Otogizoushi: Episode 21

Because of warning signs, I anticipated this subbed release with great trepidation. But fortune seems to smile at me. Maybe it’s my declining expectations or maybe the numerous Sai scenes, whatever it is, I am quite satisfied with the current ep. Truthfully, I’ve resigned to the fact that it would take a miracle for the series to climb back to its peak. To save myself from the agony of disappointment, I now view the recent chapters with a simple acceptance that each episodes are fairly tales which requires no further analysis. Or at least, that’s how I plan to combat the air of negativity.

In tradition to fun birthdays, Tsuna disappears through ‘a gap in time’ taking him two centuries back. The worried Hikaru requests assistance from the only person she knows who can help her bring back Tsuna. A brief prayer to her red shard, Mansairaku appears as if he heard her telepathically. Without much ado, they locate Tsuna’s whereabouts and defend themselves from the era’s local lowlifes. The episode ends Hikaru remembering her past that’s triggered by the mention of Sai’s *real* name. I think this is in addition to all the mysterious happenings around the city.

Though Sai tends to wear that non-expression, he remains gentle around Hikaru. He might not like to admit this but he probably wants Hikaru to remember the past. However, Hikaru’s reaction to the recollection of her past life might be crucial to the fragile bond with Sai. But is he to be trusted? With all the discussion on karma, I can only assume that he desires to atone for his sins. So his words regarding the return of Raikou may prove not to be false, after all.