Kita ze Inbou! - キタぜ陰謀!

[ Episode 2: Welcome to Yokko ]

Sooner or later you’d expect Yoichi to be taken to school, despite of it being done reluctantly by Ayame and Ibuki. His first day at the dojo and he already broke a window thanks to Ibuki’s help. Gotta admit, the haiku was hilarious. I had a funny feeling that Washizu and his crony would be back. What I didn’t expect was that he has a crush on Ibuki. Not only that, but he apparently sees things totally differently due to Washizu Vision.

Yoichi was pretty good fighting without his sword, but then again, it might have been the power of wind on his side. Where did Washizu hide those maces anyway, hammerspace? Yoichi can break through just about anything, so I’m not convinced that he actually needs to train any more.

Just like broken main characters, the biggest weakness always seems to be body failure, whether it’s hunger, disease, or sickness. Things shift from being just a romantic school comedy at part B once we get into the ins and outs of Ayame’s bitter personality. The Ikarugas sure are skillful at a lot of things, with Ibuki taking the gold and leaving Ayame always stuck in second place. Playing the overshadowed sister is definitely not a great person to be and who can blame her? After making food for Yoichi, thanks again to the cooking mama imouto Kagome, it was very satisfying to see that great smile on Ayame’s face.

So far Ibuki and Ayame have been given some backstory, and with this episode, we finally understand just what makes Ayame, Ayame. I think after getting praised so delightfully by Yoichi, she’ll be transitioning into a more deredere phase. As of this episode, I’m really enjoying her character a whole lot. Haruka’s performance is really a wonderful thing too as I’m loving her various ranges that she can pull off so well. After hearing her as Nagi for thirteen awesome weeks, I thought I’d be seeing the blue-haired goddess every time I saw Ayame, but I’m glad I didn’t because Haruka’s made it possible for me to recognize her in her roles without thinking about the other. I’m probably gonna make less sense after this so I’ll just stop with that and assume you get that.

I think one of the best gags in here is the Washizu Vision, where we get a glimpse of what Washizu is seeing compared to reality. Seeing Yoichi as some gremlin-faced beast that barks at poor vulnerable Ibuki? Right on. Although there was that one where Ibuki is looking down on him. Always a good thing to see polar opposite personalities awaken. Ibuki herself can be very violent no matter how you see her, and that was a bit surprising to know. It certainly explains why she only has four students at the dojo. Just how violent can she be? Looks can be deceiving, indeed.