Hah, I have been a little slow with writing out entries, especially when the workload is starting to increase bit by bit. Nevertheless, it’s a good thing that I am still not drained enough to stop blogging. The summary will be shortened since I am somewhat lacking in time, but it will cover most of the important details. As the previous pilot died after accepting her fate, the only way to go is to bring in the next pilot. The game still goes on, and this time, Takami Komoda is the next pilot.

How will she face this task?

Updated list of Bokurano kids after Episode 18: Click here

Episode summary

As Komoda bathed, she saw the mark at her back. It looks like Komoda’s mother was a bit down, as Komoda was forced to step down from his role in the government after the scandals. Nevertheless, Komoda’s father told his wife to keep her spirits up, since Komoda was the one who was suffering more. As Tanaka came with some food, she also apologized for her insistence with the children, causing Komoda’s father to lose her job. However, he said that he understood that Tanaka simply wanted to protect the children. He also added that the appearance of Zearth was not only causing damage, but also affecting the whole Earth in a big way.

He decided to tell that to the citizens in his last press meeting, and then told Komoda to play the piano for him before he left. Tanaka also bought some winter clothes for Jun and Kana. She was panicking over Jun’s clothes, and tried to get the gangster to bring it to them, eliciting laughter from him. Kanji’s mother was also deciphering the codes after the last battle, but did not find anything to save Komoda yet. Komoda’s father also told Kanji’s mother that he was going to tell the world about the truth, and she argued that her research might be affected. Komoda’s father was angry, asking if she cared about the children at all.

Tanaka was on her way to Kanji’s mother, and met up with Kasaragi. When he denied her entry to listen to the findings, she suspected Kasaragi and the government behind the cover up of Zearth. Kasaragi denied all relations of Zearth with the government and said that Tanaka was way too rash with her actions. In the press meeting, Komoda’s father told everyone about the game, the children and the government’s interest to tap onto Zearth’s power. However, it was interrupted when someone splashed paint outside the conference hall. Komoda was advised to leave by Seki, and they sent Komoda’s car ahead of them to get rid of the reporters before driving away. Nevertheless, the reporters were still tracking them.

As Seki tried to brush off the trackers, Komoda’s father insisted on returning home to see Komoda one last time before she pilots Zearth. Seki said that the trackers would realize that they came back home within five minutes, and told them to hurry. Komoda’s father asked his wife to leave with Komoda to spend Komoda’s last moments. His wife refused to go as she could tell that Komoda’s father was going to give his life away, but Komoda convinced her to go with her. As they left without her father, Tanaka’s car was going toward the house. Tamunu rushed back to save Tanaka.

In the house, the gunmen opened fire on Komoda’s father (off-screen), while Tanaka fired a few shots as she entered the house. However, she was cornered and was shot a few times. Tamunu arrived to see Tanaka down, as Tanaka was still conscious. He carried her out, saying that her wounds were very light as he pulled her into the car. Tanaka pointed inside, as Tamunu thought it was the scarf but it was the gun that she pointed. She told him to pass the gun to Jun as she died. On the news channel, the truth was disguised as Komoda’s father was said to suicide, while Tanaka tripped on an electric wire and died.

They were fighting on another Earth, as Dung Beetle taunted Komoda that she could vent her anger. As Zearth moved forward, they dropped into a hole and the enemy poured acid into the trapped Zearth. Machi wondered who would have dig the hole, and Komoda said it was likely to be the inhabitants of this Earth. Kanji said that it was ironic how people in this Earth tried to help their robot, while Tanaka and her father were betrayed and killed. Tanaka said that compared to them, being trapped in acid was nothing as she fought hard with a laser at the enemy, eventually defeating the enemy. In a press meeting, one of the economists supported the government’s decision to use the technologies, and Dung Beetle wondered whether to get Kana to be one of the pilots.

Thoughts

Ok, I am very surprised that they killed off Tanaka just like that. I mean, I hardly expect her to be killed, especially when she is perhaps the fulcrum and support of the remaining children. Nevertheless, Bokurano killing off Moji and so many other good leader-type characters rather early in the series means that I should not be that surprised at all. In this episode, I find that there is a strange look to some of the characters, as though the animation quality keeps going up and down.

On the story itself, I really do not know what possesses Komoda’s father to tell about the truth of Zearth to the press. I mean, it seems like the most stupid step ever. It’s almost like asking for the underworld to come kill him and silence his bloody mouth. I really think that if he had kept quiet and see how he can salvage some way to spread the word, he might still live. The problem is that with the government in strict control, Komoda’s father words can only be blasphemy. It was surprising that he is an excellent and intelligent man, but failed to consider such consequences.

I personally find the death scene of Tanaka to be rather poignant. Initially, I thought she has some bullet vest or something, but it seems like she is merely dying. I am quite pissed off when I realized that the news has been covered up, which makes it apparent that the government has tried to cover up its own dark tracks. This is always the greed of men, to try utilizing something that they have, and ignoring the words of the wise until it is way too late. I guess that is a huge moral of the show, in which emotions, flaws and feelings of men are shown in full display.

Lastly, I cannot for the life of me fathom Kana joining into the mix. It will be scary, and I think Machi will be the one entering it since they have one pilot less. What do you think?

With the discovery of an important fact in the last episode, the kids find themselves back in the same predicament but in a worse state. It is an inescapable truth, one truth that they cannot get out of. As long as the contract remains, the kids will be living their life until the point where they are chosen to be the pilot. I will be praying for a bittersweet ending, but with more details fleshed out by Dung Beetle, I cannot tell anymore.

Despite the pain that each pilot faces after realizing that they are next, they continued to have a short lived hope, a hope that gives them a glimpse of life. In this episode, that glimpse is love, and the number of pilots remaining diminishes as we speak. I am somewhat depressed by the lives that they are living right now, and I wish them luck. Bokurano is shaping up to be a decent series with the last few episodes.

Updated list of pilots after Episode 17: click here

Episode summary

The break in by the car led to Komoda’s house being burned down. Komoda’s father was then interviewed by the press. He said that no one was hurt and he did not know who the instigators were. When one reporter asked whether the incident was related to the fabrication of the Zearth report, Komoda asserted that the report was not fake. At home, Aiko’s father was telling her how the truth was often hard to accept, and the Zearth report was a good news point to gather ratings. The security guard that Komoda’s father hired was very apologetic, but the father said that it was not his fault at all. Komoda’s father said that the security guard worked for the family for a long time, and was guilty that he could not protect the place well.

Kawai, after some investigation, noted that it was a rough but well trained job. The culprit was giving the message that this was just a warning shot. Tanaka also stated that the army would be helping the security, as an underling told them that Jun came over. Tomo (Kawai’s friend perhaps?) asked Jun to bring some food for them in the form of Fish cake. Kawai then asked to walk around the estate to check on security, and asked Tanaka to bring Jun out. Tanaka asked Jun about the weather and winter clothes, as Jun said he was surprised how Tanaka was saying the same things as Kana, even though Kana herself was wearing little.

Jun then showed his caring side by asking Tanaka to buy some winter clothes for Kana, as he did not want Kana to get a cold in this weather. In the studio, Kanji and Komoda were interviewed about Zearth. Kanji was initially nervous but relaxed after Aiko’s assurance outside the studio platform. After the interview, Aiko asked Kanji whether it was nervous, and he said it was obvious that he was. They then saw a famous model hooking up with Aiko’s father as they went out for “work”. In the cockpit, Dung Beetle was talking to Machi, and it was surprised how Machi was sympathizing with them. The order was also set, with Komoda, Jun, Seki, Tanaka and Kanji would be wrapping up.

Machi asked if Kana might be forced to fight, but Dung Beetle said no, even though the thought would be really interesting. In the lab, the professor was actually Kanji’s mother as she continued to do experiments on Kanji. His mother also asked about him being with Aiko, as well as the possibility that there were huge repercussions in the future for Komoda’s father. Kanji said he thought that she only cared about research, but she said that the information was required for her to continue experimenting. The news flash of Aiko’s father having a night out with the famous model was broadcasted and he was taken off the news for this sex scandal.

Komoda’s father was angry that they were upstaged again, as the calls at Aiko’s house never ceased to end from the calls of the reporters. Aiko’s mother was drinking a lot after the incident, and grumbled how her husband could be tempted by such a woman. As Aiko wanted to go out for a while, the gate was surrounded by a lot of reporters. Kanji was also there as he shoved his way in front and brought Aiko away from the mass of reporters. One reporter noted cynically that the daughter’s actions were similar to her father.

When they were finally away. Kanji informed Aiko that Seki’s car was nearby. Aiko started to cry, as Kanji hugged her in an embrace, telling her that it was all right. The children gathered in Jun’s house, where Aiko complained how it was hideous that all the journalists were hounding her. It was unfair to bully them with numbers. Kawai said that Aiko’s father was an important celebrity wielding a lot of influence, but popularity also meant that he also had to hold responsibility. That responsibility would be to protect the people like his wife and Aiko herself. Aiko realized what Kawai meant as her father was simply running away as a coward, as she asked to meet her father.

When she met her father in Komoda’s house, her father apologized for his actions and said that he was tempted by the woman. He still loved his wife, as Aiko asked whether he would be returning home. Aiko’s father said that the house was surrounded by reporters and he wanted to give his wife some time to relax. Aiko said that her father had to protect and fight for his wife, and Aiko would fight for Earth. He finally gained the courage and returned home. In the battle, they were fighting against a machine with a lot of sharp, long arms. As Aiko tried to approach, one of the long arms penetrated Zearth easily, as they retreated.

Machi warned that unless they got close, it was impossible to win. Aiko decided to take a risk as she protected the cockpit with Zearth’s arms and rushed forward before getting close enough to defeat the enemy. Aiko finally collapsed, as Kanji held her in an embrace. Kanji also saw a vision of the people who controlled this game and said that they could not survive. Dung Beetle said he was surprised that the timid Aiko did not cry, while Kanji belittled Dung Beetle as merely a dog for them. Dung Beetle got very angry, and said that Kanji would be the next one who would be killed in this game. As the chairs revolved, it was Komoda as Dung Beetle said he guessed incorrectly with a smile.

Thoughts

Ok, this episode just throws me a huge question. Why did Aiko and Kanji ever had any hints to be together? I mean, I am perhaps the most unobservant viewer in anime, but I seriously do not see how the two got together. The story telling for this couple, if anything, is rather jerky for me. I mean, I did not even expect the two of them to be remotely in romance with each other, and there is hardly any strong hint for the observer that the two of them like each other.

However, the revelation that Dung Beetle has been speaking to Machi during the times that it is talking to a certain person in the cockpit is a major one. This is perhaps confirmation that Machi is truly its sister, and I do wonder why Machi led her friends into this fight. I somehow believe that there will be a case where Machi will be the last person to fight this battle, but I do not even know why she will be fighting. I believe that her guilt of bringing her friends (I believe she does treat the kids as her friends) will sacrifice herself somehow in order to bring the kids back.

That will be quite the short cut for most viewers, and I do not wish to be so. Nevertheless, I just have that premonition that Machi will be the last to fight, and not Kanji. Dung Beetle’s oblivious cruelty is also apparent in this episode, with his nonchalant attitude toward Kana. In a way, the two siblings show a very interesting contrast in this episode, and that is the reason why it led me to the conclusion of what might happen to Machi at the end.

Jun also gets some redemption in terms of the treatment of Kana in this episode. It is clear that he is simply a tsundere that does not know how to control his impulsive behavior. He does care for Kana, despite his often harsh words to her. That really gives him a plus point in respect now, even though I still cannot forgive him for some of the physical bashings that he has caused her for previous episodes. Nevertheless, with Komada now the next pilot, it will be interesting to see how the order revealed in this episode, will be stuck. Will it be changed, or not?

I do apologize for the lack of updates but the bloody backlog is so huge that it’s almost impossible to cover without making an extremely concerted effort to do it. If you are not in the know, I went for an overseas trip, then back to army and now I am starting my Master’s work/study. Hence, I took some time to settle and move a little away from the blog to deal with it. Anyway, I decided that it is way too much of a backlog that it becomes more of a chore rather than enjoyment to do a blog entry on the previous episodes. If you do want a little update on what has happened between 14 and 15, please check Star Crossed Anime Blog, a blog written by Psgels who writes a little about each episode.

I will be trying my best to keep up with the series now that I finally have some decent free time in the weekends. Nevertheless, this episode twisted my brain so much at the sudden revelation of a certain fact that should have alerted me somewhat, but I did not catch it until now. Wow, now Bokurano is definitely playing on my senses. A quick recap, in the last episode, Kirie is now selected as the next pilot but had to fight another battle since his opponent suicided.

A very deadly and unexpected revelation awaits at the end of this episode.

Updated list of kids after Episode 16: Click here

Episode summary

In the parliament, Komada’s father was inquiring about how the government was dealing with the threat of Zearth, with the prime minister stating that the government knew little of it and did not make a mistake in sending too little troops. Komoda then asked about the Zearth’s report, questioning whether the prime minister knew anything of it. He then challenged the prime minister’s denial as it had revealing details about Zearth during the satellite recording of Zearth in the first battle at the bridge, the children who were binded by the contract, as well as the research done on Zearth.

Eventually, when questioned on what the government was intending to do, the prime minister simply said that he was going to find a solution to reduce losses. In a TV series, Aiko’s father was discussing about the matter of children getting tied to the contract, as Aiko was assured by her mother that her father would do something. Kirie’s mother and Kirie were watching a TV show about Zearth, as they turned it off. Kirie’s father appeared smiling, saying that he was just busy with work and unable to see her. He left smiling and telling them that he was returning home after his “work”.

Kirie told his father not to be so kind to them when Kirie went to get a drink for her mother, and his father was trying to explain matters. Kirie’s mother mentioned how men would always be kids. Back at Jun’s house, Kirie later mentioned to Jun how he did not understand adults. It seemed that her father had an affair with someone, but they probably separated since his father returned home everyday. Kirie was also worried for his mother, where she was always thinking about things since she had no work to do. With that, Tamuzu mentioned that he had a friend in jail who was the owner of a restaurant, and told Kirie that he would talk to his friend.

Komoda’s father was discussing on how the prime minister panicked, but the way he panicked with so little information made him suspect that there was more than meets the eye. Yoshika, the female professor, found a lot of information on the mark on Kirie’s face but nothing to save the children from their fate. She also asked for Komoda and Aiko’s parents to insert a chip into their child’s body to examine any differences, with some rejection from the parents as it might leave a scar (HUH?). Aiko’s father also asked for an interview for the children, asking them about their emotions, the contract and the feelings that they have when they see their compatriots die.

Komoda rejected the idea, saying that putting life-death topics on the children were too taxing and even if it might not encourage further analysis, it would not cause trouble with the general public. Kirie and the other children were on their way to the restaurant where his mother was working. She was in a better mood now, even wearing light make up. As they reached the restaurant, Tamuzu talked to his friend, while his mother served his friends. Tamuzu laughed how Kirie’s mother was pretty and it might worry her husband too. The friend also added how Kirie’s mother was more friendly, and helped to bring the business of the restaurant up.

As they left, Kirie told everyone about his decision to fight. He said he did not know whether he cared about his world, but since his mother was happy now, he wanted to win this battle. He also asked Tamuzu to take care of his mother, and added that he knew his capabilities to be rather weak. Tamuzu applauded Kirie for being courageous to fight and that Kirie’s personality was considered to be the most dangerous in the gangster world. In the battle, Kanji joked whether this next opponent was going to suicide, but there was no luck.

During the fight, Kirie showed excellent agility and control over Zearth, shocking everyone with his ability to make full use of Zearth’s powers. Tanaka was shocked at how Kirie maneuvered Zearth without any extra movements and defeated the enemy easily. Kirie said he simply met with a weak enemy but there were only two lights left against his enemy. Back at the cockpit, he thanked everyone but said that Machi was the girl that was not under contract. Kirie found it strange that she knew that Kirie had to fight another enemy if the enemy suicided by itself, and it was knowledge that only someone with the game knew. Machi was also the girl who told everyone to visit the cave.

Dung Beetle then affirmed the suspicions when it said that Machi and Kokopelli were not humans from this planet, and she was placed to get people to sign up for this game. Aiko rushed to Machi, slapping her continously for bringing them to this evil predicament. While Aiko screamed, Kirie died and his body disappeared, as the next pilot selection was coming. It was Aiko. Dung Beetle also confessed that Machi was his younger sister. News also came to Aiko’s father over a press conference, where the writer who wrote the story of Zearth was simply working on a fictional team and apologized for causing panic. The government faction to hide the truth was acting behind this move…

Thoughts

Oh My Gosh. I just left this anime due to a massive backlog and it jumps and slaps me right in the face after I finally caught up with the latest episode (less Episode 17 which I will watch on Tuesday or Wednesday when I have time). The first thing is how Machi is in fact not from this planet, and it’s perhaps one of the most shocking truths that came out in this episode. I mean, who will have expected someone inside the game being not in the game at all as she is the same as Kokopelli.

Nevertheless, I have a belief that she also has to fight. The words of Dung Beetle is definitely true as it does not seem to be trying to lie about Machi being its sister, but I somehow have this strange thing that part of the deal that Machi will bring people in for this battle will be to fight herself. Kokopelli is also the one fighting in this battle, and I have this strange feeling that Machi is way too obvious for the person that has not signed the contract. Since Bokurano has proved that it cares on fine details of the words, there are no words by any chance that Machi is the pilot that did not sign up. The only mention of acceptance by Dung Beetle is that she led them there to the game.

On Kirie itself, he is giving me a really pleasant surprise. He is perhaps the last person I will expect to have the highest battle technique among the children currently and he literally trashed the enemy with some crazy skills. I do wonder what is the reason behind his ability since he is no gamer by any luck, and he does not look like the type that is good at fighting. However, he did win the fight very easily, despite the decent fighting abilities of his opponent.

Another thing that surprises me is that despite all the possible bullying that he has to endure, his character is not a coward. He simply is non-confrontational in nature, and he is rather intelligent as well with very good observation skills to catch the words of Machi that I missed completely. I will love to say that I got it before hand, but alas, I just do not have those brains of power. I am also happy that he finally resolved his thoughts on fighting after seeing his mother stand back on track. I just felt a little sad that his father’s affair was not given a stronger impact, which could have provided a more emotional standing for this episode. It’s still good though, do not get it wrong.

Lastly, the next episode seems to be on Aiko, and a little about Kanji hugging her as well. They can’t be having a secret romance that I do not even detect at all, no? I also worry somewhat for Aiko, who is not exactly the most emotionally stable person around. I just hope everything will go fine.

At the last episode, Maki found herself in a completely different world, one that she does not recognize. Everyone is shocked when the planes are not covering for them, but firing at Zearth. The model of the plane is something that they have never seen before, as they questioned Dung Beetle on what is going on.

“This is Earth, just a different Earth from where you live.”

Where does this lead us to? Despair or devastation. There seems to be a spiraling effect of morality in the coming episodes.

Updated list of children after Episode 13: Click here

Episode summary

The recap of the last episode informed the kids that it was not their Earth. It was an Earth separated by space and time, and Dung Beetle explained that the universe was vast and spacious, meaning that there were many time continuum. Hence, their Earth was just one Earth out of the many possibilities in the universe. Hence, the world they were in was another Earth as well, meaning that the origins of Earth was the same but developed differently under a different time continuum. Takami felt that this was Earth, and Maki was all confused. However, Kanji told them that the huger problem was that there were human pilots inside the enemy robot as well.

They then remembered Mogi’s words, and was shocked at the revelation. The enemy started to rotate itself rapidly as it moved toward Zearth. Dung Beetle said that the battle was just like having a home and away game, and now they were away from home. He also reminded them that their Earth would be destroyed if they lost here, and told them to fight properly. Dung Beetle then explained this game happened because the space continuum of the universe was limited and this was a very efficient way of choosing which space would survive. He then told them that it was how they had fought, to destroy universes in order to save themselves.

As they fought, Maki realized that the people have not evacuated, eliciting laughter from Dung Beetle saying how these people would die anyway if they won the battle. Maki saw all the banners of humans below telling them to lose, as she continued to retreat while the enemy advanced. Zearth’s right arm also came off from the spinning arms of the enemy, as Tanaka warned Maki not to soften her heart if she wanted to win and to stop the movement of the enemy. Kanji suggested to use the broken right arm to throw at the weak central spot of the robot. As it approached, Zearth threw the head and stabbed it right through.

Maki then brought Zearth closer, gripped the enemy and the battle was won. When questioned why this Earth looked so similar to theirs, Dung Beetle said it was to maintain the structure of Earth as identically as possible and only those with close time proximity would have such a similar type. Takami said that they could let the pilots go, but Dung Beetle said that the issue was not to destroy the robot but it was to kill the pilots. The weak circular thing was in fact the cockpit. Maki wondered how many battles the robot had fought, and they had five remaining lights as well. Maki said she had to protect her earth because her family was there, and Jun had to add that the defenders were protecting too. Maki unceremoniously smashed the enemy to defeat it, finally removing the weak cockpit of the enemy.

Dung Beetle warned her that she only had 48 hours in total and wasting time would cause them a loss but Maki told him to keep quiet. Maki placed the cockpit on the floor after grabbing it, opened it and realized that the pilots inside were also humans. She then blasted the cockpit with Zearth’s lasers. The battle ended, and Dung Beetle told them that they had the luck to see how a planet was destroyed. A red burning light surrounded this planet, before Zearth disappeared into an air of stars, and eventually nothing.

All the children were shocked being overwhelmed by the total lack of life, before they were transported back into Earth with the lights. As Maki saw her little baby brother being born into the family. With that, we saw an image of Maki holding her baby brother in the rocking chair, before we see her body disappearing. Takami asked why they had to continue with this strange game, but Yoko said that they could not escape as their earth would be disturbed. Aiko said she wanted to go home as the choice of the next pilot came. It was Kirie and he expected him to be the next one as Dung Beetle said he was looking forward to his performance.

Tanaka suddenly woke up after a call, where Takami said that she only realized she was at home on the bed when she woke up. Tanaka said she would check as she got a call from Aiko who wondered if they had to fight and decided to come over to Tanaka’s house. Kanji was also asked to come with Kana and Jun. Seki, on the other hand, was driving to the female professor who was extremely excited to see Kanji’s coverage of the incident. Seki was the first to get to Tanaka’s house as he said the professor was the type of person he could not handle. Tanaka then decided to move ahead to meet them since it was dark.

At Jun’s house, Kanji came to inform them as Jun was resting and Kana was boiling water. Jun told Kanji to tell them that he slept after dinner, and Kana wanted to go. He objected to it at least until Kanji said he would take care of her. The three girls met up to go together as they met up with a bunch of guys who are asking for directions. After a while, it was clear that they wanted to abduct the girls for some reason, and Kanji arrived. He tried to stop the guys but was shoved aside before Tanaka came and fired a shot to warn them off. With the shot, it was not clear whether anyone was hit as the episode came to an end.

Thoughts

Wow, this episode just brings the whole moral dilemma to a new level. My theory is confirmed correct (Maybe I should buy lottery now, ha ha ha) in which this is a game to eliminate planets but I was surprised how this game is fought not only on space but also on time. This means that alternatives of Earth has been eliminated without the kid’s notification. This is a cruel survival of the fittest game now, where the kids are now “murderers”. Yet, you cannot brand them as so since they are saving their own Earth as well. It is hard because this is the stage where I actually feel for the kids.

They knew nothing, joined up a game they thought to be fun, but realized quickly that it is a game that has no return for them. They are going to die and disappear, and everyone will not know what is going to happen to them. All that pain is starting to hit me when they realized that they are killing common humans just like them who wanted to defend their own world. They have stood in the earth of humans, invading them harshly and destroying their existence just like this. It’s too cruel.

I do not know about you, but I think this latest twist that they are killing humans are seriously causing emotional turmoil. It is bad enough that you are going to die. It’s bad enough that if you lose, your whole world will die because of you. Now, you realize you are killing follow humans with your bloody hands in order to survive. This is worse than a war because if you win, you still survive. This is a war that you are meant to lose, one way or another.

I do wonder why Maki wanted to see what is inside. From no matter which angel I see it, I cannot understand for the life of me why she wants to peek into the cockpit. It does not even make any sense at all for her to see what is inside when she already knew at the start of the episode. How can she even kill someone after opening it. It really hurts my brain to figure out why she actually wants to see it, but I do have a queer reason. She wants to confirm the words.

The very words that “We are fighting against other humans who are also pilots“.

Who are the guys that are trying to get the girls? I am not sure since details of the girls being the pilots are considered to be highly confidential information, which means that these guys must be sent by someone from the government. The alternative is that the news of them being pilots is somehow leaked by someone who is in the known. However, few people do know about them, which now confuses me to who would want to harm the very girls that are going to save their world.

I highly doubt that this is anything to do with Haruhi, Espers and Time travelers. Any ideas?

With the demise of Moji, the “leader” of the children, the next pilot is Maki Ano, a girl who is adopted by her parents, where the father is in fact a mecha otaku. Despite her exuberance character for most of the series, the trigger of death impacts people in many ways. The near birth of her non blood related brother is to be soon as well, and she merely wants to see her whole family spending some time together. Will she get her wish before she pilots Zearth, or is her last wish unlikely to be fulfilled.

A whole new world is going to be presented to us in this episode, and the Earth that we know is no longer known.

Updated list of Bokurano kids: Click here

Episode summary

On a rain drenched night, Maki and Takami arrived at Tanaka’s house and the mark on Maki’s stomach showed that she was the next pilot. The next day, Maki was brought to a Chinese restaurant where she mentioned it was a place her family would never come. Maki said that she wished that she could be in time for the birth of her younger brother who was still unborn yet, and added that Zearth’s appearance changed her attitude in which she no longer felt jealous of this newborn brother. She was an adopted child, and the child that was to be born would be the family’s first true child.

Maki then said that she was friendly with Takami and Aiko, and mentioned about the visit to Kana’s house a few days ago. On the way there, Maki saw Kana who was bringing clothes home after going to the washing machine store, and Kana said that Jun was reading manga at home. An annoyed Maki and the other girls rushed over to Jun’s house and said that Jun was slacking when Kana was doing all the chores. Jun retorted and mentioned that Kana did it by her own accord, and Maki pointed out that Kana was also washing Jun’s underwear. Eventually, Jun’s temper got the better of him, and he kicked Kana. Maki immediately jumped on him, criticizing him for taking Kana for granted.

Maki then jested that she used to be hit on the buttocks, but that was a long time ago. She said that her father was generally very idyllic, but there were times where he was quite alert. She recited an incident where her father bought a model of Zearth done by a local company, and an article in the magazine rumored that Zearth (a name only known by the kids) was driven by children. Her father added that he would have given a better name like “Zapbaton (?)” for the robot, and the family laughed when he said that his name calling for the baby will be inspired.

Tanaka started to laugh, as it was Maki who gave the name for Zearth and both father and child were similar in behavior. Maki started to break down in tears, and she said she wished that she could just see her younger brother once and the family being together. When Maki returned home late, her father was extremely worried, telling her that her butt would be smacked! An official from the security department came to meet Tanaka, as she invited him into the house.

The official said that Tanaka and Seki had signed up as pilots for Zearth, and the two mentioned that they understood their fate as being part of the military. The official asked if Tanaka was overly concerned for the children, and she replied that they were only thirteen and required support from adults. Tanaka asked if he came just to say such stuff, and he informed that a report from a magazine had details of Zearth, as well as the pilots being children. He said that the truth would be extremely destabilizing for the society, but Tanaka said that it was merely the truth.

He told him that being overly caring of the children’s feeling might be dangerous and the country did things like separating them from society to protect them. However, Tanaka said that it was not written that way in the “Zearth report”. It was clear that the country did not want to reveal it and the military was withdrawn from use, which meant that the country was abandoning the children to their fate. The official said there was no choice, but Tanaka said that the government was more concerned about their own position rather than the safety of the citizens. Tanaka added that if the children were to lose the battle, everyone on Earth would die without knowing why they did. She understood that the government was worried that people might react like Kako, but the children themselves had accepted reality and fought on.

The official said that he would want to remove someone like Tanaka who was still as dangerous as she was before, but she was important to the children as an emotional support. On their way back from the market, Maki’s mother suffered labor pains, as Tanaka arrived to the scene and brought them over to the hospital. The doctor said that the child would come very soon by the next day. Maki’s father finally arrived to the scene and turned on the television for anime. Maki said he should be more concerned with the first child, but he said that the first child was Maki.

He continued that since it was their second child, her mother would be more used to it, with Maki touched. Maki then went to retrieve some towels from home, and told her parents thank you. When Maki left the room, her parents remarked that Maki was really growing up when she used to be really clingy. The battle was about to start as Maki was annoyed that the battle came so fast. An image of the hospital appeared, and Dung Beetle told her to be serious. As the scene of the battle appeared, a robot similar but not the enemy that Kokopelli defeated was in front of a very unfamiliar battleground. A plane whose model was never seen then attacked Zearth, and Dung Beetle said that they were on Earth, but not the Earth they know.

Thoughts

Wow, I cannot believe that my gut instincts actually came true. The new battle is now in another Earth, which means that they are also the enemy invaders of other Earths that are around in this universe. In this way, there is really a case of the universe’s version of Battle Royale. That also means that it’s likely that everyone in the universe have signed up for this war. It is a very dangerous and disturbing war, because it comes to the point of “Fight or be destroyed”.

Ironically, this is perhaps the most efficient way of reducing the load of the universe, by having merely just one fight and keeping the victors’ world after the battles have ended. However, it is really a huge wonder who the creator of such a vicious game is. Is it a spiritual being up there that has created such a game to eliminate planets? I do not know, but I doubt this is what Bokurano aims to reveal at all. It is not the story that they are keen.

On Maki, I am actually very fascinated at this family. The structure of the family is one that is loving, and definitely one of the most normal ones among all the children that we have seen. In a way, Maki is just like the average energetic child that we see on the streets, yet she has a vulnerable side that all children have as well. In other words,she is perhaps one of the most normal children that is involved in this game. The fact that she is adopted is actually not that strange, but the inferior complex that she suffers from is interesting.

Despite being well loved, she still suffers from an inferior complex of not being the birth child. It is apparent that her parents never really cared whether she is truly their blood daughter or not. In a way, this episode gives quite a bit of warmth to my heart as the pain that Maki felt as the adopted daughter was resolved before she left for the battle. Even though it is perhaps sad that she would not make it in time to see her younger brother be born in this world, she has at least resolved much of the problem within herself before the battle. In a way, the pain of her heart is resolved.

Tanaka’s conversation with the official also disturbed me quite a bit in terms of how the government is treating the matter. I can understand the issue about not revealing the truth to the public. I mean, if the world suddenly knows that their survival lies simply on the thread of these children who are fighting for them, it will be a total social catastrophe. Perhaps, it is me being cold blooded, but perhaps, it is better that the people never know. At least, they will be able to live their lives in ignorance.

What do you think though?

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

I am sorry for having such a huge outburst but why is Moji the next pilot. I was hoping so much that it is not him, but alas, the time of reckoning for my favorite character has come. A secret about the enemy is somewhat revealed quite clearly in this episode as well. Due to my illness for the past few days, it is hard for me to do any serious writing up to now. That is perhaps the reason why too that I seem like missing for a while, but I had to get well in order for some things that will happen.

Updated list of characters: Click here

Episode summary

Tsubasa was talking to Nagi (both Moji’s friends) and Moji was explaining to them how he figured out the questions for the Maths test, saying that the teacher had a certain format when he would release the test or the questions within the test. Nagi said that Moji should be a detective, with Tsubasa laughing, but Moji said that they had to leave for today. Moji then told Tsubasa that there would be a heart transplant for Tsubasa, even though Tsubasa told him not to joke about it. Moji said he had an intuition for it as we realized Moji was the next pilot.

After he was chosen, he told Tanaka to bring his friend, Nagi to the hospital of the military for a heart transplant operation, while asking Dung Beetle to transport his body to the hospital after the battle. Dung Beetle said that if he had that much time to think, he had to win the battle first before they decide on this. The flashback started. Moji, Tsubasa and Nagi were all orphans and since they were the only ones in the similar age group, they hung out together everyday. By Primary Five though, the thoughts of being together all the time like buddies were changed when they realized that Tsubasa was also a girl when she wore a yukata. Still, the friendship held on.

However, in the first year of middle school, Nagi fainted while running, and he had a heart attack which would cause his heart to weaken to the extent that he would die in one year. Nagi had to find a heart transplant that his body would not reject, if not he would not survive. Moji and Tsubasa tried to keep the secret, but Nagi was clearly faltering. That was also when Moji knew about Zearth. Despite that, Moji said that there was no doubt who Tsubasa would choose, as she would rather choose Nagi rather than him. Moji then wanted to leave as he had “other things to do” and Nagi said that Moji was sympathizing with him since he was about to die, which was why he was here all the time.

Nagi already knew he was about to die, and he said he only wished for the three of them to be together. However, Moji felt bad as he had wished for his friend to disappear, so that he could have Tsubasa. Eventually, Moji apologized for wanting to leave. Back to the present, Moji noted that he would save and protect Nagi with his heart, and save the world with Zearth in order to protect Tsubasa. Tanaka also brought some of the girls to her house to play including Kana who was gripped away from Jun. Kana also asked Tanaka about the search of Jun’s mother, but Tanaka said she needed some more time.

The girls asked Tanaka whether she had a boyfriend and she said she was single staying in this house. They then wondered about Seki but she said she never thought about it. Tanaka then asked about the guys in the game, with Kirie being too depressive, Jun being an annoying brat, Kanji too casual, with the only normal guy being Moji which was the next pilot. They had thought that Moji had great intuition and would have been the pilot that did not sign up for the game, and all of them noted that they wished they were the child that had not signed up.

Moji went to see Nagi who was packing up his stuff to move to the military hospital, having been thought that the facilities were better. When Nagi admitted that he loved Tsubasa even though he always said that the three of them should be together, and found it hard to repress his feelings. Moji told Nagi that Nagi must confess, as the nurse called for Nagi to move off. When Nagi was about to turn back to see Moji, Moji had disappeared. He was now in the cockpit, changing to the dress given by Nakarai.

Moji noticed that the battle was fought in a place unknown to them, and they could not find any government planes around them. The enemy was a mushroom like robot which then split into two. They asked Dung Beetle and he said that was normally the case, and said that there was still a critical point in the two robots that were linked up. Moji then thought about the weak point of Zearth, before trying to figure out where the weak point of the enemy was. He then tried to attack the link where the two robots were hit, but it seemed that it was not the critical spot as the robot stabbed its huge sword at Zearth, stabbing Zearth right through. However, Moji managed to sever the link, but the enemy continued to move.

Seki was surprised and was shocked that the two robots were not linked physically. However, Dung Beetle told them not to judge the enemy with the technology of Earth and they were probably connected through the air. Moji then said that Zearth will not be able to endure another hit as the two separate robots were trying to flank Zearth. The blue enemy robot started to hold its sword to protect itself, with them assuming that it had the critical spot but Maki said it might be a ploy. Moji then guarded the chest section of Zearth, protecting its critical spot. The children were worried that Zearth’s critical spot was revealed, but the two adults noted that Moji was using war psychology against the enemy.

The yellow enemy robot then cleared Zearth’s head, and Moji realized that the critical spot was the yellow robot because of the paranoid fear of direct confrontation. With that, the lights (similar to Zearth) of the robots disappeared and Dung Beetle promised to send Moji to the hospital. Moji then warned everyone that the enemy might be pilots just like them in the same plight. At the hospital, Nagi was surprised for having a heart transplant, and told Tsubasa that he had something important to say to her. The children were told by Tanaka that the operation was successfully carried out, and Aiko said it was great, with Jun saying what’s good about it. He said that they were merely pawns of the game, but Kanji corrected it by saying that they were more of sacrifices for the world.

Thoughts

The game

So, it is mostly confirmed. The enemy of this game are definitely not merely enemy invaders, but perhaps entities or even pilots from another world that is in the same plight as them. If the use of war psychology by Moji does not prove that, the short scene of the light disappearing from the robot after it stopped should clearly show that the enemy was a similar entity not at all different compared to Zearth.

That meant that they are perhaps ending lives such as themselves in a game to merely protect themselves. If the enemy supposedly is from somewhere else, is it possible that the world that they are fighting in this time with Moji on the unrecognizable field, might be them being invaders themselves. In this way, the game of Bokurano becomes complex because that means that it seems like a sick Battle Royal to eliminate planets with this to lower the population and burden of the whole universe. If we are going to see the universe as merely an entity with planets that are having an over populated mass, this will make sense if there is a god up there that is playing the game of destroying the growth in a macro manner.

Ok, I am talking rubbish, but it somewhat sounds like how Bokurano is, considering that the enemy is not a foreign entity of aliens with mechanical style unemotional beings (think Alien vs Predator). I mean, it will be ironic while protecting their own nation, the children were also mass murderers of other planets. Imagine this, if the clause meant that if they lose the battle, their Earth will be destroyed, that could mean that the same clause is used to parallel worlds where these enemies were.

Moji the saint

Back to Moji, he is really a honorable person in my opinion. Despite all his words about being the most sinful person, love is selfish. Yet, the true form of love is not selfish, but one of a selfless entity where you simply wish for the good of the party you love. In that way, Moji has more than redeemed himself in the way he dealt with the situation. He not only protected the world of his loved one, Tsubasa, and but also saved the life of the person that his loved one loved, Nagi, without any selfish thoughts at the end.

To the end, Moji maintained his smile to everyone, a genuine smile that shows the benevolent soul of Moji. He has confirmed in this episode where I like him the most in Bokurano. He definitely has a maturity that is above most of the people in the game, other than perhaps Daichii who has passed away. I really felt that his way of knowing about his death, yet facing it the most noble way is the most respectful form of stepping down in all the episodes I have seen of Bokurano.

Moji, you will be missed.

The others

I hate Jun, with a passion. He’s just about the most annoying non sympathetic bastard without any freaking brain. If anything, I wish I can punch him, then kick him in the groin, the dump him in the mud, mix some good honey and pour it onto him (hash that, make it cheap honey), and dump a whole bunch of red worker ants AND killer wasps and bees to kill him slowly. Sorry to be so mean, but his words of “what’s so good about it” is way too harsh, way too idiotic and way too annoying.

I really wish he will die, like die already. God, why is Maki Ano the next pilot. Let Jun be the next pilot and die in the most miserable way ever, so that Kana can have a proper family adopting her rather than the bastard brother that she has currently. Seriously, I am getting more pissed every single time that the faggot talked.

Calm down, Impz, calm down.

That is about all I will say.

The title says it all for this episode as Mako Nakarai is the next pilot. Despite her quiet and solitary looks, she has somewhat of a suppressed history. Born by a mother who was noted to be a prostitute, she continued to live her life as a model student. Teased, ridiculed and often made fun of as a child, Nakarai is now the pilot that wielded the power of Zearth.

Will she kill everyone that she hated like what Honda did, or will she be on the path of redemption and forgiveness? I will be putting up the updated list of children alive right before the “Read more” section for those who wants to avoid too much spoilers on the summary and thoughts.

Updated list of children alive after Ep 10: Click here for the picture

Episode summary

As the chairs revolved around, it was Nakarai’s turn to be the pilot and she said that she would fulfill her duty. Back at school, Nakarai was hitting the dust off the board duster, when her “friends” were throwing cloths at her. She turned around to continue dusting after staring at them, but they continued to draw when she turned away. She then raised her ruler toward them, only to stop and told them to help in cleaning. They then cynically told her to find her father instead if she had time to talk about cleaning, and said that it was probably hard since finding the husband of a prostitute’s wife was embarrassing.

Nakarai ran home and her thoughts were of her trying to be a role model student. She remembered how she was teased by children because her mother was a prostitute and always thought how to do things in a proper way. She asked whether if her way of doing things was wrong, as she returned home to see the mark on her legs. She then remembered Daichii’s sacrifice for her family, before trying to find something to do in order to occupy her mind. Nakarai then went on to make a dress that was for the festival.

As her mother returned home, she quickly removed the dress when her mother came in to say that she would not eat dinner. Her mother then told her not to do too much sewing simply for money, if not her employer would ask her to do much more sewing. Nakarai said she understood. Her mother then told her to eat dinner properly, so that Nakarai would grow up beautiful. Nakarai said it would not happen, but her mother said that Nakarai was her proud daughter.

When the boss of her mother came in, Nakarai asked whether her mother was once a prostitute and he acknowledged it. Nakarai realized it was true and was starting to cry. The boss said that it was her younger days, and tried to alleviate the situation with no avail. Nakarai then asked the boss to find her a customer as she had no money to make the dresses and the fastest way was to be a prostitute. As Nakarai waited in the restaurant for her “customer”, a fat man, a heavily pierced man came in and she worried until a man in a suit came in to introduce himself as Souji. He seemed presentable as they ate dinner, and went to get his car.

Tanaka came over despite saying that she respected Nakarai’s privacy, but Nakarai said that she was not going to escape as she ran into Souji’s car. Souji asked why Nakarai was doing this, and Nakarai replied it was to soothe her mind. Souji asked if she would mind if he gave her the money without doing anything, but Nakarai said that she would not be able to forgive herself if she did things so haphazardly. Souji said that Nakarai was definitely born from her mother, as he was in fact an acquaintance.

Souji already knew Nakarai’s mother before she was born, and actually proposed when her mother was with child (Nakarai). However, her mother rejected the notion, doing the harsh path even though she could actually rely on him if she married Souji. Souji believed that she did not want to depend on anyone especially a guy on things she needed. Souji then brought Nakarai to the bar where her mother was working, as her mother was very surprised at her appearance and started to suspect Nakarai was selling her body. Souji tried to bluff his way through, and said that he was trying to hit on Nakarai as Nakarai looked so much like her mother.

The boss told Nakarai to come in, and told her mother to prepare fruit juice. Her mother asked whether Souji did anything to Nakarai, and he immediately said no. The customers told Nakarai to come over, and one of them was playing with her hair, eliciting a very fierce response from her mother. It seemed that the customer was not taking advantage of Nakarai at all, as he was one who was in love with her mother and wanted to take care of Nakarai as her daughter. It seemed that everyone was in love with her mother, and proposed before, as the boss said that her mother was well loved and one of the customers said that he was rejected as her mother insisted to raise her by her own strength.

Nakarai started to cry as she was touched, and they celebrated. The next day, Nakarai was busy sewing clothes, as she was transfered to the cockpit. Ano thought that it was cosplay but it was in fact an uniform. She had sewed four shirts/skirts as she gave three to Moji, Ano and Aiko as Aiko was touched by the gesture. Tanaka was also glad that Nakarai was in great spirits. As they fought, it was in a forest but it seemed that Zearth’s arms were too long to hit the enemy. With that, Nakarai realized that not everything required doing things the proper way, just as her mother had raised her up, as she released the arms and killed the enemy. At night, Kana asked Tanaka to find Jun’s real mother.

Thoughts

Nakarai and her story

This story to me is the best episode for Bokurano. Filled with warmth, Nakarai’s story brings about a sense of bittersweet happiness, with the story of a girl who is ostracized and how she has found true happiness with her mother. I was very close to tears at the end of the show, because I felt that the story was touched with a very delicate spirit, and if the manga is as what people said to be that impressive, I have no questions at all about the sheer quality of it.

Nakarai had a very beautiful character and I felt that the episode really gave her quite a bit of justice as she had little show time prior to the episode that concentrated on her. To be honest, I really cannot tell much from the various things she had said, which is just as well because she is portraying the type of character that tries to be normal, quiet and a role model for everyone to follow. I felt that the lack of exposure helped me to understand her much more, and I am so impressed that her attempt to be overly responsible is portrayed nicely.

It now shines light in her story, as we realized why she is so quiet and so distant. I always felt that I know little of her, and I am so glad that she was finally understood by the friends in Bokurano. I really felt that she represents the combative spirit of a indomitable soul, one that continues on her fight against people who were definitely wrong toward her. Nevertheless, I am impressed by her resilience, despite the bullying she had all the time.

When she decided to prostitute herself, I seriously went wtf. It’s a good thing that the “pimp” for her mother or more like the boss is smart and kind enough to choose the path to protect her daughter. It is a world with some warmth in the harshest conditions after all.

Nakarai’s mother

Her mother was really impressive. I felt that the story delicately showed the heart of a mother that would do absolutely anything to make sure that her daughter was happy, and fiercely protected her independence in most ways. It is to me, the pride of a woman that is powerful rather than a stubborn woman who refused to get help. I respected her for choosing the way that was honorable, and it is a very tough decision to make to rely on oneself rather than others.

It is also good that her mother and Nakarai finally got into a consensus, even though the family itself is never in any form of true trouble. Her mother clearly loved Nakarai a lot, and Nakarai too loved her mother despite all the ridicule and criticism that she received from everyone. It is definitely impressive that her mother loved her the way she did, and I guess it is somewhat understandable that the guys there are also in love with her.

Kana

They are not blood siblings? What the $^$#@^#$^$@?

I do apologize for not having a full feature on this episode due to the fact that several personal issues have caused me a lack of time to write a full episodic review of this (don’t worry, they are really good things that I will reveal soon enough). Nevertheless, Bokurano Episode 9 brings about a completely different feeling compared to the previous episodes.

We saw carnage, we saw revenge, we saw lust and we saw the misguided pride of a kid through the eyes of the children that had vanquished with their life force being sucked dry by Zearth. Being the pilot is a dreadful thing, and the next pilot is Daiichi. I will be resuming summaries next episode (hopefully) but for now, whatever after “read more” will be spoilers.

Daichii’s strong and noble behavior to protect his beliefs as well as his younger siblings is very admirable. Compared to the previous kids who are more fixated on their youthful anger, Daiichi is far more mature than his years. From the start where he strongly held on and stayed independent from his kind uncle to wait for his father to return home, to the end when he fought to protect the amusement park, it was a very beautiful scene played by Daiichi.

If you ask me, I really enjoyed the shift of momentum to a somewhat calm scenario. I really enjoy the calm demeanor of Daiichi. Many instances showed his mature character, particularly the one when he told everyone not to fetch him back and that he would return after he was done with all the things he had to do. I feel that rather than being silly, he is very honorable for trying to keep his younger siblings in check despite the disappearance of his father. Somehow, I do wonder if the occurrences of Zearth had happened before, but it seemed unlikely. Hence, the possibility that his dad is somewhat involved in the same situation will be rather low.

I also found quite a bit of irony in which the words that Daiichi when he said his final goodbye to his siblings was the same as what his father used as an excuse. It is somewhat sad that he wanted his body never to be seen by his siblings, since in a way, it felt like his siblings would continue to wait for a person that will no longer be there. I am somewhat torn between whether it is actually a wise or silly decision, but it felt logical for a child like him to think of that.

I mean, which elder brother wants to leave their siblings with merely a corpse of him after he is killed after his life force has been sucked dry after battling hard. I felt that the legacy he had kept, the miracle in which the amusement park is not destroyed, is evidence that he protected the heart of his family even when he has resigned to the fate of death. I felt that it is a powerful testimony of his belief in protecting whatever is necessary.

He is not a hero that simply wants attention. He is not that grand and he admitted that he cannot really fathom the thought about protecting the whole world. However, he is a hero of his family, protecting the precious little things that his siblings can enjoy. To me, that is the greatest hero that is ever possible: to be able to protect the precious things that mattered to you.

He is a hero.

Bokurano redeems itself from a slightly lackluster episode with a power blasted episode on several revelations of the game. There are so many shocks at the last three minutes of this episode, and brings about a sense of confusion when it seemed that the goal is in fact somewhat clear. It seems that whenever a glimpse of hope is given, the ugliest side of man, even innocent children who were not stained by the world of the adults, would appear.

Revenge is on the cards, and Chizu will be the one dealing the pain.

Episode summary

With Kako’s death, the next pilot was Chizu. She said that she just had to fight, as redemption for causing Kako’s death. She also told Dung Beetle to remove Kako’s body, as the battle started. Chizu immediately started to move away from the battle, as the other children wondered what she was doing to escape. Chizu spoke softly that people who deserved retribution still survived. As the government officials wondered what Zearth was doing, they checked whether everyone had evacuated from the city. Tanaka reported that the occupants near Zearth’s current area had not evacuated.

As the children wondered, images of the school appeared at the cockpit in front of Chizu, as we saw Hatagai trying to set up a hidden camera in the female’s changing room in school. All the children were wondering who the teacher was, only for Kirie to note that it was their teacher. As Hatagai installed the hidden camera, Chizu cleared the part of the building where Hatagai was, as he tried to run away. The children tried to persuade Chizu out of killing the teacher, but Chizu said she could care less what they think of her but Maki said that was not the problem. Dung Beetle also informed that the enemy was not willing to wait, as it attacked Chizu, with Chizu slamming the enemy down.

Chizu started to ask why she definitely had to die, and asked if it was karma, retribution, fate or coincidence. Hence, Chizu said if she was going to die, she would do something she enjoyed as she hunted Hatagai down. She played with Hatagai as Zearth’s arms missed Hatagai slightly as he ran away, before Chizu said that she would end it all. Just when she was about to strike down Hatagai, her sister came into the way as she stopped. Chizu mumbled for her sister to move away as Zearth’s arm struck, only to realize that it hit the side instead of them. Chizu said her sister was too kind and did not know Hatagai did all that, but she said she was just as kind since she was not able to be ruthless even at this time when she was about to die.

Chizu started to cry, asking why she was always this way. The enemy was also recovering, as Yoko moved to Chizu and asked if she was no longer going to fight and whether the declaration of redemption was all an act. Yoko said if she continued to be so, Waku and Kodoka’s death would be for nothing, and everything would be meaningless. Chizu stated that when she died, all of them would be following her as everyone looked downcast from the impending fate and asked whether everyone would be doing their part. Chizu started to attack the enemy, and said it was the only thing she could do now as she thrashed the enemy with Zearth’s arms.

She finally found the weak spot of the enemy as Dung Beetle reported how it was an overwhelming victory. The cockpit exterior returned to opaque as she said she was about to die and it was because she was a bad child. A flashback came when her sister was in middle school and wearing the uniform, with the very young Chizu wanting to be with her sister in the same school. As her sister promised to wait for Chizu, the young Chizu smiled as she died holding her midriff, telling her sister to find happiness. At the balcony of the school, the aftermath of the battle was devastating, as Kanji noted that Kodoka would probably know how long and the cost of restoring the buildings.

Moji was looking up at Zearth, while the government officials told them to protect the children and withhold information from the public, lest there was an outrage of children fighting this war. Tanaka arrived to the scene, as she noticed that Kako and Chizu were not around. Moji explained that Kako died in the chaos, and Chizu was the replacement pilot. Aiko asked if they still had to fight, and Tanaka said they were still analyzing and apologized. Moji then asked Tanaka to view the forehead of Zearth, as Tanaka saw two lights go off, with nine remaining.

Moji noted that there were twelve lights before this battle and Jun said that it did not matter. Moji continued that the lights might coincide with the amount of lives remaining. Mako said it was weird that three lights disappeared when Chizu and Kako were the only ones dead, only for Kirie to hint that Chizu might be pregnant. Everyone was surprised at this and questioned Kirie, who was unable to give a definite answer. That also meant that Chizu’s child was in the contract and Jun said angrily the reflection of the lights was a huge joke and seeing it disappear one by one.

Kanji then added that there were eleven of them, with ten since Kana was not in the contract. Since there were nine lights, that meant that one person other than Kana was not bound by the contract. Jun said it was impossible since everyone did it, and Aiko said one of them might survive. Moji analyzed the situation too, saying that they had two pilots less now, and that meant that two more people were required. Tanaka added that it was time that the military would take the places, and the two of them would be the pilots to sign the contract.

Thoughts

Updated list of kids after Episode 8 = Click here

Wow, I really like the ending of this episode, revealing some very painful and hopeful facts for everyone. The first thing that is the biggest problem is that someone is in fact not in the contract after the revelation of Moji. I do wonder who is the one among them, since Chizu’s child is speculated (not proven, but probably so from the way she holds her tummy and the little bulge on her tummy) to be under the contract. I do not know whether they can feel anything, but since Kana is also around when everyone is, it is no indication to note who is the one left out.

I am very astonished to know that this possibility exists, as it might be possible that some others might start to jump to conclusions about who’s the one excluded, though it seems very likely that Moji will be able to hold the group effectively, especially with the immature Kako dead already. I feel that the lights is also a very ironic symbolization of the fate that the children has to hold, and in a way, I paused at that screen to look and count before knowing it from the spoken words.

Chizu’s arc is somewhat depressing. Most people will have slammed Chizu as somewhat as a slut. I even said in a few episodes earlier that I disliked Chizu. I take that back. I take that all back. She is perhaps one of the most misunderstood characters at the very start of Bokurano and no one can blame her for whatever has happened. I cannot imagine how she can actually survive and yet still spare a thought to the teacher after the protection of her sister.

Chizu really loved her sister a lot, especially from the flashback scene. It is clear that her family is not dysfunctional, rather than she is just lost as a child and was taken advantage by Hatagai who saw her as a girl that he could make use of for sex. I honestly wished that Hatagai did die from the Zearth’s attacks but it will diminish the story because it portrays Chizu as a girl who is a very kind soul, willing to give concessions to people who had made so huge mistakes toward her.

Despite the treatment of her teacher toward her, she is still ready to forgive, and it is apparent that she never really wanted to do the killing. I admire Chizu somewhat for it, as it humanizes her rather than making her yet another psychopath. I mean, psychopaths are nice but I guess I like a bit of realism in my shows. They are children in mostly normal families except for a few after all.

Chizu’s death to me is the saddest arc compared to the rest. For one, she is the one that took the burden of the useless Kako, even shouldering the blame onto herself even though she had absolutely nothing to do with it. She is also bearing a child, one that she does not even deserve to be pregnant. She is but only 12, a child that has not shown the world. In a way, life has been somewhat cruel to her, misleading her to various falsities about life and security.

The next episode seems to be talking about Daiichi and he seems to be the next pilot. I have seen little of him, but from his remarks from the few cameos in the various episodes and the preview, it seems that he will likely be the first one that will face up to his eventual death and protect his friends and family from the enemy. I cannot wait to see this arc.

As the chairs continued to spin to find a new pilot after Kako’s unceremonious death, we see the flashback of Chizu. An innocent girl, filled with merely pure love for her teacher, is suddenly thrown into the world of the Internet and sex scandals. Chizu’s arc is here and does that mean that she will be the next pilot? Or will that simply be an indication of misleading you to think that way?

Episode 7, despite some flaws in storytelling, gives compelling insights to a teacher-student relationships, lies, a pure heart yearning to be loved and a girl who simply wants to improve her life.

Episode summary

Chizu walked out of the house as she skipped breakfast, rejecting the offer from her mother to walk her to school. When she got home, she found her father being the monkey in Momotaro, a children’s play in school. The other children’s parents were also helping out in this play, as Chizu showed them that she wanted to be in a private middle school named Pa.Calle. Her parents said that it would be better for her to be in a public school, since her sister studied in one and she might be lonely without any close friends. When they walked out to the living room to discuss the matter, her sister noted that Chizu’s undergarments were stolen, the one with the red pattern.

Chizu insisted to call the police, even though her family felt that it was making a big matter out of nothing. They then discussed jovially about the undergarment, but Chizu was pressing them why they were not talking about her choice of schooling. His father told her to relax and it was too difficult for her to apply into the school through their exams, since it was way too late. Chizu said she could at least try and ran off, annoyed. At the student-teacher meeting, Chizu’s parents were unable to go, and hence her sister went. It seemed that Chizu was very quiet in class, as her social studies teacher, Hatagai, noted the behavior of Chizu.

When they talked about Chizu’s future, her sister mentioned Chizu’s desire to go to a private school but the family considered it cheaper and more practical for her to be in a public school. Hatagai said that they should not restrict her as education at her level was very important and she should be given the choice as the time passed in middle school could not be replaced. Hatagai said Chizu should be allowed to study without regrets at this age and if she worked hard, her parents would understand. Chizu replied happily when Hatagai told her to retrieve some things from the department office.

Chizu started to work hard and gaze when Hatagai was teaching the basketball team. Chizu waited for the teacher in the evening one day in school, and went home together. It seemed that Hatagai did not cook, and was the second son of his family like Chizu was second in the family. Hatagai asked why Chizu did not join the athletics team like her sister, but she said she had no talent but was good at cooking. She also told him that she would make a bento for him the next time.

At home, Chizu’s mother was surprised Chizu was cooking since she had never cooked, but Chizu said she did occasionally. At school, she passed the bento to Hatagai and received a mail that he liked it. After school, Chizu waited for him along the road to his house, and she wanted him to tell her personally, even though she received the food. She also received a dolphin pendant necklace from him, saying that it was a gift. At class, Kako was forced by his classmates to tell Chizu that the dolphin necklace was childish, but she retorted that dolphins were cute as Kako was laughed by his classmates for being weak.

When Chizu went to the basketball court to find Hatagai, he was called to the principal’s office as it seemed that he had been fired due to a huge misunderstanding. The principal did not want to listen to him as Chizu said she would cook something to cheer him up. When Chizu reached his house and opened the refrigerator to find ingredients, Hatagai hugged her from behind. Chizu told him to stop as they were student and teacher, but Hatagai said that he really loved Chizu, did not care what others think and Chizu replied that she loved him too. With that, they had sex.

Chizu said that the teacher provided more than a physical warmth, but also giving her emotional warmth simply by talking and chatting. In school, Chizu was happy to see Hatagai, but Hatagai asked if she was scolded for going home late. She said she made an excuse and tried to hold his hand only to be stopped by him angrily. Kako then asked Chizu out for a date for the beach (where the fifteen went), and she said she would think about it. In a sms received by Chizu, there was a message that said, “I used it, the shot is nice, the screen is small and it would not be discovered”, as Chizu wondered if the mail was sent wrongly by Hatagai. During the school assembly, there was a report of hidden cameras in the school which was posted up on the Internet, as Chizu heard rumors of Hatagai being the suspect, with the basketball team suspected.

When Chizu went up to the site, her naked photos with Hatagai were shown, as she confronted him after finding the hidden camera in his room. He said that he was lonely and stressed up, which was why he was forced by others to do so to keep his sanity. He then said that Chizu was a pure and innocent girl, and asked to be forgiven. He then hugged her, asking her not to leave her. As she left, she met her sister on the streets as Chizu asked where her sister was going. Her sister said it was a secret and said she would tell her in due time. Chizu started to suspect something as she ran back, only to see Hatagai being intimate with Chizu. Back to real life, the chairs were spinning as it stopped at Chizu’s chair. She was the next pilot.

Thoughts

Updates of children surviving after episode 7 - Click here

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I felt that Chizu’s confession of how assured she was when she was having sex with her teacher, Hatagai toward Kako was rather out of place considering that she must be feeling quite a bit of hatred at that period of time. The actions do not tally to me, and I feel that there should be more of a consistent flow of events in terms of character reactions. I do not think that Chizu should act that way, not with the amount of contempt she has.

If anything, I am very surprised how she is actually treated by her teacher. Initially, I only thought of it as a flawed relationship in which the teacher is a pedophile that somehow had some love with Chizu. However, the scandal clearly showed that he planned it a long time ago to broadcast his sex encounter in the Internet.

It seemed that it was not the first time that he had done so, and I am surprised at how much he took advantage of the somewhat naive and trusting Chizu to do his bidding. If anything, it is a very disgusting tale of how disturbing the Internet can be, and that a book cannot be judged by its cover. Chizu’s opening clearly shows her to be a girl who is somewhat hot-tempered, yet having the drive to move up the social ladder and living the fullest.

As much as her parents are loving, there is still somewhat of a flaw in which they cannot understand her aspirations. The line that stood out for me toward the family development is that “our family never had such aspirations or ambitions”. It is clearly seen that despite being in somewhat of a loving family, Chizu is not given the exact attention that she wants: the belief to move forward in an ambitious way. Even though some might think that it is merely a child’s jolly, when a child really decides to go to a public education school in order to improve her studies (she explained this), it is definitely worth a thought on the type of family she is in when they laughed it off. I do not think that she is devoid of love, but she is devoid of emotional warmth and support.

That is perhaps why she is extremely susceptible toward people like Hatagai who are more than likely to fake concern and assurance in order to get attention from such a vulnerable girl. I somewhat pity Chizu much more because it is made so realistic. I mean, it can be much worse but I believe that the fact of statutory rape (despite its subtle showing table shaking with clothes on table) is a very big thing, and it’s not something that we can gloss over so easily. The impact of anime is one of a wide audience, since anyone on the television with a tuner can actually turn it on and watch such an event happening.

I guess in a way, I am happy that the subtle approach was used to talk about this theme, considering that it is perhaps one of the most dangerous and disturbing crimes. I believe that the manga (not spoiled) had more disturbing themes for Chizu, but I guess with the anime adaptation, we are given a more realistic and heartfelt portrayal of the heart of an innocent child being abused for one’s personal selfish gains.

Next week’s title is Revenge. We see scenes of Hatagai in front of the mecha and with Chizu’s words of “Sensei, I am going to join you.”, it is perhaps an indication of something between her and Hatagai.

Bokurano brings about a realization of the truth, as the next pilot is Kako. Fearful, selfish and unmotivated in most things, he is a spoiled kid who cares about no one but himself. Yet, he does love a certain girl, and the girl is in the same predicament. She is Chizu Honda, and they will eventually meet once again the very last time before he pilots the mecha named Zearth by the children.

What will Kako be, as he is fearful of death and cannot care less about everyone else dying? Will he fight or will he run?

Episode summary

The government officials saw a simulation of the view of Zearth, as they discussed about the telepathic controls of the robot by the children. They found a professor that dealt with emotive and mind power technology, but she said that it was way beyond their technology, or even the world’s technology for using merely the mind to control a mecha. In other words, Zearth was not made in Earth, but it did not mean that they could not analyze the driving force behind Zearth, as they asked for more time for investigation. Despite China’s growth, the professor said that the technology in Japan was still world class. They were given the time to investigate, but the officials also told the department head that they got to maintain diplomatic ties with other countries in terms of help.

Yoko, Moji, Takami and Aiko went down to Earth to find Kako, as they went to his house. Chizu was dressing up when she went to the cockpit and asked Dung Beetle whether it knew where Kako was. Dung Beetle said that it seemed that Chizu was worried about him and Dung Beetle said Kako need some time off but the enemy would go to where Kako was, so it made no difference. When the four got to Kako’s house, they asked where Kako was, but his mother told them that she did not know and told them to leave and stop disturbing them.

Takami then arrived, saying that she was a teacher of the school, and explained that the students were concerned over Kako as he was acting strange. Takami added that they could not contact him, as Kako’s mother said she did not know where he was and Takami said that even her mother had no clue where he was. Kako’s mother then closed the door as Kako’s sister said that she was surprised Kako had such concerning friends. Yosuke and Kirie also arrived as the four wanted to go to the amusement park to find Kako, but Yosuke knew that Chizu had an idea herself, as he urged her that she need not join them.

As Chizu went to the aquarium, the enemy was forming as Chizu realized that Kako was there. There was an announcement by the government to evacuate too. As the government officials noted the formation of the monster, they had sent their elite air forces and ships to attack the enemy. The radar was not working too, as well as the guided missiles as they switched to laser mode to guide the assault. Chizu entered the aquarium and looked for Kako, as she stumbled with the shock of the attacks outside. As she noted the dolphin sanctuary, she ran over and found Kako looking down in despair, with the mark appearing on his face.

Kako was asking why he was the next pilot to Chizu. As Zearth appeared, Kako said ironically that he had to drive Zearth and he screamed at the direction of Zearth saying that he did not ask it to appear. He said he did not want to drive it because he would die. Chizu said that it was not his fate alone but everyone as well, but Kako said that he was the one dying now, the pilot that would die next. Kako started stamping at the platform violently, saying that he could care less about Earth and the people living in it. He only wanted to live.

He said that he had no friends, his sister hated him, his mother did not like him and even his father left him, and he wondered why he was born. He then said that since he was going to die, he might as well do something. Kako flipped out and confessed that he liked Chizu as he held her tightly and tried to kiss her. Chizu broke away and ran off, as Kako gave chase. Outside the aquarium, the battle had started as the missiles started firing, but it seemed like even if there was contact, the enemy was not that hurt. Kako continued to press through the door, as Chizu tried to close him off only for the shock to appear as Kako continued to chase Chizu.

Kako pulled Chizu’s arm as he was hurting Chizu as she was pressed onto a wall near the staircase. Kako was getting close as he pressed his body toward Chizu and told her that she would not lose any flesh if they did “it”. He then pulled her skirt up and about to shove himself in when Chizu shoved him down the stairs. In shock, she went down to look at him but he was still somewhat conscious as she ran out of the aquarium. As Chizu got out, a missile launched missed its shot as it hit the aquarium and the aquarium collapsed with Kako still lying down. The military was also wiped out very swiftly with a laser-like weapon from the enemy.

The military was wiped out and the remaining forces were asked to withdraw, as they realized that they could do nothing. The surface was shining too, as if mocking them. As Dung Beetle transported all of them to the cockpit, they saw the crushed body of Kako as the children recoiled in fear. Dung Beetle said that the stage was just getting started, and someone had already died before the battle stage was set. Chizu said she had killed Kako, as Yosuke asked what happened between Kako and Chizu. Dung Beetle said that they had one less pilot now, as the chairs went around again to choose the next pilot…

Thoughts

Updated list of alive kids: Click here for the picture

With Kako’s death, that really opens up a few questions. The biggest one for me will be this and it is the same thing that Dung Beetle had said: There is one less pilot. Assuming the fact that the amount of enemies that they have to fight is fifteen as stated by Kokopelli, that means that Kako has caused the pilot count to drop by one before he could battle the enemy. In other words, considering that they need fourteen pilots to fight, they now only have one less fighter to deal with the remaining enemy.

Since they have signed the contract via that computer, it also means that Kana might be somewhat asked to be the next pilot. That will really add a twist because if any of the other pilots do drop out or somehow unable to fulfill the promise of piloting the next mecha seat, it means that more people will be implicated into piloting this one-way path to death.

It somehow disturbs me because it creates an opportunity for more pilots to actually die before the battle plan happens, which means that it is possible for other characters, such as Takami and the other guy (I do not have the reference of my last episode at hand to remember his name) to be actually involved in the pilot. The episode also ends without anyone being chosen for the pilot seat, but it seems that Chizu will be the next one to be involved considering how the episode preview centralized on her and her teacher.

Going back to this episode, Kako’s character is somewhat like a deviant that is also a loner. I can only wonder about his psyche, which is probably why he is so selfish. When a child is devoid of love, he tends to be rebellious, since there is a positive relationship between the stability and love of the family and the mental health of the child. When a child says that he has no friends (social network), his sister hates him and that his mother cannot care less, it shows a really broken heart.

I said last week that I disliked Kako, but I can understand his mentality. As much as I still hate him for running away, it is mostly because of his background, one of a dysfunctional family, that caused him to react the way he did. However, I am totally disgusted at the way he tried to rape Chizu to satisfy his carnal urges because he is almost close to doing it.

Chizu also showed some concern for Kako and I think that she does care about him quite a bit, despite her taunting earlier on. I do not agree with her analysis that she killed him. She had simply tried to defend herself from being raped by Kako and ran away because it is the only method to escape. What can she do, stay there and wait for him to wake up? It is disturbing to see the deathly corpse somewhat, even if it is only the hand and part of the body shown. Next week proves to be even more controversial, considering that it is underage sex.

The drama continues when the children realized that this “game” that they are playing cannot be uninstalled, and they are stuck to play this game that will eventually kill every single one of them. There is no escape, simply sacrificing their own body in order to save the Earth. They are merely children that lives a normal existence in this world they called home, and now they have to bear the burden of life and death.

This episode deals with the relationship of Kako and Chizu, as well as some background stories of the others. The next pilot to fight will be chosen at the end of this episode.

Episode summary

Moji confirmed that Kodoka was dead as all the children were shocked that what Dung Beetle said was true. Aiko asked if they were all going to die and Maki tried to calm her down with no avail. Kako asked if they could just not fight, but Dung Beetle said that they had 48 hours to battle. Lose, or forfeit the fight, and Earth will explode with a bang. Takami fainted from the shock as Dung Beetle added that by saving their fellow Japanese and compatriots would be one of the wonderful things that the children could do. Yosuki said that was what it meant to protect Earth, but Kako kicked him for talking about death.

Mako and Daiichi convinced themselves that they were doing a service to protect the others, and it made their death feel more useful as he would protect his family and friends from harm. Jun called Daiichi to die first, as Maki screamed at him, only for Kanji to retort that Jun’s family was special. Jun’s mother died while giving birth to Kana, and that was why he had such a hatred over Kana. Jun then said why he had to be involved with this, and Kanji said he had no such feelings to protect his family too. The television was showing about Zearth and the spokesman for the president said that they were doing checks, but they were working on it before the third enemy arrived.

Kako was losing it as he smashed the wall with his chair, with his mother coming over to check on him. He rudely screamed at her mother to close the door and slammed it right at her. Dung Beetle then appeared, with Kako scared that he was going to be the next one. Dung Beetle asked why Kako was not doing anything with Chizu and said that Yosuki and her were going very fine. Kako said that Chizu had more interest with the class teacher but Dung Beetle said that it was surprised Kako did not have any erotic thoughts toward Chizu, considering her great figure. It said it would visit Chizu now, since she might be changing and naked, and then told Kako that he was going to die soon.

At the cockpit, Dung Beetle was talking to someone how he enjoyed making them cry and despair, but it was encouraging Kako to do something before he died. As Kako went down the stairs, his sister was applying some medicine on his mother, who had some wounds around her, as his sister said that Kako was a selfish person who could do nothing for himself, as he was angered. As he visited Chizu, Chizu said she was going to visit someone (the class teacher) and would stay overnight. Kako asked why she was still with the teacher, but she said it was her own business. However, the teacher was not at home, as Kako waited and said that the teacher had abandoned her.

He then asked her out to the aquarium, but she retorted that Kako simply wanted sex. She asked whether all the classmates actually knew about her affair with the teacher. She teased him and added that when she had sex with the teacher, her emotional and physical body was satisfied, disgusting Kako as he ran away. As she reached home, a Man In Black escorted her away, saying that he had something to ask about the black monster. As they were sent to a sea base via a helicopter, they realized that Kako was not with them, with the government officials stating that they were looking for him.

The government official told the children that the government was doing something but as they were not certain of the situation, they could not do anything. However, they would have the police protecting them for 24 hours, but the children said that if they were called by Zearth, it would be useless. The official said that he did not want the children to be responsible for the mecha and he had Seki and Tanaka, both first lieutenants to help. The official then asked where Zearth was, as the children noted that it was in the sea, and Moji said they were merely pawns in the game and that it was usually the Dung Beetle that called them up into the cockpit.

Kanji said it was better for them to meet with Dung Beetle as they called out with no avail. Eventually, Kana was the last and she called out. Dung Beetle appeared, saying that it was impossible to resist the calls of cute girls. The official wanted to check Zearth’s interiors, but Dung Beetle said they would be like monkeys checking high tech equipment. The official said that he hoped that Dung Beetle would understand their feelings of trying to know more about Zearth that determined their fate in the world, but Dung Beetle said he had better things to do. Seki tried to attack Dung Beetle, but his hand was comprehensively chopped off as Tanaka appeased Dung Beetle.

She told Dung Beetle that they would reliqunish all attempts to investigate, but asked Dung Beetle whether they could observe Zearth. Dung Beetle said that she was interesting and allowed it. However, when the government engineers checked it, they found that radar, ultraviolet waves were all bounced back, and they could not get any specimen from Zearth. It was as though the mere presence of Zearth did not allow anyone to come close. In the interior, Seki was asking about the chairs and how they got here, when the chairs started to spin again. Kako was not around as Dung Beetle forgot to call him. They then realized that Kako was the next pilot, as he screamed in fear in the road that he was walking.

Thoughts

Updated list of alive kids: Click here for the picture

First of all, a warning. I am definitely very annoyed after watching this episode, not because the story sucks (because it’s good as hell) but there are two characters that seriously got under my skin. I usually do not get annoyed watching an episode, but they did make me rather pissed.

I have to first admit that I am so glad that Kako is going to die soon, because I totally hate him completely for his selfish and immature behavior. Among the fifteen, I feel that he is the most annoying, even compared to Jun who is perhaps the second most annoying character in the series. However, more about Jun later, as the focus is on Kako currently. I am appalled at how much he is an immature angry juvenile that takes his anger on his own room. I know that he is only 12, and many like him wished to live but it is not his problem alone.

It’s one thing to be shocked and despair at your life, but he has to remember that the others are also suffering from the same pain as he is. As much as they wish to live, they know that it’s an inescapable plight. I am not calling for any expert analysis in psychology, but any 12 year old kid knows that it is the dumbest thing to do to hurt your own mother and family, as well as causing destruction in your own house. I am utterly disgusted at his impulsive naivety and any form of child maturity in dealing with this matter.

You can be sad, you can be angry, you can be bitter but doing anything like what Kako does, actually makes me happy that he is going to die. If the only thing you can do is think of a fricking girl that does not even like you when you are about to die, rather than cherish the few close friends and relatives you have, you deserve to die. So, Kako, since you are already freaked out, please die quickly so that I will not have to see you. I apologize for being overly harsh but Kako is the type of stereotypical characters that I dislike the most: the gutless and bully type.

This episode clearly presents a very interesting plot lead up, as they have Kako, who is clearly the weakest in terms of mental strength coming up right after they are told that they are all going to die after riding Zearth and that they have no way to escape. In a way, it is perhaps a good master stroke by the anime.

I said this because you see the clear conflicts of a person who fears for his death, and the coming of death when he realizes that he will be the next one to go to the guillotine. I do not know about you, but I really like how this story is unfolding and I am sure that there will be more restrictions and twists as we go along the story.

On Jun’s reaction toward Kana, I believe that it’s perhaps not too acceptable still for his actions. Despite his feel that Kana has caused the death of his mother by giving birth to her, the truth is that death comes with complications and it is extremely dumb to blame your own sister for this.

It is stupid, ridiculous, and I feel that someone with a reasonable level of intellect is acting completely annoying. There is no excuse and you should be taking care of your sister nevertheless since she is your flesh and blood. What kind of brother and mentality goes behind him?

The preview seems to be rather disturbing where everyone is covering their eyes while Chizu looks somewhat spaced out/relieved. I wonder what will be the situation ahead considering that Kako is likely to be escaping. It also seems to me that Chizu is the one going to find him. Let’s see how it goes next week.

With this episode, some of the mechanisms leading behind the giant mecha are revealed in this episode. The pilot for this episode, as revealed by the previous ending, is Kodoka. Seemingly one that has no care for life except his own, how will his fight be? What is the family background behind such a child and what has influenced him into being such a character. The question of nurture and nature awaits to be answered somewhat in this episode.

What is the driving fuel for Zearth?

Episode summary

A flashback of them joining the game was shown as we returned to Kodoka, who spoke that there were some lives that died in order to construct new ones, and Waku was one of them. Kodoka visited his father in the office, with someone in the lift noticing the seal on his hand. As he entered the room, his brother and father were quarreling over the mountain that was leveled during the fight of Waku and the enemy. His brother wanted to make a memorial since it was a holy land, but his father said that it would earn little profit and it was better as a golf course. With that, his brother was angered and walked out of the meeting. His father came out and noticed Kodoka, telling him to wait a while as the meeting continued.

In a monologue, Kodoka said that he admired his father and could understand what his brother would hate him. His father was one that used unscrupulous and ruthless methods to find success in business. His brother was more compassionate, but Kodoka cynically thought that his brother could quit but was a failure for not doing it. Kodoka admired his father because he was the chosen one to survive and he wanted to be like him. As he sat on his father’s chair, he found himself in the cockpit but there was no fighting since Dung Beetle was not there. The other children also realized that Kodoka was the next pilot.

Ano speculated that the chair was a medium to get here and they were discussing that Kana and Jun should not stay together, with Kanji acknowledging that Jun’s quick temper might be a problem. Kodoka cynically said that he admired Jun, since he was the one that indirectly was related to Waku’s death and that form of control in death was a special experience. In yet another flashback, we saw Kodoka reprimanded by his brother for firing an air pistol at a cat, but his father said it was the boyish nature of children.

In the senate, the government officials discussed where these mecha might come from. Some speculated on China, as well as USA, but there was one who said about the possibility that it might come from outer space. No matter what, the man said that he had other things that he had to confirm, with the list of the fifteen children on his table. As Kodoka played with his gun, he noticed that the enemy mecha had appeared as he found himself in the cockpit once again.

The appearance of the enemy was an armadillo-like one, as Kodoka unabashedly moved Zearth without care of his environment, causing serious carnage wherever he went. When the other children discouraged him, he said it was the fate of those who died. As they continued to question his actions, he said that considering he was protecting 100 million citizens, the sacrifice of a mere ten thousand citizens was nothing, despite the rebuttal by Takami that every individual’s life should be noted.

Kodoka said he considered it but he found his own life the most important to be protected. As Kodoka approached the enemy, the enemy released metallic ropes that binded Zearth’s limbs, before the last bind on its leg made Zearth lose its balance. At the very end, Kodoka used the momentum of falling to throw the enemy across as it flew across the sky and fell on its back, with the exposed belly in the air. However, when he fell, Zearth crushed the car that his father was in, as he was left crying in shock. The others (Yoko and Daichii) told him to stop mumbling as he savagely destroyed the enemy.

As he found the core, he crushed it as the enemy was destroyed. Daichii remarked that it was not the act of a hero. As the battle was over, Kodoka stood up from his chair, mumbling that his father could not have died and his father was a chosen one from society, one that was filled with life. With that, he blanked out and collapsed. Moji went over and checked, and told everyone that he was dead. Dung Beetle laughed and said that Zearth’s power was using the life force of the pilot and all of them would eventually die.

Thoughts

Updated list of alive kids: Click here for the picture

It is confirmed. The life force of the pilots are the driving fuel for Zearth and it seems that the children are finally facing the brittle fate that they are actually waiting to die. I cannot imagine how any of them will be able to accept it at all. To ask anyone to accept death when they did not deserve such a fate is a tall order and it puts a serious mental stress on all the kids now. Any wager which kid looks most likely to be crumbling down mentally as Dung Beetle told the truth?

The focus this week is Kodoka and I am very amazed at how detailed they went into him, considering that they have only 23 minutes odd time to talk about the back story. I really feel that the sad thing is whether nature (his inborn ambition as a human being) or nurture (his constant admiration of his ruthless father) is in fact the course of him turning into such a dangerous kid. I seriously think that the father has not done a good job in educating Kodoka. What father will consider firing at an innocent cat as a boyish character?

The lack of supervision and the actions of his father definitely is a strong pull for his lack of remorse over killing someone. I also find it disturbing in his use of majority utilitarianism, which is the greatest benefit for the most number of people, and considering that he will only hurt 10000 people in the carnage, it is worth it. It’s a little warped in the usage by Kodoka, and I wonder what possessed such an innocent kid that merely aspires to be his successful dad to apply such a rule.

The comment by Daichii seems to be rather childish and it is a little unexpected of him, considering how much that he looks to be a rational mind other than Moji. If you ask me, there is no such thing as a hero or a villain in terms of war or battle. There are only winners and losers, and it seriously shows how the innocence of such children will soon be lost. Another new information given is that the chairs are in fact the medium of transfer for getting to the cockpit, even if there is no battle. I think that this adds up quite a bit of irony on the favorite chair.

One thing is the battle of Zearth with the Armadillo-like enemy. For some reason, the enemy does not seem to be hurting the area that much which seems to be somewhat of a contrast with the outright devastation of how Kodoka approached the battle. Somehow, it just seems as though there is in fact a real pilot inside the enemy, but I guess it’s merely some rather alien entity. I wonder if the alien did have intelligence since it is noted by the kids that the enemy avoided destroying the buildings unnecessarily. Just a thought, no one needs to laugh because I doubt they will explore who the enemy is.

With the next episode, it seems that Kako and Chizu will be seen in some part. Will they be the next pilot to die?

With Waku’s funeral, it seems apparent that he has died. However, is it the nudge of Jun that has caused his death as he plunged down the water and drowned, or is it something else. There is no mecha action for this episode, but we are brought through the aftermath of the death of Waku, the first pilot who had been on the Zearth.

Without any real help or belief from the external parties and adults, what will these children face as they return to their own lives. Who will be the second pilot that will be chosen?

Episode summary

Everyone was investigated by the police on why they had embarked on this trip, and most of them gave answers such as simply as a trip for fun. Kanji even said he came because he was bored, but when pressed on about the cute girls, he smiled and said perhaps. When they asked about where they went, Kirie was hesitant, Chizu and Moji said that they went out after noticing the huge mecha as the television showed the remnants and clips of the mecha battle, with 2130 deaths and 213 injured. Aiko was clearly freaked out by the whole incident when questioned. The investigator then asked who they were with, as each kid named a few names until Kako said Waku.

When asked on where Waku was, Moji said he was always alone playing soccer, Nakarai added that Waku was someone who acted individually. There was also investigation by the police on the students of the school. When the investigator questioned Kodoka and said that some of them said they were with Waku, Kodoka questioned back, asking why the police could hold underage kids under custody for so long. A new report stated that Waku’s body was washed up the shore, with Kodoka stating that he was one of the many deaths. The flashback after Jun denied the push was shown as Moji,, Daiichi and Kanji believed that he did not do it because it was a very gentle nudge. Moji also told everyone to keep this under wraps because it would be dangerous.

Aiko was crying with fear, with Kako making cynical remarks, only for Ano to say that it was just normal to cry after such a death. They were discussing about the amount of casualties, as some worried that they might be implicated. However, Honda said there were many more in the vicinity, and that would not mean that they would be suspected as long as they said nothing. Kodoka said that all of them were idiots, as they should worry about themselves more since they could not escape from this game of death rather than worrying for a dead Waku.

When Takami said that they were the pilots of the mecha, they looked in shock but released all the kids. From the interactions, it was clear that Kako had a mother who was pretty harsh, Kodoka did not have a good relationship with his father considering his brother picked him up, Chizu having an atrocious relationship with her family and that Kanji stayed in the same apartment as Jun and Kana. Jun also asked his father not to pick them up as Kanji gave them a lift back home. The police were also discussing about the revelation that the children might be the pilots, as they continued to do research on it since it was too ridiculous.

Aiko then avoided the chair she often sat down, and asked her mother how she could react if she said that she was one of the pilots, only to get laughter. Going over to Kanji, Kanji asked them to have a meal together when they reached their apartment. Inside the house, Jun was clearly irritated by Kana’s gurgling of her mouth, but ignored her existence afterwards.

Takami then explained to her father, a parliamentary governor (I think?) that they initially thought it was a game but they were willing to take on the duty and the consequences. His father said that she need not worry since the government had set up a department for it and the police was working on it still. Takami then realized that her father did not believe her and questioned whether she had ever told a lie. With that, he told her that she promised to check out what the government was up to and called the secretary to record what they had just said.

A few days later, Moji was at Waku’s funeral as he called Ano first, before Ano called Takami for everyone to come over. As Moji put down the phone, Waku’s father passed him a cup of orange juice and smiled grimly as he patted Moji’s shoulders. Moji was there the next day in the morning, as everyone was here except Kanji, Jun and Kana, as they said it was reasonable for him not to come after that incident. However, he did appear. In the mortuary, the police checked with the pathologist as he smiled, saying that they were here to spy on him, but they asked him on the condition of Waku’s death by drowning. The pathologist said that Waku did not die of drowning.

At the funeral, the children told Waku’s father to take care but he thanked them instead, telling them that they had been through the last happy days of Waku before he died. In the little speech before Waku was cremated, Waku’s father expressed that his son was really nothing great except for his infectious energy and he apologized for his son’s troubles to everyone. However, Waku’s father said that he was his dear son and he regretted that he did not spend enough time with him due to being so busy at work as they broke down, with some of the girls also breaking down.

The pathologist, taking out the record, said that Waku did not die of drowning but in fact had no bubbles or foam in his body. His body was as clean as a normal human, except that his life was sucked out. As the body was cremated, the chair in the cockpit seemed to burn as the next person to be chosen was starting, with Dung Beetle in the middle. Kodoka then realized that he was the next pilot as the chair stopped.

Thoughts

Updated list of alive kids: Click here for the picture

Ok, I will want to start on something really interesting. If you look at the chart, the first kid that is dead is Waku, who is in fact the first child that has gone through the verification that Kokopelli has gone through. Kodoka is in fact the second one. Does that mean that the characters are going to pilot it in order. If so, that will mean that all the guys will die first before going to the girls.

Perhaps, it’s only coincidence but it does seem to have some logical link to when they sign the contract of verification and the order in which it was signed. With that, it does make sense for Kokopelli to be the first, Waku to be the second and hence Kodoka to be third. Does that mean Moji will be the next? NO! I hope that it’s perhaps a strange coincidence but if anything, I also updated the photo image with the order of the children who signed it up at the bottom right corner of each picture for everyone’s reference.

To go on, I also must say that Moji shows an exceeding amount of maturity in the way he leads the group. Yes, there is no real leader but it is clear that Moji is the one that organizes the crowd, other than the people who could care less (Kodoka, Kako). The means in which he told everyone to calm down when Jun nudged Waku was excellent diplomatic action.

On the episode itself, I find myself completely disgusted and somehow impressed by the cold demeanour given by Kodoka in this episode. For some reason, I tend to be very impressed with such characters, especially when it is a mere child. The crab burning incident really reeks of something devastating in which he sees killing as merely killing, and it made no difference since the life was going to end.

For some reason, he will definitely relish the chance of causing carnage in my opinion. I think the next episode will show the battle between Kodoka and the enemy if I am not mistaken. His respite at the police investigator is often evidence of his cold-blooded thinking. A pity he will die, since Waku’s autopsy proved something as explained slightly later. I also think his idea of looking more intelligent with Kokopelli’s spectacles is quite screwed in his thoughts, and I am somewhat thinking: Why is this kid not a serial killer yet?

I found the aftermath of the funeral to be conducted in an excellent way. Even though Waku’s death ended, it was ironic that his father only realized his mistake on the post mortem. It is never something good for a parent to be sending his own child in his last path toward the afterlife. The speech is also pretty tear jerking, and I found myself close to tears when the speech ended. It is so sad that Waku never has a chance to tell his father how much he would wish to hear it.

Waku’s death is also examined by the pathologist to be a case of clean death, and they find that he is already dead before he was in the water. That also clearly shows that Jun has absolutely nothing to cause Waku’s death. Still, I wonder if his life force is taken like that. I wonder big time. The interactions when the children were picked up also gives quite a few hints about the background of the family, including Chizu and Kodoka’s family. They clearly seemed to be a rather screwed up family relationship, particularly Chizu Honda, who looks like a completely emo kid without showing her emo side.

In all, this episode reveals a bit more about the death of Waku and the impending future for the children. Also, it leaves to wonder whether and what the government will do when the next attack comes. Lastly, I wait in anticipation to see the background story of Kodoka.

This episode opens a huge can of worms for the initated. What is this war between the aliens and who is the Dung Beetle that is telling them about this little “game” that they need to do in order to protect the Earth. Where did Zearth, as the children so name it, come from and what is its resting place before all this happened.

What is driving the mecha? Is it fuel? Is it the psychic of the pilot? Or is it something much more cynical that lies from within?

Questions, questions, questions. They all beg for an answer as Bokurano Episode two explains few, but opens up discussion for more.

Episode summary

The media was covering the news on the mecha fight, as well as the earthquake tremors, and the couple shown in the first episode were interviewed as they said that there were monsters fighting, with the news caster saying that the citizens were suffering from shock still. As the children discussed what happened yesterday, the police came and Moji said that they had seen nothing at all, stopping others from saying anything. As they returned to the room, they were talking how the Internet had reports of them fighting, but it was unsubstantial information without evidence.

Moji and Tokosumi were thinking about leaving the game, since it felt so dangerous, but Waku asked why. Moji said it could be passed to the adults, and Komoda said it need not be them. Moji went on to say that it was not a game and he wondered whether we were able to bear the responsibility while they also discussed whether the media could cover it since Tokosumi’s father was a reporter. However, without facts, it was impossible and the cave which they saw the equipment had crumbled down. Suddenly, a plushie-like thing appeared telling them that it was not a dream as everyone was surprised at this floating plushie.

The plushie asked if the kids had any questions, and they jumped right in with various questions at the same time and the plushie stopped them harshly. Eventually, Waku asked who he was and he was Dung Beetle. Various other queries gave the children answers that it was not Kokopelli’s accomplice, and they were unable to escape from this game since they had signed the contract. They were then brought into the inside of the robot, and they found Kokopelli’s spectacles which was fake. Dung Beetle told that the mecha hid inside the sea until it was required to fight. Jun tried to shove Kana away since she did not sign the contract but Dung Beetle said it was all right.

Dung Beetle then informed them that their seats in the cockpit were installed and it was the seat they used at home. The chairs started to revolve around, and Waku heard a voice as Dung Beetle told him that he was chosen as the pilot. It was night time, as everyone was relaxing. Waku was playing soccer outside, and Moji came out to talk to him. Moji asked why Waku stopped playing, and he said that he was part of a champion team but his father never watched the match in the final. With that, his interest waned and he wondered if he was simply wanting to be in the limelight rather than loving soccer.

Waku said he must have looked like someone who wanted attention, acknowledging that Moji did not want to be in the game, but said that he wanted to be an unsung hero. Moji noticed that Waku’s arm had some sign and he wondered what it was. However, they had no time, as yet another enemy appeared, with them being transfered to the cockpit. Waku was able to control the mecha but it was hard nevertheless. They then named the mecha Zearth, since it was THE Earth they were saving. The enemy was a praying mantis-like creature and Waku’s attempt to cast a laser at its head was ineffective. Various attempts were not working as Moji told Waku he was playing too much.

The enemy gripped Zearth very hard, as Moji told Waku that there was a weak joint. Even though Zearth’s arms were gripped, its legs were still free as it knee-struck the enemy and eventually defeated it, using Waku’s skills as a footballer. As the battle was finally over, Waku shouted out loudly in celebration and Jun said he was getting too noisy as Jun gave Waku a very gentle nudge. However, he dropped from the edge and fell down onto the ground. Everyone was shocked as Jun raised his protests and then slapped Kana for absolutely nothing to vent his anger. No one knew what was going on now.

Thoughts

Updated list of alive kids: Click here for the picture

To be honest, my brain is still playing the song “Uninstall”, the OP of Bokurano after watching the ending of the show where Waku plunged to the floor of the sea bed. I have a feeling (a very slow one indeed) that the song in the OP is one of the most excellent build up of the story, one that explains the background danger of this messy and disturbing anime. It gives me a reminder of the OP of Higurashi, another haunting OP that continues to play in my head for a period of time after that blood-shedding show ended. Bokurano’s OP clearly sets the mood up.

I am wondering now whether any of the kids have strong convictions of uninstalling the program, yet despairing because they are unable to do anything to stop it. As described by the song, they are the numbers in a record losing their lives without anyone knowing anything about them. I am sure that Moji has started to question about this deadly “game”, being the most thoughtful among all the children, and I really hope that he stays long enough in the game to soothe tensions before it goes full blown. Moji really impresses me as a character that is very different from the rest and he’s turning out to be the character that catches my eyes the most when he appears.

He seems to be a voice of reason among the impulsive kids that clearly cannot see that this is more than a game, and he is one of the two kids that has been outstanding. Another one is Jun, for being abusive and practically the most insensitive kid around in the whole game. Even if he has some deep sitting hatred over Kana, it is excessive. What kind of brother will treat his own sister that way? I hope he gets thrown into the depths of the battle soon, see his background story and die already. Kana is so cute too.

(I apologize for letting my lolicon instincts coming in…)

Other girls have started to feel some fear in the air as well, and it’s only the thick skulled kids that have no clue and treating it like some fun game that is playing god. I have a feeling that one of the boys will freak out and lose it, refusing to fight compared to the girls. Contrary to belief, I somehow feel that it’s either the fat guy, Kirie and Kako that will freak out in one of the scenarios and lose the battle somewhat.

They are the most immature ones among all of them, and it seems very likely that if they do fight, they will lose it. It’s just the reaction with Honda that makes me think that way about the two of them, during the first episode when they peeked at Honda while she is out on a swimsuit. Maybe, I am overly sensitive but who knows. However, I don’t really need spoilers to confirm my answer or disprove it. Hah.

The main gist of the story is left to the last. Waku is an interesting kid, with his verbal confirmation that he wants to be an unsung hero. Honestly, I think that he simply needed more family love from his father, who is not giving him the care that he wants. He seems to be extremely lonely, albeit his extroverted self. Every child wants to be loved by his or her parents, and Waku is no different, just that he has a greater need to be given some attention. I doubt he cares about winning or being shown with success, simply recognition by his father.

It’s sad though, that he no longer has the chance to. His father will never know anything. Did he die in vain? I do not know. Yes, people have told me that you never assume that a character is dead unless you see his body, but I think I have grounds to believe that he did. Moji certainly knew that something is clearly wrong when he saw the body of Waku plunging down after a slight nudge by Jun. Jun does not deserve it, even though I do not like him at all.

Did Waku die without resolving his issue or do you think that he has fulfilled his wish?