Yatagarasu with an absolute banger of an episode is definitely nothing new. That is principally the usual – when you have 17 episodes and the premiere was the weakest of the bunch, that is usually a very good signal. Particularly if it was nearly as good a premiere as this one. You could possibly say that Nige Jouzu And Karasu wa Aruji o Erabanai This week was a very good demonstration of the completely different routes shounen and seen take to greatness. I do not need to emphasize demographic boundaries an excessive amount of, as a result of they’re very versatile. However there are traits of every that ring true while you see them.
If I had to make use of one phrase for this episode, it will be “rigidity,” and that was positively a very good factor. It was rigidity that did not come from bodily hazard (for essentially the most half), however from character and subtext. Natsuka hijacking Nazukihiko’s mission to the Underground definitely constructed up some rigidity to start with. It is clear that the Crown Prince is not used to this type of opposition, and no sir, he would not prefer it one bit. He additionally would not like Natsuka’s suggestion that he deliver Yukiya alongside, particularly not as his consultant (that is Natsuka), however because the grandson of the Lord of the North. He is aware of how the boy feels about that position, and he is aware of the implications of Natsuka’s phrases.
Perhaps there’s one thing subliminal there, however when Masuho no Susuki attire Yukiya in her brother’s court docket garments for the journey, I swear there was a bit of Chagum in that blue-eyed face. It was nice to see Masuho once more, to begin with. She’s determined to behave as a lady-in-waiting to the long run empress, one thing I might positively see her doing. She’s a troublesome, sensible lady with integrity. You sense on this lovely scene that there’s an untold and probably tragic story about that brother, however Masuho no Susuki is not less than emotional as he sees this harmless baby dressed for what might be a journey to his finish.
As for Wakamiya, he’s fairly within the temper for this collection of occasions. This worries childhood pal Sumio, who has expertise with this facet of the Prince’s nature. The others set off on their journey in air automobiles, and the gazes of the Ravine’s inhabitants are hardly adoring. It’s clear that the place they’re going, stature and noble beginning imply little. They’ve gained an viewers, it is so simple as that. Natsuka thinks he understands this, however the sense right here is that he doesn’t perceive it on some elementary degree.
I do not doubt Natsuka’s sincerity or his intelligence. However he is a bit an excessive amount of of a linear thinker to thrive in this type of off-the-grid journey. If you’d like suspense, the group with Tobi is so thick you may lower it with a butter knife. Natsuka clearly believes that his presence right here ought to impress their hosts, but it surely would not. The invitation was for Wakamiya, and Wakamiya is not there. That is an insult, and Tobi acts precisely like an insulted nobleman. Issues shortly go cattywampus, and the older prince is pressured to play his gap card. And the actual cause for Yukiya’s inclusion within the get together is made clear for all to see.
I don’t assume there’s even the slightest likelihood that Yukiya was stunned to be provided up as a hostage. He certainly knew that was his worth to the operation. However Tobi is remarkably unimpressed by this theatrical flip of occasions. Natsuka turns into more and more panicked as occasions spiral uncontrolled, and Yukiya—at all times resourceful and sleek below stress—takes issues into his personal palms. He gives not his presence as a hostage (which does little to bolster Tobi’s ego), however his abject humility. He pleads as a son of the North, not as a hostage—he pleads for the assistance that solely the Underground can present. He additionally pledges his willingness to offer his life for the nice of his homeland. And he makes it completely clear that Wakamiya is somebody worthy of his loyalty.
Yukiya, in a nutshell (pun meant), has balls of metal. He is courageous, he is sensible, and he is a fast thinker. It is clear that there is a connection between the Underground and the apes, and it is clear that it extends to Koume, because it was her seize that Tobi thought-about a violation of the settlement. Tobi is intrigued by Yukiya’s actions, and instantly sees who the actually formidable member of the group is. However what precisely he may need accomplished is unsure, since none aside from King Saku (Yasuhara Yoshito) chooses this second to make his presence recognized (and it is clear Tobi is stunned to see him).
Saku summarizes his place merely: he’ll deal with anybody who asks for assist actually, as a result of that’s the approach of the Underground. Saku asks Tobi to let him deal with this matter as a favor, and tells Yukiya that he might have some data that may assist the boy’s individuals. However he offers Yukiya a process: go deeper into the underground and produce again “white shards,” and he’ll inform him every part he is aware of. Two hours there and two hours again, with a ghostly firelight to information him and an incense stick with measure his time. If he isn’t again by then, Saku says, Yukiya had higher discover “one other approach out.”
What the boy finds within the tunnels two hours later—a pile of bones and extra of the monkey creatures—solely provides to the thriller. As soon as once more, Yukiya proves his price in a combat, however he’s in deep trouble there till surprising assist arrives. You may guess that Nazukihiko is aware of one other approach in, however how he obtained there at that time is the important thing query. He clearly has no intention of letting Yukiya face demise alone, however how did he know the place to seek out him? And these unknown creatures—who might have extra to do with humanity than simply the power to bodily mimic it—appear to be the important thing to every part.
