[TF RyuShin]

It's a shame that the reception for ep 37 were not that high. For all its sake, ep 37 is simply a plot episode or an episode solely to progress or move the characters to the next phase. That being said, all of the moments in that episode were all *chef's kiss*. Ranging from Aruto doubting his believe in technology, Yua started reconciling with Fuwa, Ai-Chan still the best talking partner, Gai being stomped again for the Xth time, and the cherry on top was Fukuzoe bringing Aruto back to his sense. Those were all good but maybe a spreading it to an episode or two would be even better. That's asking too much for that time's condition, tho.

Episode 38, on the other hand, saying it was a masterpiece would be an understatement. I don't think I need to elaborate it much more; Die, TheRaizin and the others have given their thoughts thoroughly. The scene between Gai and his pet robot dog, Thouser, might not be as effective for me, unlike with the others. Still, I can't help but feeling a fuzzy warm after seeing Gai reunited with the Izu-equivalent for his side. There's some sort of relieve and glad in just seeing Gai be honest and make peace with himself and the others. Gai was pathetic, yes, especially in the last couple of episodes. But I'm glad the first ever victory Gai have earned in the series was not gaining triumph over Aruto, but simply gained back what he had lost and needed the most.

The decision for redeeming Gai will always be a hot take and conversation no matter what. I must prefix this by saying Gai's redemption was held back a bit by Takahashi's insistent to depict Gai as the most horrible prick and Sakuragi Nachi was too effective in portraying Gai as horrible as possible. I'm in Switchblade's boat in which I'm also ambivalent whether I like the decision to redeem Gai. Do I want to see Gai being kicked in the ass for the Thousandth time and give him the most horrible death like Kusaka? I firmly say Yes. But man, I DO love the decision that Takahashi and the others made by salvaging Gai back from what we thought a point of no return. Maybe deep down in our hate for Gai, we also dearly love him as much as we hate him; not unlike Gai's love for Hiden Intelligence.

NB: A bit of hot take, but Yamashita is the best source of comedy in the show. He made me cracked a smile whenever he's on scene. For those who love Onari, Shunpei or Akiko, Yamashita is a much better source of laugh for me.