It’s been a pretty straightforward and linear run of episodes for Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi. Battles are inevitable and – as Tokiyuki notes – essentially his destiny. But they do limit Matsui-sensei’s ability to indulge his full creativity. We were due for a change of pace episode, and that’s definitely what we got. And that it was one of the best of the season is not a coincidence. TES does this sort of material exceptionally well. And that Matsui can keep getting away with it without it feeling at odds with the darker themes is part of his genius.
First one of those history lessons he loves so much. Tokiyuki never cutting his hair is not just an affectation. Why? Because uncut long hair in children is seen as a sign of purity. Normally it would be cut after a boy’s Genpuku (naming/coming-of-age) ceremony. But Tokiyuki was advised to keep it long, for good fortune. His brother ignored that advice, so perhaps there was something to it. Yorishige asks if he can be the one to cut it when the time comes, which would make him Tokiyuki’s Eboshi-oya – a highly significant ceremonial role in a youth’s life.
A storm blows through Suwa Myoujin in the form of Yoritsugu (Kobayashi Yumiko, one of anime’s go-to boya for decades). He’s Yorishige’s seven year-old grandson (they had kids young in those days). And he’s insanely jealous that Tokiyuki has come along and stolen his place as Grandpapa’s favorite. He’s the designated heir to the shrine, effectively the next Kami. But as his father Tokitsugu and Yorishige are basically committed to warlord status, he’s had to assume those duties too soon. As soon they both spoil him – including when he acts like a spoiled brat and tries to get the Houjou heir in trouble for bullying him.
I must confess, I really like the way Tokiyuki handled this. Remember he’s still only ten himself, but he doesn’t allow himself to be drawn into Yoritsugu’s nonsense. In fact he holds the adults accountable for their lax discipline, but in the end he still has to accept the challenge the little guttersnipe has issued him. Dad and Grandpapa are hoping the Young Lord can do what they can’t, instill a bit of humility in Yoritsugu. And since the latter has been told his whole life that he’s a Arahitogami, that’s a tall order for a short lad.
Of course we know as a one-on-one this would be nothing close to a fair fight. As such it doesn’t feel so wrong for Yoritsugu to force the shrine attendants to try and sabotage Tokitsugu in the race to the Onbashira, the holy pillar. But this is literal child’s play for the Wakagimi. In fact he’s absolutely having fun – because for once he can stretch his legs in an activity where there are no life and death consequences (or so it seems). It’s just a game, and he can be a kid for once. That is, until the stubborn Yoritsugu runs off the edge of a cliff rather than admitting his obvious defeat.
All I can say is damn, that has to hurt like hell. But Tokiyuki is nothing if not a heroic little man, so it’s very much in-character. In the end he gets his revenge (decide for yourself if it was on-purpose) by arranging for the Arahitogami to have three days being spoiled by Yorishige and his belt sander cheeks while Tokiyuki dances the dance of the innocent. Meanwhile his uncle Yasuie (Ueda Youji) – who looks anything but innocent – enters the picture. Tokiyuki’s last experience with an uncle was anything but heartwarming – will this one be different?
