Finally, Sakura decides to have a rematch against Mirai. How well will she do this time around?
So far, this show has been a mixed bag for a while now and it proves that Kyoto Animation isn’t god. Although the last episode was enjoyable, I admit that having an idol performance in a dark fantasy story is out-of-place. Even so, I have also read a highly critical editorial blasting the new effort Kyoto Animation is trying in order to expand their demographic. While I disagree somewhat with some of the points the author made such as the pondering to female audience in Free and saying that the studio is ruined forever because of that (basically a case of they changed it, now it sucks), there is one thing that is apparent: the new shows since late 2012 was not as good compared to their previous works. One can argue that they are trying to be like PA Works, but lack the expertise to have good original writing in their shows.
As for this episode, Sakura finally returns after defeating and absorbing so many Youmu and challenges Mirai for a rematch. While Sakura is my least favorite character, I figured that she is being used in part of Izumi’s master plan, which is probably why the spirit investigator gave her that weapon and influenced her to commit revenge against Mirai for Yui’s death. Thankfully, Mirai pulled through and brought Sakura back to her senses. From the flashbacks, I think she was misguided and deep inside, she cares for her as a friend. Despite that, I already knew that Sakura couldn’t surpass Mirai with her super-charged weapon since she is a very inexperienced spirit hunter. With Mirai ultimately saving her from the weapon, hopefully we will get to see them on friendly terms again.
With the mystery surrounding Sakura is finally revealed, with the lull coming, I wonder what evil force lurks ahead? Also, what is up with the man picking up the weapon Sakura used? Although the next episode looks dark, there were some funny moments in this episode such as Hiroomi imagining his sister as an idol and his sister putting yaoi audiobooks on his phone. It seems that he can’t stop obsessing over his sister, even after the trouble they went through in the last episode.
I’m really curious to see what is this event that is about to happen and why is it a worry for everyone…
Perhaps it’s some kind of strong Youmu that nobody knows about. Either way, I wonder too what will happen next, especially with the Spirit Investigator retrieving the fully powered up weapon.