Random Curiosity

「真実ノ絆」 (Shinjitsu no Kizuna)
“True Bonds”

Following the collapse of Teito Tower and the conclusion of this second season, the “to be continued” message at the very end left the door open to a possible third adaptation.

「乱戯ノ塔」 (Rangi no Tou)
“Tower of Confusion”

I almost thought I was watching The Tower of Druaga again when Minaka announced that Minato had sixty minutes to get to the top of Teito Tower. The difference was, it turned out to be frantic race up 108 floors that they had to climb using stairs alone.

「祭ノ準備」 (Matsuri no Junbi)
“Festival Preparations”

I can’t quite make head or tails of Izumi’s true intentions given how he manipulated Uzume yet gave Minato the 72GB memory card containing all the data on Chiho’s condition, but I’m still leaning towards the idea that he’s up to no good.

「果ツル空」 (Hatsuru Sora)
“The Sky that Ends”

Oh my. I asked for some development on the Uzume/Chiho front, but I didn’t mean this drastic turn of events!

「閑話弐題（鶺鴒診断／鶺鴒余暇（りぞーと））」 (Kanwa Ni Dai (Sekirei Shindan / Sekirei Yoka (Rizooto)))
“Two Small Talks (Sekirei Diagnosis / Sekirei Leisure (Resort))”

In the first half of this mini prequel to the series, all the Sekirei get called in for a routine physical check-up where fighting is prohibited. All this really means though is that we get to see them strip down and get their measurements taken. Being a DVD/BD bonus episode, everything was completely uncensored as well.

WARNING: Nudity ahead. NSFW.

「数多ノ絆」 (Amata no Kizuna)
“Multitude of Bonds”

Now that Minaka’s new two-week rule is in effect, battles between the lesser known Sekirei and Ashikabi have become a nightly occurrence. What this translates to is new Sekirei being defeated just as quickly as they are introduced, just to advance the overall plot.

「草ノ遊戯」 (Kusa no Yuugi)
“Playing in the Grass”

After one episode of flashbacks, this most recent one was almost entirely invested in setting up the Sekirei Project under Minaka’s new rule. In short, it was his way of saying go out there and kill some other Sekirei or the M.B.I and its Disciplinary Force will come by to kill yours.

「遠イ物語」 (Tooi Monogatari)
“Distant Story”

Gather around, it’s story time! A lot of it wasn’t really new story as far as the anime is concerned though, seeing as the discovery of the crashed spaceship on Kamikura Island after it mysteriously appeared in the Sea of Japan was mentioned back in episode seven of the first season.

「婚グ言葉」 (Kunagu Kotonoha)
“Marrying into the Family”

“Flame Sekirei GET!” is probably what Minato is thinking again with the way he’s snagging Sekirei like they’re Pokemon.

「炎の鶺鴒」 (Honoo no Sekirei)
“The Flame Sekirei”

All Minaka had to do was tell existing Ashikaba that there’s fresh meat out there for the taking to get them to come in droves, but it’s kind of concerning how there’s no regard for what gender Homura is as long as he’s seen as “free goods.”

「最後ノ一羽」 (Saigo no Ichiwa)
“The Last Bird”

While I don’t follow the SEKIREI manga, it’s probably worth noting that this sequel is adhering pretty close to the source material and quickly approaching the extent of what’s been released.

「風ノ答エ」 (Kaze no Irae)
“The Wind’s Response”

After the “Kazehana GET!” from Minato in the preview last time, it’s no surprise that he adds the Wind Sekirei to his collection this episode. What was a bit of surprise was how he won her over, by doing whatever he could to try and protect her.

「風立チヌ」 (Kaze Tachinu)
“Restless Wind”

The start of this sequel is focusing a lot on Benitsubasa’s grudge against the ass-kicking she received at the hands of Yume at the end of season one, and I’m loving every minute of because she’s proving to be good comic relief.

「静ナル予兆」 (Shizu Naru Yochou)
“A Quiet Omen”

Today marks the start of the normal broadcast of the SEKIREI sequel, which had an early broadcast premiere almost three weeks ago like I mentioned before. As I was busy working on the Summer 2010 Preview at the time, I purposely held off for the cleaner screen captures that you see here.

I just thought I’d chime in here with the new opening and ending sequences for one of the upcoming summer shows, SEKIREI ~Pure Engagement~. As a sequel to the first adaptation back in 2008 which I covered, my plans are to watch this given how open-ended things left off. The “to be continued” message then let us know that we’d be in store for more, so here it is three weeks in advance with a special early broadcast premiere of the first episode. Interestingly enough, it also featured cast commentary as well. Anyway, I haven’t actually gotten around to watching the episode in full yet — hence why there’s no full post about it — but here’s a sneak peak to provide an area for discussion about it.

On a separate note, I’ve been busy working on the Summer 2010 Preview in the past couple of days and all I can say is that it’ll be ready “soon”. I’ve actually let coverage of my shows slip in favor of spending more time on it and getting it out early, so please look forward to it. Now I just need to get through the four Sunday shows I put on hiatus yesterday…