Posted by  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
「偽の結合」 (Nise no ketsugō)
“False Bond”
Noragami Aragoto continues to move along quickly but comfortably.
A bevy of substantial developments occurred during this week’s episode that ranged from explicitly consequential to implicitly significant. Let me dive right in.
What got probably the most screen time this week was the banishment of Kazuma from Bishamon’s domain, and for good reason too. Our cunning antagonist Kuguha had been planting the seeds for this conflict for a little while now, but some unfortunate alignment of circumstances brought it on a little earlier than planned. Now, this incident is particularly intriguing because it, for the first time, presents a very clear and pointed disagreement between Bishamon and her closest Regalia.
Kazuma has clearly always wanted what’s best for “Veena,” but the presence and sentiments concerning Yato are adamant enough on both sides to incite a falling out between the two. This adds an intensive layer of intrigue to their past struggles—we knew Kazuma’s stance on Yato might’ve pissed Bishamon off, but not really to the point of complete banishment. The fact that Kazuma referred to Yato as Bishamon’s “savior” further adds to this fascination. As the discussion between Bishamon’s other Shinki reveals, the history between Bishamon and Yato is known to almost no one else, which is going to make the inevitable reveal all the more fascinating.
And how about when Yukine just lays down the truth on Bishamon. And on her own turf!!(damn!!)! I really appreciate the exploration of the God/Regalia relationships in this season, and sort of contrasting dichotomies that arise from them. It’ll be sick to see how they resolve into the main plot by the season’s end. Maybe when Bishamon—guilt-ridden for not paying proper attention to her Shinki—sees how well Yato takes care of his, she maybe softens up and makes amends with our protagonist (just a shot in the dark)?
Something I wasn’t entirely keen on was the role that that pink-haired Regalia played this episode. We caught very brief glimpses of her throughout these past few episodes, and I felt her inclusion in the episode’s climactic battle felt a bit rushed and out of place. Her sudden involvement with Kuguha doesn’t necessarily come as any surprise, but it certainly does not feel like an organic development (since we know little to nothing about her so far, including where she stands with Bishamon and how Kuguha so easily employed her). I have faith, though, that subsequent episodes will amend this issue.
Another substantial development, I think, is the hint of some significant affections shared between Yato and Hiyori. Now, I’m hesitant to use the word romance, but I don’t think it would be entirely inappropriate here. Some feelings have been very briefly and ambiguously hinted at in the past, but I feel that some of the dialogue between the two early in this episode made significant strides towards introducing and establishing something greater felt than friendship between the two. I’m not so sure how I feel about a blossoming romantic subplot suddenly forming between characters whose relationship has remained for the most part, static and meaningful enough (the words unnecessary and contrived come to mind).
However, this series has surprised me in the past (making me like a character I initially found grating, Yukine), so I wouldn’t be entirely shocked if the series goes on to convince me that this is not only a good, but necessary direction to take these two characters (change is scary). Although it could very well be the case that the episode was merely heightening the friendship between the two to make this week’s cliffhanger all the more impactful, in which case, I’ll eat my shorts.
The episode’s climactic battle was fine enough. Nothing particularly spectacular or crafty in terms of Kuguha’s schemes in abducting Hiyori, but it’s exciting to see the stakes ramped up so high by just the third episode. What I found especially intriguing was the lack of power which Kazuma held over Kuguha, and how that might be explained later on (perhaps the something to do with Nora’s involvement?).
This week’s episode makes some noteworthy and substantial developments that paint a picture for the direction of this season which I find captivating and intriguing. It spend much of its time planting more seeds and introducing more questions in ways that I didn’t entirely see coming, but find natural and interesting nonetheless. I look forward to how many of these developments will pan in the following weeks.
Preview
 |
 |
 |
Yato and Hiyori’s relationship will be further explored in the future. Right now, I think they are the main – and most likable – couple in the manga.
About this episode, I think that the pace is pretty rushed but somehow the staff behind it was able to smooth things enough to make non-manga readers understand what’s happening and didn’t skip anything important. I was expecting that Bisha and Yato’s fight would happen at least on episode 6 or 7, but w/e.
Well, if the pace keeps like this, We’ll end up seeing Show Spoiler ▼
im pretty sure this arc is ending on ep 5, with the remaining 7 eps focusing on the next arc, which is necessary because that arc is arguably more important
Both Bishamon arc and Show Spoiler ▼
arc in the same season cour?
Oh yay, that should make Noragami Aragato full of plot development and really nice to watch.
I knew sooner or later Aiha will go rogue, https://randomc.net/image/Noragami/Noragami%20Aragato%20-%2003%20-%2029.jpg
Show Spoiler ▼
https://randomc.net/image/Noragami/Noragami%20Aragato%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2005.jpg
let the blushing commence!
https://randomc.net/image/Noragami/Noragami%20Aragato%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2004.jpg
You’re doing it wrong. Snake you are not, Yato.
https://randomc.net/image/Noragami/Noragami%20Aragato%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2006.jpg
I just loved how the nice and feeling BGM after Hiyori’s words to Yato just dies out and we get this reaction to Yato climbing back into the trash can. XD
https://randomc.net/image/Noragami/Noragami%20Aragato%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2002.jpg
I am deep moved of this Picture. it is really well done. My Grats to Drawer in charge
That scene where Kazuma and Bishamon were deeply shocked with each other’s actions, my God. Their terrified expressions in particular was so powerful it left me speechless.
So, someone is whispering manipulating things in her Ear, so that both want to Kill each other? I just hope it ends soon
The anime has cut a LOT of stuff about Aiha, and I don’t think we’re getting it back. Which means that, yes, her involvement now seems a bit out of nowhere. What we’ve missed is:
Show Spoiler ▼
I’m fairly certain all of those things have come up at some point. At the very least, I (with no info outside the anime) caught on that Tsuguha replaced her and she’s bitter over that. She also mentioned this episode about some kind of medicine that Kuguha gave her before, which I assumed was a temporary fix for the blight.
They’ve all come up, yeah, but what were all originally dedicated scenes were cut and replaced with one-line exposition, which sort of diminishes their impact.
I do feel like we’re supposed to know a whole lot more about Bishamon’s regalias, but so far we only had barely an episode to even keep track of them all!
I didn’t expect Hiyori’s abduction so soon.
For those interested in the trashcan scene (it may be a bit spoilerish so I’m putting it under a tag just in case), Show Spoiler ▼
Confrontation between Yato and Aiha was short but great. It’s one of those moments when Yato shows his serious side and makes you remember that he’s not a helpless little guy and can easily kick an armed shinki’s ass even without a weapon. Nicely animated, +.
I forgot how cool Kazuma was when he put a restraint spell on Aiha and Kugaha, smashed the jar with his foot and freed Hiyori, all while shouting that they should be ashamed 😀 I loved that part.
Poor fragile Yukine. Why the hell did it have to happen to him?
I haven’t been this frustrated since…Show Spoiler ▼
https://randomc.net/image/Noragami/Noragami%20Aragato%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2024.jpg
this guy, he’s gotta go.
And i hope it’s bloody.
Or… it turns out Nora was just using him and he was expendable. Then she kills him, in bloody fashion.
This show is doing a much better job this time around of keeping me anxiously waiting for the next episode.
https://randomc.net/image/Noragami/Noragami%20Aragato%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2012.jpg
More Nora, please.
I can’t take the name Kazuma itself without thinking of Kaze no Stigma (some old anime by now -.-‘)
This episode though, I think Noragami s2 is killing me both animation-wise and story cliffhanger-wise. I can predict the story where Bishamon story had begun and what Yato did easily but I truly can’t wait for the storytelling to take me there (I haven’t read the manga, for some reason all the flashbacks have made it evident by now.)
I loved the scene where Bishamon’s shenki’s traits are mentioned, and where it goes for “please” for Kugaha. I wonder what he’s up to, but he should just die please, someone kill him please, finish him!
M
“pleasure”, not please lol -.-‘