Noragami – 09-10
D’awww
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I’ve been catching up with the winter anime that I fell behind on recently. Next on my list to watch is Phi Brain (which apparently turned into something from Urobuchi, so that’s exciting). I’m actually surprisingly attached to Nobunagun of all things too. It kind of reminds me of Mushibugyo… Though Noragami is still #1. |
Daikoku tried reaaaaally hard to try and save Yato, so he and Kofuku should be forgiven for barring everyone out at the end of episode 8. After all, they were worried about the blight and that stuff is contagious. Kofuku was obviously worried too, during the time that Daikoku had to go door to door trying to find volunteers. Hell, even Mayu was worried. It’s a pretty big thing that her, Kazuma and Daikoku were willing to do this for Yato/Yukine simply because of how contagious the blight really is (as pointed out later, in episode 10). Er, actually, most of them were there for Yato as opposed to Yukine, but it’s the thought that counts. Back to the topic of the blight, that other shinki of Tenjin’s was expelled right away for doing a little damage to him, so Yukine is really lucky all around about how lenient Yato is. Though in Tenjin’s defence, expelling the shinki was not only an honour thing, but probably the smart thing to do as well. Not only because the blight is contagious, but multiple shinki would be harder to keep track of/keep in line. Especially because every one of them is an individual and have their own personalities and ways of dealing with things.
…This is close enough to being an arm injury, right?
Finally, the Yukine angst period is over. Yato didn’t do much this episode except for lay on the ground half dead, but the part about him being a bit like Yukine’s father is kind of touching. Obviously, Yukine’s problem stemmed from the fact that he’s lost a lot (and Nora’s offhand comment about Yukine’s eyes obviously didn’t help the situation apparently). Likewise though, Yato doesn’t really have anyone either, so they work well as a pair. The part at the end with Yato forcing Yukine to bow was rather father-like as well. There was immediate payoff in episode 10 as well. Maybe it’s a bit unbelievable that Yukine could change over so quickly, but I guess that’s just another reminder of how well behaved the shinki need to be. Even crossing over a little is enough for it to hurt their god, and Yukine’s problem was psychological, so it effectively solved by talking it out in the last episode anyways. It’s satisfying to see him now though, since he’s found a way to cope in having Hiyori help him study.
There’s no question about it, Hiyori saved everyone’s ass this episode. …Er, at least Yato and Yukine’s. As Yato pointed out, so many things could have gone wrong, but Hiyori made so many right decisions and without her help at any of those times, things would have turned out so much differently. That part where Hiyori stated that her and Yukine wouldn’t be friends anymore actually seems like the best possible line in that situation, since Yukine’s main worry was that he was totally alone. I was worried at the beginning of the season (before I read the manga) that Hiyori would be dead weight since she can’t do anything, so I’m really glad I was proven wrong. The show needs Hiyori, thankfully. It looks like she won’t be completely forgotten in wherever the story is going now as well. …Even though she seems to have forgotten Yato. Considering how Tenjin brought up cutting ties with Hiyori, having her in between the two worlds looks like it will be a theme here.
Though who even knows what Nora is trying to accomplish. The part with her chasing Hiyori and then having her give up after her dogs go away doesn’t make much sense (though that happened in the manga as well). The part with Rabo is kind of confusing as well. Does Nora want to kill Yato? Does she only want to get rid of the bad influences, Yukine and Hiyori? …Maybe this is a yandere thing. Perhaps Nora thinks that Yato has gone too far off the path of what she believes he should be on, so the only solution now is death since he won’t listen. Rabo himself seems more straightforward at least. Or at least motives-wise, since all he seems to want to do is kill Yato. It will be interesting to see what his relationship with Nora is, since they just kind of started hanging out together without any explanation.
Ugh, all of the emotion in episode 9. It was so well directed. Obviously the original gets credit for being awesome in the first place, but everything in this episode was perfectly timed. Especially that one part with Yukine in the white space. That part really stood out for me. Also, the voice acting! Kaji Yuki ‘s portrayal of Yukine’s pain was amazing (he’s a great seiyuu in the first place, and apparently he’s getting really good at yelling). Anyways, that was such a great finale to a particularly emotional part in the story. As for where the anime is going now, they seem to be mixing events from the manga with whatever they’re planning for Nora and Rabo. Things are kind of confusing (no really, does Nora want Yato dead or what), but this anime has been so good so far, so hopefully they manage to sort things out. Or if not, I’m just going to stick with my yandere theory. Nora seems like she’d make a good yandere.
About Karakuri
University student and the one at Metanorn who's known for wearing glasses. Likes blood, insanity and plot twists, but also plays otome games and adores cute romance anime. It balances out... somehow.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
The danger of gods having too many Regalia is the focal point of Bishamon’s arc, which takes place after Yukine’s arc in the manga.
The latest translated Noragami manga chapters cover this issue, which is also related to why Bishamon hates Yato and Kazuma is thankful towards him. If you like I could give spoilers. 😉
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I’m reading the manga myself actually, so no need. xD
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Since you mentioned Nobunagun, it’s not a complete hijack! That show is terrific. And not just because it busts out ships named Johnny Rico and Ellen Ripley. That’s just stacking up the badassery. It just stays perfectly within itself, keeping that off kilter balance. And I think making everyone in the platoons hormone-y teenagers worked really well.
I just hope Galiko recovers.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
The only other Nobunaga I’m watching is Nobunaga the Fool.
It’s mostly in anticipation to see how they incorporate this week’s tarot card themes into each episode, which I think adds some extra depth to the writing.
That, and to see the beautiful tarot card designs for each episode. Here’s a sample for the Magician, drawn by French animator Thomas Romain for the series:
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BiLHTDKCEAA1JMh.jpg
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Me too, man. And I’m forever shipping Jack the Ripper and Nobunagun. …Because his E-genes are saying that he needs her. That line was beautiful. xD
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Vidocq SO doesn’t deserve someone as cool as Galiko. I think everyone in the first and second platoons have taken a pass at Shio, tho, with the exception of Galiko and Vidocq.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Vidocq needs to get off his high horse and visit the girl in the hospital.
Did Cyx and Hime-sama (I can’t remember her name for the life of me) ever make a pass? Or how about that fast guy?
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
That guy was such an ass for basically treating Galiko like a disposable object. Vidocq needs a serious reality check for acting like he’s above everyone else and I’m glad to see Sio put him in his place with her better sounding plan of attack against the aliens in episode 10 of Nobunagun.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
Though who even knows what Nora is trying to accomplish.
The impression I get is that the Stray wishes to have Yato as her master again, to make him go back to whom he was in ancient times. And she will do ANYTHING to make that happen, even if a few deaths are necessary.
Given that Rabou’s anime-original, the writers will need to balance his motives with that of the manga storyline to prevent continuity errors.
The show needs Hiyori, thankfully.
Plus she’s the only heroine I’ve seen who can layeth the wrestling smackdown on a stray deity…They need more heroines like this especially for otome games…
There is a manga omake which shows Yato using his artistic skills to make Bishamon-themed doujinshi, of which Kazuma is his main customer. 😛
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I’m more wondering why Nora is working with Rabo in the first place, since his goal seems to be to kill Yato. I don’t doubt that she has murderous intentions if that’s what will get Yato back.
If you’ve looked into any Quin Rose games, their heroines aren’t above physical violence against their harems. xD Though the trade off is usually that the heroines are so tsun, it’s not even funny.
If they had adapted Arcana Famiglia properly, Fel would have abused her harem more…Bahaha I vaguely remember reading an omake of Kazuma wanting to make Bishamon the middle for some AKB group. I forget the exact reason why, but it was glorious.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
Kaji Yuki ‘s portrayal of Yukine’s pain was amazing (he’s a great seiyuu in the first place, and apparently he’s getting really good at yelling).
He’s been in quite a few shows I’ve seen.
A homicidal mecha pilot in Valvrave, a homicidal alchemist in Strike the Blood, and a
young Toyotomi Hideyoshimonkey man in Nobunaga the Fool. :3Btw, is there anyone here watching Nobunaga at all? Anyone?(／ロ゜)／????
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I think Fosh is still watching that, but I dropped it after episode 2, when they busted out that horrid “zafuuul”. And the historical characters just seemed like they were going to be used terribly.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
I’m just there for the tarot cards themes, really.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
The symbolism of the tarot just floats right over my head. Just not something I’m into. 🙂
But it’s not surprising that they tried to shove that into the show too. Just too many themes going on.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
That would be Kawamori Shoji’s fault. He’s the one who wanted to make this mess, which I am still enjoying BTW.
If not for the themes, I love the tarot card art used. It’s really beautiful.
Design sketches for the Lovers card:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfDEG-oCMAE1XGS.jpg
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
PS. There are some pretty sexy scans for Nobunaga.
http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=5027621&postcount=744
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
I made it through ep. 3. the historical characters just became a horrible mish-mash. Nobunagun uses them much better and explains why so many figures out of different historical periods are together.
*grumble* damn computer problem won’t let me use caps sometimes.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
The Western characters are definitely a random mashup thus far.
The Eastern characters(like Nobu, Mitsu and Hideyoshi) are more based according to their Japanese historical counterparts, although a deep knowledge of their histories are essential in understanding some of their actions.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
One of the best things about Nobunagun is how limited it is. Everyone gets a narrow power informed by their ‘ancestor’, but that’s about it. There’s also a bit about intuition (with Shio’s tactical recognition, and Jack’s reference to feeling like he needs to have Shio working on this operation), but for the most part, it’s very easy to see both the connection to the antecedent and understand what they can do with it. Some of them could stand to be explained a little more, like Cyx (apparently her power is from a legendary mongolian boy who made an instrument from a cow), but it’s not that important.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Yeah, I’m still watching, even caught up with three recent episodes last night. Since everything is practically crammed together story wise, I’m just going with the flow with little expectation. Caesar is an arrogant, pompous bastard that plays dirty with no sense of remorse and I’m waiting to see Mitsuhide explode from guilt for killing Nobunaga’s brother for the sake of him leading the clan.
Also, I’m wondering if there will be enough episodes to support all the tarot cards Da Vinci has given that it’s a 24 episode series.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
I think there will be enough episodes. 22 tarot cards are from the Major Arcana(ie the Magician,the Moon), with 2 more from the Minor Arcana(ie the Wands.)
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Yep, here. I’m happy it’s a two cour show, as it really does need more time to breathe.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I’m kind of catching up to Nobunaga. Though absolutely everyone telling Jeanne “you just don’t understand how great Nobunaga is, you foolish woman” is getting really old really fast. I’m only on episode 5 or so.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Yeah, that’s problematic. They’re all acting like the guy is so great that he has no human limitations.
POWUH: Meta Resident and Werewolf Chaser with 1270 comments
I do plan to marathon N: TF slowly. I am at the episode where they held the betrothed ceremony. I’m more or less treating it the same way I treat Valvrave (or by extension, almost everything I watch).
Kaji Yuki is everywhere nowadays…… and so is his hate brigade. I just hope he won’t voice another Shoe/Haru character except maybe AW S2.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
I post detailed discussions of each episode’s tarot themes on weekly posts of Nobunaga the Fool on the Randomc anime blog, so check them out if you are still confused on tarot meanings!! 🙂
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
…This is close enough to being an arm injury, right?
He was covered in hideous phantom eyes; thou not injury-to-arm, it’s much worse! So much worse? And he was turning into something ugly.
All in all, that was great teamwork from Team Shiki!
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
There was an eye on his shoulder. I don’t know if this is close enough to qualify or not.
Yay teamwork!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Exactly how many Winter animes on your list have you been catching up? I’m watching as much as I can and immediately go to the ones I like. For example: D-Frag!, Hamatora, Noragami, Nobunagun, Sekai Seifuku: Bouryaku no Zvezda, Gin no Saji S2, Witch Craft Works. You were watching Mushibugyo, as well? Good to know because I found it was an awesome yet underrated series and the story really kicked up on the 9th episode. Those who dropped it at the first few episodes are really missing out.
After what Mayu explained about what happened to her fellow Regalia, Daikoku was right to bar them out when he did. It was self-preservation for him and maybe even Kofuku. There are few ways to remain pure but countless to become corrupted. I’m still torn in two about Yukine’s attitude as he was halfway selfish but he’s lucky there were people around for him. That purification looked painful, especially with all the screaming. I imagine it was like being stabbed repeatedly with an ice pick.
Episode 10 showed in a form of proof that people are more drawn to negative things than positive. Yato, who does frivolous work no one would willingly lower themselves to do, is getting no recognition but someone like Rabo who suddenly showed up out of nowhere, carrying out obscure requests is getting notice almost like wildfire. Nora is being a real bitch tormenting Yukine and Hiyori, all because she can’t have what she wants. Hopefully she ends up with a fate fitting for her transgressions.
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Uhh, I’m mostly caught up with 12 of them and I’m working on 15 more~. I watched Mushibugyo to about episode 13 and then marathoned the rest after it finished airing. I think I like Nobunagun more though, since Jinbei kind of rampaged around while the E-Gene holders seem to have more strategizing going on.
Heheh he is quite worried about Kofuku, isn’t he~. Though Daikoku, Mayu and Kazuma all seem pretty strong. That one shinki was corrupted after only hearing about Yukine. Those three managed were up close and personal with him. Yukine’s a way better person for this now though, so it was (probably) worth it.
Yato was probably more popular in the period when he killed people too. …If the rumours are true, anyways. I’m sure that gaining popularity is part of Rabo’s plan.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Mushibugyou got just too straight up Shounen Power!!! for me. Nobunagun is avoiding that so far.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Episode 10 left me reeling but I guess it was kind of keikaku from Nora, whatever her plan is. Also, a very well-played Yuki Kaji character after a long time. Kudos to this guy really.
Overall, without reading the manga (I’ll do that after anime ends), I am enjoying Noragami a lot with all its twists and turns. Plus is always the seiyuu cast and moments of Hiyori beating up Yato. My favourite from 10 was: