[Matrixbeast]

I don't really remember why I disliked Wizard beyond the bland story and the focus on the dull Koyomi, since I've seen bland shows that I didn't dislike (Like Megaranger). I really can't recall what made Wizard go from dull to disliked for me...

Anyway, Hibiki Volume 18.
Ibuki continues dealing with the Makamou, but notices the tendril from the ground. Attacking it with his hand spikes, he pierces through it, burning his hand with the acid but also causing it to retreat. We soon learn what the creature is (A giant catfish) and that the tentacle and what I assumed was it's tongue was actually it's stomach, which explains the intense acid it had. There's no time to rest, though, as they need to kill it. After the old man gives them possible areas for it, Ibuki and Kasumi immediately give chase. While doing so, Akira is still on the move to deliver Ibuki's trumpet (Which I still have no idea what it's called. It's called both an "Ongekikan" and "Reppu" in this episode...). She's running about Tokyo, moving as efficiently as possible to deliver it. However, while running through a tunnel, she gets a massive headache as we see glimpses of the cloaked figure walking. She collapses, but is soon awoken by an old woman, and she takes no time to rest as she goes on the move again (I'm wondering where this is gonna lead us).

In the meantime, Asumu has traveled to Tachibana's to deliver the notes for Akira, but accidentally gets caught up in helping the overburdened Hinaka run the place and serve customers. Well, at least he's not as indecisive anymore

Back to Ibuki, they finally track down the Makamou (Mainly through process of elimination, since they searched every other possible area with no luck), and he attacks after a rather touching scene with him and Kasumi. He quickly finds it and the Makamou attacks with it's stomach again. He does...Decently, but is soon covered in acid, causing massive damage to his body. Hibiki finally arrives with a clutch save, hitting the stomach with fireballs and delivers the trumpet, showing that he and Midori intercepted Akira and helped the poor gal. The two attacking with fireballs and trumpet shots, the stomach retreats into the pool of water where the monster is awaiting. Despite being a monster that's weak to drums, Ibuki insists he finishes it off, and dives in. Revealing that apparently you can play a trumpet underwater, he uses his finisher, causing the shots to explode within the monster, finally winning the day.
The episode ends with a charming reunion at Tachibana's, with an exhausted Hinaka and Asumu welcoming everyone back.

T'was nice. Ibuki's resolve is pretty solid, and his interactions with Kasumi was rather nice, especially since they were childhood friends or something. Asumu's portion was rather minimal, but it was still fun. It was rather funny to see him accidentally become a volunteer just by walking into the place.
The action was pretty solid, and seeing just how damaged Ibuki had become after being slathered in acid was rough. Good to know he's so durable. Also he can play a trumpet underwater.
I'm most curious about what happened with Akira, and where that possible plot point could head.