The drama continues when the children realized that this “game” that they are playing cannot be uninstalled, and they are stuck to play this game that will eventually kill every single one of them. There is no escape, simply sacrificing their own body in order to save the Earth. They are merely children that lives a normal existence in this world they called home, and now they have to bear the burden of life and death.
This episode deals with the relationship of Kako and Chizu, as well as some background stories of the others. The next pilot to fight will be chosen at the end of this episode.
Episode summary
Moji confirmed that Kodoka was dead as all the children were shocked that what Dung Beetle said was true. Aiko asked if they were all going to die and Maki tried to calm her down with no avail. Kako asked if they could just not fight, but Dung Beetle said that they had 48 hours to battle. Lose, or forfeit the fight, and Earth will explode with a bang. Takami fainted from the shock as Dung Beetle added that by saving their fellow Japanese and compatriots would be one of the wonderful things that the children could do. Yosuki said that was what it meant to protect Earth, but Kako kicked him for talking about death.
Mako and Daiichi convinced themselves that they were doing a service to protect the others, and it made their death feel more useful as he would protect his family and friends from harm. Jun called Daiichi to die first, as Maki screamed at him, only for Kanji to retort that Jun’s family was special. Jun’s mother died while giving birth to Kana, and that was why he had such a hatred over Kana. Jun then said why he had to be involved with this, and Kanji said he had no such feelings to protect his family too. The television was showing about Zearth and the spokesman for the president said that they were doing checks, but they were working on it before the third enemy arrived.
Kako was losing it as he smashed the wall with his chair, with his mother coming over to check on him. He rudely screamed at her mother to close the door and slammed it right at her. Dung Beetle then appeared, with Kako scared that he was going to be the next one. Dung Beetle asked why Kako was not doing anything with Chizu and said that Yosuki and her were going very fine. Kako said that Chizu had more interest with the class teacher but Dung Beetle said that it was surprised Kako did not have any erotic thoughts toward Chizu, considering her great figure. It said it would visit Chizu now, since she might be changing and naked, and then told Kako that he was going to die soon.
At the cockpit, Dung Beetle was talking to someone how he enjoyed making them cry and despair, but it was encouraging Kako to do something before he died. As Kako went down the stairs, his sister was applying some medicine on his mother, who had some wounds around her, as his sister said that Kako was a selfish person who could do nothing for himself, as he was angered. As he visited Chizu, Chizu said she was going to visit someone (the class teacher) and would stay overnight. Kako asked why she was still with the teacher, but she said it was her own business. However, the teacher was not at home, as Kako waited and said that the teacher had abandoned her.
He then asked her out to the aquarium, but she retorted that Kako simply wanted sex. She asked whether all the classmates actually knew about her affair with the teacher. She teased him and added that when she had sex with the teacher, her emotional and physical body was satisfied, disgusting Kako as he ran away. As she reached home, a Man In Black escorted her away, saying that he had something to ask about the black monster. As they were sent to a sea base via a helicopter, they realized that Kako was not with them, with the government officials stating that they were looking for him.
The government official told the children that the government was doing something but as they were not certain of the situation, they could not do anything. However, they would have the police protecting them for 24 hours, but the children said that if they were called by Zearth, it would be useless. The official said that he did not want the children to be responsible for the mecha and he had Seki and Tanaka, both first lieutenants to help. The official then asked where Zearth was, as the children noted that it was in the sea, and Moji said they were merely pawns in the game and that it was usually the Dung Beetle that called them up into the cockpit.
Kanji said it was better for them to meet with Dung Beetle as they called out with no avail. Eventually, Kana was the last and she called out. Dung Beetle appeared, saying that it was impossible to resist the calls of cute girls. The official wanted to check Zearth’s interiors, but Dung Beetle said they would be like monkeys checking high tech equipment. The official said that he hoped that Dung Beetle would understand their feelings of trying to know more about Zearth that determined their fate in the world, but Dung Beetle said he had better things to do. Seki tried to attack Dung Beetle, but his hand was comprehensively chopped off as Tanaka appeased Dung Beetle.
She told Dung Beetle that they would reliqunish all attempts to investigate, but asked Dung Beetle whether they could observe Zearth. Dung Beetle said that she was interesting and allowed it. However, when the government engineers checked it, they found that radar, ultraviolet waves were all bounced back, and they could not get any specimen from Zearth. It was as though the mere presence of Zearth did not allow anyone to come close. In the interior, Seki was asking about the chairs and how they got here, when the chairs started to spin again. Kako was not around as Dung Beetle forgot to call him. They then realized that Kako was the next pilot, as he screamed in fear in the road that he was walking.
Thoughts
Updated list of alive kids: Click here for the picture
First of all, a warning. I am definitely very annoyed after watching this episode, not because the story sucks (because it’s good as hell) but there are two characters that seriously got under my skin. I usually do not get annoyed watching an episode, but they did make me rather pissed.
I have to first admit that I am so glad that Kako is going to die soon, because I totally hate him completely for his selfish and immature behavior. Among the fifteen, I feel that he is the most annoying, even compared to Jun who is perhaps the second most annoying character in the series. However, more about Jun later, as the focus is on Kako currently. I am appalled at how much he is an immature angry juvenile that takes his anger on his own room. I know that he is only 12, and many like him wished to live but it is not his problem alone.
It’s one thing to be shocked and despair at your life, but he has to remember that the others are also suffering from the same pain as he is. As much as they wish to live, they know that it’s an inescapable plight. I am not calling for any expert analysis in psychology, but any 12 year old kid knows that it is the dumbest thing to do to hurt your own mother and family, as well as causing destruction in your own house. I am utterly disgusted at his impulsive naivety and any form of child maturity in dealing with this matter.
You can be sad, you can be angry, you can be bitter but doing anything like what Kako does, actually makes me happy that he is going to die. If the only thing you can do is think of a fricking girl that does not even like you when you are about to die, rather than cherish the few close friends and relatives you have, you deserve to die. So, Kako, since you are already freaked out, please die quickly so that I will not have to see you. I apologize for being overly harsh but Kako is the type of stereotypical characters that I dislike the most: the gutless and bully type.
This episode clearly presents a very interesting plot lead up, as they have Kako, who is clearly the weakest in terms of mental strength coming up right after they are told that they are all going to die after riding Zearth and that they have no way to escape. In a way, it is perhaps a good master stroke by the anime.
I said this because you see the clear conflicts of a person who fears for his death, and the coming of death when he realizes that he will be the next one to go to the guillotine. I do not know about you, but I really like how this story is unfolding and I am sure that there will be more restrictions and twists as we go along the story.
On Jun’s reaction toward Kana, I believe that it’s perhaps not too acceptable still for his actions. Despite his feel that Kana has caused the death of his mother by giving birth to her, the truth is that death comes with complications and it is extremely dumb to blame your own sister for this.
It is stupid, ridiculous, and I feel that someone with a reasonable level of intellect is acting completely annoying. There is no excuse and you should be taking care of your sister nevertheless since she is your flesh and blood. What kind of brother and mentality goes behind him?
The preview seems to be rather disturbing where everyone is covering their eyes while Chizu looks somewhat spaced out/relieved. I wonder what will be the situation ahead considering that Kako is likely to be escaping. It also seems to me that Chizu is the one going to find him. Let’s see how it goes next week.
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17 Comments
“I know that he is only 12, and many like him wished to live but it is not his problem alone.”
Huh? They already graduated from Junior High (Grade 9). Shouldn’t they be about 15?
This story remembers me last episode of heroes.
No, all of them are 7th graders except for Kana who’s in 4th grade.
You’re right, I reread the manga again and notice that they just entered middle school, not finishing it. My bad >.
Personally, I think that Kako is immature and young, but I don’t hate him. Kako’s mom is already bruised. I think Kako’s father is abusive, and well, you give some leeway to abusive father’s child.
As for Jun, I think blaming someone for his mother’s death isn’t always rational. I can’t say I like him, but I understand his reasoning.
Anyway I’ll be off to Europe until June 1st, so I’ll probably not be popping in as much (like, daily?
).
Kako is an alright character. Leagues better than Jun is at the moment anyway.
As for what he was concerned about, I’m quite sure I’d also be VERY concerned about a certain girl and “other activities” with her along side of family and other friends etc. etc. if I knew I was going to die soon.
@Fortman: hahaha, it’s all cool and thanks for flou for clarifying it. In a way, if they are 15, kako’s immaturity will be even more disturbing than it is right now.
@Briar: Hmm, first of all, do enjoy yourself for your Europe trip. I have never traveled to that continent yet, which is quite sad. When you are poor, I guess that is but expected that you do not get to go to exotic continents for good fun.
Back on Bokurano, I feel that it might be logical that a child often follows the examples and deeds of the adults that he gets most exposed with. In this case, the boy is often in contact with his father, which might cause him to be spoiled and selfish in his thinking. Add to that, an abusive father, and I can see where you are coming from. I did not think of that thought and I am surprised.
@Leon: hah, is it so? I think I will be more family orientated. You have to remember that Kako has little talk or communication with Chizu, mostly like a fleeting crush that is unrequited. In that case, I really feel that it shows his lack of decision making and immaturity. Chizu could obviously care less what the hell he is doing, and his family despite the abuse cares a lot.
It is sad that he cannot even see that. Perhaps, perhaps.
Well yeah, his family business is…well…pretty much what we see so I don’t think I really have to say what I think about that in detail (two words: brat bastard).
While I would be concerned about family, I’d be concerned about any girl I’m with at that moment. Kako’s situation is something different (which I didn’t make clear) since he’s desperately trying to confess/get some before he dies for all the wrong reasons. That, I agree, is selfish and immature of him.
Granted I’m not a fan of his character but for right now he’s somewhat “better” than Jun is at the moment.
As for Chizu…well yeah, she typically doesn’t care about anyone I think. xD
@leon: I personally feel that Chizu seems somewhat despondent in her actions toward the teacher and I feel that the love between her teacher and her seems somewhat disturbing. I somewhat do not have a good feeling toward it. If it’s merely a love between a student and a teacher, it is awful but not that bad.
Somehow, I can feel that there is a bit of resentment in her voice whenever she talks and no teacher really in the right mind will date a 12 year old kid, no matter HOW HOT SHE IS. That’s just wrong, and a total pedophile at that.
I guess he’s somewhat desperate to confess, but nevertheless, it is still a very self-centered act of his. I believe that his judgment whether to go or not for the battle will be self-centered as well.
They totally screwed with the order of course. They’ve decided to give us the dramatic stuff first. As for Chizuru well her story is both interesting and disgusting. I’ll be really surpised if they end up keeping all the things she goes through.
P.S. You’ll probably be shocked at Kako’s battle. Be ready for anything.
Hey, a blog that’s regularily following it
Anyhow, I was kind of dissapointed with this episode… I liked how the manga handled a couple of the main scenes here a lot better. However the next episode looks like it’ll make up for that!
Also unsure about changing around the order here… Not really a problem for most of the scenarios, but I thought Kako’s specifically worked best where it did in the manga.
@Sarah: Hah, shocking? Now you got me pumped up to wait for the next episode. I hope he dies in the worst way, but of course finishing the opponent so that Earth survives. Chizu is perhaps very interesting since she has gone to bed with her teacher. Hmmm…
@Chao: Ya, a blog that’s following it faithfully. Ar, the thing for me is that I felt Kako’s arc worked well in the anime at the very least, considering that the revelation of people dying came.
The application of thinking about death and throwing someone so immature like Kako will really help to cement that fact in which no one can escape or run from it, as much as they wish to.
I am glad that I don’t read the manga because manga can be so evil to up your expectations. It’s usually the case because most expect it to be faithful. In a way, as much as I like series to follow faithfully to the manga, it is quite sad that the animation company is not allowed to add its own adaptation and creativity into it.
I’m loving this series, both the manga and anime seperately. Knowing the plot you certainly have some ‘treats’ in store for you. Especially the Kako and Chizu arc, of which was one of my favourites in the manga.
Kako annoyed me a lot too. In fact, he was the only character I disliked. When it comes to Ushiro Jun, I’m torn half-and-half. I don’t think it’s quite as simple as Kanji said – a lot of the back stories have turned out far more complicated that they appeared on the surface. I think I’m more on the side of him being a love-to-hate character. I think his backstory will clear up a lot when we get to it though.
I think I’ll be keeping an eye on your blog. It’s nice to find someone who is following the anime.
If anything, not knowing the manga is always good. I am often tempted to do an entry on why manga readers will never be happy with anime, but i find that topic overdone and it only attracts flamers, which I am not too keen to even if I do have a point.
Kako’s arc at the end of episode 6 (i did an entry on it already) really made me hate him a hell lot, but yet i can sympathize somewhat with his actions.
I think that he really loved his mother a hell lot to consider his own sister to be the sight of his hatred. If it is merely that simple, in which Kana was born (hence causing her mother to die of child birth), it seems like quite a weak reason in my opinion that Jun hates his sister. That makes him much of a hypocrite, since Kana is still his blood sister. What kind of brother does that?
To me, there’s no excuse, but that’s just me since I do care a lot of parentage and sibling relationships. I hope that the blog content will interest you quite a bit, and don’t hesitate to question my thoughts and ask me why I think of stuff in a certain way ^+^
Cheers!
Remembering Kako is only 12 and thrust into such bizarre and uncontrollable events, I’m not surprised he would crack and freak out. I wonder whether a normal western 12 year old can suddenly come in terms of their death thats coming in less than 2 weeks withinin a day or two. To be so calm and mature seems more awkward and out of the normal. I’d prolly say that Kako is feelin it more and is more human. Afterall, psychologically, when people lose control over a situation, desperation comes and ’shit happens’
I can see how Kako would be reacting like this. Young guys can get angry in general and freak out over what looks like a minor thing. Just imagine what happens when the fate of the world is on the line and your being asked to die. If your close to your family then it’s fine, but if his father is abusive then that would hurt there. Plus it doesn’t seem like his relationship with his sister is that good, only place I can’t give him credit is with his mother.
Normally acting on a minor crush isn’t something you’d do. But if your going to die and thanks to a sadistic tiny monster it’s on your mind…you might be acting on it. Clearly he should be fighting to save the planet and saving all those lives, but its not easy to accept your death so he’s snapping. I’m worried how this guy is going to fight, mabye trying to drag it out as long as he can to live longer, or maybe running from it.
It’s a tough thing to watch. It’s like your going to lose no matter what. Do you struggle and save people or give up and let the world go with you.
@Sara: That is perhaps the reason why Kako is thrown ahead in the anime, simply because he is the one that realistically portrays the mentality of a 12 year old kid. In a way, I actually enjoy the insertion of Kako due to his notion of death, and his selfish behavior is in a way, like a normal kid. No kid in their right will be noble enough to understand about sacrifice.
@Flareknight: I can fully understand what you mean, even though it is really sad how much lives are degraded simply because of the yearning of life. It is but a sad reality of survival, in which people will do anything to actually survive. When they realize that their fate is going to be death nevertheless, they do everything to fulfill their deepest and darkest desires. It’s no different from children who wants a thing because they want it.
It is definitely a tough thing to watch, simply because other than the fact of the death, the children are innocent. I just am describing and feeling from a viewer…Sigh.