Barsa, after saving the pride of Chagum in the festival, made a mistake by making a huge presence. As feared, one of the people that recognized them was there at the festival and found Barsa. After the threat to expose them that they were in fact alive to the authorities, Barsa decided to meet this man. However, a painful scar within Barsa is starting to hurt her, a scar that is present in the past. Will she lose the very vow that she believed in?

After a rather calming arc, this episode brings up quite a bit of the action that was missing ever since episode 3.

Episode summary

The children in the village passed Barsa a letter after she was recognized at the festival. She then handed Chagum to Tonda and went to meet the man, since the man stated that he would tell the authorities about them being still alive. Chagum felt bad because it was him who sneaked to the festival but Tonda assured him that it would be sooner or later. The man was named Karbo, and he wanted to take revenge for Barsa keeping him alive from the last encounter three years ago. Barsa did not want to fight him due to her beliefs but he warned her that he would kill the first person that passed through the gate everyday until she came to fight him.

As Barsa waited at the gate, she saw a middle-aged female teacher and her young escort. However, the horse that was riding her went wild and Barsa controlled the horse in time. The horse had been shot by a dart and found Karbo and a dart master at the cliffs a distance away. Barsa then decided to track the teacher, and the escort was suspicious of Barsa. At a rest, they were welcomed by the strong stench of rots rotting in the well. At night, Barsa stayed with them, and the teacher talked to her and told her that she was going to the fishing village to teach. The teacher realized that Barsa was a bodyguard, and talked about the tale of a warrior who wanted to fight as strong as a tiger.

However, as he fought more until he had no opponents, he realized he turned into a real tiger, and lost all abilities of being a man. The teacher then said she told the story because she could feel the murderous intent from Barsa. Barsa said that she still had much to practice to cover that aura, and exited. The escort was happy that Barsa left but the teacher was merely wanting to know more about Barsa’s strange aura. While resting outside, Barsa was kept awake by darts shot around her. The dart master noticed that Barsa did not even flinch, but Barsa warned him against shooting her and told him to flee if she tried to approach.

The next morning, the two travelers found Barsa still around as the teacher realized Barsa had not slept at all. The boy tried to chase Barsa away but Barsa informed them that they were embroiled in her situation. The boy reacted angrily and tried to race away with teh teacher on horseback. Before Barsa could save them, the horse was hit with rocks and the pair was thrown off the horse. Barsa’s patience wore thin as she screamed for Karbo to come down. Barsa then told them to leave, but Karbo said that it was the dart master’s reward. Barsa then tried to chase after them but was engaged by Karbo. She then said she had no choice but to be a tiger now.

The dart master stopped the teacher and wanted to rob them. However, the boy charged him in time and knocked him out. The teacher was more concerned with Barsa and needed to get back before Barsa turned into a tiger. The boy did not want to go back, but the teacher said that Barsa had taken the task of protecting them without asking for any reward. Barsa was getting desperate in the fight as they fought in a bamboo forest. Barsa then told Karbo about her vow not to kill and that she realized that every life was equal and worth living. It was not worth killing someone that is small fry like Kabo.

Barsa then said that she had something important to protect and no longer had time to play with him. Karbo was extremely shocked to be labeled as a small fry and the image of the tiger appeared symbolizing Barsa. Barsa was in full fury as she slashed him right through the heart and killed him. Barsa walked away with a rage that was dangerous, and told the teacher that she would kill him as she was a tiger now. When Barsa left, Karbo stood up almost having no memories of anything, and Barsa had not killed him. Karbo looked despondent and shocked at being called a small fry and told the escort to bring Barsa back. The teacher had to bring Barsa back to let her know that she had not killed anyone.

Thoughts

Barsa is definitely the draw of the episode and her feud with Karbo is extremely well depicted. To me, this battle is so much different from the battle in Episode 3. The one battle with the secret assassins is probably more aesthetically beautiful, but this one has the vicious intent written all over it. It is clear that Barsa has held in for the battle in episode 3, but it is changed in this one where every single stroke and pierce of her spear is intended to kill, not to merely impair.

Some might wonder about why Barsa suddenly turned vicious (yes, I silently stalked Wrex’s blog quite a bit), but I believe it is merely because Karbo will never let her go. He was willing to do anything in order to provoke her to anger and to engage in a fight. In that situation, Barsa’s vow would one day be broken considering the absolute meaning in what Karbo was trying to invoke. I mean, if you have a guy who is hindering your very existence as well as the existence of your client (Chagum), there is only one way left: To be a tiger.

In that case, it is perhaps her own assertion that she has to turn to the vicious bodyguard in order to clear this obstacle. Karbo was going to hunt her down if she left him alive. He would merely become hungrier for her blood and attacked her even more viciously. In that case, I can understand why she reverted to one of mortal rage, crazing and thirsting for the blood of the enemy. It is amazing though, how Karbo actually survived the attack.

My thoughts on it is that despite her strength and resolution to eliminate the enemy, her subconscious mind is somewhat in action, causing her blow to be less lethal than how it was expected. To add on, it is perhaps the new weapon that the blacksmith had created in order to prevent any form of true killing of a human. Maybe, it was enchanted. All this are wild speculations of how Karbo can actually survive such a vicious blow, but I guess we will never know. It is a good touch to make him completely forgotten due to trauma.

To add on, I really like the relation of Barsa with the aura of murderous intent to the story with the man who turned into a tiger. The teacher is also one that has a lot of wisdom, considering how she worried about Barsa turning into a true tiger. She is perhaps just human when asked to escape since she is not a fighter, but it is apparent that her heart is definitely one of a teacher. In all, this episode is one of the highs after some character foundations from the last few episodes. Nice stuff for sure.

The Summer Solstice Festival is here and it is a festival where the Rucha, a fighting game would be held. From the preview last week, Chagum is challenged by a muscular boy of Rota to a fight in the ring. With Chagum’s lack in the training of the martial arts, the odds are against him to beat this boy. How would he fare in this fight, and will he be discovered in the midst of battle considering the huge number of peasants and secret people going for this festival.

According to Wrex’s reviews, this is an original episode not related to the novel. My thoughts will come after my episode summary, but I am fully enjoying Seirei no Moribito after each episode.

Episode summary

Chagum is chopping firewood, even though he was not proficent at it. It was the Summer Solstice Festival and Chagum noted that there was a similar festival where the capital celebrated the defeat of the water spirit. He realized that the peasants did not have time due to agriculture harvesting, and hence did it during this time. Chagum’s friends then asked him to check out the rucha, a fighting game held during the festival. The leader of the children told Chagum that the statues around this place were the eight warriors that helped the first Emperor to destroy the water demon. He also added that their eyes would become blind if they stared at the idol.

Chagum corrected that only those who stared at the royalty of Yogo would suffer from that, and that was more symbolic rather than fact. They asked Chagum how he knew such details, with Chagum having difficulty answering. One muscular foreigner boy asked them to help him with the rucha, but the leader of the group challenged that foreigner. Yasam, who hailed from Rota said that all the kids would be his little henchmen if the leader lost and embarrassed the leader with an easy defeat. Yasam also said he did not need weaklings as his henchmen and kicked the statue, calling the emperor of Yogo a coward.

Chagum told him to take those words back and challenged him to fight. Yasam said he would give Chagum a chance by training for a day until the festival came. The penalty if Chagum lost would be a slug, and if he lost, he would take back his words. At home, Chagum asked about the Rota people, and asked how he could fight a battle with someone trained in the arts of Yasam. Barsa said that Yasam’s style was more for war, while Rucha was more like play.

However, she proposed that there was a way to win if it’s merely making the opponent go out of the ring. Barsa did tell Chagum he could not go for the festival as they might gain attention from people who ply their trade in the shadows.The next day, Chagum asked Barsa for advice on the fight. Barsa said that since he was not going for the festival, she would teach him. Chagum remained silent, as Barsa gave him the hint of the flowing gentle water in a water wheel as an analogy and said the trick was to get the momentum started.

The festival was starting at night, and Barsa said as compensation for not going to the festival, they would have something good to eat (unagi!). They needed more firewood to cook it though, and Barsa asked Chagum to chop some more. Chagum then realized the trick of the momentum, and Barsa realized that he was gone when she called him for dinner. Barsa wondered what Jigoro would do in this situation. Chagum was not in time for the festival as Yasam told Chagum’s friend to eat the slugs. The Rota warrior who won was Yasam’s father. Chagum showed up and Yasam asked if he came to eat the slug.

Chagum said that the ring still remained and asked if Yasam was afraid to fight. Yasam was enraged and they fought , as Chagum stood near the edge. Yasam told him to attack him, but Chagum taunted him as Yasam charged him. However, Chagum sidestepped him, with Yasam out of the ring on his knees. Yasam said it was an unfair fight and refused to apologize. Yasam’s father then came along as the two were tussling, and said that Yasam lost but told him to be proud as he had won the tournament. He also said with pride that Yasam was the strongest among the boys.

Chagum was not happy that Yasam did not apologize, but Barsa cut in to correct the father. Barsa told his father that Yasam should keep his promises and challenged his father to a fight to acknowledge the child’s mistake. Barsa, on her way to the ring, said that she had a lot to tell Chagum later. A small crowd was gathering and the fight cam as Yasam’s father grabbed her sleeves and pushed her toward the edge. However, Barsa flipped him in a slam and defeated him. Yasam ran over and said that his father took the women lightly, but his father recognized that Barsa was different and he would have lost to her 10 out of 10 times.

He then told Yasam to admit. As they walked home, Chagum was feeling guilty, and Barsa said that they might have been seen. Chagum said that it was his fault, but Barsa added that she caused a bigger commotion. He said that it did not dissolve his guilt as he was the one who broke the promise. He said that the way he went so far to fight for his beliefs made her happy as a parent. Chagum was surprised at her kind words. A frog was then observing them, but a snake was near by.

Thoughts

Well, if you ask me about this episode, one of my favorite parts in this episode is the appearance of Barsa to rescue Chagum’s pride. If anything, she is perhaps the person who believed in the pride of someone who fought for his own beliefs. It is a really amazing sight too when Barsa literally eliminated the father with ease simply to fight for Chagum. I mean, she is perhaps the one that was pretty angry at Chagum (though she did not seem that surprised that Chagum is going to leave for the festival), yet also the one to fight for her child.

To me, it really shows how great a character Barsa is. She is dependable at all times, being careful to be the guardian of Chagum. Yet, when he is in trouble despite the very fact that they might be discovered, she will fight for him at all costs. I believe that her role as a guardian and a bodyguard taught her the importance of belief, because having a belief is the sign of a warrior.

Which parent in the world does not want her child to fight against something in his beliefs? Which parent in the world will not be proud of a child that will do everything that is right and pursues the goal relentlessly? To me, Barsa really is a maternal figure for Chagum. I really enjoy the various warm scenes on the interaction of Chagum and Barsa, despite some of the slightly queer graphics of the face. Still, considering that the level of graphics for the series is so insanely high, it is not a huge derivation from viewing pleasure.

On the part of Chagum, he just has this quality that never allows him to seam into the peasant life. Despite his dressing and his way of life, the thing is that his mentality and character has the qualities of nobility (not the snooty kind, the honorable type). He does not really bother that much when his group of friends lost since they really did. However, it is only when the country’s royalty is insulted that Chagum is provoked into action.

That is definitely not a bratty behavior, but one that is provoked into action when his own belief system and his honor is crushed by someone. Chagum really will grow up to be a wonderful man, if he does survive. He feels to me to be one that is intelligent and wise beyond his age. He is quick to temper when things that affect him hits him, but he is also quick to recognize his mistakes and try not to make them again. That, to me, is not a common 12-13 year old kid who has just left his parents after a few attempts at assassinations.

Chagum is definitely a worthy prince, if he had stayed as one. You will be hard fought to find a negative trait of him considering his young age. I really hurray-ed for Chagum when he won against that smug boy with a smart technique. It is low of Yasam to deny Chagum his win. In a fight, as long as the rules are followed, a win is definitely a win. The symbolism of the frog being ensnared by a snake seems that they are being watched quietly by some evil being that is not striking yet. It seemed somewhat accurate as the preview talked about an enemy of Barsa finding her.

I wonder who it is.

In this episode, the continuation of the life after the pursuit by the assassins continued, as Tonda, Chagum and Barsa are able to relax in the little town that they are staying in. Life seems to be peaceful as Chagum continues to learn the way of the common people, and Barsa quietly basks in a life that is more relaxed and monotonous, a time where she can finally lower her pain from fighting.

An event of spirit leaving the body has happened this week, and it will increase the knowledge of some things about this world of Seirei no Moribito.

Episode summary

Toya was looking depressed as he threw away the gold coins and said that it was useless if Saya was around. Tonda was examining Saya who was in a coma. It seemed that she did not wake up after drinking the flower wine for the marriage and it was noted that Saya looked unhappy the day before she drank it. Chagum then informed Tonda that Barsa was looking for Toya.

Barsa could not find Toya at his new place, and returned to the old house where he found Toya. Toya then informed him about an arranged marriage, in which he did not want to approve but accepted the marriage as Saya was fine with the marriage. Barsa then explained that this was perhaps the cause of the collapse and got Toya to visit Saya.

Toya finally reached Saya and lamented that he knew he would not approve. It seemed that the go-between had deceived Saya’s fiancé’s side by saying that Saya was fine with it. Chagum said that with the cause found, it was possible to call Saya back and cancel the marriage. However, Tonda explained that Saya’s soul had left her body and another soul had to guide hers back. Tonda said he had learned it from his master before, and told them to be at the other room. Barsa said that Torogai had banned Tonda from using it, but Tonda said that he was left with no choice since Torogai was not around.

Tonda told everyone to leave but Barsa insisted on staying. After a spell, he thought that he had failed the ritual but his spirit had came out of his body. Saya’s spirit was in fact on her body’s side, and Saya explained that she agreed to the marriage as she heard that Toya would be punished as they were not real siblings. Tonda then informed Saya that Toya was here, and assured her that the marriage was fine.

As Toya rushed in, Saya woke up, and Barsa told them to feed Saya with some food as she had not eaten for a while. It seemed that Tonda did not know the way back in his body, and mentioned how he was annoyed when she returned all bloodied. He then told her that it was ridiculous for her to kill lives to save others.

However, Tonda apologized and Barsa somehow responded that she was thankful for Tonda’s words as she had not killed anyone in the past two years. Somehow, Tonda had still not found his way back and while he stumbled, he found himself in the realm of Nayugu. He realized that he was in between the realm of Nayugu and Sagu. It was a very grand world, and he was amazed as he returned to the real world. As he noticed a butterfly entering, touching the flower wine and returning back to Nayugu, he realized that the reason for Saya’s spirit leaving was due to drinking the flower wine. He wondered how he could communicate to Barsa, when he saw the glow at Chagum’s body.

It was the egg, who was also yearning for the return to Nayugu. As he touched the egg, he was able to relay the message to Chagum who informed Barsa. Barsa rushed forward and forced Tanda to drink the flower wine. He then opened his eyes, as he grumbled that Barsa could have been more gentle to feed him the wine. Toya and Saya then left, with Tonda discussing whether Saya actually liked Toya.

Barsa said that she had never thought of it and had no idea, but it seemed that there were signs now that she was thinking of it. Tonda then noted that both moons were full, and said that the moon was full in Nayugu which meant that it was a fact that the moon was full when the two realms were closest to each other.

Thoughts

For one, I actually like this current arc where life becomes somewhat normalized as we are introduced into the world of Seirei no Moribito. The first few episodes are action pounding, but the eventual next few episodes explains the world and gives us a lot of character interaction and development of the characters. In this episode, we see quite a bit more of Saya and Toya, both side characters that are given somewhat of a lower profile in the show.

I really like how they string this event with the theme of the brother and sister not being blood related, in a form of a romantic relationship. It can be done in a really cheesy way, but Seirei no Moribito managed to pull off the romantic vibes without making it look obvious or disturbing. It is actually subtly hinted in the earlier episodes about Saya’s care of Toya, but I thought nothing of it, even though the part of the non-blood related link has been focused quite a bit.

I am also surprised that Barsa and Tonda really has a huge history behind them as we discovered yet another bit of the history between the two. I really like how Tonda is the one that has changed Barsa’s life in terms of her work as a bodyguard. He had told her of the universal truth about life, which is that there is often little justification for killing a life to protect another. It is somewhat of a shift for a bodyguard like Barsa who is used to killing, and Tonda is perhaps someone important for her as well.

I believe that the two might be romantically attached if Barsa can get rid of the baggage that deters her from living the current life that she is doing. In a way, her plans have allowed her to idle and enjoy Tonda’s company, and it is probably for the best for the two of them. I really find it fascinating on the character dynamics, particularly how Chagum seems to be the eyes of the show, viewing everything from a third person perspective.

The world of Nayugu really intrigued me, especially when it is noted with the giant tortoise. I wondered what is the connection between the egg and the two worlds merging. Somehow, the translation left me, particularly whether it is Tonda’s ability to see Nayugu, or the fact that Chagum’s egg is giving the connection for tapping into that world. Tonda’s growth in medical and magical powers is manifesting somewhat in this episode, and I wonder if it will progress more in the later episodes.

The next episode seems to be Chagum challenging a weird boy in a fight. I wonder how Chagum gets himself into such a mess.

With my work starting, I am getting busier with lesser time to spend on the anime blog. Hence, as much as I want to update it often, time restrictions mean that it is almost impossible to do so. With such, summaries on the blog will be getting slightly on a less frequent level, with Saiunkoku Monogatari and Bokurano kept as the two mainstays. Seirei no Moribito and Kaze no Shoujo Emily will be relegated to the I.D. Analysis, where only a short summary will be provided rather than the detailed ones (read: lengthy and problematic) or at the worst case scenario, none at all.

Episode five of Seirei no Moribito is filled with dialogue over the water spirit, while Emily is creating a little stage production and making a script for it. These two episodes, especially Emily, provided a very intriguing set up for the future episodes.

Seirei no Moribito Episode 5

Episode synopsis

Torogai realized that Chagum is the second prince and checked out the egg of the water spirit as she placed her head into Chagum’s body. However, she was unable to touch the egg and was out of breath. She explained that the egg was the great water spirit of a clan, and it was impossible to remove the egg. Torogai then explained about Nayugu and Sagu, which were the spiritual and real world, and they exist accordingly. When Torogai asked when the egg was felt, Chagum said that it was during spring time, which was the full moon where the bond of the two were the strongest. However, Torogai said it was an irony that Chagum, descendant of the New Yogo clan, was the Seirei no Moribito, or the guardian of the egg. That was because his ancestor had killed the water king, and now his father had to kill his own flesh.

Chagum, shocked at the blunt words, went out of the house, with Saya and Toya giving chase to give him some comfort. Inside the hut, Barsa discussed the plans and successfully guessed that the emperor would probably try to make a fake funeral for Chagum and said he died in the fire. Torogai also said that Tonda was good at healing due to Barsa, rather than magic. Torogai asked whether Barsa had killed anyone, and she said she did not ever since she left this hut two years ago. Torogai also warned Barsa that she might be protecting someone that would cause a huge drought, but Barsa said she would protect Chagum at all costs.

Tonda, after Barsa’s request, went to find the “Blue Hand” after looking for the jewellery. Tonda passed the message that Barsa wanted to buy all his goods and Tonda realized that the goods were human slaves. As the men met Barsa in the hut, they hit a compromise as Barsa’s plan to escape the mountain while the search was going on was revealed. She was attempting to use the slaves to disrupt the search process. Barsa warned “Blue Hand” not to capture the slaves she released and also bought over the fast horse from the “Blue Hand”. Tonda then came in, saying that even though she was always successful in her plans, he wished that she would depend on him for once, got angry and stormed out. On the evening horizon, the slaves were released while Barsa looked on to the sky.

Thoughts

This episode is definitely filled with words, and it is very hard for me to actually churn out a short and concise summary. I do apologize if some of my terms are inaccurate since I am not exactly the best person when it comes to listening to terms. For this episode, there is little plot moving, but we did realize that the revelation of Barsa saying that she had killed no one meant that Jin is not dead yet. It is possible though that the previous hurt that Barsa had to face when Torogai asked her such a direct question was painful. It seemed that she had killed quite a few people due to the vow she made the years before she left this hut two years ago.

I also like Chagum, who is showing a very human side. He is but a child, yet shows quite a bit of maturity that does show the regal side of him in terms of his royalty status. Even though I am somewhat disappointed that I still know very little about his personality, there is at least quite a bit of sophistication in terms of Barsa’s plan to escape. I also did not expect Barsa to be so decisive in her decision making, and that she is very intelligent to guess the works of the emperor way in advance before she received the news from Toya and Saya.

Tonda clearly has some feelings for Barsa. It seemed that he is somewhat angry in a way that is generally more than a friend, and his hope for Barsa to rely on him clearly shows a rather different emotion comparatively. I must admit that I am slow to feel the vibes of this possible romance, but it’s perhaps that the romance cannot go forward, not without Barsa clearing the vow of protecting people.

Torogai is definitely a mixed bag. I am not sure of her allegiance except that she is definitely very interested in the egg, since she seems somewhat neutral and nonchalant what happens to everyone. Yet, on the flip side, it can be her harsh way that shows that she is actually concerned over what is happening to the others. I do wonder which interpretation might be more accurate. The next episode talks about Barsa finally being able to escape, but she has pursuers from the royal assassins.

Kaze no Shoujo Emily Episode 5

Episode summary

In school, Emily was dozing off in class when the teacher told her about the festival, and she was told that a play would be interesting. Rola then told Emily that since she was such a good writer, she should write a script and make up a play. However, she could find no one for the play except Ilse who was dozing off. IIse told her later that Emily was tricked by Rola and two people would be too hard to make up a play and they did not even really know how to make a script. As she returned home to tell Elizabeth about the play, she was scolded by Elizabeth, who said that acting was fine but writing was not of a Murray’s pride. She went out, talking to the wind and enjoying the breeze as she could feel that the wind was telling her to go on writing. She also talked to Teddy and Teddy encouraged her.

Late at night, Emily was rushing out her script and did so. At school, Rola was boasting to invite everyone to her house and enjoy chocolate and biscuits, as Emily and Ilse looked on. Emily passed IIse the script, and Ilse was impressed as she promised to act. Even though IIse did the role well, she had problems remembering the exact words of the phrase. Ilse and Emily then got into an argument about the script, as Ilse said it did not make a difference whether she said sky or no, and left in anger. Perry passed by, and took the script from Emily as he was learning words by the day, and was improving as Emily invited him to watch them rehearse. It would help his learning of the language too. The next day, Ilse as expected, was no longer fuming and brought a green cloth for the role of the green pixie.

The practice was going well with Ilse well suited for the role and Elizabeth was cleaning up when she found the script. As Emily returned home, Elizabeth confronted Emily and said that it was unbecoming of a Murray. Emily said she felt that there was nothing wrong and Elizabeth tore her script up as Emily was wet with tears. However, she said that Elizabeth could tear off the script, but would never be able to remove the script in her head. The next day, Jimmy went for the play but Elizabeth refused to go. Rola’s group was doing decently but Rola had not memorized the script and caused a serious blunder. Emily’s play went well and it was one about love, home and the yearning of belonging. Elizabeth was looking at the play as Emily noticed it, and left when it ended. Even though Emily’s play was a big success, she had a long way before convincing Elizabeth.

Thoughts

The lesson that I got from this episode is how pride and the lack of practice can hurt you. If you notice, Rola simply tried to look down so much on Emily, being malicious and boastful about all the clothing and the likes. Despite how beautiful their costumes are on the stage, how wonderful they look, those children are merely humans that are very ugly inside and they showed it at the end of the play when they fouled up. This perhaps tells us a very classic moral story: not to judge a book by its cover. As much as a person is beautiful on the outside, Episode five shows that it is most important what lies inside.

Another thing is practice. Unlike Rola’s group who bothered about flashy gimmicks that are merely ornamental in nature, Emily and Ilse made a proper rehearsal after another. It is perhaps a harsh lesson that no one is a talent. No matter how smart you are, how great you are, how wonderful you are, without practice, you are just like any other common person on the streets. In fact, a very common, average person on the street can beat you easily with some rehearsals because time spent on rehearsals and practice cannot be replaced by raw talent.

In a way, the verses spoken in the play by Emily is really beautiful, as I particularly like the part where she talks about the yearning of the home. Despite Emily’s initial discouragement from going to the Murrays, I can tell that she is enjoying herself in the lush and comfortable place which allows her a ton of creativity coming out from her heart. I really like the beautiful words in the play, and I might take some time to just translate the words of the play when I have the time.

Nevertheless, Emily just gives you this warm feeling in your heart and tells you that innocence and the beautiful world is still around.

Sorry on the bad pun intended, but with the phrase of “Tamago” running in my head when Torogai keeps going “Tamago” when she enters the room, that is perhaps the only title I can think of right now. Seirei no Moribito Episode 4 starts off really strong, concluding the rescue mission of Barsa by Tonda but the graphical level drops slightly compared to the crazily fluid graphics shown in Episode 3.

That said, it is nevertheless a good development episode, as we know a little bit more between Tonda and Barsa, as well as what the enemy is thinking right now. I have also abandoned the I.D. Analysis method for Seirei and Emily, preferring to leave that for merely thoughts, rather than providing a short summary and thought section. I think it will be better for me to give it one post rather than combining two distinctively different series together.

Episode summary

Tonda finally rescued Barsa as he carried her as the shaman Torogai summoned a water spirit to answer some questions, but was given cryptic information as it was for a month already before she got any response. She realized that without a natural bond, it would be impossible to engage it more but she found out that Chagum was not dead. However, her thoughts were disrupted by royal assassins as they were eventually poisoned after being dealt with a ninja-like technique as she slotted a letter in the pockets of one assassin.

The Seidoushi introduced Shuga to the emperor, with the emperor impressed at his ability at such a young age. The reports came in about the assassins’ failure to capture Chagum due to Barsa. The emperor decided to make a fake funeral while sending soldiers to the mountains to hunt them down since Barsa was critically injured and could not travel far. The first prince in the tower asked his attendant whether it was inappropriate to make a funeral when it was not even confirmed that Chagum was dead and his mother sent to the inner palace. He also added that Chagum’s happy face makes it all worthwhile.

As the failed assassins against Torogai, the Seidoushi was not angry and dismissed them from duties to recover and the letter wrote that the Seidoushi had made a grave mistake in predicting the stars. Shuga replied that they should ask for advice from Torogai, but the Seidoushi rejected the notion, saying that it would lower their pride to ask help from outsiders. Still, the Seidoushi informed Shuga about a secret ancient scripture made by previous stargazers, but since it was in ancient Yogo (?), it would require a long time. He asked if Shuga could concentrate on deciphering the text and he agreed.

Cleaning Barsa’s wounds, Toya and Saya arrived as they got the news on Barsa. Barsa woke up shouting out as she realized that she had slept for one day and tried to get up, asking if Tonda found any physical presence when she picked her up. Tonda said he did not, as he checked Chagum’s body to rid him of the possession by the request of Barsa. However, his abilities were not good enough as he required the powers of Torogai, his master. Barsa was desperate to get well but Tonda told her that she was not burdening them and she should concentrate on getting well.

While Barsa rested, Tonda told Chagum that it was a good season for medicine and told him that he had been treating Barsa since 20 years ago when she was learning her trade. Tonda called her an obaa-san and with Chagum surprised that Barsa had been a bodyguard since young, Tonda corrected him by adding that she only became a bodyguard six years ago. Saya and Toya were also rescued by Barsa then when human smugglers tried to take Saya away and we also realized that the two were not blood related. It was time to redress Barsa’s wounds as Chagum was asked to turn around and a cute moment came when Chagum had his stomach growling but he had no idea he was hungry. As they ate, Torogai came in chanting Tamago (egg), eventually eating and pointing to Chagum, screaming “TAMAGO!”

Thoughts

My biggest question for Seirei no Moribito is definitely the apparent role of Shuga. He strikes me as a man who cares a lot for Chagum, yet he is also relatively naive and allowed himself to be clearly manipulated by the Seidoushi. I feel that he is one that cannot sense or understand the political powers and struggles within the kingdom and will eventually become merely a sacrifice or turn rotten due to the influences. The investigation of the Yogo text might tell him something different though.

I have a feeling that the water spirit residing inside Chagum is not a malignant one, and in fact the survival of the water spirit might be the way for the nation to prosper. It seems that the nation is somewhat in a slope of decline in terms of the economy, and the appearance of the water spirit looks to be a convenient way to secure popularity and belief within the country.

Somehow, it feels like a ploy to satisfy the selfish heart of the emperor. Which emperor will believe in such a tale and killing his second born child for a water spirit? It is the action of men that will move mountains, not myths that cannot even be proven as yet.

I also feel that Tonda is very amusing with his words toward Barsa, and there is almost zero romantic interest between the two of them. I mean, calling someone Obaa-san in front of a child that you have not met until now. I feel that it is really a strong friendship that has been born for a long time, and hearing how Barsa has been training for ages reminds me of the hallucination/dream that Barsa had at the end of episode 3. It feels to me that one of the spear warriors who fought must be her relative and the name of the relative is shouted out.

I did not catch the name sadly when she screamed it out, but it is apparent that the dream that she has is probably her memory when she is training as an apprentice in fighting with this certain relative/benefactor and she noticed the fight behind the tree. Still, I really feel that this episode shows the vulnerability of Barsa and shows that no matter what a warrior she is, she is still human. Seirei no Moribito really does well on realism.

Torogai is totally amusing! She is not only a shaman of healing, but it is clear that she can fight albeit her old age. I mean, even Barsa had some problems fighting four of those assassins sent by the royal family and even though it is two less, the way in which Torogai dispatched them so easily impresses me quite a bit on her magical prowess. I also wondered about her funny appearance which she keeps chanting “Egg egg egg” like a maniac. I really did not expect her to be the master of Tonda though.

Lastly, after the huge high in Episode 3, there is bound to be a slightly lower graphical technicality in the series, and I found that some of the faces in the long shots tends to be not as detailed in the drawing compared to last episode. Nevertheless, considering the very high standards that the show has set for itself, it is still extremely high compared to other series in this season. The next episode seems to deal with the discovery of Chagum being the spirit and the unrevealing of the old ancient text deciphered by Shuga.

The 3rd episode of both series can only be described with one single word (make that two): TOTALLY AWESOME. If any of you out there is not watching these two series, you are missing out on the candidates for the top five series of the spring season and that is definitely not an understatement. Even if my personal endorsement means nothing, I beseech you to at least take a peek at these two wonderful series that has captured my attention.

With detail, graphics and fight choreography being so realistic in Seirei no Moribito, to the detailed character analysis, emotions and innocence of youth in Kaze no Shoujo Emily, both series up to this stage can proudly say that they had excited anime fans. Move first into the world of the mystics as Barsa fends off assassins on Chagum, before seeing how Emily adapts to the new children in her school.

Seirei no Moribito Episode 3

Summary in a chunk

Barsa told Chagum to hide in the forest while she took the four assassins. Hitting and running, she was able to fend off the fighters, but her mast head of her spear came off with the strings being broken, as she was stabbed and escaped while incapacitating the leading man. Chagum was caught by one of the assassins and was rendered unconscious as they took him away. Jin tried to find Barsa but she had escaped as Jin took Chagum away to the capital. Even though the other fighters admired her fighting scenes against the odds, Jin said she was a mercenary and would not return as they dispersed.

Toya and Saya were hiding under a boat, as they tried to look for Tonda who was peddling his medicine to people in an area and waited there as there were advertisements to look for him. Jin was carrying Chagum before carrying him down. A flashback showed Chagum had given him some food when he was tortured in his training and was vomitting badly, and Jin eternally thanked Chagum for his kindness ever again. He then professed to kill Chagum, since he knew that Chagum would be killed for the water spirit in his body. He would bear the crime but he was eliminated by the hurt Barsa.

Barsa continued to carry the unconscious Chagum away until he woke up and said he could walk. Barsa immediately fell down after the stress to her body and told Chagum to meander around the tough terrain (rough rocks, animal trail, grass field) in order to find Tonda. Chagum nearly fell to his death due to the slippery ground with the rain pouring down and a wolf was also following him. Eventually, he reached the destination but he found no house as Chagum stepped forward and fell into a pool of water.

Chagum was about to drown when Tonda did arrive and saved him. Chagum informed him about the plight of Barsa and he rushed away.Toya also found out where Tonda was, as Tonda was out of medicine and went back to retrieve some more. Two masters were fighting around Barsa, and one eventually killed the other as the killer cried. Before Barsa passed out, she saw a girl that she somewhat recognized, and Tonda arrive to the scene to the bleeding Barsa, who was not going to last to the evening with the loss of blood from her midsection. She lost consciousness in the unsympathetic rain, as the voice of Tonda continued to ring.

Thoughts

Oh my god, Seirei no Moribito just goes from strength to strength with this episode three going totally crazy with the fight scenes at the start and the end. The fights are very realistic, rather than making it all heroic by making Barsa overly strong and killing them easily. The thing about the characters is that there is in fact a distinct difference and personality from the assassins, rather than some token evil killers that just enjoy killing. I have enough of lame evil killers, and Seirei no Moribito makes the assassins humans, compared to mere robots.

One of them is warped enough to kill Chagum so that Chagum will not have to face with the fact that he will be killed by his own parent. Yet, it gives each character more life, even if they are to appear for a short while. With that form of character sophistication, I really applaud the story writer and animation company for doing such a great job with the story board of this episode. It really makes such an excellence graphical show even better. I am just in awe and Seirei no Moribito got to be one of the top five anime of the spring season, along with Bokurano.

I also find that Barsa’s character is filled with warmth and irony. She laughed at her own weakness of being unable to protect her appointed customer, and laughed at herself for getting help from him. However, she does have a strong sense of honor herself, simply thinking of how to save Chagum even though she is physically weak. I also feel that the fact that she returned to hunt down Jin in order to retrieve Chagum despite her injures is very admirable. In all, the realistic portrayal of a woman that is strong yet vulnerable is done excellently.

I personally feel that Chagum is still not as special as it is, but there is at least a bit of character development. Considering his upbringing as a child that is given anything he wants, he is showing a great extent of maturity as well as strength in terms of the things that he has been doing. I mean, walking on a thin trail along two high cliffs is not something that can be done by a child like him, if he had no strong conviction to save Barsa, as well as his own willpower to move on.

Kaze no Shoujo Emily Episode 3

Summary in a chunk

Emily had a fight with IIse, and as Ilse ran away, Emily’s skirt got trapped along the fences. The teacher finally came and the skirt of Emily got torn as everyone went into the classroom. Emily introduced herself, and people were gossiping about her being with the Murrays, considered to be one of the stuck up families in the area. She talked about her interests in writing and poetry, before sitting near IIse. Emily tried to get the girl beside her to share her history book but was ignored. When IIse offered hers, Emily simply ignored her meanly. Some of the girls, after class, placed a snake inside a box passed by a girl called Roda, who seemed to be kind and interested in Emily’s poetry.

Roda told her that the girls were mean to her as Ilse told them to, and IIse’s father was a wizard that conjured magic to curse people. Roda then pointed out the direction of the house, telling her to bring a rose for protection tomorrow and left. Jimmy looked on as Emily went on the road to see IIse’s house. As Roda left, Emily tried to look at the house, with a man mixing chemicals using test tubes. IIse caught her peeking and Emily confronted her for trying to instigate the other children to bully her, with IIse looking clueless. Eventually, they fought, slapped and got each other in the mud, before IIse’s father came out to call her in.

Emily was looking all dirty when she came back, hoping to escape from Elizabeth but she failed. Only a good lie from Perry that Emily fell from her horse and Jimmy confirming it as he brought back the basket Emily left while searching for IIse’s house saved Emily from a thrashing down. As Emily cleaned up, she told Jimmy about what happened, and it was the first time she fought. Emily also found a secret hidden room with the cat’s house, a place like an attic as she decided that it was the place she would start writing. The next day, Emily was not bullied, as she ambushed IIse who was about to go home.

Emily questioned IIse why she did nothing today, and IIse replied innocently that she was no longer angry after the fight. Emily then heard Roda talking badly about her with the three bullies, with Roda bribing them with sweets to work with her. Emily confronted them and slapped Roda. She told Roda that she was Emily and should be treated as so. One of the girls took her writing book, as they threw it around until IIse got it back as they escaped. IIse’s father was in fact a chemist that was also a medicine man, and they were on their way to Terry, a sickly boy that they visited every week. IIse suggested to Emily to pick some flowers for him. Terry’s mother said that Terry was out on the fields since he was feeling better. When Emily saw Terry drawing in the grass field, she was entranced by his good looks, as the wind blew peacefully.

Thoughts

Kaze no Shoujo Emily is definitely the best show to watch after Seirei no Moribito, being in a totally different spectrum in the genre. It’s always good to watch something relaxing, soothing yet a bit subtly amusing, and Emily is all that. The petty fight between Emily and IIse is just so hilarious, since Emily is someone who really does not easily forgive anyone, yet is so naive at times that we tend to forget that she is but a child that believes whoever is treating her nicely even if it’s an act.

I personally like all the characters of Kaze no Shoujo Emily because they are all so appealing. We have the really spunky and ready to fight with anyone if they do her injustice Emily, the rather bratty yet helpful Perry, the stern and yet still caring Elizabeth, the jovial and happy go lucky Jimmy as well as the quick to tease, yet open-minded IIse and also Terry, a good looking young man that seems to be good at drawing. The character dynamics between all the people in this show are just like a fluid movement of emotions and interactions. They are really just so fun to watch, and the novel must be an excellent read with such a compelling cast.

I must add that Emily can be a tad too judgmental. It is apparent that IIse, for all her mean behavior at the start, is just a playful girl that immediately become nice to her after lending her book when the fat girl refuses to lend her the book. Her quick temper starts and ends fast, and she is clearly someone who forgives easily, a good complement for Emily who does not really seem like someone who will ever forgive someone and makes sure that they pay a hell lot.

To be honest, the episode portrayed the society very logically, an ironic touch to the elitism of society. We often think of elites as a group of snobbish people and when they turn out to be snobbish, we allocate it to their status. We have to remember what Emily said in her declaration toward Roda, that she should be treated as Emily, not a member of the Murray family since she is herself and not belonging to any personal ideology of others. Perhaps, the little lesson that can be learned in this episode is not to judge a book by its cover, and to approach anything with an open heart, rather than stereotyping things that will twist your views before you can take the time to understand.

These two series seem to do pretty well, even though both of them are mostly overlooked by fansubbers for one reason or the another. Nevertheless, they are both competent series that should be given a look for excelling in the genre that they are in, with great production values in terms of graphics for Seirei no Moribito and great storytelling for Kaze no Shoujo Emily.

It’s time once again to bring you the summarized proceedings, as well as a little of my humble thoughts in the series. And some rather not humble thoughts for the fun of it.

Seirei no Moribito Episode 2

Summary in a chunk

Barsa and Chagum fled from the palace in a midst of huge flames from the burning imperial palace, and Barsa told Chagum that he, as the prince, does not exist after today. She also told Chagum to take good care of the gift given by his mother. The Imperial Stargazer Shuga watches the blaze from afar as Gakai acknowledged that it was the third attempt on Chagum’s life. After Chagum was dozing in his sleep, Barsa offered to piggyback him and told him it was a common practice among the commoners for a mother to carry their child that way.

Shuga approached the Seidoushi, which tried to deny the assassination attempt before letting him into the secret that it was in fact granted by the king. The Seidoushi knew that the second queen was hiring Barsa to protect Chagum and there was indeed a spirit within. With that, the Seidoushi concluded that the spirit was the legendary water spirit and warned Shuga that knowing too much about politics was a path that he could not return. He then explained that in the history books, the first king had slain a water spirit within a child and became a ruler. Even though it was ridiculous, the king wanted to kill Chagum so that he could secure his throne, even though he was hurt emotionally for killing his own child for it.

Barsa finally reached Toya and Saya’s hut, as she instructed Toya to buy some goods. Barsa hid the jewels for future use, as well as doing maintenance on her spear when she saw a bright glow around Chagum. As she shook his body, he awoken and the glow disappeared, and Chagum asked if he said anything funny and said that he wanted to live. Barsa said she would protect him but he said it felt that way ever since that thing in him appeared. Toya was also interrupted by someone with a brimmed headgear as he escaped after the person pressed about information of Toya burning necessities for a long trip.

As Toya informed her, Barsa passed him a gold bar and told them to move, as it was dangerous. On the road, Chagum stubbornly refused to be carried with the huge weight, and Barsa said he was not like a prince and he had pride. However, she acknowledged that it was going to be hard without a horse. There were also two moons appearing. Suddenly, she could sense that there were pursuers as she told Chagum to run as men similar to that brimmed headgear man that talked to Toya appeared, rushing forward as a battle looked eminent.

Thoughts

This is perhaps the first time that I have found a second episode having a higher graphical quality compared to the first, and that is considering the fact that the first episode of Seirei no Moribito literally blew me away with its graphical excellence in design and background color and scenery. It is perhaps its strongest point to drive, considering that the plot though good, is not as strong compared to some of the most moral disturbing and complicated plots in the spring season anime.

More about the minus side of the anime later, it’s time to give them a slap on the back for giving such a high standard among a really quality abundant season. To me, the scene at the end of the episode with the rice fields is one of the best animation of a beautiful rural background for ages, and I was replaying that scene two or three times to absorb the amount of detail captured only by another well known animation company known as Kyoto Animation. The dramatic headgear throwing was a tad excessive though, and it feels so cliche.

I found that Seirei no Moribito is one of the top shows this season and rightly so for its excellent portrayal of Barsa as a multi-faceted character with a past that begs for answers, as well as an endearing character amidst her role as a bodyguard. She is definitely extremely likable, and it’s apparent when she carries the young prince like a mother, treated him like how a parent would to a child when she talks, and yet is still calculative and plans ahead with the groceries as well as a good judgment of friends with Toya. It’s always a good show when you find the main character compelling because you can feel for her/him. For now, the blemish is that I have little impression over Chagum.

In all, I do want to know a little bit about the tale of the water spirit, which I believe that it will be told in due time. Next episode seems to be a fight that Barsa might be outmatched, and I do wonder what happens as she looks battered.

Kaze no Shoujo Emily Episode 2

Summary in a chunk

Emily broke the vase and Elizabeth noted the cat was there, only for Jimmy to jump in and say that he had brought the cat home. He told Elizabeth that there was a rat problem and used the cat, and promised that it would stay out of the main house. With that, Elizabeth simply asked Emily to get ready for dinner. Perry helped to clean up the broken vase and said Emily was courageous to talk back to Elizabeth. As they had their meal, Elizabeth told Emily the roles she had to do such as letting the cows free, helping with after meal cleaning. Emily also wondered why they were still using candles, but Jimmy said it was part of the Murray tradition.

Elizabeth also informed Emily that she would be sleeping with her. Emily was uncomfortable, and asked Elizabeth about her mother’s room, but Elizabeth was avoiding the issue and said that no one entered and told her to sleep. The next day, Emily overslept, and Elizabeth was forcing her to get rid of her pigtails, only for Emily to insist that it was something that her mother and father upheld. Elizabeth said it was the pride of the Murrays to be prim and proper. Emily was then locked inside a dark scary room, and was asked to repent in the room. She hated the Murrays and wanted to return home. Emily tried to escape from the window through a huge tree, only to be caught by Jimmy and Perry.

Jimmy and Perry brought her first to the butter factory where they made her own butter, which fascinated her. Then, Jimmy brought her to his very own garden, where she could feel the imagery of the trees being nymphs and princesses, while the wind aunt appeared as well. It was almost like a garden paradise and Emily was surprised how Jimmy could see the imagery too. As they went up, Emily found a site with tombs, as Jimmy explained that it was the place for the Murrays. Hugh Murray was the head and he had brought up this barren land into a rich field. Mary Murray was Jimmy’s mother, and when she had a contagious flu then, Elizabeth allowed her in and nursed her back to health, never ostracizing her in fear of being inflicted.

Jimmy said that was the pride of the Murray, where they never feared pain or trouble, but moved on with grit. Perry informed Emily that Elizabeth had returned home, as she rushed back. When Elizabeth entered the room, Emily admitted she escaped and was willing to face punishment. Elizabeth said her punishment would be for her hair to be cut. As Elizabeth was about to cut her hair, Emily said that she could do it but her pride and view will never change on it. Elizabeth could feel the pride of the Murray blood in Emily, and decided against cutting. Finally, they allowed Emily to go to school, but on some really old fashioned clothes. It was clear that the students did not like the high handed family and a blond threw Emily’s book down, telling her to get lost.

Thoughts

I really like this mellow series quite a bit. Personally, I like Jimmy as a character because he is such a casual person that helps to save Emily with his glib tongue, even against someone as harsh as Elizabeth. I find myself liking Jimmy, even though he feels rather simpleton in most situations currently. Still, I really like the part where he joined Emily in the imagery of the nymphs and princesses from the view of the trees, and I found myself absorbed at the youthful innocence.

If anyone of you can look over the character design, Emily is clearly another strong lead, with her determination and drive to follow her own will at things, just like how the first Murray of the house, followed his own will due to the pride of the family to carry on in situations of despair and uncertainty. I also enjoy the moment where Elizabeth’s harsh stance was cooled after seeing the determination in Emily’s eyes. The eventual hug and thanking of Elizabeth for not cutting her hair is also rather cute as Elizabeth looked stunned from the affection given to her. She is probably not used to hugs.

I do wonder a bit about Perry though. He seems quite interesting and I want to know about his origins from being a stable hand in the family. I want to know who picked him and there seems to be a bit of a disdain by Elizabeth for his position. I guess being a hand of sorts is considered to be degrading and it’s probably something that Elizabeth, the head of a high class group, will do. I also wonder about the blond that shoved Emily’s books away. Why is there such an unstated anger and hatred for Emily even before talking to her. The answer will probably be revealed in the next episode.

Chagumu and Barsa’s journey has just started for a life of escaping from the many attempts to kill them.

The first episode of Seirei no Moribito is released for a special preview release a few days ago, and I only caught wind of its appearance today, thanks to a post by Cinnamon Ass.

How do I find the first episode? It’s a must watch.

Episode summary

Barsa is a wandering bodyguard that arrived in the town of Yogo after two years of absence. She had came into the town to have maintainable on her spear and she laughed with a villager that money would be able to solve anything in this town of Yogo compared to Kanba. However, without money, Barsa said she had to make do as the villager was surprised at her outlook on life for such a young girl. She was already thirty, she remarked. It was a procession as the royal family passed by, with everyone bowed down. Barsa did not care for such ceremonies since she was an outsider.

Suddenly, the ox carrying the carriage started to lose its temper as a person fell out from the carriage and went into the fast flowing river. Barsa immediately unleashed a retractable rope and dived in. She got the boy in her hands, only to be confronted by the falling ox and ruined carriage that was swept along by the fast waves. Just when she thought she had drowned, a glowing barrier of water surrounded her and the boy as she was surprised how she was still miraculously alive as she made her way up the shore. The royal guards then arrived, as they blocked off access and chased off the commoners as commoners were not allowed to see royal members in the flesh.

In another town, a guy named Tanda mentioned about Barsa and whether she would arrive ever since she left two years ago. Barsa was having her meal when she saw some royal guards as she tried to escape, only to be stopped by them. They said that they were part of the guards belonging to the second wife of the royal family, and asked Barsa whether she knew of the person who saved the young prince. She said she did not, but since the news of it cannot be revealed, they tried to exterminate her, only to be defeated easily. The oldest guard then bowed down on his knees to beg Barsa to return, as the second wife had asked them to bring Barsa back. With everyone on their knees, Barsa relented and left for the imperial palace.

Barsa was enjoying herself with a good luxurious bath and a great meal after thinking that it made no sense to poison her. Another elderly guard came in and told Barsa that he felt embarrassed to provide such a paltry fare for her. Barsa said she knew that people of non royal blood were not allowed to see the royals because their eyes would be blinded merely from the look. The guard then passed her a bag of coins, saying that it was perhaps way too little for the price of the young prince and asked her to stay, after emphasizing she needed to.

She was sleeping when she felt the presence of the second wife. The second wife remarked that Barsa was a special woman simply because her eyes did not fall out from looking at royals. The second wife said how Barsa was as rumored, a very powerful bodyguard that was able to protect any person that asked her for help. Barsa said she was just someone who protected anyone as long as they paid the money. The second wife then asked why Barsa chose all these dangerous missions if it was only for the money. She then added as she asked Barsa to bring the child, Chagumu away. Chagumu had already survived two strange assassination attempts, one being the ox and the other being a geyser sprouting out from a hot spring half a month ago.

Two months ago, the child started to speak funny things in his sleep and was said to be possessed by something by the astrologist after examining his sleep state. The astrologist kept it a secret but told the exorcist and priest (a keen aide of the family). When the priest informed the rest of the royal family, they aimed to kill Chagumu as such a child would disgrace the royal family when the family was supposed to be respected and be of pure body. The second wife brought a whole box of expensive jewelery and told Barsa that she would receive all that for protecting the child. Barsa said it was despicable as the wife had given her a path of death for saving Chagumu. As the second wife had asked personally, Barsa could not refuse (it was death as punishment) but by bringing all the jewelery endorsed with her name, Barsa would be easily hunted down too.

The second wife said that was everything she could give. Barsa said calmly how the royals were guarded so weakly with only seven in the whole house as she swiftly pointed her spear at the second wife. Barsa said she promised to protect the child and explained that in a certain incident, eight people that were precious to her died. Hence, she had been entrusted with the burden of the eight souls to go around protecting everyone that required her help. She accepted the job as the second wife passed Chagumu her earrings and they ran away, leaving the town.

Thoughts

Ok, first time very importantly, the background of this episode one is just so jaw dropping gorgeous. I think that they can technically give me twenty minutes of flowing background and I will probably be awed by the whole series. Well, that will be stretching it but the first episode clearly shows a very strong graphical excellence that I hope can be maintained for the whole series. Since it will be funded pretty decently, I think that I am allowed to hold my hopes up just a little.

Barsa’s character is a very intriguing one. For one, I want to know the exact sad incident in the past that caused her to start off this journey. It has to do with death, which is a cliche by all means. Nevertheless, it is still a good pull to show some depth in the character almost in the first episode, which I thought to be a good idea. Barsa shows to be a master of spears, and I do like the fact that she is not omnipotent as shown by the incident that she should have died saving the prince if not for the sudden glowing sphere that surrounded them and protected them. I enjoyed that part.

I personally felt that the first episode on the whole lacked a bit of oomph, which would be the best description that I can give to the feeling I have. Other than the graphics that is excellent, the driving force of the story, the part where Chagumu was inflicted with a possession of something was a bit flimsy. I do wonder what is the exact thing that possessed him, but I guess a bit more time could have been devoted toward this, and perhaps a better background knowledge of the whole environment of the place might have helped.

However, I can probably understand the reason why it feels a bit fast paced, which is to start the story proper. I guess the answers will be answered and revealed slowly in the coming episodes. I also thought that the ending part about the despicable move was wonderfully done. Despite the good efforts of the second wife to reward Barsa, the ignorance of the outside world meant that if Barsa was to sell any of the jewelery that had the insignia of the royal family, their location would be discovered immediately. I thought that Barsa was really cool when she said that she had absolutely no choice.

Chagumu is also pretty cute, with the fact that he tried to command Barsa after his mother was crying from the very fact that she had to leave him to Barsa. He just seems a bit adorable and lost, but I do wonder what the powers of manifestation within him would be. I mean, the power conjured out by the boy when they were drowning was in a state where Chagumu was completely unconscious. Hence, I do wonder what things or powers would be emitted from him.

The OP was done by L Arc En Ciel but to be honest, I was not too fond of it. I felt nothing for it but I think it might be the kind of song that will grow on me when I listen to it more. For now, the first listen gave me nothing. I do need to listen to the ED again since I skipped it to write this entry out.

Anyway, I will follow this series at least for a few episodes as it fit my expectations, albeit with the first episode telling very little of everything. It’s a good starting point though.