Third Day – Tuesday of Turbulence I

As our MC has gone missing, his best friends take it upon themselves to search for him in Nagoya.  I loved the beginning of the episode, as they found a way to implement one of Io’s famous moments in the game, “Operation Box.”  Obviously she is a fan of the Metal Gear series.  As soon as Daichi and Io arrive at their destination, they receive a dead-face clip of Hibiki being totally obliterated by some huge attack (probably done by the next Septentrione).  Although shocked, our two heroes instantly decide to find Hibiki and prevent the clip from becoming reality.  While walking around the city, the two run into the insurgents who have taken over the Nagoya branch of JPs.  Despite their actions, the insurgents prove to be kind people as they generously distribute rations to the civilians.  This peaceful moment is soon disrupted by an invasion of Legion demons, but Hibiki suddenly takes the stage with his new demon, Suzaku.

Io and Daichi try to call out to Hibiki, but he coldly runs off without a word.  After pursuing their friend, the gang meets Ronaldo, who reveals the dark truth behind Chief Hotsuin’s intentions.  For the rest of the episode, we are introduced to a ton of new characters and briefly explore Hotsuin’s past.  We also explore Mikoto’s past too, but of course Hotsuin plays a big role in it.  The flashbacks were interesting and did a great job of giving some more character development in a manner not present in the game.  Despite how I enjoyed the flashbacks and their effects on the story, I am somewhat perturbed by how they made the pacing of the episode a bit awkward.

Aside from the flashbacks, we get to meet the rest of our party members, Airi, Jungo, Otome, and Joe.  Airi is our typical high school tsundere, Jungo is an awkward-but-caring dude, Otome is a normal nurse, and Joe is the cool-headed/friendly guy.  In the game, I liked these characters a lot and am excited to see them finally in the anime.  Each of the new party members barely get any time in this episode, but they will certainly play larger roles in the next few episodes.

This episode, despite its lack of major action, is significant by establishing the roles of Ronaldo and Hotsuin as opposing forces.  Ronaldo, as the leader of the insurgents, represents freedom and fights for equal rights.  Hotsuin is the complete opposite, as he only favors the powerful and will dispose of the weak.  In the future, I am certain that the characters will align themselves to one of the two opposing forces before the real showdowns begin.  It will be interesting to see what side Hibiki will take, as he appears to be leaning towards Ronaldo.  At the end of the episode, we see Alcor talking to Hotsuin about Hibiki’s survival in the future events.  Before Hotsuin can reply, he receives a dead-face clip of Hibiki.  This indicates that our MC is considered a “friend” to the Chief and foreshadows more interactions between the two.  While I am excited about how things will play out between Hibiki and his friends, I can’t help but feel worried about the pacing.  Although the series is only around thirteen episodes, they are beginning to rush things quite a bit, with all of these new characters being introduced in one episode.   Well, until next episode, “Let’s survive.”