Yes, I admit defeat. think they can be a decent pair, comparable to Masako and Naru. That’s all I can say. The expression of Mai, as well as the smile on Naru, just makes it work. This episode is the concluding arc for the curse of the school.
Will everyone die?
Episode summary
We had the disciplinary master (DM, because I refuse to call that bastard’s name) dissing them and asking them to leave, only for Naru to tell him that he was the one that the Kokkuri was attempting to kill. He reacted with shock, as Lin explained how his name was written in an ancient language and the age of the DM (53) was written in Kanji. Lin actually asked if Naru understood it but Naru said he did not really know Kanji well, with Naru explaining that such a charm could only be created by someone who knew what he was doing.
The DM immediately accused Sakuachi to be the victim as he asked why he would be cursed. Yasuhara said that it was because the teacher symbolized what the school was all about: treating students like dogs and punishing those that did not conform to their ideals. We then saw a flashback of DM tearing apart Sakuachi’s occult book, telling him to read his textbooks since those occult books were a waste of time.
Naru said that the person who cursed DM would not be able to reverse it as Naru asked Lin if there was any solution. Lin said the only way would be to return the curse onto the people who had cursed him. If they were to allow the spirits to consume each other, the only fate waiting for DM would be a totally gruesome death as Naru said that he could not watch a man die without doing anything. The DM started laughing cynically, saying that he should not need to die. Naru then added that the person who set the curse was dead but it was not him but the unknowing student population who actually made the curse.
Hence, by attempting to reverse back the curse, the whole student population might be sacrificed but Naru proposed in theory that with the curse spread among the whole student population, the damage would be much less. Mai immediately was enraged, saying that the students did not know that they were cursing with it but Naru said it did not remove the fact that they were the ones to do it. Mai said she hated Naru but Naru remained non-committal, simply asking Lin to be prepared. Mai rushed out of the room, as she knew that Naru was right but it was still too painful since the students were not the ones who did it knowingly. She wanted to stop them but Lin’s car had left the building.
At night, Mai tried to get rid of the spirits herself but nearly got herself killed by the swarms of spirits appearing. In the nick of time, Bou-san rescued her out as he screamed at her for her reckless action as she was nearly killed if he had not been on time. She apologized as she regretted making everyone worry because of her. The next day, Masako could not sense anyone at all in the school as they saw all the students gathering at the hall.
Lin was preparing his ritual for transferring the energies as Mai once again tried to stop Lin. Naru told her to stop, saying that it would distract Lin and saying all the stupid things. Mai continued her tirade, saying that all the students were in the hall, not knowing what would become of them but Naru dragged her out, leaving Lin alone.
As they got out, Mai said what would be achieved if all the students were killed, calling Naru a murderer. She continued that Naru did not care who died as long as he solved the issue while Bou-san dragged her away under Naru’s orders as Naru re-entered the room where Lin was preparing. As they went to a staircase to wait, Bou-san told Mai that Naru had never failed them in any situation and then told her to trust him that he would do everything possible to protect the students. Bou-san then assured Mai that he was also worried for Yasuhara, as a teary Mai accepted it.
The ritual was over as Naru and the rest came out, with Mai rushing over to the hall where the students were. We only saw a huge amount of voodoo dolls that were broken with the names of all the students in the school. Naru instructed everyone to check for the dolls that were broken and give a phone call to the people with unbroken dolls to make sure that they had never played Kokkuri. Mai came out, seeing Naru as she asked why he could not do a doll just for DM. Naru said 600 dolls would be able to sustain the curse compared to a single doll, and he did not want to tell them because Lin was not sure if he could succeed.
Naru apologized to Mai for all the horrible things he said, as he acknowledged that Mai was a very caring person who always thought of others. Mai started to blush, saying that Naru always stole the good stuff since she was intending to apologize first. Without saying anything, Naru simply smiled, leaving her in deep shock. At the end, Mai thought whether Sakuachi was glad or disappointed that the curse did not transpire but hoped that it was the former. They met up with Yasuhara, with Bou-san asking if he was scared. Yasuhara was not worried that he would die since he trusted himself and he was way too young and good to die, leaving Mai and Bou-san in a stoned mode. They then laughed happily, with the arc ending with a good conclusion.
Thoughts
Now, the first big issue was like the lack of trust between Mai and Naru. I am personally not surprised at Mai’s reaction, even though Naru had proven himself to be a person that often chose the best option he had. A normal person, with the impending statement that Naru and Lin were about to transfer the curse to the students, would have taught that he was risking the damage on the students themselves. That is why I think that Mai had the perfect right to be angry with Naru, even though she is the only person who has voiced it out.
The others probably trusted Naru’s judgment in this issue, due to their professional approach to him after working so long together. However, Mai does not have that clear conviction of Naru’s skills unlike the others. The fact that this alternative does exist and not told by Lin or Naru makes it easy to misunderstand. I mean, even if you are not sure whether it will succeed or not, it will not kill to tell them that it was a difficult process and it might not work. Seriously, Naru do need to learn a pretty simple thing known as “explaining what you are going to do before doing it to clear misunderstandings”.
Sigh, Naru. I know you are a man of many mysteries, but try not to make us think that you are a cold-blooded murderer at the middle of this episode. It’s really bad.
Back to the start of the episode, I found this fact very interesting. Naru said he was not good with Kanji, which I thought should be a standard language for Japanese students. Correct me if I am wrong, but the indications seem to show that Naru is perhaps not educated in a Japanese school, since the communication mode is predominately Japanese (once again, I am speculating) and it will make no sense for a Japanese student to not even know basic numbers and how to read “age”. Does that mean that Naru only recently came to Japan and that he was not local?
What makes of his name then, which is distinctively Japanese and his prior knowledge of Masako in one of the earlier episodes? It really makes Naru even more interesting than he is, and Naru does not seem to have technically lied in all situations. When the DM asked Naru about his school, he did not answer it but avoided it of sorts, as though he did not want to answer it. He could jolly well say something but he kept quiet. Maybe I am inferring way too much here but it is really intriguing.
The next thing is the Mai and Naru moment as captured above in the first screenshot. I thought that the smile is a really good answer to Mai, and I bet Mai’s heart stopped for just that moment when Naru simply smiled while the gentle wind blew through his hair. What a way to attract our heroine’s attention.
To add off, this is a question that I am always curious about. What are the facts that we know about Naru? We have some discussions pertaining to the manga in animesuki but how about the anime only data?
Here’s a few to start off.
1. Naru might have PK powers.
2. He does not study in Japan.
I cannot think of any more for now so provide me with the information. Cheers! and this episode is great.
46 Comments
Maybe Naru was Japanese born but raised in another country (to explain why his Japanese is not up to par). He could be a brainiac that graduated early in a foreign country too. And since Masako’s family has connections and wealth, they might have met in a foreign country too. hmmm…
I wonder now why it is that Bosu-san is the one to always rescue or catch Mai? It happens more than with anyone else. Think about it…
yay!!!!! Mai x Naru!!!
Honestly I didn’t find this episode that exciting, but the ending was very very cute, w/ a MaixNaru moment and funny faces from Bou-san and Mai, heheh
hmm…the mysterious Naru. I was wondering if he was homeschooled, seeing how he’s Mai’s age but does not go to school, instead has a full time job. and if he does have PK powers, he isn’t supposed to use it or something bad would happen (remember when Lin found out he bent a spoon and went berserk).
What else…Naru not being able to read the Chinese characters really surprised me. I thought he was supposed to be smart, and from my understanding those are quite common in Japan. So I think your theory about him studying abroad is plausible.
About him knowing Masako, there’s clear indication that Naru had been at this job for quite some time before the beginning of this series, so maybe she helped him with something when he first arrived/got back to Japan. I don’t understand why they’re keeping quite about it, but I get the feeling that Naru owes Masako a favor.
Man your blog actually makes me THINK about these things, hehe. Never thought watching anime would involve so much thinking. It’s particularly hard w/ this show since they give you so little info to work with. I wonder if all will be explained by the end of the season.
Curiosity kills the cat. Impz, don’t think too much. Else I’ll be tempted to tell you … EVERYTHING!! haha.
I wished I haven’t known too much too. :X
But anyway, I don’t think Naru wanted to be thought as a cold-blooded murderer. Perhaps when they were first discussing about how to get rid of the curse, Naru still hasn’t got a solid idea how to go about it, and needs to discuss with Lin, which could explain his lack of explanation of his plan to Mai and gang.
And probably later on, it’s just too late to explain since they’re starting the spell. Action speaks louder than words. And he probably cannot reassure her that everything will be all right, so he kept quiet.
Remember, he is a super-confident person, so perhaps his lack of explanation shows that he can be a humble person too.
He’s just so cool!
I love the ending. He actually apologises to Mai. This shows that he is not as narcissistic or self-centered as he was thought to be. He can actually be humble. And he certainly got a sense of humour!
“To add off, this is a question that I am always curious about. What are the facts that we know about Naru? We have some discussions pertaining to the manga in animesuki but how about the anime only data?” -Impz
Good god, where should I start! Anime only is a bit harder since the anime leaves out alot of stuff from the manga. But here are a few just from what we’ve seen in the anime only.
1-Shibuya Kazuya – more then likely not his real name.
2-He can read/write English and is bad at Kanji – goes along with the probably went to school someplace other then Japan, but I believe he was born in Japan.
3-He wears all black (think about that one)
4-He’s gone out with Masako (and Impz cheers!)
5-He’s skilled at slight of hand and ventriloquism – the “pet” coin.
Epi 17 was awesome!! Yes I melted during the Naru x Mai part, had to gather myself up off the floor. I think its been the best epi so far since you really see Mai get into something with her heart. She wanted to protect Yasu and the rest of the students and wanted to strangle the sensei. I give Mai alot of credit to tell Naru how she felt.
but Naru x Mai always!)
(btw totally off topic, even though Im a huge Naru x Mai supporter, Im a closet Mai x Yasu fan since they get along so well
Glad to see Impz joined our side!!
Here’s another item for your list of things we know about Naru from the anime only. (No manga cheating from this manga-cheater this time, I promise.)
Even though Shinto is the dominant religion in Japan and even though Naru is very interested in exorcisms & the supernatural, he’s never seen a Shinto exorcism. (Episode 2) That strikes me as odd given how much interested he is in such things. From that, I think we can consider the idea that Naru hasn’t been living in Japan for too long. Another sign that he spent his childhood (or at least his teen years) somewhere other than Japan.
I think this is the episode I’m going to love the most in GH. After viewing the raw version, though I did not understand a single darn thing, I found myself loving the characters more so now than I did then. I really did not expect to like this series as much as I currently do to the point that I would actually have the opinion that GH beats OHSHC.
The GH characters are more wonderful than ever. Lin-san and Bou-san are soooo awesome! I’m getting fonder of Ayako and Masako as well. John and Yasuhara are just great! And as for Naru and Mai, I cannot find the right words to describe how very satisfied I am on how perfectly matched these two are. And yes, Naru x Mai pairing is PERFECT! I highly doubt any girl, especially Masako, can compare and compete with how Mai was in this episode when she stood up and passionately, albeit recklessly, opposed Naru that caused him to lose his calm and cool façade in the moments he dragged Mai out of the room for the first time. We all know Mai should’ve known Naru better. But I have to say, it still made everything sweeter and so much nicer in the end. The sparks between these two are subtle yet smokin’!
And in my humblest opinion which somewhat agrees with Lys’s comment, I honestly think that Mai doesn’t trust Naru any less than the other GH bunch. I think it’s because she’s overly compassionate that sometimes it becomes overwhelming and her heart gets the better of her. We all know that Mai would’ve never said such cruel things to Naru had Naru helped her focus her mind to think and told her his plan. But then again, if Naru did tell her his plan which also means he would have to tell her of what a risk it would be because Lin isn’t sure if he can save everyone, Mai would’ve still insisted they find another way because I have a feeling she wouldn’t want them all to take such a risk with 600 lives.
Speaking of firsts, Naru smiled! I thought for sure my world stopped. No wonder Mai caught her breath. One would even think the sound effect of that momentous scene would be a bell or a chorus or something. But for it to be a heavenly harp-like sound, that was very well done, and that smile was just for Mai only. I doubt Masako got any even though she had gone out with Naru on “dates.
Ok Im making a correction to my orginal post. I said I think Naru was born in Japan…Im not sure about that but my inclination is from the manga so I wont go any further. But even if he wasnt born in Japan he spent some time there since he can speak the language.
Haha I don’t care if people laugh at me too for even suspecting Yasuhara.
But he does look hot in this scene.
I must say though, Impz’s banner of Naru and Mai at the top is uber cute, like cherries on top. XD This is definitely the best story arc I’ve seen from GH. I want to see Mai squeeze out more emotions from Naru ohoho He surprises me.
My heart is bursting with happiness. ^-^
Hmm it definetely is interesting that Naru isn’t good with kanji. I agree if he were raised in Japan you would expect him to be good at reading it considering his intelligence.
Now that I’ve seen episode 14 subbed, I can add another thing to the list of things we know about Naru using only the anime information. (No manga-cheating.)
Naru doesn’t like to get involved in cases that attract mass media.
The question of course is, as it almost always is with Naru, *why* doesn’t he want to attract mass media attention?
@Rumi: Because it’s a hint for Bou-san and Mai to be together (and Bou-san will be a pedo for that 25 to 16) while Masako and Naru can have their love love~ I believe that Naru has practiced his trade overseas, meeting Masako through some networking before hand on an acquaintance level before returning to Japan.
@ohpive: Lol, I generally think a little and let the readers do the rest of it so that I can steal all your brains eventually. It’s a plot, a plot I tell you! I do not think he is home-schooled, since it still does not explain the fact that he cannot tell simple kanji characters. It just makes totally no sense unless he has no proper japanese classes.
@Lys: Perhaps. Naru seems to me as a person who finds it hard to express himself, albeit all the confidence and I think that he really has little exposure with the opposite sex, if you ask me. Hohohoh, that leaves the door open for Masako to attack!!!
@Yami: Joined what ranks? It’s only a moment of insanity that I did up that banner and have praises of them. Of course, Masako and Naru are obviously the best pair. I mean, Mai blowing her top over Naru when Masako, the great Masako simply believed in him? GOOD JOB, MAI FAILS in this instance.
*runs away from the rabid fans of Mai X Naru*
I do agree that he has a problem of expressing himself, rather than being a narcissist or anything
@13sugars: *eats the 13sugars cookie* OOPS, i eat you up, oh no! Hmm, I never thought about Mai having a traumatic feeling toward death which actually makes just a bit of sense really. I mean, I do know from experience in the previous episode that Mai is in fact very compassionate but the fact that she argued so vehemently and calling Naru a murderer is a bit out of place.
I am surprised I never thought of that possibility of it earlier and thanks for pointing that out. I am geninuely surprised by the end of the last episode and this one about the true culprits. It is perfectly amazing and I do not really see it until very late and it is perhaps a little faraway from what I expected.
Naru’s smile is bewitching for gals. I think I can see it.
@Yami: Hmm, I think that he’s japanese, born in japan but sent abroad. I do not have any logic for it though.
@Ricaryx: Hahahha, he is one of the culprits though. Hmm, Mai will eventually squeeze Naru into a kiss but Masako will rush ahead before Mai to land Naru’s lips. Masako and Naru will then get married.
*dreams*
@LKK, gah I totally forgot about that one!!
@Impz, suuuuuuure XD Well again my theory about him being fully japanese comes from what I know in the manga but I agree that he probably was raised in Japan for a little while but definitely went abroad. I need to find LKK -_-
Sugar cookies! Sugar cookies! Not me! Don’t eat me!
…Shire, Senbonzakura!
(watches all the Masako x Naru love-love comments be chopped, sliced and diced into fine sugars including Impz’s dream)
Naru will kiss and smile for Mai only. As for Masako, she’s better off with Yasuhara. Now that pairing I will fully support. ^^ (raises up the Masako x Yasuhara banner.)
And of course you can see how bewitching Naru’s smile is, that’s the girl in you, Impz. ^^
Yey! Thanks for the summary.
HAHA! Mai X Naru moment in the end had me squeeling like a fan-girl.
Overall this was a pretty good episode, I feel slightly guilty for suspecting soley Yasuhara for the crime. He’s definitel a very likable guy though.
Hmm like you said before Naru might have PK and doesn’t study in Japan.. perhaps he was schooled abroad and then came back?
I can’t wait to see this one!!! I actually started to slowly, slowly, and VERY painfully started into the manga. I am not my best when it comes to translating manga and am sure I will make my fair share of FMP! F. daikon-esque errors. Thanks for your great summaries and speculations!!! I love hearing everyones thoughts!
“As another addition to the facts we know about anime-Naru, Lin addresses him as “Naru.
Nooo Impz!! Don’t go to the other side! Not when I just discovered another Naru x Masako supporter besides me! x_x (I never owned up in forums for fear of tomatoes).
On a serious note, though: I noticed that many people have commented on Naru’s seemingly lacking kanji. According to a footnote in my version of the manga, the line of kanji in question is the sort used in Japanese literature, which not many people in Japan can read anyway, let alone someone who’s been studying abroad. What I appreciate by knowing that Naru is unable to read literature kanji is that he doesn’t turn out to be the all-knowing genius I once thought he was.
Sometimes I think I’m crazy for loving this anime so much!!! Cute banner at the top!!! To bad you’re delusional enough to think Masako belongs w/ Naru!! Mai is perfect for Naru because she balances him out. I rest my case. All objections are here by over ruled!!!^-^!!!
@13sugars: No! You cannot do that! It’s a pity I am way too rusty with photoshop, or else I will spam masako x naru banners everywhere just to annoy all ~_~. There’s no girl in me too.
@Riz: It’s ok and he is one of the culprits anyway, one out of the 600 students. It’s probably good to be thrown off by such a decent ending.
@Manda: Ya, I am always enjoying the thoughts and comments of everyone and the active discussion too here and on animesuki! Glad to know you enjoyed too!
@Briar: There is something very interesting that you noted about the nickname given by Mai. The fact is that I do not have the episode with me (yes, i am one of the few that deletes it after 24 hrs)). I do wonder if anyone else noticed this at the start because I was not really thinking when I started this series.
And it does not matter. Masako x Naru all the way!!!!! They do not need communication because they trust each other completely. *blatant ignoring any other forms of counter arguments.
@Rune: No worries!I will hold the flag up and proud. Switching to the other side is just a momentary loss of logic by me. Hmmm, well, the kanji used was simply for “age: 53″. That can hardly be anything hard. I think you misunderstood the other complicated line that is in fact not kanji, or a different form of writing for curses or literature.
@Psychic: Crazy? hardly. I am definitely not delusional in thinking Masako is great with Naru. They are clearly compatible. Someone make a doujin about the two, please!
Nah, if you mean I confused it with the Hindi bonji. The bonji only spells out the teacher’s name. The corresponding footnote in my manga (not DelRey’s btw) actually says “tousaigojuusan” = “age 53 this year” in literature kanji which I suppose are advanced forms of the everyday kanji and that’s why most people can’t read them. From what I’ve seen, the kanji for “53 years old” look nothing like them. I don’t know. Maybe a Japanese-speaking can help clear this up?
Glad to know you haven’t switched, by the way! ^^ I also think they’re compatible even if only in esthetics. And no… all doujins sold on Yahoo!JP are of the mainstream pairing, I’m afraid.
I have to admit that Mai rather annoyed me in this part of the series. ::ducks rotten tomatoes:: It’s not because she’s upset that the other students might be hurt — although I also think she gets a bit over-hystrerical with it.
What annoyed me was her total recklessness about trying to exorcize the spirits herself. I haven’t gotten that far in the anime, but from the manga, it’s clear to everyone, Mai included, that the situation was dangerous enough to cause serious physical injury. Even experienced psychics and exorcists are worried, but she foolishly runs off alone and attempts to tackle the spirits herself, when she’s complete and grossly unqualified to handle such a situation. To put it bluntly, it was an incredibly reckless and stupid thing to do.
Yes, I know that Mai tends to be impulsive and therefore that little fiasco wasn’t totally inconsistent with her character, but I still find it extremely irritating.
Okay, I frankly wanted to smack Mai for that stunt.
Sorry, but one of my worse pet peeves is the character who rushes foolishly into a blatantly dangerous situation without any real thought if she can actually do anything meaningful or whether she simply making things worse. There are some instances when I find it excusable, but not in this case.
In contrast, I don’t find Naru’s actions nearly as annoying, perhaps because secretiveness and aloofness is so much in-character for him AND he’s not acting from overly sentimental recklessness.
::pulls on flame-proof undies::
@madamhydra, I totally agree with you about psychotically impulsive characters. While Mai annoys me on many levels I have found that the reason I love this anime so much is that I have huge pet peeves about LOTS of the characters. I keep waiting for someone to tell Lin to take the stick out of his admittedly cute hind end, and for someone to tell Mai to maybe act something out in her head before her limbs move, and for an earth spirit to come and terrorize the city causing all Miko to faint from shock. But I remind myself that Mai is 15, Lin is in a Yaoi induced state of constant unsatisfied lust (joke i swear please no flame!), and that all cute nice guys are either gay, priests, monks, in a band or a combination of the four. They make me want to watch just to see what stupid, mean, oblivious, or just funny thing they do next. And I also wait for growth. Some animes have it some don’t. My personal favorite anime growth is yuya from SDK. She reminds me alot of Mai in some ways, other than we don’t know if Mai has any hidden trauma-dramas yet. I do think that to react so strongly is strange and maybe there is something in her past. We know next to nothing about her if you really think about it other than she is 15, has an ability, works part-time all the time, and has a crush on Naru.
“I have to admit that Mai rather annoyed me in this part of the series. ::ducks rotten tomatoes:: It’s not because she’s upset that the other students might be hurt — although I also think she gets a bit over-hystrerical with it.” – madamhydra
Haha I actually find Mai annoying alot of the time but I also dont like the fact that Masako is using what she has as power over Naru so thats why I support Mai x Naru
~actually if Yami had it her way itd be Yami x Naru~ xD
LOL. After listening to the previous 3 comments about Mai, I think Mai has both annoying and heartwarming traits that are both supposed to be prominent. Some might think of her as not trusting and the likes. However, can you expect someone who is not the most intelligent person (like most of us) around to actually know what in the world Naru is intending to do?
From Mai’s perspective, it is clear that what Naru is intending is probably what she thinks. As I put myself in her shoes, I will do the same thing simply because all I see is how Naru is intending to spread the curse to all 600 students. The fact that Lin was a good onmuyji should be completely out of the window in such a frenetic state.
That, I believe, will explain just a bit though I do agree mostly that her reaction is a bit too drastic but when it comes to the possibility of death, it’s possible, no? It’s always easier to see things clearly from a third person perspective (us) than first hand experience (Mai).
And Yami, come to the good side of Masako X Naru since Mai is annoying. She is not using the power, simply her charm ^_^
Hmm… Thanks for the summary.
About Naru: I don’t know if this was in the anime, but I heard someone say that all of Lin’s notes were in English. And in the first episode, Naru said he was seventeen, not a second-year. It is also likely that Naru sensed Mai’s power, or he wouldn’t have asked her to help in the first place. I mean, he said it was about the broken equipment, but he had insurance, right? Third thing, when Mai calls him Naru, he asks “What did you say just now? Did you just call me Naru? Where did you hear that?” I’m guessing thats his real name. This is supported, because when he was in the hospital, he had a personal room, and it didn’t have a name on the nameplate.
Ah, I don’t think Bou-san would be good with Mai at all, they act entirely too much like siblings. ^^
Masako x Naru is just weird. I don’t like Masako at all. I mean how old is she anyways? To already be a celebrity. However if I was her, I’d probably act exactly the same way, so I can’t really say anything.
Mai and Naru forever!
Hmm good ideas on the name. I am also very interested in that particular comment from Naru about where Mai had heard the nickname. And Lin does call him that as well. I myself, can’t see Lin calling him a potentially hurtful or even a just in fun nickname. I used to be Mai x Naru girl but after all these episodes I have changed my tune. I would like to establish the S.O.B.R.C foundation. (save our bishies from religious callings)Hmm…just realised that looks like sober, see? This is for John, Bou-san, and all the other anime bishies who already have or may think of turning away the random fangirl for celibacy vows! John is just to cute! I do think that Naru is one of those still waters run deep sort of guys, so I think any pairing will have to be hard won from the girls. I can invision him w/ Mai and Masako, they could freak us out and turn to eachother after Naru’s continued indifference though (giggles).
Out of curiosity, what does everyone think about the development of Mai’s powers and how they will affect the group? Do you think she will start making a larger contribution to solving cases, or will this be a slower sort of story-line? And my personal question of, will Lin ever be actually nice to anyone?
You should give up now Impz, come over to the MaixNaru side. Come over to the Dark Side (We have sweets!!) ^-^!!!
SAVE THE BISHIES!!!!!!!!!
I personally think that she can really help to figure out and help the team soon enough. If you overlook this episode, Mai has strongly contributed to the solving of this case, in which to find out the culprit and the method that is used. That will be impossible without the manifestation of her powers and her ability to tap into the subconscious dreams.
Honestly, I think that the gradual growth in development of her powers is really well done. I think she will start to be tapped on more, especially if she can get better with her dispelling abilities taught by Ayako and Bou-san.
Hmm, Lin is nice to Naru. *cough*
I will resist saying anything more in fear of some scary people that can be reading this.
@psychic: NO, YOU VILE CREATURE OF THE ABYSS!
*waves boxcutter at psychic dangerously*
@Impz, Hehe…yes he is nice to Naru! I really like that Mai is beginning to get stronger in her place on the team. I would like to see some more Masako spirit stuff though. When she gets really active on a case you can really figure on some scary stuff happening to everyone. I do have to admit I would exploit my Naru connection as much as possible too. She just uses the advantage given to her.
@Manda: of course, that is why Masako is so lovable. She uses any advantage she has and infuriates Mai with it for Mai to make funny faces. It’s always a good 2 in 1 deal!
(Joins Psychicotaku182’s campaign.) I don’t know about the scary people, but the Dark Side does have lots of sweets. (Hides giant spiked club like Dokuro-chan’s and presents a boysenberry pie.) Not only do we have sweets in this side, we also have amvs produced coming out in your nearest YouTube channel. You know that deep down you really, really wanna join us. ^^
Jokes aside, I definitely agree with your opinion about Mai’s powers. What’s interesting about it is that, her developing abilities are somewhat similar to that of a Medium’s.
“coughbackoffMasakocough
*Grabs Sword* Do you really want to go there? I’m an expert with my weapon. *smiles evily*. Oh by the way, Lin, HE IS MINE!!!!!!!!!!!
O_O;;;
Scary supporters and you expect me to go to the dark side, never!
However, it seems like Mai is really turning to become a medium of sorts, one that taps into the supernatural realm in the subconscious mind. It will be interesting when their opinions differ, Masako and Mai that is.
Of course, it is clear who i will support!
Wow, I just kinda support everyone. I love to hate and love good characters. I did have to stop being a shipper for my own mental stability though, so I just concentrate on the bishies. I have to admit though Lin is not very nice, I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed for eating crakers.
@psychic and 13, SAVE THE BISHIES!!!!
Never mind Impz. I’m to tierd to argue with you. Just keep blogging and I won’t have to hurt you.
LOL! ok ok. Let’s put it as a truce. Still, I am feeling a bit under the weather. =3
Mmmmm…off topic but I am moving from an intermediate Kanji learning system and need a more advance text. Anyone here reccomend one? Keep in mind I live in STL Mo. USA so choices are limited locally. I also am looking for a good beginners spoken language course. Don’t want to end up talking like John (heheh)
@Impz, I saw you are entering a doctorate fellowship, what are you planning to study? I myself am a professional student and managed to get a B.S. in English (Humanities) and a B.S. in Music L&C. I am currently looking for a good grad. school for asian studies which was my minor. If you need my email I would love to discuss different schools as I was stuck in undergrad at Mizzou which was a great school for mixed cultural interaction, but low on actual alternate cultural studies. We have a large foriegn student body but the different groups are very hard to break into. But we do have an Anime Club!
On subject. Out os curiosity how many eps are scheduled for this series and does anyone know about a second series? I have begun translating the manga and some of the plot differences are astounding as well as the amount of detail left out by the manga. What hooked me on the Anime was the seeming indifference to the norm and the manga seems to magnify that. I would say all the characters seem ttrue to form and that they only leave out the really boring andn pointless stories (MOST of the time) but I would really like to see some of these animated and if it is a short series I do not understand how they can assomplish this. I have a few japanese friends from different areas (Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshimo*) and they seem to believe that is a sleeper show and notice that is is slowly growing in popularity but is not even close to being a runaway hit. But with a steady fanbase hopefully we can continue this unusual and though provoking show.
One more question for the masses. Do you think that Naru will actually find himself with one of our heroines? The shippers aside, is the anime really headed in that direction or do you think it will just show the evolution of his character into a more extroverted person who shows his caring more easily?
I hope this comment gets read before the next summary. But I guess I can just paste into the next one.
*Pardon all spelling mistakes and inaccurasies I should be ashamed but even as an editor I am lost without my references and spell check.
I’ve just finished watching this episode and have to say I got quite emotionally involved.
I am honestly a Naru-Mai pairing fan as well so please spare any rotten tomatoes and other miscellaneous eggs, but seriously, I thought Mai went *totally* overboard in terms of her reaction (as mentioned by a previous poster) to Naru’s decision – it made sense that spreading out the damage would be a far better option.
I mean, wouldn’t leaving the curse to run have made Mai et. al partially responsible for the death of the baka-sensei in a sense? *dodges critics and the like* What if the curse had finished just then and they witnessed the 4 evil-thing-a-mi-bobs converging on that one guy, like anyone is going to be able to sleep after that – particuarly Mai.
Long and short of it – loved Naru’s smile and his intelligence (hitogana! genius!), but I definitely thought everyone was a bit *too* patient with Mai, particularly Naru – she really needed a slap on the face or *something* drastic to stop her screaming such thoughtless and mean things. At the end she even says she was ‘thinking’ of apologising ?! Surely that should have been the first thing she should have said to Naru after insulting him so many times!
I’m glad that Mai has grown-up somewhat in this episode, hopefully in future episodes she won’t be so childish, and thus would make her a better match with Naru (now that she has better deductive abilities as well as psychic ones)
p/s: Odd that about the Kanji…
Just wanted to comment on Mai’s reaction to Naru’s decision to return the curse.
Firstly, it’s not hard to see who’s entitled to more pity in this situation: the draconic idiot Matsuyama vs the students who suffered under him and his merry friends. Who would you choose?
Secondly, imho Mai’s reaction is not really not that excessive. Naru mentioned that the curse would be weakened if spread amongst 600 people. However he also told Yasuhara that he could not guaranteed whether if the curse would be weakened to the point that it would no longer caused death nor terrible misfortune (accidents, victims to violent crimes, etc) to them. Judging from the power of just one of the four kodoku “eggs”, it would be a miracle if anyone actually escaped a terrible end, after the curse-returning. Mai experienced first-hand the power of the kodoku, so we can assume she knows instinctively that for anyone to come out of it in one piece is likely to be wishful thinking.
In short, if the hitogata hadn’t worked, 600 people will be in very deep trouble and worse. Mai didn’t know about the hitogata, so all she knows is that Naru was killing or subjecting 600 people to terrible suffering. 600 unknowing accomplices to a crime they don’t know of, some perhaps totally innocent of its original intent, compared to one single despicable man who (let’s all admit it) deserves death more than they do. Can any feeling human still blame Mai for bursting her top?
Having defended her so, I must agree with you all that her attempt to do a final exorcism was a total act of foolishness, despite having Dream-Naru’s warning to stay away from the danger-spots. She was lucky that Bou-san had came for her. Heavens knows what could have happened if he hadn’t been in time, or was unable to hold them off. It’s true that desperation had driven Mai to this madness, but such is no reason for her to risk her life and more, when she had already winessed the difference in power between her defenses and the evil spirits.
I guess it is a little mix of confusion, desperation to save lives and Naru’s inability to tell that A will become B as usual.
Sigh. For one, the current arc (from episode 18 onwards) will also be exciting, ^+^
Hi, I am a little confused with the hitogana theory….I thought the hitogana itself was used for a curse i.e. whatever happens to the hitogana happens to the person? When they reversed the curse back to the hitogana, isn’t that the same as if they transferred it back to the students – doesn’t the curse still affect the students via the hitogana?
I’m actually half Japanese, and partially grew up with some Japanese background, and I know that you do not necessarily need to know Kanji perfectly to be able to read Japanese writing. Normally, if you can read the Hiragana alphabet, you are usually able to read most books or writings.
*shrugs*
Just a thought.
Omg! I looove ghost hunt.. Scares te shit outta’ me. I havent read that much but soo far its een really good… I WANT MAI-san AND NARU-kun TO BE TOGETHE!!!!!!!!
his langaue is english and moved here england to japan and there are loads of kanji symbols so he won’t know them all