天下制覇

The final chapter in the Kenichi vs Hermit showdown.

Something of an aside, but does anybody else out there really hate the 2nd OP? Why couldn’t they use the PS2 game’s OP instead? So much better done, even if it lacks delicious Renka. It contains actual direction and animation though, as well as sexy Miu with her hair down. I feel so cheated.

Impressions:

Anyway, Kenichi’s main battle against Hermit finally ends with a single shot to the chops after about three episodes. 33 was easily the height of this little arc, and it looks like we’re going back to the comedy and the general filler next episode, which will be something of a relief after dealing with Hermit’s endless flashbacks. I swear, everything in the entire world reminds him of his dead sister. He’s not obsessed at all.

Summary:

They’re really milking the recap lately, as we get to see Loki beat up Kenichi again, Hermit betray Loki again, etc etc etc. Two full minutes of recap before we get to Odin walking up. Nijima and the former Ragnarok members recognize him and know not to screw with him.

Odin recognizes the button on Kenichi’s lapel and tells him that it’s been awhile since they met. Odin tells Loki that the fight is over and that it’s time to leave. In one quick move, he grabs and then crushes Loki’s goggles as a warning as to what will happen if Loki disobeys. Without his goggles, Loki beats a hasty retreat leaving Odin to taunt Kenichi a little bit. Odin also gives some orders to Hermit, who rejects them, before vanishing.

Hermit leaps down to the ground with Honoka and lets her go free for the teary sibling reunion. Hermit comes over and says that he’s going to settle things with Kenichi. Kenichi accepts the challenge, gets up and both take their fighting stances.

While Hermit and Kenichi recontinue their fight, everybody else starts talking about how hard they’re trying and how they’re becoming rivals. Kenichi gets backed against a tree when Honoka notices blood dripping down Hermit from the knife wound he inflicted on himself. Hermit tries to finish off Kenichi, misses and destroys the tree.

Hermit attacks again, but Kenichi blocks it and then gives Hermit a knee to the face. For whatever reason, this prompts yet more Hermit flashbacks to his own sister. He retakes his feet, and Kenichi moves to punch him, but stops short, realizing that Hermit has been knocked out, but is still on his feet. Hermit then collapses and everybody trots over to help out as Kenichi passes out as well. The two masters also let Miu know that they’ve been there from the very start.

Back at Ryouzanpaku, Kenichi is getting bandaged up and Honoka is attempting to perform her own form of first aid. All the other masters give their own form of encouragement, Apachai wants to play Go, Ma offers to share photos of Miu, etc etc. Akisame doesn’t have too much encouragement for Kenichi though and gives him the facts of life.

Over at Akisame’s clinic, Hermit wakes up with all his injuries bandaged. Ma is there to practice acupuncture on him and Hermit immediately gets a couple needs in the throat and forehead while Ma asks him about Sougetsu. Hermit tells Ma about training under him and learning to be strong.

Honoka is trotting along with more food and comes upon Hermit trying to leave. He brushes her off and keeps going, though smiles when she makes fun of him. On his way out, he comes upon Miu’s grandfather cutting trees with his fingers. He has some sage advice for Hermit before letting him go.

Over at school, Kenichi and Miu talk about how Honoka is dealing with the aftermath when Tanimoto walks in all smiles and charm. His harem immediately flocks to him, but he makes his way over to Miu and hits on her while also thanking Kenichi for his help in dealing with the trouble they got into. He then lowers his voice and goes into evil mode and gives Kenichi a bit of an unfriendly warning before blowing off Nijima and heading out.

Next episode involves mafia, but more importantly, Renka and Miu in swimsuits. Color me intrigued.