Otogizoushi: Episode 18

The awesomeness that is Anime-Kraze knows no bounds. Yes, another chapter is released. And oh my, what an episode…

While the previous two installments teetered on a somewhat dissatisfactying note, episode eighteen manages to tie in the loose threads into a more concrete storytelling. As noted before, the mysteries behind the ‘gaps in time’ will bring forth answers to the most baffling question: Who is Mansairaku?

He appears before Hikaru in such a seemingly threatening manner which might confuse him as a villain of sorts. Yet as seen in this episode, he pulls Hikaru out from the flames oblivious to the tongues of fire inflicting him with wounds. Notice, instead of being entrapped inside the massive pillar of blaze like in the conclusion of the Heian arc, the pair escapes. Is there a significance? Or am I just over-exerting my neurons with unnecessary things? Either way, Sai’s actions speak for his concern for Hikaru. His methods might be questionable but he seems to want to protect her.

Since my incoherent babbling is worse than usual, I have to explain myself. It all comes down to Sai. Who else could it be? He remembers the past and an assortment of speculations are piling up. While Hikaru&co are reincarnation of those of the Heian period, Mansairaku seems to have lived through hundreds of years. And guess who’s probably the primary motivation? But I’d like to know if this immortality is connected to some sort of punishment or at least atonement for the destruction of the capital from long ago.

When our resident bishie mentioned that he had been waiting for Hikaru, I responded with a delightful grin. Hurray for more romantics angles. But on a second thought, knowing Sai’s twisted mindset, this might not be a good idea after all.

Of course, the episode is not without any humor. Imagine this viewer stifling school girl-ish giggles when Sai comments on Tsuna’s instinctive protectiveness on Hikaru. If he were capable of showing emotion other than his standard non-expression, I swear he’d be smirking as he uttered those lines.