Otogizoushi: Episode 05

The woman who mysteriously appeared last episode introduced herself as Urabe, whom His Majesty (or probably Senmei himself) sent to accompany Hikaru and her comrades to retrieve the water magatama. Underneath her fragile appearance lies a clever mind, quick to devise efficient strategies to avoid conflict.

As soon as Hikaru learned their destination, they set forth to Noroi-Jima. To infiltrate the island, they have to pass through a suspicious village and acquire a ship by battling pirates. Urabe’s attack successfully eliminated the pirates but it also killed the imprisoned individuals which enraged the villagers. Thus, borrowing a ship was out of question. Urabe’s impersonal attitude towards casualties angered Hikaru. While Hikaru pondered over the unnecessary deaths, Sadamitsu pointed out that it was her decision to lay her trust on Urabe’s actions without consulting the well-crafted but merciless plan. Without further ado, Hikaru searched for Urabe and apologized. The rift between them mended. Or so I hope.

Finding another method to traverse the waters was not as difficult as they imagined. Urabe’s intellect helped decipher a poem’s hint for an alternative route. Under a full moon, the shifting of tides facilitates the emergence of a hidden path. Through this narrow piece of land, the foursome walks forward.

Urabe counts as Raikou’s third retainer. If it follows the folklore (which I’m not very familiar with), Sakata no Kintoki will be introduced later on. I’ve been looking at the OP for clueage on Kaidomaru or Kintoki but I can’t seem to find anything. We’re shown images of Hikaru, her alter ego as Raikou, Tsuna, Sadamitsu, Urabe, Mansairaku, a glimpse of Senmei’s creepy mask and nothing else.

BTW, I’m delighted that Hikaru left a distinct impact on Mansairaku. Maybe, they’ll cross paths sooner than I hope. And, wasn’t it amusing to see Mansairaku’s groupies?