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Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld Episode 31 Review/Recap

In my last post, I expressed my hopes that Asuna would finally show up in Underworld and start kicking ass. However, it looks like I’ll have to wait a bit longer. In the meantime, we’re stuck with the Integrity Knights, whom I’m on the fence about. This episode in particular focuses on a certain failed knight and the impact Kirito has on his life.

Is Asuna here yet?

LINK START!

Recap

In the last episode, the Integrity Knight Renly lost his nerve and ran back to the supply camp. It’s revealed that his cowardice stems from two events in his life. Firstly, he accidentally killed his friend in a sparring match. Secondly, Quinella had him put in stasis when he couldn’t unlock release recollection. As he continues to wallow in self-pity, Tiese and Ronye arrive with Kirito, just as a goblin raiding party attacks the camp. However, Renly sees Kirito trying to protect the girls, and this gives him the courage to overcome his insecurities. He the proceeds to kill the goblins, including one of the Dark Territory’s chieftains in the process.

Meanwhile, the Dark Territory’s mage guild attempts to overwhelm the Human Army with the gargoyle-like Minions. When they’re wiped out by Bercouli, the mage leader resorts to having the mages drain the life from the ravine to punch through the enemy. Unknown to them, Alice already drained the energy of every dying warrior on the battlefield to create a massive bomb. The young knight then proceeds to use it to decimate the Dark Territory’s mages, though it brings no comfort to Alice.

Review

I am still waiting for the moment when Asuna shows up and starts kicking ass, so I didn’t expect much from this episode. However, I ended up enjoying it for some reason, especially Renly. Even though his character’s a little two-dimensional, the anime does its best to justify why he considers himself a failed knight. To be honest, I think a lot of people would have his mindset after what he went through, and fighting in a war didn’t help. Yet the sight of Kirito, a young man whose very soul’s been damaged, try to protect his friends lit a fire in Renly. Thanks to that, Renly went from a failed knight to a total badass. It speaks volumes of the affect that Kirito has on people.

After seeing Renly let loose, we got to see the full power of Alice on display. In a way, one could call Alice a failed knight like Renly, but for different reasons. Alice turned on the Axiom Church, lost her childhood friend, her memory, and then her reason to fight. Yet Kirito helped reignite her fire. In other words, Kirito’s changed this pair of failed knights for the better. Plus, seeing Alice’s magic spirit bomb go off was amazing.

Awesome fights aside, the fact remains that the Integrity Knight’s are fighting an uphill battle. If there were ever a time for Asuna to come charging in, it would be in the next episode or so. We all know we want to see her. #Asunasavestheday

I Give ” Stigma of the Disqualified” a 3.5/5. Not bad, but they can do better.

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My Hero Academia, Season 4, Episode 6 Review/Recap

Ever since Midoriya had to Overhaul take that little girl, Eri, he can’t stop thinking about how scared she was. Before we could see him deal with that any further, though, the last episode switched the focus to Kirishima. As Red Riot, he encountered a villain with two very powerful drugs: one that can take away Quirks, and the other enhance them. The show’s made it clear Overhaul’s connected to this, but it’s not until this episode that we see how deeply it goes. It all connects back to that little girl named Eri.

Recap

Not long after Kirishima’s fight, he, Midoriya, Uraraka, Asui, and the Big Three are summoned to a meeting. Sir Nighteye’s brought in a lot of major and minor heroes to address the Shie Hassaikai and their plans. Based on everything they’ve learned, Nighteye’s determined that Overhaul’s created a new drug that can temporarily shut down people’s Quirk’s. However, what’s sickening is Fat Gum’s own revelation. The drug in question’s made from the blood and cells of Eri.

The revelation that Overhaul’s using Eri fills Midoriya and Togata with disgust. However, Nighteye takes the blame for them, saying he told them not to interfere. Despite several people wanting to go after Overhaul then and there, Nighteye promotes caution. If they lose Eri again, then the villain’s will make sure they never find her. As for the two young heroes, they’re more determined than ever to save Eri. In the Shie Hassakai’s hideout, all Eri can think about how kind Midoriya’s touch felt to her as she cries.

Review

Some say that it takes a truly evil person to hurt a child, and they’re right. The fact that Overhaul’s using Eri as a tool for something so vile sickens me to my stomach. The sad thing is that I knew this was coming since I read the manga, but it still disgusts me.

Once I got past the initial rage, though, I thought of what a quirk-destroying drug could do. Ultimately, the only conclusion to be made was that if Overhaul found a way to destroy people’s Quirk’s, it would trigger unrest on a global scale. I saw this exact scenario at the start of Joss Whedon’s run on The Astonishing X-Men, so I know how dangerous a power-destroying drug is.e

This season of My Hero Academia may lack the stakes that All for One brought, but the fact that we’re seeing how it affects people makes up for it. Justin Briner and Ricco Fajardo deliver with their emotions as Midoriya and Togata. I can’t wait to see them rescue Eri. Go beyond, Plus Ultra!

I Give “An Unpleasant Talk” a 4/5. No action, but plenty of drama to keep you hooked.

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One Piece, Chapter 963 Review/Recap

Since One Piece started the flashback to the life of Oden Kozuki, I’ve had mixed feelings about it. I like them, but they don’t tell us the important things. I want to know how Oden got out of Wano and his connection to Roger and Whitebeard. Thankfully, this chapter sees the story starting to get to the good stuff. In the short-term, though, we see the Nine Red Scabbards become true Samurai.

Recap

Thirty-three years ago, a young Kawamatsu found Inuarashi and Nekomamushi washed ashore in Kuri. The superstitious locals tried to burn them thinking them to be monsters, only for Oden to tell them off about it. Grateful, the trio follow Oden home and pledge themselves to him. Sometime later, the group of nine tries stealing money from Yasuie, only for him to give it to them. Thanks to his kindness, they get the proper lessons they need in order to become true Samurai. When Oden returns to the Flower Capital three years later, they’re able to create a formal procession. Needless to say, everyone’s jaws dropped.

Oden rushed to the Capital because he heard his father was ill, but he turned out to be fine. However, this would be their last meeting ever. Later that year, Whitebeard’s ship washes ashore on Kuri beach. Seizing his chance, Oden goes to meet the Whitebeard Pirates. Clashing blades with Whitebeard, he asks the future Yonko one thing: let me sail with you!

Review

Well, there you have it, folks: the formation of the Nine Red Scabbards. The greatest Samurai in all of Wano; and something I didn’t care about. The one thing I appreciated from their story is confirming what Kawamatsu is: he’s a fish-man. I didn’t want to assume what he was, though, because of all the crazy stuff we’ve seen in One Piece.

As interesting as seeing the Scabbards becoming samurai was, the ending’s what I’m most interested in. I don’t know how Whitebeard got his massive ship into Wano, but I know that this is the moment Oden’s waiting for. He’s going to join the Whitebeard Pirates and escape to the outside world at last, thus cementing his place in history. We know he’ll be fine, but seeing him hold his own against Whitebeard drives home how strong he is. The samurai of Wano are dangerous, indeed.

However, the most important thing about this chapter is something that others may overlook. Oden’s father had fallen ill, and we know that he dies before Oden returns to Wano. Then we see that Orochi’s now a servant for Lord Sukiyaki. All I’m doing right now is speculating, but I know a hint when I see it: Orochi poisoned Oden’s father. We may have to wait a while to learn the truth, but that’s what my gut tells me.

The point is, I’m glad the manga’s going to start answering the lingering questions about the Wano Arc. It’s the perfect way to tie up loose ends before we see Luffy kick Kaido’s ass. We’ll most likely have to wait unto 2020 to see the Samurai strike, but I think it’s worth it.

I Give “Becoming Samurai” a 3.5/5. Also, that Mountain God Oden sliced up is still alive!

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Edens Zero Chapters 70 & 71 Review/Recap

While the nightmare Rebecca had last chapter’s important, the crew of Edens Zero has bigger problems. Drakken Joe’s finally caught up with them! Shiki and most of the crew goes to confront him on his turf while Rebecca’s passed out. As a result, the crew’s divided at the worst possible time. I hope that Shiki can stay out of trouble on Joe’s ship, the Belial Goer, but I doubt that it. Mashima’s characters have a habit of causing trouble.

Also, I should note that this week gave us two chapters at once.

Recap

Belial Goer

Shiki’s team arrives onboard Joe’s ship, the Belial Goer. However, it’s actually more than a ship: it’s an entire sector of Guilst that escaped the Chronophage,. That makes it another Space Vegas, with Joe at its head. As the crew investigates Belial Goer (and enjoys themselves) they run into an old face, Sibir. This is the version from the main timeline, though, and not the cruel monster they defeated on Norma way back. He’s just as upset hearing about the alternate Sibir did to Pino.

Right when Old Sibir leaves, though, Drakken Joe appears on TV. He knows Shiki’s on Belial Goer, and he’s one step ahead of him. Using his alchemist ether, he sends his followers aboard the ship. Their mission: kill everyone aboard.

Steel Sorceress

On Belial Goer, Joe’s locked down the docks, stranding Shiki’s team while Joe’s men seize the ship. They make short work of Edens Zero’s automated defenses. Enraged at the sight of her home being ravaged, Witch steps up to fight the intruders. She proceeds to requip into her battle form, Assault Witch.

As Rebecca watches astonished, Witch makes quick work of the enemy. Her Ether Power lets her control the elements like magic. Drakken Joe’s flunkies fall easily. Hermit then confidently explains that this is how Witch earned the nickname Steel Sorceress. With communications with Belial Goer restored, Shiki won’t let Joe’s actions slide. He resolves to confront the crime lord himself, while Joe chooses to send his elite forces, the Element 4, after Shiki’s team.

Review

These two chapters gave me a lot to unpack, in a good way. I’d been curious about how Guilst’s destruction set Drakken Joe loose on the cosmos, and this chapter explains it. He used Belial Goer as his base, but had it flee Guilst before the Chronophage ate its time. If he got his hands on Edens Zero, there’s no telling what he could do.

However, Edens Zero has proven its far from defenseless. Even with Valkyrie’s armory being warmed up, Witch mopped the floor with Joe’s goons. Between her, the other Shining Stars, and Rebecca, I don’t think they have anything to worry about. What I’m worried about is the Element 4. I remember them from Fairy Tail, and they were formidable at that point in the story. This is going to push Shiki and his friends hard.

My guess is that this arc on Belial Goer’s going to cap off the adventures in the Sakura Cosmos. As such, I have high expectations for it. These two chapters have managed to do a good job of hype me up, though. I’m not worried, and I look forward to seeing what happens.

I Give “Belial Goer” and “Steel Sorceress” a 3.75/5 and 4/5, respectively

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Ever since Disney bought Lucasfilms, and with it, Star Wars, I’ve kept a skeptical eye on where the company takes the franchise. Then they axed the Expanded Universe and thirty plus years of extra content that they’ve yet to make up for. They may have given us Thrawn back, but I won’t be satisfied until I see the return of Revan! However, I think Disney’s starting to step up, and a big example would be the new show, The Mandalorian.

Taking place five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian follows the titular character. Working as a bounty hunter in the Outer Rim, he accepts a job from an Imperial Remant. The mission: find a target of unknown appearance, and bring it to them. However, he soon realizes that there’s more to this job than he thought.

Space Western

The Mandalorian’s essentially Star Wars’ take on a space western, with the start of the first episode making that clear. Firstly, it takes place in the Outer Rim, a region in Star Wars known to varying degrees of law and order. Depending on where someone is, governments may not exist. In other words, its the perfect place for outlaws, criminals, and guns for hire, just like the Old West.

As for the the gunfights Westerns are famous for, The Mandalorian has them. The titular character lives up to his people’s reputation when he storms a bandit hideout in the first episode. He did have help from an IG Assassin Droid, but regardless, he’d have gotten in. He’s a Mandalorian, after all.

The Mandalorian Himself

If I could best describe the Mandalorian, he’s like a combination of Clint Eastwood and Samurai Jack. He’s quiet most of the time, never speaking more than necessary. He’s almost impossible to beat in a fight, and he’s great with a blaster.

Owing to the fact that we’ve yet to see him without his helmet, we don’t know what the Mandalorian looks like. In addition, it seems like his past will be revealed piece by piece. What’s known is that he wasn’t born a Mandalorian; he’s a foundling. Given the nature of that term, it’s implied that the Mandalorians found and raised him. Thus, he probably had a rough time growing up, turning him into the warrior he is today.

Despite being a deadly killer though, the Mandalorian’s not cold-blooded. His actions show that he does seem to care for other people. However, it’s locating his target that brings his concern for others to the forefront.

Baby Yoda

It’s impossible to discuss this show without talking about the target, the Baby Yoda. Aside from being super adorable, its inclusion is historic for Star Wars. Firstly, we know almost nothing about Yoda’s species; not even their name. Secondly, this is the first time I’m aware of that we’ve seen a baby Yoda.

Third, and I cannot emphasize this enough, the baby can use the Force! If that baby can use the Force, then it explains why the remnant’s of the Empire are after it. Who knows what they could with the Force at their disposal once more. One thing’s for sure, though: the Mandalorian’s getting involved in some deep poodoo.

Star Wars Done Right

For the first time since Disney took the reins of Star Wars, I feel confident in their ability to treat the franchise right. This new show looks and feels like a true part of Star Wars, and I love it. It also helps that it’s made by two men we can trust: Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni.

Jon Favreau’s proven himself to Disney through his work in the MCU. However, what interests me more is Dave Filoni. The man behind Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rebels, and Resistance, he’s as big a fan of the franchise as we are. More importantly, he learned under the wing of George Lucas himself; that makes him Lucas’ apprentice. In fact, I hope to see Dave Filoni take the reins of Star Wars in the future. If The Mandalorian continues to be a success, then that may happen.

Overall, I recommend checking out The Mandalorian if you have Disney+. It’s got a lot of potential, and Star Wars needs to start rebuilding its universe outside the films. So, starting this friday, I’ll be reviewing each episode of the show as it comes out. Hopefully, this will help lead into what I have planned for December regarding Star Wars. May the Force be with us.

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Click here to learn all there is about Star Wars with Wookiepedia, the Star Wars Wiki.

Rick and Morty Season 4, Episode 2 Review- The Old Man and the Seat

I always knew that I would find an episode of Rick and Morty I wouldn’t like. After watching last night’s episode, “The Old Man and the Seat” I think I found it. It’s not that it wasn’t funny, because it was. To put it simply, I don’t think I’m a big fan of jokes involving poop. That’s basically what this episode revolved around, and Rick’s Secret Seat.

Rick’s Secret Seat

Remember that image we got of Season Four, of Rick walking through an alien meadow of grass? It turns out that was a planet that Rick reserves exclusively to use the bathroom on, private fancy toilet and all. However, when he finds out someone else used his secret seat, Rick goes on a quest for revenge.

On some level, I think many of us can understand where Rick’s coming from. I enjoy the privacy of my bathroom and how it offers a respite from the day’s events. Although, we see Rick hold the 470,000 kids of a fly mobster hostage and alter a war between robots and lizard aliens to find the culprit. It’s funny to see Rick go to such lengths over something so mundane, but it’s also sad. Did I mention I don’t like poop jokes?

Great Moments in Stupidity: Jerry Version

While Rick’s off having his own solo adventure over his secret seat, Morty gets caught in one courtesy of his dad. It’s been established that Jerry’s an idiot that people think little of. Morty’s respect for him has plummeted over the show’s run, but Seat has him verbalize it.

Long story short, Jerry teams up with Rick’s intern Glurty to develop an app. That’s despite the fact that Glurty has a tattoo on his forehead that says “do not develop my app”. The resulting Tinder-esque app ends up distracting everyone on the planet. As a result, Glurty’s alien masters can invade the Earth as part of their convoluted plan to steal the planet’s water.

I’m not sure what the message behind this story was. It seemed like a commentary on how obsessed people are with apps. While it may seem dumb for an app to be used for world domination, I think there’s a grain of truth. Keep people distracted long enough, and this can happen.

While it may not seem as strong to some as the quest for the Secret Seat, I liked the app story for reversing the Rick and Morty roles. In this case, though, it’s Morty and Jerry, with Morty being the Rick to Jerry’s Morty. It helped drive home the fact that Morty’s smarter than his dad, and that leads him to act like a Rick. That’s irony!

The Right Combination of Stupid

Ultimately, while I’m not a fan of poop jokes or the story of Rick’s Secret Seat, I can appreciate what they were trying to do; I think. The whole episode seemed to emphasize what we already knew: that Jerry’s an idiot, and that Rick’s lonely and miserable because he lets his genius alienate him from others. One thing’s for sure, though: I’m not developing an app.

I Give “The Old Man and the Seat” a 3.5/5

Hilarious Observations

• There’s such a thing as Mount Space Everest. That’s shoehorning at his simplest.
• Scan the QR Code on Rick’s hat here. It takes you somewhere cool!

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My Hero Academia, Season 4, Episode 5 Review/Recap

After the multiple revelations of last week’s episode, I think viewers needed a chance soak everything in. So instead of focusing on Midoriya, this week’s episode focuses on his classmates; specifically Kirishima. As Red Riot, he’s doing his own work study with Amajiki under Great Saiyaman Fat Gum. However, he winds up getting caught in the effects of Overhaul’s master plan in the process.

Recap

At a secret location, Shigaraki meets with Overhaul and tells him he’ll work with him, on two conditions. Firstly, he won’t a subordinate: they’re equal partners in this plan. Secondly, the young man wants to know what Overhaul’s plan is. He already knows it has something to do with what they hit Mr. Compress with. Overhaul cryptically says that he plans to fine-tune what All for One did and upend the status quo.

Elsewhere, Red Riot (Kirishima) is on patrol with Suneater (Amajiki) and Fat Gum. After stopping a trio of robbers, Suneater’s suddenly shot by a fourth criminal with the same bullet used on Mr. Compress. Red Riot pursues the criminal on his own and seems to have him beat. However, the man then injects himself with a drug that makes his Quirk go crazy. As a result, Red Riot pushes his Quirk and defeats the bad guy with his new move: Red Riot Unbreakable! All the civilians present praise the young hero for his efforts, but Fat Gum’s left worried about the criminal used.

Review

By a wide margin, Midoriya’s my favorite character in My Hero Academia; partially because his sense of justice and bravery reminds me of Spider-Man. However, I think a good Shonen story needs to give its supporting cast time to shine. This episode was all about the supporting cast.

Aside from Kirishima’s amazing display, it’s also revealed that Uraraka and Asui are doing their own work studies. Like Deku and Kirishima, they’re working alongside another member of the Big 3, Nejire. As a result of all their heroics, the members of Class 1-A are getting noticed by the public. Honestly, I think its nice to see them get recognition; they’re building their legends as heroes.

As much as I loved seeing what the others are up to, there are bigger problems. I know that Overhaul has some kind of drug that can surpress a person’s Quirk. What worries me more, though, is that drug that criminal used to fight Red Riot. It was like a super-powered steroid, and in the wrong hands, that could be catastrophic. Whatever Overhaul has planned, it’s big. In other words, this episode sets us up for a something monumental, and I can’t wait to see what happens next week! PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Let’s Go, Gutsy Red Riot” A 4/5. Really enjoyable

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Sword Art Online: Alicization- War of Underworld Episode 30 Review/Recap

It took us six episodes to get to this point, but at last, the War for Underworld has begun. I waited for this moment since reading about it in the web novels. I wanted it to be what made SAO a good isekai again. However, this first episode felt like a repeat of the Battle of Ice and Fire from Game of Thrones. The difference is that this time we can see what’s going on.

LINK START!

Recap

With the barrier between the Human Empire and the Dark Territory shattered, the War for Underworld begins. The Dark Territory’s plan is simple: win through sheer numbers. Goblins, giants, and more hammer away at the front lines without respite. While the Integrity Knights live up to their power, there are too many enemies. When Deuselbert  runs out of arrows to fire, he resorts to using his sword as an arrow. Eldrie’s position’s covered in smoke, so he can’t fight without hurting his men. As for Fanatio, one of her followers gives their life so she can slay the Chief of the Giants.

Despite the Knights best efforts, they’re fighting a battle they can’t win. One of their members, Renly, is so scared he runs back to the supply depot. Through all of this, Alice watches in the sky overhead, gathering the energy needed for what amounts to a Spirit Bomb.

Review

So far, I think the War for Underworld’s off to a slow start; a very slow start. The anime’s going out of its way to let as many Integrity Knights appear as possible, yet only a handful are shown fighting. After spending the first half of the season focusing on the Knights, it feels like a letdown.

However, I do think that Fanatio and Deuselbert had their own badass moments, so the anime’s at least making an effort. They don’t mentioned as much in the web or light novels. Meanwhile, Alice is flying above the battle pulling a Goku as she charges her attack, so the best Integrity Knight does nothing. However, it’s not Alice I want to see fighting: who I want to see is Asuna.

Asuna logged in several episodes back to find Kirito. However, we’ve yet to see any sign of her in Underworld. When she does show up, though, I can bet she’ll kick some serious butt. I want the War for Underworld to have Asuna kicking ass, but I have to wait who knows how long? Hopefully, next episode will have Asuna make her grand appearance and turn the tide of battle; that’s how these “cavalry ride” scenarios work.

I Give “Battle of the Knights” a 3/5. Give Me Asuna and Leafa now!

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South Park Season 23, Episode 7, “Board Girls” Review

After the “Season Finale” episode from last week, it looked like South Park was through with Tegridy Farms. However, I knew that Matt and Trey like to mess with us sometimes, so I was skeptical. However, it looks like it’s really gone. The bad news is that this episode focuses on PC issues. In other words, that means we got PC Principal, Strong Woman, and the PC Babies.

I didn’t like PC Principal when the show first introduced him, but after Season 19, Matt and Trey toned him down. Even so, I think that South Park can be better off avoiding PC topics. In fact, this was the first episode of the season that I didn’t watch live; I went to sleep instead.

Heather Swanson, Jerk

The PC Principal/Strong Woman plot focuses on Strong Woman losing an annual athletic event to a transgender woman. However, said woman, Heather Swanson, is a jacked-up beefcake and Strong Woman’s ex-boyfriend. She dumped him because he’s a jerk, and he couldn’t stand losing to a woman. In other words, I think Heather does this in a petty act of spite against Strong Woman. In addition, since she’s transgender, PC Principal can’t raise the concerns he has without being called a transphobe.

I don’t really understand the message the show was trying to send with Heather, but I don’t really care.

Board Girls Rule

The more interesting story came with the subplot that gives the episode its name. When some of the girls try to join Cartman’s and Stan’s board game club, Cartman’s furious. Being Cartman, though, he’s mad because the girls are way better at playing games than he is, and his fragile ego can’t stand that. Stan, on the other hand, doesn’t mind playing with them, and seems impressed with how good they are. I know I was.

The end result is that Cartman goes all the way to Congress to get the girls out of his club. However, this backfires when they form their own club, Board Girls. Board Girls proves to be a thousand times better than Cartman’s group, and it looks like the kind of club I’d join in a heartbeat.

This Flew Over My Head

Both the Board Girls and Heather Swanson plots converge when the latter shows up at the school to rub it in Strong Woman’s face. Again. The girls of South Park Elementary are clearly unimpressed, and challenge her to beat them in any board game. After seeing Heather’s obnoxious behavior all episode, seeing her get thrashed by kids felt cathartic.

While my inner geek was impressed by the knowledge of board games shown in this episode, I think the message of “Board Girls” flew over my head. It simply wasn’t my cup of tea.

I Give “Board Girls” a 2/5. I Made the Right Choice Sleeping Through It.

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One Piece Chapter 962 Review/Recap

A few weeks ago, Act 3 of One Piece’s Wano Arc started, to fans joy. However, it then immediately shifted into another one of Oda’s world-building flashbacks. In this case, it’s the origins of Oden Kozuki and his retainers, the Nine Red Scabbards. The last chapter saw Oden take up residence with Yasuie after his dad disowned him. The legend of Oden continues to grow in this chapter! Also, Orochi proves that he was always a slimeball.

Recap

After two years of living with Yasuie, Oden gets bored and decides to head to Kuri. At the time, it’s a place so lawless that even the Shogunate gave up on it, making it perfect for Oden. Denjiro and Kin’emon insist on going with him, much to his dismay. Along the way, Oden documents his adventures as he comes across several of the future Nine Red Scabbards. Most of the time, he ends up beating them up and they end up deciding to follow him out of respect.

After traveling for some time, Oden finally enters Kuri on his own and fights against Ashura and his men. By the time Kin’emon and the others reach Oden, they find out he beat all of them. Thus, he straightened out everyone and made Kuri into a livable place. As a result, his father took back the disownment and made him the Lord of Kuri. Rather than deal with a bunch of stuck up people from the capital, he appoints his friends as his retainers. With that, the Nine Red Scabbards are formed, while peace reigns in Kuri. Six years pass, and two mysterious strangers wash up on the beach of Kuri to be found by Kawamatsu.

Review

In my opinion, I think that Oden Kozuki’s life leans heavily on tall tales and Japanese legends. While I understand the importance of world-building, though, I don’t think it necessary to go into detail on the backstories of the Nine Red Scabbards. Previous chapters established enough for us to get the picture.

Through his travels in Wano, though, it’s clear that Oden never gave up on his goal of leaving the country. He saw Kuri as a twisted mirror of the prison he thought Wano was, hence why reined it in. With the arrival of Inuarashi and Nekomamushi in Wano, though, he may finally get his chance to leave.

This chapter seemed to do little for me other than hyping up Oden more. After the last chapter’s revelation that Orochi started as Yasuie’s servant, I wanted to see what the jerk was like in the past. Sadly, this chapter almost wasted that chance. The only hint we got was that Orochi clearly stole money from Yasuie and tried to blame it on Oden. Even back then, he was a snake.

As interesting as these flashbacks are, I look forward to getting back to the present. I want to see the war and Orochi’s head on a pike by this time next year!

I Give “A Daiymo and His Retainers” a 3/5. Give us more important stuff!

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