Norn9: Norn+Nonet Episode 9

After last week’s episode, based on much they have adjusted and flipped Koharu x Kakeru’s story-line, I came into this week not knowing what to expect. And thank goodness I went into this episode with a blank slate. Not only did the story shift into an uncharted territory (so to speak) of multiple bits from multiple routes being implemented altogether into one, but there was also a treat, an unexpected one at that.

We pick up from where we last left off, discussing the subject regarding the RESET phenomena, and how it has affected history and the timeline as they know it. However, while everyone else learned about it- including Mikoto, Koharu who was MIA after the incident was the only one who did not learn about it, until today. It was Shiro who had explained it to her. But before that we were able to get a glimpse of the discussion and interaction that took place before Koharu decided to use her powers in such way. Last week I displayed frustration regarding Koharu’s actions, but seeing what had took place beforehand helped soften my opinion on the matter. Koharu was rightfully so reluctant, but Shiro manipulated her into using her powers, claiming he is the only one who can guide her how to use it the right way, and encouraged her to use it against the military tanks to defend a fallen mother and her weeping child. Although Kakeru was close to the scene when Koharu unleashed her powers, she wounded up unconscious and the next thing she knows, she’s on a train with Shiro heading towards his base, when it is then she learns about the Reset. Following that, he tells her of his goals, he claims the Reset is a stupid idea, but it is also a window of hope and opportunity, to meet his long lost love once more in a different life… so he says as he shows off his warheads collection to Koharu. Now don’t’ get me wrong, I don’t doubt his desire to meet his love again, but it’s kind of ridiculous to mention that while showing off the weapon collection.

Then came along the surprise treat, a sweet Natsuhiko x Mikoto scene. While the execution was far from perfect, I can tell you right now I don’t even care, I am just eternally grateful my OTP got at least one precious scene and I am happy just with that. It never ceases to amuse me how Natsuhiko feels he has to use these ridiculous bluffs (“Just come. I’m about to go and kill people with abilities“) in order to invite Mikoto out for  date, in this case to stargaze, ahahahaha. The shame however, is the lack of development and interaction between Mikoto and Natsuhiko to make the scene feel more special, and lacking the better understanding of why he resorts to bluffing how he is off to attack Norn. Had we had some time seeing the two interact a little but more, maybe it would have made the scene feel more thorough.

While I wouldn’t describe the episode as rushed, there were many scenes that just felt as if something was missing. Natsuhiko x Mikoto’s scene I have just mentioned is one example. Another would be Akito’s decision to reveal the truth to Senri, that he is in fact his brother. The way this scene was brought up and executed was weird to me. It was as though it dropped out of thin air, but I know that wasn’t the case. Though not all of would us necessarily remember- I only remember because I am in the process of writing about this (if I weren’t, I know for a fact I would have completely forgotten about it), Akito did wear a heavy expression when Senri said he felt burdened that he and the others have to make this difficult decision regarding the reset. It probably would have been a lot smoother had they followed up that scene from last week with what we saw near the end of this week’s episode. Having a week break between the two, and then only address it at the very end of the following episode only hinders the flow and decision to take place in that scene.

Although the scene was honestly awkward in its delivery, it was still precious was managed to pull my heartstrings, even a little bit. Afterwards, he uses that as a source of evidence and validation to Nanami that he did not board the ship to kill her, but to watch over and help his beloved brother by freeing him of his powers- and then… AND THEN, DESPITE THE FACT SENRI WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO HIM THE NEXT MORNING, AKITO FREAKING ASKS HER TO WIPE SENRI’S MEMORY OF THEIR ENTIRE REUNTION BASICALLY AND I’M LIKE, *FLIPS TABLE* “GOD DAMN IT AKITO! “I want to let him live a life of freedom” THAT’S A BULLSHIT REASON- NANAMI, DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE ERASE HIS MEMORIES NOW. DOn’T DO IT.” So in conclusion to that scene: NANAMI FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, I HOPE YOU DIDN’T DO IT.

Now Three episodes remain… What’s going to happen in the follow 3 episodes? It feels as though it’s going to end sooner. The World’s island is now in sight, and everything is coming together. Next week, Lots of Koharu flashbacks it seems or not- WAIT, ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME, IT’S GOING TO BE A RECAP EPISODE? PLEASE BE A LIE. THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE. WHY A RECAP IN A TWELVE EPISODE SERIES?! I NEVER UNDERSTAND THIS! I sincerely hope it’s not a literal recap, maybe we will some new things as part of covering a ‘backstory’, that would be nice. But seriously: If it is truly a recap, repeating everything we have watched up to this point, I might just skip next week’s entry and do a double post within Episode 11, BECAUSE HOLY SHIT, I will be livid. If anything, you would see a lengthy rant about them wasting 23 minutes on a fucking recap.

PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG.

PS: Shiro is so fucking creepy, he makes me cringe every time he touches Koharu. Keep. your. creepy. hands. off. of. her.