Check out last week’s episode nine review here.
Poor Hyakurin.
I really liked her character a lot. Is there a reason women can never win in this anime? Despite the time period – it always seems like doom and misfortune befall the women minding their own business. Meanwhile you have scum like Shira wandering around barefoot smelling daisies and plotting murder.
Hopefully Rin remains vigilant out in the wilderness. It’s great she is fishing for crawfish and lapping up the sunlight but Shira is coming for her. No telling what he’ll try to do. Thankfully, Manji and Magatsu are leaving the city and on the trail. I’m not sure if I should be upset or happy that Manji will most likely be coming to Rin’s aid yet again.
Not that I want her to die, but it would be interesting to see how she planned on surviving on her own. You know, without the prospect of Manji rushing in at the last moment to save the day. Who knows, though? I thought Hyakurin was invincible, and we all bore witness to the tragedy that befell her. I’m glad we got the flashback concerning her past.
I thought her kids were dead, but it turns out only one is. Hyakurin had twins, and the girl was banished because her husband was too macho to raise a daughter. So instead, he worked his son to the bone and then when the child faltered – he cut him down. That would make anyone go crazy. Or I should say rather, lose touch with reality. It explains why she is portrayed as such a gentle woman, who warned Rin about the samurai.
Was Rin listening to the sound advice? Only time will tell.
I also thought Hyakurin was a natural blonde, but can understand why she bleached her hair out. She couldn’t get her child’s blood out of her clothing. It was probably in her hair as well. Instead of washing what wouldn’t psychologically fade out, she just bleached the entire head of hair. A blank slate, a new beginning.
Who would recognize her now?
The entire Shinriji thing was admittedly a bit weird, but it would have made Hyakurin happy. Even if he was projecting the image and love of his mother onto her. Hyakurin knew this, but it was a chance to be happy. Something to look forward to after working off their debt together. A new start with a man who had shown her kindness.
All to be taken away in an afternoon. When they were already leaving, but were dawdling for some reason. Had they left just a bit sooner, maybe Shinriji would still be alive. Maybe the two would have made it until their contract was up. Maybe it would have been better to kill Shira when they had the chance.
With the exception of the two seemingly decent members Kagehisa and (formerly) Magatsu, I am glad the Itto-ryu is dropping like flies. They are such a nasty bunch of people.
Would it be wrong to say Kinuka’s death brought a smile to my face?
Man. I need to process this episode, so I’m going to end it here. I am still rooting for Rin, but I don’t think she is strong enough to survive what Hyakurin just went through. Let’s pray she doesn’t meet even a fraction of that particular fate.
What do you think of Hyakurin’s backstory? Is love impossible in Edo period Japan? Why does Manji always have to save the day?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Mugen no Juunin episode reviews!
次の巻: The Dynamic Duo Departs
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