And episode 41 has arrived! (warning spoilers)

[Shinkun]

The new arc has begun!

So, what does everyone think? I personally am happy to see the return of the great Shinkun-sama! Hehe, he is just so damn cool! And his voice actor rocks as well! For those still wondering, yes, Kouya is to later become Kenrou Shinkun of Mount Hou!!!!!!!!

[musouka]

Hard to believe Shinkun is the guy that looks like he's gonna start molesting Rokuta in mid-flight in this episode... Didn't know you had a thing for underage-looking kirin, Shinkun.

Though that's what I instantly thought the first second I saw him. "Hey, this guy looks exactly like Shinkun! He probably IS Shinkun!"

[beancurd]

[Ostsol]

I thought that Youma looked familiar. . .

[garamir]

The court of En is so much more interesting than Kei's. Which would you prefer, a bunch of rigid ministers scheming behind your back, or your advisors yelling at you for skipping meetings and/or visiting with the common folk?

Well, I guess that might just be the difference between a completely irresponsible emperor and an extremely serious empress.

Also, why do I get the feeling that nobody's going to think of cutting both strings at the same time? It doesn't seem like that much of a logic puzzle to me, but I get the feeling Ribi's going to try to sacrifice herself to save Rokuta.

[JK Newbie]

I'm still waiting for 40 so 41 is a dream just now (w/o high speed connection). Can somebody sketch out the overview so the comments make more sense for now? Whine, cry.

[Zonis]

conisdering when the CD Drama #3 takes place, I count it as epiosde 39.5

[Lauren]

Wah, thank goodness. I was freaking out all night, trying to find 42, and couldn't find word of it's release anywhere, except in this topic. Good to know that was an error

[bigfire]

The court of En is so much more interesting than Kei's. Which would you prefer, a bunch of rigid ministers scheming behind your back, or your advisors yelling at you for skipping meetings and/or visiting with the common folk?

Well, I guess that might just be the difference between a completely irresponsible emperor and an extremely serious empress.

Also, why do I get the feeling that nobody's going to think of cutting both strings at the same time? It doesn't seem like that much of a logic puzzle to me, but I get the feeling Ribi's going to try to sacrifice herself to save Rokuta.

Well, the events in the third story arc took place 1 year after Youko assumes the throne. The events in the 4th story arc took place 20 years after Shoryu ascend the throne (so his annoited advisor has enough time can grew disgusted with him).

[Lauren]

Wah, thank goodness. I was freaking out all night, trying to find 42, and couldn't find word of it's release anywhere, except in this topic. Good to know that was an error

................................

There was no error in the first place... >< We released 40 and CD Drama 3 at the same time... then 41... >_>

Right, this topic's title used to say 42. It doesn't anymore. That's the error I was referring to

..unless I'm insane and it never read 42.

[garamir]

"You're insane, John."
"I am perfectly sane. However, everyone else is insane and trying to steal my magic bag."

[Reckless Angel]

I rememebered the name of the youma and thought... wait.. didn't shinkun call his youma friend Rokuta too?
wait^2 ... wasn't shinkun's voice, eyes and haircolour exactly the same as this boy/guy's?

hmmmmm *stressfull mental activity* it IS shinkun!
niiice..

I was wondering how they'd explain him and his god-hood.

something of a bastard in his younger years though, wasn't he?

- reckless.

[oion]

Yes, the original topic title on this thread was 42; drove me nuts too - damn, missed 41, where the hell was this? How come the notes aren't up? ARGH~

But anyway... So looking forward to watching it, and wondering how the 12k boxset will be designed.

I spoiled myself slightly on the official 12kokuki site. Whoops.

[St0rmD]

Someone told me Aozaru came back in episode 41...

BUT HE WASN'T THERE!!!

I was disappointed. I really wish he'd get more time in this series...I especially would have liked to see some of his interactions with Yo-ou...I'm sure he tormented her ruthlessly.

Fortunately the character animation seems to be a bit better this season, although maybe I should go back and watch it again. Also, interesting to see how Enki and En-Ou have changed over the years, and how they haven't. In the flash-back they're still obviously getting used to their roles and are less sure about themselves.

[garamir]

All of the emperors need magical, insane spirits haunting their swords.

[St0rmD]

Aozaru was never a main character... you can still hear him laughing and stuff in the sword every once in a while, but Youko is too much in control of her life to let Aozaru manipulate her :p

....

And why would Aozaru be in the EN arc >_>

Dunno why he'd be there...I haven't really been following the NHK site about the series, and haven't read the novels because my Japanese isn't nearly Jouzu enough, so I'm never quite sure what to expect from a new story-arc.

It's too bad he's not in the series more. He's not only the best character, easily, but has the best voice too.

[qedx]

given his actions in ep 41, one wonders how kouya got to be a tensen

[Reckless Angel]

given that it's the beginning of the arch...
I'm guessing we're 'about' to find out. =^_^=

my guess is, considering the last thing that Rokuta said, that whatever he's done will have a *really* high price.. and that he'll have to accept that.. (and have later on) ...
once you accept your own fate, you'll gain wisdom.

- eleriel,
the reckless angel.