Tougen Anki’ Episode 8 Review
The episode opens with a fierce battle between the Sadan Army and a mysterious, parasite-like creature. Despite their efforts, the creature overpowers the soldiers, throwing one named Sadanami around violently. Kiriyama watches silently, realizing that if no one steps in soon, the Sadanami might perish.
He contemplates intervention but doubts its value. A flashback reveals Kiriyama’s past with Lulu, a demon afflicted with a rare disease. Born in a small town where demons secretly live among humans, Kiriyama found solace and strength in Lulu’s company. She was his source of courage and happiness, but her illness was untreatable in human hospitals, forcing them to rely on a demon doctor in their town. Tragically, a raid by the Momotaro agency kills the doctor, worsening Lulu’s condition. Kiriyama promises to find a better doctor elsewhere, but Lulu, seeing his pain, encourages him and affirms his strength before passing away.
Kiriyama confesses that after Lulu’s death, he became emotionally broken, losing sleep and viewing himself as useless. However, Lulu’s final words—that he was “cool” and strong—remain etched in his memory. Back in the present, Kiriyama saves Sadanami from the creature and acknowledges the soldier’s determination.
He vows to meet Lulu again but knows he must achieve many accomplishments first. Overcoming his fear, Kiriyama uses his blood manipulation ability to recreate Lulu’s form, which fills him with newfound confidence and power. He attacks the creature with renewed vigor, defeating it in a single strike, though it revives once more. Kiriyama declares that Lulu’s faith in him makes him truly strong, regardless of his previous facade. Eventually, he finishes the fight by decisively cutting the creature down.
The episode then shifts focus to Shiki and Me. Shiki explains that all monsters have departed and asks Me if she remains afraid. He advises her that she must fight, but first, he must “chair” her, implying preparation or training. Me expresses doubt about victory, but Shiki insists he cannot lose. Meanwhile, Naito awakens after being unconscious for 15 minutes, surrounded by his demon allies. They explain he was injured while protecting others and urge him to leave with them. Naito, dismissing the talk, declares he is going to meet his students.
In the following scene, Shiki confronts Subakiri. He recognizes Subakiri’s Momotaro uniform and challenges him, declaring that he will destroy all Momotaro. Subakiri, initially serious, laughs off Shiki’s words, asserting that only Momotaro have the right to speak like humans and that demons cannot. Enraged, Shiki threatens Subakiri with weapons.
Meanwhile, Jin is seen running but is stopped by Yomogi, who warns him that Subakiri has already killed the “flashy demon” Jin wanted to meet. Jin admits he only cares about his own goals and plans to defeat every Momotaro he encounters. Yomogi counters that she will eliminate all demons. Jin attacks Yomogi with his blood manipulation, but her bacteria-based shield nullifies his assault.
Simultaneously, Subakiri throws a knife at Shiki, causing him to drop his weapon. Mocking Shiki, Subakiri doubts his strength and readiness to fight. Shiki counters by using his blood manipulation to form a massive weapon and attacks Subakiri. Despite the attack being evaded, Shiki declares he will never give up. Subakiri retorts, teasing Shiki about being scared. The episode ends on this tense confrontation, leaving viewers anticipating the outcome of their battle.
This episode effectively combines thrilling combat, character development, and thematic richness, making it a pivotal chapter in the series. The emotional resonance of Kiriyama’s journey alongside the escalating confrontations among key players promises an intriguing continuation.
