(CR) Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari

[Frontier]

Kai really had to bring up the Paper Umbrella, huh? Though I guess if he wanted Houma to get serious…and Hyoma does land a punch, even if he’s still outmatched .

It’s weird watching this after Vinland Saga because Thorgil and Kai have the same VA (I think) .

Honestly I was not expecting this fight to end so comically with Itsuki easily defeated and Kai shocked senseless. I actually feel kind of bad for Itsuki…she’s weak but she tried her best !

Hyoma is weaker than his siblings? I can kind of see it the way they’ve talked about him but what’s this about Hyoma not using his actual weapon ?

I love how Botan’s club is desperate to recruit some hot guys while the one girl in a relationship just smugly mocks them for it. If only romance and relationships was so easy for Botan .

Botan may have activated the Paper Umbrella and gotten Hyoma’s siblings killed? I’m assuming that was the moment in the flashback where she let loose. Though it’s still just a theory .

You gotta love how Botan came to the Kadomari for answers because Hyoma was gone…and Hyoma just happened to be there because he was training. And Tsubaki only realized afterwards that she lost a prime opportunity to get an edge in on Botan over Hyoma. What dorks !

So Botan’s aunt Satsuki kidnapped her but not out of any ill intent but because she wanted Botan to live a normal life away from all the craziness she was wrapped up in. And for a brief period of time Botan knew what it was like to have a mother. She even got her hair clip from Satsuki .

Of course then the evil Tsukumogami caught up to them and killed Satsuki…and I’m guessing Botan awakened her Marebito powers and killed them all afterwards .

So for understandable reasons Botan can’t form deep, meaningful, connections with people or fall in love because she’s worried they’ll either betray her or die on her. She can interact with people normally but that’s about it .

But that makes Hyoma the perfect partner for her. He’s earnest, sincere, can’t lie, doesn’t plan to die any time soon, and is utterly dedicated to protecting Botan (almost as if a marriage vow). Just look at that bright smile on Hyoma’s face and the blush on Botan’s cheeks! These two are meant to be !

Of course they couldn’t resist leaving off on a cliffhanger with the Paper Umbrella looking pretty sadistic. Good thing we're getting part 2 this year .

[Frontier]

We now return to the Tsukumogami-tinged love story of Hyoma and Botan along with the entire Nagatsuki Tsukumogami family !

The new OP is still a banger! Including the Paper Umbrella Tsukumogami, all the supporting characters, Hyoma's new weapons...and Botan unleashed, with Hyoma the only one who can seemingly save her !

So what happened before Hyoma showed up at the Nagatsuki's? Why some cleaning, of course! Even if Nagi and Suzuri aren't happy about it and Botan ends up getting attacked by a Tsukumogami of her grandpa's pipe, it all turns into a nice moment for Botan and her family .

Kagami being the fans just wanting more progress between Hyoma and Botan .

Tsubaki in those training clothes looks great! And she's a little self-conscious that Botan isn't anxious of her as a love rival for Hyoma...but as long as she gets to hear more about Kusui and Hayato from Hyoma, she's good .

So this is the most we've really gotten to know Kusui and Hayato, and they were both skilled and capable prodigies who were a little cocky (or at least Hayato was) but also caring and loving to their little brother. It was kind of surreal and sad seeing Hyoma so happy and optimistic as a child with his beloved siblings knowing what was going to happen .

It's too bad Hyoma isn't a fan of parades (what if they were all Tsukumogami!?) but that's not going to stop Botan's gal pals from needling her about her relationship with him...especially when he does actually show up at the parade for the Aoi Festival .

A random Tsukumogami attack in the middle of a crowded parade would be quite the sight, but luckily the Bureau of Traditional Music was able to resolve things without incident (Hyoma would have left a LOT to explain). I'm guessing they're Tsukumogami based around classical musical interests? And they seem quite keen on Hyoma .

Some men would probably pay to have Haori sit on them. Just saying, Hyoma !

So we finally see what happened to Kusui and Hayato...and they thought they were comforting a Tsukumogami in trouble, but instead it turned out to be a trap to kill them. The Paper Umbrella Tsukumogami even had traps in place to reflect their magic, showing some knowledge of the Saenome methods that they shouldn't even have. And then poor Hyoma shows up wanting to watch his siblings at work only to see them both killed. And the Paper Umbrella Tsukumogami is back to find him now .

The ED is really nice and serene! Showing Botan grappling with her darker side, and all the Tsukumogami that are a part of her, but with Hyoma by her side she can see the light. Plus all that HyomaxBotan handholding !

[Alchemist007]

I almost felt like it was hinting that the umbrella one might have originated from Botan, or has something to do with her. Might just be my imagination.

[SeijiSensei]

Is Botan her real name? Or is it Bo-tan, with the "tan" an honorific? Her friends call her "Bo," but that might just be a nickname. Still I've never seen a character named "Botan" in all my years of watching anime.

[Guardian Enzo]

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

Is Botan her real name? Or is it Bo-tan, with the "tan" an honorific? Her friends call her "Bo," but that might just be a nickname. Still I've never seen a character named "Botan" in all my years of watching anime.

“Botan” means “Peony” (it’s written in Hiragana, as there’s apparently no Kanji for it - not sure why that would be the case). So I assume that’s just her name.

[Last Sinner]

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

Is Botan her real name? Or is it Bo-tan, with the "tan" an honorific? Her friends call her "Bo," but that might just be a nickname. Still I've never seen a character named "Botan" in all my years of watching anime.

Kyou in Clannad had a pet baby boar she called Botan.

[Kanon]

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

Is Botan her real name? Or is it Bo-tan, with the "tan" an honorific? Her friends call her "Bo," but that might just be a nickname. Still I've never seen a character named "Botan" in all my years of watching anime.

I guess you haven't watched Yuyu Hakusho then.

[FlareKnight]

I'd say the episode was a bit dull until the flashback near the end. Definitely easing back into the show now that it's back.

Still there were some interesting elements that let the death of the siblings make sense and feel impactful. They were on the backfoot from the start. Basically game over once Kusui's attack backfired on her. With Hayato having to carry her around there was just no chance.

I suppose if you want to get really bleak could say that Hyoma's Grandfather and the other elder members of the clan were actually relieved when those two died. Were getting sick of getting shown up by youngsters that were looking set to replace them. Let Hayato's Grandfather maintain his position of power and provide enough reason to keep Hyoma suppressed so he can't yet take over either.

Of course that's probably not the case. I don't think the story wants to go in that direction. But...I think there is some suspicious elements here. Doesn't seem like the paper umbrella that killed two of their rising stars has been a major focus. Hyoma being the one most focused on it has been basically sent off to find a girlfriend and stay out of the way. If they are on the lookout for it...clearly haven't been doing a very good job of it .

[Frontier]

I see the Bureau of Traditional Music live up to their name enough to do live peformances on the street for the public with all the gusto you would expect from them. But we're here for Hyoma and Kagami on a little "date" so Kagami can suss out how Hyoma and Botan are progressing romantically !

Kagami looks really cute with her hair down. And in a ponytail! And when she uses her powers to make herself older so she can pull off that dress! Kagami is just super cute in general, and she knows all the best date spots and how to use her powers to get there efficiently and show them off to Hyoma .

Of course it's kind of difficult to get through Hyoma's thick skull either when it comes to romance or even just having fun, because all he's cared about for so long is his training and fighting Tsukumogami...but Kagami was able to get Hyoma to say he liked her, and while it wasn't quite the home run she hoped for, learning how much Hyoma admires Botan says everything. As does how panicked he gets when the topic of them being a couple comes up .

I love how Hyoma retreats into traditional Japanese when he's nervous .

The Bureau of Traditionla Magic have arrived at the Nagatsuki's! First order of business...what style of music for their next concert! Yeah, they're kind of a lot as a group, even when 1/3 of them gets pulled over by the police for looking suspicious .

Hyoma gets kidnapped by Botan's college gal pals! They're determined to figure out what's really going on between Hyoma and Botan and want to get the truth from Hyoma's lips. Though Hyoma mostly just learned how appreciated and liked Botan is, which he's happy to hear. And the girls saw how flustered Hyoma and Botan got when the concept of them dating came up which says more than their protests do about how they feel about each other .

So the Nagatsuki's plan to stop Botan's Marebito side from awakening is by making her fall in love with Hyoma so she chooses humanity over the Marebito? And Haori is willing to kill anyone who might interfere with that plan? Serious stuff, though it's such a hard rock plan, that it gets the Bureau of Traditional Music's approval !

Of course the Bureau isn't just there to approve it, they're also hunting for the Paper Umbrella Tsukumogami...who is now about to meet Botan. This can't end well .

[Kanon]

Started it on Frontier's recommendation and caught up in a week.

It won't win any awards but it's a pretty good show. Likeable adult (!) characters, great VAs (always a pleasure to hear Miyuki Sawashiro play onee-san type characters), good action even if the animation is lacking, and steady progression. The manga apparently ended this June, would be nice to get a full adaptation. 15 volumes in total. I don't know how many volumes the first season covered, it didn't feel like they were rushing but perhaps they skipped a lot of fights that didn't contribute to the overall narrative.

As for the latest episode, we found out the real reason the Nagatsuki Tsukumogami have been shipping Hyoma and Botan. They ended up making the right choice for her husband but considering what's at stake I'd say they jumped the gun in the first season. Could have waited a few months before springing this on them. And they were really lucky that them betrothing Hyoma to Botan never leaked one way or another (I could easily imagine Hyoma blurting it out) because that would have immediately led to war.

[FlareKnight]

I did enjoy the interrogation of Botan's friends. They even pushed past the Hyoma glare . Though I'd say their methods were far more effective on Botan herself. Able to get plenty via her embarrassed reactions.

Certainly it seems like the family is going with a win/win strategy. Based on their nature they'd want to see Botan married anyways. But if going that way would also help avoid Botan being led to disaster then all the better. Her situation is a precarious one and if things spiral out of control it could be disastrous for everyone. So I get their approach. And true that Hyoma has the determination needed to stick with Botan.

With the paper umbrella making its move though...things are going to get interesting. That thing was monstrous a long time ago and probably isn't any weaker now. If anyone might make a move against Botan without caring about the consequences it probably would be her...

[Frontier]

I guess nothing says the Hyakunin Isshu society is desperate for attractive men like locking them in the club room and badgering them with love poems. Though that just makes these single ladies come off way too desperate to actually keep a guy in there .

Points to campus security for trying to make sure no sketchy characters infiltrate the school, I guess...poor Hyoma though. This doesn't even sound like the first time .

I knew the girls were just trying to get Hyoma to themselves so they can get all the latest deets on him and Botan. And finding out he swore to protect her is enough to make any lady swoon. Can't blame Hyoma for bailing though and Botan didn't appreciate what they were doing either. But the girls meant well !

"You seem to have weakened since then..." "Yorimashi." Is the Paper Umbrella referring to the Marebito spirit in Botan? That's all she seems to care about, and willing to emotionally break Botan to get to it in the process .

Those poor girls...Natsuki trying to be brave, but both were just two innocent girls caught up in this and about to be tortured to draw out Botan's powers .

Hyoma arrives in the nick of time! He's a man that's true to his word! And he's even got Fukie backing him up! And Hyoma's slasher smile is back now that the object of his revenge is seemingly in reach .

[Kanon]

The club scenes were a bit too long, but confirmed to me that they're not rushing this adaptation.

Originally Posted by Frontier

"You seem to have weakened since then..." "Yorimashi." Is the Paper Umbrella referring to the Marebito spirit in Botan? That's all she seems to care about, and willing to emotionally break Botan to get to it in the process .

More interestingly, the Paper Umbrella called the Marebito inside Botan her master. The rumors that Botan may have had something to do with the death of Hyoma's siblings may not be completely groundless after all...

[Alchemist007]

Yeah, nothing like family murder getting in the way of an upstart young couple. At least the earlier teasing scenes were fun.

I'm a sucker for good scenery in this show.

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[FlareKnight]

Here we go! Time for the showdown against the Paper Umbrella! Well I'm sure it will just be Round 1 for now. But at the very least this is what Hyoma has waited for. Been waiting and waiting for this chance.

Does seem likely that it was talking to the dark side inside of Botan. In which case mission accomplished so far by Botan's family and by Hyoma. His influence seems to be working and pulling her towards the light.

Awful day for her friends. If they remember all this it will make for tough times ahead. All the more so for Botan who will absolutely blame herself for it.

[Frontier]

I'm glad Hyoma was able to restrain himself a little facing off against the possible killer of his siblings again, though the Paper Umbrella hits his buttons so well that she's able to set him off and get him away from Botan. Hyoma just can't help himself .

Glad to see all that training wasn't for nothing as Hyoma has upgraded his weapons! He's got laser blades now! Not that he actually gets to do much with them here but it's only episode 4 .

The Nagatsuki's are here! As well as the rest of the Traditional Music Bureau! And while the Paper Umbrella can hold her own well enough, even she can't keep it up and eventually gets sealed. I'm honestly surprised they ended this in two episodes .

Was this the actual Paper Umbrella that killed Hyoma's siblings? Obviously she knew about it, and knew to weaponize that knowledge, and had a similar aura...but she never actually admitted it was her .

Hyoma isn't sure how to feel that not only is his nemesis defeated so effectively, when it feels like there should be more to it, but he didn't really do much to help Botan. But it means the world to Botan that he was there for her when she needed him most. Of course the Marebito spirit in her body acting up kind of ruins the moment .

So, yeah, Paper Umbrella wasn't working alone. Not only did whatever group she's working with (connected to the land of the dead?) take down the mansion but also damaged Kushige. And with Kushige's barrier gone, the Marebito in Botan is acting up. And now the Nagatsuki's are left having to rely on Tsubaki's dad .

That appraiser girl was really cute .

With the way Tsubaki's dad was talking, I'll be really surprised if Botan gets to go back to college. Or even leave the compound they're all going to hole up in. Even better question is how long they'll be able to keep the Marebito spirit at bay .

[Kanon]

They all got played like fiddles. At least Kushige didn't actually die, though him being out of commission for an unknown period of time creates huge problems for Botan. This is getting even more interesting.

Originally Posted by Frontier

So, yeah, Paper Umbrella wasn't working alone. Not only did whatever group she's working with (connected to the land of the dead?) take down the mansion but also damaged Kushige. And with Kushige's barrier gone, the Marebito in Botan is acting up. And now the Nagatsuki's are left having to rely on Tsubaki's dad .

I think there are several Paper Umbrellas. She kept using "we" and Hyoma commented that even though it should have been over, he felt her aura even more strongly the closer he got to the mansion. Her current form is different from the one all those years ago, too. It looked like a man to me.

[FlareKnight]

Well...that "win" was easier than expected. Either that wasn't the same Paper Umbrella or she's got allies on the inside that can free her whenever they need to. Or even that she basically can shadow clone herself in a sense. What they defeated might have simply been one fragment of the larger whole. The latter makes sense. Since a "collective" enemy is scary and also allows for a very satisfying finale. Can have the whole group fighting the various parts of the whole with Hyoma actually getting to face the central core that he truly wants.

Rough spot for Hyoma. Couldn't get a satisfying shot in or any real satisfaction. Since others stepped in and handled it pretty quickly. Understandably couldn't focus entirely on protecting Botan. Not compared to the powerful desire for revenge that has been building up for most of his life.

They certainly got what they wanted. Scoring a hit on Kushige was just that huge. Sadly the good guys didn't have the first move and were left playing reactive. They couldn't cover every possible option. At least he's got a chance to bounce back once his vessel is repaired.

Shame that Botan passed out right when she was trying to say something important. It's true that Hyoma lost his head, but frankly that couldn't be helped. Even if he was a bit more level-headed it would be impossible to ignore provocations that dig at the largest trauma of his life. In the end though he was the first one there when Botan needed help. And he did give her peace of mind before everyone else showed up. That is something!

For now they'll really have to play it defensively with Botan. Her condition is just too fragile without any defenses at play.

[Frontier]

I get everybody's happy about Botan waking up, but did they need to run over poor Hyoma ?

Tsubaki wants to pool what information she has about the Paper Umbrella with Hyoma's, especially in light of them seemingly catching her, though she also seems to want to use it as an excuse to go on a date...maybe even an overnight hot springs trip, if he's willing! Though if he won't bite she'll just leave him to her brothers so they can lecture him for five hours about dropping the ball and not paying enough attention to their sister. Hyoma just can't win !

Rough for Botan to wake up and find out Kushige is gone. Especially when he was the member of the group who practically helped raise her when she was a kid and she spent the most time with. But Botan just has to carry on the hope that he'll come back, especially so he doesn't miss her wedding (with Hyoma) .

Nice to see Botan and Hyoma get a moment and to see Botan express her gratitude to Hyoma. Which just pumps him up to try even harder, which is so Hyoma .

Oh hey, Hyoma's grandpa! I think this is his first proper appearance this season. And here to let Hyoma know that he really is starting to change, and the best way to cement that change is to stop using Kusui and Hayato's door pulls out of his own sense of revenge and use his own door pulls to become the man he needs to be .

I love how Tsubaki seemed genuinely hurt at the prospect that Hyoma was avoiding her over what happened with her brothers .

Nothing says "MC's true weapon" like gold! Although Hyoma basically abandoned his own door pulls for so long that he can't just start using them and expect results or his true power unlocked so easily...looks like he'll still have plenty of training to do .

I had a feeling Botan wouldn't be able to go back to college, which sucks. I guess she could attend Girls' Night with the Kyoto Saenome, but the idea doesn't seem to be winning her over .

So one of the big three Saenome Family, the Yamachita, are calling out the Nagatsuki's and want to question them over whether they can protect Botan. This is like the last thing Botan needs right now, but at least she's got Hyoma and the Bureau of Traditional Music there to protect her. Seems like Nagi might also have some plans in store for Hyoma .

[Kanon]

I'm glad Botan is okay for now, although the upcoming meeting with the Yamachita family is worrisome.

Now I get what other characters meant when they said Hyoma should abandon his current weapons. The door pulls are custom made for each family member so he can't use the full power of his brother and sister's. Still quite impressive he managed to get this far with such a handicap.