(L) Otome Youkai Zakuro

[Arya]

ohh, after that little let down of ep. 7 we are back on the OYZ outstanding standards
The drawing is outstanding. When I saw the sisters cute faces it was outright clear that they were pour victims, just by their looking And Zakuro blushing-crying-worring face was the best!
Even if

Spoiler for episode 8:

I think she was worried more for the new revelations about her than Agemaki, or so it seemed until the very end and the gift scene.
Anyways I hope Agemaki will be more manly in the next episodes, and not only in the last one when he probably will try to sacrifice him self to save Zakuro or something like that ... I don't want to be blunt, we all know he was scared by a cat when he was a kid ... but it is time to go on!!

[Hooves]

Originally Posted by 0utf0xZer0

Spoiler for episode 8:

I don't think that the two sisters hate Zakuro to the same extent: Byakuroku really hates her, whereas Daidai seems to fight more because she adores her mistress (Lady Rangui):

-Daidai suggests they return to the village, but Byakuroku insists they stay to fight Zakuro.
-Byakuroku is the one that expresses so much hatred to Zakuro... and she's also the one whose feelings traumatized Susukihotaru back in episode five.
-Byakuroku insists on being the one to fight Zakuro.

All of which makes sense when you consider that Lady Rangui showers affection on Daidai and threatens Byakuroku by holding her sister hostage. Byakuroku doesn't resent Zakuro just because of her happy home - that bit about "your freedom" in the list of things she resented about Zakuro is not as much a throwaway line as it first appears. I'm kind of curious as to whether either sister's feelings will prove exploitable. The big remaining question, of course, is who Lady Rangui is and what she's trying to accomplish.

Liked this episode in general, although sword fights don't seem to be this series' strong point. Nice to see Orikata and Mugi again. Also, Zakuro and Riken make a surprisingly good action duo even if their affections obviously lead elsewhere.

Spoiler for Reply:

Judging from I think... Episode 6? Or was it 5... Well either way, when Rangui got slashed by Zakuro, and Zakuro questioned her about how she knows her mother, it probably had something to do with her mother that reaches out to Zakuro's present state that makes Rangui chase after her and probably (wants to kill her?) Or something. We don't know much about the people who follow under Rangui, but all we know so far is that they are currently in her grasps and must do anything (Daidai being the clueless one) and how Byakuroku hates the fact that Zakuro gets all the good things that she will never achieve while being imprisoned by Rangui.

It also probably has to do with the fact that they are half-spirits as well, the plot the story is going is giving me the idea that "all" half-spirits live this miserable life, and unfortunally Byakuroku and Daidai had to fall into the hands of Rangui...

[Sinestra]

So once again we get a hint that Zakuro is not just another half breed and although regular humans still see them as unsightly our 4 heroins have not had it as bad as other the others. The two sister that attacked Zakuro are obviously being used with the younger sister not knowing that the older one is following the black window's orders to keep her safe. Also, this episode also confirmed that not only are half breeds not looked at very kindly by humans but full spirits/demons as well. I actually find this new revolution interesting since its kind of like real life. Sometimes a person born of two different races are not accepted by either.

So what makes Zakuro so special? The answer is obviously because of her mother. But one piece of the clue has yet to be reveled which is Zakuro's father and who is or was. Im assuming the twins and Susukihotaru are regular half breeds just like Byakuroku and Daidai. However, it seems the more time they spend away from the village (btw where is it and does it only consist of half breeds) their powers diminish. Why is it that the others powers do not seem to be affected.

Im very curious as to what abuse or traumatic event caused Byakuroku to suffer so much. Susukihotaru was seriously effected by feeling her emotions what was it that did this. Her sister does not seem to be effected as much and does seem to hate Zakuro shes just following orders, her sister is obviously envious and envy can lead to a great deal of hatred. For some reason im thinking black widow had a problem with Zakuro's mother.

Very nice to see Orikata again she is quite fine lol and funny how Zakuro's first words upon meeting her was "huge" lmao

Riken and Zakuro made quite the team not too bad and Susukihotaru has most def changed since meeting Riken. Seeing her be brave saying should would not leave Agemaki was a huge change for her. But the best part was her showing that vulnerable side only to Riken after they were rescued as she hugged him tightly and cried in his arms. These two are 100% my favorite couple in the series but i do love them all.

Zakuro crying while saying dont look at me was classic lol. Trying to deny her feeling even though it was obvious that she was worried sick about Agemaki. The ending scene of him hugging her from behind while she cried was beautifully done.

The story is progressing very well i hope the ending is done well and it leaves no loose ends. Funny how the twins and Ganryuu got that silly punishment. I think out of the girls the twins must adore their partner the most and part of it is obviously because he can tell them apart.

[PreSage]

Episode 8 gave us a taste of what the atmosphere would have been like if the pairs were switched around. Although Riken and Zakuro would have made a very powerful and skilled team, it does show that Agemaki is the best one to support Zakuro spiritually. And same with Riken and Hotaru...and the twins and Ganryuu. As opposites, together they each complete each other. Very good insight of the creators to have made this episode this way. This series constantly surprises me at how deep it is with each and every detail.

[Haak]

Wow. Never make an Elaphant angry. DX

[Hooves]

Originally Posted by PreSage

Episode 8 gave us a taste of what the atmosphere would have been like if the pairs were switched around. Although Riken and Zakuro would have made a very powerful and skilled team, it does show that Agemaki is the best one to support Zakuro spiritually. And same with Riken and Hotaru...and the twins and Ganryuu. As opposites, together they each complete each other. Very good insight of the creators to have made this episode this way. This series constantly surprises me at how deep it is with each and every detail.

With all the harshness against Half-Spirits, its always good to see the exact opposite of the girls to spiritually support them. Indeed, this anime surprises me as well with how good it can mix things, and how deep it can be.

[PreSage]

Originally Posted by Haak

Wow. Never make an Elaphant angry. DX

For a moment there, I felt evil vibes from the Elephant spirit. It would be very harsh if he turned out to betray them...though I don't think that may be case.

I'm now curious who the higher ups of the Spirit Affairs are...can't possibly be (all) humans, can they?

[Joojoobees]

I want to know why the elephant and fox spirits are withholding information from Zakuro. They obviously know exactly who the enemy is (elephant-spirit even mentioned the oracle village). They could at least give her the information to know who she is fighting.

[Hooves]

Originally Posted by Joojoobees

I want to know why the elephant and fox spirits are withholding information from Zakuro. They obviously know exactly who the enemy is (elephant-spirit even mentioned the oracle village). They could at least give her the information to know who she is fighting.

Well, you had a clear view what Zakuro was going through when she found out that her opponents were half-spirits, so that fact alone might be tough enough for her. But the whole truth about who she is fighting, that might not be wise.

[LKK]

I agree with Joojoobees. I think it's past time for them to tell Zakuro who is after her and why if they know the reason. Leaving Zakuro and her co-workers in the dark at this point is adding an unnecessary level to the danger they are facing.

[PreSage]

Well, if Zakuro knows about the enemy, she will also gain insight into who she really is. And it seems that her past is not meant to be revealed yet for some reason. If they are hiding it from Zakuro because they don't think she's mature enough to handle the truth, then I think they should believe in her strength more. Nevertheless, it does seem that the truth of her past may push Zakuro near the edge (she's really going to need Agemaki and the others to support her when the time comes, it seems).

[Hooves]

Originally Posted by PreSage

Well, if Zakuro knows about the enemy, she will also gain insight into who she really is. And it seems that her past is not meant to be revealed yet for some reason. If they are hiding it from Zakuro because they don't think she's mature enough to handle the truth, then I think they should believe in her strength more. Nevertheless, it does seem that the truth of her past may push Zakuro near the edge (she's really going to need Agemaki and the others to support her when the time comes, it seems).

That is what I was thinking, Zakuro in that encounter alone was nearly going to lose it till Agemaki comforted her. But then again, even if the information about the enemy is revealed, will it make any big difference? All it will do is leave Zakuro is a bad emotional state, there is no information on how to defeat the enemy that they may know. Only information that will inflict Zakuro with something horrible.

But then again, they will probably be surprised if Zakuro will actually be strong enough to fully accept her past, since Agemaki is emotionally supporting her from the branches. Maybe the fact alone that Agemaki is the key to helping Zakuro build up her strength will eventually get her to accept it.

[Seihai]

Thinking about it, this would've been an anime I would've liked to watch 24~26 episodes from, because the execution is so good that the actual (so far straight and uncomplicated) content becomes less of a priority.

[Vexx]

There's always a chance they plan a two season project but it was only greenlit for an initial one season to see what the ratings and purchases were like. We'll know in a few weeks.

[Hooves]

Originally Posted by Vexx

There's always a chance they plan a two season project but it was only greenlit for an initial one season to see what the ratings and purchases were like. We'll know in a few weeks.

I do hope they go with a season 2, this anime is just too interesting to go with only 1 season!

[Midonin]

Spoiler for OYZ 09 - The Power of Love:

For the most part, a pretty lighthearted episode, especially after last week. Went to Wiki to look up some info on kokkuri after this episode - apparently this was a real thing, but without the love fox spirit things. The end of the episode, though - poor Kei. And Hanadate's been a suspicious character from the beginning, but the end of the episode confirmed it. Dude's in bed with the black widow, and quite literally. That mask can only hide so much. The plot thickens.

[Shiroth]

Spoiler for Episode 09:

Poor Kei.

Apart from that, yeah we all guessed that Hanadate would turn out to be a villain, so there's no surprise there. Question is has he been one or long, or was taken under control at the ball a few episodes back? Let's find out soon!

[kitten320]

Spoiler for 9:

As guesses, Hanadate is the guy in the mask.

Nice episode, Zakuro obviously has deeper feelings for Agemaki, her reactions alone speak volumes.

[Kanon]

Originally Posted by Midonin

Spoiler for OYZ 09 - The Power of Love:

Went to Wiki to look up some info on kokkuri after this episode - apparently this was a real thing, but without the love fox spirit things.

Spoiler for episode 9:

I did the same since I had a feeling this was a real game. Oh, there's even a movie based on it...

I like lighthearted episode like this one the best. Let me add another "poor Kei", it must have been really tough to witness his beloved confess to another man, even if she didn't really mean it. Damn you, Hanadate! Kokkuri kind of sucks for not being able to tell he wasn't honest... or was he? Villains can fall in love too.

Riken isn't quite as smooth as I thought, he finally made a mistake! Susukihotaru's reaction was very cute. The twins were as amusing as always; I'm not sure their hairstyle would suit Ganryuu but that's a small price to pay for a ménage à trois with twins. He's living the dream.

[jadefishy]

Spoiler for OYZ - ep 9:

I'm curious about the pause in Kushimatsu's retaliation to Hanadate's insistence on taking a part in the mission. I wonder what she was thinking or realized.