Bring it down Biribiri.

It’s been a while since my last Railgun post, most of it was because I was trying to over come my disappointment with Kuroko over her un-lady like behavior in 13 and dismay that Mii was in love with a dude… The BIG FIGHT with the hyper ugly baby thing was satisfying enough though through the course of these episodes Biribiri’s limited understanding of others and her unwavering sense of justice has come out in full force. The fight it self was pretty good with Biribiri’s close combat skills shining through, heavily reliant on her powers though it may be. With the arrival of the candy lady I guess we are getting hints of something bigger at work once again. I am more sympathetic to Biribiri’s never give up attitude, but having been enlisted for over five years now I don’t think kicking quitters to the curb is the proper solution. For every broken person there is always a way to rebuild them though scrapping them for spares is not yet ethical…

The obligatory swimsuit episode was well…rather disappointing. In my humble opinion swimsuits ought to be stylish and fit for a lady sadly Mii’s was rather small, which they made much effort to point it out. Still Kuroko was the worst offender of them all, thankfully after a while the initial nausea wore off. It seems that Kuroko had yet to learn the importance of style form Alphard and Liang Qi who must have been greatly disappointed at how Kuroko showed more than she needed to and lacked the fashion sense to go with something more appropriate. I for one think Kuroko should have gone with the one her onee-sama had her eyes on. Maybe then Biribiri would have given Kuroko a bit more notice… I suppose the lesson is that you don’t have to show that much skin to look good. The only highlight was how Kongo-san dug herself a deep hole while Kuroko was gleefully grinning in the background. Judging by the sound advice they were trying to give on swimwear I guess the Railgun team has had first hand experience with swim suit FAIL.

Saten’s special lesson actually brought a better conclusion to the level upper arc, and it was rather fun to see the collection of level upper offenders in one place though I thought that the dark haired invisible girl didn’t listen to bad music. I wonder if Ane-go is going to be a recurring character, she was fairly amusing even if she got owned by Anti-skill CQC. I was hoping that Saten’s yuri stalker friend would make bold decisive moves but I suppose not. I guess Saten only has Uiharu in her heart when it comes to this and that… Yomikawa’s push it to the limit trick was pretty much ripped out of every Drill Instructor routine I have seen though with a lot less yelling and fake cursing. Hopefully one day Saten’s hard work will pay off, but I can sympathize with hitting a wall well sort of. The only thing that gets me frustrated long term is video games though after having yelled at many a system I have learned to put it down for the day instead of trying to fight my way through it and getting more frustrated. I don’t agree with giving up but do advocate a disengage and reassess approach.

The next serious arc after the level upper incident was a minor foray into Mii territory about her gangsta days, I have to say it was as inoffensive as can be though most biker gangs or rather biker clubs I have seen are made up of older folks that don’t fit the popular stereotype as hard drinking troublemakers. I could not help but laugh a little that Kurozuma had almost he same haircut as Zartan from the old GI Joe cartoons who incidentally also rode around with a biker gang. It was nice to see a little history on Mii though I don’t really approve of how they make a point to mention how well endowed she is. My respect for a slipped a bit when she lost her sense of duty and reverted back to her old loyalties though I guess love makes an idiot out of her as well. Iwas looking forward to seeing Biribiri and Kuroko trash those thugs but I guess guess Kurozuma and Mii deserved to have a fight as a couple though I did enjoy watching fists fly and faces getting smashed in interesting ways. Mii’s CQC may not be as powerful as Kuroko’s but it is reassuring that she has some combat capability since her first outing when Kuroko was a little loli was unimpressive. As for promoting a Certain Brand of Milk I wish they would have gone wild promoting fake products. The Capacity Down should have had more bass but I guess it couldn’t be ghetto FABULOUS and be a ECM device at the same time. I guess with the increase in illegal weapons and common thugs having uncommon weapons that we’ll be going into another arc that goes into the dark side of Academy City. At any rate Mii’s roommate totally needs jump Mii and bring her back to the yuri side doing this and that.

Mama…

Just making sure you’re not from Black Water or Executive Outcomes…

Judge her by her size do you…?

She sucks with kids…

That is a weird camo pattern…

IN A NURSE OUTFIT RIGHT?!

We missed that you.

Feelings…

Just like an overgrown kid, not that there is anything wrong with that.

We have no need for Spiky-kun to induce blushing.

Well I think Kuroko earned it.

If only…

So you did get Liang Qi’s guile.

All you had to do was agree in the first place.

Victory.

We must see this and that animated at some point…

FUCK YEAH PHOTOSHOP.

One day Kuroko will grow into full womanhood like Liang Qi and Alphard…hopefully there will be a time skip to see the results.

…

Some people just never grow up.

Well don’t be in hurry to grow up now, your not there yet…

Well that is Stylish Saten for you.

Kuroko, Kuroko, Kuroko, it’s not how much you who but how you show it…

Good looking our Uiharu we must not let this Yuri Party be ruined by a male presence…

I trust that it is at least SPF 30.

Pretty much captures the spirit of the series.

Some how I don;t get the sense that Kuroko is really resisting.

Look who’s talking…

The Droid invasion has begun, Google equipped and only on Verizon…

I see we have three adherents to the cult of Mac.

Now go bash something.

Seems Kuroko has a good grasp on her would be rival.

Rich bastards…

Think of it this way you are by far the best looking microwave to come a long in a long time…

I see some one likes their soup CAMPBELL’S CHUNKY.

I suppose Biribiri’s problem is one of concentration and not of power…

The feeling isn’t exactly mutual…

To memories.

Well that is one way of broadcasting your weakness.

If only Kuroko could see this…

Your thoughts betray you onee-sama…

So long as you give Kuroko something in return…

Yeah your crew looks shitty.

Good to know that these girls don’t like boys.

Lolis are evil…

By the way does she get a happy ending when the massage is done?

Ah it’s Saten’s yuri stalker.

Your logic is impeccable.

Well it’s not legally torture…

He runs on Energizer.

This is some dance class…

Do you plan on doing this and that to Saten-san by chance?

Motherfuckers hating on yuri again.

Indeed…

Having been raised by Alphard and Liang Qi, Kuroko knows a thing or too about villainy.

Kuroko’s happiest day yet.

You didn’t have to milk the bull you know…

Ah yes shameless product placement.

I share Kuroko’s dismay.

Because LOVE WILL NEVER DIE!

I suggest renaming your home…

You know surprise does hinge on the minimum of people knowing about it…

So let Kuroko protect the feeling of love in onee-sama’s heart.

Biribiri can get quite frisky when she is in the mood.

Unlike her parents Kuroko actually gives people a chance to surrender.

Also your purple van was ugly.

Big Spider meet the new Snakes…

Why can’t TSA agents be that pretty…

Sure what ever you say.

Silly suicide bomber your trigger is most lacking…

Damn you heterosexuality!

Let’s share this special milk that Kuroko bought…

An episode where a lot of things happen but nothing really happens at all.

I’m feeling quite torn with my impressions of this episode. I was bored with the first half of it with all the minor things that happen that do not seem to have much relevance to anything. But, the second half was a thrill ride all the way through. But despite all of that, we just keep getting more questions and no answers. Well, I guess it IS only episode 3.

Izaya and Shizuo really do seem to steal the show whenever they appear. If it wasn’t for characters like them, I wouldn’t know what the fate of this show would be in the hands of the weak Mikado. Masaomi is great, but him alone just isn’t enough.

So after Mikado is assigned as class representative along with Anri, him and Masaomi go out to flirt with girls (well more Masaomi than Mikado of course). After a while they find Anri who is being bullied by a group of girls and one “thug-life” guy and with the help of Izaya, they chase away the bullies (again more Izaya than Mikado). After introductions were through, a trash can comes flying in and pegs Izaya right in the head. This, of course, is the work of Shizuo who apparently knows Izaya from before. The two are about to fight when they are interrupted by Thug-life and his G-unit. The fight then turns into Shizuo vs G-unit and when Izaya starts to run away, Simon jumps in and stops Shizuo from throwing a vending machine at him.

Creepy teacher returns.

It seems like Anri has already noticed how creepy he is and is already beginning to avoid him. Good job Anri, good job.

A bit of self-promotion?

Japanese cell phones are quite durable aren’t they. I bet if that was an iPhone it would be in pieces by now.

Thug life fo’ sho.

It seems kind of interesting to see how Masaomi’s personality changes when he’s talking to Izaya. Maybe it’s the whole “don’t make an enemy out of him” deal or maybe something else is going on between them. They seem to have an obvious past since they know each other, but I wonder what went on to make Masaomi talk so differently around Izaya… or maybe he just talks like that to all his elders, who knows.

Greatest scene of the episode. Even better than Izaya getting a trash can thrown at him.

Looks like Simon has a bit of supernatural strength in him too. Of course not as much as Shizuo who seems to have rearranged Simon’s face by the end of the episode.

Way to be the main character Mikado.

I really dislike weak main characters like Mikado. They just annoy me to death. I can only hope he mans up by the time this series is over. But at least he’s trying right? …Right?

SENSITIVE INTELLIGENCE REPORT – RESTRICTED DISSEMINATION

SUBJECT: 1. COMPLETE REJECTION OF FINAL KURUMI ATTEMPT ON KAZEHAYA.

……………2. TOTAL COLLAPSE OF ORGANIZED KURUMI RESISTANCE, FORMAL END TO CONFLICT DESPITE POSTURING.

DATE: LATE JANUARY 2010

1. CEASEFIRE WAS FOLLOWED BY CONTINUED NEGOTIATIONS WHERE KURUMI ADMITTED DEFEAT TO SAWAKO AND ALLIED FORCES. OUTSIDE OF FORMAL PEACE TREATY RATIFICATION, KURUMI APPROACHED KAZEHAYA, WHO FIRMLY REJECTED HER LAST DITCH ATTEMPT ON HIM. AS A CONCESSION, HE DID AGREE TO HER DEMAND TO CALL HER UME ONCE.

2. INTELLIGENCE HAS INTERCEPTED SEVERAL MIXED SIGNALS FROM KURUMI HIGH COMMAND, ON ONE HAND ADHERING TO THE TERMS OF THE PEACE TREATY, ON THE OTHER POSTURING AS IF SHE HAS NOT BEEN DEFEATED. THIS COULD INDICATE AN INTERNAL (TO THE BRAIN) POWER STRUGGLE, OR PERHAPS SIMPLY POSTURING FOR THE SAKE OF PRIDE WHILE THE WOUNDS OF HER RECENT DEFEAT ARE HEALING. THE WAR MAY BE OVER, BUT WE MUST REMAIN VIGILANTE UNTIL THE SITUATION STABILIZES. THE PROSPECT OF A FANATICAL ELEMENT SEIZING CONTROL AND RENEWING AGGRESSION CAN NOT YET BE RULED OUT.

The war is over! Kurumi has admitted to Sawako openly that Kazehaya does not like her, and that she has no chance against Sawako. Furthermore we have a thorough rejection of Kurumi by Kazehaya, as well as the addition of his statement of love for Sawako. And the finishing move is made, the definitive ‘thank you’ reply to Kurumi’s confession, the words that signal defeat to all who hear them. However Sawako is most merciful, and offers Kurumi the hand of friendship and continues her decision not to let Kazehaya know of the extent of her foe’s transgressions. Kurumi tries to throw a pity party and talk about how others have used her due to her popularity, while conveniently never mentioning how she used others to destroy True Love and Friendship as far back as middle school. I can have no sympathy for one who gets burned by the very fire that she starts! In the end, all she got from Kazehaya was his acknowledgement that the rumors of her and Pin are false, and for him to call her Ume once, which is more than she deserved.

Day two of the sports festival ends badly on the sports front, but this is of minor consequence given the great victory for True Love and Friendship. Kurumi tries to hide her shame and embarassment behind a pair of sunglasses, but the goggles do nothing. Seemingly oscillating between admitting her loss and wanting to menace and threated Sawako, Kurumi claims that they’re rivals, though Sawako and the rest of us respond with puzzled looks since to be a rival one must have a prospect of being able to compete. Her defeat must have shaken her to her core, because it seems like she’s developed some sort of multiple personality disorder, or at least a severe case of indecisiveness. Even Pin’s teasing seemed to have given her ideas. Therefore, we must be on our guard until she completely accepts her defeat. What she can do now is beyond me, after admitting defeat and being turned down by Kazehaya. But at least for that evening the members of the Sawayakyaa Alliance have time to relax, singing karaoke and having a fun night out together. Kazehaya even gets a cute moment when he finds Sawako asleep on the stairs, blushing but proving his worthiness by not entertaining ecchi fantasies or trying to steal a kiss or worse, something that unworthy male protagonists often try to get away with in similar situations. Double standard, I know, but such things are only ok in cases such as those of KimiKiss’s Mao stealing a kiss on Koichi or Nyan Koi’s Kanako making an attack on a sleeping Junpei.

Crusader’s Record of Kazehaya War

The story of your life…

Following Kurumi’s glorious defeat it was inevitable that she put out some propaganda to try and justify her war on true love. Suffice to say she cried a river, a pity she did not drown in it… Fortunately for Ume, Sawako was not about to institute a Carthaginian Peace upon her. At any rate while Ume’s story was plausible in that she manufactured popularity for herself to be the perfect match. However her popularity was but a sham as those girls around her were just as vile and treacherous, though I still put blame on Ume for handing out notes individually instead of in groups to avoid unnecessary complications. Funny how Ume’s own cowardice and slavery to public opinion had killed her attempt at true love before it even began, I scoff at her plans for she disregarded Sun Tzu who had advised against long campaigns and advocated swift aggressive action. After all what is the worth of public opinion compared to True Love? Ume finally does confess but the ugly fail that she is now started seeping out and despite her assertions that Kazehaya will not find a cuter girl than her, it is a proven fact that Sawako is superior. I confess I relished every second of Ume weeping for her lost cause and the rumors regarding Pin, I hoped Kazehaya’s words on the matter of Pin were SUGOI hurtful in the extreme for though it may seem cruel it is fitting punishment for Ume who knew what it was like to be at the center of a rumor and yet did not hesitate to do the same to Sawako who had never demonstrated hostile intent. After the the confession FAIL Ume was prancing around in a Quattro cosplay. It seems that despite her defeat Pin’s lies have given Ume new hope (a fool’s hope but who ever said Zekes were smart…) and now she leads an Neo-Ume effort to claim Kazehaya. Our worst fears have been realized as Ume was a goddamn Zeke all along (though the rumor mongering and unrepentant evil were indicators that she was Zeke) and must already be planning colony drops to further her madness…

Ume being a treacherous Spacenoid aside, Sawako already has won Kazehaya without much effort as her genuine heroism and stoicism in the face of adversity proved more mighty than the shallow looks that Zekes pride themselves on. Zeus showed Kazehaya great favor as Kazehaya was allowed to spend a few minutes chastely with a sleeping Sawako. That made me DAAWWWWWW. Next time it seems we have a recap ep, though I would be more than happy to be proven wrong.

I am glad they’re all bunched up…time to pass a firing solution to Big Tray.

The lesson of the story is to never start and introduction with a lie…

We sunk her battleship yo!

Funny I thought Ume was always thinking about what was best for Ume….

He already did dumbass!

Only now at the end do you realize…

:3

Let the Zeke scum cling to their false hope, reality will always have its revenge…

Her name is Quattro and she is looking for a girl named Ume have you seen her?

That assumes that you are somewhat equal, it doesn’t work when you are vastly inferior…

Just wait until your first Yuri Tea Party…

ExecutiveOtaku’s Unadulterated Adoration of Sawako and Current Intelligence Report

Sawako is so compassionate! Where one would be justified in finishing off her opponent, she sympathizes with her and takes pity! How noble *clenches fist to chest and cries many tears of admiration.*

Mmmm, delicious imagery to accompany delicious victory.

Not only does she commit her crimes in pursuit of her own interests, she actively sabotaged the love of others just for kicks.

I was very happy to get a heavy dose of scenery porn this episode. Ah, beautiful.

Kazehaya was nice to her all along. One has to wonder why one so devious and superficial would be interested in such a caring and honest person as he.

WAAH WAAH! CRY SOME MORE!

More devastating than a Colony Drop. How appropriate that an attack similar to Operation British beats the French harlot.

Only now, when it is too late, can you speak without deception.

Not even a moment of shock or hesitation from Kazehaya. Good man.

Not so much.

Confession + (response = thanks) = romance FAIL. Taking a cue from Mayama, Kazehaya lets her down gently, not really having any other appropriate words to say. When it happened to Yamada it was the end of her chances (though she would still hold out hope), and Kurumi is no Yamada.

The lovely scenery and shot framing compliments the rejection of Kurumi perfectly, like a fine wine perfectly matched to a scrumptious meal. Mmmm, satisfying.

Because it’s more fun that way.

GO TO DMC! GO TO DMC! GO TO DMC!

With the defeat of Kurumi, one has to wonder if there will be peace and the development of Sawako and Kazehaya’s relationship, renewed Kurumi aggression, or a new enemy. I’m hoping for the first option.

Wait for it…

Kurumi decides to take the dictator fashion route and hide her shame behind some opaque sunglasses. In doing so she follows a long line of oppressive dictators, terrorist leaders cum political figures, and war criminals.

Or perhaps she was trying to rip off Sheryl Nome? How dare she! This is no Zaku, boy, no Zaku you’re no Sheryl, girl, no Sheryl!

Yeah, I don’t know why Kurumi is acting like she still has a chance either.

Continuing down the petty dictator road, she now has her underlings follow her around for her to complain to and abuse.

Sports may not have gone her way, but Chizu can’t carry the entire team.

Kazehaya rallying the troops.

I for one welcome the return of ‘hair-down’ Sawako :3

Such refreshing honesty, both with herself and with others.

Once again Ayane makes the subtle moves to get everyone where they should be.

Why didn’t they show this on screen?!

Pursuing True Love and Friendship take a lot out of you.

EO’s DAAAWWWW of the Week: it made me crush my scouter it was so cute.

Seems Noel took one valuable lesson from Gulf War I, don’t sleep in your tank.

I am pleasantly surprised that three episodes in I have yet to find reason to shout WRONNNNNNGNGGGGG! at the screen for something woefully inconsistent with military life as I know it. So far it is is in line with instances of garrison life in an all volunteer force though things are different for the poor dumb bastards who get conscripted. Morning ceremonies seem consistent enough with a reveille and morning colors, cleaning is common enough though the practice has largely died out where bases contract out for civilian janitors who get pretty good pay state side though I hear that in the field the TCNs taking out the trash aren’t making bank despite their salaries usually being better than most other jobs in the area. I like how Felicia listed ammo as the first thing on her list of needs since ammunition usually gets first priority. Being low on ammo means they are probably expending it and that means range time. Other things I did like were the rifle PQS though Kanata has poor muzzle discipline as she was flagging Kureha, but at least Kureha and Noel weren’t flagging anyone and it wasn’t at a range. I could understand if the room was crowded but I can forgive Kanata since she isn’t squared away yet. I like how they had Noel teaching rifle and Felicia teaching tanks since it usually goes that way. It is also good to see that Rio has some basic first aid training, though she is no medic.

Setting-wise it seems that while the 1121st is a black sheep unit they certainly aren’t lacking in heavy equipment with a motorcycle and two Kubelwagen in their motor pool in addition to Takemicaduchi (I guess that’s the “proper” spelling at any rate from the UI screen). The place keeps getting stranger and stranger with the addition of German Heavy Equipment but with the driver placed in such a way that it is British. Also the fortune cookies have fortunes written in the Japanese style, but in French or some other romance language. Nevertheless even if it is rather odd it certainly seems to be a better blend of monoculture where the engineering is German though since there are Kar 98ks one has to wonder about the existence of M1 Garands and Gewher 43s. The church being back in the medical business is case for some concern as it implies a sort of dark age where science and medicine have gone back to alchemy and local remedies of dubious use. For now at least the local remedies are good enough though I doubt they have the ability to perform surgery or reset a broken bone. It’s not that bad as Rio was able to voice some skepticism about religion and seems to have come to blows with the local clergy over their gaggle of kids. Still malaria as the diagnosis seems to be a bit of a stretch though it could be just general ignorance that came with the loss of medical science.

Rio got more character development or at least more of her background was hinted at. Rio lost her mom early on and seems to have fallen out with her dad, also it seems that Rio and Kanata have the same personal hero in the form of the Blonde Herald (her name will come up eventually I think). For now Rio is conforming to how a senior NCO should behave in the people first mentality. Her panic over Kanata wasn’t too alien to me since my first day at boot camp had one guy undergo a panic attack which left the whole squad bay at a total loss of what to do while we waited for help to get there. Cursing the supply corps. is  nothing new and is as old as standing armies are since there is always a shortage of something. Whether they intended to or not Rio showing concern for Kanata isn’t too alien these days since “walk it off” is no longer considered the solution and much more has been invested in mental health and training NCOs to look out for the mental well being of their subordinates. Even Rio creating a relationship based on trust and understanding is the ideal norm since the new school of though is to get away from just using your rank to get people to do what you want in the case of NCos, though officers are still free to just point to the collar device as far as I can tell. My admiration of Rio has certainly grown as she demonstrated that she remembered where she came from and that she too was once a lost little E-2 who didn’t know how to march. I wonder what trouble Rio cause with the local clergy but I do applaud her for sucking it up and asking for help, for now I agree with not calling in HQ since they were farther off and would have taken a while to get there anyway. Still I have reasonable suspicions that Rio didn’t call HQ because her dad might be top brass and she had personal issues with him. Certainly Felicia’s comments about Rio having poor manners indicates that her father was some one who had the time to bother with fuss and feathers. Judging from Rio’s example it seems that despite being lax when it comes to rules and regs they do train regularly despite having an inoperable tank. For that the 1121st is certainly earning brownie points from me since they haven’t skipped training and seem to take it seriously enough that Rio knows how to operate some functions of the Takemicaduchi.

Kanata seems to have the same reasons for enlisting as many guys I know including me, I was delighted that unlike that stupid Zeke blond boy from IGLOO (that ranted on about some nonsense about defending the Zeke Republic headed by a family of tyrants), Kanata told the truth when it came to her enlistment. In my experience enlistment isn’t always about patriotism and there is a degree of personal interest mixed in when it comes to the older folks. In the case of the younger kids, including me, it was more about getting out of the house after high school and seeing the real world. I can sympathize with the desire to gain or regain one’s self esteem, I lost mine after not getting into a big name college out of high school, at least in my case I found that and more. During hard times military enlistment seems like a better alternative to unemployment regardless of the accusations (most are gross exaggerations anyways) from the anti-war camp. Another point of interest seems that the age of an adult in this society has been drastically lowered as Kanata is an adult though she is roughly equivalent to an 18 year old in the US. She can still be viewed as a kid though she is for all intents and purposes an adult. Talk about taking one huge step back in time when the age of adulthood was pretty low during periods when women were marriageable once they were able to conceive, though mostly it was due to high infant mortality rates and the need to maintain a population in societies where disease was much deadlier than it is now. All in all it seems to be a keeper after garrison duty on a Monday, it’s relaxing though oddly it errs more toward the hard military fiction side of things.

Unlike me Kanata seems to have little trouble getting up at the crack of dawn.

I was pleasantly surprised that Rio bothered to get up around the same time, usually it’s “do as I say, not as I do” with higher ups.

Thank goodness it wasn’t cooking fail moe.

Good to see that ammo was on top in terms of priority.

I guess having them post the colors ensures that they are out side for colors…

Ah the old military pastime of field day, I guess they’re too poor to have contractors do it.

On the one hand I am glad they are doing weapons PQS, on the other hand Kanata is seriously flagging Kureha…

I hope that’s a diagram of the enemy tanks otherwise…it looks French or Italian…

Seems some one watched the Book of Eli.

…

ORLY?

Let’s see they got German military equipment, Japanese cultural habits, speak and write in French, this is some monoculture they have going…

Ah yeah the Kubelwagen, for a unit of Five they certainly aren’t lacking in heavy equipment.

It’s a pretty standard question.

At least she is honest, patriotism isn’t exactly the number one reason people enlist…

Usually the case though the odd lifer does come up in the crop of the “I had nothing better to do” crowd.

The Military Musical Monopoly…

Try a kiss it might just work…

Seems Rio lost her mom early in life.

Taken out of context this seems so yurilicious…

I see Rio read last month’s mishap report in full…

Report is as follows: So this E-3 Aviation Machinist’s Mate had to cross the Coronado Bridge back into San Diego on his motorcycle, and for some reason he was in a heckuva hurry, to the tune of more than 80 miles per hour.

I don’t know if you’ve had the pleasure of driving across this bridge. If you haven’t, I recommend it.

Outbound from San Diego, it offers a nifty escape from the city, arching over the blue water far below and curving down toward scenic Coranado and NAS North Island. I do not, repeat, do not recommend that you try to do it at 80 miles per hour, either on two wheels or four.

But wait, you ask, maybe traffic wasn’t too bad, a hilarious suggestion given that this was Southern California, and it was 4:15 in the afternoon. Not only that, but once, driving across the bridge, I entered the dense fog they call “the Marine Layer,” and let me tell you, the visibility went from excellent to 10 feet in about one second.

Back to our E-3, who was inbound to San Diego. Where the bridge curves left, he was in the right lane, his view blocked by a box truck. When he got a glance ahead, lo and behold there was a car in his lane, not going 80 miles per hour. He managed to slow down to 60 before rear-ending it.

He sailed off his motorcycle and slid to a stop.

Unspecified injuries to multiple body parts, which is believable. One week of Light Duty, which is less so.

Testimony to some good PPE, at least.

That is some diagnosis, either she is horribly wrong or all the medical specialists were wiped out and religion is back in the healing business…

We’ll just call her Doc.

Hey so she did stop crying….

From a distance it looks like such a beautiful place.

She sounds like me and every other kid that joined to get away from home for a while.

Well the UI sure is friendly though it has no idea that it’s crew is all female.

I am surprised they bothered to learn how to operate it given its condition, not that I am saying they shouldn’t.

At least they didn’t leave it out to rust.

I guess way back when everything was an MP3 player…

I guess they did have wireless, and then they lost it.

I’ll interpret this silence as an admission of yuri.

Hey a choker.

Seems the Blonde Herald was a local hero.

Loli Rio :3

…sounds about right.

I see that they went the same direction we have gone with the kinder gentler military. Not that it is a bad thing as “embrace the suck” is not a real cure all for everything.

Hey watch it there, don’t get malaria just to get nursed…if you do we’ll let Kanata be the corpsman.

SENSITIVE INTELLIGENCE REPORT – RESTRICTED DISSEMINATION

SUBJECT: 1. CEASEFIRE AND FIRST ATTEMPT AT NEGOTIATIONS CALLED BY SAWAKO.

……………2. FIRST PUBLIC DECLARATION OF MEANS AND INTENT BY KURUMI.

DATE: MID JANUARY 2010

1. THE FORCES OF KURUMI ROUTED AND HER PLANS THWARTED, A FINAL DEVASTATING ATTACK WAS MADE AGAINST KURUMI HERSELF BY AYANE AND CHIZU. SEEING THE DEVASTATION BEFORE HER, SAWAKO INTERVENED TO STOPPED A PLANNED PUNITIVE STRIKE BY AYANE AND UNILATERALLY DECLARED A CEASEFIRE. NEGOTIATIONS WERE ATTEMPTED, ALTHOUGH COOPERATION BY KURUMI WAS NOT FORTHCOMING. IN THE FUTURE SAWAKO HOPES HER ENEMY WILL BE MORE RECEPTIVE TO BEING BROUGHT INTO A FORMAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES, THIS PREVENTING THE RESENTMENT THAT COULD BRING MORE DESPERATE ATTACKS DOWN THE ROAD.

2. AFTER THE FINAL ATTACK BEFORE THE CEASEFIRE, KURUMI ADMITTED TO HER MOTIVATIONS AND MEANS OF HER AGGRESSION. UNREPENTANT THOUGH SHE WAS, SHE WAS CLEARLY IN A MOMENT OF DESPERATION AND CLOSE TO COMPLETE BREAKDOWN. ANY PEACE TREATY MUST ENSURE THAT THIS RESENTMENT AND FEELING OF HELPLESSNESS IS DEALT WITH CAREFULLY LEST SHE TAKE UP ARMS AGAIN. CEASEFIRE IS TENUOUS AT BEST UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, AND ALL ALLIED FORCES AND ASSETS MUST REMAIN ON HIGH ALERT IN CASE THE ENEMY DECIDES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SAWAKO’S OFFER OF PEACE.

Wow, there was so much revelations about plots, strategic thinking, discussions with the defeated enemy, and shifting of power this episode to be worthy of Legend of the Galactic Heroes. With Kurumi backed into a corner by Ayane and Chizu’s proof of her dark deeds, and Sawako standing before her unable to believe the extent of her maliciousness, she drops all attempts at control and lashes out at Sawako while crying. She admits to spreading the rumors, to seeing Sawako only as an obstacle in her path, to being intensely jealous of her, and that she has no problems with using anyone and everyone. While she claims that others use her so it’s ok for her to do the same, such petty justifications fall on deaf ears and Chizu lays into her in a moment of furious and uncharacteristic eloquence. Sawako keeps asking if all this is a misunderstanding, for she is most merciful, but Ugly Ume displays why she has earned such a title and all but spits in her face, crying and yelling that she hates Sawako and was never her friend. Ayane finds her lack of repentance disturbing and walks off threatening to tell Kazehaya, and despite Kurumi’s encouragements to go ahead and tell him she clearly is fearful of the justice that is about to be done upon her. But along the way to the volleyball match Sawako stops Ayane from doing so, feeling pity for her defeated foe and calling off the shoujo equivalent of the ‘Highway of Death’ – having the one the rival loves hate her.

Things just get worse for Kurumi when she skips out on her teammates and they think that they actually did better without her. Piling on the damage, Pin, as predicted last post, just can’t keep his mouth shut and talks all about Kurumi being in love with him in front of her teammates and Ayane and Chizu. Kazehaya drags him off and tells him to shut up, but the rumor is already lose, Kurumi’s teammates talking about it immediately after hearing about it. Sawako continues feeling bad for Kurumi and runs off to find her, offering the olive branch and letting Kurumi know that she’s serious in her love for Kazehaya, that she’s not just someone who’s coming in to ruin Kurumi’s day for no reason. Not that Kurumi is being any more gracious about this attempt at a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and she even goes on to say how much better she is for Kazehaya. While the thought enters Sawako’s mind for a moment, she’s grown strong enough from past confrontations to acknowledge but ignore this attempt to make her feel insecure. Kurumi really lets the tears out this time, and while she seems determined to take one last action, I very much doubt that it will work. Even if she takes a page from Sawako’s book, reforms, and goes about her attempts on Kazehaya  in an honest way, she’s lost too much momentum at this point to make a counterattack that will provide her with any lasting gains. And the forces of True Love and Friendship always have ‘the bomb’, Ayane’s willingness to tell Kazehaya about Kurumi’s misdeeds should that option prove necessary.

Crusader’s Record of Kazehaya War

With her cloak of deception cast into the fires of retribution Ume is to suffer insult upon insult that has been long over due for her propaganda war on true love. Sadly Sawako is distressed that Ume was no friend and tries to mend fences despite the fact that Ume is not worthy of such efforts. It was wonderful to see that Ume was incapable of bluffing and was considered to be useless in sports. Her class’s victory is attributed to her conspicuous absence as her replacement proved to be superior in every way. While Sawako decides to show mercy Zeus ensures that Pin is unable to keep his big yap shut and thus grows the tale of Ume’s shit taste in men and love for Pin. The word is out and long may Ume suffer for it just as Sawako suffered at the hands of Ume’s vile lies. It is much more delicious as Ume’s own false facade created this rumor which was based on glorious misunderstanding instead of petty jealousy. With that concludes the last real battle that Ume was able to muster for in any considerable amount of force, I am sure that the rumors of her love of Pin, spread by Pin himself will take up most of her time in her futile efforts to quash them. Sawako may forgive her, but I shall forever laugh at Ume’s love of Pin, and long may she visit the tree of confession for True Love will never answer to one so vile as her.

Needs to be made into an omake.

They are trying to find the one that causes a critical meltdown.

That she is, that she is…

But you started it…

Let’s see if your pretty face is a match for Chizu’s FIST.

That is the dumbest question I have ever heard.

The bluff is weak…

Thus did Ume wait fruitlessly at the tree of confession…

No that would be Ume…

I had to check the IFF to see if it was Tomoko and Eriko, thankfully it wasn’t them.

But what they spoke was the truth.

See no one stands up for Ume, what great friends Ume has….

I felt like throwing up…

Yeah and we though Ume had an ego…

Pin commissioned many a cheap shody shoujo background.

Yes she does and HOW!

Well I don’t…

Not my problem that you put all you eggs in one basket…

ExecutiveOtaku’s Unadulterated Adoration of Sawako and Current Intelligence Report

Kurumi can’t stand the site of True Love and Friendship.

Not so keikaku doori, eh Kurumi? Muahahaha, her indignant, spiteful words of failure are music to my ears!

Kurumi is without honor and behind her carefully maintained looks is an ugly soul.

For the day would come when Kurumi would know fear.

Let me see your war face!

Chizu is GAR! At least, for a moment.

Oh yes, you’re just the poor innocent victim here.

“I’m not as good-natured as Chizu.” Be still my heart, I love evil Ayane!

EO’s DDAAAWWWW of the Week: Sawako fidgeting in front of Ayane and Chizu.

She’s probably a team-killer, perhaps they should consider giving her the boot.

INTIMIDATION!

All too easy.

I really love these half-face staring shots this episode, it’s a perfect way to the ‘O RLY?‘ feeling.

Pin is ready to get up and do his thang. He wants to get into it man, you know, like a, like a sex machine, man.

…

Kazhaya’s minor bit in this episode, trying to keep Pin from doing any more damage. Perhaps even Kurumi doesn’t deserve that kind of BAD END.

Behold the face of True Love, Kurumi, for it is a power you shall never conquer!

This episode got back into using some of the more creative shots and ‘camera’ techniques that I enjoyed in previous episodes. This pan up through the fence is one, as well as the traveling through the branches of leaves of the autumn trees and then the pan up to the sky followed by rotating in a complete circle off to the side and then back to the ground.

This heart beats with an awesome POWER!

Peace negotiations. If Sawako can make Kurumi see the error of her ways and become her friend then her victory will be total.

The rivals face each other amidst the starry universe. Ano Sora wo Yuke, Sawako!

Finally you realize the futility of your actions.

Perhaps this defeat will make her reflect on things, but I’m not letting my guard down until comes out with a definitive ‘I’m glad I fell in love with you’ admission of defeat before Kazehaya himself.

This image is 200 proof pure shoujo.

So basically episode 2 was episode 1 but with the main focus on the young miss Rio Kamichika who was part of the attempted kidnapping. Rio wanted to commit suicide when she found out that her father was cheating on her mother and was supposed to meet someone by the alias of Nakura. Nakura, or Izaya Orihara (his real name), told her that he simply wanted to observe her reactions and emotions the entire time. What his real motives are, if any, are still unclear. Rio decides to go ahead and proceed with the suicide attempt, but is saved again by the headless rider, Certy. She departs with a single message for Rio, “The world isn’t as cruel as you take it to be.”

It wasn’t that great of an episode in terms of content, but I do like this style of story telling. Being able to see what goes on from different perspectives is always fun especially with so much going on. We get to meet a few more characters, both entirely new and some from episode 1 with more exposure. There’s so many that you can’t help but wonder how they will all interact with each other.

So Izaya is supposed to be the sinister badass of the show I guess. At first I thought he wasn’t going to be a bad guy and that the whole thing was supposed to stop Rio from wanting to commit suicide. But boy was I wrong. The guy just wanted to observe humanity like some sort of god looking down on a petri dish. Of course, this makes him a perfect candidate for the “villain” of the series if there’s supposed to be any.

I honestly liked her better with her hair this way… not much else to say about this character.

Creepy teacher is creepy. Already checking out the students on the first day, eh?

This guy seems like a prick. If you’re not going to come to school then don’t show up at all.

Despite the show’s natural realistic setting, it’s a bit nice to see some supernatural elements embedded in. We of course have Certy (or Selty? Which is it?) the headless rider. Now we have Shizuo Heiwajima who we saw during the opening and a little bit in episode 1 throwing around vending machines. I’m not sure how this will all play out in the end, but it certainly does make me curious enough to watch the show even more.

This is a bit off topic but I’m kind of liking Erika Arisawa’s character design. It’s strange since the character seems so plain, but just the outfit itself is a bit unique and somewhat refreshing among all the school uniforms, plug suits and fancy clothing you seem in anime these days. Or maybe I just have a thing for plain looking women… who knows.

On a side note, I thought including sort of a summary of what happened in the previous episode in the middle of the opening sequence was kind of clever, but that’s just me. =)

Typical anime cliches has never been so refreshing. Instead of going to school we have a ‘going-to-work’ version this time round.

Sorry for the sugoi late post! Quite busy this week round!

So, after pondering what I want to blog for this season (Since Katanagatari only releases 1 episode every month), I decide to go on with this one instead (Until I get pissed off, if that’s the case). Not in the best of mood, but it somehow rather reminds me on my kindergarten days…

Wait, I hardly remember anything from kindergarten. ROFL! From what I’ve seen, this resembles my days in kindergarten (Except that I don’t hit guys randomly and think that climbing trees is an extremely noble past time.).

They better not transform this into another Kodomo no Jikan. They better not.

NOOOOO!!!!! I’m not some perv guy with a loli complex! I’m just a normal guy working in a kindergarten!

So our protagonist starts work in the kindergaten with the same name as the anime itself. Big deal. He rushes to work, but then thinking that he’ll be late anyway, he sees a loli, pushes his brakes and then starts hitting on her…wait, am I in the wrong show? She’s only 4, and he’s only in his 20s (I think).

Or maybe our little loli right her watches too much anime. Or rather boring soap operas that bored you to tears, but you think that these crap really are tear-jerking after all.

So he left Anzu behind, and how does he know her name in the first place when it’s the first time you met her? It’s anime after all, we can defy the laws of gravity and whatnot. That’s why. If a stranger I don’t even know of starts hitting on me, the first thing my mother would do is to kick that man’s ass instead of striding it off as if nothing ever happens. Hey, what’s with guys hitting you when you are 4?

Erm, no. Why are you putting me in a spot? You started it all right.

If I was her, I would be screaming for my mother horrendously, and wouldn’t be Anzu be scared of falling in high places? Well, it’s anime after all.

I kinda remember the time when I was in elementary school, and my mother sent me to a childcare center since she was wayyyy too busy to looking after me then. It wasn’t such a bad experience, I get to meet some new friends, but then I hardly ever seen them again when I completed 6th grade. Coming back to the story, well, yeah, kindergarten is fun, sucks, embarrassing and all the shit you can come up with, but Anzu, when the teacher is talking, you should be listening to them, not start wondering around and gossip around people that you’ve hit your very own kindergarten teacher…

SHHH!!!

And coming back to my experience in a childcare center, yeah, so there’s at least 2 male caretakers in the center. So it’s not very uncommon for male caretakers to take up the job but over the years, the number has declined. Don’t ask me why, but most people in society think being a caretaker is only for ladies, drag queens and the gays. Well, society: A big, fat WRONG!

Parents: He’s gay, he’s definitely gay.

Gay…not! I love women very much, especially one with a G cup bosom! Thank you very much!

So after the introduction and all, things are starting to calm down…not with those three ‘rugrats’ around when a big wind blows and skirts will lift up like flying a kite. Now, Koume’s ribbon given by her elder brother was now stuck on a tree. How convenient. ANZU RANGER TO THE RESCUE!!!

Noo, it’s Ranger Yamamoto-sensei to the rescue!

At last, Ranger Anzu was saved by Ranger Tsuchida, and really; if I was Anzu’s mother I would be screaming at her to get down this instant and instead call someone else to bring a ladder and bring down the ribbon. So, next time, guys who have premarital sex in high school, remember, being a parent is hard work.

So, that make you gay, Tsuchida-san?

You can use the female restroom, if you like. We won’t tell anyone about this, scouts’ honor!

And so once again, the first day is saved. So everyone goes home, talk about their first day and…what?

Meow! I’m a catgirl. Daddy bought this for me!

Tsuchida and Anzu’s mother, Sakura are schoolmates in high school, and it was quite surprising that Sakura has premarital sex with her high school teacher. But since it’s Japan, they make it sound as if nothing serious has ever happen to them. No wonder the world’s turning upside down, but I’m not against that kind of relationship. I mean, shouldn’t you wait till you graduate from high school or something? Yes, I know, Japan needs more babies, but ethics comes first if you ask me.

…and be late for work tomorrow, again! Ooh, is that a PS2/3? Want play!

The next day, our dear Tsuchida rushes to work, AGAIN, and meets Sakura and Anzu. So, what did Anzu say…

I knew it! You’re not gay…you’re a pedo! With a loli complex!

Yeah, this first episode was quite interesting, though nothing special really turned up except for a twist or two. Fortunately, not much obvious fanservice (Thank god, Gainax), but you may never know. My favourite character: Hii-chan. And with the next preview…

She wears a safari suit. I wonder if she has a maido uniform, or a cheongsam, maybe a Lolita dress… (Thinking about dirty thought, but meh!)

This season doesn’t disappoint. Except for some shows that are so unworthy to be mentioned. I’ll see 4 more episodes before I decide if I would want to continue but for now, I’ll be sitting on the sidelines.

Already Sergeant Major Rio is showing superior intelligence. Good call is good.

So far I am pretty surprised at how this has turned out so far. While granted there are those who blast it as a joke on military life, I think they have first off never seen an Air Force Composite Unit and second even the members of the 1121st know that they are the black sheep unit of the whole army. Also since this is an all volunteer force for the sake of recruitment once in the field decorum gets much more relaxed unless it is for a formal ceremony or inspection. Not even those uptight Marines are above goofing around during work. For me at least they seem to come off less as Army and more like Air Force given how they pack all their snivel gear for a short patrol of an abandoned school. Also since the Air Force seems to have a disproportionate number of good looking people compared to the other branches, I think the analogy is pretty good. I also started read the summary of mishaps that goes through the message system since I got a better grasp of how to do my job. Suffice to say military life can be fun, and it can be funny.

I probably would be more harsh had I not had to train with other branches and met some interesting units in various states of cohesion. Seeing as I have seen some strange units in action, I don’t have the inclination to be hostile since they know that they are dumping ground and don’t operate under complete ignorance of this fact. While there is a degree of moe-fication at work here they act like how I sometimes wish the actual military operated. Case in point when Noel could not get up before first call I actually applauded Kureha for dragging her out of her rack. Were they in a fuss and feathers unit Noel would have just been left there and she would have been written up in a heart beat or they would have just fucked with her while she dozed off and you can bet that prank would be posted in youtube and the pictures put up on facebook. In my experience people not getting up is a common enough occurrence and most active garrisons will tolerate it to a degree unless the person makes a nasty habit of it or doesn’t bother to call the lead NCO. Even then it appears that this army is already in sharp decline from a war footing as they make clear that most of the population died and having large schools are practically unheard of. It seems that education for certain subjects is not taught publicly and that music is only taught on a military level. Under normal circumstances having child soldiers would be controversial but it seems that with most of the population dead and in light of how Kureha and Kanata are orphaned the Army seems to be willing to take in kids with no where to go and ship them off to crap billets.

Even if the cast appear to be K-On whether they intended to or not they got some of the archetypes you might see at a typical unit right. To be sure Felicia comes off as more of an OCS officer than an academy grad as she isn’t flashing her rank every chance she gets. It’s not so much that officers always clean but it’s nice when they clean their own weapon or clean their own berthing areas instead of grabbing a bunch of enlisted to do it for them. Again it’s more the exception than the rule but its a nice fantasy nonetheless. Kureha reminds me of plenty of Private Majors (E-3s who get egotistical when put in charge of E-2s) who can wreak interesting havoc if left to their own devices, the funniest thing is Private Majors have a habit of exaggerating what a unit typically does (all of a sudden specialized units become Special Forces…) and Kureha created quite a story regarding the elite 1121st. I have to say they did pull off a Kawamori class troll with the mecha, though I guess I should have seen it coming since it was Kureha talking about it. I have to give them credit though for being honest that they are the yard bird unit where other units dump off old equipment in lieu of driving all the way to a DRMO (basically a military junk yard though I hear some of the stuff gets sold to less well equipped armies and military surplus stores) and filling out a 1348. In every service there seems to be one type of unit that becomes the dumping ground for the local units usually the reserve unit that is a little more gung-ho than the rest.

While I could give Kureha crap for being a bad shot I actually witnessed cops with holographic sights take hours to zero their weapons, and I also ate a lot of humble pie when during a night fire where only 11/30 of my rounds hit a man sized target at 50 meters (you only need 7/30 to qualify). I got Sharpshooter for the combat course but when it got dark I could not see worth a damn through those iron sights, I guess it was to hammer home how lucky we are to have NVGs in quantity even if they hurt your eyes after awhile. Also I’ll cut Kureha some slack for using a full sized rifle that is bigger than she is after seeing one of those tiny little Air Force gals try to shoot her M-16, she made it in the end though. As for the rats…I have yet to see any one panic from rats, but spiders seem to freak servicemen out, supposedly it’s why the Army makes special mention of camel spiders (it’s chasing you to get in your shadow, not because it wants to eat you…or at least that is what they tell us) and scorpions so that people don’t freak out when one is chasing them or crawling on them. Oddly enough Kanata reminds me of those kids who sign up who have never been outside of their home state and as such are amazed at some of the things I consider mundane, I suppose it’s pretty much the same with first time deployments since most of those places aren’t highly attractive tourist destinations.

While we did get some background, they did hint much more about the setting which is pretty interesting without being too depressing. As mentioned before it seems that in this post war period both sides seem to have fought until their strength was all but spent. War seems to be the last thing on their minds as the draft is gone but they are still taking in kids as a sort of uniformed welfare to cut costs. I wonder if 1121st is actually made up of all orphans since I don’t see parents being too willing to let their kids go off to some far away post. Certainly it would lend more credibility to the setting with the state being nearly bankrupt with a deteriorating army that barely keeps its units supplied. The lack of education suggests that they did scrape the bottom of the man-power barrel as education took a nose dive with elective course like music gone the way of the dodo. The advent of lost technology is probably most indicative of all as they have gone from shiny MBTs to bolt action rifles. All in all i don’t mind the vacillation between moe anime tropes and the interesting setting they seem to be competently building up. I did like how Rio took the smart approach to teaching Kanata and was delighted at how she got Kureha all pumped up and ready to go, only to throw her under the bus on ghostbuster patrol. Reminds me of the time we had to do OPFOR for an exercise when one of the E-4s had an ego trip and was being pretty vocal about it. The Chief egged him on only to later make him the driver for all the vehicles entering the ECP for the exercise. Suffice to say the E-4 found out how effective those positions work and how thorough a search can be…

All in all it ever so gently reminds me of past experiences whether directly or indirectly, so it’s a nice series to relax to at the end of my military day.

Last note on how like everyone else the military has it’s share of people with NICE IDEAs here for your reading pleasure is one of the mishaps that occurred during December, it’s unclassified and verbatim, though I’ll spare you the ALL CAPS format.

In this week’s “Confession is Good for the Soul” Department, we hear from an Air Force E-4 who had whipped up a batch of rice krispies treats for himself. He gobbled a few. “I followed the directions,” he notes, “and nowhere did it say to grease the pan or to not leave the treats in the fridge overnight.” This disclaimer, you perceive, is in preparation for the events of the following day, when our hero was again struck with a hankering for more of goodies after work. He initially opted for the tool of choice, a plastic spatula, which promptly broke, due to the rice krispy treat having been transformed into something more like rice krispy pavers. The airman’s next implement was a butcher knife, and soon he was treating himself to a major gash in his wrist. Two hours late her left the emergency room with five stitches. He missed two days of work and was on light duty for the next three weeks. Yum.

Ah yes the time honored tradition of yelling insults across the parade ground.

This should happen more often, but reality is that the military is rife with pranksters and they like to post on youtube.

Alright a TANK!

Good Morning Private Major…

I do that too when the Bull Ensign is showing the new Ensign around…

The worst thing you can do to an E-2 is let an E-3 run them around…

Wow Treize has his own town.

I guess Mugi did the Captain-sh thing and elected to only have one weapon to clean…

I guess this is analogous to a post on the Canadian Border…

I bet it’s not even a secure line…

Yeah Square IT.

Pfffftttt…

We need to save water, oh and you only get five minutes…

It’s real bad when the ghosts out number the living…

FUCK YEAH MBT!

It’s MECHA!

AND IT’S A BIG ONE!

Wow you guys must be really something to get entrusted with that…

FUCK…still that troll was worthy of Kawamori.

Glad they are being honest about it, if they weren’t I was going to tear them a new asshole…figuratively of course.

Oh ho the E-3 wanted to less grunt work I see…

Onee-sama…

The HORROR THE HORROR.

Way to get her all pumped up…

…

Way to throw them under the bus…

It’s always the E-2s and E-3s that are the excitable ones…

I guess there are people who appreciate having school.

It’d be pretty funny if they found Shoujo Manga instead…

I guess vampires got rolled up into the ghost myths.

This kind of close contact happens more than you would think…

I wonder what made that trench.

Dang if the Capital City doesn’t even sport a bigger school education must have really gone down the tubes.

Oh crap the E-2 has a NICE IDEA…

Having only hit with 11/30 rounds during a night fire I guess I can’t pound her for failing to kill the bird.

If Owl is now on the menu then I hate to imagine how much beef costs.

Hey they are pretty PR savvy.

Shokkeru here. Back after a long hiatus with a mini review of various shows of the Winter Season. Keep in mind that these are merely my impressions based on the first episodes of these series.

Today’s Menu:
Baka to Test to Shokanju
Dance in the Vampire Bund
Durarara!!
Ookami Kakushi
Seikon no Qwaser

Baka to Test to Shokanju
Students are divided into six different classes based upon their placement exams. Each class serves as a ranking within the school ranging from rank A all the way down to rank F. The facilities in each class are also a reflection of their rank with rank A being the luxurious suite and rank F being the run-down shack. Classes may also battle other classes in order to have their classrooms changed using summoned avatars. The power level of these avatars are based upon the student’s test scores, thus motivating the student to do better theoretically.

The Good:
-Test scores are the key to victory!: I kind of like the idea behind this series. Having students’ battle powers be based on how well they score on tests certainly does seem like an interesting idea. If only our education system was like this, maybe some people would be more motivated to do well in school… maybe.

-Transformation!: While some of the character archetypes are rather cliché, I still find them enjoyable. Hideyoshi being the obvious trap character even has his own “mahou shoujo” transformation scene. My favorite characters so far have to be the clever Yuuji, who appears to always have a plan and the perverted Kouta, who tries so desperately to sneak a peek.

The Bad:
-Idiot Main Character: I understand that these guys are supposed to be the “worst” students in the school (one of them being the obvious exception) but Yoshii is a little too dumb for my tastes. Not to mention, his summon seems to be a bit useless as well.

Verdict:
Not too shabby even though the first episode did seem a little rushed… well maybe not. Regardless, this is a show that I probably will continue to watch if not for the character interactions then for the interesting battles.

Dance in the Vampire Bund
Thanks to a series of murders where young females are left with bite marks on their necks, rumors begin to surface of the actual existence of vampires. The rumor makes its way onto a TV show where five judges decide whether or not it’s true based on discussions and evidence presented to them. Despite the notion that vampires are not real, one of the judges turns out to be a vampire himself. He is then pursued by other vampires as well as the vampire princess herself. After disposing of the “criminal”, the princess, Mina Tepes, officially announces the existence of vampires and their new home.

The Good:
-It’s SHAFT: I’ll be honest, if it wasn’t for the fact that SHAFT is producing this, I probably wouldn’t have given this a chance. The first episode was a bit slow paced, character designs are a little bland and I wasn’t sure what to think during the whole TV show portion of the episode. But, in the end, it did turn out to be something interesting and I’ll have to check out the next episode for sure.

The Bad:
-What is that, an iguana?: Vampires are cool an all, but transforming into lizards wasn’t something I expected. I understand that this guy happens to be one of the lesser vampires, but I hope not all of them turn into lame animals.

Verdict:
It wasn’t a spectacular first episode, but I’ll be checking out the second for sure.

Durarara!!
Mikado Ryugamine moves to Ikebukuro to attend a new school with his childhood friend Masaomi Kida. When he arrives, Masaomi takes him around town showing him the sights and introducing him to a few acquaintances. While taking his tour of the city, Mikado happens to be “lucky” enough to see the appearance of what appears to be a modern day headless horseman (except that it’s female and rides on a motorcycle).

The Good:
-Awesome OP: The OP for the series is just so cool. It’s probably my favorite of this season so far. Very hip indeed.

-So many characters you won’t know what to do with.: Just judging based on the OP sequence, the amount of characters that would appear in this show is just amazing. Some may see it as a bad thing just by having to keep up with all the names and such, but I for one think it opens up a lot more possibilities with character interactions. Let’s just hope I’m right.

-We’re just so hip and cool.: I just absolutely love the character designs but then again I am a sucker for a lot of things urban themed in anime.

The Bad:
-Are we there yet?: This seems to be a trend amongst shows recently. The first episode just seemed to go by so slowly for me. It seems that they spent a lot of time explaining things while not really explaining anything at all. We got to meet a few of the characters and the modern day headless motorcyclist in action, but despite all that, I’m still not sure what this whole show is about. In short, I kind of feel annoyed by having to wait till episode 2 to fully understand the basic flow of the series.

Verdict:
Definitely a candidate for one of the best shows this season. I’m watching this show till the end and may even end up blogging it if I find the time to.

Ookami Kakushi
Hiroshi Kuzumi and his family move into the town of Jouga (seems to be a popular opening to a story) where everyone seems to be more than welcome of his arrival. The town is divided into the old town and the new town and apparently residents of each are not too fond of each other. At night it seems that people are killed off by a strange wolf cult just before going mad.

The Good:
-Something’s strange in the neighborhood.: I got to admit, I can’t say no to a good mystery. Despite the mood the beginning part of the episode conveyed, you could feel the eeriness of the entire town especially when all the of the students were drooling over our main protagonist. It had a very “Twilight Zone” feel to it. However, I have a feeling that it’s going to take a majority of the series to find out just what the hell is going on in this town.

The Bad:
-Too sweet for my tastes.: I’m not a fan of the character designs at all. They’re much too cutesy for me and I find it very hard to watch the show because of it.

Verdict:
I don’t know if I’ll be watching this show for very long. The only thing keeping me attached to it is simply the mystery itself. Once that’s solved, I may not care for the rest of the show… if I even make it that far.

Seikon no Qwaser
Alexander “Sasha”, a Qwaser, is able to manipulate metal (Iron I think) and use it however he wishes. He does this in order to chase down a criminal who can control magnesium. What fuels their powers, you ask? Why it’s Soma of course… in other words, breast milk…

The Good:
-At least the main character is kind of badass?: The only reason why I decided to even try this show was because of the main character and just how badass he looked. I also liked the idea of alchemy. But sadly, this alone won’t save this show.

-Ending theme is catchy.: The ED song is actually kind of good even though the visuals are quite questionable… well nothing compared to the actual content of the show.

The Bad:
-Seriously? Breast milk?: I heard that breast milk as a main plot device for the series, but I never imagined to this extent. Now it just seems to be an excuse to show as much boobies as one possibly can and still try to take itself seriously. I mean breast feeding to power up just seems a bit wrong does it not? Not to mention all the other fanservice in this show just disgusts me and I’ve watched and read To-Love-Ru all the way through.

-Censorship is bad ‘mkay?: Fanservice is one thing, but I absolutely cannot stand censorship. If the show is bad enough that you’d have to censor 1/3 of it then you might as well not show it at all. Not to mention that the censoring job on this was so terribad. However, I do hear that there will be an uncensored version airing 2 week after the censored version. So, if you still want to feel a little hot and bothered, you can get your jollies there.

Verdict:
A big no thanks on this one. I may just watch the uncensored version just to see how bad it is and for a few laughs, but other than that, I’m staying away from this one.

Doing the dreaded triple review of episodes to catch up. I’ve been really tied up through the holidays and I know there’s even more episodes out and the new stuff is starting to pop up around the interwebs but you’ll have to take it at my pace. After two great episodes I wasn’t surprised by Episode 9’s absolute snore fest of mediocrity. If you waited, and had great determination to get past episode 9, at least episode 10 was enough reward to keep going as Fujimoto’s background story was cute and sad and happy. In Episode 11 it just occurs to Kobato to get a part-time job.  And my CLAMP radar only goes off about twice. Please join me for these three episodes (and maid outfits!) after the jump.

Episode 9

“What to make a totally boring episode Girl #1?” “Oh sure, Girl #2! Let’s pretend to hate it each other to waste everyone’s time!”

Okay, so I lied. I’m pretty much skipping this episode. This episode was the bane of my existence and the number one reason I really don’t like drama-girls-anime. This episode added absolutely nothing to the story and the whole time I just felt angry at it. Here the jist: Girl #1 and Girl #2 used to be BFFs. Girl #1 is a stuck up prissy bitch. Girl #2 is too nice and likes camera. When they grow up they start growing apart because they want different things and Girl #1 wants to sabotage Girl #2 because ??. Anyway in the end they are BFFs again and they can embrace each other differences. Then I throw up with sappy happiness. The redemption of this episode?

I should get a new kimono…Kobato’s is so cute!

Episode 10

Woah, it’s another episode with plot forwarding elements!

Sitting through episode 9 is not necessary when you can skip to the plot filled goodness of Episode 10 right away without missing anything! Episode 10 is what I’ve been holding out for this whole series and while it was a little disappointing in terms of simplicity, I wasn’t about to complain after the last episode.

“Yay I’m never getting my wish but hanging futons is so fun!”

One summery day instead of trying to mend hearts Kobato goes the nursery to help out Sayaka-sensei. Very noble but she needs to ramp up on those hearts so, also somewhat stupid of course.

This picture is somewhat off putting, I think Sayaka is thinking of throwing him down a well

Sayaka-sensei starts telling her about Fujimoto-san in the past complete with flashbacks galore.

Good to know that 10+ years didn’t change him

Meet tiny Fujimoto.  Sad. Super scowly. Sayaka’s family takes him in because his parents left him. Sayaka does the best she can but since he won’t play with anyone it’s pretty hard.

One day some boys come into the yard and step on the flowers all the kids had been nurturing. Sayaka busts out some anger on them but all the kids are depressed still.

You show ‘em girl!

Sayaka tries to put the flower back but it doesn’t really work. Then all the kids hear some organ music and run inside.

Now everyone loves him magically. Because of this? Really?

Seems that Fujimoto-san can bring happiness to people with his organ. Ugh. Even I cringed at that joke.

Sayaka-sensei is concerned about how Fujimoto’s grown up that he works too hard and shuts out people and that is life is probably a painful ball of nothingness. I too am worried about Fujimoto.

After this it’s time for Kobato to go home and do something embarrassing because it’s been nearly a whole episode without her falling over something.

Incoming in embarrassment in 3, 2, 1…

Blast off!

Fujimoto of course gets angry and accusing but in the cute way where he’s mildly indigent. Chitose, and the twins want to see picture too~!

Episode 11

Maybe she should let Kobato do some fund raising if she’s going to freak out about money all the time?

This episode starts with Kobato finishing her day of work (for free!). She asks Sayaka-sensei if there’s anything else she can do for her but she tells her to go home. Kobato sees this:

I kind of wish we had books like that…

It dawns on Kobato that she can get a part time job and help out with the creepy loan shark at the nursery. Since I’ve been thinking this for a while, I’m glad it’s actually happening. When she goes home to discuss it with Iroyogi-san he shoots down all of her ideas.

“You would just suck at this”

Looks like Iroyogi popped a leak so Kobato takes him to Chitose to get stitched up and asks her if she knows anyone who might need someone part time.

She gets her rent free I’m sure Chitose is confused but polite enough not to ask why.

Chitose does know someone – someone Kobato knows too! It’s umbrealla guy who apparently owns the bakery even though he was just standing outside holding the door for some reason last time. His staffer was hurt so he’d be happy to take her on part time.

And your help now, and your help when she probably drops a cake.

Yay maid uniforms!

Yumi (the staffer) tries to help Kobato figure out the ropes of the bakery business.

As much as I rag on her, this is probably exactly what my face would look like if I had this job.

Even some familiar faces come in to the bakery. Kobato is able to give Marina-chan her birthday cake!

Awww. That is all.

Or is she?

How uncanny, this cake also says “Happy Birthday Marina”

EPIC FAIL.

I feel that Kobato’s charm point (clumsiness) helped Yumi open up to her later on anyway so I guess it’s a good thing. When I watch her fall over though I want to shield my eyes and go “ahhh not again”.

Yumi opens up to Kobato about spending 4 hours with her, world record!

Yumi says that her manager has been really cold and distracted lately so Kobato wonders if it’s a money issue. The bakery is doing well enough though so Yumi doesn’t think so. Instead they go to the old stand by to figure it out: spying.

Truly, these are our greatest hiding places yet.

Sneaking in on the bakery guy doesn’t seem to help. He just sighs a lot and looks wistful. Great, he’s emo. Luckily a customer comes to break this James Bond moment up.

It’s Sayaka-sensei!

Somehow this sentiment seems really rude…

Sayaka has a husband?! Or maybe she just had one because of how sad she looks when Yumi says that. Maybe he’s blackmailing her for a sex scandal! I have to stop thinking of Sayaka-sensei that way. But you know what this calls for?

How did you spy on people so long without knowing what a detective was? What the hell were you doing?

We needed more spying!

This isn’t exactly what it looks like because it looks like a date. Yumi freaks out and Kobato starts yelling to try and keep her quiet. I don’t see why a grown man can’t have a date (even though it’s not a date). The baker runs down the street after Yumi trying to set the record straight.

Kobato is a third wheel…more often than I think

He was interviewing people because he thinks he is overworking Yumi. How…cute? I think this is probably very sweet but for me, I would have wanted a raise. And he could have told her he was hiring more help.

So here we are, having our cake and eating it too.

Yumi had hurt herself trying to bake cakes for the baker probably to woo him. Her cake looks pretty darn good so I consider him officially woo’d. Mission accomplished!

Sherlock Kobato and Wats-roygi.

Kobato does one last bit of detective and realizes that Iroyogi has been eating sweets from another bakery every time he gets information. This is reasonably awesome of her to deduce this which is also why Iroyogi gives her a 100 (and doesn’t take it away!)

Kobato did too many good things in this episode so here’s Fujimoto to bring you down.

Last Thoughts:

- I’ve already watched episode 12 so I feel like I will accidentally sneak something in here if I try too hard.

-I really enjoyed episode 10 even though it was very simple. I guess sometimes it’s best to stick with your guns and go with what you know.

-Episode 11 was great but isn’t Yumi the chick that whathisface from Chobits was in love with? She looks reasonably similar but he voice sounded different so I’m not sure it was suppose to be the same person

-Misaki (Angelic Layer) was selling beer alongside Fujimoto in Episode 10. I lol’d. (edited: fixed, thanks Son Gohan!)

-That’s all for now but I promise next one in a timely manner. I got steamrolled  by Xmas and trying to do things to speed along our move to the new site hence the delay.

Look forward to next time!

]]> http://that.animeblogger.net/2010/01/10/kobato-09-10-11-not-dead-yet/feed/ 5 http://that.animeblogger.net/2010/01/10/armored-trooper-votoms-05-06-breaking-out-breaking-in/ http://that.animeblogger.net/2010/01/10/armored-trooper-votoms-05-06-breaking-out-breaking-in/#comments Sun, 10 Jan 2010 09:57:52 +0000 Crusader http://that.animeblogger.net/?p=26452

His god perhaps, but Zeus still lives.

With Chirico’s capture the Chief of Police takes him to the local priest who is also a corrupt bastard to try and use God to ascertain the nature of Chirico’s mission. I have to had in to them that they are trying to get information out ofChirico using drugs and religion before using beatings and whippings. The Thieves are quite through in covering their tracks but once they find that Chirico has no support they decide to do away with him. Fortunately before the execution order is carried out Chirico’s friends hatch a plan to rescue him, Vanilla would have done it on his own had Coccona not ratted him out to Gotho for one gildan. For three people who bicker as much as they do they seem to work well enough together and they did manage to cut a few holes in the police station. The rescue is rather quick but it tips off the Thieves that Chirico does have friends and they set up a Real Battle for 50 million Gildan to lure them out. Gotho tries to delay the fight but Chirico seems to pick up quick that something is rotten. While Chirico is the only pilot I like how they were able to work as a team during the fight with Oriya where Vanilla creates a damn fine decoy. Oriya seems to have been one of Chirico’s former COs so I guess that makes Oriya another Red Shoulder, but given how Oriya and Chirico didn’t recognize each other before the operation he might have just been Chirico’s basic training instructor. If Oriya was a Red Shoulder then he was a pretty bad one wince there are many ways to do things, but no single right way to do anything military.

Oriya puts up a good fight but for a pompous ass who dismissed Chirico’s abilities he sure got pwned hard when he ended up on the wrong side of that massive auto-cannon. Having the cops out there in force prompts Gotho and Vanilla to inquire about what kind of trouble Chirico was in but they get no answers. Chirico leaves as Gotho and Vanilla argue over who gets to be Chirico’s partner but upon hearing how Chirico skipped out Vanilla reveals his plans to break into the jijirium storage facility. While his friends think that Chirico skipped town, he was actually going back to the station to beat the answers out of the police chief. Given the lax security the cops didn’t bother to post a watch on the hole Vanilla cut out to break Chirico out and thus made it much easier for some one to infiltrate the station. Chirico does get in a few good pistol whips on the Chief before getting duped into letting the Chief take them to the heavily guarded jijirium storage facility. While Vanilla, Coccona, and Gotho break into the facility on their own volition to steal, they give up the money to bail out Chirico who had his cover blown and was pinned down at the helopad. Even if this is a gritty action series I did enjoy how Vanilla, Coccona, and Gotho blended in. Upon meeting the Bald Lady in the shower Coccona suffers from a bout of disappointment that Chirico likes chicks like “that” while Vanilla wants to get a sneak peak too. To his credit I don’t think Gotho is at the age where he cares about women any more and couldn’t give any less of a hoot about the nakkid lady than the jijirium she was bathing in. Since the Bald Lady is no longer bald and is not wearing a wig I guess it would be better to call her the Prototype until she actually gets a name. I am a bit saddened that Chirico didn’t pull a weapon on her to pistol whip some info out of her but that might have been interpreted as less than honorable. Since it wasn’t at gun point the Prototype escapes and before the gang can switch gears and grab the cash they get spotted and make a hasty retreat.

I am sure with these audacious acts of infiltration the Thieves are probably going to be concerned that Chirico is incredibly well supported as they caught the cops with their pants down twice within the span of less than a day.Not sure why the Prototype has chosen to identify with the Thieves even though she was government property before her awakening, but perhaps she was simply a prisoner. Time will tell I guess, but next time is the return of the Boone Family. Even if Vanilla, Coccona, and Gotho seem more interested in money I do appreciate how they bailed out Chirico instead of using him as a distraction, still it was nice that having lost sight of the Prototype they quickly got money on their minds again. Despite Coccona being ahead of the Prototype in my book I get the feeling that the poor girl isn’t going to get Chirico to reciprocate her feelings though according to Vanilla she seems to fall in love every other week or so. Still for now she’s much more likable than the still generally mute Prototype who’s only purpose so far has been getting nakkid, bathe in money, and brush her hair. Speaking of bathing in money either she needs to for some reason or she just likes to waste money, though considering how much gold that was stolen plus all that jijirium I guess they might have cash to burn in which case she’s a shallow bitch. Next time promises more Scopedog action against our old friends the Boone Family…

Seen enough death to last you a few lifetimes eh Chirico?

Friar Tuck he ain’t…

Too bad Chirico doesn’t even know that answer himself…

Seems every one here is a wanted man, I wonder how many have the death sentence on 12 systems…

Some one is having way too much fun in that run down bathroom.

Well Vanilla does have that ugly looking afro…

Wait don’t you guys eat rats in Uoodo?

Gotho gets a lot of calls from telemarketers.

…

Oriya is No Zero, No Zero amirite?

What discipline even when beating the crap out of a superior officer Chirico still uses ranks!

Praise be to overdoing it!

Coccona is such a stalker…

…

My name is Ingio Montoya. You killed my father…

Prepare to die…

So let me ask you PUNK what’s one more…?

I suppose there are other fat cops around to help Gotho blend in…

Well Vanilla hasn’t been laid in like…ever.

Well if it’s any consolation Chirico was more interested in interrogating Bald Lady than lurvin her…

WTF? Indeed…

Yeah I know this is pretty damn late in the game but duty calls and I am still trying to make up for all that lost time. Well the final episode of Kampfer was an unrelated extra episode, but it was nonetheless enjoyable as role switching revealed how Hara-kiri Taiga had been coming up with a wardrobe change for Natsuru Girl-type, glad to see that it did not all go to waste. I don’t have much else to say about since it was pretty over the top visually and it had its moments. The only thing that really stuck out was Natsuru’s selfcest and the continued AWESOMENESS of Capitalism from the class president, VP, and accountant. It was pretty stupid but I laughed here and there.

Final Thoughts:

Overall it wasn’t much more than a yuri fanservice show, and on that level it succeeds quite nicely, but quite why and how expectations actually rose is beyond me. If one wants some sort of story and plot then they will be rudely disappointed as I was with Ranka when she had her defining moment of EPIC FAIL. Otherwise so long as expectations are low Kampfer won’t disappoint too badly, though Kampfer Akane helps out a lot. As much flak as Natsuru Boy-type gets his loyalty would have been admirable had it pointed in a reasonably good direction (Akane or Shizuku) but it was directed at Sakura who didn’t get AWESOME until she revealed herself as the BIG BAD and mistress of a yuri harem. Just goes to show that even with his almost Patrick Colassour level of loyalty he ended up coming off as an idiot and a moron by virtue of him being horribly misguided. The unashamed shout outs and references were fairly funny if only to make the viewer realize that the Kampfer Team was watching the same shit they were watching. I have to give them bonus points for being UC oldfags and possibly some of the elite few that survived Macross 7. I certainly hope the cast had fun with this since I quite enjoyed how Akane went from meek megane girl to gun wielding Yandere with salt water in her veins. Unfortunately I don’t think we’ll be hearing that much swearing from the cast anytime soon, which is a shame as it was music to my ears, not mention gloriously different from the roles they usually do. There were a couple good eye-catches, the Hatsune Miku cosplay comes to mind, and for an 11 ep series it didn’t over stay it’s welcome too badly for those of us who maintained low expectations. Maybe things will change in the event there is a second season. As to that I am willing to give it a chance since Dark Sakura with her White Kampfer Yuri Harem is much more fun that the bubbly ditz she was for most of series run. As a comedy it managed fairly well though it was far from the best this year, it was pretty average in my opinion it had its moments but whether or not one even gets to them is dependent on how high a tolerance one can have for Natsuru Boy-type. I’ll leave it to others who read the source material to crucify this adaptation as a travesty. However I think it was just one of those instances where not reading the source material made it more easily enjoyable.

Final Grade: B- (and only because of Akane)

Warning: Available through prescription only. Do not take unless you are desperate for yuri. Side effects include Natsuru Boy-type Induced Concussions, Impotence, Hair Loss, Baldness, Sailor Talk, Yuri Yandere Syndrome, High Blood Pressure, French Kissing, Random Acts of Violent Yuri, Gender Swapping, Stormtrooper Effect, Excessive Packy Procurement, CAPITALISM, Numerous References, Cosplay Party, Berlin Wall Building, Coffee Spiking, Shameless Merchandising, Stealing into People’s Beds in the Dead of Night, Burnt Beanie Baby-itis, Akane is Awesome, SUGOI Shizuku Kissu, Mikoto-Miku, Stuffed Animal Suicide, Shoddy Sewing, etc. If you experience RAEG HAET watch one arc of Gundam SEED or any other yaoi series, and contact poison control immediately you pusscake. DO induce vomiting and head banging, preferably on your 1080p monitor if you could afford one. We are in no way responsible for your lack of fortitude to complete this series nor for your impotentence after this fair warning because you were too stupid and Ultimate Lazy for MAZINGER to read this warning label.

At least that message was consistent…

Hooray for new clothes!

I agree Harakiri Tiger’s sense of style is impeccable.

Save for the lack of pants I agree with this emulation of Alphard onee-sama’s style.

I see that it was time for E-Team to have a go at this Kampfer thing.

BTW does this count as Yuri furry?

It was fated to happen…

Well kid your hair is within regs, welcome aboard.

Take life by the horns.

Best NatsuruxShizuku pairing.

What is this the Church of Violence?

I suppose they bring new meaning to democracy in action…

…

WOW selfcest?

]]> http://that.animeblogger.net/2010/01/09/kampfer-12-final-thoughts-turnabout-furry-sugoi-late/feed/ 11 http://that.animeblogger.net/2010/01/08/sora-no-woto-01-listen-to-my-trumpet/ http://that.animeblogger.net/2010/01/08/sora-no-woto-01-listen-to-my-trumpet/#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:19:10 +0000 Crusader http://that.animeblogger.net/?p=26310

Well it looks like we have a post war situation here…

So while Sora no Woto has earned the ire of many as being K-On, other than the character design it seems different enough. Besides unlike your average scum sucking self serving self righteous Jihad-kun type protagonist Kanata has one thing that makes her so much more likable. No it’s not her hair which is rather stylish despite not being within regs, but because she is one of the rare select few that volunteer for military service in an age where Singaporean males have to be dragged to the barracks for national service. In any case as a show about Soldaten I see that it already has some potential though in my case it serves nicely as a study of what a more whimsical garrison post would be like. Say what you will about Kanata, but she might well be the heir of Noe given that hair cut, and besides she’s probably more physically fit than the lot of you and no doubt kids these days don’t travel in boxcars and sleep on hard wood. Despite the lack of small arms Kanata is part of the poor infantry and that alone makes her worthy, plus she’s not bitching and moaning with every other step she takes. While not much was mentioned about the principle cast they did manage to do a good job of giving the setting some character. It may be a pastiche of things but at least they have drinking in public which in itself is pretty damn awesome. I like how they mentioned the local customs and myths it’s nice to see the town have a bit of culture, even if some of the customs seem rather quaint, though it basically is a wet t-shirt festival if you think about it…

I am curious as to the war that took place before the events of the series since the idea of children being soldiers either indicates different cultural attitudes, lack of man power, or desperation. Given how there is a cessation of hostilities I think it is likely to be a lack of man power and given the end of the draft perhaps the Army was willing to take just about anyone. While the setting is rather laid back I like how they hinted that there were still problems like a shortage of civilian goods as the caremel showed. Given how the last total war ended back in 1945 I was pleasantly surprised that they brought in shortage as a problem with the onset of peace, even the town of Sieze itself seemed to echo the damaged paradise feel of the show. Life is certainly more peaceful but the town’s old charm also belies the fact that even with shiny modern heavy weapons the people are happy but enjoy a rather rugged standard of living. Were things all nice and rosy the bridge would have probably been restored to it’s original construction instead of that half steel half stone one they got going. The rather lax rank structure isn’t too surprising seeing as how isolated units away from the eyes of senior officers tend to relax most of the restrictions and regulations, hell I have seen plenty of units that don’t vigorously enforce meeting times and grooming standards. While Kanata’s reasons for enlisting are pretty straight forward I wonder what the deal is with the rest of the squad. Rio must have been in for a while in order to make Sergeant Major, either that or the mass exodus at the end of the end of the draft left the promotion lists wide open. Still in a smaller army I’d expect ranking up to be harder since those who stay might have to accept lower ranks unless they make the mistake of over staffing their smaller army with more senior officers and senior enlisted than privates. So Kanata wants to be bugler but is pretty bad at playing reveille, certainly Rio has her work cut out for her since I doubt Kanata’s retreat is going to be much better. I know it wasn’t supposed to be viewed this way but when Rio grabbed Kanata in an embrace I could not help but go FUCK YEAH YURI! I doubt many people are going to give this show much of a chance but I quite like the idea of having a Military Slice of Life show, it’s first one I have heard of and for now it doesn’t seem to be combat oriented. If nothing else it was a rather relaxing watch which is just the thing I need since I am in high stress mode for the duration.

She looks more like Ritsu me thinks…

Don’t believe everything you hear…

Fuck Yeah looting!

Well for me they only come in certain MREs…not all of them good.

Wow look at that there is at least one studio that knows that civilian goods get real scarce in a total war.

Thank you for your service, you are more courageous than most of the male population, those damn tossers.

You’re new name will be Snowball…

Looks like they still got C-Rations…makes one appreciate that FRH.

Ain’t no maids to serve you here boy.

Rio is the winner.

Wait you have a German M35 Helmet, read and write in French, but got a Japanese name?

Needs an MG34.

Kanata forgot where her military right was…

Poor Kanata did not get a TONO to claim allowances, like meals and incidentals oh and lodging.

Well it sounds pretty boring, but that does have it’s benefits…

I wonder if her first song will be first call…

Here’s some advice Private you’re not nit Paris anymore…

Here they drink beer and IN PUBLIC!

Might it be that Kanata is Yuri-sensitive…?

I like how they build up events with seemingly pointless background animation.

I think i have seen that haughty girl some where before, but where…

Well she looks suspicious enough…

I see that Mugi made Hauptmann…

Must be a veteran of the 504th Maintenence Company.

…

I will interpret this as and admission of yuri…

Thus she better bring coffee amirite?

Well maybe we will have a little mecha this year…

The Lady of the Ladle.

Whatever it was it I hope it was advanced.

Looks like Kanata was also part of a Mountain Division…

Join the Marines Army, slay the monster…

That’s some Navy SEAL shit right there, swimming with a full pack.

You’re Military Right…

Join the Army see the world, meet interesting people…and if need be kill them.

Well it is a token of yuri love…

Well it looks like reconstruction was done on the cheap…

Hey that’s Chirico’s rank.

I can’t get ‘em up
I can’t get ‘em up
I can’t get ‘em up this morning;
I can’t get ‘em up
I can’t get ‘em up
I can’t get ‘em up at all!

And tho’ the sun starts peeping,
And dawn has started creeping,
Those lazy bums keep sleeping,
They never hear my call!

I can’t get ‘em up
I can’t get ‘em up
I can’t get ‘em up this morning;
I can’t get ‘em up
I can’t get ‘em up
I can’t get ‘em up at all!

This is the Army Mrs.  Jones,
No private rooms or telephones,
You had your breakfast in bed before,
But you wont have it there any more.

This is the Army Mrs. Green,
We like the barracks nice and clean,
you had a housemaid to clean your floor,
but she wont help you out any more.

Do what the buglers command,
They’re in the army and not in a band.

This is the Army Mrs. Brown,
You and your baby went to town.
He had you worried but this is war,
and he wont worry you any more…

SENSITIVE INTELLIGENCE REPORT – RESTRICTED DISSEMINATION

SUBJECT: 1. KURUMI ATTACK THWARTED BY SWIFT KAZEHAYA RESPONSE.

……………2. NEW SOURCES CORROBORATE INTEL ON PREVIOUS KURUMI ATTACKS.

DATE: EARLY JANUARY 2010.

1. THE ANTICIPATED SPORTS FESTIVAL OPERATION AGAINST ALLIED ASSETS WAS INEFFECTIVE DUE TO A QUICK COUNTER-OPERATION BY KAZEHAYA. SENSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION, HE QUICKLY MOVED SAWAKO TO SAFETY. FURTHERMORE, PROGRESS WAS MADE AFTER THE ATTACK ON FORMALIZING ROMANTIC TIES.

2. AYANE AND CHIZU, THE TDY TEAM FOR INTEL COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF THE KURUMI CELL, BEGAN INTERVIEWS WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY THE RUMOR ATTACKS AND RECEIVED REPORTS FROM TRUSTED SOURCES CONFIRMING OUR SUSPICIONS ABOUT KURUMI INTRODUCING THE DISINFORMATION. KURUMI WAS CONFRONTED WITH THIS EVIDENCE PRIVATELY AND BEFORE SAWAKO.

The series has spent several episodes on the sports festival, and truly it is The Longest Day…for Kurumi! Her plan to take Kazehaya to see Sawako and Ryuu together not only failed to work, it unintentionally fed into his insecurity and made him act more boldly than he otherwise would have. Running off with Sawako right in front of Kurumi, he even asked her out, though she was too confused to be as upfront at the moment. Still, it bodes well for the couple in the future, since Kazehaya has developed some initiative and Sawako is now sure of her feelings towards him. While she’s not yet confident enough to tell him, Sawako is certain that she loves Kazehaya.

The failed attacks on True Love and Friendship by Kurumi have left her in a very weak position, and the weak suffer what they must. First there was Kazehaya running off with Sawako in front of her, her cries and lamentations to the sky finding no favor among the gods. And then she stayed standing in front of the equipment shed waiting in vain for him to return to her, only to have Pin show up and completely misinterpret her false cutesy way of trying to get what she wants. Like a whole box of salt in the gaping wound, he told her that he’d be impressed with himself too, but that she’s way too young for him. SHE WAS REJECTED BY PIN! And if salt wasn’t enough, how about some acid? Kazehaya shows up just at this moment and is also convinced that she has a crush on Pin, and obviously finds this amusing.

The final point of significance was the culmination of Ayane’s investigation into Kurumi’s activities, finding proof of her disgusting lies from Ekko and Tomo, two reliable sources. Chizu is the muscle and couldn’t really understand the situation, but once informed immediately tried to march off and deliver a Char Kick powered by her three times faster red shirt. Ayane, however, plays a more nuanced game, and restrains her until the time is right. Confronting Kurumi outside with their proof, she has no way of feigning innocence anymore. And just as this barrage of evidence is pummeling Kurumi, Sawako approaches and is told for the first time of the duplicitous nature of the hated Ume. Whether her innocence and willingness to believe the best about people will continue in the face of this kind of evidence is unsure, but I’m guessing that she will acknowledge Kurumi’s sins but still feel some compassion for her. Sawako has saint-like levels of forgiveness in her, though Kurumi deserves none of it. Kazehaya’s insecurity was an asset for once, though it seems (and we hope) that he’s losing some of it as he becomes more open with his feelings. Believe not the propaganda of a few dead-enders arguing that Kurumi’s ends justify the means, for honesty and conviction is the only path to True Love and Friendship!

Crusader’s Record of Kazehaya War

Ume’s face just oozes QUALITY.

It has been a long time since the last episode aired and how fitting it is to bring in the New Year with a resounding defeat of Ume as her plans did not survive contact with Sawako. Words cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed watching her fail miserably for her unjust war on True Love. For once Kazehaya became impetuous and whisked Sawako away from Ume’s prepared scenario while Ryu left the scene as soon as he could. It was there that Ume waited and waited to no avail for Kazehaya to return. Long was her wait and I delighted in her agony and uncertainty. There is justice in Kimi ni Todoke and that lout Pin got awfully full of himself at Ume’s expense, for once Pin wasn’t terribly annoying but they most certainly deserve each other. Almighty Zeus likes to serve his revenge cold and ensures that Kazehaya is there to bear witness to Pin rejecting Ume, this causes a wondrous misunderstanding that leaves Kazehaya believing that Ume has a thing for Pin.

Yano was also gathering evidence to SMASH UME’S LIFE INTO ATOMS and armed with a personal vendetta of her own manages to interrogate most of the school to locate the origins of those nasty rumors of fail. Yoshida can’t quite figure out what Yano is getting at, but given how Yoshida is incapable of thinking deviously I am not too surprised. Evil Yano is EVIL as Yoshida, Eriko, and Tomoko all learned to fear Ayane, good thing she’s on their side. While Ume is thrown into a pocket and a bout to be utterly annihilated Sawako shows up. Given how Sawako is most merciful I doubt that Ume will be put to the sword for her crimes, though it would be a most fitting end. Next week is all about Ume and will consist of her litany of failure and lose. While Kabitzin has finally shown his true colors and willingness to support Ume in her wretched works, I shall remind him that all her efforts are for naught and while Ume has tried hard she is simply a terrorist operating against true love who has caused many a broken heart in her vile quest to deny Sawako happiness. At least Sawako has expended a lot of effort to break out of her social constraints, while Ume tempted the wrath of Zeus with her vile tricks and Fake Tears to which Zeus replied with a BIG BANG PUNCH OF GREAT JUSTICE. To those that persist in supporting Ume Terror, all I can say is YOUR NEW SHIP IS UMExPIN, ENJOY YOUR NICE BOAT COMPLEMENTS OF SHINING ZEUS. If nothing else now that Ume is stuck on a nice boat she can contribute to the betterment of society and decapitate Pin, maybe then she’ll get ahead for once.

As we can see here it was at this point that Sawako achieved Rapid Dominace.

Here Ume’s preception of events was completely paralyzed as is written on her face.

Thus did Sanada breakout of Ume’s half-hearted encirclement.

No one wants to be related to Ume to tell the truth…

A spectacular display of Sawako Force paralyzed Kazehaya causing temporary blindness from sparkles….

My Sawako is FIGHT! And she didn’t even know she had it in her…

Superior information awareness made Sawako a most nimble opponent for Ume.

Yeah you are that and much worse, but hey she chose you…

Not that you do much these days anyway…

I guess Yoshida just can’t think deviously.

Like sheep to the slaughter, Ume must be brought to account for breaking hearts on an unprecedented scale…

Time to KILL UME WITH FIRE!

Yoshida wanted to take direct action…

…Because Sawako’s superiority is obvious.

Ume and Pin sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G…

Well Pin isn’t exactly Char.

Pin is into selfcest apparently…

You sowed the wind, now reap the whirlwind…

YES COWER! BE AFRAID! DIE KNOWING YOU LOST TO A REAL WOMAN!

Don’t worry unlike you Kazehaya will not spread rumors of your shit taste for guys like Pin.

These words ring false…

Who’s have thought that Yano would be the team-killer.

THIS HAND OF YANO’S GLOWS WITH AN AWESOME POWER IT”S LOUD ROAR TELLS HER TO CRUSH UME!

Once again Sawako demonstrates her dominant awareness.

Dang I was hoping Ume’s head would explode from the ERUPTING BURNING FINGER.

The vile wretch is finally exposed!

YES TIME FOR A BIG FIGHT!

ExecutiveOtaku’s Unadulterated Adoration of Sawako and Current Intelligence Report

He’s laughing at you on the inside. We’re laughing at you. Everyone is laughing at you!

Must you act so surprised?

Subtlety is not Chizu’s strong point.

He may have embarrassed himself, but it’s better to be direct.

EO’s DAAAWWW of the Week: Teamwork DAAAWWWW. Sawako is as sweet as ever, especially after realizing her feelings completely, and seeing Kazehaya so embarrassed was worthy of the award as well. Ah, youth!

Inspiration to reach out to more people seems to be the only thing Sawako needed from Kazehaya, though the offer is surely appreciated if not entirely necessary.

Ayane working on her Cima laugh. Set the trap and show no mercy once you close in for the kill!

Pin may be stupid, but he knows evil when he sees it. Also, reminds me of this.

At least he’s no Kimura sensei.

I take Kazehaya at his word, but perhaps Pin’s big mouth will put Kurumi on the receiving end of gossip this time.

I approve of this plan to forcefeed Kurumi her cosmetics until she pukes!

The Ayane Doctrine: amass overwhelming force, initiate on your own terms, and have an exit strategy (tell Sawako.)

Enhanced interrogation techniques.

Nowhere to run to Kurumi, nowhere to hide.

Even Chizu did some handwriting comparisons. You’re done when Chizu’s on to you.

The last (cute) stand of thinking Kurumi innocent.

Now that Sawako knows, this is going to force some major changes. Either the conflict will enter a different phase using different means, or Kurumi will slowly begin withdrawing.

I am curious as to what “this and that” entail…

After watching Kuroko be awesome and showing her prowess that marks her as and heir of Alphard and Liang Qi it was time to try and get back into the swing of things since training has tapered down somewhat, still I’ll try and keep it short. As alwaysKuroko is just delightful when she operates as a one woman army to confront all the level uppers. It was rather sad to see Saten open Pandora’s Box on her pals but she knew of the dangers, sadly she wanted powers that she had yet to earn. Nevertheless I liked how they have foreshadowed it for some time. I cannot help but admireUiharu’s attempts to console Saten and applaud her not passing judgment when Saten was in need of someone to listen to her. Nugi-onna also had a sad story to tell and certainly I find the idea of human experimentation to be quite distasteful, but for me at least it didn’t feel too tacked on one since she wasn’t harping about it too hard.Biribiri had a fine boss battle, and certainly Nugi-onna was a worthy foe. I felt kind of sad for Nugi-onna as she had it pretty rough as a teacher, I admit I smiled here and there when she was picking at her food and was being mocked for her modest bust. The funniest part was when that kid was trying to make a pass at through various degrees. The Anti-Skills were rather laughable as police force, me thinks theLAPD is a bit better equipped… Still next episode promises one ugly looking boss with tentacles…

But still no match for Kuroko’s Might.

Yeah take that OLDFAG.

Someday Kuroko will also be able to take on a platoon.

…

Worry not Kuroko for one day you will look like Alphard and Liang Qi, they were loli too once…

NOW THAT is a distraction.

That’s not proper greeting attire…

True Tears.

May her love for childish things eclipse her hetero confusion…

This is as good as a confession of love in my book.

I was hoping for her to say OVER 9000…