course like I have mentioned, it is all within the rules and for dramatic purposes. It would be just freaking easy to cold sleep everyone but it’s just like you have cancer in your finger and to eliminate it, you take your own life instead of just cutting off that affected part.

I guess I am being influenced a bit by Among Us so it baffled me why the Gnosia infected parties didn’t kill a normal human outside the warp. Yes, yes, this is not Among Us but I thought it would have added a lot more suspense because it would put the characters on the edge that Gnosia can also strike while they are not asleep during the warp. I suppose when you have more characters in the fray, Yuri will have more time to deduce and analyse stuffs. Imagine if that person was killed, this eliminates the possibility to have him/her as a Gnosia suspect. It narrows down the pool. And I don’t know why Gnosia can only kill during the warp because I’m wondering if there’s some unwritten rule that they can only kill when someone is unconscious. So… Don’t ever sleep! Like I said, all part of the rules but in doing so, it just makes it all feel quite dumb.

The most confusing aspect of the looping for me has got to be the dual existence thingy. I still can’t wrap my head around it and I believe it is all part of the drama and story. Yeah, that cyberization thingy felt out of place but I guess it is the much needed plot twist and drama needed to bring the series to a close. Yes, the series turned from Gnosia detective game into trying to tie up loose ends to have a generic ending. So, if Yuri is looping, does he not exist in other universes of the loop? Okay, so not every character will appear in all the universes and I am sure that there are some universes Yuri does not exist. But for those loops he does exist in, what happens to him in this universe when he fails or succeeds the Gnosia game? He goes looping to another timeline and does this mean Yuri does not exist anymore in that universe? Wow, if this is the case, Yuri only exists for a short fraction of time during his loops, right? So that is whey when Setsu went away with Yuri’s Silver Key, I was baffled that would she not encounter another Yuri in another universe? Well, even so, it is ANOTHER Yuri and not the bug Yuri we know. There’s a big difference. Yuri is not the same Yuri in all universes! The same can be said for all the other characters. Uh huh. If you really try to care for all of them and all their existence in all the universes, I don’t know man, it’s so confusing so I better stop asking all the questions before my head explode. Do not open more can of worms because this blog will stretch longer than the encyclopaedia if I were to write down all my issues!

Character wise, there aren’t many characters here due to the nature of the series but that depends on how you view things. 15 main and supporting characters may not be much but it can be a daunting task if you really want to flesh them all out in just 2 cours. With Yuri and Setsu as the main characters hogging most of the limelight, the rest are just secondary. So while each have their own back story and past to tell, they are not very deep nor very complicated to understand. It is just to add some depth to the story and give the characters their character. Nothing really that important that would greatly overshadow Yuri and Setsu. Because imagine if these characters had a better past and story compared to Yuri. That would have upended the entire series, right?

That’s why I thought that Manan, Hoshibune, cyberization and Kukrushka going berserk could just be red herring and amount to nothing much because it didn’t really go anywhere. Perhaps it happened somewhere in another timeline. In another universe. But oh well, I guess it’s needed for the big closure and finale. So yeah, I guess it did happen. Good thing I ‘paid attention’ for these redundant minor plots. Otherwise, Racio is always your very aggressive and intimidating character, Jina the shy girl, SQ the flirty girl, Jonas the chuunibyou trying to play the cool captain, Remnan always cowering in fear, Yuriko the enigmatic, Sha-ming the casually casual, Shigemichi looking like he is written to be a joker, Comet mostly a retard character, Otome debatably the pet mascot (sorry Chipie, your cat isn’t it) and perhaps the best character being Kukrushka because this girl simply doesn’t open her mouth! HAHAHAHA!!! Sexist? I won’t be laughing when she starts turning into Terminator mode! Thank goodness there’s a handful of characters only and imagine if they had 100 characters! Oh man, I think Gnosia will have to start killing a few humans to force a discussion!

So the Yuri that we have been following since the start was just a bug created out from an anomaly, huh? Is this the kind of cosmic programming error? And here I thought only Windows and Microsoft can only make such huge catastrophic buggy programming! Just kidding! Not! Maybe. For dramatic purposes and dumb rules, 2 Yuri cannot exist in the same universe or else God will get so confused and just pull the plug and shut down the whole PC called universe and life! HAHAHA!!! Sighs… I can’t believe this is the final epilogue story arc. But what I’m trying to say is that since we have been following this Yuri from the beginning, we have already been invested in this decent character. Imagine the flurry of emotions that will explode inside us when they decide to kill off this character. If Yuri accepted his fate as a fake and just cease to exist, how are we supposed to feel?! Remember, this is to prove that this Yuri despite being a bug is a sentient being of his own will. Not just a clone. But an actual life form of its own. Just like SQ’s heart wrenching story, remember? So you just can’t f*cking kill off this Yuri while the original and main star Yuri has been lying comatose in the sick bay! Something must be done! Or everything we have invested and vouched for will go to waste! Good thing we have our answer, eh? So what happened to the original Yuri in this universe? Nobody f*cking cares. He never regained consciousness to build any relationships so he can disappear into nothingness for all we care!

I am pretty sure that Yuri is in love with Setsu. Masked by all the efforts she has done in helping him and giving him sound advice, enough to make an amnesiac do the impossible, risking his life just to bring her back to existence. Or rather his life. Power of love, I tell you. Sorry other girls who confessed to Yuri in other universes. Setsu will always be his #1! Screw all you other characters too in the other universe Yuri left behind. Setsu too important than you guys! And to think a bug saved Setsu… I don’t think this is anything woke and just coincidence but Setsu has claimed from the start that she is non-binary. There is no confirmation she is male or female and even as I remember, rejecting outright that she is neither. But if she looks like a woman, sounds like a woman, it is good enough for me that she is a woman. Unless she takes off her clothes and proves it. Which I don’t think will be the case so I’ll stick with my obvious pronouns for her.

Art and animation are decent to me. Nothing extraordinary but in the dull darkness of space, I suppose that is why the characters have colourful and some I would call psychedelic colours so as to liven up the gloom and doom. I mean seriously, is this the kind of colourful outfit of the future? Just look at SQ, I thought she is some sort of jester girl than some human vessel. It feels these characters are off to some cosplay convention and perhaps some overdressing like as though they’re trying to win the cosplay competition, no? Racio and Stella, looking at you girls. Is Jonas trying to be a space cowboy and Shigemichi trying to troll us about those grey aliens? I’m sure Otome would have a better chance at a pet competition than a cosplay tournament! HAHAHA!! And why does Comet dress like a slut?! Shouldn’t she cover up if her microorganisms are dangerous upon contact? And no wonder they got us fooled thinking Kukrushka who looks cute as a doll can be a f*cking nutcase dangerous! There is also CGI employed but seeing how bizarre and colourful the character designs, the CGI effects blend in and do not break the compatibility with the 2D animation. Phew. This anime is done by Domerica who did Romantic Killer, Subarashiki Kono Sekai The Animation and Seven Knights Revolution.

Voice acting isn’t anything extraordinary since it is mainly drama here so nobody really going loud. Except for joker Shigemichi voiced by Tomokazu Seki. Some recognizable ones include Aoi Yuuki as Yuriko, Ayane Sakura as Comet, Kana Hanazawa as Comet, Saori Hayami as Stella and LeVi, Akari Kitou as SQ, Yuuichi Nakamura as Chipie and Kenjirou Tsuda as Jonas. Others are Chika Anzai as Yuri (Reina in Hibike! Euphonium), Ikumi Hasegawa as Setsu (Pop in Vigilante: Boku No Hero Academia Illegals), Hiroki Nanami as Racio (Edil in Helck), Asami Seto as Jina (Chihaya in Chihayafuru), Takeo Ootsuka as Remnan (Leon in Otome Game Sekai Wa Mob Ni Kibishii Sekai Desu), and Takuya Eguchi as Sha-ming (Hikigaya in Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Comedy Wa Machigatteiru).

The main opening theme is weird. Bake No Kawa by Maisondes featuring Kobo Kanaeru, Teto Kasane, Giga & Teddyloid is some weird mesh of modern techno dubstep hip hop, uhm, noise. Heck, sometimes I feel it has Indian/Bollywood vibes! Can’t say I like it very much and I don’t think it fits the pacing of the series either because it’s too dramatic. Doesn’t really fit the Gnosia narrative. The opener for the epilogue arc, Call Of Ender by Q Flavor and Hideyuki Fukasawa is a slow piece utilizing orchestra strings to give off a more melancholic effect. For the ending theme, Loo% Who% by Ling Tosite Sigure is a hard rock piece and I thought it would have been better had it stayed instrumental. I don’t know, I find the strange voices singing some lines ruined the whole thing and make it sound weirder. The other main ending theme is Floor Killer by Umeda Cypher. If you like rap and hip hop, this should be your song but still too weird for my liking. Especially the fast rapping parts sound so gay! There are other special ending themes for single episodes like Ululo by Q Flavor and Hideyuki Fukasawa (sounds like a spacey and echo-y piece but be warned, the music gradually gets louder!) and Blue Sky Blue Star by Ikumi Hasegawa (typical dramatic anime song with strings and piano).

Overall, Gnosia is still an interesting anime in its own right at least in the mystery deduction category. It is not perfect and has its flaws but I guess it is still better than Gyakuten Saiban in many ways! IGI ARI!!! This series largely follows the same formula but keeps its freshness by adding more elements and complexity to the table. Simpletons may find it to be confusing at times but still has decent characters and story to follow. Thankfully I am not a huge fan of the series nor am I infatuated with this Werewolf game format so this means I am not obliged to rewatch the whole series to understand the parts I don’t get. Yeah, that would be Gnauseating. GEDDIT!!! HAHAHA! Sighs… A good thing I don’t have Silver Key with me or I will have to loop forever and ever until I understand! My Silver Key will barely be filled up and this strange life form will die miserably without any knowledge even before I fill up a quarter of it! I guess continuing to watch bad animes for the rest of my life still beats looping and rewatching the same bad animes forever! There are things in life that are certainly worse than death!

Okiraku Ryoushu No Tanoshii Ryouchi Bouei: Majutsu De Na Mo Naki Mura Wo Saikyou No Jousai Toshi Ni

Oh well. Here I go again. Somebody must have bought another one of those usual isekai starter packs. Yeah. Guy working in our sh*tty world dies. Reincarnates in a fantasy world with magic. Retains his memories from his previous life. Even as a baby. Shotacon. However he displays an undesirable but not necessarily useless skill so he is abandoned. Casted away to a faraway forsaken land. But don’t worry, let’s be optimistic. Using his ‘useless’ magic and limited resources, he is going to rebuild himself and his fortunes once more. Ah yes, Okiraku Ryoushu No Tanoshii Ryouchi Bouei: Majutsu De Na Mo Naki Mura Wo Saikyou No Jousai Toshi Ni reeks your typical isekai world building concept because as if the long ass title didn’t give itself away already, we’re going to see this kid turning his nameless village into the strongest fortified city. Yeah, I just translated and copied part of the title so you weeabos can understand what it’s all about. Heh. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Or in this case, the building of a civilization begins with the first brick.

Episode 1
We know the deal. Some hapless guy narrates his thankless salaryman life. So he died and got reincarnated into a 2 year old kid, Van Nei Fertio and a noble. He retains knowledge of his previous life as his personal maid, Till is impressed he can already use some difficult words at this age. Marquis Jalpa Bul Ati Fertio asks his other sons what they will be learning today. Van notes his other older brothers, Murcia, Jard and Sesto. When Van says he wants to learn culture and history, father is impressed and believes he will possess the fire magic like him and his late wife, Mira. With that, he has high hopes for him. As explained, the 4 main elemental magic is a must to be possessed by a noble to protect its people. Other types of magic are considered useless. Van’s hell is just beginning as the butler, Esparda becomes his personal tutor. Study like hell! When Van turns 4, he trains swordsmanship under Dee who is the knight’s vice commander. Yup, another hellish training. Rinse and repeat for another 2 years. But he never regrets it and works hard so he can achieve his goals. One day as he is out in town to go to Mary Chamber of Commerce, he sees a father abusing his son and trying to sell him to slavery. Till explains it is normal for the poor to sell those they cannot feed for money. Van has Rosalie from that commerce appraise the son. Doesn’t worth much seeing he has not much magic skill. Father becomes mad and beats up his worthless son so Van decides to buy him at a much higher price. You satisfied? Khamsin is a free boy but since he has nowhere to go, Van has him come along. But his aides warn him that Jalpa will not just accept any strangers unless he is Van’s slave. Agreeing to that, Rosalie makes a contract between both boys.

Now 8 years old, Khamsin serves Van well. He is even bribed to help him get out of sticky situations like Dee looking for Van to continue training. Well, looks like Khamsin will be the one training if Van is not found! Soon, it is time for Van to have his magic appraisal. To Jalpa’s horror, he has none of the elemental magic but production magic. Disappointed at this turn of events, Jalpa is about to kill him but Murcia suggests sending him to that nameless village that borders Ferdinatto County and Yelenetta Kingdom. With only about 100 villagers, there is also a forest filled with monsters but rich in resources. Its only worth is sending soldiers there for training exercises. As this is also a newly acquired territory and they are not loyal to the house, Jalpa agrees with this arrangement. Pack your bags and get out. Murcia apologizes for this hasty suggestion but Van is grateful to him. He would’ve been dead. Both brothers agree to help each other out. On the day Van leaves, he only has his belongings and Khamsin to bring along. However Till decides to follow him as she is his personal maid. Dee too?! I don’t know what laws he is flouting but he is unaware of it either! It gets worse: Esparda coming too! He will supervise him as a form of entertainment! As the entourage leaves, Van is shocked to see the villagers wishing him well on his departure. Apparently Murcia told them despite Van was to leave quietly. This makes Van’s day as he is no longer feeling pathetic of his departure.

Episode 2
As Van’s entourage nears the village, they are horrified to see a large groups of bandits attacking. Although the villagers are cowering and hiding inside, it is thanks to the huge wooden pillars serving as barriers that are delaying the bandits. Van and co contemplate on what to do. Dee gets into an argument with Ortho about risking their lives for this. You see, Ortho and his adventurers were hired just to escort Van here. They are not paid more to risk their lives. Dee strikes a deal to at least protect Van and if things go south, they can flee. However Esparda disagrees with this and will go all out to fight the bandits himself. He wants to go out with a bang. Of course Van disagrees with all of them and suggests himself as a decoy. Even more protests! Is there an end to this? He claims he has Dee’s training and he is nothing if he cannot protect his people. In the event if he dies, just chuck his body away as it would only bring trouble to his house. Ortho and his adventurers who once scorn nobles for only talking, now see Van in a different light. They want to help him. Dee and Esparda also join in so Van doesn’t have to do all the work. Those dumb bandits are so focused in dealing what is in front of them, they didn’t see the ambush right from behind! Eventually with everybody cooperating, Van’s side defeats the bandits and round them up. As Ortho is curious of Van, he wants to stay by his side. But some of his adventurers can’t as they have already taken up quests and have to leave. Ortho and co are interested to see how Van develops the place and is willing to support him to be the next king.

Van and co go inside to greet the villagers. Well, you can tell they are so freaking poor. Talking to the village chief, Ronda who explains back when this village was under Ferdinatto, there were knights patrolling the area. Now that they are under Fertio, all that security is gone. Van may sound like he doesn’t care about small villagers as he notes that complaining about the kingdom or trying to change its laws will do them any good. He suggests making products that make it hard for the kingdom to ignore this village, earn enough to hire mercenaries for protection and finally develop the village themselves. Unfortunately they have tried all that but nothing works. Don’t worry, they have Van now. At first they don’t trust this kid but upon learning he has Dee and Esparda by his side, they have faith now. Van’s first order is Esparda to make sturdier walls and then for Dee and his men to dig moats outside. Van uses his production magic to make wood blocks. Uhm, colourful hard cubes?! He also uses his magic to make weapons. A sword for Khamsin and an axe for Till? Uhm, anything cute for the lovely lady? Next day, Van uses his magic to create his mansion. Well, he might have overdone it because damn, it’s freaking huge and luxurious!

Episode 3
Now his subordinates want a decent house too. Well, what about his people? Their houses are way dilapidated? Okay, okay. If you get him some lumber, Van can make a decent home for all of you. Hooray! And now not only we have decent homes for all, there’s also a decent bath for Van to take. But sorry folks, no hot babes gonna dip in with this lad. Enjoy your sausage fest as Khamsin, Dee and his men all gather in this wooden tub. Manly? Next day, Van and co dig canals so that the water can form a natural barrier around the village. Foreseeing that the water levels may rise during a flood, Van also creates a lake nearby for drainage. This also helps as the villagers don’t have to trek far to get water now. Van impresses everyone by making basic ballistae on the forts. Still impressive, though. Dee and Esparda get into an argument that it is Jalpa’s loss if they don’t recognize Van’s talents although his skills are basically for production and not suitable for offense or conquering. Van doesn’t want them fighting over who is better. They just have to make do with what they’ve got. Van thought he has got food and furniture covered until Esparda reminds him they don’t have any seasonings and thus can’t make the sweet Van loves. I guess it’s time to hit the panic button! Time to brainstorm for something the village can sell. Van decides to test some weapons they have. Don’t worry if it got accidentally broken, Van can fix it back to good. Ortho returns after mining various minerals and ores from the mountains. He has even got mythril. Van then uses cubes to mix and create better weapons. Now everyone wants a piece of his work. Esparda thinks that with such abundant ores, there might be a dungeon nearby. Van thinks with its rich resources, the village’s reputation will increase. But Esparda cautions as they lack facilities and the likes, other neighbouring nations may exploit and attack them to take the dungeon. And because Van is the family’s black sheep, if they know he is of value, he will be sent somewhere else. It is suggested they grow this village and produce results before discovering the dungeon so as to make harder for Fertio to intervene. Soon, armoured lizards are seen charging towards the village. The villagers are scared but Van seeks their cooperation to help fight with him and protect the village.

Episode 4
Well, who is going to report the status of mediocre CGI lizards if Till doesn’t want Van to do it? Okay, so Dee will do it. Loading up the iron bolts on the ballistae, they take down a few of them but soon they are out of ammo. Van then suggests using the wooden ones. I suppose they are not your ordinary wood so they do pierce through the lizards. In the end, humans remain victorious as the lizards are strip off their parts and meat. So much of them that there is enough for everyone to feast on lizard meat tonight. Party on! Van thinks of selling the excess meat to make money but Esparda cautions that doing so will require to pay 50% tax and worse, selling this much will draw attention. As keeping it a secret would be impossible, he suggests reporting to Murcia and let him take the credit. Next day, brothers Bell and Rango from Mary visit to buy some lizard goods. They are shocked to see so much lizard parts so they have to get more men to transport them all. Van also suggests they open a shop here to avoid suspicions that they suddenly start selling weapons from this village. As they agree, Van already finishes building their shop! Amazing. Soon, another group of visitors. Emissaries Panamera Carrera Cayenne who just became a viscountess is accompanying Arte On Ferdinatto, the youngest daughter of Ferdinatto here to pay their respects to the new lord.

Panamera wastes no time into saying that Ferdinatto is suspicious of Fertio’s ambitions suddenly building a city at this border. Van tells the truth that he was exiled because he has no elemental magic. Panamera doesn’t believe him because how can a mere child turn this forsaken land into a fortress in no time. She thinks this is a new military outpost. Van starts laughing because she sounded so serious. He clears the understanding that he was only allowed to bring Khamsin and the rest volunteered to go with him. Van then demonstrates his production magic to build a huge wall easily. As he continues explaining how production magic is deemed as useless in the eyes of many, this seems to resonate similarly for Arte. Panamera soon explains the other reason she is here is to give Arte’s hand in marriage to Van. Panamera was opposed to it but seeing how capable Van is, she has no doubts and if not for the age gap, she would have married him too! While Van is happy with all the praising, Arte is still confused. Don’t need to rush through marriage, right? More hospitality as Van has already built a guest house for them to stay! Oh Arte, better make your decision and not regret it. At night Arte at least thanks Van for being a kind person because the whole day she was nervous thinking it will all be about her engagement. At least Van didn’t make a bad impression. Van thinks if Arte cannot go home, this can be her temporarily place to stay whether she gets engaged to him or not. Panamera teases Arte if she has confessed to Van already. But Arte lights up when Panamera suggests staying here for a few more days.

Episode 5
It’s nice they name the lake after Van. But there’s a problem. Uhm, there’s a strange creature inhabiting it. What’s an apkallu?! Well, if you know what a mermaid is, you definitely can picture one. Trying diplomacy and feeding her meat, Lada Priora finds it good and wants him to make more tomorrow. After confirming he is the one who defeated the lizards, she leaves. Next day, she returns with her entire village! OMFG did the whole of Atlantis just visited?! Ladavesta talks to Van and after double confirming he defeated those lizards, he gives his permission to marry his only daughter, Priora. Because those lizards have been encroaching their dwelling and making life hard for them, he needs a secure place for his people and Van has proven he is a strong man. While Van wants to forge an alliance, he reasons marrying isn’t necessary so she is free to marry who she chooses in the future. Van promises to protect them regardless and allows them to live here. As thanks, apkallu will take care of sewerage duties. When Panamera and Arte come to check on Van, they hear Priora already calling Van her husband! Oh well, looks like she really chose him! Then on a boat ride, Van explains it all to Arte. Priora doesn’t like her husband flirting with another woman! Naughty apkallu kids rock the boat causing Arte to fall into Van’s arms. This makes Priora extremely jealous.

Soon, Ladavesta returns to speak to Van and he looks mad. He heard from his daughter about Van’s infidelity and challenges him to a duel! If apkallu side wins, Van must recognize his betrothal to Priora. In the first best of 3 games, we have water volleyball. Panamera and Till teaming up against Ladavesta and Priora. Apkallu wins despite the humans’ gallant comeback. Next up is relay swimming. OMG, do you think puny humans can win against an aquatic creature???!!! Khamsin may have lost but WTF DEE WINS VIA HIS BUTTERFLY STROKE!!! OMFG HOW CAN A HUMAN BEAT A MERMAID???!!! Finally it is whoever finishes eating a bowl of shaved ice? Oh well, better than another water sport. In the end, Van and Arte team wins! Hooray! Because Van has proven himself to be worthy, he is allowed to marry Priora! Holy f*ck! I guess either way he is still screwed! Brain freeze, stomach ache and now pain of the heart! Damn, Van is gonna grow old fast! Arte reflects on how much of a failure she was just because she has this marionette magic. It was abhorred among the nobles and mom hated her so much. Nobody spoke to her since she was ostracized and she stopped using her magic. So when she was arranged by her dad to go marry someone, she was worried. But after seeing how much confidence and talent Van had and he used his magic to help others. Now she is confident to try harder and restart practising her magic. Soon, Van and the villagers continue to build up their defences by building more ramparts. Arte gets permission to watch Van at work. Need a reason to fall in love further?

Episode 6
Van has completed the biggest and most awesome ballistae ever. Test firing it, oh man, the damage is unbelievable! Panamera wants to buy it but sorry, it is not for sale. She manages to get Van to lend it to her and in exchange will owe him a favour. Panamera also learns Van’s metals are nothing ordinary. Having a sword battle with Khamsin, her sword easily breaks upon clashing! Now Panamera also wants to buy some of the bolts for the ballistae. Conversation cut short when Ortho and his adventurers are running away because a dragon is chasing them. Not wanting to endanger the villagers, Van will shoot it down with his ballistae. Putting it to good use. But Ortho’s side has to survive as distractions long enough while the ballistae is being loaded. Hope fatty adventurer can run faster now! Unfortunately no matter how powerful the ballistae, it means nothing if it cannot hit its target. Yup, dragon is smart and fast enough to avoid. Don’t you panic now, Van. Because he fears he may have gotten complacent after the victory over those armoured lizards. Panamera now shows her true power as she uses her fire elemental to raze it. Obviously the dragon survives and has now destroyed the fort containing the ballistae. Esparda buys time for all to run back as he buries the dragon with earth. Once the dragon breaks free, great timing as Dee returns from a mission to rush towards it and decapitates it after Panamera flushes it with her flames again and other villagers pinning it down with normal ballistae shots. That easy.

In the aftermath, the village holds a celebration as Panamera congratulates the village for defeating the dragon without losing a single casualty. Panamera remembers her own harsh life as she was made to train as a knight since young. She sacrificed everything to get where she is today and with her credentials, that’s how she obtained her viscountess title quickly. One day she was summoned by Ferdinatto to escort Arte to become some nobody’s wife in some remote land. Panamera noted Arte’s uneasiness and told her they’re just going to see her fiancé. If he is talented, he will become her future husband. Otherwise, they can simply reject him. As Arte still felt she was unwanted, Panamera comforted and vowed to protect her. Now she feels her worries are unwarranted and even without her help, Arte has slowly taken the initiative to move forward. Panamera then announces forging an alliance with Van. With this, they don’t have to worry about Ferdinatto attacking them. This is also a good move for Van since his enemies are now allies. This also means Jalpa and other nobles can learn of Van’s worth and won’t be pushed around easily. Seeing this golden opportunity, Van accepts the alliance.

Episode 7
Van can now focus on continue developing his town but they need new residents if they’re going to make it big. Bell and Rango have returned with a couple of merchants to buy the dragon parts. Van thought he hit the jackpot thinking he could sell it all at a good price but those merchants quote him a lower price. He goes to ask Bell and Rango about it but the merchants hint to them about undercutting their client. The brothers want to do an honest appraisal but those merchants say STFU and do as they are told. But since they still refuse, the merchants leave and warns they will be kicked out once they tell this to their boss. Van suggests they establish their own company but they note the few conditions. The toughest being getting an endorsement from a titled noble. Van goes to ask Panamera for this favour and she agrees to it. However she wants Van to get that title himself and this means he is to take credit for slaying the dragon and even if this makes him stand out more, it is all part and parcel of becoming great. So deal with it! Panamera goes back to the kingdom Scuderia to have an audience with King Dino En Tsora Bellrinet to request a title be bestowed upon Van. She explains Van’s exploits, abilities and shows a dragon fang proof. Dino is now interested to see Van in person. Panamera then announces at the square that Van has become a baron and this has everyone talking about Jalpa’s prodigal son. Van has finished building defence towers and is having lunch with his subordinates. Soon, a few shaggy people at the gates. They wonder if this is Seatoh Village. It is the name of the land before there was a village here. They are from the neighbouring village and with them being taxed so heavily but have no young ones to work, they come here to negotiate. The young ones have been taken away for conscripted into the lord’s army. Learning there are 300 of them, Van agrees to take them all in and provide them with houses and food. Don’t blame these people for being surprised. This is way better than heaven! Van is ecstatic that they have cows because now he can make dairy products! It could be the town’s new industry. Van even sends his men to escort the rest of the villagers here and when they arrive, they are greeted with lots of food. Definitely better than heaven! If that’s not all, Van can provide them with jobs and you bet everybody is even motivated with cake! Now these once hopeless people are now filled with new hope and motivation! Van is your God now!

Episode 8
Ortho and co have found a dungeon. As such, Van needs someone to head to the capital to report it. Everyone dumps the job on Kusala. Van rewards him with gold and a short sword made of mythril. Now everybody wants to switch places. No way! Along the way, he finds a group of monsters attacking a carriage. After destroying them, Flamiria relays her thanks as well as explaining her circumstances. As her father died in battle, she was trying to find work as a maid. Since she is also on her way to the capital, Kusala lets her ride his horse and he can also protect her. Do I smell a romance coming up? Van appoints Esparda as the governor for a small outpost outside the dungeon while Dee’s side will be the one protecting Seatoh. As Van oversees Dee and some of the villagers making the outpost outside the village, Van wants to recruit some of them for the outpost but looks like Esparda has beaten Van to it and recruited them. After Kusala and Flamiria return, a group of ruffians show up. OMFG DID THESE MAD MAX BUGGERS LOST THEIR WAY INTO THIS ANIME???!!! Despite their crude and scary looks, they are actually good guys! After hearing how Van has been abandoned to this remote place, these guys take pity on him and are now under Dee’s training. When Pluriel describe the harsh environment near the dungeon and it would make it hard for adventurers camping there, turns out as per Van expected, she wants him to build a decent accommodation there. So not only Van builds a sturdy bridge over the dangerous ravine but damn, this seemingly 5 star inn that offers all sorts of facilities! No wonder these Mad Max guys wanna stay here! I bet adventurers will come here as a tourist rather than to explore the dungeon! To add cherry on top, Arte finds mythril ore nearby. When the entourage returns very late to Seatoh, Esparda is waiting. Despite his smile, Van knows he is in sh*t! Nobody wants to cover for him! Even when he manages to make Ortho take the fall for him, Esparda is not impressed and takes Van away for a talk.

Episode 9
Van offers Arte to stay here permanently and she can do whatever she wants. Anything? She wants to get engaged to him! She gets embarrassed and he’ll pretend he didn’t hear that. Arte feeling a bit sad he is happy to ignore it! Bell and Rango return and they have successfully set up their trading company. When Van creates his own crossbow, it fails to work. This has Arte note that not everything he makes is a success. Though, she doesn’t have bad intentions in saying that. This leads to Arte eventually revealing her marionette magic. Fearing a backlash, surprisingly Van wants to see it. Amazed, he suggests putting up a play for the village. All gather at the hall to witness the marionette play. But Arte hears whispers about rumours of a royalty with useless marionette ability and this has her stop dead in her tracks. With Van giving positive vibes, Arte continues her act. In the end, everyone is impressed with her great performance. That should boost her confidence. Soon, Panamera returns and she has brought Dino and his chancellor, Aperta. Van answers truthfully to Dino’s questions and since the king still has doubts, Van will personally show him around. He starts off with his ballistae and fortified walls. Amazing, right? He explains the time he takes to create them and obviously they find it hard to understand. Walking through the town, they see all the people greeting Van happily. Even more shocking, the apkallu living freely. Van then demonstrates how he makes the rampart. After Ladavesta pays his respects to Dino, he hands the king a rare orichalcum stone as their token of friendship. Yeah, that is worth a lot. Then they witness Van making a sword out of it! Van tries to hide it but remember, he can’t lie to a king. Dino will pay him his worth but all Van wants is to stay here instead of going to the capital. Because who is going to protect Seatoh if he is away? It is his duty to help prosper the land too. Dino accepts his decision and will send an emissary to work with him. He will stop treating him as a kid from now on. Soon, a dragon flies in. Everybody to your positions. Good timing for Dino to see everybody’s awesomeness.

Episode 10
Dino notices something off about that lone wyvern. There is a human rider on it and he can tell it is from the rival kingdom of Yelenetta. A possible invasion? Flying at that height, Van knows his ballistae cannot reach it. Trudging through the forest is Prince Unimog who is the 8th son of Yelenetta’s king. He is unhappy that he is tasked to invade the remote village of Seatoh although his men believe this will lead to his glory. Thinking it would be an easy task, Unimog is soon shocked to see ramparts. Uhm, I thought this village was defenceless? Thinking this is just a façade, he orders his men to tear it down. Hardly making a dent. Van comes out to talk to them. Must be shocked seeing a kid ruling Seatoh, huh? Thinking this is all bluff, Van has Panamera demonstrate a ballistae as it rains shurikens! Unimog’s men immediately surrenders! If Unimog still wants to fight, Panamera fires a giant bolt just missing him. Now you surrender? You better when he sees Dino observing. Panamera interrogates Unimog who easily spills the beans that Yelenetta has been planning to invade Scuderia for years. There are other forces invading elsewhere especially the fortress city of Scudet. As Dino needs to return, he wants Van to come with him too. However Van gives excuses he needs to be here to defend Seatoh and claims his development is incomplete. Panamera advises he accepts this for the betterment of his future.

So while Van is away, he leaves it to Esparda to run the place. So the usual ragtag tiny team of Seatoh follow Van while Panamera will return to Ferdinatto to report before joining Van at Scudet. Jalpa has his aide make preparations for war at Scudet. But he brushes off any reports of Van’s achievements, claiming a child like him can do nothing. Reality check for Jalpa as Scudet is on the brink of falling as Yelenetta wyverns encircle the city and using new weapons we all know as bombs. Jalpa is about to be done in when the wyverns turn away. Apparently Arte’s marionette is being a killer, slicing down all the wyverns! To buy time for Scuderia’s knights to retreat, Van’s side becomes the distraction. OMG, I can’t believe that the armoured and well prepared Yelenetta knights are being done in by Van’s ragtag team of knights, mercenaries, adventurers, villagers and Mad Max ruffians! WTF???!!! When the going gets tough, Van orders his side to retreat. They are here not to die. Murcia joins his father as they are soon summoned by Dino. Jalpa reports Scudet has fallen but cannot fathom why the enemy retreated last minute. Dino believes Van did his part and explains that kid’s achievements. Jalpa cannot believe this but in doing so, is he calling the king a liar? Murcia in tears because he is happy Van has made a name for himself. Van and his team camp in the forest as they fear this war will take a toll on them if it drags on. Van then creates a catapult. Because it is too heavy to move to the battlefield, he gets this idea to just make them onsite. This gives Van ideas and motivation for a strategy meeting.

Episode 11
For the first time in ages, Van and Jalpa meet face to face. Despite Van explains how he defeated the dragon with a ballistae, he doesn’t believe it. Jalpa then observes how his son casually talks with Panamera who wants to buy some of his new weapons. With other nobles, they have a strategy meeting with Dino. After reporting Yelenetta’s wyverns and bombs that decimated their side, it is time for Van to give his input. But first, Van wants guarantee he won’t fight at the front lines, angering the rest who think he is selfish. Van’s reason is that he still needs to run his small village and despite his efforts to develop it, if Yelenetta attacks, Seatoh can still fall. That’s why he can’t afford to get himself hurt. Dino allows Van’s request as Van mentions the catapults he created. Of course Jalpa doesn’t believe him. Van makes a catapult and a ballistae outside. Now you believe? Apparently, Jalpa still doesn’t! He thinks it is all for show! Motherf*cker. Van notices Arte meeting her father who was at the meeting. But their meet doesn’t last long. Looks like she is still scared of him? The mission to retake Scudet begins. Yelenetta’s side using all they’ve got on the vanguard force trying to break through their rampart. But this is just a distraction as a small group of mages including Jalpa, Ferdinatto, Murcia and Panamera use their magic to break through the main gate. Yelenetta falls like a domino as Scuderia’s side storm in and cut them down. When the wyverns are here, it is time for the catapult to do its job. Firing cannonballs that turn into, uhm, arrows? This kills many wyverns as they drop like flies from the sky. Those that survive, nothing a little magic to pin them down and ballistae might to finish the job. Yelenetta is forced to surrender. Can’t even escape. So now you see the power of Van? At the end of the battle, Murcia is shocked Jalpa is leaving without even saying goodbye to Van. Hey, at least he is starting to admit his beliefs are wrong. The captured commander spills the beans that this is all part of a 3 pronged attack. Seatoh and Scudet are 2 of them. Guess where the last one? That’s right. Ferdinatto. Arte’s hometown.

Episode 12
Van wants to accompany Arte there but she refuses. She needs to do this alone and can’t always rely on him. Plus, if Van saves Ferdinatto, this means her father may lose his title and land. Thus she has to solve this family matter herself. Van accepts but will send some of his men along like Ortho and his adventurers and those Mad Max punks. When they arrive, Yelenetta forces have overrun the place. Don’t be in shock now. Arte screaming for mom? Before she starts becoming a coward, Ortho advises her so Arte gets her hopes back and will command them to head into battle. We see Arte’s mom assuring her eldest daughter that everything will be fine. But she sees shades of Arte in her? Arte sends her marionettes to attack the Yelenetta soldiers. When those guards decide to take them out, Arte has her side to begin their attack. Mind boggling how a well equipped Yelenetta side can lose to a puny ragtag Scuderia reinforcement. Do they have better magic and fighting skill despite Yelenetta having wyverns, bombs and the numbers? Plot convenience says Yelenetta realizes they cannot win so they get scared and escape! Arte and co win! Yay! Ferdinatto talks to his wife and hints someone looking like their daughter drove out the Yelenetta side. They regret mistreating the poor girl. No use crying over spilt milk. Why does mom’s crying sound like she’s laughing???!!! Has she gone hysterical?! Arte decides to leave without meeting her family since it would only cause them problems. Besides, mom hated her magic. When they return to Seatoh and Van glad to see them all safe, Arte looks down. It sees she can’t command everyone with confidence like he does. Van continues to praise her she has done well and enough to bring her to tears. Oh Van, you made a girl cry! But it’s tears of happiness. Welcome back. Van takes a look at his vibrant Seatoh and reflects on the events that brought him to this point. A blessing in disguise. Thanking everyone may be one thing but Esparda now wants to tutor him while Dee wants to train him. Oh no. No more of those boring stuffs! Van runs away while others cheer on him. Having so much fun, aren’t we?

Make Or Break
Long live Van! At this rate he is going to turn Seatoh into the most famous cities in the kingdom and the world! I don’t know if he will be able to make a city to hole up just for himself and his subjects to have fun because that’s what the title suggests, right? As long as we have the wisdom and guidance of Van, Seatoh will never lose. So we’re okay of Van being installed as Seatoh’s dictator for life? Oh sorry, dictator is only a dirty word for those selfish pricks who only line up their own pockets in the name of the benefit of the people. At this rate, Van will become God to be worshipped for generations to come! But that’s another (unrelated) story.

Nothing really different or special in this series in terms of its plot compared to the rest of the series in the same genre. It follows the same formula that the main character has been looked down upon because his powers are not what is constituted to be the best as per the norm. So by being away from those pesky arrogant people, main character gets to build from scratch the kind of life he wants. He makes it better for himself and all the people around him. Earning himself a reputation and great status along the way as he continues to rise. You know the drill. Just change a little setting here and there and you can have a totally new series. I refrain myself from naming a few other titles here because I’m too lazy at this point and also, why the f*ck do shows in this genre have f*cking long names?! Uh huh! I’m going to use up the entire page just to name those series! Not happening here in this blog! Anyway… Therefore you could say I was mostly bored watching this because of this same predictable formula. Nobody dies, right? Van didn’t lose anything big, right? Right. All within the calculations. What is the name of this anime again? Yeah, easy going territory defence I kid you not. Whatever that means. But Van did it anyway because I think everybody else so dumb. Heh.

As for the characters, they’re tried and tested in many other such series too. Thus Van is no different than these protagonists. In order words, boringly predictable. Unless you’re a shotacon. Just kidding. I don’t know what else to say because Van is so similar to such main characters that I might as well copy and paste my sentiments from my previous blogs and paste them here. Of course I didn’t. Because I’m too lazy! The irony of watching Van putting in all the hard work and effort only served to put me off and become lazier! I don’t know what idiotic spell is this… Anyway, just to repeat, Van is your usual little kid who does his best because he wants the easily life. Remember, sh*tty previous life. To ensure that, he has to work hard and plant the seeds so that he and others can enjoy them later. Pretty basic. Van is so smart only because he came from a different world. There is a reason why reincarnated characters of isekai animes don’t lose their memories. The other factor is because this isekai is so backwater. So what you have magic? We have proven scientific technology! That is enough for Van to become superior as he brings in better technology and even simple business opportunities that make the people’s livelihood easier. There is all there is for Van to do to earn the respects and loyalty of everyone.

I don’t know why the people of this world see other magic types as useless. What’s so great about the elemental magic? I can’t say because I don’t get to see them much here as production magic gets the limelight. I don’t know if there are other people having the same production magic as Van but I am going to guess that it is rare. Because those who have got it did not use their creativity like how Van did to utilize and produce stuffs. That’s why they and the magic are looked down upon. But then again, I have to remember the backwater medieval-like setting of this world. People here do not have the creativity and thus can’t create much even with that ability. But now that Van has shown everyone how it is done, hopefully this mind set would change. Yeah, it might be tough getting Jalpa to acknowledge his son because of pride. Imagine how big daddy would feel if he has to swallow up his pride and apologize he was wrong! I know, it may get a little awkward but it can be done. After all, Jalpa almost tried to kill his own son! If not for Murcia, Van’s isekai life would have been really short-lived.

As part of the formula of this genre, the more people and characters Van meet, the better his standing and reputation will grow. After all, Van despite being overpowered in almost every context, he is still human and cannot be an island. That is why we see him grown from a few loyal servants to an entire village and perhaps people from all over the kingdom will soon get to know the wisdom of this young lad. Because of that, I feel that many of these characters do not really have much screen time or at least I don’t really feel that they are of significance. Sure, Khamsin and Till may have been by Van’s side for a long time but there is nothing else going for them. Khamsin as Van’s loyal servant-cum-bodyguard, protecting him from some immediate threats. That is all. Nothing really special. Same for Till. They sure baited me with this maid character. I’m sure they needed a cute girl by Van’s side so Till is your gal. Not sure if she got used to that axe but whatever. Esparda is supposed to be the wise experienced tutor but turns out to be more of some strict old bugger while Dee is supposed to be the defence guy but turns out to be more of a muscle brained idiot. While they aren’t entirely that bad, I guess they are not supposed to overshadow Van’s greatness and thus in this sense feels a lot lacking.

You can’t really be a ruler if you don’t have subjects to rule. And that is why the people of Seatoh are perfect as Van builds his own city, better than playing that SimCity video game! HAHAHA!!! Just kidding. And to show great diplomacy, damn, this kid has got the mermaid tribe living in his backyard! This checks off the diversity box so yeah, Van is really making progress. This includes those punk guys because I bet nobody wants to take them in. Poor guys, must have lost their way from the Mad Max movies! HAHAHA!!! He also needs diplomacy with other nations and while he is still a long way from standing on the same level with many nobles, Panamera is allowing that to happen and Van’s future is even secure by having a possible future fiancée and wife. That’s you Arte. Ah yes, Arte. Shy girl trope. Has her own trauma. What a better way to kill 2 birds with a stone because by hanging around Van, she not only regains her confidence (final episode battle that puts her in charge I feel is for this and to indirectly settle her outstanding family issues) but also falls in love with him. I bet this will happen. You better give me a good reason why she won’t! Once this happens, we can have a cheesy harem fight between Arte and Priora. Yeah. I can’t believe Kusala x Flamiria romance hinting! Why do I feel this is like a big distraction?! Even small characters like Bell and Rango felt negligible but it is all part of the big network that will play a huge part when Van goes from greatness to greatness. And yes, when Van is in trouble or down in the dumps, who do you think will help get his spirits up? You guessed it. All these lovely people. How wonderful.

Action wise, there is nothing really to shout about because it is all part and parcel of this genre. Nothing really mind blowing that will put you on the edge of your seat but I suppose they’re just decent and passable. After all, in a world where kingdoms still exist and their favourite pastime is conquering each other (that’s what you get when you have no internet!), so Van’s greatness needs to shine as he creates great ancient military weapons from ramparts to ballistae and catapults. Man, I am sure if the going gets tough, he’ll create machine guns to kill waves of enemy soldiers and monsters as well as jet fighter planes to down those annoying dragons and sky creatures! F*ck yeah! But for now, we have to be contented with the usual. Since Van himself doesn’t have good fighting abilities, I think this is where his other subjects like Dee, Ortho and Khamsin get to shine and show off a bit of their chops. Last episode puts Arte in the limelight so as to assure us that she is not useless. She might not be like Van but she doesn’t have to be like him. She can be herself and that is all that matters. Hope she got her confidence back now. With Yelenetta amazingly losing all their battles, will they give up on their ambitions? Thank goodness no internet to spread their epic failures despite having better trained soldiers, wyverns, weapons and the likes. They really made a fool out of this antagonist kingdom just to make our kids look good. Yikes. As long as Van around, I bet their revenge crusade will also fail.

Art and animation are also pretty standard and decent although sometimes it can get a little substandard (some of the background look like sketches). As per expected in today’s Japanese era. Typical cute little boys to cute little girls as well as hot looking adults. And some really mean looking nobles so you can tell from a glance that they don’t have the best heart around. That is why Jalpa looks so mean but can you imagine this guy starts smiling?! I don’t know if that would be creepy. Maybe it would. My other issue is the CGI. Ah yes, that dreaded 3D rendering. I don’t know if it’s done on purpose or the technology is still lacking. Or they not have enough budget to get a good software programme. Anyway, for the umpteenth time, I am still shaking my head to see those mediocre CGI horses. They really copy and paste that from previous animes, huh? And yeah, those ballistae in CGI, well, they just look so-so. I mean, it’s a simple ballistae, can you at least make it look a bit better? Not saying you have to make it look very life-like but seeing the ballistae here, I thought they took it from some video game assets. Yeah. And don’t get me started on those damn lizards. Come on, people! Are you serious in giving us this crappy CGI for this monster! No wonder they got defeated so easily! This anime is done by NAZ who did Hamatora, Hajimete No Gal, Infinite Dendogram and Ore Ga Suki Nano Wa Imouto Dakedo Imouto Ja Nai. Now I think I know why sometimes the animation quality feels inferior.

Voice acting also nothing special. Just decent and ordinary. I only recognized Youko Hikasa as Panamera, Junichi Suwabe as Dino and Tetsu Inada as Jalpa. The rest are Yumi Uchiyama as Van, Mao Ichimichi as Till, Mariya Ise as Khamsin, Kenyuu Horiuchi as Esparda, Chikahiro Kobayashi as Dee, Shion Wakayama as Arte, Makoto Furukawa as Ortho, Nonoka Oobuchi as Priora, Takuya Nakashima as Ladavesta, Gen Satou as Kusala and Mitsuki Nakamura as Ferdinatto. The opening song is one of the strangest I have heard. Okirakuze~shon by Rei Nakashima sounds like it is some exercising song for kids. At least at the beginning. The singer’s voice also sounds weird and I’m not sure if she is singing in high pitch mode. The rest of the song feels like some lively carnival but ultimately, I don’t know if this is cute or bizarre. Maybe both. Remember to take a deep breath. The ending theme, Make It by Nonoka Oobuchi is your typical generic cute anime pop.

Overall, it is obvious that I am not impressed with this anime despite to be fair, it isn’t actually a bad anime. Because I have seen so many similar shows in the past seasons, it has affected my judgment and this series brought nothing new to the table that would make me feel excited. Just the same boring stuffs as usual. You might be fascinated if you’re a noob in anime or to the genre but a veteran like me, they have got to do better than this. Yeah, I could easily solve this problem by simply not watching this genre in the future! But I must keep it up because I’m too dumb to give up my comfort zone and see if this genre improves. My guts always say no… I don’t know if I am living a dystopian version of Van’s life because my strongest fortified city is the safe zone and comfort of my own room and I am ruling my own city by playing retro games such as SimCity, Tropico and even Minecraft. Never mind, I suck in those city building and management games anyway.

Kigyou Senshi Yamazaki: Long Distance Call

After my interesting stint about a normal old salaryman that turned into some sort of android (Inuyashiki if you don’t know what I’m talking about), it recommended me to another anime that is somewhat familiar. It was this 45 minutes 1997 retro OVA, Kigyou Senshi Yamazaki: Long Distance Call. Don’t blame you if you have never heard of this one because it was one of those obscure shows even in the 90’s. We all know Japan is infamous for this karoshi tragedy, right? That means an employee is worked to death by his/her own company! This OVA has a typical salaryman dead from that but you know what? Somebody thinks it is a good idea to revive this dude as a cyborg and make him work beyond the grave and carry out corporate espionage. Brilliant. Welcome to Japan, folks. Where technology and basic human/employee rights do not coexist.

It’s only business…
A drunk man is complaining about his boss and work. When suddenly Takurou Yamazaki pops up and disappears in front of him! Yeah, may have had one too many beers. Yamazaki is a cyborg as he goes to fight a rival cyborg named Satou from X-Chain Supermarket. Satou tries to steal all the data in Yamazaki’s brain and then destroy him. Seeing Satou is a hopeless case, Yamazaki puts on his special visors and powers up. His devastating Yamazaki Kick destroys Satou to pieces! Holy f*ck! As Yamazaki drives off, blocking his path is an old man seemingly trying to rape Rinko Kashima. The old man claims she was willing and Yamazaki will not intervene since it is not his business. This makes Rinko mad. But when the police arrives, Yamazaki steps on the pedal. Rinko hops in to escape with him. As she is willing to pay for the ride, Yamazaki can tell the money doesn’t belong to her. In fact, she lured unsuspecting men into the alley to rob them. Even when Rinko wants to pay with her body, Yamazaki is not buying it. Rinko believes he is also not clean because he ran away when the police showed up. He must have something to hide. She shuts up upon seeing his family photo on the dashboard. She feels sad about it but he has nothing to say to her.

Yamazaki goes to meet his next client, Tashiro of Itsutsuba Electric and his colleagues. First thing Yamazaki does is to lecture them in how to properly do greetings and introductions! Once done with all that, they get down to business. Their CEO gave them only 2 months to develop a new product and since they are way behind the telecomm market, that is why they called Yamazaki for his expertise as he is famous for being a business pro. So yeah, if you old people still remember old outdated technology of landline phones and yes, faxes! We see Yamazaki giving his ‘awesome’ opinion and solutions for a cordless phone! Genius, right?! Later we see Tashiro discussing Yamazaki’s ideas with a colleague at a bar, about this cordless phone which is actually an LCD panel hung up on the wall and you can dial or answer it with the clap of your hands! Genius. They continue to praise Yamazaki’s ingenuity (including his opinion that faxes are outdated!) and coincidentally, Rinko is nearby and heard all that.

We see Yamazaki coming home late from work. He apologizes for his tardiness for their wedding anniversary and has bought some cake for them. However his wife and daughter are looking in shock. Who are you?! To Yamazaki’s shock, they see them run to their husband/papa. What’s going on?! Apparently this is a recurring nightmare that Yamazaki suffers from as he finishes his usual maintenance from sexy mad scientist, Kirika. She warns him about piling on the stress aside from work because it will rot his brain faster. He plays dumb but she isn’t taking it. She knows he took in a stray girl. Just focus on the job he is assigned to. Remember, his body has been heavily invested. When he claims he is not a machine but a human, Kirika shows her sexy bod and lingerie! YEOW! If you’re human, you definitely react to that, right? And since Yamazaki did not, it proves he is machine. Now, if you’re wondering if Yamazaki had a change in mind and keeps staring at her boobs, it is because he finally detected something off about them: Silicone implants! Damn, that embarrassed her!

Yamazaki continues to work on his computer even after normal hours. As Rinko heard from Tashiro that he works 24/7, she goes to pay him a visit. Uhm, building has no security and anybody can just waltz in? Whatever. She talks to him about not going home but he can tell that she too has troubles at home and thus the same. Yamazaki’s reasons is that he has lots of work to do but Rinko wants him to go back to his family. He still has that photo on his computer monitor, right? Otherwise, he will end up like her. Rinko starts talking about his dad never came home while her mom found another man but they too split up and hated each other. Well girl, Yamazaki says it in your face that he is not interested in your life story! Not my business! Must perfect his presentation for tomorrow. As expected, Rinko gets mad as he has no empathy. He is just stupid like everyone else. Regardless, she continues her sob story that she ran away from home and wandered around but found no place for herself. He advises her not to rely on others when a phone call from a colleague comes in. Tashiro has been hospitalized after being attacked by an assailant trying to get info about his new product. He wants Yamazaki to visit him. However he declines as doing so will not heal his injuries faster. Realistic or cruel? Rinko tells him to just go and cheer him up. But he believes even without Tashiro, the team will still function. Rinko blows her top. He is just like her dad! Never there when she needed him! She pours vase water on him and runs away. Well, thankfully Yamazaki is waterproof and continues working! On her way out, Rinko bumps into an old man who kidnaps her.

Yamazaki soon gets a call from Suzuki about Rinko in his hands. Yamazaki also knows he was the one who attacked Tashiro and will inform the police. However Suzuki warns both will not want to get the police involved. Yamazaki gets the hint and meets up. He tells Suzuki to let Rinko girl as she has nothing to do with the project. But Suzuki who is hired from a rival telco company, refuses because he still came to save her so she must be connected. He believes it is because he still regrets leaving his daughter behind. Yamazaki became a business commando for the sake of his family even if this life prolonging measure is just temporary. As emotion is his greatest weakness, Suzuki claims he has been single his whole life and has none of that. Then they talk about business where a company has to stay at the top to be relevant. To further explain and enlighten a confused Rinko, Suzuki reveals both of them are already dead from karoshi. Tatsurou Ozaki was a very talented salesman and neglected his family and became absorbed in his work where he died from it. The family sued but the company denied it and with lack of evidence, the case was dismissed. But to leave money for his family, he underwent cybernetic surgery and revived as a business commando, changing his name as well.

Suzuki now gets violent and attacks Yamazaki with his strong cybernetic arm. Yamazaki doesn’t believe violence in business but Suzuki believes otherwise. With no time left, Suzuki wants to go all out and do as he pleases. With that, Yamazaki puts on his visors and you know the rest. But damn, throwing name cards and projectiles and get this, using his necktie as a blade that cuts Suzuki in half! OMFG! Now I’ve seen everything! That was easy! Rinko is safe now but I guess she is a little bit scared of this cyborg. Rinko is further shocked that Yamazaki has not told his family about his deteriorating condition. What good will it do to tell them? The only reason he is alive is to provide them with new happiness and financial support. Rinko mocks him for being stupid because they may have found somebody new. But Yamazaki doesn’t react to this and this makes Rinko feel so bad she starts crying.

Using the prototype phone, Rinko calls her mom who is more than happy to welcome back. But Rinko wants to find a place on her own. Mother and daughter reconcile with Rinko in tears. Uhm, is the phone so hi-tech that there is hologram visuals too?! Or is it our imagination?! With Tashiro discharged, his team thank him and show him a poster of their new product. Yamazaki drives off and it seems Rinko intends to stick with him for a little while. She wants to hear more about him but he is busy and needs to hurry to his next job. And as always, he has nothing to tell her.

All Work And No Play Makes Yama-Jack-y A Business Commando
And that is how Japan became the one of the most advanced and industrialized nations in today’s world! All because of unsung heroes like Yamazaki. Business commandoes who work in the nation’s shadows to bring out the best in Japan and take technology to the next level! All hail the business commandoes! Nah. Just kidding. Those motherf*cking black companies must be laughing all the way to the bank overworking their ‘big investment’. After all, no need to pay extra and they can continue working even longer than the f*cking Energizer bunny. So yeah. You people better appreciate all the convenient technology we have today.

Story wise, I believe this single OVA is not enough to tell the whole story and while this itself is interesting, it is sad that no more episodes were produced. I am going to repeat my usual answer about such OVAs made in the 80’s and 90’s. It is of course made to serve as a promotion and increase awareness about the series. Even back in 1997, the internet is still at an infancy stage. Even in Japan. So such wacky OVAs were made just for that purpose. So if you are really interested, go find the manga. Though, from what I found it has only like about 12 volumes. But I feel it is enough to give you a satisfying story.

What makes this series interesting as well as it is beautifully tragic is the case of Yamazaki himself. Or at least the kind of job and role he has to play. It seemed upfront like a genius idea turning dead employees into modern robotic corporate slaves. Yeah, imagine a company trying to sell you the deal literally of a lifetime! We bring you back from the dead but you serve us forever or until your brain decays. Yeah. That’s basically how it is. I don’t know if this is Robocop and Total Recall mashed up as some dystopian horror story but yeah, like I said it made the whole story and this world setting felt interesting but beautifully tragic as well. This OVA does not flesh out much but it already gives you an idea of how f*cked up everything is. Everything feels so superfluous on the surface but something much deeper and darker lurks. That is the dog eat dog world of the business and corporate world. Yeah, this concept puts that other business themed OVA series, Bus Gamer to shame!

Even sadder itself is Yamazaki. He is caught between what it means to be a human and a machine. The only reason he is continuing to do all this sh*t is because of his family even if they seemingly don’t need him anymore. His face doesn’t show any emotions and he does his job perfect to a T that could earn him the best employee of the day, month or year! But all that means nothing to Yamazaki, right? He doesn’t talk much but you can tell from his actions and the tone of his words, the weight and burden he has to carry. He might sound very harsh but he is being realistic from a rational point of view. So could you not blame him if he sounds cold and calculated because literally, he is a damn machine! That is what makes him so sad and us viewers empathize with him.

Inadvertently, he even ‘reforms’ Rinko and I believe in the manga, she will play a vital role in keeping his humanity. Oh you know, when Yamazaki could be about moments from breaking his golden rule of not killing, she might step in and remind the humanity he has left. The voice of his reason. Perhaps become a damsel in distress once in a while. In a way, both learning from each other and becoming more human is what I can foresee will become of this 2. Note, I’m not going to read the manga to find out! And yeah, Kirika. The very obvious reason for her appearance here is purely for fanservice purpose. Yeah sure, it is to also tell us that somebody is in charge of maintaining Yamazaki for the company until he becomes of no use. But until then, this OVA only proves to us that we horny male otakus got their 2 cents worth of buying the DVD just to be pleasantly surprised with her flashing. Good job. How fast did your dick erect?! At least I can say that I am still human. Hehehe…

Art and animation are quite basic as it reeks typical 90’s style retro visuals. They are simple and nothing really flashy. Still has good and decent quality but I won’t go so far as to say that it is a visual masterpiece. I mean, Rinko looks plain even for a pretty 2D chick while Yamazaki looks stiff only because of his robotic face and yeah, spikey hair fashion seems to be an odd choice for a business commando. With many of the scenes dark, it is no surprising that the colours, hues and tones also are quite subdued to reflect the shadowy and murky nature of business in this world. Oh yes, those bits of Kirika fanservice too. Bet we will still love them, silicone implants or 2D tits, boobs + sexy lingerie on a hot young woman’s body = ultimate fapping material of otaku guys in the 90’s! Uh huh. Still learning how to look for porn on the internet then!

And yes, speaking of technology, oh man, looks like I’m gonna have to rant at all the outdated technology and even more so that this anime using telecommunication devices as its product! Uh huh. I suppose I have to give them credit for trying some sort of ideas to look like they’re ahead of its time. Watching it at this time, I guess such LCD telephones on walls did not catch on and become a hot must-have invention like the Smartphone. Heck, I don’t even remember if they were even created. Whatever, the Smartphone has usurped everything! Yeah, and those computers. CRT monitors! And look at those pie charts and software modules Yamazaki is using! OMFG! Looked so advanced! But so outdated! So laughable! I’m surprised they didn’t show us the diskette or CD! Oh man. We’ve really come a long way. It makes me feel so old.

One reason that got my attention to watch this series is Shigeru Chiba as Yamazaki. Well, he isn’t in his usual wild voice like Buggy of One Piece as he is very subdued and mild here. But still recognizable enough. Yeah, can you believe this guy is still around even though he is no longer that active in voice acting roles? God bless his soul. And here I thought it was Megumi Hayashibara as Rinko because you know, she’s almost everywhere in the 90’s but damn, it’s the late Tomoko Kawakami as Rinko. Sighs. The rest of the small casts are Nobutoshi Canna as Tashiro, Masako Katsuki as Kirika and Kenichi Ogata as Suzuki. On a trivial note, sometimes I feel this OVA also serves as a partial promotion for Aoi Mizuno who sang the ending theme, Ring A Ding: Tomoko No Theme. A generic lively retro anime synth pop music. I believe she had a voice acting cameo here as Yamazaki’s daughter. Anyway, the end of the video tries to promote the sales of this song that I believe is played in full length for the ending credits. I don’t know how famous she became (she has long retired since) but I suppose this is the only anime song she ever sung.

Overall, this obscure series was quite an interesting watch. It has a bittersweet feel to it as it shows the great but deadly concept combo of Japan’s favourite hobbies and pastimes being mashed together. Yeah, when you have a salaryman turned into a robot so he can continue working forever, that brings a lot of conflicting feelings of coolness as well as worrying vibes. It tried to deal with a lot of other heavy issues like depression and abandonment but once more, a single episode cannot tell much but I have to give it credit for bringing up such thoughts to the table. I don’t know if such corporate wars are fought in the shadows today (obviously not! At least not in this manner), but take heart in today’s era, Yamazaki may get his early retirement. Because with all the AI crap permeating throughout technology these days, looks like Yamazaki will be getting the better deal to be put out of a job and perhaps onto death rather than being a mindless zombie slave consuming all the AI slop. Yeah, whoever made this AI thingy has made the best and worst business decision for mankind. Thank you and f*ck you!

Shibou Yuugi De Meshi Wo Kuu

Holy f*ck! What is this?! Maids playing a deadly survival game? Sign me up! I guess that was all it takes for me to get started on Shibou Yuugi De Meshi Wo Kuu. That title itself sounds pretty strange. So do employers hire maids to make them play such dastardly life or death games for the sake of entertainment? Because that seems to be the case if you want to put food on your table in this sick and twisted world. Yeah, why does putting slutty and risqué photos and videos of yourself on Only Fans sounds like a safer and lucrative way to make money for a living! I guess it is still better than joining Squid Game!

Episode 1
Yuki Sorimachi wakes up to a phone ring. No one at the one. Must be a wakeup call. Examining the maid outfit she has been dressed into and the room, soon she heads out and meets the other maid players gathered in a room. Yuki is calm as she explains she has played this death game before. This is her 28th to be exact. We hear the other maids’ reason in playing this game and some isn’t their first time. Kinako (1st time, repay a debt), Kokuto (2nd time, felt stupid doing normal work), Momono (1st time, tricked into this), Beniya (despite having prior knowledge, this is her 1st time participating to clear debts) and Aoi (1st time, kinda forced into it). As Yuki is a veteran, she is made to be the leader. She warns them that people die in this game despite the survival rate is about 70%. Their goal is to escape while avoiding deadly traps. Although there is no time limit, they are also not given supplies. This means she assures the food is not poisoned as players can get hungry during the game. Yuki notes she is helping them because it doesn’t cost her anything and if they feel indebted to her, they can help her in the future. Better to help than abandon. Or maybe she is just being nice to use them as meat shields. So you decide yourself later. As they go around looking for clues in every room, they are back to square one. Nothing. They talk about blind spots when Kokuto lifts up a food tray and finds a set of keys underneath. Suddenly she gets shot by a needle and dies! This leaves many in shock but Yuki remains calm and even says not to pray or be emotional as such weakness could bare its fangs during crucial moments. So they just leave her body behind and proceed.

The survivors find themselves trapped in a room with levers and the water is slowly flooding the room. They try all sorts of combination but nothing works. Not until they strap themselves to a continuous chain and then pull the levers together. Suddenly walls separate them and a buzzsaw each from above slowly inches down. At this rate their arm will be cut off. Yuki realizes the keys and uses it to unlock herself. This also stops the saws. Noticing a small opening in the middle, she leaves the keys there for the rest to free themselves. But with all the fighting and taking their time in freeing themselves, the one who drew the short end of the stick for being last is Aoi. The saw cuts through her arms as everyone else could do nothing but hear her grizzly scream. When it is over, Yuki once more advises not to feel sorry or apologize for what has happened. It only makes you weaker.

In the next room, there is a lift that takes you to the next floor. Yuki tests it for traps. All free. But as soon all of them steps on it, the lift gives off a warning. Overload. Yuki realizes this lift will only work once so they cannot take turns riding it. Because taking the sauna to lose weight doesn’t seem effective, it looks tempting to leave someone behind. But Yuki doesn’t think that is necessary. All of them will pass through. Just that they need to cut off a limb each to fit the threshold. Uhm, she notes it will be reattached later?! However Kinako offers to stay back. Going into the weapon room, she takes a knife to kill herself. A flashback that she is happy for Misuzu being nice and she wants to be like her father. However Kinako lives because Yuki’s fast reaction to save her. You see, Kinako is the smallest so even if she stays behind the rest might not pass the weight threshold. In the end, all manage to ride the lift as Yuki, Momono and Beniya cut off a leg. Kinako has both her legs amputated while Yuki carries her on her back.

Limping to the next room, Yuki talks to Kinako and asks about what she’ll do if she survives this game. Kinako will pay off her debts and then see her dad again. Knowing she still feels guilty over Aoi’s death, Yuki says being sneaky gives her more depth as a person. In the final room in what seems to be where the exit lies, they are getting desperate because all the rooms and floors they passed through are on fire. What is the trick to solving this? Yuki drops Kinako and then kills her! With that, the door opens and the survivors earn their freedom. We see Yuki back at her apartment. Looks like her body is as good as new. Despite not being religious, there are a few rituals she personally performs after she survives each game. She doesn’t even mourn those who died. After all, she did not lie to her fellow players and did her best to have many survivors as possible. As for why she chose Kinako, she was simply the nearest. She notes that rules may give a person strength and courage but the irony she killed the very person she saved and encouraged. Is it ridiculous to pray for someone they killed? At least to Yuki, she didn’t see it as contradictory. We hear Yuki’s goal is to beat this game 99 times.

Episode 2
Yuki wakes up in a room. She checks the items in her bag and some visual clues on the wall. Head down and exit on the first floor, eh? There’s also a timer. 5 hours left, huh? We are also introduced to other players of this game. We learn that this is Yuki’s 10th game. Despite she does not know the rest, the other players know each other as they have also played this game multiple times. The girls introduce themselves as well as the skills they are particularly good at. Yuki says she can detect traps and fight but when it comes to puzzles that need using the grey matter, she is not confident as she did not finish school. So the other girls in this group are Mishiro (8th time, has leadership skills), Kotoha (5th, intelligence), Chie (4th, jack of all trades but master of none) and Keito (6th, quickly identifying winners?). Mishiro assumes herself to be the group leader although Yuki disagrees because this being her 10th game, she should have the experience, no? Mishiro argues that Yuki is a stranger to them all and at this point, you trust those you are familiar with and put them in ease. Mishiro even argues Yuki doesn’t sound convincing when she said this is her 10th game so that’s that. Yuki has no more arguments, notes her points and accepts her decision. As they start the game and head downstairs, they see a hole in a ground and a dead body. So, this is where the 6th player ended up, huh? She must have woke up early, wandered alone in the dark and fell for this trap. However Yuki observes she didn’t wandered blindly as she was holding a flashlight. This means the floor beneath gave in after she stepped on it. This game could be a minefield game. There might be more traps like this ahead.

As the quintet carry on, they tie ropes to each other as safety. When they reach an area, Yuki says not to go ahead because of an obviously placed camera. She believes there could be a trap for viewers to watch them die. She suggests taking another route so Mishiro agrees. When arriving at another path, now Yuki too has a bad feeling there is a trap here despite having no obvious cameras. Her guts say so. Mishiro now distrusts Yuki and thinks this is just her ploy to have them trust her because as long as they keep turning back, her lies will not be exposed. Mishiro has the other girls ignore Yuki and has Keito step ahead. Keito does so. Nothing happens. They continue to proceed. However they have to pick up the pace as their flashlight batteries are dying and at this rate they might not have enough to reach the exit. And then Kotoha steps on a landmine. She tries to substitute her body weight with her backpack. However the rope got in the way of her foot and it goes off. Although she is technically still alive, Mishiro claims she is already dead as a player and to leave her. They’re not abandoning anyone. Kotoha is already dead. She explains about landmine strategies not to kill but to also mess with the morale of soldiers of abandoning their comrades. Such thinking would get everyone killed. Yuki feels disappointed and decides to leave the group and head off herself. However Mishiro tells her to leave her flashlight behind. Yuki’s advice is for them to watch their back because they don’t get what this game is about.

Episode 3
We hear Shiori (Kotoha) pondering why she was named so. Turkish rugs? Kotoha is still alive and is found by Yuki. Though, Kotoha lost both her legs. We learn Kotoha is her name for this game as she asks why Yuki is doing this. Perhaps to earn some points. She carries Kotoha on her back as they continue moving forward. As they rest, Yuki asking her why she is playing this game. Kotoha wanted to retire early. She doesn’t want to live in this country where everyone’s a cynic. Mass hysteria. She thought she would save up and move to country with a low cost of living. Back at Mishiro’s side, suddenly they stumble into a wolf! She suggests backing up slowly but as they do so, Mishiro trips on the rope. By the time Yuki’s side arrive here, they see the wolf with an arm in its mouth! Preparing to defend themselves, the smart wolf backs off. Then the duo stumble into Chie and Keito. They got separated during that wolf incident. I guess we know whose arm it is now. The duo start to look up to Yuki and want to follow her. They take the lead and from what it looks like, the exit? Meanwhile Mishiro is still alive and hiding in some room. Arguing with her inner conscious or something, she blames it all on Yuki for throwing off her pace. That con artist. All lies! But she is told no matter how good she is, someone will always be better. It seems all those who stood in her way, Mishiro has managed to break them. Including her younger (twin?) sister. Because she wanted to be better than all, snippets of Mishiro killing her own sister? To Mishiro’s shock, Yuki returns. Her guts told her where to find her. She says the rest probably have reached the exit so it’s just them here. But why is Yuki helping her? Because she won’t be satisfied if Mishiro dies like this. She wants her to admit which one of them is at the top. All she needs is just to apologize once and she’ll forgive everything. So say sorry for your impudent attitude.

Episode 4
Yuki giving her to the count of 10 to apologize or she’ll abandon her. Mishiro’s inner persona tells her she can break this one like the other. When countdown is over, Mishiro tells her to GTFO and leaves. Yuki then rushes to look for her. In actuality, Yuki felt attracted to her and still would have saved her even if she did not apologize. She just wanted to tease her. Mishiro is attacked by the wolf. Yuki gives her directions to the exit while she takes on the wolf herself. Kotoha has Chie make a promise with her. She reveals the paper in their backpack that is used in elections. She has her think why there are no traps on this floor and the kind of conclusion that awaits them. The trio are surprised to see Mishiro arriving. They enter the next room only to be told the game is not over yet but to wait in a room each. Because not all the players are here yet. This signals Yuki is still alive. When Yuki finally arrives and enter her room, the announcer explains how the rest of the game is going to play out. Basically, they are going to vote out the person who contributed the least. That person will be killed. Snippets showing Kotoha explaining to Chie about this ancient Greek voting system that exiles the most dangerous individual. Both agreed not to write each other’s names. There are also a few rules as explained for a tie breaker or what if one doesn’t vote (you consider voting yourself) or multiple names (first name written will only be considered), etc. After 15 minutes of voting, it seems the one who didn’t make it out is Chie. As the girls exit the building, Mishiro said she voted Chie. So if Kotoha and Keito voted for each other and there wasn’t a tie breaker, it could be that Yuki voted for Chie? She actually wrote all 4 of their names so it was probably Yuki’s vote that determined her fate. Mishiro then apologizes to Yuki for being disrespectful. She admits that it is clear she is better. As the agents pick each girl up, Mishiro’s agent didn’t think she would apologize. But Mishiro starts to trash up the car and vent her frustrations. If it was going to make her feel this way, should she not have apologized in the first place? She did it because it was necessary. She cannot defeat her without accepting reality. Will Mishiro play another game? She refuses to quit until she beats her.

Episode 5
We see Yuki being interviewed by an agent right after she completed her 27th game. At first she agreed to play these games because she was broke. But even after she got enough money, she didn’t quit. She thought she could make a living out of this as it pays well. Sure, she the risks are there and she might die. If that happens, she’ll just be a ghost. We also see Yuki talking to a player who looks like a veteran, talking about those who managed to survive for 30 games. You might get yourself into that exclusive club but then everything starts to work against you. And to think Yuki wants to beat 99 games… As Yuki takes her usual walk, she notes her next game will be the 30th. Suddenly the phone booth rings. Kaneko thanks Yuki for what she did for his daughter, Kinako. It seems Kaneko and his group wants to destroy the games and wants her help. After its destruction, they will support her to live and even help find her a job. However Yuki begs to differ because she hints she is not participating reluctantly. A bit of a shock, he then tells her to take the pill under the phone before her next game. End of conversation. So as Yuki is being driven by the agent to the next game, she swaps out the usual sedative pill for Kaneko’s one. As Yuki is on the verge of losing consciousness, she feels something wrong. Perhaps regretting she has made a mistake. Now we see Mikan waking up naked in a shower cubicle. She thought she is happy to see other players at the bath area but OMFG did they just team up and drown one of the players?! Tsubaki approaches her and asks for that tag she has in hand. She offers her to join their team. Mikan gets scared and runs away but the rest catch her. After drowning her, Mishiro takes her tag. And yes, Yuki is also in this game.

Episode 6
As Yuki walks around, she is suddenly attacked by Azuma. Of course Yuki overpowers her and forces her to spill the beans on everything. Azuma is worried she is with the girls at the entryway. As Yuki is not, she is brought back to where many other girls are also waiting. From what Azuma explains, it seems one must escape this giant public bathhouse but to do so requires a tag. Of course the tags are limited. Azuma poses a question of what Yuki would do had she woken up without a tag. Yuki would wait at the exit until a player with a tag shows up and steal it from her. Because fighting alone would be inefficient, she would form a group. That is how the entryway group girls were formed. A person needs a tag to leave and Yuki deduces the number who can leave is 30 based on the 50 shower stalls here. Therefore those who are here are slow starters. Their side has 9 tags but the entryway team has not come for them seeing there is only 1 exit to this place they are holing up. Meanwhile Riko goes to hand 3 tags to Mishiro after killing those new girls who wanted to join their side. Riko is doing this for Mishiro’s praise and wonders their next move. Instead of attacking, Mishiro wants to wait and see. Yuki explains to her team about the hit and run tactic. She and Azuma will fight at the front while the rest support from behind until the enemy team is reduced to half. We see their side making necessary preparations. When Yuki and Azuma are exploring another side of the area, they hear the enemies coming and hide. It sees they are looking for someone. When they spot that someone and go into chase, Yuki carries her and escapes. Those girls report back to Mishiro about that girl escaping and the funny part someone new and unrecognizable escaped with her. As hard as they find, they couldn’t find them. Like as though they vanished like a ghost. That word seems to worry Mishiro. Yuki and Azuma talk about their purpose in playing the game. We know Yuki wants 99 wins but for Azuma, she hints because she is a lot masculine, life was hard for her. She tried to be more feminine but it got worse. She hints slitting their throat and killing them was easier. Yuki suggests she can find her a job so she won’t have to play this game anymore. Obviously Azuma will smack her and wouldn’t want that. Suddenly they receive word that their side has been ambushed. The other team has invaded via the other side of the wall! That is when Yuki realizes she has erred. She should’ve spotted this from miles away that she should not limit the game itself to just within the walls of the public bathhouse. By the time she rushes back, looks like her team has been massacred. Yuki comes face to face with Riko.

Episode 7
Riko lies dying as she remembers her time with Mishiro outside the game. The latter defining the meaning of self as she gives an example of the plant she grows, if it kills someone, it will still be her fault because she grew, guided and gave it a purpose in life. This means if it is a person, all her accomplishments would belong to her too and that person would be part of her. Viewing Riko’s soul as hollow, she will fill it with purpose. When Riko has enough tags for all their members to escape and presents them to Mishiro, Mishiro tells her to leave while she goes check on something. Riko says that girl isn’t the one she is looking for but Mishiro will see with her own eyes. Mishiro beats down Yuki and finds her a disgrace. To her dismay, Yuki runs away. A flashback showing Yuki and Mishiro squaring off in another game. Mishiro telling us she has played 40 games. Survived all of them just to fight Yuki again. And there is no way in hell she is going to run away like that. She gives chase and hunts her down, telling her off she has no right to be this pathetic. She is acting like how Mishiro was then. Yuki never cared about the games at first and even when her luck ran out and died, she’d just become a real ghost. However after meeting Mishiro the first time, she realizes if she has to die, she doesn’t want to be killed by this pathetic person. Yuki continues to run as she notes she doesn’t want to die. Both girls struggle and fight each other. This is how desperate b*tches fight! Sort of. Then we see Riko waiting but returning is not Mishiro but Yuki. Riko remembers Mishiro giving her a final mission that if she dies, she is to take over her place. This means Riko attacks Yuki and keeps asking if Mishiro mentioned about her. But Yuki stays silent. Riko thinks she didn’t kill Mishiro and just ran away. Yuki then headed to the exit without the required tags. With the guns preparing to shoot her, Yuki notes if she gets killed like this, Riko will not fulfil Mishiro’s purpose. Panic, Riko rushes towards her and gets shot. Yuki takes her tag and leaves. In the agent’s care, Yuki asks if waking up last in a game is some sort of penalty. The agent promises that will not happen again but cannot go much into detail. But be rest assured, agents will always support their player. She is moved by Yuki’s will to complete the game, her desperation to survive is something many wish they had. We see Yuki and Mishiro’s final clash with each other in which Yuki emerges victorious while Mishiro sinks to the bottom.

Episode 8
An agent approaches Yuki for the next game: Candle Woods. Yuki agrees to participate. Now we see her waking up dressed as a bunny girl as she makes her way to where all the other bunny participants are. Yuki meets up with someone whom she calls her mentor, Hakushi. There are tons of players here as Hakushi notes many of them are veterans. In fact, this is Hakushi’s 96th game (and Yuki’s 9th). And the game starts in 6 hours? Noticing a beaten up tanuki doll on a tree stump, Hakushi believes that explains the rules of the game. As Yuki is unfamiliar about the story about the bunny and the stump, Hakushi enlightens her it is where the stump kills the bunny. Meanwhile in another area, Moegi wakes up. She sees other girls around and asks about the rules. All look confused. Moegi realizes all of them are participating for the first time. As they ask her about what’s going on, Moegi walks up to a face on a tree and activates it. A room filled with weapons open. The announcer tells them to pick a weapon because they’ll be hunting rabbits. Yuki and Hakushi further talk about how many still risk their lives to play this game. As Yuki cannot answer why she participates in this, Hakushi says she is gunning for 99 wins. There is no guarantee of money or even a trophy even if you do so. Because she heard rumours the record is 98 consecutive wins, her aim is to beat it. Yuki finds it hard to believe that is her reason but Hakushi is confident she will understand one day.

Later Sumiyaka talks to Yuki about Hakushi being an amazing person. Because with her as a veteran, many are looking up to her as they discuss strategies. Sumiyaka thinks survival rate is very thin when you survive 95 games. Based on her calculation, it is 1 in 500 trillion! But seeing Hakushi is a genius, she should be given her due credits and respect. Back to Moegi, it seems she has wounded a bunny girl who is squirming in pain. She wants the rest to take turns to kill her and picks Kabane to go first. Of course the newbies are scared and confused. Moegi further enlightens them that they are not just hunting. They’re killing. As they are team stump, the more one of their members die, the more the bunny team survives as they will also try to kill them. Therefore for their sake of surviving, she needs them to help out with the killing. Kabane is in full blown panic as she apologizes and doesn’t know it will turn out like that. She wants to drop out so Moegi kills her! You bet the rest are now forced to follow Moegi’s orders if they don’t want the same fate. A short flashback shows Moegi admiring somebody. Looks like another of those crazy b*tches to me. She aims to become strong like her and even give her life to achieve that goal. For that, she’ll come back from the dead until she achieves it.

Episode 9
The stump team heads out to hunt the rabbits. In this maze area, a stump member thought her friends were playing tricks when they suddenly go missing. Until she sees them being butchered by the rabbit side. She too gets done in. But it seems not all the bunnies are killing. Yuki is in charge of overseeing the newbies so the stump members they caught, they are tickling them to make them spill the beans. Yuki thinks the rabbit’s team being huge, it will be hard to handle because of moral issues. There is no way they can keep this group together. Sumiyaka fools around with Yuki and tells her that her next game is the 30th. She wonders if there’s a curse to it. Meanwhile, veteran rabbit players are hunting and killing the stumps. Moegi is pinned down and about to be killed. No way out. Screaming for her life. Thankfully, Airi shoots dead the attacker. Both return to their base as they see a few of their members here. They plead they had nowhere to go and were not disobeying her orders. But Moegi herself is at a lost. A disillusioned member soon points the gun at her head and takes her own life. For the rest of the episode, we see Moegi’s flashback as she was enthralled with this person she admires, Kyara. Impressed with the way she killed, she wanted to become her disciple. Kyara asks her a few stuffs like if she likes animals, babies or even her parents. Moegi requests her to kill her parents. Kyara told her to go ask Shion if she had any questions but this moody girl ignored her and continued to be frustrated with whatever game she was playing. Don’t really get the rest of the scene of Kyara and Moegi hanging out. Talking about stuffs. Are they reciting lines from some story? Soon, Kyara felt like going out to kill someone. If Moegi tagged along, she can teach her how to kill. Confused with the subsequent scenes too. I may be wrong but I think Moegi killed someone so she was in shock and then physically hurting herself over it. Kyara hugged her as they both take deep and slow breaths. Moegi hoped she would turn her from a weakling into a strong one. Back in reality, Airi reports to Moegi that one of their members is dead and naked. Body all torn up. Moegi starts to panic and get start about not being left with enough quota. She doesn’t know how to handle this anymore. Because it doesn’t matter whose side you are on because she’ll kill everybody! Sumiyaka asks Yuki about one of the captured stump members. Looks like she has gone missing. Suddenly Hakushi tells everyone to forget everything and run. Because there is a bloodthirsty killer on the loose. Too late. Here comes the bomb.

Episode 10
We see Hakushi training and giving tips to Yuki on how to survive. One of them being avoid psycho killers because they play these games not to win or get money. But what if Yuki really does encounter one? Well, she has to figure it out herself. So now Yuki ponders if that killer who threw that bomb was a psycho because that means she followed Hakushi all the way back and Hakushi would never make that mistake. Flashback shows a young Airi asking her mom what happens if she grows up and not turn into a swan? What if she is still a duck? Mom isn’t sure but she is fine with Airi is still a duck then. Now Airi is crying and remembering this fact. Even if that is the case, she has to keep trying and fighting. Hikawa from stump team kills one of her mates. Some killing quota to survive. She stumbles into Moegi and asks if she has extra bullets she can spare. Sure, she has. Moegi shoots her. Moegi continues her hunt as she thinks she stumbles into a ghost (Yuki). She thought she could kill a bunny seeing her pair of ears sticking out of a corner. Turns out to be a decoy trap as Yuki strangles her from the back. She manages to free herself and fight back but as the battle rages on, Moegi realizes she cannot best her and that this ghost is always a step ahead of her. More Moegi flashback as she thought she killed her own parents so she could be strong like Kyara. But she realizes she can never become like her. Moegi gets shot several times. Knowing this is the end of her, she is also relieved that she doesn’t have to pretend to be strong anymore. However Moegi spends her final moments crying in frustration. Yuki moves off after killing Moegi and feels she wasn’t even a threat. However she noticed her face when she died. She tried her best and still lost. What’s her reward for all this? She looked like she had some sort of goal and she killed her. But she reasons a person didn’t kill her but a ghost. Yuki returns to her base. Sumiyaka is dead. Gosh, her ribs ripped out?! The same for Hakushi too! This has Yuki cannot accept the fact Moegi died and she herself continues to live. But if she bumps into a psycho with thoughts like that, she would be dead. Looks like everyone is dead in the game. Except for Yuki. And Kyara. Kyara happy to see her.

Episode 11
It seems Kyara was on the bunny side but changed her clothes to the opposing team. That’s how she ambushed everyone. She asks about her friend, Moegi. Unfortunately as Yuki puts it, she’s dead. Yuki is mad that Hakushi is dead and she was on her way to clearing 99 games. However Kyara found her weak and she was just killed. That’s all to it. As they fight, Yuki nails her shots right into Kyara. However she is still alive because her body is made of metal! Is this against the rules? I don’t know, if the organizers allowed it… After all, Kyara paid lots of money to ‘upgrade’ this body of hers just to have the edge. Yuki gets stabbed and she doesn’t like how Kyara is enjoying this. Kyara of course fires back she knows nothing. She claims they are the same and they find comfort in such death games. You can kill anybody and nobody cares. This is the only place for them. What they want is to die here. Yuki feels some truth in her words. And now her mind goes to another dimension. Starting off with Hakushi asking her why she is playing these games. Don’t know. This has Yuki questioning herself and her origins. Because it’s like she is never born and also she cannot die. Thus she is a ghost drifting around, disappearing one day. Now we see Yuki meeting all the participants of the past games we saw in this adaptation, dead and alive. They have something to say to her. Yuki gets emotional. Confused. She is jealous of them all and even though it is a place where she met them, it is a place where they lived. Finally, Hakushi reminding her if she has found the reason to play these games. Back to reality, Yuki has steel her resolve. Naming Hakushi as her mentor, Yuki will inherit Hakushi’s goal and clear 99 games. Kyara accepts that as they continue fighting. We hear Yuki remembering more of Hakushi’s advice in surviving such games. Especially the context of trusting in which Hakushi believes Yuki is good at. Finally Yuki uses the extra gun to pump all the bullets into Kyara. Kyara dead. I guess must be metal fatigue or made in China quality! Airi comes by. Looks like she doesn’t want to kill anymore. She already reached her 5 kills quota and has had it with these games. She’s quitting. Yuki is back home as she notes down the things she needs to do to survive 99 games. She continues her normal life as she also notes from now on, she will play death games to put food on the table. Roll credits! As the crew clean up the dead bodies in the arena of Candle Woods, Hakushi’s agent tells her the game is over. You can stop pretending to be dead now. Hakushi opens her eyes…

Don’t Be Scared, It’s Just A Game…
Well… Uhm… Is that it? Okay. Whatever. I hope this gets another season because as I have done my lazy Google search, looks like there have been a few death games played by Yuki from the light novel source so there is a good chance of adapting a few more of these games for another season. Which of course has yet to be announced at this point in writing. But I’m hopeful for it so that I can end my confusion about the whole series! Heh. Maybe I just want to see more deaths… Now you know why my primary reason in watching death games!

I couldn’t be feeling a lot intrigued and interested but at the same time very frustrated about the whole plot of the series. On one hand, it looks a lot interesting and mysterious that a bunch of random girls have been thrown into a deadly game of survival. However at the same time, the drama and affair gets draggy and confusing at times, confusing the hell out of me. And when the game and story for that arc ends, I was mostly like, “Eh… That was it?!” Really?! THAT WAS ALL THERE IS?!”. I don’t know, perhaps my expectations were so high that I was, uhm, expecting something more. At least, something more than what I have seen. Sure, the first hour long episode was really intriguing and fascinating. It drew me in because watching this series for the first time, I did not know what to expect. Looking back in retrospect, certainly it was draggy and confusing too but I had no idea this would become the series’ ‘formula’ for the rest of the season. You could say that the charm wore off.

Just like when people first watched the first season of Squid Game. Everyone’s mind was blown away. It was so freaking cool and awesome. Amazing was an understatement. Then the second season came. Felt like it fell short of expectations, didn’t it? Because people had expectations on what to expect. Surprise factor gone. But it was still interesting and captivating in its own right, right? Yup. That is my sentiment for this anime right now. I’m sure the series had some lessons in life they want to tell us like why the girls struggle and chose to participate in such games with their lives on the line. But I can’t quite see it myself so I’m a lost cause in this context.

However as you may have noticed, every episode you can see there is a number on the screen. This as I have found corresponds to the chapter of that particular arc of the game in which the series adapted from its light novel source. As I have not read the original works, it is perhaps why many scenes felt confusing as I noticed some scenes just zoomed by as the number goes up by 1 in just a few seconds. It’s like they skipped a chapter. I understand that it is to fit into the episode but because of that, I felt that a lot has been sacrificed and this only exacerbates my confusion. I don’t know if they are telling viewers to go read the light novel if we want to know more about it but as far as this anime is concerned, I know I am mostly left confused and satisfied once the numbers move on to the next.

Fuelling my frustrations further are the games themselves. Yeah, you could say that I have only myself to blame for thinking this would be gorier and even nastier than Squid Game! How wrong I was. You see, the mechanics of the death games are not really explained and sometimes the contestants need to figure it out themselves. I guess it is all part of the charm to see players figure out in anguish whether they got it wrong or right. Because one wrong move, you could be dead. Therefore the death games themselves can be simple but yet harrowing once you know that something has to be sacrificed. For instance at the end of the first episode when the survivors were just moments away from the exit, it was never truly explained that they only 3 people can survive. It was all guesswork. At least, dumb people like me can’t read between the lines and needed to be told the rules to understand. So sometimes it all felt like the rules were made up as we go along. Perhaps not explaining the rules in full forces the players to think and take risks, making the game more exciting to watch. Also, it leaves us viewers with a sense of enigma. You don’t know what is going on means you cannot predict what will actually happen. Besides, I believe that the games are not the true focus of the series.

Which brings me to talk about the characters of the series because oh boy, I am having mixed feelings about them. The reason why the death games can be a little draggy is that they pick a few characters from the mix to focus on. Obviously Yuki as the main character, is the only one who appears in every episode and every death game we have seen in this adaptation so far. We see her motivation of playing the games but with only 4 games featured in this season, there is hardly much to tell about her. Her origins are still unclear. Even she herself is unsure of her own past. After all, from what we have seen, Yuki has turned from a naïve indecisive greenhorn into a hardened survivor. She’ll need all the luck that she can get as she inches closer to her goal of winning 99 games. So, is she considered to be a psycho in this context? You decide.

Besides, we don’t even know how rotten or twisted this world as stated by Yuki. We never see who the sadistic sponsors are or whoever forced or made the girls participate in these sick games. Methinks that rich and bored people have nothing better to do and they only get their kicks in seeing poor people suffer. Yeah. That must be it. I believe that is all part of the enigmatic charm that the series wants to retain. The less you know about how sick this real world is, the more confused you will be. That is why the drama and the flashbacks of the characters are there to distract you. Perhaps it will be revealed later in other chapters but once more, as far as this adaptation is concerned, it leaves a lot to be desired. Yeah, they better not have this plot twist that it is all just a f*cking dream! And the girls who entered the death games are some sort of test subjects to see if one can live inside some VR world forever! Or if there is a secret way to go to isekai! F*CKING WHAT?! This better not be the plot twist!!!

Once again, I have to blame myself for being frustrated at the characters because what was I expecting? You see, in the different death games here, other than Yuki they focus on 1 or 2 other supporting characters. Complete with their confusing flashback and past on why they perhaps become somewhat twisted or the likes. But at the end of the day, they get killed off. It renders their plot futile but I guess it is better than just being a one dimensional character just to be there for the body count and to be killed off. Especially with death games that has so many players in it. You thought that character would somewhat be a strong supporting character for that arc just because she is given a name. But then she gets killed off. Oops. Surprise. With their back story, you understand their character a little bit better but for me, I am left mostly confused. For instance, Moegi’s story. Uhm, she wanna be strong like Kyara girl whom she admires. But they dragged it out by adding some storybook metaphor, blah, blah, blah. No wonder this death game story can drag out for so many episodes. Perhaps all these dead girls will somewhat fuel Yuki’s motivation as she inches closer to her 99th game. Because Yuki is always ‘complaining’ she’s a ghost. So now that she is alive, what irony for these dead past players to play the ghost part and haunt her when her chips are down? Maybe.

Then there is the case of Mishiro. I thought she would be Yuki’s eternal rival seeing she is the only other recurring character albeit for just 2 death games. I didn’t really understand her back story either but I suppose she has some sort of ego and pride problem so when she met Yuki who somewhat shattered her illusion of being #1, it felt like she was going to be Yuki’s greatest obstacle to reach her 99th game. Then she got unceremoniously killed off. Shucks. I don’t know, it felt like a waste to me. All that pride and anger just washed down the drain just like that. Maybe that was the surprise in store. No matter what, her pride led to her downfall. Sorry Mishiro, you were never meant to be the main character. As pointed out earlier, because the adaptation skipped and fast tracked certain chapters, it is perhaps those chapters contained more stories about these characters and those who don’t even get a chance to shine here. So you guys still remember Beniya and Momono? Yeah, what has become of them? Will they participate in future death games (as I read, some survivors do play again and encounter Yuki again)? Don’t know. Don’t care. Yet. Even more frustrating that side plot of Kinako’s dad tried to get Yuki onto his side to stop the games but it didn’t amount to anything. Like as though all that never mattered. Maybe it will in later chapters and games but once again, as far as this adaptation is concerned, it felt baffling and redundant. The final scene showing Hakushi alive, my conspiracy theory says that she got tired and wanted out of this whole mess because she’s already getting old and no longer at her prime. She saw Yuki having the potential and will to carry out her legacy and thus faked her death in order to push Yuki into that. Thanks to my Google search, now I cannot say Hakushi will be the final villain in the way of Yuki’s goal because they told me she retired and is now supporting Yuki by being her agent. Oops, spoiler alert!

The other ‘unique’ aspect of this series is the blood. How should I put it? Yeah, they substitute it with foam. Or is it polyester or cotton? I thought that it was because today’s generation are pussies and they have to substitute the blood with something less horrifying if they are going to adapt something bloody and gory for TV. But turns out such substance is also part of the original setting. Therefore when I first watched the series, such thoughts of snowflake generation hit my mind as well as if the participants are even human at all. Because I thought they were dolls or something! It makes the scene less terrifying but at the same time, personally the impact was not there. Yeah, I would have been even more flabbergasted and super shocked if they showed real blood. Even more baffling as I read the players’ blood have been substituted with such substance before the start of the game and those who survive have their injuries healed back? Now they have super surgery too? Yeah, don’t want your veterans looking like ugly monsters missing a few limbs. How to give them a fair chance to survive? Oh, what’s this I read about prosthetics for missing limbs… This is getting confusing. But yes, the substitute for blood makes the gory scene less scary but takes out the horror elements from it. I mean, they want us to know that this is a sick dystopian world, right?

Another unique aspect is the art and animation style. I have mixed feelings about it and I have to admit that I’m not an art expert so my opinions may be very lacking. Okay, for the most part, the series is done in cinemascope style. That means widescreen visuals that is used for cinemas. So don’t go adjusting your ratio aspect to get the perfect view. For the backgrounds and sceneries, sometimes I feel that it gives off that pastel painting-like feel. Some of the characters too. At certain angles and scenes, they are drawn in a simplistic manner. Some other scenes are drawn with intricate details with lots of aesthetic effects. With shots from different angles and lighting effects, it enhances the dramatic effect. When shots are close up to the characters’ face, you can see details especially the eyes. Too real or scary? And of course my biggest beef is that I soon realize that each death game has a different theme, this means no more maid outfits in subsequent games. Shucks. What a waste. With the way the camera angles are shown, I thought this was Shaft producing this anime but oh well, it’s Studio Deen. Should’ve known when they were missing a few trademarks like the head tilt.

The voice acting is fine and nothing exceptional. It is mostly drama here so nothing out of the ordinary. I thought the cast list is a long one but with only a handful of characters featured for each death game, thankfully it’s not going to be over 9000. Just kidding. The casts are Chiyuki Miura as Yuki, Minori Inase as Kinako, Mutsumi Tamura as Beniya, Rina Kawaguchi as Momono, Rena Motoura as Aoi, Haruka Satou as Kokuto, Rio Tsuchiya as Mishiro, Shion Wakayama as Kotoha, Wakana Maruoka as Keito, Rui Tanabe as Chie, Haruka Oribe as Azuma, Sumire Morohoshi as Riko, Shizuka Itou as Hakushi, Ayana Taketatsu is Sumiyaka, Yume Miyamoto as Airi, Natsuko Abe as Moegi, Rina Honnizumi as Kyara and Takatsugu Chikamatsu as Kinako’s father. For the record, they used some guy (Yoshimitsu Shimoyama) to even voice the wolf! I guess better than ‘stealing’ from other sources. Hey, at least the wolf’s growls sound like a real wolf, fooling me to think it was a real wolf recording or something.

The opening theme, Esterbend by Lin is confusing. At least it is instrumental. Starting off as some calm gentle music, just when you thought you are getting used to the serenity of the tune, it then descends into some techno synthesizer music. Just short of somebody coming out to rap or something. And it doesn’t get even more mundane as the opening credits animation is just a view overlooking some highway with a few cars passing by. Trying to make us doubt something or lacking creativity? Ah well, I am guessing if they animate this the usual anime style with all the psychedelics and crazy stuffs, they might give away something. So with this ultra boring scene, you can expect nothing. The main ending song is Inori by Chiai Fujikawa. It is slow, enigmatic and has this bittersweet feel to it. After all, the singer singing it in a very breathy manner, unsure if she is dying and running out of breath or she is relieved from her misery. Something like that. Then there’s the special ending theme, Breathe (episode 4) and Rebreathe (episode 7), both sung by Machicho and Lin. Some slow hip hop song, not really into it. On a trivial note, the first episode’s ending theme is the classic Que Sera Sera by Doris Day. However, did the credits misspelt her name as Dris Day???!!! Or is this some copyright thingy I don’t understand and hence the typo?! Damn, I thought who this new singer imitating Doris Day’s voice! Oh well, whatever will be, will be! Not sure if it will be corrected for the DVDs, though.

If there was one thing disturbing from the audio aspect, it is the low buzzing sound that permeates in many of the scenes. This reminds me of my stint while watching Serial Experiments Lain. I don’t know if there is some subliminal manipulation although I am just being paranoid. The low buzzing sound can be loud enough that I could feel my surrounding furniture and floor shake! Damn, I have to turn the volume down (or at least my bass level) before my neighbours start to complain if I’m making a bomb in my room or something! I don’t think it is my audio hardware either because this doesn’t happen with other animes that I am watching. So yeah, I believe this adds to the enigmatic and eerie suspense of the scene although no jump scare scenes.

Overall, despite my frustrations in trying to understand the story, death games and characters which can be quite a draggy affair at times, I still find this series highly interesting and intriguing. If they ever make another season of it, you bet that I will still be around to catch Yuki and see how she outsmarts the competition to survive until she reaches her goal. It might not be as elaborately flashy as other anime survival death games like Danganronpa, Mahou Shojo Ikusei Keikaku, BTOOOM, Darwin’s Game, Mirai Nikki, Kaiji, Tomodachi Game, Juuni Taisen, Kakegurui and Imawa No Kuni No Alice, but I guess it beats the hell out of a lot of other absolutely trashy survival games like Deatte 5-byou De Battle, Deadman Wonderland, Satsuriku No Tenshi and definitely that absolute abysmal Ousama Game. Sure, some like BTOOOM, Darwin’s Game, Mirai Nikki and Tomodachi Game have been panned by many but at that point, I found it interesting and liked them in some ways. Not sure if I can say the same now if I rewatch them today. So if you’re thinking of making a living or put food on the table by playing death games, I think you’d have a better chance excelling in Esports games and playing League of Legends. LOL. Literally. Or have these girls even heard of Only Fans? So much safer and more profitable. Just saying. But if the death games here are too tame for your liking or can’t strike it rich fast, I’d recommend you go sign up for Squid Game. Just saying.

Goumon Baito-kun No Nichijou

Hey you sadistic folks out there. How would like to get a job that legally tortures and kills people! Yes, I am serious. Not pulling a fast one nor is this a trick question. There is a legal company which allows you to torture targets to your heart’s content as long as you get the required info out from their mouths for the client. But sorry to get you disappointed because even like I’ve said I am not joking about this being fake, this setting exists only in the anime, Goumon Baito-kun No Nichijou. Uh huh. However, this is not going to be some dark psychological pain inflicting dramatic series. In fact, it is a f*cking comedy! OMFG WHAT THE HELL?! TORTURING PEOPLE IS HELLUVA FUNNY???!!! Okay. As long as I am not on the receiving end!!! Here comes the pain…

Episode 1
We see Sero in his part time job as a torturer at Spirytus. He looks like he enjoys it. Once done in his torture, he talks to his mentor, Siu that of all the jobs he had, this is his favourite because he can put all his past experience to use! Siu is also equally brutal in his torture as we see flashbacks of him training Sero and the latter could almost lose a limb or two from his intense training. The duo go see Belta who runs a shop selling torture devices. They browse around as Belta introduces some torture devices to them. This leads them to talking about Siu’s success in making the villains talk that he earned the nickname Supernova. Soon, a new petite kid joins their ranks. Sero and Siu make a bet that Mike won’t last for 3 days! As they have Mike follow and observe what they do, it seems Mike is not spooked at all and is in fact, very impressed. After all, he took on this job for the money and out of curiosity. This kid gonna have a future as he takes notes on what his senpai has to advise. And this kid is perhaps a natural born torturer as he is really good in torturing! Wow, it’s like he is a pro already. Uh huh, when you have a kid how is amazed in hurting people, you’re f*cking screwed! Then another newcomer. However Hugh is a very shy guy and only took up this job to learn more about society. Now that Mike is his senpai, he shows Hugh the ropes. This guy faints at the sight of blood! But don’t worry, there are tortures that can be done without blood. Yeah, may we recommend this water torture! As long as no blood is involved, Hugh is a talented torturer. As Mike is curious why he covers his face, he accidentally unmasks it. Although we don’t get to see, the guys claim he looks pretty. He explains because of his face, many follow him and they end up fighting. Thus he doesn’t interact with people and wants a job where there aren’t many people. The guys assure that there aren’t any scary people here and only nice ones. Wow, scary people not realizing they’re scary. But Hugh definitely feels welcomed. This could be a fun workplace! Depends on who you ask…

Episode 2
Mike pairs with Sero for the next torture. The victim can tell from Sero’s voice that he is a famous torturer. Likewise in the other room where Hugh and Siu are, the victim too can tell he is going to be tortured by the famous Siu. As the torture gets along, Siu advises Hugh that he needs to put on a more convincing face. Because despite all the hurting if he doesn’t look the part, they won’t take him seriously. Just as the victim is about to come clean but claims he knows nothing more than told, Mike can see through his lies and warns him. This is thanks to Mike being able to read his body language and speech habits. After the torture, the newbies are a bit down because they realize they have a long way to go to reach the levels of their senpai. You bet they are. And in the meantime, the senpai will cook up some embarrassing nicknames for them! Sero on his day off is told to meet Siu right now. Before you claim Siu abducted a pair of loli twins, Leu and Nero are his daughters. Because he sucks at the crane game, he hopes Sero can help win a prize they want. Don’t worry, they are good girls. And are you going to turn these cuties down?! Man, Sero might even want to be his son! We learn Siu is a single parent and having such job is not a problem because he gets to feed his family and the work schedule is flexible. Besides, he knows how to separate work and family. Siu hopes Sero can be here for his kids next week too. I guess his day off doesn’t matter. Why not just adopt Sero as your son already? Now we see Mike and Hugh hang out and do some bromance bonding. We learn Mike is also writing a novel while Hugh is attending university. At the end of the day, Hugh is grateful for Mike’s company and the latter gives him a present filled with torture devices! Great. Can’t wait to use them. Then we see the quartet go out drinking. Because of Mike’s small stature, many mistake him to be underage so he has to clarify with his ID. Don’t let his cute looks fool you. Sero acts weird when he gets drunk while Siu is able to hold his liquor. At the end of the party, Siu is glad these newbies have stuck with them for a while because most of them never lasted this long. Thus, they never got to hang out like this.

Episode 3
Mike notes there aren’t many female torturers. So their boss, Hera is one of the rare ones, right? Siu corrects him Hera is actually a man dressed as a woman! Wait, so this is the first time Mike and Hugh meet Hera? Mike thought he is a nice guy until he sees him cussing someone over the phone! We learn that only verified villains can be tortured. And since Spirytus only takes such claims from reliable sources, you can bet all those they torture are not mistaken identities and that they are a real true blue torture company. Siu and Hera go a long way back and have known each other since their torturing days. Hera was Siu’s teacher. When Hugh gets chewed up by Noe, Sero comes to Hugh’s defence although Noe has valid points why Hugh was late in submitting some paperwork. Noe is not a torturer but an employee who handles the paperwork and other non-torture stuffs in Spirytus. Noe doesn’t get along well with Siu and Sera but he looks up to Hera as it was him who picked up Noe as a kid and he has had some sort of attachment ever since. When Siu and Sero joined the company, Noe became depressed because he realized he wasn’t as good a torturer as them. But Hera told him he never wanted him to be a torturer and thanked him for supporting him in many other ways that only he could do. That gave him a lot of hope. But he still butt heads with Sero and Siu.

Another flashback on Siu and Sero. Sero’s original hair colour was blond but died it darker because of all the bloodstains. As he was still a rookie, he hoped Sero would train him. Yeah, here comes the hell training! Even more so, he was made to memorize the entire torture manual in 2 days! WTF was he studying for law???!!! If he managed to pass the test, he wanted Siu to do something for him. Deal. The treatment was tough so Hera had to advise Siu that Sero looked up to him so please treasure him. Eventually Sero passed and what he wanted was Siu for call him by his name. He thought that was the reason why other part timers quit because Siu never bothered remembering their names. Of course Siu denied that and wanted him to pick another reward. In that case, Sero wanted to be his apprentice. The rest is history. Mike and Hugh panic when Sero is not around for a while. As Siu isn’t saying anything, they start panicking he might have quit! Before you start to blame Siu for never being nice to him, here Sero returns. Turns out he was taking a certification test to be a first class torturer! He wanted to surprise them so he didn’t say anything. He hopes to teach the newbies so they can help out more. Yeah, so eager to learn new torture! And of course, Sero assures he will never quit. Siu as per advised, tries to be nice to Sero but the latter finds it creepy! Is this some sort of new torture?!

Episode 4
Korokke? What’s that? No, not croquette or karaoke but a term for it’s okay to torture until he croaks! As Mike and Hugh take up this case, they pass someone unfamiliar. He is Von and a ragman. Uhm, what? You know all those tortured scumbags? You can’t send them back into society after interrogation, right? His job is to deal with them. He sends his invoice to Hera and the latter is not happy he hiked his price again. Flashback how Hera first met Von and it was him who gave him some advice on how to start up a torture company. Mike thought he heard ghosts in the building. With that, we have a company sleepover! Yeah, maybe one of those tortured souls came back to haunt them! Uhm, can they kill a ghost?! When the sound happens again that night, they go look for it. Turns out to be kittens in the vent system. And yes, they also caught a couple of criminals hiding there! Mike and Hugh caught an intruder outside. However Sero recognizes him and that is Luc, his younger brother. Since Sero never told him about his job, Luc got curious and now he is not happy to find out he is a torturer. It makes him sick. Luc likes his brother but now he has doubts he has turned into something else. Torture job > little brother? Luc was always close to him until this torture job took Sero away from him! Even if he is doing a good job here, Luc is jealous they are having his brother all to themselves! Until Siu enlightens about a kidnapping case last month. Thanks to Sero making the kidnapper talk, many lives were saved. Now Luc views him in a different light and is impressed. Now he wants to be a torturer too? Now Luc keeps a scrapbook of heinous crimes Sero solves. Buranko just levelled up. Sero catches Siu sick at work and brings him home. Turns out his daughters are sick and passed it to him. With not enough manpower, Sero calls Mike and Hugh for backup to help take care of the twins. They are impressed with papa at work and can’t wait to be like him. Yeah, me either. Siu thanks them for their help so the guys hope to rely more on the whether it is work or family stuffs. Next day as Siu gets better, he thanks Mike and Hugh but beats up Sero for making him look like a sissy before his daughters.

Episode 5
Well, Hugh is having trouble how to write a report on his modern torture studies. Yeah! There’s really a university subject on this matter?! He is told to consult his senpai. Turning this into a quiz, Hugh aces in all of them and this makes him happy. Yeah, starting to like the torture life, eh? Noe hands Sero his next job and needs this urgently. Knowing that he is the only one could do it, Sero has Noe beg for it. Noe has no choice since the company’s reputation is riding on it but Sero isn’t such a bad hearted person and stops before Noe wrecks his own pride. After the torture session, because blood is all over Sero, Noe barfs all over him and faints. Oh well, another clean up matter. Sero can tell from Noe’s face that he feels bad about it, especially not fitting into this kind of industry. He tells him not to fret about it and just do what he is best at. Spirytus has a company outing at the beach. A couple of hot babes want to hit on Sero and Siu. But upon learning the twins call them both their papa (?!), I guess these straight women better find their luck elsewhere! So with all the fun in the sun and sand, Siu remains suspicious if Hera is plotting anything but big uncle sister only has good intentions and wants everyone to relax. After playing fireworks and everyone thanking Hera for a great day, Hera now hopes everyone can work harder tomorrow! There’s your ulterior motive. With a flurry of criminals brought in for interrogation, looks like our torturers will have their schedules full and torture their victims on their own. Although Mike continues to torture this stubborn fool, he gets frustrated he isn’t close to revealing any truths and continues to lie. This causes him to lose some confidence. Thankfully, Hugh is here to offer his help. For the first time unmasking himself and showing us his handsome face, this gives Mike the much needed morale boost as they help each other to make it through. They admit this to their seniors and get praised for working together because that itself as a powerful weapon. Although the tasks are meant to be handled solo, Hera took the cases shows that he trusts them and has considered the rookies to be valuable assets. We’re master torturers now? Who knows? Maybe they will even surpass Siu-Sero as a team.

Episode 6
Remember Mike writing a novel? Looks like he finished it. Now on sale, Torture Bullet! I can guess what is inside this masterpiece and whom it is based on! After another torturing session, you have to wonder who keeps them clean, right? Yeah, this meek little girl named Rische. At first Mike dismisses Sero’s idea to date her because he has got 3 older sisters and you think there’s not enough women in his life already. Then Rische turns out to be a pretty cute girl. Sucker for pretty faces. It seems she read Mike’s works and loves it. As they are about to exchange contacts, Rische learns Mike is not a girl! Disappointed? They exchange contacts anyway but even so, they still continue to hang out with each other. Short of being called a date whatsoever. Best friends? Okay. We’ll start with that. When a contract killer named Manika comes looking for Sero, we soon learn they once dated each other. What’s this about double booking that a target gets a torture order as well as an order to be taken out? Wow. That target must really lucked out, huh? Anyway, we’re here to learn more about the juicy details about their past relationship than her job, right? Yeah. So we learn they got to know each other when Sero was working in a host club before he quit for this torturing job. However they called it off because of their different job ideologies. She can’t stand him doing this depressing torturing job. Despite all that, Manika still has feelings for him now. She hopes to start over but too bad girl. For Sero, torturing > girlfriend. Poor Manika runs away in tears! That’s how you break a girl’s heart! I wonder if Sero is enjoying Manika’s ‘torture’… A few snippets of their great times together until Sero placed priority on his job and this made her feel lonely. Even so, she still loves him. So how does a woman like her take out her frustrations? She must have racked up the body count in her contract killings… Noe taking pics of the staffs for website advertising. He also interviews them about the job and they couldn’t sound gorier despite making it all sound so fun. Hey, that’s all part of the job, right?! Noe feels happy at the end because the company started out with so few people and now it has grown a lot. What has Siu got to do but pat his head. Is he still a kid? Maybe some black coffee to prove he is adult… Noe continues to work on this assignment as Hera notes this isn’t just the only place he belongs to. In fact, Spirytus isn’t a place being handed to him but one he built himself. He hopes he will make lots of cosy places for himself. But sorry, you can’t toss out annoying Sero to make the place cosier!

Episode 7
Sero fears Luc may be interested in torture studies! Later Luc asks if Sero has told their parents about his job. Obviously not. Especially mom who will be a pain to handle. He hopes Luc can continue keeping this a secret. When they go shopping, they bump into Siu who invites them for lunch. Luc doesn’t look happy. When Sero goes to answer a call, Siu talks to Luc about being interested in torture studies because Sero told him. At first Luc is jealous because he wants to be with his brother but Siu cautions about having family members who wants to follow this line of business. Siu definitely has his worries because his daughters want to follow his footsteps! But more importantly, who supports torturers after work? It is their families. So if Luc is going to enter this business half-heartedly, might as well support him as his younger brother. When Sero returns, Luc has thought about it carefully and now wants to be with him for both work and family! Plan backfired! Mike joins Hugh and his classmate, Las for a torture studies at the university. Yeah, the professor so glad he has a few interested students. During lunch, Mike learns how Hugh and Las met. Las was worried for Hugh but after hearing how happy Mike is with him, he is happy Hugh has made his own friend. Hugh is happy to have both of them as friends. Flashback shows he was always clingy to Las since he was the only one who hung out with him. Siu invites Siu to his daughters’ school recital. After that, they go visit Siu’s late wife’s grave. The twins are in good spirits because sorting through the photos from the recital, Siu made lots of naturally funny faces. They even frame up some of them! Because 3 torture companies went bust, Spirytus is now very busy taking on torture requests and the staffs will have to take multiple jobs. This means Von has to wait till they are done. Take your time. They invite him to help but he claims he isn’t into ‘uncivilized’ jobs like torturing! Von goes to see Hera and notes how Spirytus feels lively these days. The company is at its best now. The torturers are done with all their jobs but they aren’t quitting even if it is going to get busier because there is nothing more exciting than this job in this world! And the rest may not be seeing things because did Siu smiled?

Episode 8
Oh my. Mike and Hugh haven’t started any torture yet and the target has already collapsed! This is where Izua comes in. He is a doctor as he diagnoses the target with whatever conditions he has and to bring them back up to consciousness. After all, can’t torture for details if target is dead, right? Flashback shows a wounded Siu bringing in Hera who is hanging onto his life to see Izua after a botched job. Although he is saved, Siu regrets and blames himself although Hera faults himself. Siu still has that scar and has hid it from the newbies. He fears what others might think if they see it but Sero thinks otherwise. Without it, he wouldn’t be who he is now. When Mike accidentally cuts his finger on the job, Merim patches it back. Although her face is emotionless, she speaks rudely via her teddy bear, Amumu. She is a nurse working for Izua. Flashback shows Merim was hospitalized and never thought she could walk again until Izua treated her. He also introduced Amumu to her. When Merim got better, she wanted to follow in his footsteps and worked with him. Merim is bad at holding conversations and thus Amumu. Plus, other younger children find it amusing so she still carries it with her. We see Mike trying to brainstorm his next novel. Yeah, his editor is telling him to keep it real so Mike remembers his interaction with his fellow torturers to inspire some new material. We also hear why Mike does his jobs that are so different like day and night. Other than interesting, it seems fiction doesn’t have the kind of limitations that limits on what you want to do. And that is what made him do something different than the norm. Mike hands in his next work and looks like his editor caught on his new character is modelled after somebody in real life. Who? That’s a secret. While cleaning, Mike and Hugh stumble upon a box of old board games. It was played by Siu and Sero to kill time while waiting for the next job. It was also used to decide who gets to torture an annoying target. And so the quartet try it out for the same reason. Although Sero and Mike get to do the annoying job, they hope to do this again next time. Sero asking Noe if games can be deducted as work related expense. Absolutely not. Oh come on, we’ll let you play too!

Episode 9
The torturers have plans for hanami. However last minute, they receive a flurry of jobs. Siu and Sero will handle them so as to let the newbies go but Mike believes it is pointless without them. The only way is to finish the job quick so they can go for the event. Once they are done, it is already night fall but the good point is that they have the park all to themselves. Quite beautiful too seeing the flowers at night. The gang then patrons Belta’s shop. The newbies has tons of books on torture they want to get so the senpai is willing to buy them all. The newbies are also impressed with all the torture devices and gadgets all over the store. You bet the senpai are going to buy them too. Of course they warn them about using them too much or they’ll confiscate it! Looks like Hugh and Mike accidentally killed a target who isn’t korokke. They are being lectured about such incidents getting frequent in which the company can get fined and the licence revoked. While the newbies don’t regret killing the scumbag, they still feel bad for not doing their job properly. Von gives them some advice and even relates his own story whereby he told Hera and Siu that he was quitting torturing because he wasn’t suited for it. So he became a ragman because that’s where all the money is. The duo are motivated by his advice but Sero soon warns them not to be fooled because that is his way of making more money. Mike and Hugh attend their torture lecture in university. As they have some things unsure in the industry, their teacher, Summon gives them some advice. To their surprise, Summon reveals he was also once a torturer. While Mike has his goals clear, Hugh has not. Summon advises for him to join Torture Association if he wants to change some of the rules in the industry. While Hugh has never thought of that and is happy to now have an idea, this means he might not be torturing with Mike. Oh man, the thought of separation is giving them anxiety! Summon assures it won’t happen right away so rest assured, they can still continue torturing together. When Summon tells them to give Hera his regards, they wonder how they are related. So when they tell Hera that Summon is their teacher, this guy starts panicking like hell! Have you ever seen Hera in such a distraught? So, Summon used to be Hera’s teacher… Is he really that bad?

Episode 10
You’re not watching the wrong channel nor did Spirytus close down. Because today our torturers are host guys! I hope they don’t torture their clients… Anyway, the staffs are down with a flu so they requested some help. Seeing the guys are noobs, Sero being the veteran host dresses up as a lady to help them. Yeah, the rest are just stiff and no topic lightens them up except torture. Bad hosts. So Sero throws away his wig and returns to his host roots to teach them more effectively. Now that is how it is done. With that, the host club experiences brisk business. Even Hera ponders opening a host club version of Spirytus! The torturers drink a strange drink and instantly fall asleep. When Sero wakes up, he realizes this is one of Izua’s concoctions and read his warning too late. Well, the others have turned into kids! Sero may be immune to this since he fell for this trick once. What to do with all these cuties? Yeah, Sero loves playing as their papa and buys them children clothes, etc. Don’t want to bring a bad image of kids doing tortures so they better lay off the torturing till things return to normal. Eventually all turn back to normal and now it is Sero’s turn to turn into a kid? Delayed effects maybe. Payback time? Siu brings him home and the twins would love to have a brother. Heck, Sero enjoys Siu being his papa! Mike and Hugh switch partners and find it hard to understand their senpai since Hugh and Siu are theory based and Mike and Sero are intuition based. Mike sees an old photo of Sero and Siu and notes they have the same hairstyles back then. Sero used to tie it so the blood on his hair won’t smear his face. Next day, the twins do up Siu’s hairstyle and he looks lovely. In the back alley, Mike sees Von doing a shady transaction with a shady person. He reports it to his pals but they are unfazed. Turns out Von bought food for his lovely cat pets. Mike and Hugh want to stay tonight as they learn Siu and Sero will be staying over to work late. Well, Mike knows they cook great snacks and can’t resist them! After all, they’re bored with their own dinners. They go shopping together and then return to Spirytus to cook. Everyone has a great time cooking and eating. Mike and Hugh fall asleep and the next day, they apologize profusely for that. Their seniors note they aren’t ready for night jobs yet so they better handle themselves better before trying this again. They promise to do so. Because anything for dinner at Spirytus! So that’s their intention…

Episode 11
As part of her marketing strategy, Belta sends a few new torture devices to Spirytus so they can touch and feel the new equipment. The newbies are impressed as they experiment about. But at the end of the day, Siu and Sero will send them all back because they are so bulky and big so they don’t fit their torturing room. Sorry Belta, no sales today. Sero goes to work with a few injuries. Mike and Hugh are shocked so Sero explains someone he once tortured tried to hurt him in the streets. Of course Sero fought back. However Siu is mad at him for this. You see, the case was supposed to be under Siu but Sero took up the job, thus landing him in this state. But Sero also has his piece of mind and argues back to him that he shouldn’t shoulder everything himself. After all, Siu has more to lose (his family) than him. They hope they can rely on each other. Spirytus will enjoy their whole day at the hotspring inn. Siu’s brother and his wife will take care of the twins while he is away. We see them enjoying the bath, Sero becoming a pro in doing Siu’s hair, Noe getting drunk with a bit of alcohol and Mike asking about Siu’s right eye in which he lies that he cannot see with it. Mike tells Hugh about it and thinks that is the reason why Sero is on his left. He hopes to use this as inspiration for a future novel. Siu tells Sero about Mike’s question but hopes to come clean with the newbies about this scar. Sero says to take his time and will wait even for years until he is ready to talk about it. Sero can’t believe he stayed so long here so Siu says he can stay as long as he wants. Stay so as to make things easier for him. Next day returning to work, a refreshed Spirytus is all motivated for an emergency case. It’s pain time.

Episode 12
We delve in a full episode of the past between Hera and Siu. Hera first stumbled into Siu when he was a high school student. Seen beating up some dude in the back alley, Hera invited him to join him as a torturer. Why him? Because of Siu’s beautiful face, Hera thought someone like him is suitable for torture work. Siu tried torturing for the first time but instead of using equipment, he resorted to his own fists. Bloody. But Hera didn’t reprimand him but was instead thankful because in some ways, Siu ‘saved’ him. Siu soon learnt Hera wanted to establish a torture company to produce results using honest methods. Otherwise, nobody in the future will trust the kids of today who will become future torturers. Siu gave a lot of thought about it and finally decided. He quit high school just to join Hera. After all, he said to take responsibility of it all. Hera welcomed him and as they continue their little torture job, Siu also met Von and Izua associated with Hera. 3 years passed and at this point Hera picked up Noe and took care of him. Noe slowly opened up to him. But at that point, Hera and Siu were kidnapped by gangsters, tortured and beaten up. This was warning for running around their turf and to get out of this torturing business. Siu carried a very injured Hera to Izua for treatment. Although his life was saved, Siu blamed himself and even more so when it broke his heart to see Noe devastated. Though, Hera never blamed Siu because it was the choice he made when he chose to defend Siu from those ruffians.

Sticking true to their ideals, soon Spirytus was formed and Noe started working with the company. Then they brought in a new target, Sowa. She had to repeatedly tell them she was a journalist working undercover. It was the best way to get info from various shady organizations. She helped brought info to Spirytus and you can tell she took a liking for Siu. I believe he also liked her despite his sourpuss face and attitude. Then one day she just disappeared. The next meeting was 3 years later at the hospital. With her are those young twins. Yes Siu, your kids. That’s the reason she ran away for she feared she would be a burden to him. But why return now? It seemed she only had 1.5 years to live and while it might seemed selfish she was dumping the responsibility on him, she needed someone to take care of the kids. Siu hugged her and suggested they marry. Tears of happiness for Sowa as this was the reason she fell for him. That kindness. Sowa passed on, Siu continued his torturing job as well as becoming the twins’ father. Hera cheered him up that what Sowa did was her own choice. The same when Siu took upon himself to care for the twins. It was his decision. Hera noted him as the best partner he ever had. With the jobs getting more frequent, Siu started complaining he needed more help. Well, the job postings were all out. But 68 people quit this year! Either they suck in torturing, couldn’t do a good job or Siu’s just ruthless! But all that was about to change when Sero sent in his application. Siu won’t get his hopes up with the new recruit but the rest is history.

No Pain, No Gain
Another day, another job. It is all in a day’s work for this people who specializes in giving others pain. Oh yeah. Which is pretty much like every else only every else is most probably illegal and done by bad people. Yeah. So, are we ready to legalize torture in this real world?! I don’t know. Lots of people are married in real life and isn’t that already the ultimate torture itself! HAHAHAHAHA!!! Oops, sorry. But still… HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Sighs. Hey, don’t ask me, I’m not married so I don’t really know. No wonder sometimes I feel so ‘happy’. But yeah. Marriage is the ultimate and most legal of all tortures in the world. AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! XD

Due to the nature of the series, there is no actual plot to follow (save for the final episode) as we see the happy daily work lives of the employees of Spirytus and those around them. This gives off a whole lot of confusion if you are expecting something darker but I assure, you this series has none of that or at least keep it to the bare minimum. So if you are weak at heart, you can be very assured that you are not going to see painful scenes of torture. Even at most, just the target’s little pool of blood spilt on the floor, a few blood splattered on the wall, just a bit of the target’s bloodied hands. That is all. You might hear some chicken screams in the background but visually, there are no torture or gory scenes that would churn your insides out. So yeah, I am wondering if this show is that ‘safe’, can I recommend this to younger audiences?! Heh.

What I am also trying to say is that given that the employees at Spirytus are having so much fun going to work and doing their job, this sends the wrong message and the wrong idea that torturing is a really fun and easy business! Oh sure, I am sure they are sparing us the details about the legislation and laws about torturing in this world but from a casual viewer’s point of view, they make torturing look like all fun and games. So easy. So fun. Wow. Let’s try it out! And our Spirytus employees here do it with great pride and with no conscious! Sure, these targets are scumbags and death is too good for them. Therefore if people in this line of business are going to scream about human rights or have doubts, fears about seeing others in pain, this is not the kind of job you want to do. So for our quartet here doing their job almost perfectly, they are the right people to do it. Of course, which I have already pointed out this gives us the viewers the wrong impression that this torturing business is whole lotta fun and without and repercussions, including morality and mentally. Now imagine changing the theme to politics. Politicians having fun and all the right to screw their citizens because of the law that allows them all the power that also lines up their pockets. Not so fun right now, eh?

Therefore I believe that all this fun and easy going casual feel that we have seen are in line with the series’ comedy theme. I mean, you have to be decisive and stick to what you want this series to be for your audiences. If it is going to be dark and gory, then definitely there will be a lot of bloody and pain inflicting scenes that you would even feel some of the chill down your spine as you watch the hapless human being tortured to death. So with this series being comedy in nature, we have got to show you all the funny parts and do away with all the gory and messy things not seen behind the scenes. Once you set your mind in this direction, the confusion about torturing others as a normal profession would be lesser. I mean, we’re laughing at the antics of the employees and not the anguish and misfortune of the tortured targets, right? Of course, this is all in line with Hela’s vision to change general sentiments of the public for those working in this industry in the future. Well, I don’t think I’m gonna change mine any soon even after seeing this series!

With not much of a story to tell, thus the burden of the charm of the series would fall most likely on the characters. So, you can say that this is another one of those mild bromance series using torture as a setting or theme. Yes, a big part of the series revolves around the relationship and interaction of torturer veterans, Siu and Sero and their newcomers/apprentices, Mike and Hugh. Love them or loathe them, once again you might get confused in seeing them so happy-happy while doing such unholy job but then again got to remember, it is their job. Their job is just to torture enough so the scumbag can spill enough beans. That is all. After all, there is no job in the world that does not come with its risk. Even porn!

And as I have already said, if you’re going to get all conscious about harming others, this is not the job for you. Thus Mike and Hugh have adopted the right attitude to stay in this line even though it makes them look like bloodthirsty sadist who want to torture more people! Siu and Sero are great mentors as they help pass down their knowledge and keep a healthy employer-employee relationship with the newbies. Wow. The irony that a torture company has better workplace practice than many of those black companies! What a screwed up world we live in! The main quartet have their little backgrounds and inspirations so as to tell us that they too have dreams they want to achieve instead of just a torturing maniac. Yeah, prevents us from casting them as one dimensional and the likes. Hey, Siu is a family man, a single parent with a cute pair of daughters! How can you hate these people?! Now do we like these cool bros?

If there is one other thing that I have mixed feelings about, it is the other characters. Well, there are a handful of them. I’m not saying that there are hundreds of them but there are. Some just making their cameo for an episode or two before vanishing, never to be seen again. Or at least for a long time. I guess it would be just plain boring watching the guys at Spirytus, right? Yeah, need a few other characters to spice things up. Sort of. You wonder why the need of such characters but my guess is to tell us that Spirytus is not alone in this game and industry. Just like any other industries, they rely on a chain of network that keeps the economy going. No man/company is an island. This is to also show that Spirytus is not a bunch of lonely sickos and those joining it are sadists, uhm, I mean those who can stomach inflicting pain on wrongdoers. There are other people around them that keeps the business going. From selling torture devices to getting rid of dead ones and to even have a medical team. Yeah, I want to see their connection with a lawyer in this industry!

These characters do not have deep background or history but it is enough to let us know how they are related to the guys in Spirytus. It’s all connected. Rather than just being a nameless character who just takes care of whatever tasks that Spirytus doesn’t handle, having a bit of background and relation helps further cement that these characters aren’t just minor ones and at least play supportive roles. After all, it would be a waste for the author to come up with a whole bunch of biodata on these characters, right? Yes, all the characters when introduced for the first time, we are greeted with a screen spamming us their biodata that includes the basic such as birthday, height and weight to their favourite food, special skills and hobbies. I’m sure we are all enlightened to know Von hates marshmallows while Belta loves doing her family garden, huh? WTF Mike’s special skill is rock-scissors-paper?!

On a trivial note, my dumb conspiracy theory rearing its ugly head to think that this is all a figment of everyone’s imagination. In order for all of them to get through this tough job, everyone is high on drugs or psychedelic mushrooms! That is why they can easily do tortures and then laugh it all off, wash the blood away, have fun and resume their normal lives! After all, there are 2 sides of the coin but we only see the 1 side. I’m talking about those unfortunate souls who became torture targets at Spirytus. I’m just curious what kind of crime they did to warrant this. Yeah, I wonder if a school kid has been sent to a torture room just to rat on his pals who stole some rich kid’s food! OMFG WHAT?! They too are human and seeing that there are so many cases Spirytus has undertaken, the outside world must be really f*cked up! A dystopian world! We are shield from all the darkness and other shady things that happens outside Spirytus, so we don’t see what is really going on in the real world. The real scary and violent world! But then again, remember, psycho yourself that this is all just one big comedy for us to laugh and gawk at the hot guys. Don’t concern yourself with anything outside the circle. Let’s all have fun and laugh at the good times. Yeah.

Art and animation are average. Just your standard anime style. Lots of hot and cute guys to hoodwink us to believe that the torture department has such handsome guys. And if you’re the shotacon type, there is Mike looking all small and cute for your liking. Yeah. Sorry folks, this is a male dominated industry so not many hot women here. Even Manika pales in comparison in terms of beauty to Sero! And that’s why they have Hera doing cross-dressing to soften the visual masculinity that is permeating this series. What the hell did I just say… But the lolis here have a weird one kind look. I don’t know, the more I look into Leu and Nero’s eyes, I feel these vampire lolis will suck out my soul! Even Merim has strange crosses for eyes! Holy Jesus Christ! I think I’m gonna die if I get treated by this loli if I’m an atheist! Just kidding. This anime is done by Diomedea who did Shinryaku! Ika Musume, Aho Girl and Domestic Na Kanojo.

Voice acting is also average and nothing extraordinary. The casts are Takuma Terashima as Siu, Shunichi Toki as Sero, Takuma Nagatsuka as Mike, Youhei Azakami as Hugh, Kishou Taniyama as Hera, Rikuya Yasuda as Noe, Nozomi Yamamoto as Belta, Tomohiro Oono as Von, Kozue Yuuki as Leu, Satsuki Hatori as Nero, Yumi Uchiyama as Manika, Tomoaki Maeno as Izua, Sumire Uesaka as Merim, Kenji Akabane as Las, Shouta Hayama as Luc, Kousuke Toriumi as Summon, Maria Naganawa as Rische and Marina Inoue as Sowa. The opening theme, Go Go Paradise by Granrodeo is an upbeat rock piece. I’m sure it gets you into the hype of all the torture. At least that is how it felt. But seeing how this is a comedy series, I somehow have second thoughts on it. It just doesn’t fit… Another rock outfit for the ending theme, Ashita Tenki Ni Naare by Takuma Terashima. But compared to the opener, this one feels like it lacks the oomph and personally, it sounds generic and flat.

Overall, this is just an average anime to me because yeah, I’m still confused despite what this clearly this anime is about. Because torture conjures the image of pain, blood and suffering, seeing these guys turn it into a fun and happy job, it is like watching a death game survival series where nobody actually dies. Yeah. So while this setting is unique in this genre (I’m sure we’re tired of the usual tropes of high school romcom), it is still another normal comedy series to me. I suppose we must not judge things based on our narrow bias prejudicial views because there is always 2 sides to a coin. Torture might be unpleasant but hey, somebody has got to do the job. Just like porn! Don’t hate the sinner, hate the sin. This torturing job exists only because of dirty lying dishonest scumbags out there. No wonder I am so immune to trashy and garbage animes in every season because I have already went through all the torture of watching those crap! That’s the only good thing coming out from this ‘torture’ of mine. Or maybe I’m just dumb. Oh well, see you again next season when I torture myself watching more disappointing nonsense. F*ck yeah! Bring it on! I love the pain!!!

Battle Royal High School

Do you remember that 2000 Japanese cult classic movie whereby a group of students got stranded on an island and have to fight and kill each other off? Yeah apparently there was also an anime OVA before that back in 1987. Just kidding! But yeah, Battle Royal High School sounded deceptive at first and I really thought it was that cult classic or at least a predecessor that motivated and led to the creation of Battle Royale. But upon taking a closer look, this involves, uhm, demons and supernatural stuffs? Are they going to have to fight against the forces of darkness so that humanity can survive or what?

Rumble in the bros…
Before Tekken’s King made his video game debut, he was in a high school karate club. Just kidding! Riki Hyoudo is defeating all the members of the karate club and the only one left is the captain, Baba. They fight and Riki wins. With that, Baba has no choice but the resign from the club. Later, Ryouko Takayanagi confronts Riki about this. She can’t understand why he is doing this although Riki claims he wants to test the limits of his karate. Apparently Ryouko is not taking this sh*t well because of the havoc he caused, Baba is going to resign. Not that Riki cares anyway because it was a condition set by Baba to beat everyone if he wanted to leave the club. Worse, Ryouko b*tches about next month’s tournament and without both their strongest members, they’re screwed. You think he cares?

Meanwhile in some alternate dimension called Dark Realm, a dimensional gate opens and as legend foretells, a leopard head warrior will appear and challenge them. This means Lord Byoudo who is the ruler of this world, his powers are flowing into the other dimension and this could be a trap and the work of those to limit his powers. The only way for Byoudo is to go over to the other side and fight. Ryouko tries to convince Baba to change his mind but looks like he is not budging from quitting. Meanwhile all the classmates are treating Riki like a star and giving him free food. He explains the use of his leopard mask is to gain attention. His plan is to fight other schools and gain media attention. Ryouko is not so amused and punches him.

When Byoudo arrives in this world, Riki is stumped as though time around him has stopped. He wanders around until Byoudo’s voice tells him about the legend and how he must defeat this leopard warrior to conquer both worlds. Well, Riki says f*ck that sh*t! Just come out and fight me! Byoudo tests him by summoning a few demons for him to fight. Although Riki defeats them, Byoudo then freezes him. Byoudo unmasks himself and he looks exactly like Riki. He is his other counterpart from the Demon Realm? Byoudo then possesses Riki’s body. Riki returns to normal time and now everyone is moving. Was everything a dream??

In space, a couple of space-time detectives are watching as Sandy detects some high energy reading, blah, blah, blah. F*ck these confusing sci-fi terms! Zankan decides to head down to investigate. Meanwhile, a group of gangsters fight some dude who claims he is going to be the boss of this territory. When Yuuki Toshimitsu shows up, that dude turns into a hideous monster! He manages to kill the monster but notices a winged cat escaping. He chases it down and wounds it. It then turns into a dinosaur monster before being defeated. Yuuki notices a fairy from within it trying to escape and kills it. He realizes it was the one controlling both the victims. Sensing the nearby school as interesting, he waits at the gates. He senses great power from Riki and vice versa. Wanna fight? Riki intends to kick the stone but misjudged his own powers and kicks the car! Yuuki slices it in half but Riki soon runs. Yuuki chases him down as Riki wants to explain himself but Yuuki will not listen. Until of course Riki unleashes monsters for him to fight and the fight ends when Riki takes away his sword. Now will you listen? This is actually Byoudo who explains he came to this world to make the prophecy come true but fell into this trap laid by one of his followers. Their bodies have merged and his powers trapped in this body and his own will suppressed by his counterpart. He then shows a dead corpse with lots of fairies inhabiting in it. Just like roaches, they will spread and if not kept in check, they will multiply and bring doom to this world. He proposes to postpone their duel until this matter is solved.

Megumi Koyama has a crush on Riki but soon a fairy pops up in her room. Meanwhile Ryouko is walking home at night when a huge teddy bear mascot attacks. Zankan transforms into his sentai battle gear to fight it. After that, he would like to ask her a few stuffs. Next day at school, Ryouko talks to Riki about some space inspector trying to ask her stuffs about him. Byoudo knows what is going on but on pretence that she is sick and touching her forehead, he erases her memories. Megumi sees this and gets the wrong idea. Then some guy tells Riki that this Zankan guy wants to challenge him at the dojo. Both fight and it ends in the draw. Zankan wants to talk. Elsewhere, Yuuki is meditating at a shrine when Kyan who is the master of the fairies, approaches him and wants to form an alliance to assassinate Byoudo. Yuuki refuses so Kyan shows him what Byoudo and Zankan are talking about. Zankan wants him to go back to his world for it is distorting time whatever. But if he refrains from using his power, he will allow it. Byoudo rejects it because he will become the ruler of this world regardless. Though, he gives Zankan permission to challenge him anytime. Zankan will use force if he has to. Kyan adds that if Byoudo becomes ruler of this world, everyone will be forced to follow his orders. Yuuki still refuses so Kyan incapacitates him and is she gonna rape him?! Oh well, what a strange way to merge!

Next day, Zankan detects a very high energy presence. It is Yuuki but we all know he is possessed. He confronts him and wants to verify something but Yuuki has no time to deal with him and attacks. Meanwhile Megumi is about to get raped by a few delinquents and Byoudo just in time drops in to save her. Those delinquents turn into monsters but they’re still no match for him. Eradicated. Megumi is happy thinking Riki has saved her but as she hugs him, it is a trap as she turns into a monster to devour him! Luckily this is just a body double as Byoudo has sensed this anomaly in her. Megumi still has her conscious and wants him to kill her. He does so but then uses his magic to construct Megumi back into her normal human body. Zankan loses to Yuuki. Just in time for the final battle of Byoudo possessed Riki vs Kyan possessed Yuuki. An epic fight begins and just when Byoudo thought he defeated Yuuki, Kyan’s horn pierces through him. Kyan beats him up but it is Byoudo who has the last laugh. Because the pain has made Riki totally unconscious, Byoudo is free to use his powers. Kyan gets her head and limbs decapitated. Her death so great that the whole school explodes?! Must be fighting in an alternate dimension because everything seems to be normal. Ryouko is trying to find Riki but finds him in the infirmary with naked Megumi! Oh sh*t. I don’t think he can win this one…

God Of High School?
What the heck did I just watch? Oh hell, I should have known better. Shows and OVAs of that time period are definitely strange and go all out while pulling no punches. Yeah, so as to get your money’s worth on this hour long content. The ending might be sudden and a bit confusing but I am guessing again that such OVAs in those days were once again used as promotion or exposure so as to let interested viewers find out more about the source. Though, the adaptation was based on a short-lived manga named Majinden with only 4 volumes. Not sure if they will flesh out and answer some of the mind boggling questions here but I guess it is better than just having a single animated OVA.

Of course the draw of this show is the gore and violence. Even if the art and animation feel dated, I must say that they are satisfying even for that time. Yeah, imagine the brickbats and criticisms if your quality look like sh*t! And that is why to draw in the oohs and aahs, the over the top gory violence as well as some grotesque monster transformations that may freak the hell out of you. So don’t worry if you don’t understand why the plot feels so confusing or shallow, the bloody violence will make up for it. I hope. Yeah, it is not for the faint hearted. And to add worth to your money, a few bare tits fanservice for you too. I thought they were going for full frontal nudity when they showed a resurrected and naked Megumi but oh well. You know the loophole of not drawing the crotch area so I guess this is not hentai. Safe.

The plot and story are mostly left to be desired but as I already said, perhaps if you want to find out more, go read the source. But for those who only watch this OVA, we’re going to be left confused. All we know is that there is this dumb setting of power converging into this world and so that we have some sort of battle royale between the characters. A ruler of the Demon Realm possessing a martial arts Earthling vs a space-time detective-cum-sentai vs a demon slayer kid who got possessed by a fairy mistress. Yeah, there’s your battle royale. Unless you count grotesque monster goons as part of it. At the end of the day, we are unsure if Byoudo will leave his counterpart and if there are other beings who want to revolt and assassinate him. So yeah, don’t care much about the story. As long as you can see some action, everything will be alright. I think.

This means the other characters felt lacking like Megumi’s crush on Riki was to have this setup and Ryouko being the annoying girlfriend. I know, Ryouko and Riki aren’t dating but from how close they are, they have got to be more than just friends, right? And is that Yuuki dead? He got killed off by Byoudo so I’m just gonna assume he dead. Saves a lot of questions. Even stranger to have a space-time detective watching over the realms because I don’t know what the deal is trying to keep the realms safe by not having too much energy flood into it. I am going to assume that the world will explode if you have too much energy. Uh huh. That’s why you have these strange space-time detectives as observers and making this whole thing even more bizarre. I suppose it beats having adding a few more unimportant characters so as to live up to the name of this series. Quality > quantity. On a side note, nice to hear Kazuki Yao helming as Riki and Byoudo because damn, it feels sad to note this seiyuu’s state today and why he retired from voice acting duties.

Overall, this OVA is really strange. The plot isn’t the best in the world and can sometimes be confusing while the characters aren’t really that likeable. Yes, even female characters like Ryouko and Megumi sometimes felt more annoying and WTF than cute. Even Yuuki felt wasted because of what we saw of his fate. I guess he was weak against fairies. Hey, he was a demon slayer not a fairy slayer! Anyway, you’ll probably be here for the gory action parts and that is the only way to remember this series as time goes by. So while it may not be the best in the battle royale genre and even its name has been usurped by that more famous Japanese cult classic title, it is good to know that such obscure series will not be getting any reboots, remakes or even a sequel. Too much crappy anime power has flown into the industry to save it now!

Ninja To Gokudou

I’m sure we have seen various ninjas vs samurais tropes. How about seeing ninjas vs yakuzas? That’s right. As the title implies, Ninja To Gokudou. Japan is so peaceful and advanced thanks to a war that has been going on behind its back for centuries. Oh yeah. Who’d knew that the ninjas and gokudou have been fighting in this shadow war for supremacy and peace so that all you otaku loving people can continue to enjoy your favourite anime, manga and games! Nah, I just made that up. So if you’re into some violent brutal slaughter between both organizations, this is where you come to. But I’ll be damned if magical girls get in between this fight! No f*cking way!

Episode 1
As explained and not learnt from your history books, the great fire in Japan in the past was caused by the battle between the ninjas and gokudou (yakuza?). Both have vowed to crush the other side and the battle rages on for 300 years… In modern day, Shinoha Tanaka saves a handphone cover dropped by Kiwami Kimura. It contains a picture from an anime he loves, Flash Princess. Because Kiwami also loves the series, both guys bond over it on the streets. Kiwami notices Shinoha trying to smile as the latter explains he can’t because his facial muscles are stiff. Both part ways as Shinoha soon gets a message from a crow to deal with a governor being kidnapped. The gokudou has kidnapped the governor and her grandchild as they kill off all the bodyguards. Suddenly they are distracted and the hostages are suddenly blindfolded and being given earphones. And then somebody’s head goes off! Everybody realizes and starts to fear this is their true enemy. The ninja has arrived! Soon, Shinoha decapitates everyone in quick succession and they don’t even know it! Shinoha dares the last big guy to shoot him as the latter can’t understand why the ninjas are always interrupting. Because you f*ckers drag kids into your sh*t! Eventually Shinoha is faster than the bullet and decapitates that bastard. Yeah, ninjas are freaking crazy alright. Ichimaru and Okada are police investigating the scene. Ichimaru knows this is the work of ninjas as they work from the shadows and leave the criminal corpses behind after securing the victims. Meanwhile no friends want to invite Shinoha out because he cannot smile. Shinoha can’t remember when he stopped smiling but he believes it must be that trauma. Snippets of some madman (gokudou) killing somebody.

After Shinoha completes another mission, he picks up weird pieces of paper stating Heavens Coupon. He goes to see his master, Kaiza Akiba who tries to help him laugh but to no avail. Shinoha frets about it but Kaiza hopes time will heal his childhood trauma. Shinoha gives him Heavens Coupon so he could smell liquid drugs off it. They also talk about gokudou acting weird lately because they stir things up just so the ninjas can show up. Kaiza remembers his vow as one of the 8 imperial ninjas who served the shogun, he vows to protect the people from the shadows. Shinoha then meets up with Kiwami for a Flash Princess event. They bond over this as Kiwami brings Shinoha to his usual diner. Seeing Kiwami is a popular guy among the people, he gives Shinoha advice on how to connect with others. Learning he has no friends, he offers to be Shinoha’s friend. After they part, Kiwami meets up with Kousei Yuzawa and we see Kiwami’s true colours as he is part of gokudou. Yuzawa complains that the ninjas are interrupting their operation, eating into their profits while gokudou is getting weaker. The young ones abandoning the family and even the cops see them as a joke. He thinks it would’ve been better if Kiwami becomes the boss but Kiwami declines and prefers to continue his job as a normal salaryman while being a shadow boss. Kiwami steps into a gathering of gokudou who are all accusing and fighting among each other. He has a plan to wipe out the ninjas. Meanwhile Kaiza is on his way to this meeting to eliminate the gokudou.

Episode 2
Kiwami is a great orator and manages to captivate his fellow gokudou the rise and fall of their kind. If not of those pesky ninjas who revived. But do not fear. He has a way to kill those ninjas. Suddenly some of the gokudou lose their heads. Kaiza has arrived and will dispense justice. Good timing. He uses a Heavens Coupon as both start fighting. Kiwami knows he must not lose sight of this ninja or he will lose. Both men have thoughts on Shinoha before their epic fight begins. In the end, Kiwami kills Kaiza. He shows his men this Heavens Coupon which is an enhanced drug version of Hells Coupon. Take a single dose and it invigorates your body to incredible levels that matches the speed and strength of the ninjas. As the gokudou start revelling in their new hope, a dying Kaiza remembers how he took in Shinoha and trained him after the gokudou slaughtered his family. In his last act, Kaiza self-destructs taking out the entire gokudou. Save for Kiwami and Yuzawa. Noting that Kaiza left remnants, Kiwami thinks of using these to lure the ninjas out. When Shinoha sees Kaiza’s stuffs laid in the middle of the road, he goes into rage that Kaiza is dead and wants revenge. At the same time, Kiwami is here and is happy about last night’s win so he wants to treat Shinoha to dinner. As they bond over Flash Princess, both are having different inner thoughts. Shinoha angry and vowing revenge while Kiwami trying to figure out where the ninjas are hiding. When Shinoha requests alcohol, Kiwami tries not to let him have it. Shinoha then says a close family member is dead and thinks alcohol will wash away his sadness. Kiwami says it won’t and the best way is to cry it out. Come on. Cry it out in Kiwami’s arms. Shinoha feels better and they part ways. Shinoha’s words of losing someone also resonates with Kiwami as he too starts crying.

As Shinoha falls asleep on the streets, a couple of punks want to rob him but fellow ninja, Nodoka Matsumoto saves him and brings him back to their underground base. With other fellow ninjas, Kasai Zanzo and Shiki Yamada. Nodoka has collected Kaiza’s items via the crows. One of them is a gem that contains recordings. With Shiki recovering the data, they will see the evidence in no time. Nodoka has also received info that gokudou are up to no good. He wants to go alone and kill them so he can vent out his anger for revenge. Yuzawa has taken in a few new gokudou recruits who have been orphaned by the ninjas. When a rogue gangster wants revenge on Yuzawa, he simply rams into him and knocks him out! In an underground secret club that once belonged to US army, Yuzawa is executing low level gangsters. When the recruits return with drinks, Yuzawa claims they brought the wrong drink and has them go back out to buy new ones. But this is of course to excuse the newbies from seeing the slaughter as Yuzawa calls out to hiding Nodoka. Both know they’re being considerate to the newbies but now that they’re gone, it’s no holds barred. Nodoka turns into a fiery phoenix, vowing total annihilation. Yuzawa orders the rest of his men to take Heavens Coupon.

Episode 3
Nodoka burns them all! Yuzawa wonders the newbies got out alive. Well, all dead and killed by Shinoha except for Keisuke Ikeda. He thought he is a goner with Shinoha before him but the latter won’t kill him seeing he has not killed before. But as Keisuke remembers how Yuzawa saved him from a life of misery, he is now hell bent in stopping Shinoha and takes Heavens Coupon. Seeing his resolve, Shinoha will face him seriously and kill him. Both go all out and fight but it is ultimately Shinoha who wins and has Keisuke decapitated. Nodoka is in shock as he see Yuzawa rising from the ashes. With his men forming a large human chain to pin down Nodoka, this allows Yuzawa to run up to him and stab him. Though, Yuzawa himself gets decapitated in the process but he has no regrets. He has done what he could. Nodoka finds out the secret weapon the gokudou is using and he needs to tell this to his ninja comrades. He can’t die now. Flashback shows he was raised as an orphan but when the orphanage director tried to kill him to sell his organs, he fought back and burnt everything down. Before he killed himself, he was saved by Shinoha who gave him hope to live and to hone this skill for good. However Nodoka is shot in the head by Hiroki Yajima. Kiwami is unable to feel for Yuzawa’s deaths but appreciates how far he has gone to kill a ninja. Because of the thick smoke, Kiwami and Shinoha cannot clearly identify each other. Kiwami feels the need to bust this joint and punishes Gamute to get rid of that pesky ninja for dissing Yuzawa. Both furious sides go at each other. Crazy Gamute trying to give her middle finger but she can’t because her left hand has been chopped off! More dissing until she gets a call from Kiwami that because she took too long, she is on his own. Bye. Gamute decides to stop fighting Shinoha and get out of here. Shinoha knows Nodoka cannot survive and allows him to say his last words. He tells him of gokudou’s secret weapon and that they are deliberately misbehaving to lure ninjas out. Nodoka relays his heartfelt gratitude and even started watching Flash Princess lately. Kiwami then detonates the entire f*cking area!!! Too bad Gamute gets caught in the blast. Sadly, other innocent people too. Of course Shinoha escapes.

Episode 4
Kasai is saddened and angry over Nodoka’s death and vows revenge. Kiwami picks up Shinoha for a night drive. Shinoha notices Kiwami awfully quiet so the latter talks about an episode from Flash Princess where the protagonist avenged a fallen friend. Shinoha can tell someone close just died. Kiwami admits to it and thought driving would clear his head but it isn’t working. It is Shinoha’s turn to advise him to keep racing forward for his sake. Don’t let it go to waste. Kiwami feels better. After parting ways, Kiwami picks up Yajima. As there are ruffians road bullying them, Yajima who was an ex-biker gang shows how to deal with them. Fire 2 bullets that create friction at the gas tank to explode the car! We are introduced a few more ninjas like Sako Hasegawa who is some brilliant doctor who does surgeries without any tools. The huge Uryu Yagi who is a host and all the ladies love him! Kasai has experimented with Heavens Coupon by giving it to a lab rat and it killed a huge bear! F*ck yeah, giving you the middle finger too! Meanwhile Yajima makes a call to his ex-biker gang members. Whether they are failing in life, going to kill themselves or even if they are some international superstar, the moment they hear Yajima’s voice, they instantly revive, quit instantly whatever they are doing and return to him. Knowing that they are having it hard and tedious with the adult life, he is going to let them dream again. Shiki is surprised to see Shinoha with Kiwami in the streets. After introducing each other, Kiwami has to leave for an urgent issue. Shinoha tells Shiki how Kiwami is a cool guy and his first friend. Shiki in disbelief but is happy for him. Short flashback shows how Shinoha saved her and ever since she has a crush on him. But she is more than happy to keep this one sided love to herself. Yajima and his 30,000 strong biker gang are ready to ride again with their reinforced vehicles. The ninjas are going ape sh*t crazy when they hear the highway is infested and going wild with these buggers. Meanwhile Shiki is in shock as she has decoded the data to see Kaiza’s killer AKA Kiwami.

Episode 5
The gokudou running rampage on the highway. Any police barricade, just run through them! The ninjas see this and believe the gokudou are picking a fight with them. If that is what they want, it’s what they’ll get. Kasai has his ninjas station at certain points of the highway to stop the menace. We see them pulling off their unique abilities to stop the rampaging gokudou. Then we have Sako vs Naito Shikuma and Uryu vs Taku Ariha. While the ninjas eventually win, the gokudou guys have nothing but thanks for Yajima in making their mundane lives a dream come true. That’s why they can die with no regrets. Kasai faces off with baseball hero, Hiroi Omaga. He doesn’t understand why a successful baseball star is doing such things. Omaga prefers this age that smashes anything that gets in his way. Kasai morphs into someone he knows in try to make his love for baseball to return but since it is not working, he transforms into a baseball legend so they’re going to settle this by batting each other out. In the end, Kasai bats his eyes out into space! Homerun. Omaga dies happy and of course thanking Yajima. Now we move to see Shinoha vs Yajima. Shinoha getting angry for revenge after learning he is the one who killed Nodoka. However Yajima has him dance to his bullet ricochets and when all that dancing dies down, Yajima tells him off he is not the main character but a side character before putting one in his forehead.

Episode 6
Oh wow. Shinoha turns his head so fast to avoid the bullet! Although Shinoha’s legs are useless, his hands are fast enough to chip debris from the road into the air. Then he uses them as springboards to avoid Yajima’s ricocheting bullets! Yajima loses an arm as he remembers his daughter, Hana. Flashbacks of his biker life until he gave it up for the sake of love. He married and had a daughter but all came crashing down when his wife ran away with his yakuza boss. He thought Hana would be okay since he could provide her with everything. He was happy watching from afar until one day ninjas raided the place and all got killed. Including Hana. He hated ninjas ever since and fell into despair. Not until Kiwami offered his hand to get revenge on them. With Shinoha too fast, Yajima admits he has lost and points the gun at his own head! Also admitting about the loser in life he is, causing trouble is what people like them does best and he thought of giving them back that happiness no matter how small. As he fires into his own brain, the trick is the bullets will ricochet inside his skull and finally pierce through to take down Shinoha with him. However his lying eyes were a dead giveaway so Shinoha anticipated that and deflects the bullet before decapitating him. Yajima has a choice to join Hana in heaven but he decide to go to hell with his fellow bikers because you have to pay for your sins. Ride in hell forever, boys! Shinoha feels bad for Yajima as he dies with a small but he can take heart he completed his mission. We see Gamute still alive and dreaming about her caring mom. However her dead friends tell her otherwise and tell her to wake up and avenge them. Kill those f*cking ninjas! Gamute wakes up in time to face Shiki. To fight her deadly perfume, she covers her entire face with tape! How can she even see or breathe?! Oh yes she can. Because cruel mama always covered her face with them and beat her up! Because Shiki sees Kiwami coming from a distance, this distracts her as Gamute manages to damage her liver. Her body starts to experience pain all over. As Shiki inches closer to take them out, Gamute and Kiwami’s instincts tell them to get out. So they retreat, leaving Shiki lamenting about resigning to her fate. However with distraught Shinoha in her arms, she doesn’t mind dying happy like this. Shinoha recognizes the knife belonging to Gamute. That b*tch is so dead! Kiwami praises Yajima’s charisma and love like one of those Flash Princess characters. Gamute has an idea how to kill the ninjas and the rest of the crazy bunch of gokudou are on it too. One of them is Kiwami’s son, Tera.

Episode 7
Kiwami is having a fancy dinner with Shinoha. He is supposed to have it with Yajima but he couldn’t make it. Kiwami asks if he has been smiling more lately. Since he hasn’t, he suggests he makes another friend and this might spark a new change. Meanwhile Gamute is back home talking with her mom. As we have guessed it, she’s dead! Sako does autopsy on Shiki and notes there were no poison in her bloodstream. It was her organ failure that killed her. The ninjas realize it was a mistake dividing their forces against gokudou. Worse, Shiki somehow locked her computer so the ninjas can’t get any info on the decoded data. Kanshichi Aida who is the Prime Minister of Japan has gone missing! Actually, he is incognito going shopping all alone! He thinks his disguise will work but you can’t fool the public. OMFG is that our PM?! As he is curious about the Flash Princess shop, Shinoha seems to be there and decides to school this ‘normie’ about the deeper aspects of this show! Oh man, PM now hooked on it after Shinoha shows a few clips of the anime! When they properly introduce themselves, Aida accidentally gives himself away. At the same time, his men find him and take him away. They want Shinoha to keep this a secret. Shinoha is then shocked to stumble into Gamute in the streets! Yes, this is the crazy ugly girl without all her bandages! So as not to cause a commotion in the streets, they ‘talk’ at the café. Gamute confirms killing Shiki but she was the strongest she has faced and that is why she went all out to kill her. Likewise, Shinoha admits the same when he killed Yajima. And then it begins. Both start trying to kill each other. So fast that the customers can’t see what’s going on! Gamute’s strength allows her defend against Shinoha’s deadly techniques. Shinoha manages to defend his organs from being destroyed. Gamute hopes for him to prepare himself next time because her groupie will come kill him in the worst possible way.

Now we see a group of crazy kids and adults happily and easily killing the entire Mexican mafia! In fact, they get special points for killing selected targets. Aida enjoys the Flash Princess anime but as he gets back to work judging some National Book Report Contest (?!), he sees Shinoha’s name. Gamute returns thinking mom has cooked curry but turns out to be Prima. It looks like Prima is taking care of Gamute as she is the leader of those crazy killers. Ballon d’Or notes because Gamute is the craziest among them, that is what saved them and that’s why they follow her. Soon, many are in surprise because damn, Shinoha wins the PM Award! Kiwami is extremely happy for him and wants him to go receive the award at PM’s residence. Gamute sees this scene and now makes the connection. She goes back to her group as she releases new sets of target that includes Aida himself. F*ck yeah, these bastards are gonna rake in over 100,000 massacre points! Gamute hypes up the crowd with her speech that their hearts have bene killed since young by families, society, the world. Thus the only way to continue living is to keep killing. By killing, they will all we saved! Let the fun death games begin! Damn, they have a theme song too?! Shinoha prepares to head to PM’s residence. Kiwami too. And those crazy young kids too!

Episode 8
Aida tells his aide, Roka Hijikawa why he is giving the award to Shinoha. Remembering he had trouble smiling, he hopes this will bring back his smiles. As the award gets underway, suddenly those crazy kids attack and start decapitating! Gamute makes an announcement. Calling themselves as Glass Children, they are going to play a game. They have an hour to find a bomb hidden in this building or everyone will die. In the meantime, Glass Children will hunt them down! Kiwami notes the genius Gamute is but hates how she badly timed this event. Roka saves Aida from being killed. As he lies dying, he remembers his dreams with Aida in their youthful days to help bring back everyone’s smiles from this corrupted country. That is why he will always continue to support him. With Roka dead, Shinoha is mad and will kill all the damned children. Who messes with my friends will pay! Of course the other ninjas are also here to help but with 300 Glass Children and many dead folks, it’s gonna be a tall order. As Kiwami ponders what to do next in the toilet, a Glass Children is happy to find him. However it seems Kiwami is on the target list but his point is the lowest! Obviously part of Gamute’s plan because if they put his real point, everyone will go after him. She knows Kiwami is the real monster here. Kiwami manages to convince that guy to tell him where the bomb is before decapitating him. As their predecessor, he was also #1 when Glass Children was first founded. Yeah, his true worth is 800 grand massacre points! Definitely it’s over 9000! Order and Attacker are sniping from the rooftop at Kasai. With Order’s sharp hearing, he can tell everyone’s precise location. But eventually Kasai closes in and decapitates them. Now we see a short flashback how they were gaming buddies but their parents didn’t approve of it. When they got sponsorship for some gaming competition, their parents either tried to kill themselves or kill them. In order not to let their dreams die, they run away. Cycling all the way to Tokyo? Well, they got hit by a truck. Well, now they get to die close to each other.

Episode 9
Ange and Busu going to kill another victim when Uryu saves her and let his rat familiars lead her to safety! Uryu has a hard time fighting them as Ange is able to sense all forms of danger and Busu’s acid shots can ricochet. When Uryu is cornered, he can tell from their eyes that killing only keeps them sane. But he has no right to say that because he was almost the same. Until he was saved by Sako. And with Sako now in the picture, they are a deadly combo as Ange realizes they cannot escape from imminent death. Ange pushes Busu away and gets decapitated herself. A flashback of their tormented lives. Ange was born so beautiful that dad tried to rape her. Mom killed him and tried to take their own lives but Ange killed her. Busu was a daughter born out of wedlock so dad poured acid on her face so she can be ugly like him. When kids tried to hunt down a ‘monster’, she killed them all. They realize the cruelty and perversion of being beautiful and ugly. Busu now guns for revenge but Sako gets the better of her and decapitates her. Busu noticing Ange’s happy face in death. She too soon realizes it. They are happy without their faces. As Shinoha and Kiwami continue their killing, they stumble into each other. However Kiwami starts to have doubts because from Gamute’s description, Shinoha could be that ninja she fought. Shinoha follows him and feels compelled to protect him even if he claims he knows martial arts. When Ballon attacks them, Shinoha using his quick reflexes to save Kiwami. This shocks Kiwami because it means Shinoha is a ninja but he is in distress and can’t bring himself to accept it. How can my fellow Flash Princess buddy be a ninja! At the same time, Shinoha is in a dilemma to show his skills because this would reveals his ninja origins. And as per the rules, if somebody finds out his identity, he must be killed. Shinoha must now make another decision as Ballon launches another attack and it is going to hit Kiwami. Shinoha makes his decision. He uses his body to protect Kiwami. Of course as a ninja, he survives but is badly injured. He is glad Kiwami is safe. But Kiwami is further confused. A ninja saved his life? After all the confusion and since Shinoha is still worried about him, Kiwami makes his decision. Now he wants Shinoha to trust him.

Episode 10
Kiwami suggests they fight together to take out Ballon. He knows Shinoha can sense the direction of the attacks fast and wants him to relay the direction of where it comes from. When he does, Kiwami blocks the ball and destroys it. But his right arm is also broken. Ballon is mad that this gift from Gamute is destroyed but no matter, he can still use his strong kicks. Kiwami will shoot at the fire extinguisher to buy time for Shinoha to run. However Shinoha runs towards Ballon and wants Kiwami to run instead. As Kiwami fires, the fire extinguisher forms the perfect smokescreen. Kiwami taking his Heavens Coupon to power up as both guys intercept Ballon in the mist and decapitate him. We hear Ballon’s narration that his dad is a famous international football star and wanted to be like him so he can meet him someday. But all that come crashing down when his mom turned down football offers just to make him miserable like her. Worse, she revealed his dad as a footballer was a lie. He killed her. When he joined Glass Children, he was still traumatized. Until Gamute’s scream! Oh man, she’s even crazier! Her craziness saved them all! Shinoha is about to fall to his death from Ballon’s final attack. However, Kiwami thinks this is perfect chance to expose him as a ninja. But Kiwami dashes to save him as he calls out to Shintaro (a montage of strange and chaotic snippets). The fact he will feel empty without him is what prompts this decision. Gamute makes an announcement that Aida is in her hands. They have 5 minutes to come save him or he dies. Success means they have additional 15 minutes to find the bomb. Kiwami believes finding the bomb will be more effective because more will likely to survive. However Shinoha can’t leave Aida alone as the PM is his friend. Then he tests Shinoha’s eyesight. Kiwami believes Shinoha is not that ninja from Gamute’s description. Though, his suspicions are not totally gone. He gives Shinoha a Heavens Coupon just in case. Both promise to watch next year’s new Flash Princess so they can talk more about it. Shinoha goes to save Aida and right before the bomb there explodes. But Gamute expected this and cuts through his guts. Kiwami has found the bomb but before him is Prima. He gets distracted by her ballet moves and gets pierced. To Shinoha’s fear, Aida realizes who he is. Must he eliminate the PM? But Aida plays the friendship card! He won’t let his friend die! As Gamute comes in to play, Aida takes the Heavens Coupon! He strikes her head and that is gonna leave a mean fracture!

Episode 11
Obviously that Is not enough to kill Gamute as she bounces back to knock down Aida. We return to Kiwami’s fight with Prima and it seems her ballerina skills are making hallucinate several plays? Kiwami deliberately gets himself stabbed so that he can get up close to her and kiss her. Just to steal her Heavens Coupon. Though, Prima thinks she can still fight with its lingering effects. Even when Kiwami cuts off her strong leg, Prima continues to fight. Game over when he decapitates her and cuts the fuse. 1 second left on the clock OMFG! Time for Prima’s flashback as she was born into a normal family. Until her brother went crazy after failing his exams and killed her parents. She had to kill him. After that she wanted to kill herself but stumbled into Gamute. She lived a new life as Glass Children and continued to kill. She thinks she has chosen the worst life. Then in another reality, a young girl impressed by Prima’s ballet and wants to be like her but Prima believes her life now is a punishment for making all those mistakes and advises her to be prepared for her dreams to not come true. Live your life to the fullest. Prima has no regrets despite the wrong choices made. Gamute is in despair that the bomb did not go off and this means Prima has died. She calls all the Glass Children that playtime is over. Start killing everyone! Yuri and Lily are happily killing policemen outside when suddenly a group of hot guys storm in! They are Techno Pretty Boys who work under Tome Odaka, a ninja who uses her brain to control others. In a way, this is a form of cloning via superior intellect. Tome kills off Yuri and Lily so we get to see their sad past of being raped by their teacher so they killed him. Aida wants Gamute to surrender and if she has any demands, tell him. Gamute thinks it is too late but Aida knows she is doing this because she wants change. As PM, he vows to listen and help her out. Gamute doesn’t believe him and is ready to kill. Shinoha returns for their rematch. Shinoha has managed to heal himself using Sako’s advice on doing surgery on himself. The downside is that he needs time and the enemy will not give him that unless he has a friend who will buy him that time. And now the final death match begins.

Episode 12
Flashback shows Gamute tried to kill Kiwami and is one of the last ‘fathers’ whom she wants to avenge for mom. Uhm, Gamute is a boy?! Oh heck, I’m so confused I don’t care anymore! Kiwami then discovered that Gamute’s mom is Ririn and basically she’s a sex empress. Although Kiwami took her in, she tried to kill him but failed. She vowed to beat him and acknowledge her. Now, Gamute’s fight with Shinoha is almost reaching a conclusion. She is about to lose as she is getting slower. At this point she doesn’t care if she dies. As long as she survives 1 second longer than him, she wins. With that, she takes double dose of Heavens Coupon. A vision of a dead comrade telling her to just fight for herself. With her binds gone, we see Gamute borrowing the abilities of her dead Glass Children as she fights back Shinoha. She can’t understand why the ninjas are killing them despite they kill to live. They were just kids but have their hearts crushed to pieces. Shinoha begs to differ but is pushed back. When she is about to go in for the kill, she is shocked she missed. Because Shinoha put up a fake move. He believes she is strong and trusted her instincts wouldn’t miss it. Shinoha cuts off all her limbs but fails to finish her off as she falls a few floors down. She is then approached by Kiwami who praises her for a job well done in turning this country into the ultimate hunting round. She unleashed a destruction beyond his teachings. You may rest in peace now. However Gamute in despair because this isn’t what she wants to hear. Shinoha thinks Kiwami is in danger when Tome shows a photo Shiki sent her of Kaiza’s killer: Kiwami. Now you mad? At the same time, Gamute blurts out that Shinoha is a ninja. Kiwami congratulates her for destroying him but that’s not what she want too? Now we see Gamute in an alternate dream where she is living a normal and happy life. The same with her fallen Glass Children too. Now both Kiwami and Shinoha face off, both cannot believe their best friend is their mortal enemy. With their other generals coming in to join them, the battle rages on.

Kill La Kill: Keep Your Friends Close But Your Enemies Closer
Oh well, the cat is out of the bag. Now that they know each other’s true identities, what are they going to do? Looks like a decisive fight is on the cards. The kind that will determine the fate of either clans. Will the ninjas succeed in eradicating the gokudou or will the gokudou finally get their revenge in annihilating the ninja and expand their darkness throughout the land? Time will only tell. So when the next season dropping???!!! I can’t wait to see who kills who! OOPS!!!

There is not really much of a deep plot here. Heck, I don’t think anyone will be watching this for the plot because after a few episodes in, we’ll get the gist of the flow of the anime and we’ll not be thinking or harping further on the storyline anymore. After all, as if you didn’t get the hint from the title already, it is basically just the underworld organizations of ninja vs yakuza fighting each other. The vicious cycle of killing each other continues as their motivation for doing so is to get revenge for their fallen comrades.

Hence the real ‘star’ factor of the series is the ultra violence that makes up the lack of story. Yup, it is that crazy. With somebody guaranteed to die in every episode. They don’t pull any punches here and with all the blood and gore, this is not for the faint hearted. Imagine, seeing heads flying off from the bodies like as though it is another Tuesday for these ninjas! Heh. Sorry for that bad pun reference. Decapitation seems to be a violence staple whenever ninjas go in for the kill. No discrimination at all. Young kids and even girls have their fair share of being decapitated. As long as you’re on the wrong side, no mercy is shown. Yes, they really go all out with the violence and gore here and it doesn’t matter if they all look silly or just unbelievably exaggerated. It’s all for the crazy shock violent factor and they definitely deliver on that. They’re really fast and furious too. No need to have long dramas, we’re just here to see the characters get killed off. There. You happy now? Are you entertained? Many 2D characters died for our entertainment, you know!

Oh boy, because of the sheer violence and deaths, it is no doubt the series has a huge number of characters. Whether they are main or supporting or just minor extras. Because we need these to add up to the body count, right? You’re all expendable! But for some supporting characters, so as not to make their characters look like those created to die, that is why some like Shiki, Nodoka, Yajima, Ballon, Prima and Gamute have short flashbacks when they die. It might not be much but at least it gives a short back story as to why they end up as they are. Sometimes it feels like a waste too because it’s like they zoom through their back story just for the sake of it but it beats better than having nothing. I don’t know, for the ninja ones, it’s like some lazy excuse they stay loyal all because of Shinoha somewhat saving them. Oh well, at least they had a reason. After all, they’re already going to die so why waste time in crafting long complicated stories and issues for these characters? Just enough to get a bit of sympathy and understand their circumstances. That is about it. They’re dead. Move on to the next kill. With the ninjas possessing a weird skill that makes them superhuman, the even the odds, that is why the gokudou has this Heavens Coupon so things can get even crazier. We don’t want just a bloodbath massacre. We want a CRAZY ALL OUT bloodbath massacre from both sides! We’re all sadists.

So of course if there is going to be some sort of character development, it would at least be between the dynamic and curious relationship between Shinoha and Kiwami. The irony that they are eternal rivals from different clans but they are best friends united under their same passion for the Flash Princess series. I would like to sometimes call this reverse Romeo and Juliet. It has been pretty lucky and coincidental for both men to not realize each other’s true identity and still live while many of their brethren die. My guess is that this ’complicated’ relationship will give rise to some moral dilemma in which they will have to choose between killing or saving the other once they fully realize the other’s real identity. Do I kill him because he is my sworn enemy or do I spare him because we have bonded over Flash Princess, gave each other good advice and more importantly, spent time hanging out as friends! Ah yes. That buzzword. My bet is going to be the power of friendship saving the day and for both men to come together and even work together to fight a third force threatening Japan’s safety. Like, uhm, aliens?! Holy f*ck! Imagine it is the Flash Princess series that holds their friendship together. Good news or bad news? But given the crazy nature of this series, I won’t be surprised if the plot twist that both men eventually sever ties and kill each other. Though, I am still confused about that strange alter ego of Kiwami. Is this all some sort of play in his head? So even if the final scene here shows the frenemies facing off, I’m sure that is all for dramatic purposes. Yeah, yeah. Everybody angry now with the shocking truth out but you can’t drag on the drama when you have everybody dead, right? This series is still ongoing, right?

Special mention needs to be said for Gamute because she is purely crazy (still can’t believe this kid is a boy!). I don’t know if that itself is an understatement but yes, Gamute is different than a lot of characters simply because she is just crazy. Even crazier than Kiwami himself who is actually more level headed and uses his head. Kiwami moves on guts and fuelled by her instincts to kill and that sets her apart from others, including those in Glass Children. I guess when you need to have a crazy character, you can’t have a cookie cutter and 2 dimensional villain in your books when you have a violently crazy series like this. Thus to match all that senseless eccentricity, Gamute clearly plays her wild character perfectly. It gives rise to the question of how children are raised in this country and how they have become broken at such a tender young age. Imagine if they were broken as adults, will they go crazier? But as crazy kids, we know society gets what they deserve if they can turn kids like this. Eat your heart out. Crazy for me to say but I prefer Gamute over those pet mascots. You know, those mice! WTF they feel so out of place! I don’t think this is some Disney show!

Correct me if I am wrong but I am under this impression that the ninjas are just a handful of members while the gokudou side has like almost unlimited members. Perhaps they are various groups of different dark organizations not only the yakuza but contract killers and triads all amalgamated under an umbrella group. That is why you have Gamute’s Glass Children and Yajima’s biker gang who are completely different than and not actually part Kiwami’s main yakuza group. Because of that, I am more inclined to think that the gokudou side are the bad guys because of the sheer amount of deaths coming from their side. I’m sure I can count all the ninjas here with my fingers and still have leftovers. After all, this season only had 3 main deaths coming from the ninja side and it’s like telling me the ninjas are the good people because they try to keep the order. Also, becoming a ninja isn’t as easy as their skills (no matter how absurd it looks) take more years and discipline to master compared to any tom, dick and harry who can just join the gokudou ranks. All you need is to have crazy killing vibes, that is all. Of course with those Techno Pretty Boys, I am not sure if they are all really part of the ninja clan or just controlled like puppets.

If there is one thing that bogs this series down a lot, it is the art and animation quality. To put it bluntly, I find that the animation quality is cheap and amateurish. I don’t know if the over the top gore and violence are supposed to be a free pass to make you overlook this but it cannot be denied that the visuals leave much to be desired. Perhaps I can understand the logic of putting in so much effort to animate such scenes only to have such characters being unceremoniously killed off. With so many such scenes, it felt like a herculean effort to animate each and every one of them. After all, the most we viewers will do is say oohhh and aaaahhh and perhaps squirm a bit at the surreal horror-like gore… That’s probably the gratitude we’ll ever show.

The character designs also look average and if not, some look weird. Sorry folks, I hate to admit it that even those Naruto ninjas look better than the ninjas here! Worse, I think it is to combat stereotypes of ninja attire, that is why we have Sako, Uryu and even Tome wearing strange outfits that make them look like cosplayers than real crime fighting ninjas! I kid you not! It’s like the freak circus is in town! I can understand the Glass Children looking crazy and cartoonish (because Gamute in a way looks crazier and scarier in this cartoony-like form) as they give off a bit of an intimidating aura but I thought the ninjas would be better looking. I was wrong. Even Kiwami himself I have to admit looks a lot plain and simple. At certain angles, there is a thin layer of cell shading but I doubt this changes anything. This anime is done by Studio Deen so yeah, divided opinions abound on this veteran anime studio who did Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2, Fate/Stay Night, KonoSuba and Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni.

Oh boy, because of the large number of characters, you bet the seiyuu list is going to be helluva long! I don’t think it’s the case of the same seiyuu voicing multiple characters. They mostly make their short cameos until their character gets killed off. Which is quite quick for many of them. So yeah, with this large cast of characters, there are bound whom I am going to recognize like Katsuyuki Konishi as Kiwami, Kana Hanazawa as Shiki, Takehito Koyasu as Yajima, Yuka Iguchi as Tome, Hiroki Yasumoto as Uryu and Houchuu Ootsuka as Kaiza. Can you imagine that there are so many seiyuus voicing one character? That is when you have Kasai. You see, because he shapeshifts every time, a different seiyuu helms his character. As much as 9 different seiyuus voice Kasai! From Toshiyuki Morikawa to Hisako Kanemoto to Yuuki Sanpei to Kenshou Ono to Volcano Oota. No wonder at times this character confused me because here I thought there was this new ninja and was having a hard time trying to Google and find this motherf*cker only to subsequently realize this is Kasai himself. F*cking hell. I am thinking the more this character survives, the more seiyuus are going to join the credit list of playing this character!

AND WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! YOU MEAN MAMIKO NOTO HAD A ROLE HERE TOO?! Alongside Tomokazu Sugita too? He’s not so important but WHAT THE HELL???!!! MAMIKO NOTO IS IN THIS ANIME TOO???!!! Who the f*ck is this Maya Kohara character?! Oh, those bunch of crazy characters being randomly shown to us once biding their time while in the midst of Glass Children’s hunting game. Blink or you’ll miss. And that cameo in the final scene when both sides face off. So when are we gonna get another season because I can’t wait to hear Mamiko Noto as a crazy killer! For the record, Tomokazu Sugita as Anatomi Kurita.

The rest of the other casts are Chiaki Kobayashi as Shinoha, Sumire Uesaka as Gamute, Kenta Miyake as Aida, Makoto Furukawa as Sako, Yasuhiro Mamiya as Yuzawa, Yuuma Uchida as Nodoka, Lynn as Prima, Yurika Kubo as Ange, Shizuka Ishigami as Busu, Taku Yashiro as Ballon (damn, I thought it was Yuuichi Nakamura), Kengo Kawashini as Order, Taito Ban as Attacker, Shinji Kawada as Ichimaru and Youhei Matsuoka as Okada. The opening theme is Sweet Disaster by Miyavi. Your typical hard rock music to get you into the grove of the violence and blood. However I find the singer’s voice lacking the oomph so I don’t really feel the impact. The voice is quite soft and yes, I’m thinking those heavy metal screaming should have fit the bill better instead. Like the ending theme, Until You Die Out by Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas (seriously, this is the name of the band?!). Yeah, the intensity of the screaming in this rock piece makes it more believable. Though, I can’t say it is my cup of tea. Breaking the rock beat is the special ending theme for episode 3. Kodoku No Uta by Shiori Sasaki is a slow ballad that makes you wonder if they casted the wrong song for the wrong show. I guess you need such a song when Kiwami blew up the whole city with innocent lives in it!

Overall, I actually kinda like this crazy anime because you know, all the exaggerated violence and blood. Oh yeah, an anime that finally understands my entertainment needs! I read many comments are divided over this series and those calling this bad is only because I am guessing they have a much more sophisticated taste that we simpletons don’t understand. Don’t care. I am entertained. That is all that matters. So if you are looking for a series with a deep story and better dynamics between the characters, definitely this is not a series you should be looking for. Look elsewhere. Otherwise I will definitely want another season so that they can pile up the body count like as though human lives are cheap and don’t matter. Something needs to fill in the gap in my sadistic heart after Shingeki No Kyojin had ended, Ishura and Ubel Blatt seems not to be announcing another season yet, still waiting patiently for the next season of Clevatess to drop… Yeah, too many ninjas and gokudou died in this show so I have to go back watching boring and crappy animes! Bummer!

P/S: No matter what, don’t do drugs!

Watari-kun No XX Ga Houkai Sunzen

My mind must be in the gutter. I thought Watari-kun No XX Ga Houkai Sunzen could be some porn series or at least an ecchi theme. Yup, just a couple of X’s was enough to make me instantly jump to that conclusion. Shame on me. Note to myself, triple X’s is what makes a series a porn title!!! There are only 2 X’s here! Look closely! Anyway, our titular character’s normal life with his little sister after the death of their parents is at the crossroads when a childhood friend who went missing many years ago suddenly shows up back in his life. Uh oh. I hope this is not some sort of supernatural or haunting ghost story! Oh never mind, a girl with old secrets could be way scarier than any ghosts with lingering regrets!

Episode 1
Naoto “Nao” Watari prefers to go home and take care of his little sister, Suzushiro AKA Suzu. So much so he doesn’t join clubs and people label him as a siscon. Only his best friend, Shigenobu Tokui understands. Then there is friendly Yukari Ishihara whom he has a crush on but knows she is way out of his league. Ever since their parents died, the siblings live in aunt Tamayo’s house. She gives them allowances but is a mystery herself since she often holes herself up in her room the whole day. Soon, Satsuki Tachibana as a new transfer student in Nao’s class. He knows her. Worse, she stalks and follows him all day! When she finally confronts him, it seems he can’t forgive her for destroying his garden 6 years ago. She then disappeared on that same day. She wants him to listen her out but he won’t and runs away! Back home, looks like Suzu knows what she wants for her birthday: A garden! Oh boy. You didn’t hear wrong. Tamayo is willing to let them plough the little patch in the yard. If they’re willing to do some hard work and weed it. As they begin, Satsuki visits and Nao is not about to have this sh*t. In order to force him to listen, she kisses him! DEEP! What kind of kiss makes a guy passes out?! Think that was a dream? Well, Tamayo warns about making out in her yard ever again! Suzu so jealous that she claims she’ll tend her garden herself! Hmph! Who else witnessed this? Yup. Yukari. Now she’s awkward facing him at school. Satsuki shows how psycho she is by molesting Yukari as she wonders if big boobs are his type. Then she returns his hoe and even if she wanted to apologize all along and never expects to be forgiven, Nao is not impressed. Short flashback when he was doing his gardening and Satsuki came along. She hung out often and they became good friends. Until that dreadful day. However if Nao cannot remember what she wants, she will not force him. But she looks disappointed. On the way back, Nao thinks Satsuki is trying to kidnap Suzu. Proclaiming he will do anything to protect Suzu, the girls start to cringe. Siscon. Suzu explains she helped pick her up after falling down. Guess what? Suzu got Satsuki to help with her garden now! Next day, Yukari invites Nao to accompany her to the store to buy some stuffs for the committee. After that, Suzu getting jealous to think he went on a date. He pacifies her with this little hoe he bought for her so Yukari will finish the rest up herself. Satsuki teases Nao again by being flirty, trying to undress herself. As he puts up a struggle and he falls over her, oh look, Tamayo sees this unholy act. GET OUT!

Episode 2
Nao doesn’t want to get mad or anything so he just walks out. After all, he was prepared for the day Tamayo will kick them out. Satsuki has a different line of thinking. She wonders why Tamayo let them used the garden. It means she doesn’t hate them living with them. She gives him some seeds to plant. She hints if he really gets kicked out, she doesn’t mind he comes to live with her. Nao returns and apologizes. He hints the reason she let them stay and use her garden is because some crops take a few years to grow and they have to be tended every day. Tamayo doesn’t acknowledge or deny but looks like Nao has her permission to continue staying. At school, Yukari inviting Nao to hang out and while Nao likes the idea and even Tokui will support him, Nao brushes off that seeing he would love it but has to put Suzu’s welfare first. School’s over and it’s raining. He forgot his umbrella so Satsuki lends him hers and claims she has another. Back home, Nao is stumped Suzu hid her test scores. 100%! When Suzu says she was a bit late him because she helped send a classmate back home, suddenly Nao feels jealous? He goes out as he reminds us how his life is centred around Suzu. She is hopeless without him so whatever she likes, he likes. Whatever she hates, he hates. Then he is shocked seeing Satsuki walking in the rain. He is not happy everyone keeps lying to him. As he walks her home (which isn’t very far from his place and is quite decrepit), she allows him to stay here. But since he continues b*tching about Suzu needs him, she tells him she is at an age where she can be alone. Sometimes you can prioritize your own feelings. Or does his get anxious not putting Suzu first? He thinks she doesn’t understand and leaves. But Satsuki notes she has always been with him for 6 years. Nao returns home and Suzu is so relieved. She thought he didn’t want her anymore. When he talks about her test score, she gives excuses and still needs his tutoring. Next day, Nao falls sick. Suzu so worried that she clings onto him and doesn’t want to go! Eventually she has to go to school herself. Well, Satsuki is here to nurse him. It couldn’t get any worse as Yukari is also here to do the same. Wouldn’t you like this girl to cook for you? Fearing Yukari may get the wrong idea if she sees Satsuki here, Nao needs her to go home but too late. Satsuki is forced to hide underneath his blanket.

Episode 3
Oh Nao, you’re sweating even more. Perhaps your fever hasn’t gone down? Satsuki encouraging something naughty below, you bet his temperature is going up! Luckily Yukari makes him porridge and leaves. Later Yukari prays at a shrine and hints she likes Nao for a long time. But now is not the time for that so she prays for his recovery. Nao tries the porridge. OMG WAS SHE TRYING TO POISON HIM?! But because it was made by Yukari, he eats it all up! I don’t think he minds dying happy. Meanwhile Suzu is sad thinking Nao hates her as she thinks he doesn’t need to be around a big girl like her anymore. Satsuki advises he would love nothing more to be with his sister so that blows away Suzu’s worries. But Suzu wants to ask what happened 6 years ago. After Satsuki decimated the garden and Nao was in despair, Suzu chased Satsuki to seek an explanation. However she saw Satsuki meeting up with a man. Who was that guy? However Satsuki claims she might misremember things and that she was alone. Suzu is in a dilemma because after that destruction, Nao who spent more time with Satsuki then spent more time with Suzu. Because she wanted him all to herself, she kept quiet about it. As Nao and Yukari study at the library, he accidentally asks why she is so nice to him. Other than in the same committee, she reveals they met before. A time when she was changing in class, suddenly a panicky Nao entered looking for Suzu! Remember that one? Yeah, Yukari wished he didn’t. Embarrassing. For Nao. Yukari claims he is unlike other boys who probably see her as a sex object. But Nao who only thinks of Suzu, he isn’t like those perverted guys. Would you like to know? Nao thinks of ridding his worldly desires and is more than happy to get along well with Yukari but Tokui believes that might be her way of saying she doesn’t see him as her romantic partner. That night, Nao can’t sleep because either he is fantasizing sexy Yukari or Satsuki! Wow, Suzu can tell! Look at those dagger piercing stares! Next morning, Nao is sleep deprived and accidentally sprays water on Satsuki. At school, she hints she isn’t wearing any underwear so this might wake him up. Yukari can’t help observe Nao staring at Satsuki all the time. When a huge wind blows, immediately Nao goes to hug Satsuki! Damn. Everybody sees this. Satsuki reveals she is wearing his boxer shorts Suzu lent her! But thank you for covering me anyway. Nao bombs his test so Tokui wants him to take it easy and organizes a class trip to the beach. Everybody is coming. Even Satsuki.

Episode 4
Nao is even more worried. Going on a beach trip means he will be leaving Suzu alone! But guess what? Suzu is also worried because her class also has a beach trip (albeit a different beach) and won’t see him for a few days! Wow. This works out. But who will be taking care of the garden? Certainly not Tamayo. Maybe they’ll ask the neighbours. And of course, the swimsuit buying trip. How do you like those sexy curves on Satsuki?! Lolicons may prefer Suzu trying hard to be sexy. Virgin boy pretends to not be impressed. It seems Yukari is also here and she is stalking them? Maybe she should get one of her own. She tries to be conservative but seeing Satsuki so bold, she’ll try out the risqué one. Perhaps not. Nao thought Suzu is taking too long to change back on her own so he goes to check on her. He opens the wrong booth and sees Satsuki in her birthday suit. Oops! She is not thrilled. Apparently there is a difference when a girl shows off her skin and being seen. On the way back, they stumble into Yukari who thinks Nao and Satsuki are dating because she saw that kiss. However Satsuki claims it is part of her culture to kiss anyone and to prove it, she kisses Yukari. So yeah, there’s nothing going on with Nao. Beach trip is here. Nao having this anxiety of Suzu not being around! Nao saves Satsuki from being hit on by the guys. Actually, she was about to fight back! Satsuki reveals she doesn’t know how to swim and always skipped classes. This has Nao realize he does not know much about her, especially the way she lived for the past 6 years. Tokui sends Nao and Yukari to go do some errands. Definitely setting them up together because the list is just telling them to get lunch together. Tokui apologizes to Satsuki for setting this up although she claims she is not trying to be Nao’s boyfriend. In that case, Tokui will not hold back in rooting for him because he claims he doesn’t want to be Yukari’s boyfriend? Nao and Yukari hanging out together is attracting eyes of everyone so they head somewhere more secluded. Nao sums up his courage to praise her swimsuit but suddenly a school senior, Souichirou Fujioka shows up and is happy to see Yukari again. Her face going into trauma-like, something isn’t good. Some short snippet about Fujioka talking to Yukari and claiming he is not like any other guys. Tokui hears the other girls talking about sighting Fujioka in town. Oh man, from the looks of it, this guy sounds like trouble?

Episode 5
Nao talks to Fujioka directly. Looks like a nice guy. Because of that, he worried he compete with him for Yukari. Fujioka then goes to talk to Yukari who looks like she is impressed but he gives excuses to talk later. Satsuki now talks to Yukari and she is getting involved because it is worrying the hell out of Nao. Speaking of him, they overhear him telling the other pesky boys that he isn’t going out with Satsuki. Some even think of making a move on her if that’s the case. Nao had to warn that Satsuki isn’t the kind of person to hook up with anybody. Yukari reveals a secret to Satsuki that she has never gone out with any boy before. Not even Fujioka. Flashback shows when Fujioka confessed to her, she rejected him and ran away. However he never gave up and continued to be with her despite her constant rejection. To a point where Fujioka told everyone he was going out with her and that’s when everyone got the idea they were dating. Although after he graduated, she never heard from him since, he was waiting for her to graduate to contact her. It was by chance he stumbled into her here. Once again, Yukari runs away from her dinner with Fujioka. When Nao and Satsuki come to get her, Fujioka shows them the letter she left behind. Yukari wouldn’t pick up despite Fujioka’s attempts to call. But she does so when Tokui calls her. He claims she took a wrong turn and will come back here. She just doesn’t want to see Fujioka today. He agrees to leave and see her next morning. Tokui then reveals to his pals he lied about it although he did contact her. It is up to Nao to go get her.

Once Nao catches up to Yukari, he is concerned she has been sounding sad and can’t leave her alone. They talk about stuffs, especially Yukari feeling herself as a coward since she is unable to say the truth for fear of what others think of her. But Nao is different. He doesn’t follow the herd and flows his own way. It looks like she is about to make the big confession when Fujioka and her classmates all show up as they think she got lost and wanted to help find her. Nao then mentions Fujioka may have it all wrong. Because Yukari never wanted to enter a relationship with him so he might have been convincing himself he was in one. Fujioka rubbishes that and tries to get Yukari to agree with him. But that is when she sums up her courage that she never dated him and never had any feelings for him. Then and now. This shocks everyone as Yukari continues to lash out that he needs to listen instead of forcing it. Well, looks like that didn’t get through because now he gets rough with her! But thankfully, Satsuki giving her knee kick from the back! Satsuki threatens to call the police for stalking and he too for assault. He will back down for now and is disappointed in Yukari. He thought she was the ideal woman. Later Yukari thanks Satsuki but she downplays it since she doesn’t want Nao to be sad. She admits she likes Nao despite not being her ideal. Once this trip is over, she plans to confess to him. Oh, is that a war declaration? Satsuki dares her. Later Nao talks to Satsuki that with or without Fujioka, he still doesn’t stand a chance for Yukari. He also notes she seems more comfortable talking to Tokui these days. She dismisses she is interested in him and the only person so is Nao. Then she kisses him on the lips and warns him not to be nice anymore. Otherwise she will destroy something dear to him again.

Episode 6
Nao is in a bit of a shock when Satsuki mentions that he insists on thinking she betrayed him then. This has him wonder if he was actually the bad guy. Remembering further that day, the night before, Satsuki stayed at his place and they watched some movie about eloping. Nao suggested to go somewhere far and so they did. But that ended when it was going to be night so they had to go home. When Satsuki left, there was sadness in her smile. Meanwhile Yukari practising her confession. If she is that nervous before a mirror, imagine the real deal. Next day as Nao is outside Satsuki’s home, she asks about that kiss and if he hates it. He clears the air that he wasn’t mad that she wrecked their garden but rather she left without saying anything. She thinks he’ll get worried if she disappears on him again and wonders if he still likes her. Claiming that is all in the past, Satsuki gets mad and doesn’t want anything to do with him anymore and will skip school. At school, Yukari pulls Nao aside to confess. But those damn guys barging in trying to ask her out! Now that word has spread that she is no longer dating, all the guys are now taking their chances. This has Nao wonder what kind of relationship he wants with her.

Throughout the day, it seems luck is not on her side to make her confession. Something always up. Perhaps she got so stressed out about it, she enters the wrong changing room to change. No doubt Nao sees her undressing and has to lock the door before other guys come in. So, why is Yukari just standing there paralyzed?! Should she cover up herself?! Good chance to confess. In the midst of it, the teacher opens the door, accidentally pushing Nao and having him fall on top of Yukari. At that point she confesses she likes him before running out. As they leave school, Yukari lets him know he need not answer so quickly. Then gets clumsy as she tries to run away. Nao wondering if he is dreaming. I mean, the girl of his dreams just confessed. Later Nao visits Satsuki’s place but her dilapidated apartment is not even locked. He is shocked if this is how she lives every day. Noting on her calendar that she is working part time, he visits her there and you bet she is not happy to see him again. But soon the manager needs Nao’s help because the mascot just fainted. Please take his place! Nao the panda. Getting abused by kids. Getting hit on by ladies. And stepping in to protect Satsuki when punks try to ask her out! After the job, Nao expresses he is worried about her and her living conditions. She doesn’t give a damn but he assures her that they will always be childhood friends no matter what. In that case, can she keep being around him? Okay. So they’re back on track again? Then she asks about Yukari’s confession. However Nao is in a dilemma on how to answer. He believes no matter what answer he gives, he will disappoint her. Satsuki would love to call him a coward but ultimately it is his decision to make. Once he does so, nobody can judge him for it. Next day at school, Nao meets Yukari to give his answer.

Episode 7
Nao apologizes. No, he is not rejecting her but he needs more time to answer her because he is not confident in giving her an answer now. He believes she deserves better but she insists she only wants him. As she cannot wait and doesn’t want to be like Fujioka, she suggests dating on a trial basis. Embarrassed guy can’t have this but she pleads if she gives up now, she’ll have nothing. What choice does he have? Later Nao talks to Tokui about this and the latter wonders why he can’t be honest since he actually likes her. Nao explains he is trying to give a serious thought about his future and can’t just simply answer. His plan is to get a job to support himself and Suzu after he graduates. By being independent, he can date Yukari without feeling ashamed. Satsuki hears this but she is not jealous and wishes them well. Nao goes for a job interview at the Chinese restaurant. As he waits, he notices another interviewee, Makina Umezawa sleeping. Feeling he met her somewhere before, he takes a closer look at her first. Of course she gets up and freaks out. She accuses him of trying to kiss her. As the manager tries to settle things, Makina catches glimpse of Nao’s CV. Nao then has a date with Yukari at the zoo. Suzu not happy because it’s supposed to be their outing. But Suzu can’t stay mad forever as Yukari is a nice person. Meanwhile Satsuki and Tokui are tailing them. They look like pro stalkers. Nao gets to taste Yukari’s cooking. Good housewife material, right? The duo is this close to have a romantic moment, only to be interrupted by Suzu who wants to go to the toilet. When she is done, the gang stumbles into the stalkers who admit without shame about what they’re doing. They take Suzu to get her ice cream so as to let the lovebirds spend more time together. Will they waste this chance? Hey, at least they manage to hold hands after all the shy moments. Big achievement. Especially Nao who feels this whole thing as real. Dating is so cool! Maybe they can hold hands again for the summer break. Reminder, Satsuki kissed Nao before. So how does Yukari prepare for the summer break? Getting a box of condoms… Does she know his size?! Can’t wait for summer vacation to come. After school, Makina is seen waiting at the school gates, wanting to meet Nao.

Episode 8
Once Nao learns who she is, he remembers. He didn’t expect Makina to change so much. They were on the same track and field team in middle school. Though, he was just a ghost member and only was on the team because the school had some rule that all students must join a club. A rising star in the industry, she now goes to a prestigious sports school. She is here because Nao doesn’t have a handphone and she is here to tell him the manager approved both their job application. Since the other classmates confirm Nao has no girlfriend, Makina takes this chance to get flirty with him and go buy a handphone with him. It costs Nao a lot but the first contact Nao puts in his contact is Yukari. He calls her and she is ecstatic to be his first contact. This doesn’t please Makina. More shocking she learns he has a girlfriend but can’t act so in front of his classmates. She thinks his girlfriend is Satsuki but he denies. Makina returns to her dorm only to be chided by her senior for skipping practice. Other classmates seem to be mocking her, thinking she is giving up. Makina doesn’t care and is still appalled at Nao having a girlfriend. She gets an idea to break them up. At work, she tries to ask him out but he instantly rejects her. Then she tries to be flirty with him but no effect. She even gets scolded by the manager for not doing her job! She thinks he is treating her so because he looks at her like a little sister. However he believes she can handle things by herself and doesn’t think she wants to be around a guy who was permanently on the bench. Makina is happy with that praise since it has been a while somebody does that. Surprisingly, as she is changing, Satsuki is here to take her belongings back. She quips Nao likes them bigger!

Next time Makina meets Nao, she tells him to break up with Satsuki. Told you already, not my girlfriend. Speaking of her, they see her walking by. Nao tries to catch her but after she turns the corner, she disappears? But what’s this alley? Love hotels! Before Makina gets any ideas, her senior is appalled to see her here. Is this why she is skipping training? Not wanting to make a fuss, Makina takes her away. Nao goes on a date with Yukari who is curious about his relationship with Makina. Don’t worry, she’s just like a little sister. Huge relief. Back home, Nao talks to Satsuki about doing something shady. Satsuki hints she may have. Noting his tired legs, she wants to show off her massage skills. Obviously to flirt and cock tease the dude. Why is she breathing so hard too?! She assures she wants to get close enough to him but not destroy the connection they have. After giving up this flirtation, she reveals she is working at a steakhouse as they pay well during the summer break. Going through that alley was a shortcut. She also states she is not estranged from her family but rather they are not trying to contact each other. She just wants to live on her own. Makina soon calls Nao and wants him to go see the fireworks with her. And pretend to be her boyfriend. She lied to her friends she would be bringing her boyfriend. Nao still refuses her but can send Tokui to help her out. Yes, a better looking guy than him! I don’t think Makina wants that but she wonders if Nao will come with his girlfriend. Probably a good move by Nao to dodge her question and get back to work.

Episode 9
Nao goes to festival with Suzu. Then he gets a call from Tokui about Makina suddenly running towards the shrine. I guess he has to handle it now. He leaves Suzu in the care of her friend. Nao goes to meet Makina. Not sure what she’s b*tching about when a couple of guys try to hit on her. Nao gives her the signal to run. See her dash off like a sprinter before he comes running too. Those jerks must be wondering what the hell is happening. Catching their breath, Makina not happy he told her to run instead of fighting the baddies off like a hero. Nao doesn’t care if he looks uncool to protect those he loves because it will be all for nothing if they end up in trouble. When it comes down to it, he will protect them with his life. Makina wonders if he would do the same for her. Too late, fireworks started so he doesn’t have to answer. Learning Yukari is his girlfriend, she wants to meet her. Wish granted because here she is. Seeing how beautiful this buxom babe, Makina runs off! I guess screw playing the fake boyfriend, huh? Yeah, she never thought Yukari would be in a whole different league than her. She realizes she is not envious of Nao but in love with him. As Nao and Yukari spend some time together, it starts to rain heavily. They rush home but to their surprise, Satsuki is there. Just to help cover and move the plants from the storm. Since it is this late, Nao lets both girls stay. The girls take a bath as Satsuki tries to tell Yukari something. Because she seems so happy with Nao, she laments she will never be more than just childhood friends with him. Is this a threat? Later Nao provides them a room to sleep so Satsuki teases them about not having sex tonight. That night as Nao sleeps, Yukari sneaks into his room trying to steal a kiss. She backs out upon hearing him talking in his sleep. When he wakes up, he thinks Satsuki is at one of her pranks but realizes it is Yukari. Yukari is not happy that he thought she was Satsuki. She wants him to look at her more. In short, she allows him to do what he wants with her. Are we jumping to sex?! Will Nao do it?! She is offering herself! Don’t miss it! He is about to until he remembers her words that he is different from other guys. Time to stop. He says this isn’t something they should rush into. She returns to her room as Nao hopes this is for the best. Got to protect what he has with care. Yeah, you just missed your big chance, you virgin boy! Don’t regret it! While Yukari is worried she ruined her image for him, Satsuki doesn’t seem pleased. Because they didn’t do it or should have?

Episode 10
I suppose Satsuki knew what happened last night as she compliments Nao for holding it in. But she advises him to work on his communication because if he keeps talking like that, Yukari will end up crying. At work, Makina trying to tease Nao about his date but gets disheartened to learn they spend the night together. The manager gives them tickets for 2 for a movie. Makina doesn’t need them but since Nao wants her to come, might as well. Yukari receives text from Nao wanting to talk. She fears he wants to break up! She has to talk to Tokui about this as he assures he will not do such a thing. Even if this dating is a trial, it is still a date. If there is something that makes her insecure, she should tell Nao. This lifts Yukari’s morale as she needs to get stronger so she won’t lose to Satsuki. Tokui sighs that she too has low self-confidence. During the movie, Nao falls asleep! Onto Makina?! Yukari once again worries when her call doesn’t get through Nao but later he explains he was in a cinema. But now she’s worried he went with Satsuki? On the day Nao and Yukari meet to talk, it seems Yukari has something to do first. Thus Makina seeks permission to ‘borrow’ Nao for that time. Yukari allows it because she trusts Nao. He becomes her mule while shopping. Then when they go eat, apparently this is the new place Satsuki is working. Is Nao cheating? Makina claims this isn’t because she is just borrowing Nao to help with a personal problem. Oh. In that case Satsuki also wants to borrow him and make arrangements. Later Makina feeling a bit down because Yukari and Satsuki both have bigger boobs than her and she thinks guys like ‘em big. She gives Nao permission to touch hers. We all know she’s trying to act tough. Nao then explains his lovely feelings for Yukari and thanks Makina for helping him sort them out. Makina runs away seeing it wasn’t her intention to even encourage him. Yukari arrives but she didn’t hear the whole confession part and would like him to say it all again. Nao and Yukari walk home together, for now their love for each other assured. Makina goes for a night run as she remembers her senior’s words that if she fails to turn up for the next training, she would be expelled. If that happens, she might change school and won’t see Nao anymore. It’s not like she’s his #1. She looks like she’s set on giving up when Nao is here to return the shopping bags she forgot to take. Next day Makina visits Nao’s home but he is out at work. Only Suzu is in. Makina says she will give up on running and start anew. Suzu quips she should also give up on Nao because she is not his #1! Oh Suzu! However Makina despite claiming she will do so, she believes that this adversity will only make love stronger. Suzu not impressed with her optimism.

Episode 11
Tamayo finds it odd that Nao is going to cram school for summer. Did he not say he was going to work after he graduates rather than college? Must be a girl. True enough, he is there because Yukari is attending one. And looks like they are dating for real and no more a trial. Of course Satsuki is there to cock tease him about being there for him so feel free to tell or do anything he wants to her. She’ll be available 24/7. That’s her role as his childhood friend. Yukari invites Nao to her home out of the blue. Would he miss this chance? Obviously not. He meets her mom, Mio. Don’t fall for her beauty now! Mio talks about her other child, Shou (Yukari’s younger brother) born with a weaker body. He is away at some swimming class to strengthen his body. Because mom is always taking care of Shou, Yukari hardly got any attention so she was worried what kind of boys she might end up with. But with Nao, she is assured. When mom goes out to pick up Shou, Yukari invites Nao to her room. It is not a study session. Long story short, she wants to have sex with him as proof they are lovers. Yeah, condoms already bought. Teaching him how to undress her. I’m sure this is not just to feel each other’s heart beat which is beating super fast right now. Before we see them make out, Mio returns after she cuts short her trip. Wow, our lovers already put back on their clothes? That was quick. As Yukari goes down to get drinks, Nao panics and accidentally drops the box of condoms! Oh sh*t. Mio says her daughter is still a child. What about him? Nao decides to leave. Mio then asks Yukari about putting Nao in an uncomfortable position. While Yukari says as couples, they can do anything they want, mom suggests it would be better for them to just stay as friends. She knows everything so she can’t hide it from her.

Nao is panicking about what he has (and almost) done. He can’t tell this to anyone but feels the need to do so. Why is Satsuki’s face popping up? So distraught he faints? He wakes up with Satsuki next to him. Due to his mumbling, she learnt what happened. She doesn’t blame him but Yukari for being impatient. She warns if they rush things and end up having a baby while in school, it will be just like his parents who have to elope and leaving a trail of destroyed families. That’s right. Your good ol’ childhood friend knows everything. She picks up his condom and is willing to do it with him. She starts kissing him and he feels like drowning. Because Satsuki is pouring water to wake him up?! So that was just a dream?! As she is not aware of what’s happening, Nao laments how tough it is to care for others especially outside the family. So, is he saying dating girls is a pain? Because Nao claims she is the only person whom he can talk to, it also makes him feel horrible for saying that. With Mio’s words ringing in his head, he realizes he is also a child.

Episode 12
Satsuki can tell he is emotionally unstable today but Nao cannot divulge too much to her. Shockingly, Mio is before them as she offers to give them a ride home. As Nao blames himself for what happened, Mio wants him to stop lying because she very well knows it was all Yukari’s idea. While she is okay for them to keep seeing each other, but just as friends. So does Mio want them to break up? As a mother, she wants her daughter to grow up properly. While she doesn’t want to deny the topic regarding sex, as ‘children’ she hopes they can keep it under control. Even though she wants them to break up, it is not forever. When they have grown up and still have feelings for each other, they can try again. Back home, Suzu is mad he is late. Premium ice cream not pacifying her, Nao hugs her and claims she is the most important person to him and that has not changed. Time to head to bed early. Nao soon notices several missed calls from Yukari. I hope she isn’t stalking him now. Asking if he is coming to cram school tomorrow, he suggests they skip it and go on a date. Yukari is delighted but unknown to her, Mio is watching and she believes Nao ignored her advice. Nao and Yukari meet at a fast food joint. They have their study session there too. Meanwhile Mio visits Tokui and looks like they know each other. Tokui knows about Mio’s sentiments about the duo going out. Mio despite what she said to Nao, she actually likes him but just needed to voice her concern as a parent. Tokui knows Nao is a good guy and that they won’t break up easily even if they look like they are about to. This is exactly what worries Mio as this might lead them down the wrong path. Yukari being too close to Nao studying so much so Nao starts having thoughts he wants to undress and touch her! OMFG THOSE WORDS ARE MAGICALLY FLOATING ALL OVER!!! Better pipe it down, don’t want other people to think you’re some kind of pervert. Meanwhile Yukari is not satisfied with their current relationship and thinks of doing more. Got to make him happy and understand his feelings and needs. Surprisingly, Mio tells Yukari she changed her mind about them breaking up. But keep it moderate. Their next date put on hold because looks like Makina broke her foot so Nao has to cover her shift. Nao soon calls Makina to check on her. Oh boy, does he need to say he will help her with anything? Because of that, she believes this is her only chance because he prioritizes his girlfriend and sister. Makina wants him to come over to her place.

Episode 13
Can Nao just waltz into a girl’s dorm? Apparently no security because everyone here so focused in their sports, they practically have no time for boyfriends! Makina wastes no time in flirting with him as she asks if he is going to marry Yukari. Because he hasn’t thought of it, she questions why he is dating her then. Does he even love her? Because if he does, he wouldn’t care what others say about their relationship. Nao realizes the err of his ways and this only amounts to disrespecting Yukari. Sorry Makina, your plan to break them up just backfired. Satsuki seems to receive a letter from her parents. Not looking good? Yukari flirts with Nao at the school library. It seems she is planning to rebel against mom and not talk to her until she fully accepts their relationship. As Yukari leaves, she overhears the teacher trying to convince Satsuki about some sudden move. She then talks to her and wonders if she is transferring to another school and if she is in love with Nao. Satsuki says nothing. None of your business. But it is up to her to tell Nao about it. Meanwhile Nao goes to talk to Mio and believes her opposition is because of sex. He assures nothing of that sort will happen as he reveals his parents gave birth to him while they were in high school. They never told him about it and only found out via relatives at their funeral. That is why he will never do anything to make Yukari unhappy. Mio understands all that so she is going to give him a chance. As Nao calls Yukari about this, however she is telling him about Satsuki’s transfer and she is planning to leave without saying goodbye. She believes in him to go say his goodbye to her but come back to her, okay? Nao arrives as the train is about to depart so Satsuki forces him in. Oh well, it’s a long ride home. He tries to lecture her about disappearing on him again but she says nothing. Upon arrival, Nao notices if she lives this far, how did she visit him every day before? Because he insists walking her to her home (despite her angry threatening face not to), she brings him to her… Castle! Just trolling. Still insisting he wants to meet her family, she takes her to her family inn. This one is not trolling.

Episode 14
They are greeted by Yayoi Kusakabe who is a worker at the inn. She knows about Nao and has heard a lot of him from Satsuki. As Satsuki goes to prepare herself, Yayoi explains something shocking that Nao doesn’t even know. Satsuki’s grandma is the proprietress of this inn but passed away at the beginning of the year. Satsuki’s mom is the current successor and seeing Satsuki would be next in line to inherit it, she doesn’t want to and this explains why she ran away to Tokyo. She is not sure why she doesn’t want to do it but it may have something to do her parents are not her real parents! This beg the questions what happened to her real parents and if he should dig deep into this. Later Nao asks Satsuki about this and she never told because she didn’t want to. She didn’t want his pity and make things weird. Next morning, Nao finds a strange casual guy in the field. He is Naozumi and Satsuki’s brother (not related by blood). Because of their similar names, Naozumi takes a liking for him. As Nao escorts Satsuki to see her parents, he asks about her succeeding but she says her parents never needed her for anything. She believes they view her as a nuisance and only get in the way of others. Nao believes she needs his help. Otherwise why bring him along? To mess with Yukari? Nao doesn’t mind pretending to be his girlfriend if it gives her an excuse to go back to Tokyo.

When they meet the parents, Nao fears they look like the strict type. But suddenly they feel bad for all this happening and even apologize. Damn, they have such good hospitality. Oh well, they do run an inn. They explain they wanted Satsuki to come back and succeed the inn. Back then when they took Satsuki in, they were very busy and had no time for her. Now with things established, they thought if Satsuki inherited the place, they could reclaim some of that lost family time. What about Naozumi, their real son? He was mixing with the wrong crowd so he was somewhat rebellious. Speaking of which, the reason why they took in Satsuki was because they were indebted to her mother who provided for them financially at that time. Thus the letter to Satsuki was so she could return to marry Naozumi to take over the inn. Naozumi barges in and disagrees with it. He cannot see Satsuki as more than his little sister. Satsuki wants more time to think about this so her parents agree to it but hopes she keeps regular contact with them. Flashback on when Satsuki was adopted by them, Naozumi became her big brother and taught her stuffs. Fearing he would stop seeing her that way one day, he went off on his own and told her she too should live the way she wanted. Had Naozumi not become her emotional support in those years, Satsuki wouldn’t have known what to do. When Naozumi sees off the duo at the train station back to Tokyo, Naozumi whispers to Satsuki if she finds it too hard to handle her unrequited love, come home. While Satsuki claims Nao already has a girlfriend, Naozumi says it doesn’t dismiss the fact that she loves him. So now Satsuki is having restless thoughts if she is really in love with Nao.

Episode 15
Having not heard from Nao, Yukari thinks of stuffs of making him happy. Yeah, this website that suggests sexy selfie pics might do the trick. She tries all sorts of poses and outfits until a call from Nao to assure he is coming back. Satsuki’s family issue has been resolved and she doesn’t have to transfer. Why Yukari doesn’t look happy? Once done, Yukari thinks of wearing this skimpy swimsuit as his photo gift. Not enough? Try removing a little bit more. Because she is too embarrassed about it, Shou comes to tell her off but is shocked to see her dress like a slut! Will mom see this too? Meanwhile Satsuki is pondering about the meaning of love. All her interactions with Nao were just messing with him but yet she feels irritated and restless. Because if Nao is in love with someone else, it is pointless for her to be in love with him. Therefore she is not in love. She doesn’t want to get in their way. Yukari sees Tokui for advice and while he recommends a full naked body, he also opines against it because casually sending spicy pics sends message that she can’t assess risks. He asks what kind of photo she would like to receive from a guy. Looks like she has got her answer. Yukari goes to meet up with Nao at his work place. She has the manager take a picture of them (watching Makina not very happy!) as she sends this photo to Nao as her gift. Suddenly Satsuki walks up to them as she confesses she loves Nao. Is she trolling? No. I love you romantically. She wants to know if he loves her or hates her. Are those her only options? Yukari trying to give her piece of mind but Satsuki says she is talking to Nao so butt out. Yukari then takes Satsuki to talk privately. She reminds her about her talk about being Nao’s childhood friend. She thought Satsuki should have handled this confession better and she knows better Nao is too nice of a guy to hate his childhood friend. Satsuki says she was okay with this childhood friend idea but now it makes her sick. She is going to destroy that relationship. As for if she will destroy Yukari’s relationship with him, it depends on his answer.

Satsuki making good of Nao’s promise to help teach her swim. He is in no right mind to do that for a girl who just confessed to him but Satsuki doesn’t care. She’s already undressed to her swimsuit. Tokui visits Nao’s house but only Suzu is in. Suzu mentioning her brother is being so popular and being pulled by all the girls. Tokui feeling jealous? Well, Tokui notes he is still getting over being dumped by his older girlfriend. That was 3 years ago. Suzu pities him and wants to introduce her friends?! Is she serious?! Thank goodness he is no lolicon. Nao answers Satsuki that he cannot hate his childhood friend. But if her feelings go beyond that, he cannot reciprocate her. She expected that answer and only made him do so to get this off her chest. Now she is feeling better. Nao thought Satsuki is going to drown herself and dives in to save her. However she thought he would go home if she was hiding. She’d rather distance herself than being a nuisance. Because if she goes away, he might stop caring for her. But having him not care for her is worse than him hating her? So confused. Shou sees Nao’s picture on Yukari’s phone and recognizes that guy he saw at the pool with another hot babe. He teases his sister that she is being cheated on and that’s why naïve girls like her get hurt. OMFG did he make his sister cry?! You promise you won’t cry but aren’t you?! Next day, Nao meets up with Yukari and vows to act in a manner not to make her worry.

Episode 16
Why is Nao looking so depressed? WTF YUKARI JUST DUMPED HIM?! Satsuki talks to Yukari as the latter reveals Nao assured her that he turned down Satsuki’s confession and will try his best to avoid seeing her. After all, he believes Satsuki of all people will understand. For some reason, she wasn’t happy with that and then suggested she shouldn’t be his girlfriend anymore. Way to go, Yukari. It couldn’t get any worse as there are rumours circulating that Tokui and Yukari are dating. Nao is more confused because Yukari is still talking to him like as though nothing happened. Here comes Satsuki to usual cock tease him and even suggest they have sex! This is only out of curiosity as Satsuki is still unsure of her feelings are of love. After all, he is the human whom she likes most on this planet. So if he wants sex, she is willing to give it to him. Just ask. Tokui confronts Yukari about the breakup and wonders if she is looking for some kind of reassurance beyond just being in a relationship. Then he mentions of this legend that if 2 people kiss during the festival’s after party, they are guaranteed to get married within 3 years. Tokui even notes this to Satsuki as she wonders whose side he is on. He believes it is only natural to take what is within reach but she is not appreciative of his meddling. Tasks are delegated to the students for the upcoming cultural festival. Nao and Satsuki bump into each other at the store while getting ingredients. Is she crying? Interrupted when Yukari and Tokui are here to do the same thing. But nothing happens as they go on as usual. Nao continues his depression over the Tokui x Yukari rumours. He still can’t get over it since Yukari is his first girlfriend. Satsuki then pesters him about sex, claiming she won’t hate him even if he uses her to satisfy his libido. And just like that he goes to her place to initiate sex. She suggests a bath together. But after thinking about their times together, Nao realizes that sex is only between 2 people dating and after having agreed on that. He is not budging on this. Satsuki figured that out and is sensible enough not to do it since he just had a breakup. She gives him until the festival to ask her out and FYI, her answer will always be yes.

Episode 17
Tokui taking Suzu around the festival grounds. She talks about the urban legends for couples and can’t believe it still exists in today’s age. Tokui explains the specifics get updated anytime and learning this version has Suzu quip it sounds more like a curse! Man, it’s like Suzu has matured or something. But seriously love is a 2 way thing and to have both love each other back, it takes a miracle. One can only keep hoping till the end. Yukari has baked cookies for Nao. Some of her friends are asking if it is for Tokui so she declines and claims it is for Nao, shocking them. When Yukari and Nao meet, other guys want to have a photo with her. They get chased all over and even hide using mascot masks. I think kissing via these don’t count. When they are cornered, Nao tries to be a hero to protect her but gets bumped and knocked out! The teacher ends this farce as Yukari returns to her shift and Nao is taken to the infirmary by Satsuki. She bugs him for the answer. Despite he loves her, he cannot go out with her because he loves Yukari. Time for Satsuki to go into flirting mode. Will this change his mind? Despite Yukari don’t mind being his mistress or even a proper relationship, Nao has made up his mind that he wants to break up with Yukari. He will keep his distance from both girls. With the signal of the end of the festival, Satsuki kisses him and then says goodbye. At the end of the festival, Nao breaks this news to Yukari and we see her running away in tears.

Back home, Suzu got the cookies from Yukari and wants to share but Nao lets her eat all of it since he has no right to accept it. Despite putting a lot of thought into his answer, Nao still feels guilty over this. Mio is teasing Yukari over the breakup since it is so obvious. She is skipping school for 3 days just because of this? Yikes. Spoilt. Because of that, Shou calls Tokui to get Nao to come out and meet Yukari. Because he will also be there to scold him for breaking his sister’s heart! As they wait, Shou is introduced to Suzu for the first time. Seeing how she is so mature in handling this love affair, Shou can’t hate her. In fact, is he starting to fall for Suzu?! Eventually Yukari talks to Tokui that what hit her the hardest wasn’t Nao’s rejection but rather he also said he loved Satsuki. Deep down she knew she couldn’t compete with her and now he ended up not picking either one of them. Back home, Tamayo tells Nao that the landlady of his previous home is set for demolition. Nao has taken all the important possessions and left behind the unwanted ones. But to Tamayo’s dismay, he did not take his late father’s laptop. Looks like there are some secrets there. Tamayo begs Nao to go retrieve it personally. Yes, the home where he used to live with his parents. The home where he first met Satsuki.

Episode 18
As Nao approaches the house, he sees a young lady leaving. Then he goes in to look for the computer as he tries to figure out what was on it. Perhaps a photo that dad took of him and Satsuki together. As he couldn’t find it, he realizes that lady may be holding it. After all, that package is the size of a laptop. He goes to track her down waiting at the taxi stop. Rika Matsuyama who is the granddaughter of the landlady, knows all about him and his family. She brings him back to her home as Nao plots how to take the laptop. YOU MEAN HE WANTS TO STEAL IT???!!! Turns out it is just some snack box. When Rika learns what is happening, she tells him that earlier on, Satsuki too came to the house looking for the computer. More accurately, what’s in it. Most probably that picture. Noting this is some love triangle, Rika brings him to the bar where she works so Nao can talk all he wants about his problems. Basically he can’t choose. But Rika believes he already has chosen one deep down but is too scared to admit it. Soon, a call from Tamayo. When Nao says he couldn’t find the computer, she tells him to come back. It is okay if it is never found as long as what’s in it never gets out. As Nao is about to leave, Rika reveals that she used to talk to his father for relationship advice. She too was in the same position, unable to choose between 2 guys who liked her and choosing one would hurt the other. Dad’s reply was whichever she picked, there will still be a chance she would be happy and it is not certain that the unchosen one would end up unhappy. She went with her guts and picked one. But broke up with him a week later. After that when she visited his dad again, she noticed he was sending emails. It was to Tamayo and because she was nervous in facing her exams, he has been emailing her every day as encouragement. This leaves Nao in shock because he thought dad has cut off ties with the rest of the family. Looks like he was secretly keeping in touch with Tamayo. Even after a relationship is broken, a new one can be born.

Nao goes home to tell Tamayo that the computer may have been disposed of because Suzu accidentally broke it. So don’t worry about anyone seeing those emails. Emails?! How do you know about that! Whoops! Meanwhile Tokui meets Satsuki and looks like all she wanted was memories but didn’t get what she wanted. She thought this would be enough but she wanted more. Tokui suggested she date him because even though she doesn’t like him, it’s not like she hates him either. Plus, he is Nao’s friend so there is no way she could hate anyone who is connected to him. After hearing this, Tokui decides to be on Satsuki’s side. So she requests if Nao tries to see her, do everything to stop him. When Nao visits Satsuki’s house, only Tokui is there to tell him that she has moved out about a week ago. Even transferred away to another school. Why didn’t he say anything? He never asked. To Nao’s shock, Tokui reveals that he is dating Satsuki. As Nao inspects the empty rooms, he remembers Rika posing a psychological question of which girl he would want to save when stranded in the ocean. The catch is he cannot use the lifeboat himself. Doomed to die? She doesn’t pester him to answer but tells him the girl he chooses is important to her. But the one he doesn’t, he is completely dependent on her. Nao is now regretting he has been relying on Satsuki. Right till the very end, she never blamed him. He wants to apologize to her. However 3 months later, Nao is now dating Makina?! Then there’s this call from Rika that they found the USB of that computer. Apparently dad saved a copy and gave to grandma landlady for safekeeping. She lost it but recently found it after some annual house cleaning. With the USB returned, Nao prints that photo. Then he calls the inn but Yayoi picks up. Sorry, Satsuki isn’t here. Where is she? From the looks of it, she is living in a dorm.

Episode 19
Tamayo getting a shock when Nao says he doesn’t want to go for his school trip. Is he being bullied? Makina gives Nao super expensive chocolates for Valentine. As long as he doesn’t get any from Yukari or Satsuki, she is happy. WTF? Nao tries to text Tokui about Satsuki’s whereabouts but gets ignored. Yukari gives Nao her chocolates but they are for friendship. Tokui is at a lost on what to do until he receives a text from Satsuki. That is when he decides to meet up with Nao and talk. Tokui claims he doesn’t know where Satsuki is. Thus Nao knew it all along Satsuki put him up to this fake dating lie. Nao blames himself for all he has done so Tokui shows Satsuki’s message telling him off not to contact her again. He believes Satsuki may be going far away. Where? Dunno. Nao may never see her again. Tokui persuades him to come for the school trip. Even if he can’t see Satsuki anymore, the option of getting back with Yukari is still viable. However he is happy to remain friends. As Nao finally decides to go for the school trip (changed from Kyoto to Okinawa), he is put in the same group as Yukari, Tokui and Shimada. When Nao goes home, he is surprised but delighted to see Tamayo all dressed up well. Looking for a job? Nah. Going to see his teacher to make sure he isn’t getting bullied. The least she could do for that laptop request. At Okinawa, as Tokui and Yukari are talking, they see Satsuki there too! Looks like her school trip coincidentally coincides with theirs. Tokui assures Nao doesn’t know about this. Later Satsuki confronts Tokui about this. She wonders how he knew where she was despite not telling him any info. From the message she sent, there was some mosaic in which he used to research which school it was from. She thought he was on her side. Yes he is and that is why Nao will never hear anything from him. All she has to do is not run into him and she is adamant never to see Nao again. If their itineraries differ, how come Yukari and Shimada keep bumping into Satsuki?! They have to usher Nao to look away each time! This is set up by Tokui as he wanted to create a chance for them to talk again. Nao may have rejected her but she is still his important childhood friend and has been down ever since. With both schools keep running into each other, Yukari finally lets Nao know that Satsuki is here. Instantly that guy runs to find her. Where?

Episode 20
Nao confronted Tokui about not telling him Satsuki is here. He obviously did not as he knew Nao would fluster like this. Tokui warns that Satsuki has gone to great lengths to avoid seeing him so he’ll have a hard time to catch her. However Nao is adamant to do what it takes to see her. Well, we didn’t expect him to sneak into the girls’ side of the hotel to go see her! Obviously he gets caught by the teacher so Yukari and Shimada have to bail him out. Tokui wonders if he really needs to see her here because once they return to Tokyo, there will be plenty of chances. However Nao asserts it must be on this trip as there is no telling if he will see Satsuki ever again. You mean he wants to sneak in again despite the teachers putting up more patrol?! Oh well, seeing how desperate he is, Yukari and Shimada feign some issue to lure Satsuki’s roommate out. Nao heads in but Satsuki is fast asleep. Worse, Tokui texts that the teachers are doing their inspections so he must get back. Thus Nao leaves a message in Satsuki’s hands that he has the photo she wants. Unfortunately the next day there is no reply. Simply because Nao never left his contacts or even the room he is staying at. Don’t worry, Tokui foresaw this and has his best friend, Abe who goes to the same school as Satsuki to deliver the message. She only wants the photo. Worse, their school’s trip ends today so desperate Nao turns Abe into his personal delivery guy as the messages goes back and forth. So when Satsuki is going to tell Abe to stop this for the last time, turns out to be Nao swapping school uniforms with the dude. Finally they get to meet face to face. But first, he takes her to the sunflower field before handing back that photo. Satsuki reveals it is not because Nao couldn’t choose between them that she avoided him so hard. Rather, she didn’t want to intrude on his happiness and did what she could to get out of his life. Satsuki thinks he is coming back to her after he rejected Yukari and are now only friends. Nao denies but admits he has always been relying on her and he handled it all badly. He felt pity for her. She is important to him. She doesn’t trust him! Satsuki teases panicking Nao with a kiss. Of course pulled back in the last minute. Although she needs more time, but if he kisses her, she will believe his feelings are real. Your hint that they can see each other again once they get back to Tokyo. She takes a picture of him and sends it over with her contacts.

Episode 21
Looks like Nao is in regular contact with Satsuki. Meanwhile Shimada is hosting with a bunch of other girls to help cheer up Yukari. At Nao’s workplace? Obviously Yukari is very embarrassed about it. Though, she blames herself for this one sided love. Shimada notes love is love so there is nothing to be embarrassed about and there is nothing wrong in loving someone. The manager talks to Nao that Makina is quitting at the end of the week and she seems to be looking on the edge lately. When he goes to see her, she instantly runs away? Oh, her big sister is here and she’s running away from her? Big sister came to bring her home but Makina refused despite she has been skipping practices. Makina didn’t want to do that. And what’s this? They are not actually dating and it’s just a lie cooked up by Makina to reassure her sister? So before she goes home, she wants Nao to go on her date with her tomorrow. Uhm, isn’t that when he is supposed to meet Satsuki. He calls Satsuki about it and she allows him to go help Makina. So we see them together on a date as she tells him why she is skipping practices. With rumours that her runs were sloppy and slower than other athletes, it is only logical to quit if she can’t win. Unfortunately, Nao still can’t officially date her after this so she can’t accept this and wants to run as fast as she can? Does she want him to catch her or what? Yeah, this guy is already late for his date with Satsuki and he still has to run and catch her! She trips. He falls on her. Feel better now? She asks to go out with her. We won’t hear her answer because Nao rushes to meet Satsuki. Just got here? Doesn’t look like it. The usual Satsuki flirting but she is too close to him that he could feel her heartbeat. This makes her embarrassed as she pulls away from him. Walking her home, Satsuki tells the reason of her transfer. She is thinking of taking over the inn and this school offers subjects that will be useful for business. Nao doesn’t have a solid plan yet although it is to support Suzu. Satsuki feels very happy because he showed up. Nao gets emotional and hugs her. He is probably about to kiss her too but she pulls back, claiming the dorm’s CCTV is watching. For Nao, he thought she rejected him.

Episode 22
Nao is still worried about Satsuki and can’t focus on his studies. But the moment she replies a message (“Meat”?), this guy is over the moon and now can study hard. The motivation every guy needs. At school, Nao and Yukari continue to interact like normal. But it doesn’t mean Yukari is over him and is still having a hard time accepting it. Tamayo advises Nao to go to college so he can earn more with a degree. Don’t worry about tuition fees because she’ll support him. In exchange, she’ll leave the house chores to him since he is also paying her rent. This means Nao doesn’t have to save up and move as they can stay here as long as they want. With Satsuki calling Nao as she is around the area, Nao invites her in. Seeing that his household is in order, she thinks he doesn’t need her help anymore. Things get awkward when she sees borrowed notes from Yukari on his table. Sure, not his girlfriend yet but how are you feeling right now? That is when she suggests kissing now and even strips! Go ahead and do anything you want too. Nao getting scared something is wrong. Is this not what he wants? When she fears he doesn’t need her, that is when he hugs her and dismisses such thoughts. Satsuki soon tells Naozumi and Yayoi are getting married. This means she won’t be needed to take over the inn and she doesn’t want to be a bother either. She also apologizes for avoiding his kiss that day as she was scared of accepting how he felt for her. As she can’t handle hope, that’s why she always ended up breaking things precious to her. She considers herself a coward.

Later Nao ponders about her erratic behaviour and believes it could stem from one thing. So he goes down to Satsuki’s family inn to see Naozumi and Yayoi. Naozumi clearing the air of Satsuki’s misunderstanding. Despite getting married to Yayoi, he is not inheriting the inn. Naozumi describes more about Satsuki’s mom that she was completely different than her daughter. Very gaudy. She often left her daughter alone and go play somewhere else. After she disappeared and left Satsuki behind, Naozumi was tasked to look after her. He often brought Satsuki to the house she used to live before. That house right next to Nao’s old house. Nao remembers that’s the first time he met her. Naozumi often brought her there every day and his parents always walk her home. On the last day of summer break, Naozumi reminded Satsuki they won’t come here anymore and that’s when Nao realizes he got her hopes up by wanting to meet again. Feeling guilty that he should have done something, Naozumi takes him out for a guy’s night together. Now that his head is clear, Nao has figured out his feelings. He is going to talk to Satsuki 1 last time and tell her how he feels. He is willing to wait for years for her reply.

Episode 23
Satsuki not exactly happy to see Tokui a customer at this karaoke joint she works at. Yeah, we’re celebrating the end of the exams but rest assured, Nao won’t be coming. Since Yukari is here, it is time for Nao’s girls to talk. While Yukari sounded jealous in blaming Satsuki for various stuffs, eventually she blames herself for leading on Nao and let her own feelings lead her in circles. Nao tried hard to be there for her despite everything. Now that she knows he only has eyes for Satsuki, it doesn’t matter whether or not Satsuki was in the picture because a relationship with Yukari would never have worked out either way. Satsuki also has her own doubts because despite she fell for him, she is still not confident of giving him the love he deserves. Yukari returns to sing her heart out filled with frustrations. Still don’t want to give up? Nao is shocked to see Satsuki coming to see him at his school. She just copied what he did when he went crazy to come see her. Nao takes this chance to confess he loves her and wants to go out with her. Even start a family together. If he is okay with her, then she can put her trust in him. As proof, he kisses her. Twice. They talk about their future as Nao wants to enter the workforce after graduating from school. Satsuki kisses him. Third time’s the charm? She isn’t worried about stuffs like that. Because she trusts him. Tokui continues to visit Suzu often. Because it is fun and not Nao told him to. Is Shou jealous? Is Tokui now a lolicon? Anyway, they talk about Nao making a big change in his life because from today, he is now temporarily living together with Satsuki.

Episode 24
How is living together working out? Quite fun, eh? But can they go through this without sex? Even if they promised Tamayo about it because she doesn’t want Nao to end up like his parents. Well, a few occasions we see them making out… One day, Abe sees a sick Satsuki being taken away by her friends. She is nauseating and doesn’t want them to tell Nao. Obviously that guy jumps the gun and panics. He calls Tokui about Satsuki being pregnant. Meanwhile Tokui continues to hang out with Suzu and she is trying to hit on him? He knows and he believes she should get a better guy. So Tokui and Abe meet up with Nao at his workplace and ask him straight about Satsuki being pregnant. Well, they’ve been living with each other for 2 weeks so that’s not possible, right? But they do make out sometimes before that. Time to panic? At least Nao rushes home to check on Satsuki since she didn’t tell him anything. She is surprised to see him back but he is glad that she is recuperating. They talk about Tokui as Satsuki believes he had a girl before but never asked further because there are things some don’t want to talk about. Next time when the gang meet, Nao and Satsuki confirm the latter is not pregnant. They have promised to keep their relationship platonic until they graduate. Although a little making out is okay from time to time. Is that platonic? This leads to Tokui admitting he is also here to look for his ex-girlfriend, Aki who is 3 years his senior. They dated for a month during middle school. Strangely she left a voicemail last year but her number has been disconnected. From the message, he believes she is working in this area. He just needs to go and find her and say hi, that’s all.

Nao accompanies him as Tokui further explains the irony that Aki told him she was pregnant before they broke up. She was carrying the baby of her ex and decided to go back with him. Although it was a short time, she was still his first love. He needs to know if she is doing well so he can move on. More snippets on how they met and how he loved her sunshiny disposition. Nao believes he still loves her and that’s why he can’t move on. It is also the reason why he can’t tell Nao and others about it. Tokui visits her parents’ place nearby but she’s not in. Tokui continues that he was hoping she would have broken up with her ex and came back to him. He was even prepared to help her become her kid’s dad. He regretted not being honest and should have kept telling he loved her. Surprisingly, he spots Aki with her kid walking by. She recognizes him. She says she broke up with her ex and is now raising her daughter alone. As for last year’s call, she wanted to tell him she found a new boyfriend and decided to get married. Unsure if he would be happy to hear it, she always wanted to thank him for noting about her good qualities. Because of that, she got to meet a good man. Both wish each other well and Tokui is now able to move on.

Episode 25
Shimada begs Nao to go cheer up Yukari. She has landed in some drama role and perhaps she is down from all the stress. But can he just go see her like that? Shimada calls her and yes, we go now. And as you know, all just a setup from these ladies so they can have some closure. They talk about Yukari’s acting role and it seems there is a kissing role. Because they did not kiss back when they’re dating, it would be her first kiss (lesbian kiss with Satsuki not counted?). So she wants him to kiss her for practice? For closure? She knows it will destroy their relationship and she is even willing to accept him hating her. However he apologizes and can’t go ahead with it. Yukari thanks him for hearing her selfish wish until the end. The most they get is a handshake. Nao and Satsuki attend the wedding of Naozumi and Yayoi. At the end of the day, Satsuki stays at the inn. She and Yayoi talk about marriage. Yayoi got married quickly because she planned to have 2 children. For Satsuki, she has never thought that far ahead. In fact, she doesn’t know how to build an ordinary family. And that is why she can’t marry Nao. Naozumi shows Nao a letter written by Satsuki that thanks Nao for staying by her side. Read and pretend it never existed? That night, Nao talks to Satsuki as he overheard her conversation with Yayoi. She should know by now that their relationship can’t be easily destroyed. Satsuki continues to stay at the inn and helps out.

Nao returns to see Suzu and the loli thought something happened because he came home along and then had a long talk with Tamayo. This has Nao remember Naozumi telling him about the thing Satsuki used to mutter all the time when she was young. Something about her mom might come to get her tomorrow. It might sound she wanted her mom to come back for her but he thinks it’s the opposite. He believes finding Nao was half the reason she left for Tokyo and the other half to sever all ties with mom as she has no feelings for that mom of hers. Naozumi prays they’ll be fine. Suzu schools Nao that he is living the happy life since his first love loves him back. She even trolls him that she was trying to date somebody and how he abandoned her! Since when did Suzu learn to lie! Nao goes to get returning Satsuki. He wants to apologize for putting pressure about them being a family. He also talked to Tamayo about lots of stuff especially about his own mom that resembles a lot like Satsuki as she didn’t grow up in a good environment. Then the elopement that had dad abandon his own family as an extreme measure to separate mom from her family. Nobody from mom’s side came to the funeral. Despite all that happened, Nao is happy to be their son. Long story short, Nao’s ideal family can take any shape as long Satsuki is part of it. They don’t have to rush and decide their future but take their time to think about it. Satsuki hugs him and thanks him for being part of her life.

Episode 26
Makina visits Nao at his workplace. Looks like she is back in her track dorm although she is thinking of going into coaching rather than an athlete. She teases that if he breaks up with Satsuki, she is available for him. Just kidding. Are you sure she is? Yukari soon visits him too as he is worried if she went through with the kiss. As she makes ambiguous statements, Shimada soon spoils it for her that her co-star is a dog! I guess it is not that kind of kissing scene you were hoping for! She also whispers to Nao of her real boob size! Poor us, only left to speculate! Meanwhile Suzu talks to Tokui that in a few more years she’ll be bigger, taller, mature, etc. She hopes they can still be friends. Of course they can. Suzu so happy. But are you sure that is just what she wants?! Meanwhile Shou is still having hard to confess to Suzu because he keeps thinking Tokui is a different than him. Suzu’s friend had to slap him that he has Yukari’s genes so he too can grow up smarter and handsome. So all he needs to do is to be nice to her. Is this a devilish plan to make him his gopher? Tamayo talks to Nao that the family was primarily made up of doctors. Because his father eloped, he got ostracized. Tamayo also got the same treatment as she was not capable in the field and so they left her this house in which she took extended leave to look after Nao and Suzu till they are independent. He hopes to repay her someday. Tamayo also gives a career guide to Nao for Satsuki as help. And looks like Tamayo now goes back to work as a lawyer! Since Nao is still adamant to repay her, Tamayo clears the air she is doing this voluntarily. After all, his father (her brother) was the only one who was there for her. She wants them to live the lives they want. Satsuki apologizes to Suzu who in turn forgives her. Now we’re even. Oh man, Suzu so magnanimous! Nao and Satsuki have their date at the beach. Suzu tagging along too. She’s trying to get tanned because Tokui likes tanned girls? Good luck. Lots of Nao x Satsuki moments and it really felt mild. At least Satsuki isn’t a wild horse like before.

Lust Makes You Insane, Love Gives You (In)Sanity
That is all folks. The expected happy ending that probably you could have guessed halfway through. Somehow it felt a bit lacklustre with no huge plot twist surprise. Yeah, what was I hoping for? SATSUKI IS YOUR HALF-SISTER!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Thank goodness I am not the scenario writer. I doubt there would be any future episodes or seasons as the manga already ended before the adaptation and it was said that the anime will adapt all the manga chapters. There. No need to worry about the future of these characters. They’ve already found it. Their happiness. I think. At least for Nao and Satsuki.

Honestly, I have to say that the whole story is somewhat boring! I myself is largely to blame because I was expecting something else despite being told this is a romcom series. I mean, I was really expecting something big. You see, even when the series was starting off, I already felt the dread and boringness in it. But what kept me going was the mystery of why Satsuki destroyed Nao’s garden. Yes, that was the main factor of why I kept up with this series. I thought something big was going on. Oh you know, Satsuki had to destroy the garden because there lies the portal to hell and the Demon Lord was about to resurrect! So she saved the world by messing up that small plot of vegetables! I know it is completely BS but I really did think the revelation would be something like that! I know I would be shocked if it was but oh well, better than sitting through 2 cours of boringness… So yeah, the destruction was more of an emotional bearing of being unable to handle the stress and some psychological tactic to make him forget about her? Ugh… I’m so disappointed…

So what we’ve got instead felt like a typical romcom meandering for 2 cours. Confused people with confused feelings trying to sort them out while trying not to mess things up further. The garden plot felt like just a distraction because the whole series is about seeing which girl would end up with Nao. The whole load of drama and confusion that you would normally see in a typical romcom series. Least to say, I was not really impressed. I know I should have expected this but what I said in my previous paragraph about the garden subplot thingy, you know the story. So once the couple is set, it becomes another draggy affair for them to find assurance and reassure each other about their love and future, etc. Yeah, love is indeed so complicated and only because we all made it so.

Character wise, not really impressed with them. Now I think I have been tricked by the title itself. To think that Nao is going to lose his sh*t and something bad is going to happen, from what I have seen, nothing close to being dangerous. Oh I don’t know, maybe he would lose his mind and start killing everybody?! I thought that was plausible. Who am I kidding, right? Feel free to fill in your own blanks on what about him is about to collapse. In the end, it is his despair and worries that have collapsed. Not going to say he is going to have a problem free life, but it is better when all this whole sh*t started. Yeah, the anxieties that he have to go through because of mixed and confusing signals the girls in his life gave him. But it’s a good lesson learnt, right?

Then there is Satsuki who is as enigmatic as she is. I thought she might be some supernatural being or a ghost returning to haunt Nao until he remembers their promise. Oh well, who am I kidding once again? After all, she has that strange creepy looks that if you look too deep into her, you might see the abyss of hell! HAHAHA! JUST KIDDING! Because of Satsuki’s eccentric behaviour, you can’t tell what is on her mind and it makes you wonder if she is some kind of troublemaker because she does pushed and tested the limits, stressing the hell out of Nao as seen in many occasions. You could say she is the perfect master cock teaser until of course love gets in the way. It gets a bit confusing because was she not aware of all those sexy cock teasing bits she did towards Nao? It’s like she dared him to have sex but I figure if that actually happens, she will be even more freaked out. Just that she wants to tease him and not really go through with all the risqué bits even if it seemed so. And now that she has finally found the meaning of love, she is more toned down and perhaps this is to build her character because you want to remember her as a lovely girl and not a slutty cock teaser, right? Oh well, if that is the happiness she has found, so be it.

Yukari, sometimes I feel she pulled the short end of the straw. Part of the confusion and drama of the entire series stemmed from this fake front that Nao and Yukari might end up being a couple. How can it when cock teaser Satsuki was always some sort in the way? My guess is that strange story with Fujioka was so that Nao who has a crush on Yukari, will not pursue her. Just keep dreaming the dream. So once this ‘barrier’ was gone, Nao was easy to pursue Yukari and thus the drama of couple we have seen. Perhaps their relationship would have lasted had Yukari especially not rush it. Oh you know, sex. But I suppose we don’t want to have any regrets now, do we? Even after their unceremonious breakup, Yukari still harbours feelings for him but it looks like she has matured a bit. Or is it once bitten twice shy? It’s like she’ll be his substitute if his relationship with Satsuki fails.

Makina. I thought this girl is redundant. I believe the whole story could have moved on without her but they need to complicate things a little by adding a little bit of spice. Makina felt like one who is so far bottom at the pecking order and so far behind in the horse race, she had no chance of coming back whatsoever. On a trivial note, I don’t think boob size has any correlation with the chances with Nao. Just coincidental. So it’s like she’s just there to fill in the gap whenever Nao was having problems with Yukari and Satsuki. In the end, nothing about them materialized or even mattered. Rather, nothing about her really mattered.

The other strange character to talk about is Tokui. Wow. I thought this guy was Nao’s guardian angel or something because he is doing way more than what best friends should do. Like as though he watches over Nao’s life and tries to be very considerate and caring. It’s like he is always there for him. Does he even have his own life? Is he Nao’s descendent from the future and came back in time so his ancestor makes the right choice in life and that his future generation won’t vanish! Sometimes I felt this is more often the case but oh well. When you have a very matured guy who makes rational decisions, gives Nao the choice to make his decisions, he is got to be way more than your average high school friend, right? So as to make him human, that is why that episode that shows us he had someone he once loved and experienced that kind of heartbreak too. Yeah, sorry Tokui is not some alien from another planet obsessed in observing Nao’s way of life either. Bummer.

I also thought the same about Tamayo. This reclusive aunt I thought she was doing something shady in her room. That is how she is able to afford to stay by herself in this landed property, right? She could be some secret spy agent that keeps the peace in Japan because we don’t often see her nose around. Well sorry again, turns out all that was untrue and she too has her own insecurities and worries. She’s just a normal person. Okay, a bit not normal but still caring enough despite her tone doesn’t match it. I mean, Nao and Suzu are still blood related, right? Having Tamayo helps solve housing woes for Nao and Suzu so we don’t have to see them struggle in life and we can focus on Nao’s romcom misadventures. Heh. And finding out she is a lawyer, was she already having that job before the whole series started or was she actually holing up in her room studying law and finally became one? Oh shucks, I still prefer that spy conspiracy theory… Whatever. Either way, she decides to become an adult and have some responsibility. Looking good in a business suit for once rather in a jersey, eh?

Thank goodness Nao didn’t turn into a lolicon as Suzu felt mostly negligible halfway through. You know me once more, I thought she might be hiding a secret but who in their right minds would want to make a villain out of a loli? I suppose with Nao x Satsuki, this shows that Nao can break away from the initial mind set of taking care of Suzu forever because that felt like Suzu can’t be independent and take care of herself. This also breaks Suzu’s reliance on her big brother because she isn’t so clingy onto him now. Suzu’s a big girl now. Yeah, they grow up so fast. Lately, Suzu seems to have been spewing the best lines that will make you snicker. Are they trying to convince us she is the best character? Yes she is. But I’m still not being converted into a lolicon, though.

I have mixed feelings for the art and animation. Firstly, the characters look simple and at points I notice the animation quality drops, rendering them looking slightly weirder. I don’t know if I should call such moments as low quality. Generic plain guy Nao looking even plainer! It feels a bit out of place, even if this is romcom genre. On a trivial note, doesn’t Yukari look a hell lot similar to Koi To Uso’s Misaki? Just without the bug eyes. And that anime had the main character named Yukari… Also, Makina has uncanny resemblance to Ririna of that same anime. Is this highly coincidental?! Satsuki I thought she looked a bit like Saki from Gimai Seikatsu. Hey, even Makina has uncanny resemblance to that series’ Maaya character. Hope you like the huge tits of Satsuki and Yukari too. Anime girls don’t have such huge busts unless for viewing pleasure. Heh. Backgrounds and sceneries are mostly okay, sometimes they do look like sketches. And yeah, the CGI part. Not used very much but they sure look weird especially the water at the beach. Such strange effects. I mean, can they make it look more realistic and less weird than that? This anime is done by Staple Entertainment who did Ubel Blatt, Kekkon Yubiwa Monogatari and Kinsou No Vermeil.

Voice acting is just basic. Even recognizing Naomi Oozora as Tamayo and Tomokazu Sugita as Naozumi, they’re just pretty mild and meek in their character roles. The casts are Shuuichirou Umeda as Nao, Yumika Yano as Satsuki, Yurie Igoma as Yukari, Megu Umezawa as Makina, Yoshiki Nakajima as Tokui, Mizuki Mano as Yayoi, Hinaki Yano as Suzu, Miki Itou as Mio, Akira Kunishige as Shou, Kiyono Yasuno as Shimada, Souma Saitou as Abe, Mao Ichimichi as Rika, Sakura Deguchi as Aki and Yoshimasa Hosoya as Fujioka. The first opening theme, Yuurei Ni Naritai by Yuika is your generic anime rock pop. I’m just wondering why in the animation, the characters doing some sort of hand dance, it looks like doing some masturbating handjob!!! HOLY F*CK I CANNOT UNSEE THAT NOW!!! The second opener, Futaribun by Shalim is another generic lively pop rock outfit. Another rock style for the first ending theme, Ai Ai Ai Ai Ai by Pedro and breaking the rock combo is the second ending theme, Shippai Shinai Menhera No Sodatekata by Yurina Hirate. Feels more like a pop song for young children.

Overall, this is largely a disappointing and boring series to me. Thank goodness my sanity has not collapsed after finishing watching this show. Because as I have said, I had expected something more from the plot twist but unfortunately, it turns out to be your usual romcom genre. Everybody was just confused about the concept of love. But don’t worry, plot convenience more than often will fix all that in the end. Sort of. Heh. Sorry folks, those huge melons and racks did not make up for the largely disappointing flow and pace of the series either. I won’t need to worry about anyone destroying my garden because I don’t even know how to plant a single and simple plant. And even if I do start planting my own garden, my efforts are somehow going to make it look like I decimated the plot like as though I’m digging for gold or oil. Heh. Maybe now my sanity is collapsing.

Ninja Ryuukenden

Not really a Ninja Gaiden fan but during my younger days I have played that series. Albeit it was only that watered down Game Gear version. Heh. The only Ninja Gaiden I ever played in my life. Anyway, stumbling upon the 1991 retro OVA of Ninja Ryuukenden (the original name in Japanese because I guess westerners found it hard to pronounce Ryuukenden! Just kidding but that is what I felt the name change for) it brought back a little of those memories. Well, I thought it might be a good idea to catch this 48 minute OVA and see if I can find back a little of that nostalgia playing that super hard game. Hint: It did not.

American ninja…
As narrated, Dragon Gods and Evil Gods have been fighting each other for who knows when. Because Evil Gods can destroy humanity, they have been sealed by those who carried the blood of the Dragon Gods. And now we are in America as we see our main ninja hero, Ryu Hayabusa dispatching a few masked henchmen in suits. Easy does it. Finished just in time to go see his girlfriend, Irene Lew who has been waiting for him. She is worried about his injuries but he has to break his promise about their date. Sorry girl, world in danger. Date can wait. Because of that, poor Irene has to talk to her friend, Sarah about this so Sarah promises to help her out by asking her lover, Robert T. Sturgeon who happens to be Ryu’s friend. Yeah, Sara telling Robert to go ask Ryu about his feelings for Irene! Is this how you play the game of love?! Anyway, Robert isn’t so interested. Hey, macho guys don’t talk about things like romance! Of course women are always right so Sarah tells him to just do it. Just ask! Anyway, soon they receive news that the famous biologist, Ned Friedman has announced a cure for cancer without side effects! Wow! You bet he’ll be having a press conference. As Sarah doesn’t intend to write the same article as everyone, she thinks of asking for a private interview with Ned.

As the press conference gets underway, it seems Ryu is also there but he finds nothing so he walks away. It is then he hears the voice of a girl pleading for help. I guess he doesn’t want to look like a suspicious dick to neighbours so he just walks off. Meanwhile Sarah tells Robert and Jeffrey Hammond that while her private interview was turned down (and strangely during the press conference, Ned didn’t say a word!), she heard rumours that strange boxes have been seen going into his house. I hope this is not some fake news! Anyway, the trio head down there and isn’t this f*cking trespassing?! As they look around, they discuss about Ned doing human experiments. Almost got spooked because there is a ninja in the house! Oh wait. It’s Ryu. Then they hear Jeffrey scream. Oh wow. A dead corpse. And many more in vials! Ned is indeed doing human experiments. As they prepare to take pictures for evidence, however Ryu tells them not to and doesn’t want them to write anything about it. He doesn’t want them to get involved. Uhm, don’t tell me he is on it too! Later Robert privately talks to Ryu and knows somebody is trying to break the Evil God’s seal. Ryu staying silent proves Robert is right. Robert narrates that he was from the military and didn’t believe in all that supernatural sh*t until he fought one himself alongside Ryu. Especially after they defeated that Jaquio, everybody now wants a piece of power from Evil God. Thus he quit the military to fight alongside him. So you better start talking because Robert won’t take no for an answer. Ryu kills a masked goon sneaking up. There’s your answer. As one whose destiny is intertwined with the Dragon Gods, he will not let his friends get involved.

Sarah goes to interview Bucky Wise who was classmates with Ned. They haven’t seen each other for a long time so Bucky says he never liked him as Ned always bragged of wanting to be the messiah of the biotechnology world. Meanwhile Ryu is with Irene when a stray cat walks in. When it snarls at Ryu, he realizes bad guys are coming to attack so he goes into action in cutting down all those masked henchmen. Better hurry or they’ll kill your girl too! Even a ninja only has 2 hands! Eventually Irene kills the last goon by shooting through him! Traumatized. They escape when cops arrive. You mean the officers are not in shock seeing strange decapitated human-like beings on the floor and blood everywhere?! Whatever. Later Ryu finally tells it to Irene. Please stay away from me. I can’t make you happy. Irene sad but she promises to wait for him no matter how long it takes. Is forever okay with you?

Sarah and the guys are about to pick up Irene but damn, they’re a tad too slow as those masked goons kidnap her! Time for some wild American car chase! Eventually Robert’s car is no match and is out of commissioned. Next time upgrade to a Porsche! If you have the money! Serious sh*t gonna hit the fan as Ryu dons his iconic ninja garb as he fights his way into Ned’s place where Irene is held. Oh, he is fighting merman monsters now? Thankfully, easily disposed of. Sarah and the guys discuss about Ned obviously kidnapping Irene to bait Ryu. Jeffrey has a crate full of guns so yeah, they’re going in and rescue Irene like Rambo. Sarah wants in too and shows her tough side. That enough to convince you boys? Well, they tie her up eventually! A good woman is one who shuts up! OMFG SOUNDS SEXIST!!! Now we see Robert and Jeffrey shooting their guns and throwing their bombs at the horde of weak ass lame monsters. Thank goodness they go down easily. WTF Ned should’ve made better monsters than these!

Ryu is still hearing that girl’s voice to save her so he wants her to keep talking so he can find her. However soon she is taken over by the dark side and orders more killing. Ryu stumbles into a lab filled with experimented humans. Uhm, why is there a scientist cowering in fear? Oh yeah. So as to tell us what the heck is going on. He is now scared after realizing Ned wants to create a superhuman race (not Aryan?) by mixing some genes of the first and second experimental subjects into human DNA. Science! So this scientist is allowed to just escape like that? Whatever. Jeffrey gets injured when a monster bites him so he tells Robert to head on. I hope he doesn’t turn into a zombie. Ryu arrives where Ned is. Ned should’ve properly tied down Irene but WTF she is able to move freely? Time for evil biologist to reveal how he recorded the power from Evil Gods when Ryu was fighting Jaquio. So yeah, this seal behind him is the power of Evil Gods he has created. Suddenly Ned is killed off by… Bucky! Yeah, the real antagonist. He has the power of Evil Gods inside him too and was the one who made Ned do all the work. Why would Ned ever agree to that? Because Bucky kidnapped his daughter, Catherine. Yes, that girl whose voice Ryu hears. Bucky kills off Ned right in front of Catherine but the little girl doesn’t even flinch like as though she is under trance.

Bucky adds that Ned was under the impression he completed the seal but in the end it’s just a replica. There is another condition to break it: Part of the Evil God’s body that has been split and kept separately among the Dragon Gods. Alone it does nothing so it must be combined together. Ryu doesn’t care about it all and just cares about Irene. Is this a good time to confess your feelings? I don’t know but it looks like it sealed the deal for Irene. So both men fight but of course, Bucky has to transform into this clown monster to power up whatever. It is a tough fight as Ryu is losing. Irene trying to be a hero and cut down Bucky but what can she do? Oh look, she got herself hurt and Robert too while trying to save her. Ryu so mad that perhaps his sword glows and giving him whatever power to stab through Bucky. Both fall through. Uhm, nobody can survive that fall, right? At least the monster did not. But ninjas can! Irene’s tears must be that of happiness. Sarah is also here thanks to a colleague freeing her. First she slaps Robert and with him so happy he is alive, he wants them to get married! Can you impatient folks wait instead of making out right in the open?! Americans. Ryu and Irene share a kiss. Oh, but Catherine picks up the body part and it starts to glow…

Resident Evil: Biohazard
Well, uhm, I guess that was okay. Sorry if this OVA failed to rekindle any sort of nostalgia in me but that was kinda expected from the start. I don’t know if I am missing anything when I watched this because as I found out, this OVA was supposed to take place after the first Ninja Gaiden game. And as gamers should know, the franchise has been largely quite successful and has spawned tons of sequels and spinoffs throughout the years. Therefore I don’t know if one should watch this OVA to help understand the subsequent games better (because obviously I have never played them!). Nor would I know if you should play the first game to understand what it is going on here.

But I doubt that is the case because even though prior knowledge of the game is good, I felt that it was not really needed and this OVA could still stand alone on its own without casual viewers like yours truly losing much. After all, it is the simple premise of good versus evil and once again good wins but the cliff-hanger ending shows that evil can never truly die out and will find another way to come back. That’s for you to find out in the games since I believe there are no other anime adaptations of the game as I couldn’t find them anywhere.

So the only drawing point of this OVA is the violence. While it pales in comparison and it is not really as graphic as other violent animes, it still has its blood and gore. Because otherwise you’d be wondering if Ryu has turned into a pussy if he can’t decapitate his villains. So yeah, be prepared to see heads fly and body count of monsters being piled up as our human heroes have their screen time playing hero, gunning down monsters like as though they’re playing some arcade video game rail shooters with mounted gun models! Essentially it was dumb fun but I guess the producers knew people who come here are bloodthirsty motherf*ckers so yeah, let them have all the blood spills they want!

Surprisingly for a 1991 OVA, the animation is quality is quite good. Yeah, they better be or else fans will turn into Evil Gods and rage till hell freezes over if Ryu looks like sh*t! However Ryu remains mostly maskless in his ninja garb. Though, I thought they should put better designs into those monsters and the likes. Yeah, they look more comical than scary. And antagonists Ned and Bucky couldn’t look even typical as a 90’s villain. Yeah, in those days you could really tell. Sort of. Otherwise the usual vibes of retro 90’s style animation permeating throughout the series. Not a visual masterpiece but still better than disappointing anime qualities you see today in some shows. Heh. Whoever this obscure Studio Junio made this, they were the ones who also made Saber Marionette J and 3×3 Eyes. Too bad they already closed down a long time ago in 2004.

Character wise, there is not really much to flesh out on them. From the way I see it, you are expected to know about Ryu from the game as not much is explained about his origins. Thus it is like Ryu is having a double mission of living up to his Dragon God destiny as well as saving a damsel in distress. Yeah, showing he is in love with a girl proves he is straight and not gay because otherwise it will be called Ninja Gay-Then! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Sighs. Sorry. Anyway… Speaking of the characters, I believe now I am more inclined to say that this OVA does not affect future Ninja Gaiden games because with the exception of Ryu, Irene and Robert, all the other characters here only appeared in the OVA. At least my lazy Google search does not yield any further results about the other characters. So this OVA could still fit in perfectly with the other Ninja Gaiden entries at it could be one of those small side missions. Not big enough to affect the main stories but small enough to be connected somehow.

Thus antagonists like Ned and Bucky, I felt like they were written on the fly so as to have some sort of plot and action. After all, bad guys always want to become strong and rule the world, right? So yeah, you folks don’t have to worry about Catherine becoming the next vessel for the Evil Gods because nothing came out of it. Probably she the glowing part was just trolling and Catherine got amazed for a while before going back to her emotionless poker face. Hey, cut that kid some slack, she just watched her father got killed! And then she got sent to a foster home where spent the rest of her days alone until she dies from loneliness! HEY I WAS TRYING TO AT LEAST WRITE A CLOSURE STORY FOR THIS CHARACTER, WHY DO YOU NOT LIKE IT???!!! And that evil pet cat that belonged to Bucky, probably it became road kill and got ran over by a car! HAHAHA!!! Sighs…

Overall, I would say this is another average series on I have watched and it is only memorable because of the violence. I am not sure about the story, lore and characters and perhaps Ninja Gaiden fans would appreciate more about all that and only so from the games. Otherwise, personally I feel this OVA is a negligible collection only made for those really hardcore fans who want to have everything from the franchise. Maybe in the future they will make more standalone OVAs like this one to cater to fans and people who knows nothing about the franchise so as to introduce them to play the game. Perhaps if they animate hot kawaii Momiji and super sexy scanty Rachel, maybe I’ll try checking out the games. Oh heck why the roundabout excuse, I can just play the game because it’s just an excuse to fap to them… I wonder if body part of the Evil Gods has made its way into my boner?! WHAT THE?! Izuna Drop for me!

Let’s Play: Quest-darake No My Life

Make or break. Imagine one careless review or a single negative comment can cause a snowball effect and ruin someone’s life or entire career forever. And it gets worse in today’s internet era with everybody thinking they are untouchable armchair critic kings and the online anonymity making many irresponsible with their actions. So it is the case of our protagonist in Let’s Play: Quest-darake No My Life as her game she made has been bombarded by many negative reviews after a famous online gaming streamer carelessly dissed it. Worse, that guy moves in next to her as her new neighbour! Will there be some all out heated war exploding or will there be some strange twist of events like love blossoming among both misfits. We all know the answer. Life can be really strange sometimes. Stranger than the games you play.

Episode 1
Samara “Sam” Young is at her favourite coffee place, Daily Grind and her friends notice her happier than usual. It seems the game she created, Ruminate has got lots of positive reviews and this translates to her game getting high review scores. Her friends are happy for her. Link Hudson tries to ask her out but she claims she is busy with some raid. Rejected again? Heading off to work, her colleague, Lucy Wright says the CEO, Samuel A. Young is looking for her. Asking about her health, Sam has not used her inhaler for a month. Samuel is happy and then mad? Turns out he is her father and is sad she didn’t even tell him she got better. This guy also loves his wife so much and is already missing her who is away in Florida for some shoot. Sam calls mom as he wishes but too bad due to some delays, she won’t be back soon. Another round of tears for our big guy.

When Lucy is trying to flirt with a courier guy, accidentally he spills Sam’s coffee onto her sweater. As Lucy takes to wash it, Sam returns to work with everyone staring at her. Her manager, Charles Jones has to usher her quickly into his room and cover her up with his shirt? So why not just give her one of his spares from his closet? Anyway, he feels that the next successor of the company shouldn’t be walking around like that as it would cause uneasiness among the workers. When Charles tries to get the details of that courier guy, Sam doesn’t think he need to go this far just to file a complaint. Sam accidentally lets it slip that Lucy caused this. Charles tries to prod further but Sam refuses to say to protect her friend. In that case he will call Lucy to ask him herself. As their boss, he has a responsibility and if it comes down to it, he may have to fire Lucy. It is then Sam decides to confront Charles that Lucy doesn’t deserve to be fired for she has not done anything. If he is going to fire her depending on her answer, then Sam should also be fired for dressing inappropriately. Don’t hold back just because she is the CEO’s daughter. Charles is happy that she is now acting like she should be. Out of respect, he won’t fire Lucy. When Samuel comes to see them, he misinterprets the situation. Sam in Charles’ clothes… Oh. Not wanting to cause a scene, Samuel plays it cool but hints he has his eyes watching on Charles.

That night, Sam checks on her game reviews but it seems this famous game streamer, Marshall Law is criticizing how bad the game it is. Sam is shocked because he did not read how the game works and that is why he fails in the game. He then calls this game unplayable, breaking Sam’s heart. Sam narrates that she loves games since young and took up computer science. She started developing Ruminate during college and her dream is to be a game developer. But with bad reviews tanking her game, looks like her dream is crashing. As Sam takes her dog, Bowser out for a walk, she sees a new neighbour moving in next door. Uhm, is this Marshall?! Oh God. Sam narrates how unlike games, in life you can’t choose your class or abilities. And her life is so massively difficult, how will she play it?! Is she giving bad reviews about her own life?!

Episode 2
Bowser growls at him but he finds the doggie so cute and picks him up! Oh man, doggie now scared of him? Sam snatches Bowser back and starts reciting all his info probably all from Wikipedia. She then tells him off about the game he played wrongly and because of that, he sucks for giving it a bad review. OMFG did she Falcon Punch him into the sky?! Turns out it’s all in her imagination as she couldn’t say a word to him. Marshall starts to talk nonstop so she escapes back into her room. Next day at Daily Grind, Sam is even more depressed. After Ruminate got trashed, Marshall’s fans further gave bad reviews and her profile on this indie game company, Indigineer got flagged. With her account suspended, her dreams are good as over. What could be worse than that? Marshall moved next door and she couldn’t say a word to him. Angela O’Neil wants to punch this jerk but Vikki Song remains calm. You see, it was Marshall’s fans and not Marshall himself who left the reviews that tanked Sam’s score. Therefore his fans are to blame. Sam wonders if Ruminate is actually a bad game but her friends can vouch it is a good game. At office, Sam seeks the help of her colleague, Umed Patel about Indigineer since he is also a gaming fan. He hears Sam’s issues and it seems Sam has contacted Indigineer but they have not replied. As long as her score doesn’t go up, she can kiss her game developer dream goodbye. Umed feels something odd because it’s like everything happened too fast. He promises to look into it.

As Sam goes home, the landlady, Ms Whipple wants to introduce Sam to the new neighbour. Sam gives excuses but Whipple will not take no for an answer. So they go say hi, Marshall being quite social and friendly in meeting them. However Sam is not responding when he extends to shake her hand. When she does, he notices the callous on her palm and knows she is also a gamer too. From which game? World of Warquest?! Because he also played it before, just like that they start talking passionately about it and damn, you thought they’re best friends forever. Of course she realizes he is that demon who tanked her game so better not get too friendly. That night, Marshall is getting too noisy as he starts his streaming. Sam is going to march over and give him an earful. Of course she can’t so she leaves a note. Next morning, he too left a note but Bowser rips it apart! She pieces it back together and he apologizes as the sound proofing walls will come soon. Taking Bowser for a walk in the park, she sees Marshall jogging ahead. Don’t let those abs distract you! She hides. Could’ve been perfect behind the tree had not Bowser given way. He talks to her but she remains sceptical. A few young fans come up to talk to him. They are relieved this plain lady can’t be his girlfriend. Friendly Marshall obliges their request to hug him. This makes Sam believe he really loves his fans. At Daily Grind, Sam is even more depressed. Before Angela could resort to violence, Sam blames herself for having so much chances but still has not told Marshall the truth. Is she a coward? Before Angela can march there to give it to Marshall, Sam sums up her courage to do it. So she rings his doorbell and as she waits for him to open… Who the f*ck this hot sexy babe?!

Episode 3
Monica McKenzie thinks Sam is another one of Marshall’s fans. She scorns her for finding Marshall’s new address so quick and then when she spreads it to other fans, Marshall will be forced to move again. When Sam introduces herself as his neighbour, she changes her tone. She claims she is Marshall’s manager and she herself is a famous streamer in the beauty line with many fans of her own. When Marshall sees this, he introduces Monica to Sam as his friend. As Sam gets a bit nervous, he thinks he is being loud again and thanks her for telling before quickly ushering her back to her room. Marshall hopes Monica could be gentler to Sam next time as she is prone to anxiety. But Monica is not appreciative that he called them as friends when they are actually dating. Marshall knows it and Monica knows it better too because if word gets out they are so, fans will be furious and their channels will crash from their lashing. Next day as Marshall bumps into Sam at the post box area, he apologizes because that is what he always wanted to do since moving in. She wonders how he knew the note was from her since she didn’t put her name. He didn’t. So he sent a note to every unit! Yikes!

Sam goes to meet her guild members that include Angela, Vikki, Dallas Hudson, Edgar and Olivia Sweet. They are a famous guild known as Rare Spawns on World of Warquest. Their leader Abe Calhoun relays the good news of their rise in the rankings from their recent raids. Because of that, the top 2 guilds have invited them to join in for future raids. As such, it means they are reaching the endgame stage. Abe wants them to celebrate their achievements and today it is all on him. We see them playing the arcade and you bet everyone is in shock to see how super good they are. They aren’t humans! But soon Sam receives a message and now she is sitting dejectedly outside. Olivia talks to her. The reason she always speaks via her phone app is because she is deaf but she can read lips and knows something is wrong with Sam. Care to share? Indigineer responded to her and restored her account. However they cannot remove the negative reviews as it would violate their rules. This means Ruminate is still the lowest ranking game on the site and her dream is still as good as over. Aside from Olivia’s suggestion to break Marshall’s legs (I think she really means it!), she tells Sam off about giving off after a few scummy remarks. Because this flaw not only affects her but other users as well. Perhaps she can come up with ways to improve the site. Or do something that will make Indigineer to act. Or would she rather continue sulking and play the victim? With Sam getting her motivation back, the others also overheard this and will also support her if she needs their help. They are family. First thing when Sam returns home, it is to ring Marshall’s doorbell and reintroduce herself again. This time she also lets him know she is Ruminate’s creator and his ignorance of her explanation of the game rules made his experience in the game bad. Because violence is not a way to solve anything in the game she created. She feels so much better and heads home. Now Marshall is the one feeling odd.

Episode 4
Marshall looks through all the comments. Then he remembers lots of old comments that encouraged him that belonged to Sam. Marshall tells Monica about the problem at hand that ruined Sam’s dreams. Plus, he never realized Sam is one of his oldest fans. He plans on making a video to tell his fans of his wrongful actions and to take down the reviews. But Monica cautions him this may lead to a backlash. While some may do it, there is nothing worse than toxic fans to be told they are wrong. They will attack him and even perhaps Sam, putting her more at risk. She advises he mustn’t be bothered to deal with small issues if they’re going to become famous. But something needs to be done. He goes to see Sam to apologize for his actions. He has written to Indigineer and he thinks they will listen as he has contributed to them. He gives Sam a cheque, the amount he made from the Ruminate video. Wow. That’s a lot more than what they pay her at work! But she cannot accept this. Likewise, he insists. He wants her to use this fund to make a better game than Ruminate. But this doesn’t please her as she rips the cheque and claims he is not apologizing but only escaping his guilt. Goodnight. Hope she doesn’t regret it. However next morning, Marshall slips an envelope underneath her door. Cold hard cash! She can’t slip it back as he blocked his door. So how? Climb over the balcony and throw it back to him! Don’t do this sh*t again!

Link remembers when his father fell ill, Sam was there by his side. Even when he passed on, there was Sam. It’s no wonder he has a crush on her. He hopes to be her light one day to protect her from the darkness. Dee Parker (a barista at Daily Grind) asks Sam if she is asexual since she has never dated anyone. Is this a woke moment?! Sam admits she is attracted to men but because her overprotective father told her he hate all men who approach her, she has been awkward with men. Dee believes she is an attractive woman and hints how Link has a crush on her. He was asking her to go out on dates and dates are how you figure out if you want to be more than friends. Sam so embarrassed that she melts?! Sam can’t help think about Link at work. At the end of the day, Charles offer to give a ride home. Noticing his fencing gear, he says he is a fencing instructor in a local club. Asking about Samuel, Sam finds it difficult that he is overprotective and since he still loves her, the reason she doesn’t want to let him down. She wants to be his proud daughter. This has Charles relate a case of a young man he knows with a narcissistic father. Charles thought that young man fencing but his father never showed love to him despite his devoted himself to fencing just to make him happy. Then he quit and Charles has never seen him since. Meanwhile Marshall is at Daily Grind trying to look for Sam. Once Angela learns who he is, she wants to punch him! Link holds her back as it would be troublesome if she gets arrested for it. Of course Link didn’t do it for Marshall but out of respect for Sam who hates violence. When Charles and Sam enter the establishment, Charles is surprised to see Ben Lawson who is no other than Marshall. He is that young man he was talking about.

Episode 5
Angela experiences some sort of panic attacks and bites Link’s arm to set herself free. Vikki has to take her away and call it a day. Sam explains to Charles and Marshall about the current situation. Charles is unaware Marshall is now an online streamer as he has not seen him in years. So, he doesn’t watch online videos too? Marshall leaves as Charles points out he always runs away from what’s important. Flashback shows Ben’s father was strict as f*ck. Even when he got 2nd place in fencing, he got admonished for his failure. Thus Charles and Sam deduce Marshall may be the one who cut ties with him. At first Sam thought his new name was in reference to some legal stuff. But it is a reference to his family name and this means he still wants to be connected to his family. Back home, Sam thinks Marshall is a strong person because he cut ties with his father and is living by himself. She couldn’t do it herself and that’s why she can’t open up to talk to dad about important things. Next day as Charles treats Sam to lunch, she asks why he has always treated her harshly ever since joining the company. Apparently it’s some psychological move to have her stand up for herself. If she couldn’t, how can she stand up for her employees when she becomes CEO? But that day when she stood up for Lucy, it made him proud. Well, in that case Sam has something to say to him: She doesn’t want to become the CEO. Colour me surprise. At Daily Grind, Link asks Sam if she wants to go hiking with him this weekend. Embarrassed that this might be a date, Link suggests bringing Bowser to a dog park. She’s okay with that.

Going home, Whipple talks to her that her rent been paid through the end of her lease. But it is not her dad who did it but Marshall. Sam instantly storms next door to give him an earful. However Marshall is in panic mode as he ushers her in to help fix this game he is playing. Yes, she can fix Kingston but why her? He will pay her for it and Sam is sad he loves solving things with money. The only payment she wants is that he plays Ruminate again and give his honest review. And she’s returning the rent money. While waiting to restore the files, Sam finds a sketchbook and realizes Marshall is good in drawing. Marshall also learns Sam’s dream of making video games because of her time spent mostly in hospital. As she wanted to make other hospitalized kids happy, that’s how she ended up with this dream. While Sam sometimes ponder if what she is doing is pointless, Marshall believes as long as she keeps trying, she has not lost. She has to keep trying for those who couldn’t. Next morning, it’s her day with Link. She starts thinking Link may be the strong protective type for her and gets a nose bleed just thinking about this fantasy. At the park, Bowser gets bullied by this Marmaduke dog. Running back to Sam, the moment Marmaduke sees Link, he gets scared of his lion aura and runs away! Monica is here and is glad to see Sam who is prettier than usual. But she shifts her attention to Link and notes his nice hair and build. Care to do some modelling? That Marmaduke somewhat belongs to Marshall? Uh oh. Awkward meeting.

Episode 6
Link tells Marmaduke has been chasing Bowser so Marshall feels bad and finds the doggie cowering somewhere. When he tries to cheer up Bowser, doggie runs to Link instead. Monica gets back talking business with Link. She is looking for a model for one of her men’s brand. Link isn’t interested but after she mentions very favourable pay and working conditions, he looks like he might consider it. Sam’s jealousy somewhat kicks up so she pesters Link that she wants to go home. Monica apologizes for interrupting their date. Sam thought Link would correct her but he didn’t. Back home, Sam asks Link of other places he would like to go. As a rock climbing enthusiast, he would love to go to Yosemite National Park since his father once brought him there. This worries Sam if her nerdy side would be compatible with him. She fears of losing Link as a friend if this ‘date’ doesn’t go well. So she too mentions there is a place she wants to go: Japan. She wants to visit Nintendo Funtendo HQ and even meet the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto Hiyamoto! Then noticing Angela’s bite on his arm, he claims it isn’t serious. Sam wants to tell the truth about Angela but Link knows she is a DV victim because he sees many of such cases during his EMT shift. Snippets of all the brutal bruises on Angela the day she was ushered into ER. Her perpetrator was arrested and put into prison. He won’t be out for a long time. Although Vikki moved in to stay with Angela to make her feel safe, because Angela has been in the dark so long, she has difficulties channelling that fear and can only turn it into rage. Link knows that feeling and thanks Sam for saving him from that darkness. As Link is about to leave, Sam starts to feel lonely. Is it because this was a date? She asks if today’s outing was a date. Link sees Sam being anxious so he claims it is an outing as friends. She asks back if he is sure about that because she had fun with him today. So he kisses her on her forehead as a charm so she won’t feel lonely. How you feeling now? What achievement did Sam unlock? Monica remembers first meeting Marshall at some social party. I guess he was good in bed and that’s why she spent so many nights with him. Meanwhile Charles seems to have his own problems. It hints that he found his wife having an affair in his home kitchen? As Sam heads to work, she is shocked to see her desk empty. So… Did she get fired?! Was it because you didn’t want to be the next CEO?! Definitely fired.

Episode 7
Lucy ushers Sam to her new room. Yes, she has been promoted as Charles’ assistant. It seems Charles talked to Samuel about Sam being worried disappointing the CEO and that’s only because she knew little about management. Samuel was distraught his own daughter didn’t come to talk to him personally. And of course with this promotion, daddy hopes she will come to tell him things personally and not through Charles. Get the hint? Sam is more than happy to accept this new post of course it comes with way lots of responsibilities and workload. But don’t worry, Sam’s eyes lighting up as she is given her own laptop to work with. But what about her dress code? She has nothing formal? Don’t worry, Charles has already made preparations and bought several dresses for several occasions. Uhm, how does he know her sizes? As there is a dinner tomorrow night with a client, he hopes she could wear them. Sam then brainstorms with some of her stuffs about Indigineer’s review policy and that they cannot remove what has been posted. Until Jacob suggests designing a new platform, one that operates locally on the user’s PC to detect if games are installed. Meanwhile Marshall still cannot bring himself to play Ruminate. Staring at the screen indecisively isn’t going to change things, you know? Angela feels bad on what she did to Link. He senses that darkness in her so it’s time for him to be the sunshine and pull her out. While it makes Angela feel better, she may have get the wrong idea of his intentions and runs out. Abe stumbles into Marshall outside Daily Grind. He learns Marshall’s dilemma that he promised Sam to play Ruminate again but has not. Because the fear that if his opinion doesn’t change, he will only further hurt Sam. Wow. So considerate. That is when Abe has an idea. He wants Marshall to join them in a raid tomorrow night on World of Warquest. But Sam has a dinner meeting then. Can she make it? At the meeting, she is nervous, but when she is given the opportunity to speak, it all flows naturally. Marshall joins Rare Spawns in the raid. They have a hard time fighting this boss because of its resurrecting armour. All are down for the count until Sam returns in time to weave her magic before Marshall takes down the boss for good. Marshall is surprised how good Sam is as the rest vouch her abilities are real. It is then Link tells off Marshall to just hurry up and replay Ruminate.

Episode 8
Marshall is sick but there are things he needs to do first before he starts playing Ruminate. So we see snippets of Marshall’s daily life as well as a bit on Sam too. Sam is disheartened to hear that her friend, Jasmine is no longer into designing art for games. Because of the oversaturated market, she cannot earn a living and has moved to a completely different industry. She wishes Sam the best and warns she should prepare herself if that day comes. Then she gets a call from Monica who wants her to be her model. She doesn’t give Sam time to think and sets a date to meet. Meek Sam does as she is told as Monica dolls her up for a few model shoots. Monica then says it is her dream to give people confidence by making them beautiful as humans are weak creatures. If that is too hard for Sam to understand, Monica compares beauty products to weapons and items in games. Now Sam gets it and is motivated. When she returns home, she passes by Marshall coming out as he needs to go to buy medicine. However he faints but she catches him. Bringing back to her place to nurse him, Link texts her and wants to come by. After learning of Marshall’s condition, you bet he will be coming. Link diagnoses Marshall with fever but if it gets higher, he must go to the hospital. Sam suggests he sleeps here but Link thinks it would be dangerous. Dangerous? In this condition? You got to be kidding me. Marshall will go back to his place to rest and hands Sam his spare key to check on him. Marshall wonders why Sam is so nice to him after all he has done to her. She explains how his channel helped save her while she was hospitalized. Link so shock in hearing that he drops the bowls? But she too has to be considerate to Link. She hugs him and says she is scared about ruining their relationship. She fears he won’t be her friend anymore. Girl, it will take a lot more than that for him to hate you. He wants to take his time to get to know her and as for that kiss, he felt he needed to do something since she was shaking. Sam soon reveals to Marshall that she saw his artwork. He admits it was his dream but gave up because dad rejected it and wanted him to be a lawyer. Of course he dropped out and has not been in contact with dad. Sam notes had Marshall become a lawyer, he wouldn’t have been a streamer and how different her life would’ve been. Marshall wants to know about their love life and since both are embarrassed, Link gets away by talking about his passion for muscles! Flex ‘em!

Episode 9
Marshall begins his replaying of Ruminate. Welcome back. Sadly, he got scammed into buying a useless item in the game. Meanwhile a nervous Sam walks into Charles’ room. With her new dress, she is finding it weird that everyone is staring at her and even whispering. Charles explains it is because of Monica’s video she was in and they’ve been talking about it. Sam is still unsure about this fashion thingy because she thought as long as she does a good job, she can dress comfortably as she pleases. Charles enlightens her about dressing right that can even be applied in games. As her confidence is still low, Charles has her do an exercise now. He coaches her how to stand and pose and has her say 1 good thing about herself. She can’t think of any so Charles helps out by mentioning how she loves to help others. To help cultivate more confidence, Charles wants her to this pose every morning. Elsewhere, Link stumbles into Angela at the gym. Noting she still has that fear, he helps her train. After that, he relays his dilemma about kissing Sam. He felt it was wrong. He is also confused if he is really in love with her. Angela might not be the best to go for romance advice but she knows Sam has started to think about dating and romance for the first time in her life. It is Link who definitely drew out those feelings. As Link once worshipped Sam for saving him, she believes it is a form of love. Spend more time alone with her and he’ll probably like her more. Then those worship feelings may turn into something else. Link is motivated so Sam warns him not to hurt Sam or she’ll never forgive him. Despite she still distrust men, he is the only man she trust best. Monica calls Sam and wants to thank her with another dinner. Now her videos are receiving lots of views. The girls also talk about Marshall and Monica feels sad they can’t publicize their relationship as Marshall cares for his fans. Back to Marshall who thinks he is taking on some quest to help Little Red Riding Hood, turns out she is a wolf too and with the big bad grandma masquerading wolf, they chase him down! Which cliff did he fall over?

Episode 10
Marshall meets a ranger and tries to tell him what happened but he doesn’t believe him. Rethinking in how the game works, Marshall has an idea how to deal with the wolves without harming them. He succeeds and learns a lot about the unique features of the game. Gaming interrupted when Monica returns and is not happy that he has not rested. So she forces him off and makes him go to bed. Uhm, is this all streaming live? Meanwhile Sam is further confused and full of anxiety as she keeps thinking about Link’s kiss and Charles’ exercise. Then in a business deal, Sam feels a great deal of anxiety and pressure but with Charles calming her down, she starts her negotiations. It seems the client finds their proposal to be exorbitant so Sam suggests some alternatives. The client likes it but Sam notices Charles not looking happy so she thought she failed. Charles then takes over and also proposes some suggestions. The client likes it too and will go with Charles’ suggestion. Later Sam thought Charles is mad at her but feels she has done her best. Of course Charles laughs and was just pulling her leg. He praises her for doing a great job and everything that has happened has gone according to plan. Sam still doesn’t feel good about it because she was actually serious in her suggestion so he says it is all part of business. Don’t think too much about it or she’ll get wrinkles. Tapping her forehead, this reminds her of how mom often does this to dad. Does Link kissing her on her forehead constitute the same? I guess Marshall can’t stay in bed forever so he goes back playing Ruminate. Taking on another quest to stop this troll from collecting toll on his bridge. When troll gets violent, Marshall talks to him and troll doesn’t even know his behaviour is violent. Turns out he is lonely and wanted to talk to others. But since they are scared of him, the only way is to make them pay troll. So Marshall has him do some farming with him and now he’s got friends. Soon Marshall learns about this sad ghost who keeps popping up everywhere he goes. She is a princess of the kingdom. A caring princess, nobody knows how she died and became a ghost. Only when her soul is healed, the kingdom shall know true peace. Marshall continues to praise the uniqueness of the game with so many different characters. He can’t wait to find all the hidden stories inside Ruminate.

Episode 11
Marshall now stumbles into a knight who is on a quest to slay a dragon whom she believes killed the princess. He accepts the quest to join her but as they fight the dragon, Marshall soon realizes the fundamentals of the game. He cannot kill it with a weapon so instead he lets himself get eaten. Dee learns that Sam hasn’t progressed much with Link so she sets up Link to take her home. Driving her home, Link can tell Sam is anxious so she tells him about the kiss. She has been thinking about it. She even suggests spending the night with her. Link then prepares to kiss her and she the same too. However he backs out. He admits he can’t do it and fears his feelings for her will change if he did. Because he also admits he doesn’t feel attracted to her even though she is a charming person. All this feels wrong because it feels like kissing a younger sister. He still loves her but values their friendship. Sam agrees because she thought they had to become more than friends to be together but they’re already more than that. They’re like a family. Back to Ruminate, the dragon spits out Marshall. Indigestion? Marshall then becomes a bard and plays a song to tame the dragon. With this quest over, Marshall then heads to a place where the princess’ corpse is lying. He speaks to her spirit and notes how everyone in this world deserves love. That is why every problem can be solved without using violence. Thanking him for bringing peace to the kingdom, she tells of her story of how she was brought up with love. But one day she was given a prophecy that she will die young. Thus she left the kingdom to go on a journey with the pretence she wanted to broaden her horizons when it’s just to experience everything before she dies. And soon she died alone. Marshall buries her body and wins the game. At the end of the credits, Marshall is shocked to see this game is dedicated to him as it inspired Sam to create it. Marshall feels guilty for judging Ruminate too quickly so he had to go over to Sam’s place now to tell her how amazing the game is. He hugs her and laments he should’ve taken his time to play it carefully. He praises her as a legit game creator and apologizes for making her suffer so much from his heartless stream. Marshall then collapses because remember, he is still sick.

Episode 12
Sam panics thinking Marshall is dying! Well, he isn’t breathing! Calling 911, aren’t you glad Link is on shift tonight? So yeah, don’t worry about Sam giving her lips to Marshall for CPR. Even if Marshall feels like dying, he manages to eke out to Sam to not give up on making games before being wheeled away. Sam then calls for Charles to help send her to the hospital. Charles has tried to contact Marshall’s family but they’re in Japan. Sam is breaking down as Charles hugs her. He needs her to compose herself or he can’t send her to the hospital. The doctor diagnoses Marshall with some heart condition and the primary cause is physical or mental stress. Sam is now regretting making him replay her game and causing this. While Marshall blames her, however it is because Ruminate is so fun, he couldn’t stop playing. When he reminds her to call Monica, oh boy, she can envision the tone of her voice! She bites the bullet and does so! Yeah, she’s furious! Oh man, the stress level… You bet she is also furious at Marshall for not taking care of his health as warned and even more so, he not telling her everything and she only found out via Sam. She feels sad that even though she loves him, he doesn’t love her back. He explains he never told her about his family because it is screwed up and he wanted to avoid making their relationship difficult, the same reason he didn’t want their relationship public. But knowing they can’t live their own life if they keep worrying, Marshall changes his mind and will make public their relationship.

Sam updates her friends at Daily Grind as well as her relationship with Link has gone back to being friends. Does Angela have a problem with this? Cool down, girl. It’s their choice. Sam gets a surprise that Charles has also played Ruminate and likes it. He wants to talk about it over dinner not as her boss or colleague but as a fellow player. Meanwhile Marshall is hallucinating that a character from Ruminate examining his heart and diagnose that is not his real problem. Ruminate’s princess than brings him to a treasure chest in which he cuts open to reveal his sketches. These are his dreams locked away and now released, they have returned to him. In the aftermath, Marshall’s positive review has many of his fans revise theirs for the better too. With Charles’ support, Sam’s proposal to Indigineer is successfully passed at an internal meeting. Rare Spawns is not the top ranked guild in World of Warquest. Sam now knows what she likes about herself: She is ambitious. Even though she is making progress for her next game, Evermake, she is still having trouble finding an illustrator. Look no further because Marshall is discharged from hospital and shows her some of her sketches. He would like to be the illustrator of her new game. He doesn’t want to lock away his dreams again. She accepts and they both work on finishing the testing chapter. Later, Sam prepares to go out with Charles.

Life’s A Game, Play To Win!
Just like Sam says, you don’t have to complete all those mini and side quests in life. But it will be good if you have that perfect completionist trophy, wouldn’t it? Looks like Sam’s life is looking up with all the positive notes hitting her. Can I say that she is on her way to winning big in her own game of life? Well, it won’t be a bed of roses or smooth sailing but it won’t be as bad as before. So is she now playing life on easy mode? But I can vouch her success and support is not because of any cheat codes she inputted but by her own effort. Life is ahead a long quest so stay sharp, stay focus and stay positive. Another season to see Sam’s success? I believe the series isn’t over yet and is ongoing but due to some publishing issues, from what I read it is currently on hiatus. Oh well. A little roadblock for this series in finishing its own quest.

Honestly, I find the story to be boring! Scorn me all you want but I suppose the blame lies within me because I had very different expectations before I started watching this show. Based on the synopsis, I assumed this was going to be some sort of wacky comedy! I thought I was going to be laughing all the way because I thought when it said the show would satirize gaming culture, oh boy, you can guess what kind of thoughts I am already forming. But then it turns out to be one of those generic adult cast romance drama genre so you can see why I easily got bored. Even more so when I thought rival Marshall moved next door to Sam, there’s going to be some sort of ‘war’ going on between them. Yeah. I guess I really expected some sort of explosive fireworks between them. And what do we get? Marshall trying to redeem himself the whole time because he feels he has been a dick to her. Oh wow. That shows how much of a dick I am because if this show is the Ruminate to me, then I have obviously failed hard and big.

Initially I thought there was going to be a lot of memes regarding the gaming industry but who am I kidding? I am not a meme king nor am I a pro in that. I could be mistaken when I say that I do not spot many memes throughout the season. “All your bases are belong to us!”. “I feel asleep!”. “A winner is you!”. “Welcome to die!”. “Conglaturation!”. Oh man. Do you old people remember all that? Sorry, I don’t see them all here. Instead, the ‘memes’ that I mostly see are mostly emotions or feelings being represented by strange coloured marshmallow people and that’s about it. It did not feel funny. It just felt awkward. At least for me. I don’t really see the connection except to showcase, for instance, Sam’s feelings when she is in a pickle. Not sure its significance but perhaps to let us viewers know that this anxious feeling may be eating her up? I don’t think there’s a punchline after that either so this part is mostly a miss for me. I don’t know if this counts as trivia or just a coincidence because Link and Bowser sound strange for a character name unless the author named them in reference to those famous video game characters.

Sadly, it feels like the whole series doesn’t delve too much in the video game industry and the most we got was just anonymous toxic fans that somewhat became a death knell for Sam’s dreams. It doesn’t really address the root of the problem or whatever issues or suggestions to fix the issue. Because whether it happens or not, it somewhat feels unrelated to what is going on in Sam’s life. And here I thought there would be some sort of gender discrimination and jealous chauvinist males trying to take down Sam or bigwig CEOs trying to muscle their way and buy Sam out or something. But I guess we haven’t got to that stage yet. Either way, Sam has got supportive friends so we’re not worried about her. It’s her inner demons and self-confidence that only she can deal with.

If the whole series doesn’t feel anime-like, note that this series originated as a webtoon and written by an American author, Leeanne M. Krecic who is also known as Mongie. Thus there may be lack of anime-like elements such as exaggerated emotional expressions or stylized hair. You can also tell how it sets in America and with many of the characters having western names. Uh huh. One of those rare animes that doesn’t have a Japanese named character! (And no, Sam’s dream of visiting Japan to see a certain Japanese game creator does not count!). Even in isekai fantasy genres, you always have a Japanese character, RIGHT?! Thus the series feels more down to earth rather than anything exaggerated and in a way many can relate to real life. Is this why I also find the series boring? Perhaps. Yeah, I’ve been so entrenched with typical and sh*tty animes that this kind of genre, storytelling, flow and pacing feels off. Sad to be me.

Character wise, I find them boring because the story was already not according to my expectation so what are the chances the characters will be better? Sorry not sorry, it did not. Sam as the main character, we see her dealing with the usual anxiety of life. Basically her workplace expectations, juggling with her dreams and of course her love life. Which is typically like any other ordinary person in the world. I would be a dick to laugh off at her anxieties because I think I would be like Sam (if not worse) if I put myself in her shoes. Remember, Sam has to overcome this despite her childhood medical condition. So it is a tremendous feat for Sam to have achieved what she is doing and even more so, a female as a game developer when the industry is often dominated by males. I’m sure they want to send a message about empowering woman but I’m not so sexist so I see her mainly as an ordinary person trying her best in life. If it makes you feel better, despite Sam’s struggles, her life seems far better than mine! Sighs.

Then the other character is Marshall and he isn’t exactly a bad guy. Because of a careless mistake, it became a domino snowballing effect that affected Sam. It wasn’t Marshall’s fault entirely (because we love to blame toxic fans for everything) and he spends the entire season trying to redeem himself. So yeah, Sam and Marshall are people with principles and are they trying to hint to us that using money does not solve anything! I wish. There may be a message behind Marshall’s anxiety of hurting Sam’s feelings and careers so I am guessing that to be a proper human being, one needs to have consciousness and humility. Say sorry when you are wrong. What you did cannot be undone but you can make amends and move on. Good for Marshall to find his redemption but unfortunately for me, he feels boring because I sometimes keep thinking he is trying to appease and pander to Sam for his wrongdoing despite not entirely his fault.

To add to the drama and probably the romantic vibes of this series is Link. Do they love each other or do they not? On paper, they seem like the perfect couple but of course life would have been so much easier if love was something so easy. So they had to ‘complicate’ it with confused feelings which fits in perfectly as one of Sam’s fears. At the end of the day, most eligible bachelor Link also has his own worries because being a noob in love, nobody wants to make the mistake and turn their friendship unrepairable. That is why status quo always works. Even in harem themed animes. Heh. Friendship > love. That’s how I see it. After all, there might exist a possible love triangle with Marshall in the picture because you know, streamer boy realizes how much Sam means to him and decides to go for love. Oh wait. What about Monica?! I thought they were in a secret relationship? Well, with the way things are going, they may have to call it off. Earning Monica’s wrath. Yeah, it might get messy. Probably the drama is leaning towards this. Don’t forget Charles. He might look like Sam’s good employer but what if he also secretly admires her? That’s another problem to the equation. Marshall, Link and Charles, important men in Sam’s life and featured on the promotional poster. That should give us some hints… Yeah, the guys so mature and not fighting over Sam, that’s why it’s not like those male targeted sleazy romcom shows… No wonder also why it felt a bit boring… No men fighting over Sam’s attention.

Other characters aren’t that prominent and most probably the season does not have time to flesh them all out. Angela gets some focus because of her abusive past but that is more about it. There is also a possibility in adding her to the love polygon because Link saved her and with this guy unable to look to Sam than more than a little sister for now, do you see where I am getting at? Olivia is also interesting because of how she communicates despite being deaf. Technology. Before we quickly pigeonhole her into some spoilt rich brat, here she is providing Sam with some serious questions to ask herself. Not to say that she gave Sam any answer on a silver platter but a mature point of view. But I think she was serious in breaking Marshall’s legs! Scary. Don’t underestimate her. Other characters like the other members in Rare Spawn are forgettable for now and is that why you see their familiar faces as certain characters in Ruminate? Did Sam create those characters based off her teammates?! Otherwise, they don’t feel like they make any sort of significant impact this season. And Bowser has got to be the pet mascot, right? Isn’t he the cutest?

Art and animation, I have mixed feelings. The animation style looks a bit simple and I believe the adaptation turned the characters into good looking anime style characters. Because I briefly glanced through the original webtoon art style, they look a lot different. Can I say that some of the characters are a bit fatter?! Like Sam and Marshall! Is uglier the right word?! Or derpy?! Only if I compare them to the anime counterpart! I would definitely take the anime version any time! Anyway, the animation style is also mostly clean but the colours feel muted. The scenes don’t feel vibrant and vivid and perhaps it is to reflect Sam’s anxiety. Some characters look strange because like Lucy, I thought she came out from some comic strip. Wait. Doesn’t she look like that Disney cartoon titular character, Pepper Ann? And doesn’t that Jacob dude look like Shaggy from Scooby Doo but fatter?! OMFG WHAT?! And why does Samuel remind me of Spiderman’s Jonah Jameson?! This anime is done by OLM who did Kusuriya No Hitorigoto and mostly the Pokemon movies.

The voice acting is also okay and there are some recognizable seiyuus like Kana Hanazawa as Sam (quite meek here but that’s okay because she has her own charms in this mode), Tomokazu Sugita as Link, Yuuichi Nakamura as Charles, Takehito Koyasu as Charle’s father, Youko Hikasa as Vikki and Ayane Sakura as Angela (also another mostly meek role from her). Other casts are Shimba Tsuchiya as Marshall (Balgo in Burn The Witch), Mie Sonozaki as Monica (Hazuki in Happy Lesson), Kenta Miyake as Samuel (All Might in Boku No Hero Academia), Kengo Tsujii as Abe, Hiroshi Watanabe as Dallas (Natsuki in The Idolmaster SideM), Minami Kurisaka as Olivia (Fuuka in Yumemiru Danshi Wa Genjitsushugisha), Kenichirou Matsuda as Edgar (Bond in Spy x Family), Mitsuki Saiga as Dee (Phantom in MAR), Sumire Morohoshi as Lucy (Julie in Mushoku Tensei) and Tasuku Hatanaka as Umed (Kaminari in Boku No Hero Academia). The opening theme, 1, 2, Play by Toshinobu Kubota feels like generic hip hop material. He also sings the slow love ballad ending theme, Left & Right which personally sounds a little gay to me! Not sure if the female voice accompaniment or the characters as seen in the ending credits animation swaying their heads to the tune made me think so. Perhaps both. Though, the song is quite alright to listen.

Overall, while this is not a bad anime, unfortunately I find it boring and there is nothing much going on. Sorry, what I meant is that if you’re expecting exciting to happen, you’re in for some disappointment. Thank goodness it is not that boring because yeah, I didn’t FEEL asleep! Heh. Because we’re dealing with mostly the usual and unfounded anxieties of a young woman that feels like it also happens a lot in real life. It doesn’t take an in depth look at the video game industry. Of course the series is not yet over by a long shot so it has been unwise for me to prematurely judge it so. But I’m still gonna say this series is boring. Sorry folks, I’m not going to rewatch this just to see if I would change my mind and if the series gets cancelled because of my heartless comments, so be it! It means the series is not good enough to pull through! In such case, conglaturation you are welcome to die!

Tondemo Skill De Isekai Hourou Meshi S2

Surprise, surprise. I didn’t expect this to get another season. Oh well. It goes to show that somebody’s cooking is so good and delicious, that they need second servings. In this case, a second season. Sorry for that bad pun. So yeah, what will Mukouda cook up for his familiars in Tondemo Skill De Isekai Hourou Meshi S2? Whatever it is, we all know they are going to enjoy his tasty cooking that he puts his heart and soul in. As long as that online store interface still works, you can count on more delicious grubs to be devoured.

Episode 1
Fel zaps and kills all those poisonous tarantulas. Too bad for their hard and venomous skin. Would hardly make good meat. After Mukouda puts them away, he starts cooking. But with not much meet to work on, he makes gyoza. As he is about to dig in, suddenly a creature slams into this face! What’s this pixie dragon and he wants some gyoza? Mukouda lets him have his share as the dragon eats it all and is satisfied. Suddenly Mukouda can hear his thoughts and as Fel explains, he is now his familiar. The dragon is glad he went after him as he doesn’t mind entering a contract just to be fed. Uhm, does this sound familiar? Sorry Mukouda, looks like you’ve got another baggage to feed. As such, Mukouda names him Dora. Sissy name. Sorry, that’s your name from now on. Entering the city of Krehl to register Dora as his familiar, a dwarf named Rodolfo seeks his help to do some forest exploration as the monsters have gotten aggressive. He can’t have everyone avoid it because the forest has lots of high quality materials they need for trade. As he further explains, Mukouda starts to realize it. Are these the dead spiders Fel zapped from before? Looks like problem solved. Rodolfo wants the shell and webbing as he hints the meat is quite good if boiled. Oh well, you got the familiars salivating already. You know what to do. After Rodolfo shows how to extract its meat, Mukouda tastes it to be like crab. And even better. Hence he makes lots of spider dishes that also serve as Dora’s welcoming party. Dora is still happy he made the right choice to go after him. But in the forest he lost sight of him and that’s when all the confused monsters came out thinking a pixie dragon was trying to invade them. So basically those spiders died just trying to defend themselves. Oops? But we wouldn’t have great crab spider meat, right? As Mukouda sleeps after his bath, he thinks he forgot something. Ah, never mind. Yeah, those goddesses must be angry he forgot their weekly tribute! Next day, Mukouda asks Rodolfo about the earth dragon so he suggests to find this guild master, Elleland in Dolan. We know where we’re heading next.

Episode 2
While waiting to enter Dolan, Elleland personally comes to greet Mukouda. He is super shocked to see Dora as his familiar. Now he becomes obsessed in observing Dora as his character is not as per observed records. Of course Elleland has to examine and measure the earth dragon before any cutting can be done so it will take some time. This means Mukouda have to order some Genghis Khan meat online to cook for his familiars. Once done, he thought he could have a sweet snack for himself but his familiars find out about it and want a piece of it. Or the whole lot of them. Next day, Elleland is ready to cut it with his toughest knife made from mithril. However it breaks! Fel in despair since he was waiting to feast on dragon meat and now he can’t. But when Elleland claims mithril can be mined in the dungeon, the familiars are ever ready to head there. Mukouda opposes it because if they get wild and stand out too much, they will be captured and that will be the end of their travelling and cooking adventure. So for now he cooks them the Genghis Khan meat using other vegetables. When Mukouda finally contacts the goddesses, suddenly a couple more appear. Hephaestos (blacksmithing god) and Vahagn (war god) have heard about the goddesses hogging the offerings so they want in too. Mukouda asks about the mithril knife so Hephaestos can give his blessings. However Mukouda has no blacksmithing talent so he suggests to give it to Sui. As for war blessings, Mukouda doesn’t need it so just give it to Fel and Dora. With the new blessings, the new gods are now happy to receive their offerings. Fel reminds Mukouda they have some mithril ore from the lizard they hunted. And this wolf still wants to go dungeon hunting despite that? Not sure what pride he is talking about. Mukouda gives the mithril ore to Sui and instantly the slime spits out a perfect mithril knife.

Episode 3
Giving the mithril knife to Elleland, this guy is amazed as he slices up the earth dragon with ease. Due to its size, he will need 3 days to process everything. In the meantime, the familiars are bugging Mukouda to explore the dungeon. While he rejects them, Sui’s begging ultimately has him relent. However after learning from the receptionist that proper food and equipment must be prepared before entering the dungeon because the exploration might last a long time, Mukouda opts out. The familiars are unhappy but Mukouda reasons if they want to eat bad food in the dungeon. There’s your buzzword. On the way back, he stumbles into a giant stove-cum-oven on sale. It can use various elements at a time and it is big enough to roast a whole cockatrice. You bet Fel wants him to buy it now despite it costs a lot. So Mukouda buys it and makes some decent meal for them. When Elleland is done, they head over and WTF this elf admiring bottles of dragon blood? As he has completed the process, he also wants to buy some of its parts. Mukouda is surprised he only selected a few and thought he would buy more. Doing so would wreck his guild’s finances so he has to limit himself to these few. As for the meat, he stored them in his freezer so Mukouda moves them into his item box. Now that they’ve got the meat, let’s cook it right away! You bet it is going to taste good. Good to know that dragons do not taste like chicken, beef, lamb or any other meat we know. Even Elleland is in tears eating it. Not sure if it’s the meat or Mukouda’s cooking. Maybe both. Meanwhile the gods are awaiting for their next offering when suddenly it hit them. They only gave Mukouda modest blessings. What if he dies? They will never taste his offerings again! Oh yeah, time to hit the panic button. Protect their offerings at all cost! Because of that, all of them forcefully impose their greater blessings on Mukouda even if he doesn’t want it. You have no say. Once all is done, they are now ready to enter the dungeon.

Episode 4
Entering the dungeon, Fel detects the floors have small fries so it’s best they race down to the lower levels. They ram through all the monsters and despite setting off all the traps, the blessing protects them. Fel explains that a dungeon is like a living thing as it evolves. When monsters and adventurers die here, they are absorbed as nutrients that contribute to its growth. Arriving at a floor boss level, they find a group of adventurers waiting. Mukouda learns some of the dungeon etiquette that they need to queue up and take turns to fight the floor boss. That’s why there are some who jump the queue just to steal the spoils. After this group is done, they are done and won’t go further as they have families and won’t risk their lives. It is Mukouda’s turn but his familiars easily destroys all the spider bosses. As they proceed, they decide to take a rest as Mukouda will cook for them. They stumble into Werner and his Iron Will who are also tackling this dungeon. They catch up a bit before Mukouda invites them to join in eating with them. After the delicious wyvern dishes that has them asking for seconds, they part ways exploring the dungeon. Mukouda sees a treasure chest and wants to open it but Fel warns it is a trap. Luckily Mukouda appraises it as it warns him it is so. Because he only his minor blessings, Ninrir confirms his blessings are now powerful because of the layered blessings by other goddesses. In his case, he can’t get sick or poisoned by traps. After having his fill of opening fake treasure chests, they proceed to a part of the dungeon that now looks like open space. The familiars take turn to fight powerful enemies. Of course it is time to rest as Mukouda cooks using ingredients from his interface. You bet they want seconds. In the end, all their stats increase tremendously. Well, for Mukouda, his stats just has minimal increase. Sad.

Episode 5
Mukouda’s familiars eagerly take on this big badass cobra and win. Then they teleport back to the dungeon. Looks more like a mine. They take a break as Mukouda cooks for them meat sandwiches. As they are about to rest, a group of adventures arrive in dire straits. One of their members has a nasty fatal wound and is about to die. Mukouda gives them a potion to heal. It works but they are shocked an ordinary adventurer holds a very high grade potion. They pay him more than the potion’s worth but will not prod more about Mukouda’s past. After resting, they head back to the surface while Mukouda and his familiars go deeper. The familiars easily beat the spriggan monsters. This spurs Mukouda to want to fight. Too bad he is a wimp and takes a beating. Thank goodness for his divine protection. I guess he’ll leave the fighting to his familiars. The next level is a hot scorching desert. I guess it is to advertise a certain Pokari drink and some ice cream treats. Yeah, stay cool and hydrated! By night fall, it is time for Mukouda to show off his cooking again. When they finally teleport to the final level of the dungeon, they go straight into a boss fight against a behemoth. This one is tough as they have to be patient and persistent to wear it down until they finally defeat it. Mukouda picks up this magic sword, Caladbolg. Fel wants to eat despite Mukouda’s advice to head back to the surface. There’s no more danger so what’s the problem? They’re hungry from all the fighting. Have fun eating fried chicken and corn dogs!

Episode 6
Mukouda and co surface from the dungeon. Everyone is in shock upon learning they conquered the last floor and spams them with questions. But Elleland whisks them back to his guild so he can ask them more in detail of their excursion. Of course he is told they are tired and to give them some time to rest. Soon, a couple of young kids, Daryl and Iris are seen running away from an orc in the forest. Luckily Mukouda and co are nearby and kill it off. Asking about their story, the kids say they are from Dolan. You see, dad is an adventurer but he never came back. So the kids helped mom with all the work but mom soon fell sick. Even the local priest can’t heal her so thinking they need lots of money for a priest from the royal capital, they think hunting an orc will pay off the bills. Of course Mukouda knows an orc won’t be much. But first he cooks everyone a hamburger meal. A happy stomach blows away the tears. When the kids are napping, Mukouda tries to find a healing potion but Fel says only an elixir can cure all. Then he remembers the blood and liver of the earth dragon. He has Sui experiment and mix it. In the meantime, he also cooks a healthy meal for the kids’ mom. Once Sui is successful with the elixir, it is time for everyone to head back to Dolan. Before parting ways, Mukouda claims he has an elixir that can cure their mom. However he won’t sell it for free and won’t be cheap. But he’ll give it in exchange for this orc. Here’s some cooking freebie for mom as service. Daryl is so touched that he wants to become a man like him one day. Wow, isn’t that touching, Mukouda? Mukouda checks the stats of his familiars. Many times fold their increase. Himself? Such paltry. But what’s this? His Online Grocer has levelled up too? Now he has to choose between some meat or sweets shop. He chooses the latter. Now we can have sweet dessert treats! Yum! Mukouda realizes he is forgetting something. Oh right. Could have given some of these sweets to the kids’ mom. Well, it’s not. Because the goddesses’ patience are being tested. WHERE’S THE OFFERINGS???!!!

Episode 7
Elleland and Ugohl take a look at the other items Mukouda got from the dungeon. One of the bags contains lots of high quality jewels! As they are rare and in high demand, they fetch a high price and obviously their guild cannot buy them all. Since the merchant guild has requested a direct trade, they can go trade with them. Ugohl will go with Mukouda to negotiate a favourable price. When Elleland wants to go, Ugohl tells him off to finish his paperwork or he’ll sell off his favourite sword. They go meet the guys from merchant guild, Adriano and Ruslan who appraise the jewels. They are shocked to see its high quality and set their price. Mukouda is very happy that this is a lot but before he accepts, Ugohl takes a look at the list again and can tell they are ripping Mukouda off. He threatens not to do trade with them again so they revise their pay out accordingly. Back at the guild, Elleland hands Mukouda a new card. He is promoted from C-rank to A-rank after his Dolan dungeon feat. Mukouda is in shock and can’t accept such huge jump despite all the perks like free guild food, discounted items and no restrictions on any quests. This fires up Fel as he coaxes Mukouda to accept it. What else choice does he have? And now it is cooking time as Mukouda cooks meatloaf with ground meat for dinner. This is thanks to the mithril grinder Sui made for him. Meanwhile the goddesses are still waiting for Mukouda’s treats. Keep waiting… They think of the need to research more of his world because it has lots of different treats. It’s about time. Better than waiting on their asses. Mukouda hands Ugohl a basket filled with sweets as thanks for the negotiation.

Episode 8
Mukouda tries to find a dwarf who will make him cooking utensils. Unfortunately, the prideful dwarves kick him out angrily because they smith weapons and not cooking tools! As per advised by Ugohl, dwarves love alcohol so if Mukouda offers some, they might bend their pride. Hence Mukouda goes to see Ales and experiences the same problem. But unlike other angry dwarves, Ales is kind enough to just tell him to go away. Of course Mukouda has prepared some good alcohol for him. Like it? Oh you bet. Mukouda is willing to give 5 bottles if he makes this grill. 10 bottles then. Deal. Come back in 3 days. Dwarves’ love for alcohol reminds Mukouda that the gods too love them. Speaking of which, he remembers he forgot about the tribute! Oh yeah. You bet they are not happy. As they have done their research on his online grocery thingy, now they want their tributes from there. However Mukouda puts down a condition he doesn’t want them to force him to level up or he will stop his offerings! Horror! Realizing his offerings are more important, they allow him to level up naturally. Mukouda lets them have a view of what is available online as the gods pick what they want. Can’t believe making offerings is so tiring. Now he has to go cook and feed his familiars as Mukouda makes stuffed cockatrice for them. Hephaestos and Vahagn talk about Mukouda not wanting to be levelled up forcefully. But since he didn’t say about secretly giving that skill, the sneaky gods secretly give this blessing of gaining double experience. Ales has finished the grill and has Mukouda test it out in his backyard so if anything is wrong, he can make adjustments. So yeah, we’re going to have some meat BBQ. The grill works fine and it’s the best BBQ party ever and even more so when you down it with alcohol. Ales notes that Mukouda’s dungeon exploits has made him famous. He is the talk of the town. Everyone knows him. However Mukouda looks worried.

Episode 9
Mukouda plans to leave this place since their reputation is now known. But first, they go hunting and Mukouda cooks some sausages for his familiars. So as they leave, you bet Elleland is super sad that they will no longer be here. He really wanted to know more about Dora. He hopes Mukouda brings back dragons for him to process. After a long journey, they enter this small pottery town of Nijhoff. Thanks to his A-rank card, Mukouda could easily access the town. With Ugohl’s recommendation, the local guild master, Goran has heard about him and as such has several dangerous quests for him and one of them including taking out evil carnivorous plants and extermination kyklopes at some clay mining site. Before they can take on this quest, they need to rent a place to stay. Domenico of the local merchant guild has a few suggestions and Mukouda is taken in by the one with a well equipped kitchen. This looks like the smallest house too but that is just comparatively. Because the house is huge like a celebrity mansion! Mukouda makes curry meat for dinner and then takes a bath. Since Fel will not get into the bath, Mukouda scrubs him outside. After bath, all get to enjoy the soft comfy bed. Next day, they split into teams to hunt for evil plants and successfully destroy them. Mukouda thinks that is it for today but his familiars still want more and go kill the kyklopes. We’re on a roll. When they return, they notice Sui has grown a bit bigger thanks to the increase in stats. Everyone too experiences increase in their stats. Even Mukouda. However he can’t believe there is a big jump and what’s this double experience skill? He now realizes it was the gods who gave it to him and you bet he is going to scold them when he makes his offerings.

Episode 10
Time to see how big Sui can grow. Well, very huge! But Sui prefers the small size so as to travel close with Mukouda. Now he makes minced cockatrice meat bowl as lunch. Goran rewards Mukouda for the evil plants and kyklopes. While the guild takes time to process them, he goes sightseeing and browses for ceramics and potteries. The familiars want to go dungeon exploring rather than to the next city. So they see what quests are available at the guild so Goran introduces Mukouda to this adventurer group, Shadow Warrior led by Alonso to go hunt an orc settlement nearby. They have to wipe it out before an orc king comes about. Next day, they arrive at the orc settlement in the forest so Mukouda has his familiars do the usual attacking. Even Mukouda got in on some of the action by cutting down runaway orcs. The mission is successful. Too successful. They decimated the entire settlement! Taking a break, Mukouda makes meat burger for everyone. After getting all their due rewards, Mukouda decides to make a fancy dinner since it will be their last day using this kitchen. Hope you all enjoy the salt baked meat. Definitely. After that, they enjoy an assortment of sweet desserts. Next day, Mukouda and his familiars leave for Berleand.

Episode 11
Entering the seaside town of Berleand, uhm, why is everything so lacking? Turns out a kraken appeared a few days ago so the fishermen are now afraid to go out to sea. Meeting the guild master Marx, he offers them a job to take down the kraken since everyone else is too afraid for this job. Fel eagerly wants to accept it because, yeah, kraken meat! But first, Mukouda rents a place so he can start cooking. Enjoy the delicious meat and mushroom rice. As always, there is room for desserts so they get to feast on mont blanc and cheesecake. Yum. Next day as they are preparing to go hunt the kraken, Mukouda asks Fel how he defeated one last time. He was on a cliff and one happened to appear so he zapped it with his lightning. Okay. So how do we do it this time? Dunno. Damn! Asking the boatmen, none are willing to rent them their boat out to sea. So quest failed? Mukouda watches Sui play on the sea and he gets this brilliant idea. Sui becomes your boat! Heading out to sea, Fel senses the enemies. Oh, kraken and sea serpent engage in their own mortal combat! Of course they get neutralized. While trying to untangle them, a huge fish tries to swallow everything up! Thanks to Sui giving it a good punch, looks like today we have a great haul of seafood! Marx can’t believe his eyes that Mukouda is already back and completed the quest. Marx then has everyone process and carve up the seafood. Once done, the whole town has a great seafood feast. We celebrate the subjugation of sea monsters tonight! The fishermen are now motivated to return to sea and catch a greater haul. Thus Marx wants Mukouda to look forward to the fish market tomorrow morning.

Episode 12
Mukouda and his familiars patron the market. Some grateful owners treat them with their fish. They also buy a few seafood so they can cook their own meal afterwards. But back home, Mukouda makes okonomiyaki with seafood fillings. Sui and Dora try their hand at making it but being amateurs, they ruin it, much to Fel’s despair! Don’t worry, they can always make more and this time, leave the cooking to the master! Once done, the familiars go out to exercise. Marx visits and hands him a letter from Lambert. He writes that his products are selling well and soon needs to restock. He also mentions his requested cape is almost done. When Marx learns his familiars are out, it seems he feels a bit down and then drops the subject. Mukouda thinks another kraken may have shown up. When the familiars return, it seems they have hunted and killed a red dragon! You bet Mukouda is shocked as hell. What is he going to do with it? What else? Cook it! They believe it is much more delicious than the earth dragon. Mukouda thinks of taking this to Elleland before heading to meet Lambert. Feeling the need to cool down, he makes shaved ice with different flavours. Yes, even familiars can get brain freeze! When they head to the guild, they see Marx and a few others worried. Before Marx could report something terrible, Mukouda wants to speak privately. He shows him the red dragon! Oh dang! You just took care of that problem! Marx thinks he should consider to be S-rank although he declines and even so, don’t want to be made public. Marx tells him off that such info must be shared! Mukouda now goes to pacify the goddesses. With Rusalka wanting okonomiyaki, Mukouda has to work harder for the offerings. To take his mind off all the stress, he goes to play sparklers with his familiars. Soon it is time to make the journey.

Whipping Up Happiness In A Gas Stove
Is this the end? As far as I can tell, as long as they continue their journey to various towns, it will be the same ol’ stuffs. Oh you know, cooking foods and happily enjoying them. The best carefree life ever. Save for a few troublesome moments and quests that are dangerous but with these top notched familiars, Mukouda has nothing to worry about. Oh wait. Maybe he will still worry because Mukouda being Mukouda. But that’s okay. As long as they can eat good food, that is all that matters at the end of the day.

I have to be honest here, this sequel is still as boring as f*ck! It follows the same formula as the first season but I guess if it is not broken, do not fix it. This means you can expect very much the same thing as the series is mainly about Mukouda cooking great food for his familiars. That is basically the whole plot of the series. Only now that he has earned himself some dessert specialty, we can enjoy sweet stuffs after that. Double the joy. So if you’re expecting some sort of plot twist like Mukouda being roped in by the original adventurers to slay the Demon Lord, that’s not going to happen. YOU DO REMEMBER SOMETHING LIKE THAT AT THE START OF THE FIRST SEASON, DO YOU?! Yeah, I’m beginning to wonder what happened to that. Considering that Mukouda is still happily travelling and cooking without a care in the world, I am going to assume that the Demon Lord has been slain without much fanfare.

Obviously the stars of the series would still be the cooking and the food. And just like last time, I still can’t bring myself to say that I am taken in by all the cooking. Yes, they do look good and appetizing. Yeah, the familiars’ reaction and eagerly can’t wait to swallow it all down adds to the psychological method of making the food look so tasty and making you salivate! Because of the simple issue that I can’t fathom or imagine how those monster meats taste like. I mean, sure, cockatrice, wyvern or minatour meat sure looks good after Mukouda adds all his seasoning and other ingredients but how do mythical creatures actually taste like? Personally, I can’t imagine that so while visually it looks good, it is not enough to make me feel hungry. Yeah, I am going to assume they all taste like chicken! But yes, those sweet desserts are an exception. I have a sweet tooth and is more inclined to love those desserts but you see, I can actually imagine and taste those tasty sweets in my mind unlike those main meat dishes. That is why despite only for shorter periods, I appreciate the desserts better than the other foods.

Until today, I am still boggled by Mukouda’s online shopping interface but at this point, I suppose we are not going to ask all the hard questions of how he makes it all possible as well as how the whole damn thing works. As long as he has enough cash, he can choose them at his convenience and make his cooking even more delicious. I mean, where does the money he spent goes to? I doubt Walmart or Target or even Aeon would get all his funds, no?! Imagine blending products from our world with this fantasy world, no wonder Mukouda’s cooking will always be the best!

The characters are just average this season. Mukouda, Fel and Sui are basically the same as we know them last season. A little levelling up but nothing that I would say would be a game changer to the whole thing. That is why I am thinking the reason they introduced Dora to the group is so that the more the merrier. I mean, food tastes delicious if you eat in a company of friends, right? But in Mukouda’s case, pet familiars. But I am very sure he doesn’t mind it because as long as he enjoys cooking and they enjoy-cum-appreciate his cooking by licking off the bowls clean, he will continue to make everyone happy. Don’t rush, there is always more than enough for everybody. So yeah, the pixie dragon isn’t anything much except for a little bit more variation when it comes to fight. After all, Fel has lightning, Sui has water and now we have firepower (literally) with Dora. I can only imagine Mukouda amassing more familiars and perhaps he can create a small settlement of his own if more seasons of this series come to be! Wow, a little town where Mukouda feeds everybody! Where can I sign up for this lifetime guarantee of gastronomic goodness!

Sadly the other characters felt like they don’t really leave an impact. Even those from the previous season making their short cameo here, I truly have forgotten about them had they not note about it. You have to be a character who is crazy and eccentric like Elleland to make some sort of memorable impact. Yeah, I guess that is the only way for a side supporting character in this series to be somewhat memorable for a little bit longer. So if you’re like Ugohl, Rodolfo, Ales, Daryl, Goran, Alonso and Marx, they will be largely forgettable by the time the season ends.

And I don’t know if I should be happy about this because those goddesses felt less annoying this season because they seem to make less screen time. At least that is how I felt for them even if it’s not the case. Because imagine the annoyance to see Ninrir b*tching about not getting her offerings in time. Sure, she looks cute and all but still irritating nevertheless. Oh boy. And there were a few occasions that Mukouda simply had forgotten! I don’t know if I can call this just desserts but oh well. The goddesses also do nothing much except making their short cameo to receive their offerings from Mukouda. Basically that is about it. So by now having a few male gods into the fray, will Mukouda’s burden be increased? I’ll be damned the entire god kingdom and the heavens ending up relying on Mukouda for his treats! There has got to be another efficient way to get those good stuffs that strangely mortals can only provide! Oh well, as long as they don’t interfere with Mukouda’s cooking, I am sure everyone will be happy. Don’t want Mukouda to rebel and fight against all the gods in heaven, do you! OMFG that would be a shocking plot twist! I wonder if they’re going to turn him immortal so he can continue to offer FOREVER! Yeah, these gods have nothing better to do than to laze around waiting for free stuffs from Mukouda! I’ll be damned if Mukouda gets turned into a God just for this… Holy f*ck?! WHAT?!

Art and animation remain consistent with the first season so nothing much that breaks the mould. As long as Mukouda’s cooking looks visually good, you bet you can be visually satisfied and full. Sort of. There is a huge number of minor casts considering how the series plays out. So some of this season’s new casts are Ayumu Murase as Dora (Luck in Black Clover – why does he sound his Dora like having constipation?!), Daisuke Namikawa as Elleland (Rock in Black Lagoon), Akihiko Ishizumi as Ugohl, Tadashi Miyazawa as Rodolfo (Richard in Macross Frontier), Hiroshi Naka as Ales (Senshi in Dungeon Meshi), Mugitho as Goran (Wombat in Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu Love), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro in One Piece) as Vahagn, Shirou Satou as Hephaestos (Bluenote in Fairy Tail), Tomoyuki Shimura as Marx (Arashiyama in Nanaka 6/17) and Sayaka Kikuchi as Daryl (Snow in Sentou Hakenshimasu). This season’s opening theme, Ymmy Goodday by Cent Chihiro Chittiii is a lively and upbeat rock piece to give you good vibes that everyone will be looking forward and enjoying Mukouda’s cooking. As for the ending theme, Salt And Pepper (no, not that 80’s American hip hop group) by Chelmico is a hip hop piece. Sounds rather average to me since I’m not into that kind of music genre.

Overall, still a boring sequel to me but I suppose if you want something different from the usual mainstream stuffs like gory violence, sleazy fanservice, cheesy romcom, over the top drama or even convoluted storylines, this is one of those laidback anime series to go to. Nothing dramatic that would spike your heartbeat rate will ever happen here. Not even the times Mukouda doing a bit of dangerous dungeon exploring. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the great cooking show without all the stress and cussing of Hell’s Kitchen! Yeah. Making food need not be that traumatic and nerve wrecking! If you can’t cook a delicious meal yourself, watching Mukouda working wonders with his can be satisfying in its own right. But oh well, watching good food won’t actually fill up your stomach. So it’s time to once again to order from the usual online stores and have the usual food delivery platforms deliver the grub. Uhm, scrap that. I don’t have enough money for that kind of luxury. Back to cheap instant noodles for me…

California Crisis

Well, it is no secret that with the homelessness issue all over California that has been plaguing the American state for quite a while, it is a crisis not to be ignored. However… Anime has foreseen this problem back in 1986 and released a 45 minute anime about it called California Crisis! JUST KIDDING!!! While California is indeed having its homeless crisis and climate change crisis, this anime is anything but that. When a couple of teens accidentally steal something from sneaky guys, you know who is coming after you even faster than the IRS! Yeah… That’s America for you, baby!

California dreamin’…
Noera talks to some bar master about the old times, where some of his pals have ended up. Well, looks like Noera got himself some job so it isn’t all that bad. As he drives along in his Dodge, he hears from the radio that there is some meteorite impact at Pine Valley and the area has been sealed off due to high radiation. Marcia is riding her bike and zooms past him. But she asks how long it is to head to Los Angeles. Suddenly a group of trucks being chased by guys in vans. OMFG they don’t care about civilians and start shooting?! This pushes Noera and Marcia off the cliff but they survive. Though, Marcia’s bike has been done fore. Those goons are still firing so Marcia hops into Noera’s Dodge as they escape. Those shady guys approached the truck and it goes boom! That solves the problem. The other truck that got away, looks like those guys don’t care if their comrades got done in and continue along the way.

At the diner, it seems Marcia has stolen a box from them. They open it and what the heck is this black bowling ball? When they touch it, they see some desert images. Wow. What was that trippy dream? Marcia is impressed and tries to ask other diners but they don’t know. Then she spots a similar desert picture on the wall and asks the waitress. It’s Death Valley. Now Marcia wants to bring this orb to Death Valley to live out her American Dream?! I’m sure that is not what a typical American Dream is! Noera isn’t so interested because he has a job to be done but Marcia talks about aliens and all those romantic stuffs seen in movies. Then those shady guys enter the diner and START F*CKING SHOOTING!!! Damn, the duo manage to escape in time?! Then it turns into a crazy car chase. Yeah, those bozos either have bad shots or are just so dumb! Or both! Because Marcia throwing stuffs from his car, they crash!!! Even the police gets involved in the chase but I’m guessing it is for the body count. Oh sorry, make that piling up the cars for no reason because they’re dumb too! Eventually, Noera manages to lose them because he outruns a running train and crosses the tracks just in time! I guess losing a bumper was worth it.

Taking a break, Noera wants to part ways at the next city and doesn’t want to die on this dream adventure of hers. After leaving her, he drives off. Then as he parks his car nearby, he hears some military officers talking, one of them being Captain Cain. OMFG HOW DUMB CAN THEY BE?! TALKING SECRET OPERATIVES OUT IN THE OPEN!!! ESPECIALLY FOR A CIVILIAN TO HEAR???!!! It seems whatever has been taken off via money. Especially buying off the cops. They also interrogated the men caught in this morning’s crash and they’re from Kremlin? They also note a young boy and a young girl took something from the crash and it needs to be recovered. OMFG… HOW CAN THEY NOT NOTICE NOERA THIS CLOSE IN HEARING THEIR CONVERSATION!!! SO DAMN BLIND AND STUPID!!! Now that Noera knows they are wanted people, he goes back to pick up Marcia. So now they’re fugitives? So yeah, that meteorite thingy may be some alien incident. Whatever. Oh damn, their car just broke down. Now they have to walk all the way from Orange County to Los Angeles! Uhm, isn’t that a bit far???!!!

Anyway, they manage to reach LA by night fall and welcome to America. Yeah, those stupid shady guys still trying to get them and they must be really having a streak of bad luck. Shooting in public but still miss! The duo finally find refuge at a bar. They have time to enjoy some drinks and the live band? But Noera spots somebody familiar and calls him out. Meet Jack Varo. Yeah, old buddies who haven’t seen each other in years. They talk about old times and it seems Jack is a smart guy but he decided to join the air force instead of going to university. Soon, Jack’s colleague enters to whisper some important mission. Sorry, got to go. Meanwhile Noera and Marcia stay at a hotel. Same room because no money. Don’t worry, Noera isn’t a sleazebag to peep on Marcia bathing even if she doesn’t mind stripping in front of him.

Next day, Noera goes to buy a used car but with Marcia’s negotiating skills, she manages to reduce the price because you’re ripping them off selling bad parts, right? As they continue their journey and arrive near Death Valley, they see an air force base in which Jack may be posted. Oh God… Not another dumb moment because Cain drives by and as Noera recognizes him, he quickly drives away. However Cain pulls up close and realizes he is the kid they are after and tries to shoot him with his pea shooter! OMFG IS HE SERIOUS! Yup, he even tries to jump on board! OMG an old officer can really do this?! Must be so desperate, huh?! His dumb driver of course crashes. Cain must also be a dumb traitor because now the young ones corner him, they tell him to spill the beans. Cain wants to buy that ball AKA Space Mind for 10 grand. Hey, it’s a lot of money back then. Marcia isn’t willing to give it away so Cain laughs in relief that they don’t even know anything about it. Yeah, so?! But it’s in their hands, right?!

But with helicopter reinforcements arriving, time for another dumb hilarious chase. OMG, can a truck drive through a desert landscape like that?! And how the f*ck did Cain get into a helicopter so fast?! Anyway, those pilots need more training because they can’t even hit their target and some even crash trying to chase them through the narrow valley! NO SKILL! Yeah, I don’t even know how Cain survived that one. Jack is one of the pilots and he pulls out because he believes he carried out his orders (whatever they are) and is not paid enough to pursue further. Yeah. So American of you. Eventually the truck falls off the cliff and into the river. Marcia still clinging onto Space Mind like it’s the most important thing in the world as Noera swims to pull her up. It seems Space Mind activates. What do they see this time? A RAINBOW!!! I KID YOU NOT!!! A F*CKING RAINBOW!!! FABULOUS!!! However Space Mind is now empty. A broken transparent glass. Marcia starring in disbelief. Noera just pats her shoulder. I guess your American Dream is dead, huh?

‘Coz It Never Rains In Southern California…
OMFG… Wait… Wait a minute! What the heck is this strange ending?! OMFG! What the hell is this?! I don’t know about you but even with all the dumb moments, I have to admit that I was enjoying myself laughing at all the nonsense. But this ending that resolves nothing, that really zapped and killed all my vibes! OMFG. I can’t believe it. That is how they freaking end this OVA?! Was there supposed to be another episode after this?! Last I checked, nope. Perhaps there was one but they scrapped it after producers realized how ridiculous the show was?! Yeah, note that the series was originally written and even so, it felt like somebody had this sci-fi concept but had no further ideas on how to expand and articulate any further. And hence this sh*t. They thought of making it and perhaps something will spring up along the way. It did not. So yeah, leave it to your imaginations and conclusion of what actually happens. I just don’t give a sh*t anymore. Okay, okay. I’ll say they get married and live a normal American life. And this is how they tell their kids the story of how they met! HOLY F*CK! I feel I am even a better writer than these morons!

Unfortunately as I have already pointed out, everything here feels so dumb and don’t really make sense. Like as though this was perhaps some Japanese’s stereotype of what America was back then in 1986. Uh huh. Then you have dumb chases and action scenes that don’t really make a whole lot of sense because I bet many of you will be going WTF anyway. It was just so as we can have some bombastic action because well, it’s America so f*ck yeah! Need some car chasing scenes, gun fighting scenes and a whole lot of explosive action! Hey, this series’ second title is Tsuigeki No Juuka AKA Gun Salvo! Sadly, I feel the car chases are more memorable (term used very loosely) than the gun action.

The story sadly falls apart and doesn’t make sense. It has more holes than a Swiss cheese. Like I’ve said, it was perhaps written on the fly. A lot of things to not match up and worse, they don’t even matter at all. Because it was not resolved in the end. Especially this Space Mind thingy. What the heck was it? All so that we can have this mindless plot device of 2 young American teens get chased across California by dumb bad guys or corrupt military officials. If this happens in real life I tell you America is doomed! Even sadder are the characters as there are not many of them and yet they fail to impress. For instance, Jack doesn’t even feel like he is so important to the whole thing and can be done without. Of course from what I see, they want to tie Jack to this plot twist thingy but the way it turned out, WTF?! He doesn’t even matter! Noera (which is not a typical American name by the way) and Marcia have really strange dynamics between them but I don’t feel them as a team. She’s just a girl who wants to go on an adventure and he is reluctant but only does so because he has nothing else better to do. And yeah, he has a car. And oh boy, Cain is one of the dumbest bad military officials ever. I am surprised he hasn’t been charged yet whatsoever. So you can see why everything fails when they try to fit in characters and the story that don’t even match everything. It all doesn’t make sense! In the end, we are left confused, unsatisfied and ultimately, don’t give a f*ck.

Adding to more strangeness of the series is the art and animation style. I wish I could say it is your typical 80’s style anime of the era but after watching the whole 45 minutes, it just felt strange. The characters themselves look one kind especially Marcia. She isn’t actually anime cute even for 80’s standards. Just strange. The whole visual art style feels like it came out from some retro comic book as you will also note the strange colour palettes. I won’t blame you if you say they look somewhat horrible. And I don’t think VHS quality is to blame here. Jointly done by Studio Unicorn and Hiro Media, I don’t think we’ve ever heard of it because they produced a couple of other obscure and never heard of titles together and then vanished. On a trivial note, this series showcases real product placements and whether intentional or not, it is rare to see real brand names like Coca-Cola and Ford. Yeah, American brands FTW! No spoofy names here to make us laugh harder. Yeah, with the plot and characters already so outrageous, don’t want us dying on fake brand names here either!

Overall, this series is a big disappointment but I cannot say that it is a total failure because I was laughing and my jaw wide agape as I witness all the dumb funny moments. I have to admit that I was enjoying all that no matter how stupid they look. Yeah, shows in those eras just went all out and do as they wish. They don’t care who they offend or feel the need to pander to certain groups. I just wished they had a better ending for a bit of closure or a slightly better plot and characters but then again, nobody is going to care about this obscure OVA. After all, California today is having its own serious crisis so this anime should be the least of everybody’s concern. Thank goodness because this means no remakes or reboots. Phew? Gee, thanks? Perhaps the aliens foresaw how sh*tty the sequel will be and purposely destroyed Space Mind! Can’t let you see the next episode but here, at least have a fabulous rainbow! OMFG! I still can’t believe after sitting 45 minutes of this trash, that is the ending we got! I guess we all got Californication, huh? Because with this show, California f*cked with us! HAHAHA!!! Sighs… California Paradise just turned into California Blue…

A.I.C.O. Incarnation

After my stint with that amazing Inuyashiki, it made me feel I could take on another sci-fi anime. Uh oh. I was beaming with so much confidence then. I know I could. And that was how I ended up deciding to check out A.I.C.O. Incarnation and no, this anime has nothing to do with that sleazy fanservice filled Agent Aika. Not a spinoff, not a sequel of it either. Instead, we’re dealing with artificial life forms, synthetic organisms and a whole load of other sci-fi mumbo-jumbo because some manmade entity engineered by mankind that went berserk is threatening the existence of mankind, the key to end it all is a seemingly normal high school girl which of course there is nothing really normal about her. Oh boy. I hope I’m not going to regret this…

Episode 1
Some armoured suit guys racing through the building while trying to avoid and destroy this fast spreading alien blob. Some enter to retrieve some sample but they got devoured. Then another guy got his arm devoured but his colleague chops it off. Some memory flashback whatever. Now we see wheelchair ridden Aiko Tachibana in a minor baseball accident. To her surprise, she spots a strange bruise that quickly heals up. Later she goes to see Dr Kyousuke Isazu who is in charge of her rehabilitation. Some nerve damage she has. Next day as she is rushing late to school, she bumps into Yuuya Kanzaki in the hallway. Snippets of memories flashing through. She manages to get to class in time but imagine her shock because Kanzaki is the new transfer student. But even more surprising, this surprise so surprising that Aiko stood up from her wheelchair! Is this a miracle? They learn Kanzaki’s transfer is because he has to go to hospital for tests. Later Kanzaki learns Aiko and her best friend, Naho Shimada are in the paper plane club. This is part of her rehabilitation. Kanzaki asks how far she wants it to fly. Not as far as Border Zone or they can’t get it back. Isazu talks about Toshihide Yura working independently on Project A.I.C.O. but died before he could compile the data. Isazu is wary if Yura Notes even exist. Aiko talks to Naho about her fear of going home. Because all her family members were killed, she fears returning would force her to accept they are gone. However Kanzaki begs to differ. If it was him, he would go home because they would feel sad if she didn’t come home. He too has a family. This steels her resolve so Aiko is going to make a trip there. Kanzaki accompanies her and waits outside while she goes through each of her home’s rooms. Great memories. Kanzaki notices a couple of vans suspiciously waiting outside. Aiko gets emotional in her dad’s room, lamenting she should have spent more time with him. Then this ball dad gave her as a present but he died protecting her in a vehicle accident. Reminiscing interrupted as Kanzaki needs her to leave now. He claims she is the only one who can end this disaster called Burst. They escape but those shady guys give chase through the empty streets. He manages to lose them as they are not willing to risk it by entering Border Zone. Kanzaki and Daisuke “Shino” Shinoyama take her to see his boss who tells her that this body is fake. This one was made to look like the original. So after giving her original body back, they’ll take this one to fight Burst. Confused, Kanzaki proves it to her by taking out a knife to slash her. But the knife breaks and there is that strange bruise.

Episode 2
More explanations that her body is made out of special artificial organisms. Aiko knows it because her father was one of the researchers of the subject. The boss unmasks himself and Aiko recognizes him. He is Susumu Kurose and used to work alongside her father and Yura. He explains that her injuries from the accident was so severe that the only way to save her life was to utilize a technology to separate her brain and body. She is the first patient to undergo this. So they planted her original brain in an artificial body and her original body has an artificial brain. In fact, that artificial body is not a clone but made using her living cells. It seems everyone born has got a clone since birth? Aiko doesn’t believe it because from what dad told her, it was impossible. It was. Until Yura was the first one to successfully do so. Her real body is now beyond that gate known as Ground Zero AKA Primary Point. Not only will they go get her body back but her mom and little brother too. Wait. They’re still alive? He shows video that they are stuck in some suspended animation in a pod. More explanation that 2 years ago, this abnormal cell proliferation happened at a lab. This is known as Burst. That blob, Malignant Matter caused Burst and flowed out and down through the valley. While many dams were built to prevent the spread, it is still slowly spreading and this Primary Point is the final barrier. It seems Burst occurred during Aiko’s surgery. But it was not her fault but the surgery. Aiko thinks they are tricking her but Kanzaki shows her serial number deep embedded in her eye. Meanwhile Isazu learns that Kanzaki faked his details for this transfer and has brought Aiko to the Border Zone.

Aiko so in shock that she jumps out and escapes. Shino orders all in Border Zone to help catch her. So when Aiko thought she found someone who can help her escape, turns out they all know Shino. So meet the gang, Maho Shiraishi, Kazuki Minase, Kaede Misawa, Yoshihiko Sagami and Haruka Seri. Shino wants to hire them for a job to infiltrate into that lab at Primary Point. But to get to there, they first need a key to unlock it. As they’ve guessed it, that key is Aiko but Shino cannot reveal more about her. Elsewhere, a dying researcher, Togo Kiryuu has no qualms of reaching the end of his line. He passes the baton to Isazu and hopes his research could save more lives. Asking about his daughter, Yuzuha, Isazu sadly says she is still in coma. Isazu oversees his comatose daughter, remembering all the fun times. And that snowy avalanche… With Kurose paying a hefty advance and even a bonus to complete this mission, our Divers are eager to take on the job. However as Shino reminds, he wanted this mission to have a small number of people (to avoid Matter from transforming) and thus they have to form pairs and the best team up to Area Three only gets to go forward into Primary Point. As for Kanzaki, he will be the guide for that best team beyond Area Three as he is the only one who knows how to use Aiko who will be the key to open a lock. That’s right, an escort mission too. Suddenly the whole place is being filled with smokescreen. Too late, Aiko has been kidnapped.

Episode 3
Looks like Kanzaki is kidnapped too. Akiko Nanbara who is the director of CAAC (Control Agency of Artificial Creature) talks to Isazu about bringing that girl here. Both have opposing views about Matter because Nanbara views them as assets with high research value even if it risks all of humanity. Aiko is in the care of Nanami Ozanami. She is under orders by Isazu to protect her. Aiko asks if Kanzaki was lying about her dead family so she shows the official records. They are dead. Meanwhile, not so nice interrogation for Kanzaki as they try to figure his motive. But he riles them up, accidentally having them activate a tracker in the paper plane to allow Kurose to track his whereabouts. Nanbara wants Aiko and Isazu to be moved to Tokyo with better facilities as she knows foreign intelligence and terrorist groups have been targeting artificial organism research for a long time. As Aiko and Kanzaki are being moved, our Divers drop in to rescue them. I can’t believe these agents are so slacking to allow these people to get away! Shino briefs everyone for the mission. They make preparations and the Divers introduce themselves properly to Aiko. Kanzaki puts a Mind Scanner on Aiko’s forehead to monitor her wellbeing as she needs to be in good condition when they cross into Primary Point. But soon an emergency report that Matter is observed to be making major activity in the contaminated area. The government has initiated the effort to contain the crisis. So what does it means for our Divers? The tightened controls means they will have difficulty getting in. Drones and missiles are fired into the contamination zone but we all know Matter is superior, no? You guys are just wasting ammo! Aiko faints and sees from first person perspective when she was put into a chamber after her accident. Her mom and bro visited and even Isazu was there. Then Burst happened. The chamber was flown away while Matter consumed everything. Then she also sees mom and bro being encased in the pod. When she wakes up, Kanzaki explains it is because she is not human, she can see all that. She believes they are still alive and will go save them. As the girls help to prepare the suit on for Aiko, she further remembers Kanzaki telling her not to tell the Divers about her link with her duplicate. Because of her body’s composition, she excretes some bioactive substances that attract Matter. But don’t worry, he injects her a drug to suppress that bioactivity temporarily. As it is the same drug the hospital gave her, she realizes Isazu also knew about her body. As other Divers head into the area, suddenly there are orders for them to pull out. The area will be sealed but our Divers have gone through.

Episode 4
The area is foggy because as explained, Matter absorbs water to maintain its tissues and after some metabolization, it excretes them as fog. They see a couple of dead Divers ahead. Matter suddenly takes control of them to attack. It gets freakier as Matter expands them to something unrecognizable. Their weapons aren’t working. Traumatized Aiko faints but luckily they manage to sever Matter’s roots and paralyzes it. As they regroup and replan their route, teams will take turn moving upstream to distract Matter while the other team moves through less contaminated area. Nanbara is in a meeting with Japan’s top bigwigs. Need action on the Matter now! Nanbara is still opposed to destroying the entire area because having Matter in their backyard gives them the edge over other countries. The future of Japan’s science and technology as well as economy hinges on this. So uhm, money > citizen’s safety? She even reminds them if Matter gets out of hand, who is going to take responsibility? Silence speaks volumes. After Kurose visits Kiryuu, he bumps into Isazu who has changed his opinion and wants to destroy all Matter and incinerate the area. He doubts they will find Yura Notes. The Divers continue their mission as they face more Matter blocking their path. Then they enter an area when Matter is taking the form of humans. They can’t be dead Divers as they are not in their suits. As they fight back, the more traumatized Aiko becomes. Not sure what’s going on because to solve this, Maho and Shino head into a dam control centre to verify and activate the dam gates. When the gates come shutting down like a guillotine, this creates some electrical charge that zaps Matter and temporarily paralyzes it. Until the active Matter sprouts new branches, they can now rest easy and head to the next area. With the fog lifted, Aiko is this close in losing her sh*t. The rest contemplate on whether to abandon mission or not because if they do, they won’t get any reward. Aiko steels her resolve and will continue this mission to rescue her mom and bro. This info shocks the rest while Kanzaki promises to get her to Primary Point.

Episode 5
Nearby is a camp once used by CAAC forces when they were in the area. Yeah, there’s running water and electricity so they can take a shower, rest and resupply. Kazuki is tasked to be on the lookout and Aiko wants to go with him because she also wants to see the area. Kazuki trying to ask about Aiko’s family but she is reluctant to say. Kaede joins them as Aiko opens up a little about her family. Especially her dad loved fishing and how they used to hike up this river. She realizes too late the importance of family. But this sentiment is not shared by Kaede since she has no relatives and her parents left her. She’s fine being alone. Kazuki has his opinions so Kaede reminds him that he ran away from his own family. Even if he was a rich kid and wanted to do things on his own, it still doesn’t hide the fact this is his form of escapism. Maho talks to Kanzaki about the creation of Matter as well as Aiko’s fake body. He will return it but she doesn’t think that will atone Yura’s sins. Kanzaki assures even if they don’t know the cause, just putting things back the way they were is a simple process. She is shocked that he doesn’t consider Aiko’s replica as human. Kurose picks up Nanbara and talk about things. Seems they were in college before and dated. She dumped him? Aiko accidentally drops that ball. After a little electrocution, the rest thought an invader is detected. Turns out that ball becomes a cute little hamster! It is artificially created complete living organism and created by Aiko’s dad’s lab. However its research was suspended after Burst. As Aiko ponders the composition of this critter and her body are the same, Kanzaki is brutally honest in viewing them as precious samples they’re a system for artificially creating life. That is what humans have wanted for a long time. This hurts Aiko’s feelings so she runs away. She doesn’t think he understands nobody wants a body of a monster. Realizing the hamster ran outside, she goes outside to look for it and gets lost! Thank goodness Shino finds her while also advising that Kanzaki is also trying his best like her. Isazu sits by comatose Yuzuha, lamenting not even Yura can bring her back, further solidifying that Yura Notes don’t exist. He promises to bring her out of this coma. With Aiko back, she apologizes to all. She realizes the need to be alive if she needs to save mom and bro. Kanzaki finds the hamster whom Kaede takes the liberty to call it Gummi. You know, like gummy bears jelly? The Divers are ready to move out to the next point. Nanbara has also sent a few Divers into the area. Meanwhile Isazu leads a committee that is accusing Kurose of embezzling corporate funds.

Episode 6
Kaede is having fun destroying the active Matter. But she got too carried away that some Matter got stuck on their main vehicle carrying Aiko. Sagami scolds her for putting them in danger but she remains unrepentant. Haruka apologizes on her behalf. With the Matter jamming some actuator, they have to free it and can’t afford to take their time getting stuck. Kanzaki puts Mind Scanner on Aiko so that her brain links with her other brain at Primary Point. She will see the dreams of her other self and they can see what’s happening at Primary Point. Nanbara talks to Isazu about the government will be trying to use the destruction of the area as bargaining chip. To protect this, they need an ace up their sleeve. For example, showing their new advancement in artificial organisms. This might expose their advantage and that is why their greatest achievement AKA Aiko must not be lost. She believes if Yura is around, all this wouldn’t be necessary. This riles Isazu as he maintains that guy is dead and there is no such thing as Yura Notes. For Yuzuha’s sake, the reason he can’t let this end now. Aiko wakes up after seeing snippets of her time with her family. She notes the world Yura knows is different from the Yura she knows. Because she only met him at dad’s company and the hospital. Never outdoors with him. It feels like she is seeing memories of a different person. The Divers are ready to resume their journey and as they do so, the area suddenly starts to have active Matter. As they fight back, they realize their weapons have no effect and they detect this one is a new mutation. Shockingly, Aiko can tell when the next Matter is attacking them so she pinpoints with accuracy, allowing the Divers to take action. Kazuki goes to take the sample of the new mutated Matter and gets his arm ripped off! Don’t worry, we already know he has an artificial arm. With the samples, Kanzaki is able to make some adjustments to the cartridges. Now they can blast and crystalize their way through the Matter. Easy pie. Kurose realizes he cannot gain access so Isazu tells him the board has unanimously voted for him to be fired for embezzlement. Kurose then makes a call to someone and with him out of the way, nobody will block whoever is running Kiryuu’s research. The problem now is Kiryuu’s password as some of those files are still on the server. Maho and Kanzaki discuss about Aiko losing consciousness whenever she detects Matter. Must be that dreamy thingy. But Kanzaki is more worried that he senses the other Aiko at Primary Point is losing consciousness and may be completely out before they arrive. By that time, the surgery will be impossible. Soon, not only active Matter is detected ahead but another group of Divers.

Episode 7
This group of Divers is led by Ozanami and she is here to take back Aiko. Release her and surrender. Kanzaki refuses to do it or even explain why, claiming they will never understand. Ozanami now asks Aiko about her reasons following Kanzaki because his objectives are not clear and this will put her in danger. However, Matter from the bottom swallow her and attack her team. Realizing they are attracted to light, they turn them off as Shino’s side fires flares opposite as distraction. Then as the Matter retreat to follow the source, they too follow the retreating Matter to the other side of the dam. Then using that same dam guillotine trick to paralyze it. With the threat all over, Kanzaki sees all those wounds appearing on Aiko temporarily. Taking a breather, Shino passes both teams and all will be coming to Primary Point. So what the hell was the competition for?! I guess it beats for the losing team to track back after coming all the way here! Aiko has done some thinking and doesn’t want to put others in danger for her sake. However Kanzaki doesn’t care about others. They took this mission and very well know the risks. All he wants is to save Aiko. She can’t understand his thinking and wants to tell everyone the truth. Unknown to them, Haruka has heard all this. Kurose sees Koharu Kagami and from the data extraction, she finds the brainwave patterns of Yuzuha matching exactly with certain events like the day Matter became active. So, Yuzuha’s brain activity and Matter activity are linked? As the Divers proceed deeper, Aiko falls into unconscious state. However she wakes up when she detects Matter attacking. Worse, Matter manages to sneak in and kidnapped Aiko! They crystalize her in a pod. She sees more memories but thanks to Gummi as a protective layer suit, she can still move around as she fires the gun to break free and paralyze Matter in the area. With the bruise all over Aiko and the Divers shocked that Kanzaki and Aiko can go outside without any suit on, this is when Haruka reveals the truth of what she heard that Aiko is not human. Only her brain his real but her body is artificial organism. The rest are in shock because this means the whole while they’ve been carrying Matter bait.

Episode 8
Shock and confusion as Shino helps explain about the situation and how the drugs are suppressing Aiko from being full bait. Kanzaki explains by switching Aiko’s bodies, Burst will end and this will also help save Aiko’s mom and bro. This is why they were paid a huge sum for this dangerous mission. Sagami will continue doing this job but if things get too dangerous, he warns he will put his comrades’ safety first and kill Kanzaki and Aiko himself. Kiryuu has died and naturally, Isazu takes over his position. Kurose calls Nanbara about some link between Yuzuha and Matter. It is believed Isazu knows this. The Divers proceed deeper and Aiko is now feeling more pain as attacks on Matter now somehow affect her pain receptors. During the break, Kanzaki calls Kurose for updates but learns about the Yuzuha and Matter link. Kanzaki is in shock hearing Kiryuu’s death. The Divers head further and attacks from Matter intensify further. More pain to Aiko. Matter is now even stronger as it could pierce through the vehicle trying to kidnap Aiko. Although all manage to escape in time, Shino sacrifices himself. He tells them all to move on before kicking the bucket. Maho in despair as Matter swallows his corpse. With Aiko fighting back like Rambo, the others follow suit and all is calm once more after the usual dam guillotine move. With everyone despair over Shino’s death, Sagami has had it and as promised, he will kill Kanzaki and Aiko. Kanzaki playing the believe card because even without evidence, Shino trusted him. Oh man, Kanzaki’s tears must be really convincing, huh? That is why he will get to Primary Point and prove there is a real purpose in this mission. Isazu talks to Yuzuha about the records he found on Kiryuu’s computer about Duplicate Unit One which is the first human body made from artificial organisms. There was also a duplicate body of Aiko created months later AKA Unit Two. A few years later, the original human died with his family and while the duplicate should have been destroyed, they were only allowed to have copies as long as they could help the original. Since it was not destroyed, it continued to live and grow. Because it is not a duplicate human body, it is not considered as human experiment. Then Yura borrowed Unit One to another lab. It was Burst who killed Yura and subsequently Kurose performed from top secret surgery. On that same day, records of Duplicate Unit One were deleted. Believing that Kurose had a hand at these 2 huge events, Isazu believes Yura still lives on as Duplicate Unit One AKA Kanzaki.

Episode 9
As Maho tells Aiko another piece of truth, she confronts Kanzaki that when they get the real her, the artificial one will disappear. He says he is returning things to they were as the artificial is the cause of Burst. As she still worries about her other self, he notes the other isn’t human so no need to sympathize with her. They have to get going as Matter start attacking. As they have reached Primary Point, Matter here is stronger and Aiko sees more memories. Guillotine trick doesn’t work as Matter becomes active soon. But when the gang finally enter the facility, Isazu communicates with them and wants Aiko to come back. He makes the shocking revelation that Kanzaki is Yura. He did not exactly die during Burst as Kurose transplanted his brain into a new body. You can check his serial number that confirms so. So now you know why he knows everything. As this communication is also hacked and listened by Koharu, Kurose laments not all the data was deleted as some were stuck on Kiryuu’s PC. Nanbara not happy Kurose knew Yura is alive but he clarifies he didn’t. He just did the surgery. He never said anything because he knew she wouldn’t let him into the area. Isazu continues to confirm that the surgery on Aiko was the cause of Burst. But there is something nobody knows: To end Burst, the brain and body of the duplicate must be destroyed. That’s right. That is you, Aiko. You are the fake one. Kanzaki’s silence speaks volumes. Aiko now sees more of her memories but is stumped why she could see herself in them. That’s right. You’re the fake.

More explanation that her duplicate body panicked when the brain was removed. It underwent abnormal cell proliferation that caused Burst and created Matter. As her body is Matter and for her to return to it, she must become Matter. This means Yura will perform some surgery that will cause all her cells to commit suicide. Returning her brain to the artificial body so it annihilates her body when it turns into Matter. Thus the brain is nothing more than a tool to save the real Aiko. But Isazu doesn’t want to lose her as she is the first artificial organism brain with a conscious. Isazu says SDF will be here to bomb the hell out of this place so there is a shelter she be safe. Koharu manages to cut off the communications. Nanbara believes Isazu is trying to prevent ending of Burst to save Yuzuha. Aiko remembers that serial number in her eye. So yes, it is the duplicate body of Unit Two. But why isn’t this good news? Because eyes are part of the brain and this means her brain is also artificial. There’s more confusing mumbo-jumbo about the carbon nanostructures that allow her body to allow at this state. Well, if Kanzaki says yes, I believe it is so. Aiko refuses to believe it because all her memories and experiences are real. Kanzaki says he created her mind to save Aiko. He confirms her as AICO, the Aiko duplicate. As he faults himself for performing the surgery on Aiko that caused Burst and Matter, he will return to where she belongs so he will complete Aiko’s treatment. AICO runs away as Matter get active. But Matter soon welcome her inside as the original Aiko welcomes her fake.

Episode 10
Don’t be afraid. Aiko just wants to talk. Sagami agrees with Kanzaki to return the artificial brain to Matter to end it all. With that, their mission from Shino will end. Because Kanzaki has been so indifferent about Aiko, this riles up Kazuki. He admits he is in love with Aiko despite she is not human. I guess must be the time spent together. Kanzaki says they are feelings on misunderstanding so just change your perception? Boy, he doesn’t get the power of love! Kazuki gets mad, claiming people like him will never save anyone before rushing off on his own. AICO rues that she is the fake one and thus her whole existence will be destroyed. She thinks Aiko also wishes the same but Aiko thanks her. Because of AICO, her whole existence is here and now. She realizes she is gradually losing herself and may disappear at this rate. But to help fend that off, she saw all the happy memories she lived through. Thus she credits her as the only reason why she is here now. Aiko has heard what Isazu is going to do. She wants her to get her friends out as her own time is up. She can do what only she can do. Time to cut short this talk. It was nice talking to you. Kanzaki is suddenly confronted by a human Matter in the form of Yuzuha. She is happy to have found Yura and swallows him. Aiko shows all the memories she has seen before finding herself floating alone here. In this dream world, Yuzuha is so happy to see Yura again. It seems Yuzuha has regained her consciousness but cannot move her body nor speak. She is afraid and doesn’t know where she is. She is pleading for Yura to help her. Nanbara sees the government to call off the airstrikes but they tell her off and to do something about those Divers. Seems she’ll gladly abide by that order. AICO wakes up but unsure what to do. Don’t worry. Follow Gummi to where her mom and bro are. Kanzaki/Yura having some personal reflection time. Did I go wrong somewhere? What should I do now? He rues not paying back Kiryuu’s kindness. Suddenly Aiko’s Matter restrains Yuzuha’s Matter to free Kanzaki. AICO is glad that mom and bro are alive. They are responsive and glad to see her. She assures them she will get them out of here. By the time Kanzaki arrives, AICO has made her resolve.

Episode 11
Although AICO claims Kanzaki has lied to her about many things and still has many secrets, however she blames herself as the reason why he lies. AICO will sacrifice herself for Aiko and this shocks Kanzaki? Uhm, is this not what he wanted?! Isazu now injects himself some serum and then uses the interface to control Yuzuha’s Matter. Once again, he tells AICO not to risk her life and will put it to better use. In order to return Yuzuha, he needs her artificial brain because it is the only successful one and he must probe it to its molecular level to discover its secrets. So, this whole mess of Isazu vs Yura turns out to be over a girl’s brain? It is believed Yura Notes contain the secrets in bringing to life an artificial organism brain. Isazu forces Kanzaki to spill the secrets as he holds AICO hostage. And that is when Kanzaki reveals the trick is upgrading Cell Assembler Two to Cell Assembler Three. I don’t know, everybody is in shock but I am so shocking blur and WTF is going on?! There’s a whole segment of Kanzaki how he did the impossible and I’m not going to copy and paste here since I’m already so lost! So what was impossible became the possible because of this and that, optimization, cancelling out each other. ARGH! It’s because of Aiko, dammit! At this point, SDF has positioned ready itself to strike. Time to head for the shelter? Kazuki arrives to free AICO and with Kanzaki they head for the safe place. Uhm, is Isazu using Matter to attack them? Does he not want to save them or at least AICO?!

Thanks to Aiko’s Matter helping and stalling, our young ones reach safety in the medical warehouse. AICO telling Kanzaki she saw a lost girl (Yuzuha) as she was confused about which body to return to (from what I understand, there were other failed clones of her connected to the network). Kanzaki understands and wants to proceed to the shelter. Kazuki taking this cute time to confess to her. He even says he saw her memories but she denies it is hers. It belongs to Aiko. So if he loves her, she wants him to save her family. You will do it for the girl you love, right? Heh. Lover boy is screwed. The SDF gets note that civilians are still in the area and stop their preparations. This is all part of Nanbara’s plan to flood several Divers into the scene to collect sample. Looks like the government bigwig doesn’t like it and fires her. She accepts it and takes her leave. Ayumu Hori who is Nanbara’s aide, contacts Kurose about Nanbara’s actions to postpone the attack but it cost her job and all. Kurose notes she did the right thing because an attack will only make Burst worse. Koharu realizes a way to contact Kanzaki. Using the blinking lights as Morse Code on the surveillance cameras around the facility, Kanzaki also notices this and replies back with his Smartphone’s flashes. Kanzaki relays the message to cut the link to Yuzuha’s duplicate bodies. This means they have to sneak into the hospital. Kanzaki and co have reached the exact point in Primary Point. This is where the multipurpose surgical installation called ALSUS is located.

Episode 12
ALSUS is totally covered in Matter. As Aiko’s body turned into Matter, that is why it is looking for its own brain. We see the real Aiko inside. Uhm, she’s like a long neck ghost?! Anyway, they have to begin the surgery as Isazu’s Matter is trying to force his way in. But Kanzaki still has time to talk to AICO?! Okay, go ahead. It seems Kanzaki planned to end his life after succeeding this surgery to atone for his sins. However he doesn’t want to kill her now because AICO accepted the fact she is not the real Aiko and took the best path for her. That is a decision no fake human could make. The moment she was born, she has been her real self. After this, he will try to build a world where she can live in. The surgery begins with Kanzaki doing the delicate procedure of swapping both the girls’ brains while the Divers help keep Matter at bay. Isazu has taken further control of Yuzuha’s clones and sends them into the battlefield. Worse, he then combines his consciousness with them and now he is one big mother Matter! Kurose manages to sneak in with Isazu so busy at this. Also, other doctor colleagues want this madness to stop so they help Kurose in. He tells them to sever the link from Yuzuha to the other clones. Yes, it is that simple. And just like that, Yuzuha wakes up. OMFG, if it was this simple why did they not do it or am I missing something?! Meanwhile Kazuki using his fake arm to put this Anti Cell Assembler into Isazu’s Matter and after Kaede pops a few rounds into it, Isazu loses control and becomes a vegetable. Aiko and AICO are now returned to their respective place. AICO frees Aiko’s family while Aiko meets all for the first time. It looks like the whole thing failed when AICO looks like she died. Maybe it’s for everyone to shed a few tears before a miracle happens. As the entire Matter crystallize and break apart, out comes from it is a blob and a wholly regenerated AICO. How? It seems Gummi has AICO’s blueprints and is able to recreate her perfectly. Wow. What convenience. Twins glad for each other but AICO doesn’t want to live with Aiko’s family as AICO wants her to live a peaceful life after all that she has gone through. Aiko goes to see her family. Everything normal. A sad twist of fate as Yuzuha is now awake, it is Isazu’s turn to be in vegetable mode. Life goes on normally for everybody. A year later, a new transfer student. Is this Aiko or AICO?

The Shape Of Water Matter
All’s well that ends well. Not much of a fanfare in the end. What was I expecting? Another episode long for closure? Burst has been completely eradicated and better still, we have Aiko and her artificial clone both alive in the end. What else more could I wish for? In such stories, I thought they were going with the bittersweet ending of sacrificing one of them and that the original will get to live. The artificial one whom we have journeyed together throughout the series will do a noble sacrifice so as to tug our emotions and pull our heart strings hard. The world gets to live on thanks to the honourable sacrifice of an artificial object. The irony. But now we don’t have to look at it from that angle. Phew?

Of course I am going to go back to my usual rambling about the story because I find it confusing. Although I have to admit that there were interesting moments despite the irony that there were times things do not make sense. At least to me who doesn’t have a sci-fi mind set. In short, if you want to fully enjoy and understand this kind of story, the crux of the Matter (ahem!) is that you need to have the passion and love for the sci-fi genre or else you will easily get lost like yours truly. And you should also know that this series was originally written rather than based on a manga, light novel or game. So the originality might be debatable but the artificial intelligence tropes have been done so many times in sci-fi shows and movies, all over the world. Perhaps pro sci-fi writers can fool me by dumping all the terminologies and jargons and I will still not make any sense out of it. Yeah, it is sci-fi. Whatever. I’ll go with that reasoning.

So yeah, there are quite a number of terms here and thankfully, my head didn’t explode trying to remember them all. Because I couldn’t even remember them in the first place! Hahaha! Sighs. Not funny. But you got to hand it to them to come up with all the sci-fi sounding names to make it really believable to sound so, well, sci-fi. The words look ordinary but you combine them with other words mainly used for sci-fi stuffs and voila, you got yourself a few fancy terminology there. Swell. From Carbon nanostructures to Cell Assembler, better start taking some notes before you even misspell some of them! Jesus, here I was going to make lots of jokes and puns on the Matter… HAHAHA! See what I did there! HAHAHA!!! Sighs… Not a very intelligent joke to begin with…

Therefore while this whole series feels like one big escort mission to chaperon and important artificial organism to a certain location, there is a whole deal about artificial intelligence and the likes if you care to debate that sort of stuffs. Me, I’m out of here! Besides, that escort mission I just said, why not they start their mission from the other end instead of from downstream upwards? I don’t see Matter spreading to the other side. Or is it so mountainous that not even Mt Everest climbers dare take on the challenge! On second thought, they should rename this gorge the facility sits on as Matterhorn. GEDDIT???!!! HAHAHA!!! Sighs… Or better, drop in on Primary Point from above! Genius. Well, if somebody has the money to rent a plane to fly over and pray the military won’t shoot you down. Gee, I thought Kurose with such deep pockets to pay for the mission completion bonus, I thought he might just do that. But nope, we need all the drama of the escort mission. Because by journeying together with AICO, we will not be inclined to feel that she is some lifeless object in the end.

Character wise, there is a whole bunch of characters in the fray so if you’re already lost in the terminologies, you might be further overwhelmed with the many characters, main and supporting. After all, this artificial organism thingy shows that it does not just affect a small group of people and sometimes I feel this whole thing of bringing AICO back is like it takes a whole village to raise a child thingy. Uhm, scrap that, I think I will further confuse myself with that. Anyway, as we have seen and probably guessed, the whole issue is about Aiko whom we thought was the original. At least her brain. But psyche! Plot twist, her entirety is a fake. A clone. So what do we do now? This whole escort mission has made us invested and fall in love with her? And thus another round of debate of man playing God and the moral debate of whether such artificially created organisms have the same rights as humans, blah, blah, blah. Because AICO is a cute anime girl, we say let her live and you racists (can’t think of any other term for those artificial organism phobes) leave her alone. Double happiness with the real Aiko regaining her normal family life. The Matter at hand has been solved! HAHAHA! Not another stupid Matter pun…

Mad scientists or Gods wannabe? We have to ask the real professions of researchers like Isazu and Yura because what are their intentions of creating artificial organisms in the first place? Sorry, but the objective of artificial organisms isn’t discussed here as it is all about fighting over Aiko and AICO’s brain. Both men have different approaches to deal on the Matter (stop it already with the dumb Matter puns!). I mean, what is the name of this anime again? So you think Kanzaki/Yura might be some dickhead scientist who wants to sacrifice AICO in the end because all the while he sounds like a cold hearted dude whose only intention is to right the wrong that was done on Aiko. Then suddenly it’s like he is having a conscious or something. Rather, he spent too much time with AICO and understanding her like the rest of the characters so he too starts to show us that like artificial organisms, mad scientists too can be human! Yeah, good luck in creating a world for her to live. The Divers escorting them felt lacking accept for the need for action sequences. We don’t really know much of their back story (okay, just a little bit but nothing more just to give them a bit of personality) so that is why they have to make Kazuki fall in love with AICO just for a bit of romance drama and to show proof that AICO is not an object. So now how? Is Kazuki having hots for AICO or not? Or has that fad passed?

It’s easy for me to paint Isazu as the villain here only because I don’t have a great mind so I can’t possibly understand the deeper aspects of what he wants to do with AICO’s brain aside trying to bring back Yuzuha. You can call me dumb for missing a lot of stuffs during the revelations and I will admit to that. But with all that, I can’t believe the solution was just that simple. All just because the scientists thought it was impossible, impossible and impossible so they never thought it could be done. Until it became possible. Oh swell, Isazu turning into a vegetable is his punishment? Because sometimes I felt Isazu wanted to control the world using Matter too or something. Oh well, now it’s Yuzuha’s turn to take care of him. First she must take care of her own rehabilitation. Other characters to simply note, Nanbara, need some agency bigwig to pull the strings. Kurose, he felt a lot like a lackey. Koharu, need hacker girl for hacking convenience stuffs. Shinoyama, big brother character needs to die so as to make us feel human. Heh. Gummi, pet mascot! It saved AICO’s life in the most plot convenience way! At least not that I saw that coming from this little hamster. Can’t hate this critter now, can you?!

Action wise, honestly the whole thing just felt average. After all, it is Divers vs Matter and the most we see are Divers riding their construction vehicle-like machine, firing or taking pot shots with their guns at regenerating or vast hordes of Matter blob. It is mostly the same thing. I won’t go so far as to say that they are boring but that is basically it. It’s not like they have any other special skills, right? Like what? Shooting fireballs out of their hands! Hadouken! Oops, wrong series! Anyway, despite the intensity and the claustrophobic feel of the action scenes (I am guessing the foggy and misty setting helps in this), it is not exhilarating to the point I would be glued to my screens. After all as already said, it is the reason why they took the long way from the river and moving upwards so that in between we can have some of this action. Hey, it’s not like Matter could turn into other form of animals or monsters and shoot weird kinds of projectiles, right? And there’s no other evil third party human group trying to beat our heroes to Primary Point too so, well, I guess that’s all the action you can get from this series. Man vs Matter. Shoot, shoot, shoot! Pew! Pew! PEW! Rinse and repeat when needed.

Surprisingly, the art and animation here are pretty good. And to think this was produced by Netflix! SAY WHAT?! Well actually Bones (Boku No Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist, Soul Eater, Noragami, Mob Psycho 100) animated this for one of Netflix’s originals back in 2018. Maybe that is why the action sequences don’t feel as boring because they don’t look sh*tty. The characters may be your typical cute Japanese anime style but they’re quite well drawn and animated too. Though, I can’t help think how some of the characters remind of those in Suisei No Gargantia. There is also CGI but it is not so dreadful and sh*tty like you see those trying to blend in with the 2D counterparts. Maybe they should have at least do a bit of improvements on those military vehicles when they stream in to prepare their strike. They should be looking a bit more real instead like of a video game!

Voice acting quite decent too with a few recognizable seiyuus like Takehito Koyasu as Isazu, Ai Kayano as Maho, Shizuka Itou as Koharu and Sayaka Ohara as Aiko’s mom. Other casts are Haruka Shiraishi as Aiko/AICO (Asirpa in Golden Kamuy), Yuusuke Kobayashi as Kanzaki (Subaru in Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu), Atsuko Tanaka as Nanbara (Motoko in Ghost In The Shell series), Tooru Ookawa as Kurose (Roy in Fullmetal Alchemist), Junji Majima as Yura (Ryuuji in Toradora), Taishi Murata as Kazuki (Matsugo in Kyoukai No Rinne), Kaori Nazuka as Haruka (Tsukasa in Amagami SS), Mao Ichimichi as Kaede (Bada in ClassicaLoid), Makoto Furukawa as Sagami (Shirogane in Kaguya-sama Wa Kokurasetai), Ryouta Takeuchi as Shinoyama (Albion in High School DxD) and Sayaka Harada as Yuzuha (Miharu in Seirei Gensouki).

The opening theme is the same name of this series and sung by True. I don’t know, it sounds like a slow military death march even if it isn’t meant to be one. I suppose all the dramatic strings is to showcase the pace of the show as well as give some hope. I don’t know, I just feel you need to bit of air and lung power to sing this song. As for the ending theme, Michi No Kanata by Haruka Shiraishi sounds like a vivid but calming piece. At times the song somewhat reminds of Violet Evergarden’s Michishirube. Though, not as emotionally driven. While this song sounds just okay to me, the ending credits animation is mostly following Aiko from behind as she walks from one gorgeous scenery to another. Great memories.

Overall, I wouldn’t say that this is a bad series but of course my usual answer is that I am not really a huge sci-fi fan so there were many stuffs that I couldn’t understand or connect the pieces that prevented me from fully enjoying the whole show. Oh well, I guess it is back to square one about me trying to attempt Steins;Gate, HUH!!! I suppose I won’t be rushing to watch that anytime in the near future. It’s not a Matter of life and death, you know!!! HAHAHA! Sighs. This series has some decent sci-fi plot, characters, action and surprisingly the animation quality is good. So if you are into this genre, you might want to take a look and then perhaps start thinking about existential and moral questions about life, real or artificial. As a Matter of fact, oh God not that dumb pun again, but what the hell, Artificial Lives Matter too! HAHAHAHA! Sighs. Not laughing Matter… Somebody please make me stop!

P/S: Which is worst? Artificial organisms in real life or AI everywhere in your virtual life?!