Things that ran through my head while watching this episode:
--Not as much to say in my write-up today, because I would really just like to bask in this episode. The way that flashback of the Tokito Twins unfolds is an example of why I am so hooked on anime. That is some good angst, and it's made even better with that lighting, pacing, and vocal direction. I love the subtle changes in expressions, and the pause as Muichiro and Yuichiro just find themselves looking at each other in the silence of the night before the violence explodes. Ufotable was on their A-game. But also, none of this is original--they just read all the elements of the manga panels very mindfully, right down to all the ginkgo leaves.
--Like, seriously, seeing this episode animated just got me so much more emotionally invested in this back story than just seeing it unfold in manga panels. It took Yuichiro from "background character" to "character I feel deep regret for." He's not just crabby, he's a grieving kid who rightfully feels abandoned and desperate to hang on to what he has left, and that desperation leaves him no room to be kind or gentle--despite how deeply he cares.
--Irony time! Muichiro's favorite food is furofuki daikon--it's usually made with daikon cut into rounds like Yuichiro cut at that angry moment, and they already had a pot simmering in the background. Despite his irritated exterior, was Yuichiro nonetheless making a dish he knows Muichiro likes? In the way he talks about Amane just being out to use them because they're helpless children, it feels like a protective parent forbidding a child who dreams of being an actor from being targeted by talent scouts. It's heartbreaking that the fallout in their relationship comes from a place of love.
--I said after watching this episode before that I want an AU in which Muichiro grows up to be a sushi chef. Nah. Gyokko can the sushi artisan, and Muichiro can open a dinky takoyaki cart right outside his fancy restaurant and be way more popular.
--I love how Muichiro, powered by the desire to save Kotetsu and therefore able to free himself from the water pot, suddenly sounds more like his old little-brother self. Part of that--a lot of that--is due to being in a bad state due to the attacks he's endured. Of course you don't feel good, little dude, that's a bunch of Upper Moon Five poison in you. Not to mention you're severely injured. Still, it's so sweet to hear him sound more like little Muichiro instead of Yuichiro in his tone and cadence, especially as he recalls more about his dad.
--Another shout out to Kotetsu and Kanamori for being such troopers. Once again, I am confounded by Kanamori's timeline of when Tanjiro would have asked him to be understanding of Muichiro, Kanamori looking up Tetsuido's way of smithing Muichiro's sword because Tanjiro asked him this, and Kanamori having started and completed Muichiro's sword. The only way it works is if Kanamori works at the speed of sound and somehow the steel keeps pace with him as he smiths, or if Tanjiro for whatever reason asked him very far in advance to be understanding of Muichiro (well before Tanjiro and Muichiro had the Yoriichi Type Zero incident), or if Kanamori did not present the order of events or the cause and effect exactly as they happened. Perhaps he looked at Tetsuido's records first, and was finishing the sword when he mentioned being nervous about it to Tanjiro, and then with Tanjiro's encouragement, he got deeper inspiration from Tetsuido's notes while making the extra effort to understanding Muichiro. Whatever case, it's heartwarming that even though Muichiro & Kotetsu friendship gets more attention, Kanamori was indeed laying the foundation to be a very supportive part of Muichiro's life--this not only would put Tetsuido at rest, but it would cement how reliant swordsmen are on their swordsmiths. Also, it would simply be very nice and sweet to see Kanamori being a caring, sturdy presence in Muichiro's life.
--Also worth noting again, Kotetsu pleads with Muichiro to save Haganezuka, in order to save that sword.
--RIP for now, Kotetsu
--Gyokko is actually fun and I love how expressive he is with this unique body language, like how his little hands go to his neck once he's been cut. He acts like his pants have fallen down.
--Haganezuka is indeed very cool and handsome and no I don't think he'd have noticed if Kanamori got killed.
--This was an episode with no Tanjiro. I think the last time this happened was... the Rengoku special???
--He's there in the Taisho Secret, though, because this aired around Mitsuroi-chan's birthday! The Kamado siblings are so star-struck they really do just spend all these Taisho Secret time they can get with her. (Meanwhile, Tanjiro's only impressions of Muichiro are "He's right but he's a meanie! Though maybe he doesn't mean to be mean? Also, wow, he's impressive. Haha, he grabbed my nose! ...Uh, did he notice Chachamaru or something... is he... okay? Oh, he's flying----" so of course Tanjiro is going to be confused when Muichiro is suddenly a huge fan of him and thanking him for stuff he didn't even do.) Anyway, I happened to have just finishing eating omuraisu (omelette rice) when I watched this Taisho Secret, so tee hee, ya~y
--As usual, I had a lot to say.
--I'll just state again, THAT FLASHBACK IS SO GOOD. LIKE, DANG.
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Can we please see more of your KNY Roleswap AU?
What was his name again? That boy had a twin too, right? They were with the Kakushi, but right now, as Nezuko wiped away her sweats, she noticed that this twin was alone and wasn't in an attire like the kakushi. Instead of the brown uniform set with masks, the boy wore something resembling a slayer's. He was sitting by himself on the porch, and despite the cloudy eyes, his eyebrows were furrowing as if he was in a deep thought.
Nezuko decided to greet him.
" Excuse me. " She said with a bright smile. " Hello, I am Nezuko. "
The boy snapped out of his trance, turning to look at her. He blinked, not responding to her for a moment before nodding.
" I know you. You're the slayer that carries a demon around. "
The girl scratched her cheek, her smile turned nervous. " Guess I don't really have a good reputation now, do I? You're one of the twin right? I've seen you working with the Kakushi. "
" Yes. I am Tokitou Muichiro. " The boy introduced himself.
Nezuko took a seat next to him. " If I may ask, why are you wearing a different uniform than before? Did the fabric tear or something? I can fix it! I am very good with needles and sewing! " She patted her chest confidently.
Muichiro tilted his head, a ghostly smile on his face as he looked down to his uniform. " The Moon Hashira gave it to me. He's...a relative. " His expression dropped, a rather sad pout made with his lips. " When my twin and I were toddlers, our parents were attacked by a demon. The Moon Hashira saved us and took us in. He started to train us to become slayers but then we decided to stop halfway and instead became a kakushi instead. "
" I am not one to judge, but why stopping halfway? " Nezuko wondered.
Muichiro sighed. " My brother suddenly claimed that he didn't want to become a slayer -- he also forbid me to become one too. The Moon Hashira -- Kokushibou -- respected out decision and let us be. But I know Kokushibou was disappointed. He saw potential in me and my twin. This uniform was a handmade for me when I become a slayer. It didn't happen, but I am wearing this right now because my kakushi uniform got dirty and is currently being hung under the sun. This is the only one clothing I have for now. "
" I see. " The dark-haired girl hummed. " So...since you went along with your brother, I guess you didn't want to become a slayer? "
Muichiro flinched, a single sweat dropped. He bit his lips and looked away, earning a suspicious look from Nezuko. She leaned forward a little, trying to get a better look on the boy.
"...You want to become a slayer? "
With hesitance, and very slowly, Muichiro nodded, glancing at her from his shoulders.
Nezuko frowned. " Then why didn't you say anything to your brother? To Kokushibou-san? "
" It's...not that easy, Nezuko. My brother -- Yuichiro -- I know that he means well and he always takes care of me...but he has a rather violent reaction. I am sure he would be angry if he knows that I am still willing to become a slayer. "
" Have you try talking to him? "
" I shrunk at the high volume of his voice whenever he yells. "
" Well, this is unfair to you! " Nezuko huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. " If your brother can't even listen to you, then I am going to make him! "
Muichiro's eyes widened at the sight of the girl going to her feet, a stern expression on her face as she placed her hands on her hips. He unconsciously grabbed the sleeve of her shirt, tugging her back down.
" I don't think that would be wise. " He reasoned, still surprised at how she immediately decided to face Yuichiro to defend him.
Nezuko turned, slipped her hands around the boy's hands and held it firmly. " If it's not me who do the talking, then you will! You have a voice to defend your right! It's the heart that drives the people, Muichiro. If your heart tells you to follow the path of being a slayer, then follow your heart! "
She patted his shoulder encouragingly. " You can do this! I wish you good luck! All right, I need to go back to training or Douma-san will hunt me down. See you again, Muichiro! Oh, and if your brother still refuses to listen to you, then tell me and I'll go straight to him."
The girl turned and walked away. Muichiro stuttered a little and stumbled in his steps as he stood up. " Wait! W-What will you do if you have to go see my brother? "
Nezuko turned around. " I'll make sure to talk some sense into him! Everyone has the right to voice out their opinions. You have the right to decide what you want to be, Muichiro. You can be whatever you want to. No one else should tell you what you have to be. Just you. "
When she gave him a smile, it was as if the air was knocked out of his lungs. Is it the lighting? She looked as twice as beautiful than the first time he saw her. Muichiro felt his neck getting warmer, noticing there was an increasing beating of his heart in his chest.
" Take care! " Nezuko waved her arm, disappearing into a corner.
Muichiro looked down to his uniform, his hands twisting the fabric in his grips. He closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. One last deep inhale and exhale, he opened back his eyes and a flash of determination were seen in his eyes.
Time to seek Yuichiro.
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