(CR) Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari

[Frontier]

The moment the main cast have all been dreading (and the audience has been anticipating) has finally occurred...the Living God within Botan has awakened, and it's presence is so powerful all Tsukumogami must bow to her, even Kai in his own way. She truly is the God of the Tsukumogami .

Y'know, dangerous as she is, I have to say Botan's villainous glow-up with the grey hair and serene yet deadly demeanor is actually kind of hot .

I can't say I really feel bad for Tsuzumi, but it's got to suck that you got to all that trouble to free your God and she ends up erasing you because she finds your wound unsightly. In fact the Living God doesn't care about any of the Tsukumogami that have attempted to free her, or what they want her to do, all she cares about is what SHE wants. Even a Marebito spirit can age along with Botan, and she's aged into a much more independent being .

It seems like absolutely nothing can stop her or interfere with her...and then Hyoma stands up and approaches her and tries to reach through to the Botan inside of her. And it speaks to how strongly Botan feels about Hyoma that the Living God just catching a glimpse of him was able to immediately throw her off and weaken her until Botan starts seeping out. The one thing none of the evil Tsukumogami counted on was the Power of Love and Botan's feelings for Hyoma !

And Hyoma calling out the Bridal Trousseau gives them an opening and wakes Kushige enough to finish the job of re-sealing the Spirit and bringing back Botan. Though now they all know their biggest threat to their plans is Hyoma and they need to kill him. Yikes !

But with their memories and happy times with Botan powering them on, the Bridal Trousseau manage to free themselves by combining their powers. The cavalry is here! And of course Yu immediately gets Hyoma and Botan away from each other .

They'd been hiding Tenjitsu's face the whole time for the big reveal that his face is none other than Hayato's. Did the Paper Umbrella who killed Hyoma's siblings steal Hayato's face after killing him with Kusui? I'm amazed Hyoma was able to recover enough to still focus on defending Botan, though Haori reminding him of his duty and his own character development helped. But jeez, hasn't Hyoma been tortured enough by what happened to his family ?

Time for round two! But before fighting the Owarazarashi, the Bridal Trousseau will have to contend with what remains of the Bureau of Traditional Music as they unleash their true power. Tsumabiki even took off her eyepatch !

[Kanon]

The old lady with Kai summed up the relationship between the Living God and the Tsukumogamis nicely: they're nothing more than objects to them. The Living God was clearly not what the Bureau had expected, and they even lost one of their own in the process. Seems pretty obvious they're going to switch sides next week and fight off the Umbrellas.

Power of love saved the day, as expected. Still needed a bit of help from Kushige. Bridal Trousseau managed to get out and are raring to go.

Tenjitsu having Hayato's face isn't too surprising. Very much doubt there's anything left of the real Hayato. Amazing Hyoma was able to maintain his focus.

[FlareKnight]

On the positive side the Living God was probably the easiest thing to handle in all this . That thing's power has seemingly little effect on people. Probably has offensive moves, but in terms of mere presence people can just shrug that off. Actually was pretty easy for Hyoma to handle things since there was no interference . The power of love is always a good way to take care of a problem.

The big problem here is that they still have a pretty big fight ahead. Sadly Hyoma and Tsubaki probably didn't exactly wear down their enemies while they were getting curbstomped. Maybe they whittled down that one umbrella, but that's about it. Going to be a tough fight for the Bridal Trosseau since they do have to both take on numerous opponents and keep a worn down Botan and Hyoma safe.

Not often you see Tsubaki shaken up. But even she was thrown off seeing Tenjitsu's face. Creepy scumbag. Not sure if he simply mirrored his human form after Hayato because of how good a fight he put up or if he literally stole it after killing him. But regardless, it doesn't seem like Hyoma can seriously sit this one out. Also it's nice that this guy is straight up evil. Will allow Hyoma to get some revenge without as much trouble. I'm sure he wants to keep his head on straight enough to not put Botan at risk though.

Also...what the heck is the Bureau of Traditional Music even doing!? They just saw their friend get obliterated! Why are they fighting alongside the Umbrellas still? They know that unleashing the God inside of Botan isn't going to get them what they want. They need to learn how to take a loss and move on...

Originally Posted by Frontier

Y'know, dangerous as she is, I have to say Botan's villainous glow-up with the grey hair and serene yet deadly demeanor is actually kind of hot .

You aren't wrong . Be mean to say that Botan has never been hotter. But the overwhelming presence and attitude was pretty hot. If Fate has taught me anything it is that Alters have a great allure of their own.

[iko_uwais]

Too bad we won't get to the Hyouma vs Tenjitsu and a certain someone. It's easily one of the most badass fight in the entire series.

[Frontier]

It's the Bridal Trousseau vs the Traditional Music Bureau! Whatever respect there lay between the two sides is meaningless now that they're on opposing sides, with the Bridal Trousseau on the warpath over the attack on Botan and the Traditional Music Bureau determined to go out in one rock-fueled final battle .

The Nagatsuki's have great teamwork, but the Traditional Music Bureau have powerful sonic powers and have them trapped in a sound barrier ready for Fukui to blast them...and then who should come in and save the day but none other than Kushige! Complete with sealing up all of Tsumabiki's hair strands and freeing everyone! What an entrance! Now the entire Bridal Trousseau are back together !

You know it's serious when Haori enters the fray and takes her glasses off. The Traditional Music Bureau never stood a chance .

The Nagatsuki's won't mourn the loss of those that attacked Botan, but in some way the Traditional Music Bureau realized they'd lost the moment they were powerless to stand up to their God and lost Tsuzumi as a result. They weren't true to themselves, and only someone like Hyoma who is even in the face of great adversity deserves the title of true rock .

Of course now they have to fight the Paper Umbrella's, but it's the perfect time for Hyoma and Tsubaki to get back into this fight! Also, is that Yume Miyamoto as Fubuki ?

On the one hand, Hyoma has finally found the Tsukumogami that killed his siblings! on the other hand, not only does Tenjitsu have Hayato's looks, but his skills, mannerisms, and memories, and he uses those to torture Hyoma by demeaning his entire family and blaming him and Zohei for why his siblings died because they were pushing themselves too to hard to take over the family for Zohei's retirement and for Hyoma's future. As if Hyoma didn't feel guilty enough as it is, and now he's getting a thorough beat down from his big brother .

Wait, Zohei KNEW Tenjitsu had Hayato's form? I mean, couldn't he have maybe warned Hyoma about that? Although it seems like he was pretty emotionally wrecked over what happened, and that he wasn't able to slay Tenjitsu when he had the chance, so maybe he never told Hyoma out of guilt .

I love how Tsubaki just straight up hits that one guy with a paper bat .

Hyoma isn't driven by hate for Tsukumogami any more, and with the support of Botan and the Nagatsuki's, he's able to stand back up again to fight for her sake. He is her future husband after all! And with his newfound resolve, he finally unlocks the true power of his Doors !

[Kanon]

It's a shame this show is so low budget, the fights could be pretty cool. That doesn't stop me from enjoying the show regardless.

Really thought the Bureau was going to switch sides, but nope. They basically just wanted to go out on a high note against opponents they respected. Turns out they actually messed with the Bridal Trousseau's feelings so they would let Botan go with her family all those years ago. Honestly, don't really care about them.

Tenjitsu makes for a pretty good villain, having not just the looks but also Hayato's memories. He is completely heartless, however. Looks like the cour will end on a big fight.

I hope there'll be a third season to wrap things up.

[FlareKnight]

I know it's all about mental attacks as much as physical, but that's a lot of trash talking for someone beating up on someone who's half dead at that point. If Hyoma was at 100% he'd be doing a heck of a lot better in that fight than he is.

Yeah, I'm sure the siblings thought their brother was talentless. That's why he clearly got the coolest looking door pulls out of any of them . Again, obviously trash talk doesn't have to be remotely honest. It just has to be said with conviction.

Honestly, I'd have been fine if Hyoma pulled through with pure rage. That's a pretty good motivator. But sure, let's go with the power of love. That's fine too . He's still (eventually) going to get his revenge. Doesn't make it any less revenge if he gets it while also doing it out of a desire to look after Botan.

That Musical Bureau was utter trash. I'm with Nagi that they are garbage that can just disappear. The only downside is that they feel any sense of satisfaction in the way they went. Idiots that were just in the way and forced everyone to fight an extra battle that they really didn't have the time or energy for.

At least we got a good breakdown of how things played out. Hayato and Kusui were in a hurry. They wanted to help their family in their own ways and had enough ability to do so. They just lacked some experiences. Sadly ambushes by someone incredibly powerful is something you either make it through or you don't. Too bad for them that they died with regrets.

Originally Posted by Frontier

Wait, Zohei KNEW Tenjitsu had Hayato's form? I mean, couldn't he have maybe warned Hyoma about that? Although it seems like he was pretty emotionally wrecked over what happened, and that he wasn't able to slay Tenjitsu when he had the chance, so maybe he never told Hyoma out of guilt .

Another day, another opportunity to ask "what the heck is wrong with Zohei!?" Not only did he act utterly disinterested in the murder of his grandchildren for most of the show, but he actually knew that Hayato's appearance had been taken by the one that killed him. And he didn't think this was valuable information!? Did he tell anyone about this? Apparently not since even Tsubaki was blindsided. I mean great job gramps, you could have gotten a ton of people that knew Hayato killed because they didn't know what to expect.

That guy really should retire! The only positive I can give Zohei is that he at least attacked Tenjitsu. He didn't do much after the fact, but hey at least he did something.

[Frontier]

Originally Posted by Kanon

It's a shame this show is so low budget, the fights could be pretty cool. That doesn't stop me from enjoying the show regardless.

It wasn't on the level of today's episode of Level 1 Demon Lord and One Room Hero but I thought the action was pretty well animated/choreographed here, especially with all the various powers in use. They use the most with what they have to work with .

[Frontier]

Hyoma has come a long way from the boy who was so savage and unrelenting towards Tsukumogami out of a sense of revenge for the loss of his siblings...now, even facing their killer, his heart isn't consumed with those same feelings, but his desire to protect Botan. And that's enough to finally pull out the true power of his Door Pulls !

That's a pretty cool new move Hyoma pulled out...even if it wasn't enough to completely kill Tenjitsu, but he did some damage. Though it'll defintiely take more to beat him .

Good thing they held out long enough for reinforcements to show up! Tsubaki almost thought her dad was dead for a second there! And even Kai gets involved, which is the perfect excuse for the Warazamawashi to exit knowing this is a fight they can't win, but with the promise that they'll be back for Botan...and Tenjitsu also has it out for Hyoma now .

Everyone is happy for mostly winning the day, though figures Kadomori is the one still taking things seriously and considering what everything means. Because if the Bureau of Traditional Music went rogue, does that mean their handlers the Yachimata are too? Will this mean war between the three Great Houses? And now that Botan's Marebito has acted up again, the chance that'll happen once more is even greater. But no matter the danger, Hyoma will always be there to protect Botan !

I don't think it was a great idea that Zohei didn't tell Hyoma about Tenjitsu stealing Hayato's form...but he's lucky his plan to ship him off to the Nagatsuki's actually worked out in improving Hyoma's character .

Awwww! It looks like Botan never left Hyoma's side while he slept off his injuries! Just look at the joy in her face when he wakes up! Oh, and Kadomori is in the bed right next to him for back pain of all things. Also Tsubaki pouting over how close Hyoma and Botan are now. Sorry girl .

So Tenjitsu is definitely not Hayato because he doesn't use "Ore" like a cocky kid and also isn't the dork Hayato was .

Time for a party! With the real star of the day...Kushige! Man, poor Hyoma, getting his hopes up. Even Botan seemed shocked. Although it's good that Kushige is now free from their mansion and can join future battles, and it turns out HE CAN ACTUALLY TALK! AND HE'S VOICED BY AKIO OHTSUKA! He even thanked Hyoma! I hope this means great luck for Hyoma in the future !

So Kagami saw the moment the Marebito spirit was implanted into Botan? Is there more to it? Like involving Botan's parents ?

I'm glad Botan could reconnect with her college gal pals who are still as keen as ever to find out how things are progressing between her and Hyoma. They're already prepared for the wedding at this point! And wouldn't you know it Hyoma shows up with an umbrella right when Botan needs it. Nice move Kagami !

Sharing an umbrella with Botan is probably the first good memory Hyoma has ever had with an umbrella in a while. And of course the romantic mood between them is furthered by watching a traditional Japanese wedding procession before their eyes and Hyoma commenting how great Botan would look in the Bridal robes. Did I mention the Nagatsuki's are watching them the whole time ?

Nagi was talking about who would make the first move and it's none other than Botan! Taking Hyoma's hand and dragging them to watch the procession! The pair of lovebirds getting to see their future wedding together, basically, while Hyoma's future in-laws watch on. Pretty beautiful way to close things out .

[SeijiSensei]

The Bridal Trousseau was no doubt very happy at the ending.

I'm watching the ED now and still admire the scenes with Botan overlaid with the tsukomogami objects.

Is there enough material for another season?

[Kanon]

A bit disappointed Hyoma didn't end up defeating anyone after unlocking the full power of his door pulls.

Hyoma and Botan make a really cute couple and it's what makes this anime stand out compared to other battle shounen for me. Their romance is central to the plot, whereas in most shounen romance is basically a side piece or an afterthought.

Was not expecting Akio Othsuka to be Kushige's VA.

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

Is there enough material for another season?

I've heard there's enough for two more seasons, which I would most definitely watch. Sadly, I doubt this will get a complete adaptation unless it was decided ahead of time. This may have been the last we saw of Hyoma and Botan.

[FlareKnight]

All I can say is that Zohei can shove it with his appearance in that flashback. Hyoma's a mess in part because he couldn't avenge his own grandchildren or presumably warn anyone about the threat of the Paper Umbrellas.

And I can second that note later in the episode. Zohei can seriously just stop acting all aloof and in control. This whole situation was seconds away from being a total disaster in part because of his incompetence in managing the situation. Hyoma's whole focus was on getting revenge on the Paper Umbrella. Did this genius think that he'd never cross paths with them!? Give Hyoma his job right now. Zohei clearly can't handle it.

Rest of the episode was really good though. Nice moments all around. Still crazy to think that Kadomori is going to be one of the most reliable allies that Botan and Hyoma are going to get. A civil war seems brewing and Botan is going to be at the center of it. I'm sure Kadomori is a bit pissed that his base of operations is likely to be the battlefield this eventual war is fought in. All the more so with the Paper Umbrellas making their moves.

I do like the idea that Hyoma can share this revenge. It's not something he has to do alone. He still needs to bring these monsters down. There's no peaceful or happy finale here. But he doesn't have to carry all that weight by himself. And he can fight for more than just getting revenge.

As always the Botan and Hyoma moments are good. Still taking their time, but it's looking great for them. All these events have really solidified their bond and they have plenty to look forward to. Just requires one or both to really be willing to take this a step forward.

Decent way to wrap this series up.

[Frontier]

Originally Posted by Kanon

I've heard there's enough for two more seasons, which I would most definitely watch. Sadly, I doubt this will get a complete adaptation unless it was decided ahead of time. This may have been the last we saw of Hyoma and Botan.

At least Seven Seas is officially releasing the manga .

[Alchemist007]

Decent season, maybe a bit slow concerning the umbrellas. The comedic and SOL romance stuff is the stronger aspect but the revenge stuff going somewhere productive is also good to see.

7/10

[SeijiSensei]

Honestly, wouldn't one solution be for Botan to move out of Japan and away from any threats?

I know. The umbrellas would hunt her down, what would she do with the Trousseau, what would she do with Hyouma, whose abilities outside fighting tsukomogami are pretty unknown? Still, just waiting around to be targeted seems like the worst outcome, protectors or no.

She would probably be very happy in Paris.

[Frontier]

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

Honestly, wouldn't one solution be for Botan to move out of Japan and away from any threats?

I know. The umbrellas would hunt her down, what would she do with the Trousseau, what would she do with Hyouma, whose abilities outside fighting tsukomogami are pretty unknown? Still, just waiting around to be targeted seems like the worst outcome, protectors or no.

She would probably be very happy in Paris.

Even if they were to consider it themselves I don't think the Saenome would be comfortable with Botan being outside Japan.