[Enchilada645]

Despite my apprehension the last several weeks. This episode was actually... good?

Courtroom drama's are neat, we've got some nice guest actors this time. Though it's a shame that Aruto got suckered into this like, even Izu warned him. But it has to be a win for them otherwise we wouldn't have another contest after this based on episode descriptions.

Like the bad parts were mainly just... Thouser, he's the only one not doing anything for me. I can only watch a man Jacking Break so many times until it gets boring. Granted it seems like even the Ark is done with Gai's shit given the ominous glowing on Shining Assault before the episode ended.

That being said, I'm kind of hoping that Hiden ends up losing. Like they win the next two rounds but manage to lose the last. But if the writers are smart and remember Izu can record things, the TOB doesn't take effect because Izu just shares all of Gai's stupid antics for the world to see in order to tank Zaia's image. Because honestly, Gai pulling out a Zetsumeriser, a known terrorist weapon, shouldn't be ignored even though the writers may just ignore it.

But like, using the repetitive nature to lull us into a pattern and then quickly make a clear bait and switch with the Raider this two-parter was honestly clever. Like I can already figure who the Raider is, but it's still a nice way to twist things. Plus the Lion Raider is just like... my favorite monster in a while? Mostly cause you have a dude having a machine gun but also having removable dynamite on his body to light with said gun and then throw. There's just something magical about it.

Fuwa also continues to be the star of this tournament arc with his involvement in the background. Plus just his interaction with Aruto this episode was nice. Overall a fairly solid episode tbh, even if they hit similar beats. Let's hope Metal Cluster next week is the game changer we need.