More like “Being Tanjiro is suffering”…if you’re a few episodes ahead, I think you’ll know why.
I have some good news: Ply was able to bring himself back to the collab. I’ll let him speak for himself when it’s his turn again (if he wants to), though, since we’ve all got things we’re dealing with.
- Red violet = me (Aria)
- Blue = Astral
- Maroon = Moya
- Magenta = Other (proofreading Aria etc.)
- Not present = Ply (coming back soon)
- What are your general thoughts on this episode?[Mandatory]
I think we’re all starting to feel the effects of long-running shonen start to seep in here. Not that Kimetsu no Yaiba is bad on the regular, but since this is a shonen, it’s par for the course.
I’m very much enjoying the show myself. I think that, for a longer-running shounen series, it’s managing to keep the pacing decent and the quality is consistently excellent. Plus, who doesn’t like seeing demons getting sliced up on the regular?
I quite enjoyed this episode! It breezed by quicker than I expected. This episode enriched the existing storyline by fleshing out different side characters (Susamaru, Tamayo, Yushiro, even Kibutsuji) and reinforcing the power gap between Tanjiro and Kibutsuji.
2. Did the episode fit your expectations, and in which ways did it differ from it?(If it does) [Mandatory]
I didn’t expect Susamaru to be basically defeated by self-implosion. Otherwise, it all went as smoothly as I thought it would…up until Zenitsu appeared, at least. I didn’t think he’d be begging a girl to marry him, even though that train of thought makes sense.
Man, I was dreading the day it would come, but… Zenitsu is finally around. Ugh.
The gore scenes once again shocked me! Especially that eyeball, yikes. I shouldn’t expect any less from a gritty shounen though.
3. What do you expect to happen from here on out?(and why) [Mandatory]
Gotta go find those Kizuki (?)…I’ll say more about that name in a later question.
I’m just really excited to go and meet more of the other cool demon hunters. And no, Zenitsu, you’re not on that list, buddy.
Another mission, I suppose. Though it’s hard imagining a mission that can top the latest confrontation with demons, unless the targets are directly related to Kibutsuji.
4. Which scene got the most reaction out of you? (If any at all)
Susamaru being destroyed by the extra arms. It really shows how big the skill gap is between Tanjiro and Muzan.
Actually, one of my favorite moments in the manga is when Susamaru is dying, and just asking for her ball. It puts a lot of her actions in perspective, as she’s basically a child that was given enormous power but not the experience to really know what to do with it.
Susamaru getting defeated in such an unfair way.
Discussion:
- This episode was really successful at getting me to sympathize with the demons. When Yahaba’s head was getting chopped off, something about his facial expression already made me go, “oh hmm, he’s just a kid.” Then of course, Susamaru’s final words hit the message home.
5. Which character did you like the most this episode? Have they done anything in particular/changed?
My answer is Susamaru again…because for some reason, the empathy game for Susamaru’s death was really on point. Moreso than the other deaths we’ve had so far, at least.
Like I mentioned above, Susamaru’s death is honestly one of my favorite and most memorable moments in the series.
6. What’s the high point of the episode for you and why? [Mandatory]
The Kasugai crow. That made for a nice gag at the end…and it makes me wonder how the crows receive their names, let alone how they’re bred.
I liked seeing Nezuko and Susamaru playing kickball… but overall, Tamayo tricking Susamaru into self-destructing is pretty freaking awesome.
Tamayo killing Susamaru. Battle of wits over battle of brawns any day.
Discussion:
- Is it just me or does it seem like the music gets very dramatic whenever the crow talks?
- I wouldn’t know. I haven’t been paying attention to the OST when the crow talks…
- I think Astral’s definitely onto something.
7. What can be improved in this episode and why? (a.k.a low point) [Mandatory]
Kizuki? I thought the 12 generals of demon Michael Jackson were called “the 12 Moons”?
Make Zenitsu not be a thing…
You probably know what I have to complain about if you’ve read previous episode discussions… Tanjiro internally narrating why he’s having a hard time during the battle.
Discussion:
*Googles* Oh wait…Juunikizuki (十二鬼月) literally means “12 Demon Moons”. My bad.
Yeah, it seems like the translation team isn’t totally in unison on this one…
8. Pick a situation from this episode. If you were put in this situation, how would you have handled it?
The title gave away what Tanjiro’s decision would be, so just to be contrary, if I were Tanjiro, I’d hand Nezuko to Tamayo.
How dare Yushiro refuse Nezuko headpats??? The boy needs to be locked up for being criminally insane!!!
9. Most beautiful scene?(screenshot) [Mandatory]
( https://i.imgur.com/vn6SnRB.png )
Not only is this scenery pretty, it was also melancholy due to the juxtaposition with Susamaru’s eye.
Tamayo should let her hair down more often. She looks equal parts gorgeous and fierce in this shot, and I love it.
Lady Tamayo’s attack and demerit.
Discussion:
- Wow, Aria, I thought of your screenshot too! However, I think it can be improved with a further addition:
Proofreading Aria: Oh wow, I didn’t even see Tanjiro in this image until I had to format the post even though it’s indicated by a bright red arrow. (Maybe I didn’t let the picture load or maybe it was because I was on my phone when I was looking at the image the first time…who knows.)
10. In 10 words, summarise what you want to say about this episode. (A good joke question?) [Could also be a haiku or other things of that creative nature, Mandatory]
Tying up loose ends
Means we’re just getting started.
Zenitsu’s back again!
Zenitsu… it’s too soon for you…
Why’s 5 seconds of Zenitsu so offensive? Guess I’ll see…
Discussion:
- (Future Aria – who’s watched episode 11 – regrets being happy about Zenitsu being back…)
- You and me both, Aria…
- Another near rhyme, Aria! I’m scared to find out about Zenitsu though…
- I don’t think that qualifies as a near-rhyme though.
*ending song*
Aria: Now, it’s time for an Anibloggers’ Secret! In Latin, per aspera ad astra = “through hardship to the stars”, so “astra” means star. It’s not only relevant through this season’s Astra: Lost in Space, but our buddy Astral as well, since “astral” and “astra” are clearly related.
Nezuko: ????
Aria: Oh yeah, Nezuko doesn’t know what Latin is…
The Animanga Spellbook 
It’s totally a near rhyme! Both have a “ɛn” sound if you look for it.
Cute secret on Astral. Glad I’m not the only one who thought of him when people talk about that show.
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