Subculture Anime Blog

Off to yaoi land for some BL.

Summary:

Noticing that Miharu is heading out alone, his family expresses how much he has changed. Miharu exits the shop after assuring his grandmother that he will be safe, only calling Kumohira a liar to himself while walking outside. Miharu meets with Raimei later, but he refuses to stay at the hotel with her. Raimei assures him that it would be fine, as it is owned by Fuuma, but she quickly assumes that Miharu plans on meeting with Yoite. Miharu is annoyed to find that Raimei had heard about this from Kumohira, but he soon finds that she is actually quite worried about him. Raimei is unable to convince Miharu to stay, but she does express her belief that it would be alright to use the Shinrabanshou to save someone. Raimei makes Miharu confirm that he will only use the Shinrabanshou for Yoite, and not the Kairoshu, then suggesting that she will help him. With this, Miharu requests for Raimei to obtain the Banten scroll. Before parting ways, Raimei makes Miharu promise to smile no matter where he is.

Continuing to travel throughout the city, Miharu attempts to imagine what it would be like if the Shinrabanshou did not exist. He assumes that everyone around him would be able to live happily, further guessing that it would be so if he did not exist. Miharu unexpectedly finds Yoite a bit later, then following him to a park. Miharu attempts to check on Yoite when he seems to be chilled, but Yoite tells him that there is no need to show kindness to him. After hearing this, Miharu has Yoite make two promises. The first would be the earlier promise about Kumohira and the others. The second would be for Yoite not to die until Miharu is able to use the Shinrabanshou. Yukimi later shows up to pick up the two, and although hesitant, brings Miharu to a library. Miharu meets Kato inside, who is quick to help Miharu find what he is looking for. Kato quickly realizes that Miharu is searching for the Togakushi scroll, and he hands it over quite easily. As Miharu leaves with the others, however, Kotaro appears to reveal that this is all according to his plans.

When Miharu meets the rest of the Kairoshu, they are surprised to see him. When Miharu hands Hattori the Izura Shingan, they are further shocked. With a smile on his face, Miharu claims that he will be entering the Kairoshu. Meanwhile at the Banten school grounds, Kouichi wonders if it was alright for Kumohira not to search for Miharu. Kouichi is alerted when Kumohira suggests that Miharu may be meeting Yoite, but he states that he does not currently have the power to stop him. Kotaro appears afterwards, with a Kouga invitation letter for the two. Back at the Kairoshu’s meeting place, Miharu prepares a meal for those around him. Hattori soon shows Miharu an invitation letter as well, but then gets to the point by asking why Miharu had decided to meet them. Yoite stands in the way after sensing the threat, but Miharu explains that he might agree more with the Kairoshu’s way of thinking in using the Shinrabanshou. Yukimi starts to talk about the Banten ninja after drinking quite a bit of alcohol, describing Kumohira as a murderer. Miharu claims that he had only run to the Kairoshu, but Yukimi describes those who escape by committing suicide as running away. The group soon notices that Yoite is brought to tears by these words, as he runs out of the room.

Miharu follows Yoite outside, but he is soon threatened. Yoite reminds Miharu that he had come so that his friends would not be killed, and despite Miharu’s belief that it was for different reasons, Yoite warns him not go get any closer to him. Hattori and Ichiki discuss the now useless Yoite while driving, as Hattori states that it is fine for him to do whatever he wants until he dies. Miharu observes the moon that night, close to a despairing Yoite. He recalls that he was worried about his friends when he had first made his promise, but now it is different. While shopping for clothes the next day, Miharu notices that the troubled Yoite is still angry at him when he attempts to show kindness. Miharu wonders why he needs an outfit afterwards, so he is told that this is a requirement to meet the Kouga. Raiko states that he will drive on the way out, and despite Yukimi’s retaliation, he quickly crashes the car.

Preview: New characters and stuff.

Impression:

So like, Aroduc and I have learned what this show is really about. But despite discovering the truth in the subtleties rising to the surface the joking around, I didn’t think this episode was that bad. Although the plot has gotten kind of silly, I don’t remember this show being one that was meant to be taken completely seriously. I thought it was pretty awesome when Raimei agreed to help Miharu (save us from the BL!), and I laughed when she gave her parting sign to him (rock on! \m/). Seeing Yoite in hiding was pretty hilarious as well, and so were Raiko’s terrible driving skills. The secret passage behind the locker was cool too, and hiding a scroll in some porn dvd box was just ingenious. I’m not sure how much I appreciated the clothes purchasing scenes though. It looks like Raiko has some really bad fashion sense! Other than that, I’m just going to have to say that kansai is still awesome.

As for the actual plot, this episode just further built upon Miharu’s changing. Like other anime that share the same theme, he is finally taking action after finding someone that he is attracted to and can help. I can still only see Yoite’s responses as childish, but they are truth to life actions. Miharu’s thoughts earlier in the episode also made me notice again how much more the themes of existence and death are played on in Japanese media when compared to here in the states. Yoite obviously struggles with the same despairing problems, and anyone who has had similar feelings can probably relate. With the story changing courses so much recently, I can only wonder how everything is going to add up by the end. Things seem to be going pretty smoothly for Miharu at the moment, but it looks like Kotaro has his own plans. Next week is the introduction of who I assume will be the Kouga ninja. Girls….in MY yaoi anime?