In “Kageki Shojo” episode 10, the Kouka games finally commence! On this big occasion, a lot is expected from the girls. However, the expectations weigh particularly heavy for Sarasa Watanabe! She’s set to play a big role in the event, and the pressure gets to her! Let’s discuss the episode’s key talking points in a spoiler-filled discussion!
The evils of Hijiri
In the discussion of Kageki Shojo’s second episode, Hijiri’s facade and the evils hiding behind it were discussed. That little bit of discussion is built upon in this episode. Hijiri does not hold back this time around and does her best to rip Sarasa’s confidence to shreds.
The girls of Kouka end up being jealous of Sarasa’s inclusion in the Kouka games, Hijiri most of all. So she goes ahead to wage psychological war with Sarasa. She starts off subtly, using words laced with venom to gaslight her. When Sarasa’s innocence renders her unfazed by the subtle insults, Hijiri adopts a more straightforward approach.
It gets to the point where Risa chides Hijiri for being excessively mean to Sarasa. Hijiri feigns an air of innocence, saying that she’s not trying to be mean. This, of course, carries sinister undertones. If this isn’t her trying to be mean, then what is?
The evils of Hijiri rise to the surface in this episode. Surely, this won’t be the last the girls see of her. For a show as lighthearted as “Kageki Shojo” is, it’s certainly interesting to witness a character serve as an antagonistic force against the girls. It adds flavor to the dynamic between them, and keeps an air of tension around for the future!
Confidence crumbling
Hijiri’s words to Sarasa leave her confidence in shambles. It gets to the point where Sarasa is too afraid to even try. During the main performance, she confesses to not having even played her instrument throughout the ordeal.
It’s quite sad to see Sarasa like this. She’s normally a bubbly, cheerful character that exudes energy and passion. Throughout the episode, she’s a husk of what she usually is like. It certainly goes to show just how much of an impact other people’s words can have on someone.
However, it’s really nice to see that Sarasa has some form of a support system at Kouka. Her roommate, Ai, shows concern for her and tries to offer helpful advice. Ai’s concern for her friend’s well-being really shows how far she’s come from the start of the season. Furthermore, Sarasa’s “big sister” Risa gives her a bit of a pep talk as well later on in the episode.
It’s oddly comforting, seeing Sarasa’s friends rally around her when she’s down. Sarasa has done a lot to help the people around her, friend or not. It’s nice to see her be on the end of a helping hand this time around. She definitely needed it, after all!
Stumbling on the track
During the relay race, Sarasa’s worst fears seem to manifest. Throughout the episode, she’s been warned not to do anything to overshadow or get in the way of the Kouka stars. And then, she ends up colliding with one of them on the track.
Of course, it’s not her fault at all. Sarasa was the victim of the altercation, and it was just an accident. However, that’s not the concern. No, the fear in her eyes says it all. She’s messed up. Victim or not, accident or not, she had just collided with one of Kouka’s top stars in the middle of the track. All of this, in front of an eagerly watching audience.
It’s Ai’s words that calm Sarasa and help her find a way out of the tricky situation. She remembers that Ai had advised her to think of what the audience wants to see. And it’s with these words in mind that Sarasa ends up finishing the relay race, hand in hand with a Kouka top star, basking in the cheers of the audience.
Though Sarasa’s team does not end up winning the competition, the girls end the day on a bit of a high note. Lessons were learned, and things went by relatively well. With the next Kouka sports competition in ten years, the girls end the daydreaming of when they can participate again, this time as refined Kouka ladies.
A feel-good episode!
Kageki Shojo episode 10 was an interesting one! It was a great episode for showcasing character interactions and cementing these characters as real people. Its ending also revels in a feel-good aura that is always nice to relish in. It is a bit disappointing that the sports event itself doesn’t get too much animation. In an event filled with sports and performances, you’d think this would be a prime opportunity to animate some energetic scenes. Oh well.
As the show wraps up this season, it will be interesting to see what kind of note the show ends on! The show has been so strong so far, hopefully, the storytelling doesn’t stumble as it reaches the finish line.
Kageki Shojo episode 10 is available to watch on Funimation! Episode 11 will premiere on September 12, 2021.
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