From Episode 1 to the last episode, it only reveals half the story of why Hyoma is sent to live with Nagatsuki. The pre-credit scene in this episode never shows what is to come. It only shows the disagreement between him and Nagi, followed by the invitation. I do not expect there would be something more than healing Hyoma and matching Botan with him. However, as new information becomes available, events begin to shift.
The invitation with two new Tsukumogami characters, Kai and Itsuki, is intriguing. It reveals Hyoma’s stay in Nagasaki is not just to help him fulfill Botan grandfather’s wish. There is more to it. It gives a bigger picture of what the Saenome and the Tsukugami are seeking. It also reveals more about Botan. She appears to be more than what she is, as Kai expresses it in a dialogue.
The defeat of Hyoma is unexpected. It never occurs to me that he would get defeated. Even when one of the talismans is half burned, I do not see that there are some Tsukumogami who are more powerful than him. The repeated pattern of sealing them in no time suggests that he is able to beat them again, but I was wrong. It catches me off guard when he faces two Tsukumogami who are looking for him.
That said, I do not understand why the Saenome locks Kai up just because he is too powerful, but report to him about recent situations. Is he a threat to the living land, such as by killing humans or using his power to work with criminal corporations or take over the land? There appears to be more to the story about them barricading him in.
Also, why does the Saenome have to report to Kai? What is the point, even though both parties agree with the term? Do they look to him for assistance when they are unable to resolve certain issues? Based on his conversation with Haori, Kushige, and Zohie Kunato, it is clear he is not a fool. He reads their minds pretty well and warns them about Botan.
Overall, this episode is great. I look forward to seeing what happens next. It has a mystery to it, even though the term between Saenome and Kai is puzzling. The fight that Hyoma experiences indicates that his character is still developing. He still has much to learn about the Tsukumogami world and his strengths and weaknesses.
Rating: 8.5/10
| Characters, Season 1 Episode 5 | Cast |
| Hyoma Kunato | Takeo Ootsuka |
| Botan Nagatsuki | Yuuki Takada |
| Zohie Kunato | Hiroshi Yanaka |
| Kagami | Aimi Tanaka |
| Nagi | Chikahiro Kobayashi |
| Haori | Miyuki Sawashiro |
| Yu | Reina Ueda |
| Suzuri | Yoshiki Nakajima |
| Kushige | |
| Kai | Taiten Kusunoki |
| Itsuki | Azusa Tadokoro |
| Aogi | |
| Umekichi Kadomori | Shinya Takahashi |
