Before we jump into this episode, I want to restate how much I’m enjoying the Katanagatari style. The imagery and music fit together really well and I plan to watch the series again straight through on Blu-Ray when it’s fully released.
I agree with Shichika… what’s this poison Togame keeps talking about. Togame’s true motivations are still mostly a mystery and, while the swords probably do corrupt their masters, the story is just too convenient for her to avoid explaining the reasons why the Maniwa Corp. and the most honorable Japanese swordsmen deserted her.
Togame decides to test whether or not Shichika is a MAN! But her plan backfires in a strangely arousing way. Yan yan! Silliness aside, she’s still worried that Shichika can’t tell her apart from other people and might accidentally attack her in a fight. I don’t think she should be worried thought, since Shichika says he’s fallen in love with her, no matter how baffling his reasons might be to her. I totally sympathize with him I mean how could you resist this level of cuteness…
Shichika and Togame depart for Ganryuu Island to meet Sabi Hakuhei who has issued a direct challenge the Kyotouryuu head for a fight on his own terms and get the annoying spies off his back.
As they set out for Ganryuu Island, Shichika wonders how his sister is doing all alone on the deserted island.
Turns out the Maniwa Insect Squad plans to abduct Nanami so they can kill the Kyotouryuu head and steal the three Deviant blades he has collected so far. They sure have interesting outfits, but they match their Ninpou styles. I always thought that the Maniwa Corp. didn’t like working together so these three might be an exception. The Insect Squad’s styles have been passed down and refined to mastery over hundreds of years and are preserved in ruby soul-stones. I enjoyed these scenes because they give the Maniwa more character depth, rather than being the small fry of the month they were starting to become. Instead, this episode puts the struggle between Nanami and the Insect Squad front and center.
Apparently there are also some really attractive Maniwa heads, like Oshidori of the Bird Squad, which might imply that the first couple Maniwa casualties were the exception and were the only ones who liked to work alone.
Nanami is so calculating, ruthless, and terrifying! Her abilities are on another dimension compared to anyone on the show so far. Even her own father was scared to death of her abilities and refused to teach her Kyotouryuu, not that she needed instruction.
The cigarettes as incense was kind of amusing and sad at the same time. I really liked the Insect Squad and felt bad that Nanami had to kill them off. She didn’t have a choice since they were going to kidnap her and use her to kill Shichika, but her remorseless ice-queen personality had me hoping for less gruesome deaths for the Maniwani.
Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t mind getting trolled by White Fox and missing out on Shichika’s fight with Sabi Hakuhei. If they do it again then I’ll be annoyed, but I’m excited to see more of deliciously evil Nanami!
Next episode:
YEAH Pirate battle!