Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits

For a finale, it managed to give a fun, heartfelt twist while also tying up almost all the loose ends like a nice little bow. I've said it before and I'll say it again that Chibi is an MVP of this series. Also, I like how Aoi's personal experience and empathy is what gave the ceremony a different perspective.

THE GREAT SATISFACTION OF RANMARU'S HUMBLENESS HAS ME CACKLING! It was a small thing, but I will give the writing points for finally seeing some solid change that he cannot "tsundere" his way out of. Surprisingly as the setup of the climax is build, we get to see twist and turn over the course of the episode and the first time the series made me wonder what happens on the next.

The episode make a point to try giving a moment for Ranmaru and Ginji to shine, but ended up being lukewarm execution because Aoi kept bridging between the two without a moment for them to talk their feelings to their faces. Neither did the visual was capable to convey the wordless depth of their feelings other than what is already obvious from previous episodes so nothing new was introduced.

One of the de-buff on Aoi is barely plot relevant that I don't get why it's even written in when Aoi isn't struggling too much. Raijuu was also surprisingly easy to ward off by the right person, but it came in the most convenient timing that I can't help but feel it gives off plot armor. the background cooperation between Orio and Tenjin is a nice touch, but considering the past enmity between the two, I was hoping for at least more emotional conflict, especially from Ranmaru.

One of my pet peeves has always been the protagonist being too kind to their bullies, but when the moment came that they need support, they never once express regret or apologies for their past actions and words. So it's GREAT that Kakuriyo did not follow that troupe entirely.

The animation is really clunky this episode as if they were out of budget, they can't even draw a decent expression during a tense moment. Raijin is a really peculiar character because of his spontaneous actions but I personally don't find his character entertaining enough to want to see him more as an obstacle.

Oh wow, actually witnessing the past bond between Ranmaru and Ginji actually tugs at my heart string a bit, and they are definitely the highlight of this episode, thus it makes sense that Aoi grew to have more reason to support the ceremony. The bond between the Master and Aoi while gets them closer, is lacking in visuals because there's little in the male lead's expression that shows a variety of expressions, making him lackluster.

The Orio-ya has certainly been a good arc so far. Appreciate the heart-to-heart talk with Ginji and finally having a full picture of his character. The complicated tension between Ginji and Ranmaru is so good from a past filled with familiar love and enmity mixed within. I love that Aoi is shown to be expressive in her stubbornness to get Ginji back to the point of selfishness and I want to see more of that. The Master being a supportive boyfriend is all he becomes, but I can't say I hate it.

We got progression in Aoi and Odanna's relationships! Though, I hope we get Aoi and the ice lady bonding time! Never let a man stop you from friendship.

They are building up the lore for the grandfather and a place for Aoi at the hotel. I'm excited to see what she makes of it. Though, the animation is slightly off.

I didn't expect this show to hit me emotionally but Umibouzu's story and seeing everyone come together really got me. The series grew on me especially in the second half. The finale does a nice job showing just how far Aoi has come. Seeing her past self in despair compared to the confident person she is now really puts her growth into perspective. Nothing groundbreaking overall but definitely a comfy and relaxing fantasy watch.

This episode feels like a setup episode for the finale. Aoi and the others know exactly what's at stake and seem ready to face whatever comes next. I love that Aoi still keeps her carefree spirit and cooks with everyone despite the tension. But come on, another cliffhanger!

Great episode. The show of age is depicted well by contrasting Matsuba from his past and present. The complex yet real family dynamic that people can resonate with. The way Aoi has to confront even her own feelings about her past trauma in regards of her mother in her effort to reconcile the two tengus. Exactly the kind of story I want.

Finding out more about the southern land and its curse made me respect the Ougon-douji even more. Because what do you mean you move away from a comfortable life to reside on a cursed land? The Master and Aoi has one of the more refreshing dynamic, them having fun despite the situation made me also have fun. Couple being supportive is indeed a soft spot of mine.

FINALLY things are getting more interesting with the setting. Aoi's investment to the situation that is outside of her personal motivation and relationship with Ginji. It makes her more steel willed against the harassment that much more understandable when knowing their bad attitude doesn't change her principle. I do love that we get back to cooking and I have fun watching her trying to come up with food to suit the guest's preference.

Chibi is the secret MVP of this episode. Would have loved more ridiculous scenes involving him. Outside of that, the visuals are a mess since there was a lot of still images like power point. The entire atmosphere has all the stereotypical troupes of a Cinderella story that I'm bored from just watching Aoi simply grit her teeth. Depending on the context, I love a girl who can overcome adversity with a smile. However, the execution is so cliche that it feels bland. Ginji and Aois' friendship certainly gets better, but I wish there's an episode dedicated to them BEFORE they were whisked away so I can already be invested in them.

If there wasn't a critical plot point, I would say this episode is a skip since it's mostly retracing the first cour episodes. While I do love when Aoi is being bold, the comment about being the same as Shiro is getting annoying since it's something both her friends and outsiders make comment so there isn't a distinction to people's perception from her inner and outside circle. Not to mention, because as an audience, it is clear that she will fail her gamble, her bold actions makes her more foolish than brave for me so it wasn't an enjoyable experience to witness even if it's to push the plot forward.

The banquet was cute but otherwise, there's little to nothing new in this episode other than affirm Aoi's place as an employee of Tenjin-ya. It's also the episode that prepares for the next conflict with the reveal of the new antagonist.

This episode was tense. The heavy mist made everything feel dangerous because you genuinely had no idea what could happen. It definitely feels like a buildup toward the final two episodes and I love seeing how much more capable she's become.

I really need this series to address the Raiju situation because it's getting ridiculous. He causes serious harm, puts people in danger and somehow faces almost no consequences. Different cultural standards are fine but the story needs to explain why everyone tolerates someone this dangerous instead of brushing it off as an “unsavory pastime.”