Yatagarasu: Episodes 5-10 Review

From now on, I am sad to say that my reviews will become a little less detailed as the plot gets more convoluted. Part of this is because the story becomes more interesting now and it wouldn’t do to spoil anyone who hasn’t seen the show. The other reason is that if I really delve into the story, the reviews will become very long and may put off potential readers. 

With that said, let’s get into it.

Episode 5 starts on a light note. Back at the red-light district, the Prince gambles off his money and his belongings and is forced to leave Yukiya, his now-aide, as collateral. Considering how the previous episode ended, this was quite humorous and I appreciated the laugh.

Yukiya is forced to work in the red-light district until the Prince can repay the debt. It takes him a month but before that, Yukiya has the chance to spy on a meeting held at the district. A meeting between Natsuka and the people backing him to take the throne. 

Before we get into that, I’d just like to say that I like Yukiya. At the red light district, despite being there and working against his will, he is diligent. So much so, that the inhabitants are reluctant to let him go when the Prince returns with enough money to cover his debts.

Anyway, Yukiya gets the chance to spy on the meeting and it is revealed that the plot to kill the Prince was done by one of Natsuka’s backers, Kazumichi, in a ploy to gain favour and money. Rokon, Natsuka’s bodyguard, swiftly kills Kazumichi. Remember the court raven who bullied Yukiya in Taruhi…this is his father. Underhandedness must run in this family. Atsufusa, Natsuka’s aide, is visibly shaken by the death and seems to have issues with Rokon. The tension within Natsuka’s faction is palpable.

(Source: Crunchyroll)

Yukiya, of course, narrates this to the Prince and the Prince remarks that Kazumichi while desperate enough to arrange such an attack isn’t smart enough to poison the assassins so they can’t cough up details if caught. 

Is there another mastermind? Probably.

In the cherry blossom palace, Asebi is having some sort of flashback about the Prince. It seems like they met as kids. I don’t know if the writer is trying to foreshadow some sort of fateful lovers trope between them or something. The episode ends with Atsufusa seeking a conference with the Prince. Will a genuine alliance form or is Atsufusa hoping to double-cross the Prince for Natsuka’s sake?

Episodes 6-10 are just too convoluted to go into a scene-by-scene breakdown so here are some moments I found significant and why. 

1. The Prince’s name is Nazukihiko. I think this is the first time he is referred to by name and it’s by Natsuka. This is in episode 6.

2. We see more of the women and more of their motivations and opinions on each other are revealed. Surprisingly, Shiratama, the lady of the North and Yukiya’s kinswoman, makes a bold move. She approaches Hamayu, the lady of the South, and threatens her. Tells her that she should give up trying to be the Prince’s consort and in exchange, she won’t reveal her secret (what secret?) and that the North will show the South favour.

3. The dialogue is so funny at times. What is “shut your beak!” or “took off like his tail feathers were on fire”? I just like how the dialogue reflects the setting of the world. It’s nice that the writer paid attention to those details.

4. There is a murder in the Cherry Blossom Palace.

5. Yet to see any romance element. No ships till now. So I propose a love rhombus between the Prince, Sumio, Yukiya and Asebi. I will provide no explanations.

6. One of the ladies is revealed to be the assassin. Any guesses as to who?

7. The assassin leaves the Cherry Blossom Palace and now, there are only 3 women in the running for the Prince’s heart.

8. There is another attack on the Prince and this one comes close to ending the Prince’s and Sumio’s life. Yukiya manages to escape and tries to seek help but he has no idea who the Prince’s allies are. He, however, applies the intelligence he is beginning to be known for and connects the dots. Help arrives in the nick of time and the two are saved.

The last point is a little bit annoying though. If the Prince can command living and non-living things, why wasn’t he resistant to Karon incense (the poison used to incapacitate him and Sumio)?

This was a little confusing and I hope more light is shed on the Prince’s abilities as a true kin’u.

(Source: Crunchyroll)

My thoughts so far

The story is developing very well. As I mentioned in my previous post, the number of plotlines allows for a long, engaging story and spectacular character development. I want to see more of the ladies. These past few episodes focused on them and their idiosyncrasies. But I want more. After the selection (I have no idea who the Prince will pick and I’m not even rooting for anyone), I wish we could see them return home and how the rejection shapes their personalities and the plot.

I really want to see how the Prince selects his wife. Nazukihiko seems very smart and I’m sure he’s seeing something we aren’t. I want a peek into his brain. I want to see how the Empress-to-be deals with the current one.

I want…a lot of things and I have all the faith that Yatagarasu will deliver. 

I can’t wait for episode 10 and the selection of the Prince’s wife.