this is my favorite episode so far in the series. you really get to see that Masa is the perfect patsy. Yaichi certainly didn't inform him about the change of plans BECAUSE he knew Masa would be a bigger help unknowingly.

that one woman was so nasty. man, someone should kidnap HER.

the most interesting thing in this episode is the flashback at the end. if you couple it together with the flashback that starts off the very first episode, it makes alot more sense. i've watched them a few times, because at first i was confused as to whether or not they were flashbacks, and particularly about the name "Yaichi"


The boy with the Five Leaves burn on his back is called Saegusa Seinoshin (but I have to believe that it's actually Yaichi/Ichi, who has taken his name from the servant in the first episode (who is later revealed to have been involved in the plot to kidnap/murder him)). It appears he has been adopted by the Saegusa family because there is something wrong with the mother, who eventually does get pregnant (and i'd guess that's when she arranges Seinoshin's kidnapping)

The other man in the flashback is Heiza, who is being punished by his father and forced to sit outside, when Yaichi finds him. Unless my premonition's are failing me, he's the man who introduces himself as Yagi ("I come from a rich family that I just leech off of"). To me, he's one of those When the Shit Hits the Fan, This Guy is Gonna be There characters.

also, i'm really falling in love with the OP. poppy and a bit modern-plus, but it's perfect because it absolutely doesn't match any of the music of art style or ANYTHING of the show.

i still sometimes struggle to identify certain people with the art style, but it is certainly nice and unique.