With each passing episode, Tougen Anki has managed to surprise me the least with its quite predictable storyline, and Episode 17 has been no different. Now, although that isn’t inherently a bad thing, my overall outlook on the series may not be as positive.
Still, Episode 17 did have a few good moments. Yes, only good, not great. In the previous episode, we at least had some hype building up for the finale fight, but this time? More buildup. However, to highlight the episode, the Mudano vs. Osuke clash and Shiki & Kougasaki’s bromance definitely stood out. So, better than nothing, I guess.
Osuke Didn’t Even Stand a Chance Against Our Mighty Mudano
Shinya’s master plan did manage to lure Mudano away from Shiki and Kougasaki, putting him right in front of Osuke, one of the Momotaros, to face. And even for Osuke, it seemed like he’d been waiting his whole life for this moment: to be able to defeat Mudano.
But sadly, he didn’t even stand a chance against our mighty Mudano. Mudano’s aura is just on another level, and this episode proved it once again. Osuke’s Momotaro ability itself didn’t even look that strong compared to the buildup he had: just a very long scythe, that’s all.
On the other hand, what surprised me more was how versatile Mudano’s Blood Release technique was shown here. His umbrella stance was already powerful enough, with his blood warriors aiming arrows at the opponent, but the Twin Dragon technique? That was something I didn’t see coming.
However, despite having the opportunity to just kill Osuke while he was badly injured, Mudano chose to interrogate him instead, which is rather reasonable. However, as predictable as it was, Tsukuyomi came to Osuke’s rescue, saving him from interrogation, and thus, none of their intel was leaked.
From a Technical Standpoint, Kougasaki’s Past Was Indeed Emotional
Kougasaki’s first Oni transformation | Credits: Studio Hibari
Though I didn’t feel much while watching Kougasaki’s backstory, maybe because I’m too familiar with how these things usually go down in similar Shonen anime. From a technical point of view, I can admit it was quite emotional. The motivation behind his revenge is definitely understandable.
The way Kougasaki cared for his family and swore to protect his mom and sister when he was just a kid was pretty idealistic, but I can see where he’s coming from. It was also ironic how he wanted to become a Momotaro, not knowing he was already an Oni in Tougen Anki.
What hit me the most was imagining how much it must’ve affected him – coming home from school to find his mom and sister dead. They were about to celebrate his dad’s homecoming, who was returning from work on his birthday, so it was supposed to be a happy, party-like atmosphere.
But seeing his own dad (a Momotaro) mercilessly kill his wife and daughter must’ve left a deep scar on him. In the anime, it came off a bit cheesy, but from a story perspective, it was actually quite hard-hitting.
By the time Kougasaki finished telling the whole story to Shiki, Shiki basically had a meltdown. Though he didn’t want to show he was crying. That led to an unexpected bromance moment in the episode, which, personally, was quite a highlight for me.
The Tougen Anki anime is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
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