I love Yumi, I love Momo, and I love them even more together, they don't even need to do anything big to gain me over, just seeing Momo hump Yumi the moment she's in sight and Yumi just having a big smile while Momo is glopming her are more than enough, I'm so glad to see the two are still as lovey dovey as ever.
Of course, we did get to see more of them, since we actually got some flesh to the training this time around, mostly for two things 1) To showcase how much of an underdog the achiga team is, even outright stating how damn predictable and easy to beat the Matsumi sisters are, with emphasis on Kuro, and 2) To give the original crew a chance to shine, and so they did, even Kana (also, I know she isn't nearly THAT bad all the time, but losing to Kana? Way to bring the point home), not only on their mahjong prowesses, like Momo's stleath or Yumi proving once again she's the series' true SUPER PILOT (12000 points from Yuu
Seriously, the sisters are more of a hinderance at this point), but even their own personality quirks, like Mihoko being the ultimate housewife (for Hisa, that is
) and everyone's favorite pres being a speed demon (how awesome was to start the episode with the Wahahamobile?). A truly excellent way to keep the love for these lovely ladies alive and well.
Of course, the achiga girls didn't stay behind, and by achiga girls I mean Shizu and her awesome LETS GO TO THE FINALS speech
Seriously, that girl knows exactly how to get you pumped for something and believe you can do anything. At this rate her next match will need to have Libera Me from Hell in the background, and that is not a joke.
Of course, it's impossible not to mention the surpirse appearance of the one and only Yuuki, complete with her Samidare look and all. Not only was that an awesome wink to the fans, it also works to show exactly where exactly achiga-hen is in terms of timeline. Also, the expressions of everyone else at Kiyosumi were hilarious, but really, Nodoka, stop being so serious, are you with DES or something?
The long awaited commentator duo finally arrives! And right now I prefer the old ones. Sorry. Kouko's voice is pretty nice, though.
And of course, KIRAME
And I couldn't comprehend when I first heard Kuroko's voice coming from her, but once the initial sock was over, I was very pleased. I'm so looking forward to this girl.