Episode nine of Isuca, titled “Attack,” is currently available on Crunchyroll for premium members. Free members can watch the same episode six days from now on March 27th.
The stakes have gotten high as Isuca’s group is working to systematically weaken the city’s protection from specters. I am surprised that powerful mages are getting their butts handed to them just like that, but it does make the story interesting.
That means Shinichiro and Sakuya need to get their act together.
At least there is a bit of humor at the beginning, which made me laugh a bit. Shinichiro needs to exercise proper judgment before entering the archery range and bothering Sakuya.
Shinichiro learns a surprising revelation, the true name is the name that you deem as important. That explains why Suseri’s “true name” is “Sakuya” and Sakuya’s “true name” is “Isuca.” Suseri idolized Sakuya and Sakuya valued the toy penguin she was given as a little kid. I am glad to see that has been cleared up because I was curious on why they were their “true names.”
This ultimately leads to the failed mission to protect Yokohama, where Isuca PWNed everybody.
It prompts the arrival of Sakuya and Suseri’s grandmother, who looks like a little girl.
I am reminded of the previous episode of The Testament of Sister New Devil because of Maria’s mother, Shella, who looks like an elementary school child. It was funny that their grandmother, Nami, was so jovial and informal.
The episode reveals that Isuca’s story is reminiscent of Romeo & Juliet and West Side Story. I felt that the grudge between clans was cliché. It’s like the Shizamu Clan represents the Sharks and the Asahina, Isuca’s group, represents the Jets in West Side Story.
The conversation between Shinichiro and Nami turns into an “oh holy f—king s—t” moment when Isuca pops out of the former’s body. I knew there was something special about that bite Isuca gave to Shinichiro on the neck.
It’s like she pulled an Orochimaru.
This is a pretty nifty and disturbing ability, exiting out of people you have bitten. It’s a novel and original idea.
Things get more awesome such as Nadeshiko revealing her true ability as a puppeteer.
It led to another “holy s—t” moment when the truth behind Nami’s youthful appearance is revealed, which feels like Isuca stepped into the Garden of Sinners territory.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger as Isuca pulls a new trick on Sakuya, which could literally chop the latter into pieces. I am curious to see how Sakuya will react to this fatal attack.
