[NGW]

Episode 34 of Hibiki (Note: I am writing this as I watch the episode so as I go on I may touch back on things I previously mentioned in the post)

For starters, I really didn't care for the new opening. Maybe it's because I've grown attached to the one we had for the last 33 episodes, or maybe it's just because that one fit the show so much better, I dunno, but I was not fond of the new intro at all.

That said, the episode itself wasn't all that bad. I actually really dug the relationship drama between Todoroki and Hinaka. The phone call she made to him when Ibuki was fighting with the douji and hime, especially with her reaction afterwards...that was really well acted and it kinda resonated with me. Nothing tear jerking, but it felt like a genuine piece of human emotion.

At least at this point in the series the violence doesn't seem to have been toned down too much, what with the makamou stabbing Hibiki in the shoulder, with blood at that.

The bit of conflict between the douji and hime was interesting as well, kinda unexpected given the way they'd all been so in synch prior to this. Clearly a result of the experimenting, I'm sure more will come of it.

Todoroki being so clumsy in the fight with the makamou did feel a bit off to me. I know he's never been the greatest fighter, and he's always been sorta awkward, but generally speaking he's managed to hold himself rather well when transformed, so him dropping the ongeki just didn't feel right. I mean I guess it can be attributed to carryover from the night out he had with Hinaka, and the stress of his current situation, but if this ends up a recurring issue then it'll bother me more.

And now we have him talking with Hibiki about the fight and it is brought up that what happened was unlike him, and Todoroki confirms my suspicion that it's because of what's going on with him and Hinaka.

Asumu's stories typically mirror what's going on with the oni in some way, so with Todoroki's drama with Hinaka so to do we get relationship woes with Asumu and Mocchi. And that I am rather thankful for. I'm all for the platonic boy-girl relationship, but at the same time this is a relationship I could realistically see growing and I am glad that they have taken this opportunity to kinda address it a bit more (as I know it's come up in past episodes). This is also something I know most of us, and certainly a lot of the target demographic, can relate to. I just wish the other love interest for Mocchi didn't have to be fucking Kiriya -_-

Having Hibiki kinda house sit for Asumu was nice as well. I always enjoy seeing their relationship develop and this pushes that a bit further, making Hibiki into even more of a father figure for Asumu.

Forgot to mention earlier, this episode brings up a bit more characterization with Akira. Not sure I'd necessarily call them doubts, though it definitely had that feel to it, but her bringing up a feeling of stagnation with how long she has been essentially glued to Hibiki's side but still hasn't really progressed beyond that. I can't recall if it is said how long they've been together, but Todoroki was under Zanki for I believe a year or two and he's already become a full-fledged oni, admittedly his master chose to retire, which pushed him up a bit quicker, but Todoroki was still transforming prior to that. She does have a bit of a point I suppose.

Kiriya running off to watch the oni again. Definitely a bit off-putting. I get that they want us to feel his interest, that longing he seems to have or whatever, but the way he just follows and follows and stares from behind cover, it's kinda stalker-ish and I don't like it.

Armed Hibiki continues to be a pretty badass upgrade form.

And...what the fuck, where is my Shonen Yo closing credits? For the love of, please tell me that this is not the norm now, I absolutely loved having that at the end of each episode.