Romance has peaked in Episode 8 of ZENSHU! Step aside, main story, the romantic subplot is here. While the long-awaited confession doesn’t quite get the expected reaction, it turns out love can bloom on the battlefield. It’s anyone’s guess where the series will go from here.
SPOILER WARNING for episode 8. Rated 14+ for Profanity, Violence.
Confrontation
In the first half of the episode, Natsuko finally confronts the bird that’s been stalking her all this time. She officially identifies herself as Kametaro Tsuruyama, the director of “A Tale of Perishing.”
I was not expecting her to act so petty. She disapproves of Natsuko’s constant fan edits to “A Tale of Perishing,” and comes across as a grouchy set-in-her-ways grandma.
In fact, the whole conversation between the two women feels like a commentary on artistic integrity. Case in point: Tsuruyama insists Destiny, the mayor’s daughter, should be a “tender maiden,” while Natsuko approves of the “ripped self-actualized” version.
Despite the comical tone of the interaction, it ends on a mysterious, almost threatening note. The ending can’t be changed when it’s set in stone.
Confessions and Combat
The rest of the episode is dedicated to Luke confessing his feelings for Natsuko. It seems she just can’t help but attract the oddest people. It is really amusing and kind of sweet watching them both stumble through this revelation. Luke’s innocence and straightforward declarations of love are perfectly balanced by Natsuko’s emotional immaturity.
They continue to explore their feelings in the obligatory hot springs scene. Although it feels a little forced, the fact that Ganger, one of the Nine Soldiers, created them is a nice touch. It gives more meaning to the location than just a setting used for fanservice. Natsuko and Luke fight a new kind of Void, and we finally get a Gundam reference.
In the wake of its defeat, Natsuko has her “bum-bump” moment. Natsuko and Luke falling for each other is all too predictable, but that doesn’t make the last few moments of the episode any less satisfying.
ZENSHU has been slated for 12 episodes this season. With only 4 more to go, it’s hard to tell what will happen next. It may stick to the classic hero’s journey formula where Natsuko returns to the real world, having gained new wisdom. Then again, I wouldn’t put it past this show to throw a curveball right at the end. All we can do is watch.
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