Hayate no Gotoku 13

SPOILER Summary: Hayate is polishing a glass and wonders what Nishizawa-san is doing. In town, she sneezes and checks out several eating places before settling on an empty one to fill up on deserts. She wonders what Hayate is doing which causes him to sneeze back at the mansion. He remembers the events of episode 12 and wonders why after Nishizawa's confession, he thought of Nagi.

A delivery for Nagi arrives. Delivering it to Nagi, he finds her lying on a couch reading a manga in an un-lady-like way. He has her sit up properly and figures with his hands full dealing with Nagi, he has no time for a girlfriend. The papers in the package are a transfer form so that Hayate can officially transfer to Nagi's school. Nagi states that should he pass the entrance exam, she'll pay his way as thanks. Hayate is so touched by this that he starts crying, much to Nagi's amazement. Maria-san comes in and wonders what Nagi has done to make Hayate cry so.

Klaus enters and informs Hayate that he has to pass the entrance exam or else lose his job as butler. Nagi isn't happy about that, but Hayate accepts the challenge. Unfortunately, the exam is the following day, meaning Hayate has little time for study. However, he makes the best of his time and studies hard. Maria brings him some sandwiches and tells him he should get a good nights rest if he's to be at his best on the following day. Hayate decides that's a good idea and so heads to bed.

Unfortunately, Klaus is in Hayate's bed. It takes some doing, but Hayate manages to get Klaus out of the bed. Klaus tells Hayate that he wants him to do well on the test, which Hayate doesn't believe. Klaus tells a tale of himself as a young child (with his current head) taking an entrance exam (for kindergarten?). Hayate finds himself having nodded off at his desk, and so returning to his bed, finds Klaus there again. This time, he gives Klaus the boot out of his room and down the hall.

Finally getting to bed, Hayate worries about the exam only to find Tama is sitting at his desk with one of the study materials and talking out loud. Tama offers to tell Hayate what the Hakuou's school exam style and questions are like. Hayate refuses, attacking Tama and giving him the boot as he'd done with Klaus. Hayate barricades his door and attempts to go back to sleep. However, Tama sneaks in through the ceiling. He starts telling Hayate to sleep well which causes Hayate to toss the tiger out of the window.

The next morning, an exhausted Hayate walks with Nagi at the school. They take the trolley (because the campus is so large) and find Hayate wonders what the exam will be like. Nagi suspects it will be like any other school's exam, but since Hayate is reading a Moe-tan manga, she privately wonders if he'll pass. They hear a female voice talking to them about the exam and discover Katsura-sensei up on the ceiling of the trolley car, ninja-style. She tells them that Hayate's exam won't be like Nagi's, but will be the Redmond-style exam to test Hayate's logic and stuff (like while is a manhole cover round).

Katsura-sensei leads them to the exam room where there is a banana hanging from a string, a wooden crate, and a wooden staff. Hayate is shocked and Nagi gets ticked. Katsura-sensei gets a comedy dump of manga and anime, but states this test is for real. Hayate simply reaches for the banana and takes it, figuring the other elements were a distraction. After taking the banana, he notices a large group of hungry monkeys in the corner.

A fight ensues between the monkeys and Hayate over the banana. Nagi and Katsura-sensei observe this fight for a bit when Nagi informs Katsura-sensei that Hayate's life depends on passing the exam. Katsura-sensei decides to end her little joke, which does not amuse Hayate. So now Hayate has to take the exam mentally and physically exhausted. He finished the exam and walks home with Nagi hand-in-hand, Nagi sure he's passed. However, Hayate failed by 1 point because of Katsura-sensei's joke.

Thoughts: This was another pretty funny episode. There was a fair amount of recap done to have us recall Nishizawa-san and a whole scene of what I'd deem as filler with her checking out various eating joints before settling on the one. But once the story got to Hayate needing to pass the entrance exam and then needing to get some sleep that night, it got funny and Nishizawa was forgotten.

Denver Cherry Blossom Festival 2007

For several years, it has been on my mind to attend the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival (aka: Denver Sakura Matsura) but for whatever reasons, I have been unable to do so. This year, armed with a new camera and my friend Marc's desire to improve his camera skills (which are already pretty impressive IMO), we decided to attend the festival on Sunday. Besides, my new Japanese teacher, Miwa-sensei, is a member of Rocky Mountain Sankyoku, who were playing on Sunday.

We arrived a little early and it wasn't nearly as crowded as I thought it would be (I'm not sure how crowded Saturday was though). We meandered through the various outdoor tents with the various vendors. I had to stop by the Big Sumo shop and picked up a couple of shirts (I blogged on my web purchase here). The owner was there and remembered talking with me on the phone. He also remembered my anime website, which amazed Marc. I took a good picture, but you'll have to read the last paragraph to learn what happened to that.

The first event on the stage was the Denver band, which didn't appeal to me. That's not a slam on them, but I'm not at a Japanese festival to hear American music, no matter how good. So we ducked into Pacific Mercantile Company (the Japanese grocery store which I'll blog on it later) because I wanted to show Marc some things. Inside, a Japanese girl in her 20's was handing out samples of tacoyaki. Since Marc had sworn not to eat octopus, I made sure not to let him know what this was and we tried some. I've seen tacoyaki mentioned frequently in anime and manga, so I was keen on trying it. It was OK, but not something I'd be clamoring to have again.

Before we left the store, I made sure they had some melon pan in the freezer because I rather like that and wanted to make sure to get some before we left.

Even though it was lunch time, neither Marc nor I were hungry. I regretted that we'd eaten a late breakfast before coming. That was because inside the temple were all the food vendors selling Japanese foods. Oh well, I'll know better next year.

Marc and I caught the DBT Dancers and Taiko with Toni and Friends (taiko is pretty cool I have to say). This group consists of four people, including a young teenaged boy who had some mad yo-yo skills. I didn't know one could improve with taiko, but they did as some members of Denver Taiko got on stage for one piece to jam. That was pretty sweet I have to say. Too bad I couldn't catch the full Denver Taiko, who played on Saturday. I did pick up their CD though.

I ran into Miwa-sensei and introduced her to Marc (using my limited Japanese skills). We met her American husband and talked for a bit. Marc and I then decided to check out the photo exhibit of local Japanese history which was pretty interesting.

Because it was such a hot day (and I got burned pretty good on my neck and part of one shoulder) Marc and I went under the temple to the beer garden to cool off with some water (you can't seem to drink enough water on a hot, dry summer day in Colorado). An older Japanese man kept singing on the karaoke machine, performing a combination of Japanese and English songs.

By 2PM, it was time to return to the heat because Miwa-sensei's group to play. They performed two songs. She's very skilled at the koto. I felt one of the shakuhachi players should have been better positioned with the mic since at times, the mic couldn't pick up his playing. I closed my eyes and found the music very relaxing. This kind of music, which is very traditional, isn't something I'd just want to have playing while at work, but I could certainly listen to it with my eyes closed while trying to relax.

The festival was fun but not as big as I'd hoped. There were a lot of Japanese people around, and hearing some Japanese spoken was pretty cool. Because both Marc and I were tired (working night shift means being up during the day can be tough), we took off after Miwa-sensei was done, after I made a pit-stop to grab my melon pan.

I got home and plugged my CF card into the slot on my monitor. Most of my pictures looked pretty good, and so I went to copy them to the HD where I store images. I accidentally chose "move" rather than "copy" but I thought, "Oh well. As long as I don't get a BSD, I'll be OK." Sadly, that was not the case. The move appeared to be successful in that I could see files apparently being moved to the directory I had established. Unfortunately, the files simply vanished into thin air and because I'd done a move rather than a copy, my CF card was cleaned. I did a search for my files, but alas, nothing. I can't tell you how frustrating that was as I now have to depend solely on Marc pictures (and thanks to Marc for allowing me to use them). I'm still upset with myself.

Negima! Vol 19 (Ch 175) *SPOILERS*

Summary:

Story 1: The ghost Sayo is twirling pencils masterfully because with school out, things are slow and she is bored. She briefly panics when she hears a noise, afraid it could be a poltergeist and ponders heading to the convenience store. She begins twirling pencils again and wonders how her classmates are doing.

Story 2: Mana is in town and decides to catch a movie. The woman at the ticket counter doesn't believe Mana's really a middle school student and charges the full adult price for a movie (¥1800). Mana is seen by Kaede who jokes that Mana has an old face. Mana pulls a gun on Kaede, who reminds Mana that even rubber bullets would hurt her and that she can afford the extra ¥300 in ticket price. Mana reminds Kaede that the price for middle school students is ¥1000. Kaede decides to show up Mana by instant changing into her school uniform, stunning Mana. Unfortunately, the ticket lady thinks Kaede is just cosplaying and charges full prince. Meanwhile the Narutaki twins come up and manage to not only get in for the elementary school rate of ¥700 each, but claim Kaede is their guardian.

Story 3: As Negi and Asuna study their recent practice session, Chamo comments to Yue on how hard she and Nodoka are working. Since they are studying magic, he feels it is a good time to come up with an activation keyword for the magic. As they discuss this, Chamo comes up with a suggested phrase she can use -- "Suki suki daisuki Negi-sensei." Her phrase would be a love confession for Negi in Japanese. As Yue starts to punish Chamo, Nodoka comes up saying she's picked her phrase. Her phrase is "Love love getchuu Negi-sensei." This stuns both Yue and Chamo as does Nodoka's coil attitude. In the distance, Paru is using her artifact to control the Nodoka-clone and loses herself to the idea of making the clone sexual when the real Nodoka sprints forward and using her artifact, hurls several books at Paru.

Story 4: In Hakase's lab, Chachamaru is testing out her new combat-form body. It is smaller in size and has a hairstyle similar to Ku Fei's. Hakase is eager for Chachamaru to test out the new body, though Chachamaru would have preferred her original body size and hairstyle. This surprised Hakase, who's also created a 10-year old body for Chachamaru so she can be with Negi. But Chachamaru stated that her original body is fine.

Story 5: Ayaka and Kotaro are bickering (apparently he's still living with Ayaka, Natsumi, and Chizuru). Natsumi wonders about this, but Chizuru thinks it proves they are fine. As Natsumi heads out to do some shopping, she notices Kotaro. Following him from a distance, she notes that he meets up with several girls. She doesn't seem pleased by this and is surprised by Chizuru. Chizuru comments on how that despite his protests about girls, Kotaro does quite well with them. Chizuru teases Natsumi about being in love with Kotaro. Later, Natsumi is returning to the dorm with groceries and is joined by Kotaro. Initially, Natsumi is self-conscious because of Chizuru's teasing, but when Kotaro offers to carry the bags home, she relaxes and they walk home together while talking.

Story 6: The cheerleader squad and fellow band members of Ako's want to know if she's been e-mailing "Nagi-san" (Negi disguised in adult form). She's only e-mailed him a couple of times, which the girls think is unacceptable. They want Ako to score with Nagi-san so they decide some pictures may be in order. After taking pictures of Ako in the traditional sailor seifuku Japan is known for and some other shots, they decide that the (Playboy) bunny girl look is best. Ako protests, but they knock her out and take the pictures anyway.

Story 7: Outside the convenience store, Sayo is "haunting" the place and wonders if any of her classmates will show up. On queue, Zazie shows up with her critters, apparently able to see Sayo. Sayo offers her to take a seat, which she does. She starts juggling 1-liter beverage bottle (which customers find amazing) while her critters observe and wonder if they can eat Sayo. She says they can't and Sayo is desperate for Asakura to come along.

Story 8: Negi returns to his dorm room to check his e-mail while Setsuna and Konoka head out for the fireworks fun. We are reminded of the pictures the cheerleaders sent to Nagi-san, which of course is really Negi and he spews his beverage when he sees the pictures. A bunch of girls come by the store, including Asakura, much to Sayo's great relief. They are all heading to set off the fireworks and invite Zazie along. She nods in agreement and of course Sayo is invited as well. As they all excitedly head for the fireworks fun, they are tailed by the more mature Kaede and Mana. Mana isn't sure about this fireworks thing but Kaede encourages her to stick around for it just the same.

Thoughts: I really loved this chapter. OK, so it is a filler chapter, but there is good filler and bad filler. This certainly falls into the former category and we are given some texture to several characters in what is a "day in the life" chapter. There's just a lot of fun in the chapter.

I know those wanting Zazie to have a bit more to do in the manga were pleased to see her get a page and to be included for the fireworks at the end. I'd love to know what those critters of hers are though. It doesn't appear that normal humans can see them (just as they can't see Sayo) and they are most certainly supernatural. Others have pointed out how much they look like the critters in Miyazaki-sensei's work Spirited Away.

Hayate no Gotoku 12

SPOILER Summary: In a flashback, we see young Hayate reading his report in school, which relays a sad tale of how bad things are at his home. He doesn't seem sad as he reads his report, but the report has his class shocked. Before he reveals what his dream is, he awakens and remembers his visit with Nagi's grandfather.

Later as Hayate and Maria are cleaning, he asks her what her dream is. Maria states her dream is for Nagi (name unsaid) to become a good adult. She wonders about the question, and Hayate states that dreams are motivation for people to live, which shocks Maria and makes her own dream seem rather worthless. Hayate presses the point, citing people in history such as Mozart.

Meanwhile Nagi hasn't been able to sleep because she remembers what Hayate told her -- that he'd protect her from those who'd make her cry. She comes out of her bedroom and sees the excellent cleaning job Hayate has done and she and Maria talk about Hayate. Maria tells Nagi about how hard Hayate is working and how he has a purpose behind it. Nagi imagines this to mean a future for herself and Hayate (complete with him in a wedding dress). Maria asks Nagi about her dreams and Nagi replies how she wants to become a mangaka and sell 100-billion copies of her works. This shocks Maria (and depresses her a bit), but when Nagi asks further about Hayate's dream and Maria says it must be big, Nagi gets that love-love feeling, which Maria understands may be misplaced.

Outside while cleaning, Maria asks Hayate about his dream and learns his dream is to live in a 3LDK -- meaning his dream is to live in a house (own it?) where there are separate rooms for the living room, dining room, and kitchen. We see a flashback to Hayate at school revealing this dream, which has his classmates and sensei in tears. Maria is stunned by this and Hayate wonders if such a dream is too big. Maria assures him that big dreams are best. She tells him to purchase a new cell phone and to take the rest of the day off since he needs a break.

Purchasing his new cell phone, Hayate wonders about his old high school -- Shiomi Municipal High School. Figuring that since he's paid the tuition, he can return and so does so. However, he gets cold feet at the school's gate until his female classmate, Nishizawa-san, sees him. She wonders where he's been and he tells her in brief, everything including how he's working as a butler. She figures he has to be joking. As they talk, other classmates come by including Souya-kun. He figured Hayate had dropped out and begins teasing Nishizawa-san regarding Hayate's return since she has a crush on him. This results in Nishizawa's wrath coming down on Souya-kun.

A sensei comes up and wonders why Hayate is there since he dropped out of school. This brings Nishizawa's wrath upon the sensei, but it turns out that Hayate's parents filled out the dropout paperwork and took the remaining tuition money, which was money that Hayate paid with his own money. The sensei continues to talk trying to defend what happened which results in more wrath from Nishizawa.

Hayate decides to leave, so Nishizawa decides to confess her love for him. He's surprised by this, but he thinks of Nagi and so turns her down. Initially, he states his reason is that he's only interested in 2-D girls (including a censored image of what appears to be Suzumiya Haruhi). He tells them that's a joke and says he has someone he can't leave alone. This brings the wrath of Nishizawa on Hayate. Hayate returns home and Nagi takes his cell phone and puts herself into his #1 slot.

At Waturu-kun's video store, Nishizawa returns some videos and is wanting to understand men. When the discussion turns to anime, Nishizawa ends up making a retreat. Hayate comes to the same video store and returns some videos. He liked them but Nagi didn't like them much. As Nagi and Waturu talk, Nishizawa remembers she was supposed to pick up a video for Kazuki and returns to see Hayate leaving the store and figures she has a 2nd chance to make things right with him. She tries to catch him but continues to fail to do so. She ends up at Nagi's mansion where she sees Hayate enter. She's stunned by this and realizes that Hayate's story must have been real, only he's got to be held captive by yakuza. Before she can do anything, she's captured by Nagi's security forces. They consult with Maria, who thinks it could be a friend of Hayate's and asks them to let go of her hands. They completely release her and Nishizawa is off in a flash.

Having lost the security on Nagi's vast estate, Nishizawa is spotted by Tama. Nishizawa is stunned by a tiger being on the grounds, and takes off running. Tama finds he has no choice but to chase her. He wonders if this is his natural instinct kicking in and when he catches up to Nishizawa, his instinct is to lick her all over. She screams for Hayate and he comes to her rescue, kicking Tama away.

Before they can talk much, Nagi comes and immediately, Nagi and Nishizawa see each other as rivals. Nagi's fighting force shows in the form of a Chinese dragon and Nishizawa's form is that of a hamster, which is immediately eaten by the dragon. Nishizawa retreats, vowing to come up with a stronger hamster and Nagi wants to make sure that Hayate doesn't leave her.

Nagi reflects on everything Nagi has done for her and decides she must do something for him.

Thoughts: This was a very funny episode once the story got to Nishizawa. It was even funnier how powerful she is with everyone else, but when it came to Nagi, her power was that of a hamster. I now know why Nishizawa kept being shown in cameos though seeing as how she will apparently have a greater role to play in the story. Love-triangles in romantic comedies are often funny.

"Futari Ecchi" Coming to America?

It what I find to be a truly shocking event, TokyoPop has licensed Futari Ecchi, calling it Manga Sutra - Futari H. So why is this so shocking? Well, officially, Futari Ecchi is a manga published in the seinen (young adult) magazine "Young Animal." It is the story of Makoto and Yuura, who are still virgins when they are arranged to be married. The manga then covers their journey of learning about sex and also explores the sexual lives of people around them, thus the mangaka can cover all sorts of sexual topics. While each chapter has some amount of sexual congress, the title avoids the "hentai" label by keeping the amount of hentai material below a certain percentage of the chapter. The mangaka also adds sex-ed charts, drawings, and information, though it is all very dated today (the manga started in 1997).

I became aware of the title when a fansub group did the OVA's. Later I read a thread on a message board where folks argued over whether the manga was a hentai title or not. So, I borrowed the first few volumes and read them. My conclusion? It's a hentai title.

In Japan, it is illegal to show reproductive organs, whether in drawings or in actuality. To comply with this law, Katsu-sensei uses a less obstructive form of censorship. He either has the genitals strategically blocked or makes them invisible. But the reader still gets a very clear picture of what's going on -- major sexual activities. Katsu-sensei also uses sex-ed diagrams at times to show a penis entering a vagina legally. Ha!ha! Isn't he ever so clever?

In addition to Yuura and Makoto's sex life being looked at, we see Yuura's sister younger sister Rika (early 20's). She has not one boyfriend, but four. She has her main squeeze, who's her age. She has the rich guy (I think in his early 30's) whom she bangs in exchange for a taste of the rich life (gifts, fancy places, etc.). She has her sex-friend, whom she hooks up with from time-to-time when she needs a no strings attached shagging. Her forth boyfriend is her pity-sex friend. He's younger than her (he calls her "senpai"), he is not much around girls, and so comes to Rika for advice. Rika feels sorry for him and allows him to bang her.

But no, this isn't a hentai title at all.

I could keep going on, but why bother. You get the point.

Well, lets hear what the man has to say.

"This is not a hentai manga, rather an erotic manga for the thinking mind. It is a compass of love and sex, a reference dedicated to all readers who seeks the ultimate pleasure in life. This is for real. I am not lying..." --KATSU Aki, introduction to volume 1 of Futari Ecchi.

Oh, that is such a laugh. While hiding behind the educational, comedy, and even story elements, Katsu-sensei knows full well that his goal is to produce a manga that just barely fits into the seinen label, but provides "meditation" materials for those horny guys dreaming of marrying a girl like Yuura-san (or banging one of the other girls in the series).

I did end up reading five volumes (I think) before I was totally sick of it. I don't care for hentai. I don't care that TokyoPop has licensed the title. So why the rant? I sense that TP will also try to deny this is a hentai title, and that started with the title change ("Manga Sutra" -- please.). Plus, I suspect that TP will want to modernize and domesticate the title a fair amount to attempt to grow sales beyond horny American otaku who wish to scream out, "Yuuna-san! IKU!" while meditating. Even if this isn't a title I'd buy, those are things I strongly object to. I also object to attempts to label this as non-hentai. It is a hentai title, so if you are going to license it, admit it and go on about it.

Gah! I'll admit that this may be one of the stupidest rants I've done since the title's not out officially in English yet. I already hear some people wondering if America can handle this non-hentai hentai title and ranting about the evil religious right (or some other such nonsense). I guess that's what really annoys me when it comes down to it, with the possible TP domestication coming in 2nd.

Rhymester - Gennama Ni Karada Wo Hare

Being so busy at the moment with an intensive Japanese class, work (with changing schedules), and some other stuff, I'm going to just do a cheap blog entry here (because this blog is also about stuff Japanese too) about another "nihongo rappu" tune I happen to like. This time it is Rhymester and the song is "Gennama Ni Karada Wo Hare" (現金に体を張れ). Enjoy (I know I do).



Update (26 June 2007): I ordered the CD this song is on from CDJapan. Even though I can swear that I'd updated my address to my current one (they still had my address from 2-years ago for some reason), the CD was shipped to my old address. Needless to say, I'm not a happy camper. I can swear that when I ordered it, it displayed my correct address, but apparently I only imagined that. So now I've got to try to intercept the CD either at my old complex or with the Postal Service. I hope that if it has already been delivered, the person(s) at my old residence don't decide to steal it from me by keeping it.

Negima! Vol 19 (Ch 174) *SPOILERS*

Thanks to AQS for the scans.

Chapter 174: Now that summer vacation has started, Yuuna is staying with her dad again and sleeping in. She gets up and putting on a bra, notes that she's going to have to get a bigger one. Her dad is reading papers on Fate Averruncus (last seen in volume 6 after deciding not to fight Eva) when Yuuna busts into his study. He quickly hides the papers, but Yuuna sees this and is suspicious about what he's hiding. When she goes for it, she extracts ero magazines, which she throws at her father.

As Yuuna prepares breakfast, she decides she doesn't mind her father having such magazines around since he's an adult. She's stunned to learn her father has only been eating instant food stuffs and not preparing real meals. He compliments her on her cooking, stating she'll make a good wife. She replies (jokingly) that she'd like to marry him, which causes him to respond that maybe she shouldn't say things like that. She gets embarrassed because she was joking and trying to be cute.

Yuuna is a bit frustrated at her dad's slobby appearance and feels he's no good without her to look after him. She sends him off to shave and notices a photo fall from him. It is a picture of a blond woman and has a telephone number. As her father asks about Negi, she tells him a few things while pondering who this woman is. The phone rings and the number on the caller-ID is the same as on the photo. She gives the phone to her dad, who after talking a bit, hangs up and tells Yuuna he'll be late.

Later, Yuuna tells Makie, Ako, and Akira that her father is cheating, even though he's not currently married. They tail her father to his meeting with the blond woman. She's not happy with this woman and despite her protests, the other girls see nothing wrong, commenting that Yuuna's "Papa love" might be going a bit too far.

Professor Akashi and the blond woman talk while sitting in the outdoor section of a restaurant. She notes Yuuna and her friends spying on them, which he states is his daughter and her friends. Keeping up the appearance of normal talk, the two discuss Fate and the lack of a connection with Chao as well as his connections with the Graf.

Makie and Ako decide to check things out better while Yuuna and Akira are left behind. They learn the woman's name is Donnet McGuinness from England. Returning to Yuuna and Akira, Ako and Makie think Donnet is good, but Yuuna is not convinced. That night, she has trouble sleeping because of this and when she does sleep, she has a memory-dream of herself as a kid, holding a practice wand, walking home with her mother.

The next morning, Yuuna tells her dad they are going on a father-daughter date, no matter what. They spend the day together, spending lots of his money, and when the date ends, Yuuna tells her father that she's OK with him marrying the blond. He's puzzled by this but when Donnet shows up, Yuuna learns that Donnet was an old friend of her mother. Yuuna is embarrassed by this and when they walk home, Yuuna asks if he still like Mom. He says he still loves her. Yuuna tells him she won't get mad if he gets remarried and he reminds her he has no partner.

Thoughts: While we've seen cameos of Yuuna's dad from the festival, it was neat seeing how he is studying about Fate. That he and Yuuna's mother were mages seems obvious. Too bad we didn't learn what became of Yuuna's mother. For Akamatsu-sensei to do a whole chapter solely about Yuuna (with hints of Fate and the Graf also thrown in), I can't help but wonder if somehow she'll now be a factor in the upcoming Wales arc.

Hayate no Gotoku 11

SPOILER Summary: Maria suggests that Nagi visit her grandfather at the main (Sanzenin) house. Nagi doesn't want to and warns Hayate that he's powerful enough to erase his existence from the world. However, the three of them are soon on their way the Nagi's grandfather's mansion in their executive helicopter, joined by Sakuya who has to remind Nagi she's also a relative. As Hayate attempts to learn more about Nagi's grandfather, Sakuya weaves a rather impressive tale which Maria states is a lie.

They approach Nagi's grandfather's place, which turns out to be a very Disney-esque castle, making Hayate to question what country they are in. Hayate wonders what the man does and Nagi seems to think he's an oil baron. Landing, they are met by a huge staff, who all bow and greet Nagi-ojousama. However, the staff aren't sure about Hayate, assuming him to be a stow away on the helicopter because of his poor-man look.

Inside, Hayate is depressed because what happened outside. Nagi and Maria try to comfort him, but won't make eye content with him. He's given the boot to allow Nagi to change for her meeting with her grandfather. Wandering around the grounds, he spots a vase and ponders if this could be sold to pay off his ¥150-million debt. A voice tells him that the vase isn't worth enough to pay off the debt and Hayate is left attempting to explain he wasn't really planning on stealing it. The voice comes from an older man who tells him that he knew Hayate really wasn't going to steal it just by looking at him.

The old man states he lives at the castle and is taking care of the garden. The old man notes that Hayate doesn't believe in his sight based on a comment Hayate made, and so tosses an ax at Hayate which Hayate just manages to avoid. The old man tells Hayate he'll further prove how accurate his eyes are, and has Hayate follow him. From a distance, the old man points into a window at the castle, where Nagi just happens to be changing in front of. Hayate is shocked by this and drags the old man off, not wanting to have any part in peeping on Nagi.

The old man asks how Hayate ended up with a ¥150-million debt, and Hayate explains about his worthless parent. Nagi had paid off the debt, but Hayate is determined to pay Nagi back, even though it will take 40-years to do so. The old man decides that Hayate's life is worthless then. The old man states the things he's seen, even before these happened (being able to accurately predict events). A life spent repaying a debt is worthless, and tosses Hayate a pendant that has a weird aura, loudly calling it a guide. The old man further states that if Hayate can obtain what is beyond its guidance, then he can forget the ¥150-million.

Back at the castle, Nagi has changed and Maria is starting to change. Nagi wonders if they don't need a gag of some sort, which Maria states she doesn't, to Nagi's disappointment. Sakuya is desperate for a gag, and a harisen hanging from the ceiling seems just the ticket to appease her Kansai blood. Using the harisen, Sakuya attempt to whack Nagi, who avoids the attack. Nagi states this kind of comedy is old, resulting in Sakuya chasing Nagi around with the harisen.

The old man comes in and asks his granddaughter Nagi if she wishes to have his estate. She states she doesn't need it, but wouldn't mind him dying and continues to read the newspaper. Grandfather goes crying to Maria about this bullying, but Nagi continues to explain that with her business and with the stock market, she won't have any trouble with money. Grandfather complains about Nagi gaining more unnecessary knowledge, which Nagi reminds him he put into her head.

Hayate is a bit depressed about Grandfather's remarks and Nagi comes to get him as she's ready to leave. She has a hard time saying why, so the narrator has to take over telling why, and its because her grandfather will give his estate away to the person who can make Nagi cry and apologize. This caused Nagi to punch her grandfather and in the present, she tells Hayate she'd rather die than say something like that.

A fake foreigner arrives, having been dispatched by Grandfather, who's determined to gain control of the estate. To do so, he believes that taking out Hayate is the way to go. As the fake foreigner attacks, Hayate considers what would happen to Nagi should she lose everything. He remembers how Nagi saved him from the yakuza and when he was ill, cooked for him. As such, he needs to protect her no matter what and he defeats the fake foreigner. He then promises Nagi to protect her from anyone who'd make her cry. Nagi is very touched by this, and they then take the helicopter home.

Back in the castle, Grandfather is depressed that Maria is gone and gets whacked by Sakuya with her harisen. She's upset she didn't get any cash on this visit and he wonders why she's still here when the helicopter has taken off. Sakuya is shocked by this and reflects on the cold, cruel world.

Thoughts: I was somewhat disappointed by this episode. For starters, it felt stretched to me with the writers desperate to put something into the episode to fill time. There was a lack of humor in this episode, which the writers reflect on with the filler interlude of Sakuya finding a harisen and attacking Nagi. I guess with the pendant, we *might* have the start of a plot since Nagi's grandfather states (for the audience) that Hayate better not lose it and it showed up in the preview for next week. I haven't been watching this for plot, but I hope this won't mean a reduction in the humor level overall.

A Freaky Japanese Video

HALCALI - Strawberry Chips ~Tanaka Chigai Mix~

After seeing this, its no wonder the Japanese have to put warnings in front of anime shows to prevent seizures. The infamous banned Pocket Monsters episode "Dennou Senshi Porigon" that caused so many problems in Japan (and which The Simpsons poked fun of in the episode "Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo") has nothing on this. Trust me, I've seen the Japanese original (and there ain't no smegging "Ash," "Misty," or other American name in the original, but it does have the oh-so-wonderful HAYASHIBARA Megumi in it though).

Anyway, be warned that this video looks to have been made by folks with a major drug problem. So beware!




Now if you'll excuse me, I have this sudden urge to go buy Strawberry Chips and say phrases like, "Nihonjin wa Boku no Goshujin-sama desu!"

Additional: here's the link to the original song. I like the remix so much better.

Negima! Vol 19 (Ch 173) *SPOILERS*

Thanks to AQS for the scans.

Chapter 173: Konoka and Setsuna are in a greenhouse of Eva's when Konoka sees a wounded bird and heals it. During the past seven days, Setsuna notes that Konoka has gotten better at her healing abilities. Konoka sees Setsuna is injured and despite Setsuna's protests, Konoka activates her artifact and her clothing changes from a maid costume to one of her artifact costumes. Because Setsuna got the wound roughly 30-minutes earlier, Konoka's artifact can't heal it (it can only heal woulds up to three minutes old) so Konoka decides to suck on Setsuna's injured finger. Setsuna backs away and Konoka laughs as she was teasing Setsuna, but states that her normal magic can heal the wound. She hasn't gotten strong enough to heal Setsuna's large injuries yet.

Konoka vows to continue to get stronger so that she can heal any kind of injury because if Asuna can get stronger, so can she. Setsuna is proud of Konoka and likes the influence Asuna is having. She asks about Konoka's new costume and learns that a feature of the pactio card is that in addition to the costume on the card, one can register other costumes as well. Konoka states she's going to see if there's anyone else in need in healing while Setsuna isn't sure about Konoka's new costume (and somehow has changed from her school uniform to a maid costume in the blink of an eye without using her pactio card).

The two come upon a training session by Kotaro, Ku Fei, and Kaede. Ku has just split a huge boulder with her fist and Konoka is impressed. Setsuna and Kaede talk about Ku's training while Ku talked with Kotaro and Konoka. Setsuna notices that Kotaro is stronger too, while Konoka notices his injuries. She wants to heal him, but he runs away and she can't catch him. So, Konoka and Setsuna go to where Paru is. Paru has used her artifact to make four of herself to finish her manga, which she's behind on.

Elsewhere, Yue and Nodoka report to Negi that they have completed 78-hours of magical studies, though Nodoka still has to finish the practical training part. Negi is impressed as are Setsuna and Konoka who have also arrived on the scene. As Setsuna wonders how Asuna is doing in her training, Asakura arrives with Sayo in tow while Chachamaru is bringing a protesting Chisame. Asakura has brought the meat for the barbecue.

As the party starts and people are eating (including Chisame's mice, who praise her for her kindness), Chisame wonders if it is OK to start the party without Asuna. Setsuna agrees that it is worrying that she hasn't shown up yet and so she, Negi, and Kotaro decide to go see if she's OK. Asakura, Sayo, and Chisame are stunned when they hear about Asuna's training in the icy region. Asakura figures that she is doing this because she loves Asuna, which causes Yue and Nodoka to spew. Nodoka isn't sure but Asakura is having fun and continues to say this is love. She expands it by stating that all the girls are in the same boat -- in love with Negi because otherwise why spend all this time at Eva's castle.

As the girls protest, Chamo gets into the act, stating he has proof to back Asakura's statement. He produces a love chart from a scroll, showing various girls with scores in different categories and a total score, which a shocked Yue snatches from Chamo. He produces more, stating the ability to measure affection is a gift of his. Yue and Ku grab those scrolls and piling them up, Chachamaru lasers them and causes them to burn. Konoka is bummed out about this, as is Paru and Asakura. Asakura decides to tease those who wanted the scrolls burned. It is after this teasing that they remember Asuna.

Setsuna, Negi, and Kotaro are making their way through a fog attempting to reach the summit, which is the only thing they haven't explored yet. Coming out of the fog, they see Asuna near the tip of the summit with Eva and Chachazero behind. Eva tosses Asuna her pactio card, and in Asuna's hand, it immediate becomes the giant sword, which she spins before planting in the ground. Having survived and proved Eva wrong, she demands to know if Eva has a problem. Eva doesn't answer at first, which results in Asuna getting frustrated.

Eva asks why Asuna didn't give up since there was no reason for her to go that far. Asuna states she doesn't know about that, but concedes that Negi was part of the reason. She thinks about her conversations with Setsuna, Negi, and even Eva about their troubled past. She then pats Eva's head and states that she did it to stay friends with everyone, so she couldn't give up. She even confesses she doesn't really dislike Eva that much. Eva isn't amused and flips Asuna. Eva had given Asuna an out and she hadn't taken it. She also didn't remember (her past?) and so Eva reflect that the fool made it through as a fool.

With an evil grin, Eva throws off her coat and with an outfit that says "Master," she states that she'll personally train Negi and Asuna as her apprentices and make them worthy to serve her as "evil sub-bosses." Asuna protests, but Eva isn't done. Asuna must now wear black, goth-loli clothing. Asuna continues to protest with Eva hearing none of it while Negi, Setsuna, and Kotaro congratulate her.

In the real world at Shibuya, Ako, Makie, Yuuna are shopping for swimsuits and Yuuna is showing off her figure in a bikini. Ako and Makie are impressed with her chest size and hearing that she's been drinking milk, the two rush off to order some mild from a nearby vendor.

Summary: So, just how did Setsuna instantly change from her school uniform to a maid costume?

As to the chapter itself, this merely sets the table to show that the girls are making progress in their training and that Asuna is now going to train with Negi and Eva. The final page is a filler omake and I suppose in addition to providing fanservice, is Akamatsu-sensei's version of a comic strip.

Mai-Otome Zwei 03

SPOILER Summary: Young Queen Mashiro is concerned that the Nekokami (cat deity) Mikoto still hasn't awoken from her mysterious sleep and she states this to the Meister Mai, who's preparing a meal. They are trapped on a small chain of tropical islands. Mashiro is worried about her Meister Otome and friend Arika, though she won't admit it.

Elsewhere, the SOLT (Strategic Otome Limitation Talk) summit is underway, however it is decided that they must discuss the recent attacks upong the Windbloom and Aries nations by the unknown entity. As they talk, the "4th Column" Nao is on a mission with Nina to some ancient ruins in an icy, snowy land.

Meanwhile, several Otome including Arika are waiting on the conclusion of the SOLT summit in an indoor pool facility. Arika is not happy that Otome Maya-oneesama keeps a close eye on her, even when she goes to the toilet. Maya has her reasons and is there to prevent Arika from doing something rash in going to find Mashiro. Otome Chie steps in to stop Maya's teasing and she and another Otome explain that for right now, the best course of action is to do nothing. After Maya stops young King Kazu from making out with his love and Meister Akane, they are teased by Otome Shiho until Otome Rosalie-oneesama begins teasing Shiho. Arika tries to take advantage of the situation and sneak away, but is caught by Maya and prevented from escape since her bikini top was removed by Maya. A drunk Otome Ein brings chaos to the situation be removing several of the girl's tops.

Inside the ruins, Nao is marking her territory and talking with Nina, who's holding a diary with instructions on entering the ruins and avoiding traps. Upon entering the first room, Nina informs Nao that the first trap is a pit trap. Nao has a negative remark on this kind of trap when Nina accidentally sets it off, causing them to fall.

Meanwhile, Headmaster Natsuki talks with Youko about the petrified Otome. The Otome are alive but other than that, they've made no progress in freeing them, nor have they heard from Midori, who's also out on a mission with the cyborg Rad. However, there is concern over the plant-like thing that took over the mausoleum and while its growth on the surface seems to have stopped, it is growing underground still.

We then see Nina in a sleeping Sergay's room where she opens up his luggage and removes his diary. She goes to her room where she looks at a picture of herself, Arika, and Erstin, her roommates from her days at school to become an Otome. She then opens the diary, but wakes up in the ruins, remembering that they had fallen. They are in another room where Nao has the diary and is reading it. Nao teases Nina about it and reads from a passage where Sergay apparently "noticed" his adopted daughter. Nao stops short though and tosses the diary back to Nina, who promptly embraces it. They continue through the frozen building, working past many traps and talking where we learn that Nina is still an Otome.

Still waiting for the SOLT session to conclude, Arika and the maid Aoi talk with Arika looking at Mashiro's luggage. Arika remembers the fight she and Mashiro had and when Mashiro's fat cat Mikoto leaps down onto the luggage, one of the cases opens, revealing a picture that Arika drew for Mashiro when Arika was still in school. Arika learns from Aoi that Mashiro considers the picture to be her treasure and takes it with her everywhere.

Back at the ruins, Nina and Nao continue to talk. Because of what had happened to Sergay in the Mai-Otome series, he no longer has any memory of raising Nina, so the diary is all Nina has left of her adopted father. The diary talks of something that Nina feels is a treasure of some sort, which is why they are there (in part I gather).

At the island, Mashiro and a young native girl child (with a hidden face under a hood like Jawa's from Star Wars) have fishing poles to go fishing. The two talk about the Schwartz and how things have changed so that as they approach a gazebo shrine. Stating that the Windbloom and Schwartz should get along better, the girl has Mashiro stand in the shrine, then exits and kneels to pray. Mashiro is embarrassed by this, but the girl states that she made a wish for everyone to be able to return to their mountain to be with the rest of their people.

Returning to the ruins, Nao has a key which opens a door to a huge room. They discover a large cocoon and their presence is noticed by the strange entity. There are stacks of books everywhere and Nina finds a book with the Greek title "The Book of Neptune." The entity attacks Nao, who recognizes it as the one who petrified the other Otome. Being the 4th Column, Nao activates her Otome abilities to fight the entity. However, a guardian of the room has also been activated, meaning Nao has two enemies to fight. The entity stands on the cocoon and it glows. Around the world, giant, metallic, plant-like things begin to emerge from the ground, apparently triggered by the entity.

Nao under attack from two sides, decides to take out the guardian first. She does and after dispatching it, a giant sword falls and is "caught" by the entity. As the sword stays suspended in front of the entity, three apparent eyes open within the cocoon and Nina races to prevent the entity from taking the sword. The entity easily doges Nina and Nao battles it. The entity sends a petrifying beam through Nao, pinning her to the wall of the room. Before she is petrified, Nao manages to use her energy webs to catch the entities weapon and attach the webs to the wall.

The entity takes notice of Nina, but it cannot attack because its weapon is being held by the threads. It pulls the weapon until the wall the threads are attached to come down. The entity has to move to avoid being hit by the falling wall while Nina finds herself glowing green and the sword glows as well. Both are pulled to places with Nina being pulled to a doorway that has just opened and is filled with a red energy. Nina is pulled into the energy field and the doors close, just before the doors and the wall around it collapse.

The people at the SOLT talks are looking at the plant thing that emerged nearby with Natsuki fearing the worst for the world should these things hatch.

At the island, Mashiro is dozing and the young girl notices that she's got a bite on her line. The little girl wakes Mashiro and encourages her to bring in the catch. Unfortunately the line breaks and instead of a fish, a building emerges from the water. Mashiro and the little girl enter the building and discover an unconscious Nina there along with the Book of Neptune.

Thoughts: Maybe sales of the previous to episodes weren't so great. I really didn't need all the ecchi fanservice complete with naked breasts. Then again, the writers may not have had enough story for this episode and needed to kill some time. Either way, I didn't care for it.

As to the story, it was interesting enough even though we didn't learn squat about the entity. Obviously with only one more episodes, the explanations are going to have to come fast and furious to save time for the battle which likely will have to be shown as well.

Hayate no Gotoku 10

SPOILER Summary: Maria-san is singing on TV, apparently on some Japanese idol show and is being watched by a group of identical men when the TV explodes.

Sakuya is watching Nagi play a game on her PS3, only it isn't one of the new HD games but an old RPG game. Losing, the game insults those of Kansai origin by telling them to go eat tacoyaki (shown in the link with toppings) and rice. Sakuya loses it, and starts screaming at the TV in anger. When Nagi teases her about it, the game then insults Nagi, telling her she suck at game playing and calls her "chibiko" (little girl). Nagi loses it and the two of them attempt to destroy the game with Nagi vowing to use "AAA" as her name from now on while the viewers are showing a non-service fanservice shot of Hina-chan.

Maria-san walks in on them and wonders what they are doing. An angry Nagi informs Maria that they are ridding the world of an evil. Nagi wants to know what's for dinner, but since its stuffed peppers, she's not thrilled. Sakuya teases Nagi about her eating habits, implying it is the cause of her lack of growth in more than one way.

The next morning, Nagi doesn't want to get up and isn't happy about the sun rising. At breakfast, Sakuya takes off for school leaving an annoyed Nagi at the table. The scene is shown on a small TV and Nagi hits the pause on the remote. A cutout of Hayate is to her right and Maria is to her left as they appear to be in a studio. Nagi thinks she's having déjà vu, but Maria explains the scene is from episode 8 and that this episode took place during episode 8.

Off to the side, Sakuya is reading the script where it states her character gets the urge to watch some sort of DVD and so her character returns to find the game console is alive. Back into the episode, Sakuya finds just this and the game's evil female final boss begins threatening her. Unimpressed, Sakuya rings a bell and summons her two bodyguards Makita and Kunieda, who armed with fire extinguishers, spray the game console. The game console protests and Sakuya gets irritated when she realizes there wasn't a fire, but the game console was talking. Now the game console has to end all of it's sentences with "tima."

Sakuya reasons that because the game is such a bad one, the hate for it accumulated and so it became a youkai during the night. She again summons Makita and Kunieda and instructs them to put an end to this thing by making sure to hit the reset button and the plug. The game protests, and the "tima" ending for its sentences annoys Sakuya. With another "tima," another voice within the game calls for punishment and the room is flooded with takoyaki.

In the game, the final villain (a demon lord) is a cute female with giant breasts (think Naga from Slayers) and is unable to move or get out and has to say "tima" all the time. She reckons that in games, the Hero always shows up at the end. So if she defeats the Hero, she's free. The narrator says this won't happen as the game will return to the Title Screen, but The Great Stygian of Abe (Temp) won't listen. She decides that she has to capture the Hero (tima). And so, with a giant rod-and-reel, she slings game controllers all through the mansion and mansion grounds.

As the "Tima" (as I'll call the villain) eagerly awaits for a hero to be captured, we are shown the scene from episode 8 where Hayate is in a seifuku and trying to sneak out, when he steps on a game controller. Everywhere, her game controllers are stepped on and ignored, and she's depressed that everyone is ignoring her. The three girls of the student council (Izumi-chan, Miki-chan, and Risa-chan) are at Nagi's front gate, but since no one is answering, they attempt to leave, Miki-chan kicks one of the controllers, then stops to pick it up. She's being reeled in, but Izumi-chan catches her by the leg. Unfortunately, she notices Miki-chan's cute new panties along with Risa-chan, which results in the three of them being pulled into the game world.

Tima's grateful voice is heard thanking the trio for noticing her, along with the "boing" sounds. Rika-chan ID's this sound and as Tima keeps talking and instructing them to come to the castle, they are attacked by a slime, RPG style. Rika-chan also figures out everything that is going on and as Tima is waiting for them, Rika-chan rushes behind the taller Risa-chan, stating she's the hero. The slime attacks and Risa-chan is hit for 42837 points of damage and is "killed." Now in a coffin, Risa-chan tells them the rest is up to them. Tima realizes her mistake and has the slime monster killed, but Izumi-chan is reduced to 1 HP. For her actions, the skull helm Tima wears punishes her.

As the three girls argue, Isumi-san senses the youkai but instead of coming to Nagi's game room, she ends up at the indoor onsen. As she bathes, Izumi-chan uses her cell phone to summon a mecha, then call Hina-chan who immediately arrives. She doesn't believe they are really in the game.

While the foursome head to the castle, Nagi is back in the studio and decides to read some fan mail of the anime series and answer it. One viewer thinks that Maria-san is in her twenties, but read that she was really 17. Maria-san is a bit depressed by the fact that she appears older than 17, swearing she's still young and fresh.

Now that the foursome has had time to reach the final castle (complete with RPG costume change), Tima sets off the final attack which ends up dropping a large washing pan on her head. Tima, defeated, states she's ready to go but not ready to go. So the skull helm dispatches punishment which hits everyone. Izumi-chan, Risa-chan, and Mika-chan now find themselves on Nagi's property but with no memory of their adventure while Hana-chan is sent back to school. Isumi-san opens the door on the game room where Sakuya is upset with how the game ended and how she's been mistreated.

Thoughts: From what the anime stated, this is an original episode by Hata-sensei, the mangaka of the manga this anime is based on. If so, that's pretty cool.

We got an explanation of why there was a game controller in the yard in episode 8, which was funny, even if not required. We also got an explanation of how the three student council girls wound up on the estate grounds. I don't know who voiced Tima, but her "Urusai! Urusai! Urusai!" (~"Shut up!" times 3) usage were the same thing that Nagi's seiyuu KUGIMIYA Rie used as Shana in the anime Shakugan no Shana.

No Hayate in this episode save for a cutout of him and a couple of flashbacks.

I've seen RPG parodies before, but this one was pretty funny I have to say.

Negima! Vol 19 (Ch 172) *SPOILERS*

Thanks to AQS for the scans.

Chapter 172 Summary: Asuna returns to what's left of the snow cave and discovers that the water that Kotaro had heated for a bath is frozen now. However, she refuses to ring the bell Eva left her and starts to fall asleep. Realizing the danger of that, she wakes herself up only to drift off despite knowing she'll die.

Back at the castle, Konoka shows that she has the ability to knock over a couple of pencils with her mind (it may be a spell...I'm not sure). Everyone is impressed, but Paru decides to prove she can do it too by blowing the pencils over. When Negi and Kotaro, arrive to the surprise of Setsuna and Konoka. Negi explains what happened and Kotaro recounts how even he thought he was going to die when they trained there. Chachamaru assures Negi that while Eva is strict, she has a good heart, something Negi believes to the surprise of Setsuna and Kotaro.

Paru and Ku Fei get into a friendly squabble with Paru challenging Ku Fei. Despite create-summoning a powerful "Genie" (for lack of a better term, that's what I'm going to call this creature of Paru's since that's what it reminds me of -- a giant genie), Ku makes short work of it, proving that skill trumps raw, untrained power. The two promise to "level-up" and laugh in an evil way.

Yue shows off how far she's come in training, sending the pencils farther than Konoka. Negi is impressed, wondering how she's managed to come so far. She explains her artifact allows her to train and learn in a more efficient way. Negi states that at her rate of learning, it will only take 78-hours (of study?) to get to magic arrow and disarmament magic. Getting closer to Yue, Negi fondly remembers his time learning magic with the very book Yue is learning from. Nodoka thinks about Negi giving Yue a personal lesson, and causes herself to "short out" for a moment. She decides to give it her best and says this aloud, which the other interpret to mean the training, which they agree to give it their all as well.

Asuna hears someone address her as "Asuna-chan," and it is a young, adult Takamichi (Takahata-sensei). He's embarrassed, but asks her to show him how to use kanka. She says it is easy, but you have to turn yourself into nothingness. Takamichi states that this is difficult, but Asuna-chan disagrees and easily produces the kanka with her fingers a 'V' for "Victory" stance. He's impressed by how easily she does it and wonder how. She's puzzled by this, saying that becoming nothing is easy since she never had anything in her to begin with. He's troubled by her remark and in his eyes, we see Asuna-chan's reflection as he reminds her that right now, she has Nagi-san, Takamichi's master, and of course Takamichi. She states she doesn't like his master's cigarettes, which amuses Takamichi.

Waking up, Asuna panics about having fallen asleep, then realizes she's not cold. She's using the kanka without Negi's magic and is so proud of herself. Nearby, Eva and Chachazero are observing and Eva remarks that Asuna will soon be ringing the bell. She wants Asuna to realize her own weakness because those with a broken spirit will not go to Wales.

Asuna is relieved she won't freeze to death, but seven days is a long time to survive, especially when you are hungry and have no food. Remembering that Negi and Kotaro were grilling fish, Asuna eventually finds a river but has no luck catching any fish. She thinks about maximizing the kanka, but reason sets in as she realizes it would run out and she'd freeze to death. Further, she doesn't even know if the kanka could hold out for an entire day. So, she must build a snow cave by the river for shelter and find firewood to ignite to keep warm because she'll need to recover from the use of the kanka.

It took many hours, but well after midnight, Asuna has her snow cave and a bundle of firewood. She has the large washcloth and giant towel from earlier and figures to dry out the firewood with the kanka. Unfortunately, she's "run out of steam" as it were and begins to feel the effects of the cold. Wrapping herself in the giant towel, Asuna promises not to ring the bell and figures to go to sleep for a bit to recover some strength to use the kanka again.

The next morning, Asuna is covered in ice and is freezing to death. Her body won't move and using the kana, she blows the ice and towel off herself. Observing Asuna now able to get up, a slightly disappointed Chachazero informs Eva that Asuna didn't die.

Asuna again attempts to catch some fish but is unsuccessful. She's growing weaker and decides she has to start a fire right away. By the third day, Asuna has her fire and so can sleep safely in the snow cave, but has yet to eat. She remembers the fish Negi and Kotaro had previously caught and finds them at the old camp fire site Negi had made. The fish are frozen, but Asuna eats some anyway. She thinks of Negi and starts to cry.

On the fourth day, the sun is shining brightly as a weak Asuna trudges through the snow. She collapses and Eva, from a distance, wonders where the obligation is for Asuna to go so far for Negi. Asuna is wondering the same thing and Eva is encouraging her to ring the bell from the distance. Asuna gets angry and her kanka fires up with a lot of power. She rises and angrily throws the bell a great distance. Then in anger, she screams about not giving up and insults Eva while taking off at great speed, to the stunned amazement of Eva and Chachazero.

Elsewhere, Chisame is in her sexy, cosplay, school seifuku with her loyal mice (who address her as Chiu-sama) and enjoying the air conditioning in her room. With her artifact, Chisame has the #1 blog on the web but now finds that this has left her feeling empty.

Thoughts: Again, we get another flashback to Asuna's past and a tease of her time before with Takahata-sensei as a young man. I've heard some fans complain about this "training" arc for Asuna, but I rather enjoy it. Akamatsu-sensei is using the time to advance the story of who Asuna really is and showing that she really is quite powerful.

The advancement of the other girls isn't as interesting, but I liked it just the same. After all, they all need to make some progress to be useful before going to Wales. Training arcs are common in shounen titles, but I find that as an "ojisan" in the anime-manga fandom, Akamatsu-sensei does them better than anyone else I've seen or read.

Also, just when you thought Chachazero couldn't be drawn any cuter, Akamatsu-sensei puts her in a darling overcoat with a cat-ear hood. As they often have girls screaming in manga and anime, "KYAAAA! KAWAII!" What a scene stealer.

Pumpkin Scissors 24

SPOILER Summary: As an exhausted Alice squares off against the leader of the commoners, a frightened Marquis Paul steps in and tells Alice she hasn't finished the duel since he was a part of it. Since she's used up a lot of energy, he tells her she can have a substitute, so she chooses the leader of the revolt.

Their fight isn't long with the commoner punching Paul in the face and Paul basically begging for his life. He is crying and the other male nobles step in to apologize. The leader of the revolt isn't satisfied but once the tears are flowing all over, the revolt is officially over.

Alice begins to do what Alice does in these situations, but Martis (Machs) and Oreldo (Oreld) use their new authority from the orders given by Captain Hunks (and delivered by Mer-kun) to stop her. After all, she is at the ball in her role as a noble and not as the 2nd Lieutenant of Pumpkin Scissors. Section III will arrest the commoners for destruction of property, but they'll only be able to hold them for three days and thus protect them. Alice is not convinced, but Oland stops her, telling her she's lost and he smiles. Oreldo confirms that Section I will have them on the 4th day and the torture will begin.

Marquis Hoost, the host of the ball, steps in saying he has influence over important people in the military and three days will be enough to get things done so that the commoners won't be touched. Hoost then gets down on one knee to the commoners which shocks the nobles. The commoners celebrate and love and peace breaks out all over.

Leonir summons the leader of the revolt outside and ends up challenging him to a duel after remembering how Alice fought her duel. The leader is not happy with this, but Leonir tells him that Hoost won't be able to protect him even if he protects everyone else. So, before the leader can fire his pistol, Leonir slashes the man's wrist, then kills him. The masked man and companion from Silver Wheel arrive to take Leonir away. In the carriage, Hoost is there and Leonir thanks him for preserving the script they had set with his actions. Leonir sees in Alice an opponent worthy of his time and wonders how the country will change due to their actions.

Back at the ball, Oland tells Alice that she should rely on Martis, Oreldo, and himself. Alice acts offended since she states that Oland betrayed her when he was supposed to watch her back. Instead, he went along with Martis and Oreldo. She rushes to a nearby table with Oland close behind while Alice's sisters observe. She takes a sip of wine to her sister's chagrin and quickly afterward collapses back into Oland's arms, proving she still trusts him to guard her back.

The following day at Section III HQ, Alice acts unamused at what happened to Oland's uniform (he's having to wear a military jacket issued from his previous unit). Stekkin states that they haven't been able to get a new uniform for him and Oreldo reminds Alice there aren't many uniforms in Oland's size. Alice tells Oland (with a smile) that he must wear the Pumpkin Scissors uniform.

Thoughts: Awww, wasn't it so wonderful that all these nobles who were laughing at Alice moments before are now all weepy and the commoners are all forgiving. I wanted to sing some song about joining hands and stuff. Ugh! Of course, I have to remember this is a shounen title, so things like this ending were to be expected (and the end took way to long in getting there).

As to Leonir, I figured he was the one the masked guy from Silver Wheel was referring to in his "lion" speech.

As to the series as a whole, clearly things are in place for a sequel to pick up all the unresolved story threads.

Negima! Vol 19 (Ch 171) *SPOILERS*

Thanks to AQS for the scans.

Chapter 171: Konoka sees several of the girls from her class who are heading off to Shibuya to do some shopping, including swimsuit shopping. Konoka is a little jealous, since she has to prepare for the Wales trip. Yuuna asks if Asuna is preparing for summer and not just shut up in her room in front of a cooler. Konoka thinks of where Asuna is and states that its not just a cooler for Asuna.

Asuna is in one of Eva's training globes, this time the frozen lands in a blizzard. Negi and Kotaro are there as well and Kotaro suggests she use the kanka to keep warm. She does and immediately no longer feels the cold. Unfortunately, Kotaro figures she can only keep it up for thirty minutes. Still, he's impressed by Asuna's ability since he and Negi had to come up with their own techniques to stay warm. She's upset about the thought of dying in thirty minutes which leads the guys to tell her to try to focus on the "ki" part of the kanka. She complains, but is told to stop complaining and just do it.

A flashback shows how Asuna got here. Eva has challenged Asuna, telling her she's all talk and has nothing to back up her words in typical middle school girl fashion. Since Asuna couldn't be Negi, she shouldn't be president of the new club. Asuna is angry about this, telling Eva that Negi had an unfair advantage in training and that with the same training Negi had, she could catch up. Eva finds this amusing, giving Asuna another opportunity to back down. She doesn't take Eva's out.

Back in the snowy mountains, Asuna has to survive for seven days. Negi and Kotaro tell her that efficient use of magic and ki is the key to survive. Negi and Kotaro plan to stay and support her all the way, which makes her feel a bit better. She sees Negi making a snow cave with his abilities and she asks Kotaro about their training since they went through the same thing. She marvels at their abilities, but Kotaro reminds her that she's pretty good. After all, Negi was trying to knock her out quickly and Asuna survived the whole fifteen minutes, even though she couldn't land a blow on Negi. Thinking on these things, Asuna becomes more determined to catch up to Negi power-wise. As such, her kanka power levels rise, even though it has been thirty minutes and Kotaro is very impressed and which Eva, observing in the distance, sees.

Unfortunately, her "gas runs out" and the kanka fades, leaving Asuna very cold. Negi and Kotaro seem unfased by the cold but Negi has the snow cave ready. Negi has a fire waiting for her and explains how he created it, telling her she'll need to learn how to do this as well. Negi has fish and water ready for her and Kotaro has used his abilities to melt some snow for a hot bath.

They leave her to bath and as she's enjoying her bath, an angry Eva emerges from the water and blasts her out of the cave. She's angry with Negi and Kotaro for helping her and despite their protests, she fails them as instructors. As such, Chachamaru and her sister android remove Negi and Kotaro. Asuna is naked (again using the kanka) and protests this to Eva. Eva doesn't really care about that, but decides to have "warriors compassion" on Asuna and gives her some clothing. As Eva has no obligations to Asuna, she's not going to go easy on her. Further, she gives Asuna another chance to bail out, but tells her she'll arrange Asuna's funeral if she dies since Asuna has no other kin.

Asuna puts on the costume Eva gives her, when Eva casts a spell that creates a giant snowball which Asuna must flee from. Asuna avoids the giant ball which kinda impresses Eva a bit. Asuna is angry by this, but again, Eva tells her to quit. After all, as a middle school student, she should be doing what middle school students do on summer break. Eva gives Asuna a bell, telling her to ring it and Eva will rescue her, but the training ends then. Eva tells her to ring it now, which again angers Asuna. However, Eva isn't interested in Asuna's anger, telling her she doesn't like Asuna's personallity -- being carefree, being cheerful, saying and doing things without thinking.

So, Eva hates Asuna, telling her she prefers people like Setsuna or Chao. Asuna is annoyed, but becomes worried when Eva takes her pactio card, meaning she'll be without an artifact and will have no way of drawing upon Negi's magic. Asuna protests, saying she can't use the kanka without the card, so Eva tells her to try remembering it. Eva floats off, figuring Asuna will soon be ringing the bell. Asuna screams in anger after Eva, but it is no use.

Eva and Chachazero fly off with Eva stating that Asuna has always repulsed her. Chachazero questions this since thoughtless and carefree people were "Master's" favorite type of people. Eva tells her to shut up, remembering a conversation she had with Al about Asuna. Chachazero ignores Eva, telling Eva that she's jealous, which annoys Eva somewhat.

Eva reflects on the irony of the situation in how Asuna is now trying to throw away something that took her ages to get -- peace from leaving her past behind her. A childhood comparison of Eva as a child and Asuna as a child shows them to be more alike than Eva would like to admit.

Meanwhile, an angry Asuna is still on the mountain screaming at Eva.

Thoughts: I really liked this chapter. Yeah, some fans weren't too impressed because this was the "get Asuna stronger" chapter, but I liked it because of the juxtaposition of Eva and Asuna's characters. Both had their childhood taken from them and both are very powerful (though Asuna is on a journey to discover this). Eva remembers everything about her past -- all the pain, sorrow, and suffering she had to go through as a hunted vampire. Asuna, on the other hand, from what limited amount we know, had a past where she was used as a weapon, which apparently caused her to bleed from the mouth (and she was chained to the floor). She traveled with the Crimson Wing for a while, but she was witness to the death of at least one of their members before Takahata was tasked with getting Asuna out of there. Then, Asuna's terrible memories (and good ones) were suppressed and she was allowed to continue life as an apparent normal middle school girl (though even in the first chapter, Konoka remarks on Asuna's unnatural speed in keeping up with her on skates, something Peter David's adaptation completely removed from the Del Rey publication).

So yeah, I liked this chapter because it was personal for Eva and Chachazero knows it! (Chachazero is the best...Akamatsu-sensei knocked one so far out of the park when he came up with her character!)

Pumpkin Scissors 23

Summary: Sergeant Major Stekkin is still at the food distribution point and manage to find a bit of potato left from what they served the commoners. She places it in a bowl intending to serve it to Mer-kun, their military dog courier, when she gets back to the base. The sudden arrival of Mer-kun startles her, he being accompanied by Captain Hunks. Hunks teases her a bit about stealing food and wonders where the others in her company are.

Back at the ball, the machete bodyguard again uses the mud to make Alice hallucinate, but she smells Oland's jacket, which she's wearing, and is able to dispel the illusion. The bodyguard is having no trouble reading Alice's attacks and the natives get restless again until Oland steps in to prevent them from doing anything rash. The sight of the other bodyguard still quivering in terror helps enforce Oland's will.

As Alice and the bodyguard continue to fight, Paul asks Oreld about what was so bad about embezzling a little money, assuming he did it at all, leading to a long speech from Oreld about how the money wouldn't have amounted to much for the peasants, but every little bit helps.

Machs, posted near a window, sees street lights in the distance leading up to their location are going out, meaning the 4th Axe is likely on the move to surround the building. They won't care about any deals most likely and so Machs knows they need to get the peasants to lay down their weapons.

At the base of the hill where the road leads up to the ball location, Section I 4th Axe troops are there and prevent Captain Hunks from proceeding any further. As they talk to him, a blur dashes up a retaining wall at the side of the road, which Hunks tells the troops must have been a cat. He returns to where Stekkin is waiting with the two prisoners. She figured he has some great plan that he gave to Mer-kun to deliver. He doesn't really answer her, but tells her that Alice may not always be the right answer.

Alice is wearing out in her fight and is in danger of losing the match. Leonir takes a butter knife and hides it, prepared to use it as a weapon if required. The bodyguard has Alice down and trying to catch her breath. He feels the fight is over, but Alice shifts her short sword to her left hand and stands up again. This time, as he attempts to attack, Alice is able to not only defend against the attacks, she's able to turn the attacks away. She does this repeatedly, causing the bodyguard concern. She informs him that her grandfather received three gifts from the former King -- the nickname "Noble Flamme," the great sword "Noble Flamme," and the defense technique "Main Gauche."

The fight continues with Alice's sisters, Leonir, and others amazed at her grace and beauty as she elegantly turns away all of the bodyguard's attacks. She uses the time to catch her breath and put her attacker to wasting energy. He realizes his mistake and when she shifts back her sword to her right arm, she uses it to knock him down rather than slay or seriously injure him. They bodyguard concedes defeat.

However, the leader of the commoners is not impressed and still wants to kill nobles. He realizes that Alice has messed things up for him and he decides to attack her. Oland jumps in to defend her, but Mer-kun suddenly arrives on scene and disarms the attacker's knife. Oreld and Machs check the documents Mer-kun is carrying and Machs discovers that the orders aren't for Alice, but for them. Oreld knows the commoners need to be disarmed and Alice decides to challenge them.

Thoughts: Alice's short sword has gotten shorter over the series I think. It just seemed really small to me this time. Mer-kun got a little action, which was amusing to me, considering he's normally just some passive dog. To see him in his "military hound" mode was also amusing. The duel at least came to an end with Alice using this new technique. While I didn't expect the left-hand sword usage, this being a shounen title meant that she'd be doing something unexpected to win.

Note: Machs' official name may be Martis and Oreld's may be Oreldo based on the documents which were typed up in good English.

Pumpkin Scissors 22

Summary: Alice moves in to attack despite the stuff on the bodyguard's machete (or matchete...which I suppose is a foreign way of spelling it). The stuff gets on her and does her no harm.

Outside, the 4th Axe with the assistance of local police have the area cordoned off, but do allow a limo to pass through, the masked man from Silver Wheel is inside with another, and they talk of the incomplete infiltrating Section I. The masked man speaks of someone who didn't learn the ethics of life as a lion cub would, but did have fangs and claws.

Back at the ball, the machete bodyguard talks of the substance on his blade -- mud from his country where he will then be in his element. He smears some on his face knowing that the mud from the marshes will make him treat those around him (the peasants) as marsh weeds to be cut down.

Outside, Oland is still on the run and taking a beating from the flail bodyguard. He sees horses in a nearby stable and wonders what to do.

Inside, Alice presses the attack and discovers her opponent doesn't fear her blade. She soon learns the purpose of the mud as she begins to hallucinate. She reminds herself that she's not really in a swamp but in the ballroom on solid ground. However, the bodyguard catches the bottom of her skirt with an attack, preventing her from being able to dodge a slash from his blade. So, she takes her sword and slashes her own skirt to escape the death strike of her opponent.

The crowd is getting restless and moves in to attack Paul. Alice sees this and rushes to defend Paul from the peasants. Oland, running past the windows, sees Alice fighting and stops to watch. The flail bodyguard is amazed that she's still alive and wonders if she seriously believes her actions will stop a riot. As Oland takes another blow from the flail and falls to the ground, he ponders things, realizing he'd been using her small body to lean on. Because she is who she is, Oland comes to a decision to protect her no matter what.

Inside, Alice gives a speech about not being on the side of the nobles or the side of the peasants. Her older blond sister comes in to shield Alice while the dark-haired sister prevents Oreld from doing anything rash. She is married to a soldier and as such is not afraid of death, even when peasants move in to threaten her and Oreld. Alice asks her blond sister to step aside since she's still in the middle of a duel. The leader of the rebels isn't convinced, but Alice speaks of standing against evil in whatever form it takes, even if it is the Emperor, which causes quite a stir.

Deciding to protect Alice with his large body, even if it means killing, Oland opens his lantern to expose the blue flame that turns him into a tank killer. His opponent is surprised by Oland's sudden recovery and being shot in the arm makes him start to fear. Oland shoots again, missing his opponent but striking the stable. The flail bodyguard begins to panic as he sees that Oland is no longer a scared giant, but something big and fearless, realizing that his life is in danger. As the horses inside scream in fear and bust out of their enclosures, Oland holds his opponent until the horses, still attached to carriages, run them over.

As tensions are still high in the ballroom, Oland tosses the body of his opponent through the window to the amazement of the machete bodyguard. The machete bodyguard is not amused by this, but the flail bodyguard is deathly afraid as Oland enters through the busted window. Alice tries to get him to stop coming to her as she's in the middle of a duel. He ignores it and she breaks down and tears up. He assures her that while he and she might remain in solitude forever, however, he wants to protect the lieutenant of Pumpkin Scissors as a member of that group. Alice is touched by this, but quickly gains her military bearing, asking Oland to give her his shirt. She order Machs to turn off the vehicle's engine and get out to show that they will not run. She orders Oreld away from her other sister to protect Paul. Then she orders Oland to guard her back and make sure no one interferes with the duel.

Smelling Oland's shirt, she now has her own territory and is ready to resume the fight with the machete bodyguard.

Thoughts: OK, I liked this one a lot better, mainly because you got that little hint of something between Alice and Oland again. I'm glad Oland's brief period of indecision came to an end with him apparently having a bit more control over his lantern ability in that he didn't kill the flail-wielding bodyguard. I guess that mud only makes one hallucinate just briefly since that's all we saw onscreen. I suppose it was to be used to disorient the enemy long enough to make the kill, which didn't happen here. Well, only two more episodes to drag this duel out over.

Pumpkin Scissors 21

Summary: Captain Hunks meets with Major Connery about the situation at the ball. Connery figures there has already been many casualties and he plans to just arrest civilians that approach the place whether they took part or not. Further, he plans to use the event to gain more power for the military. Hunks states that the night is still young and that maybe there weren't any casualties yet, something Connery feels would be a trick of the Devil.

At the ball, Alice has challenged Koushaku (Marquis) Paul to a duel, which he doesn't take seriously at first. However, Alice is very serious and her sisters immediately know what she's about to do. Grabbing a table cloth, the get Oland to help them hold it up as Alice lifts her skirts and produces her short sword, which is also the Emperor's Seal. Realizing she's serious, he declares his weapon to be his two bodyguards, making it a two against one fight. However, she was hoping for a three against one fight with Paul included.

Oland decides to stand between Alice and the bodyguards to shield her, but she orders him away, stating she's not going to let him fight anymore. However, one of the bodyguards produces a flail which nearly takes out Oland if it weren't for Alice's warning. Machs recognizes the bodyguards as from a guild formed to quell farmer riots in Loderia (from which Alice's family decends from the royal family there). Oland is afraid, not wanting to harm people and so as the bodyguard with the flail attacks, Oland retreats until he falls out of a window (followed by the bodyguard), where he then runs away and hides around the corner of the building.

The remaining bodyguard pulls a matchete (spelled correctly apparently) covered in a liquid substance. Alice's actions have been what he expects from the household of the former king of Loderia, also known as "Nobel Flamme." This was a name only her grandfather was known as. The bodyguard wants to know if he can kill her even if she is a noble of the Thirteen Families. Alice confirms this.

Outside, the flail bodyguard has caught up with Oland and attacked him around the corner of the building with the flail, catching Oland in the gut. Oland pulls out his gun, but the bodyguard isn't impressed by the gun's size nor Oland's size since all he sees is a scared, giant soldier.

Back inside, the peasants are not happy with Alice claiming to be fighting for the pride of the nobles which leads Leonir to step in. The leader of the revolt recognizes him as the man that passed them the evidence about Paul. Leonir states that should Alice win, Paul will be tried, the peasants will be part of that, and they will not be prosecuted for their attack on the ball. If Alice wins, the peasants get to slay the nobles inside. The peasants agree to this, though the leader of the revolt feels this isn't enough. Further, Oreld tells Machs to keep the engine going because things could get ugly seeing as how this solution of Leonir's really isn't one in the long run.

Both outside and inside, the bodyguards go to attack their prey.

Thoughts: Man, this episode didn't do much more than waste a lot of time with posturing and speeches. That said, I wasn't bored by the episode, just felt it didn't do much. Sadly, I get the feeling that this story-arc will consume the rest of the series.

Negima! Vol 19 (Ch 170) *SPOILERS*

Thanks to AQS for the scans.

Summary: When Eva learns the name of the club to search for Negi's farther is "The Negima Club," she is unimpressed. She sees the reason of the club -- getting some funds on the sly so that they can go to Wales, but she finds it pointless. Asuna counters by reminding Eva of her own desire to find Nagi. Since the curse prevents her from doing so, they'll go in her stead. As such, she agrees to take the job of Honorary Adviser providing that the club give her all information they find on Nagi.

The first thing the new club does is establish its club room at Eva's resort. Things have changed since Asuna was last there as in addition to the resort globe in Eva's home, there are other globes with different settings which Eva has used for Negi's training. As such, the group goes to Lebenschilt Castle (rather than Eva's resort) which resides in a jungle setting. They are greeted by Chachamaru and immediately decide to explore the other regions such as the desert and icy wasteland. Back at the jungle, Ku Fei and Paru rush to take a jungle batch to the annoyance of Eva. When Asuna laughs, Eva looks the other way.

Later, Negi and Kotaro arrive from a training session. Negi is pleased to see Asuna and the other girls of Negi's group are working on completing their summer homework. Taking a break for tea, the girls decide that maybe they should do some training as well. Asuna is amazed by this large castle, which brings a response from Eva. She states that the castle was built in the "dark lands" in the 19th century and later moved to its present location. However, Eva ends her story and then again turns from Asuna.

As Asuna and Setsuna-san train, Asuna remarks on Eva's behavior toward her. Setsuna feels there's nothing wrong and compliments Asuna who has the ability to nullify magic, the ability to use kankahou, well above average eyesight, the ability to run at bicycle speeds, power in her fists, and of course, the artifact harisen which can send summoned demons back to where they came. Setsuna feels that Asuna could become more powerful than all of them as they continue to train.

Yue, Nodoka, Paru, and Konoka arrive all dressed in maid outfits from Chachamaru's older sister. Paru is impressed by everything she's seen and understands a bit why people once feared Eva as a powerful, evil mage. She's glad for Asuna's idea, as are the others who are able to get their homework done within the magic confines of the globe, thereby freeing up their summer in the real world.

Konoka feels they should pick a club president and and everyone else agrees. She's embarrassed a bit, but agrees to take the job until Eva steps in (wearing glasses) and votes against Asuna. She challenges Asuna, calling her all talk with her idea of protecting Negi. Asuna accepts Eva's challenge, which is that she has to land a punch on Negi in fifteen minutes. Asuna feels this is very easy and Negi isn't so sure about this test. Eva silences him, and warns him to be serious about it.

Asuna activates her kanka ability and summons her harisen, feeling confident that she'll be able to score a hit. For her to protect Negi, she mustn't lose. However, Negi is on her in a flash and disarms her. He stops, bringing Eva's anger out, who reminds him that Chachamaru didn't go easy on him and he can't go easy on Asuna (plus, with Konoka there, she can heal any injuries Asuna may suffer). As such, Negi throws Asuna quite a distance with Eva telling him not to stop until Asuna says she gives up. Asuna gets up, but Negi is too powerful, even without using magic. As such, at the end of fifteen minutes, Asuna is beaten. Eva belittles her, stating that Asuna really is just all talk.

Thoughts: Eva, the Doll Master, dressed up like a doll is just funny to me. There's something about a powerful, evil vampire in child form dressed up like a fancy doll which cracked me up. I suspect Akamatsu-sensei must feel the same (or else, he finds her so cute this way, he couldn't help himself). As to Asuna, she has been able to score hits on Eva in the past (though to be fair, Eva wasn't really expecting them) but Negi's training has him able to fight quite well, as he moves to become a combat mage. It will be interesting to see what Eva ultimately has in store for Asuna.