Sorry for the bad title, but the entire episode screams like that! Anyways, previously on Ookami-san and her Seven Companions, Ryoko was kidnapped, Otogi Bank members where scrambled in various areas thanks to those Onigashima students and Ryoshi is training. That’s the previous episode in a nutshell.
Because of this, the Bank decided to storm again, Onigashima to save Ryoko who is being held captive by Shiro. Therefore, the awaited battle between the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing and the Hunter commences in this episode.
The entire episode was not as good when they raided Onigashima for the first time. Aside from the fact that the first episode they raided the said school alluded to the tale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, Ryoko’s reencounter with Shiro was brilliant, and that moment was something that is priceless.
Even though it is not as good as the first one in terms of the raiding (All of them in proper gear, etc.), this episode has some points that made it unique from the first Onigashima raid episode.
The party. A monk, an archer and a red mage.
First, this is a Rescue Ryoko episode, with Ryoshi “leading” the rescue. This episode has a lot of moments where Ryoshi shines on his own not as Ookami’s wingman, but as Ookami’s protector, I think the better term is Prince Charming minus the white horse.
You want Otsu-senpai to wear Shana's uniform? *Faints*
Second, the Bank being separated at first was fun to watch. This where we see each member of the Bank in their “best”, we saw President being a master of disguise being useful in saving Alice and that loli rabbit. We saw Majo’s craziness is something when she saved Otsu from those Onigashima students who want to see more Otsu. By more Otsu, her in various outfits… same case with Majo.
The party has arrived.
The Tonda Brothers casting Break?
About the President, this is when we say that his deduction abilities and his foreseeing skills comes into good play. To those who remembered, in the previous episode, he decided to have a 30% discount in every request that are asked to them. This is when those request came into good use. Seeing the Tonda Brothers and Momo and her servants in this episode was awesome… and in some point it screamed Final Fantasy reference to me!
Third, we learned that Shiro is a little “crazier than usual.” In short, he has some sadistic tendencies… like the Joker, which makes him my instant favorite character.
The fight between Ryoshi and Shiro was a little rough in terms of animation considering that this is JC Staff and the fight scenes in Shakugan no Shana, even if it involves mystical elements, it still runs smoothly. However, since this is the first time I saw a regular fistfight between two guys in a JC Staff title, I forgive them.
In this episode, we learned the reason why Neko is training Ryoshi. He is one of those people that Ookami saved but he ran away. Because of this certain feeling of being filth, he decided to train himself to be stronger. Wow. What a weird motivation! But Neko’s revelation gave me an idea on what if Ryoshi was scarred to protect Ryoko or be her wingman.
Overall, the episode was good. The fight between Ryoshi and Shiro was not that satisfying aside from it being short and we never had the chance to Shiro’s abilities in its full potential. The entire episode gave me an impression that this is not the last time we will see Shiro since he already started the fire against the Bank.