[Cal-Reflector]

Episode 18: Pretty good episode actually. An interesting backstory combined with some rare comedy.

Spoiler for Episode 18 thoughts:

It's a story that you hear often, regardless of nation: talented and aspiring farm boys sponsored at great sacrifice by their families and parents to enter the cities to learn a craft and perhaps make it big (same pattern as Davinci). As a person who spent many years taking art lessons myself, I could particularly appreciate Kai's sentiments. The idea with the coat was ingenuine, and though the plot device of Kai's sister's daughter wasn't filled out completely (in the end it didn't feel neccessary?), it nontheless worked to provide some continuity and an opportunity for Kai to move on.

The tragic story thus ends with a happy ending, and Ginko scores a classic quote and money in the process:
Ginko: *After being ungorged by the earth in the mountains* "Ahhh.... Shit. I thought I was going to die."
*Notices and turns to the aghast artist* "Yo, I'm no one suspicious."

I wonder just what sort of relationship Adashino and Ginko have... friends? A mushishi and his patron? It does seem that Adashino is the main source of funding for Ginko, as we've seen him buy his stuff twice already. Interesting...