House of Five Leaves 6

Oh god......................THE HAIR!

“You just say whatever comes to mind, don’t you?” Masa is such a great character! He’s one of those protagonists that get scared, but don’t let that hold them back plus he’s an honest, nice guy. I wish for his happiness, going up against a guy with a knife holding a pair of chopsticks is pretty boss. Also, he was still sick so that is pretty damn impressive. Masa with his hair down was kawaii enough, but when Yaichi showed up and he got all excited before running off saying he’ll change, well then I become positive that in a previous life Masa was a girl voiced by Noto Mamiko.

Metal Chopsticks > Wooden Chopsticks

Summary:

Yaichi still hasn’t visited Masa, so Ume draws him a map and tells him to go at some point. Senkichi is still getting pushed around by Denshichi who is taking the money from Ume, but tells him that he’s still going to make him join the gang. Senkichi cries to Ume about this but also leads Denshichi to Ume. Denshichi was curious as to how Senkichi was getting the money, but Senkichi lies and says that it is from the Elder, all of this is overheard by Matsu.

Matsu, kowai!

Ume is pissed when Senkichi tells him and instantly runs to the Elder’s place. Denshichi has already shown up however and tried to cut the Elder when he called him a brat, however Masa protected him taking a large cut to the forearm. Otake who was also there gives Masa his sword and Masa quickly disarms Denshichi right as Ume shows up. Ume pushes Denshichi into a post and while they are arguing Senkichi sneaks in and stabs Denshichi from behind with a kitchen knife.

HERP DERP![/insidejoke]“]Senkichi apologizes to everyone for all the trouble he’s caused saying he should have done that to begin with. He says that he’ll leave Edo and take his family with him, freeing Ume in the process. The Elder gives Senkichi money and apologizes for causing him hard times. Ume bows to Masa for protecting the Elder but is worried that Denshichi told his gang buddies. Otake says that Yaichi and Matsu are already working on that and will find out soon. Masa says that Yaichi and Matsu were acting out of Ume’s best interest to which Ume gives him a quick lesson; that while some things are obvious, they are better left unspoken.

Masa is learning how to sense the mood...

Thoughts:

I like how this show will go until someone says the title of the episode before showing the title card. I find it really funny when the show is starting to get into its rhythm and then someone says a line which promptly appears on the screen with the episode number. It sounds annoying but it’s actually a nice touch. The character designs are starting to blend for me though; it was bad enough last week when I thought that Senkichi was Matsu, but this week when the other old guy showed up I thought that Elder had a twin. I think that Yaichi is the only truly unique looking character, Ume is pretty good too.

ARGH! They even smile the same!

This episode didn’t feel very big to me. What I mean by that is that it felt like the story hasn’t progressed at all. This is a false feeling though since we reached the end of Senkichi’s story and got a teaser at the end of the episode that Elder knows Yaichi’s true identity but I can’t shake the feeling that the story hasn’t moved since Masa caught Edo’s disease. This gives the thought that the story relies on Masa and because he is stagnant the story also is, which is quite true, but in reality I am probably being touchy.

Time to turn on BAMF mode!

Okinu was great this episode, while Otake hasn’t had any real character development Okinu has small moments throughout the episodes that make her an unintentionally funny character. My favourite part of this episode (other than OF COURSE the flowing hair) was when Okinu figured out what her Dad used the kidnapping money for, her voice was both grateful at the kind of person her Dad was, but also pissed that he didn’t tell her. Okinu is a very sly young woman and Ume having to lie down afterwards was hilarious: “You’ll catch a cold if you sleep there, Otou-chan.”

Obligatory Yaichi picture.

Hopefully next episode has some character development, I can’t imagine it won’t but this episode didn’t have any, and that’s probably why I felt this way about this episode. Also, I support Masa x Okinu though we all know that Masa only lets his hair down for Yaichi. Another thing about this episode is that it took place almost completely indoors; I really like the outdoor art in this show so I hope they take a damn walk next episode. Speaking of next episode it looks like the return of the Samurai who smells of Sunflowers so we might finally find out who he is. After the mention of a returning gang leader this episode he may well be that leader, though my money is still on the authorities though.

/ 4 Commentsleave a comment /

• Kyokai says:

  May 31, 2010

  Dear Masa, please start acting like a samurai that you are rather than a flustered uke! >.> But I have to admit he sure looked cute with his hair down. The brief action was refreshing yet I'm interested to know from where the Saint knows Ichi?
  .-= Kyokai´s last blog ..Durarara!! – 20 =-.

  Reply
  • Flags says:

    June 2, 2010

    Kyooooooooooo-chaaaaaaaaaaan! Finally someone replied………..I was beginning to think that no one liked me or this show anymore!!

    Reply
• Kyokai says:

  June 2, 2010

  Awww! I like the show and your quirky reviews so stop feeling sorry about yourself! =P

  Also, your intro of Youjohan has sent me on a bend to watch it. Finally the subbers have released a version 2 after an unsynced audio release. >.>
  .-= Kyokai´s last blog ..Yojou-han Shinwa Taikei OP Single – Maigo Inu to Ame no Beat =-.

  Reply
• Noornhn says:

  September 13, 2010

  I LOVE Sarai-ya Goyou! And you reviews are delightful to read :) Yay Masa!

  Reply