Sayako, the habitual line-stepper.

I’ll admit that Bamboo Blade took a few episodes to get going. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was going to very good. Of course, a show about Kendo had the potential to be interesting. Additionally, mediocre reviews of the manga and a slow moving start made me wary. However, with the addition of newer characters, such as Sayako, and as we learn more about the personalities of the existing characters, Miya for example, the show becomes much more interesting. And of course, there is Tamaki’s great sense of justice brought on by the most amazing show ever, Blade Braver. As such, I think that this is this is the best episode yet.

The episode starts with Sayako wanting to spar with Tamaki, which turns out to be a great blow to her confidence, as well as her head See above figure. As it turns out, the club is going to be having a practice match with Kenzo’s team today, so they are all waiting in anticipation.

Another gangster face courtesy of Miya-Miya.

Kojiro, their sensei, encourages Miya-Miya to do her best, even though she lacks the formal training necessary to win. That doesn’t seem to bother her, however, as long as she can inflict some pain. I much prefer the real Miya-Miya to her dainty false exterior, hopefully someone opens up this can of worms soon, since apparently Kojiro is already aware of it.

YOU SHALL NOT PASS

Sayako seems to be suffering most of the emotional abuse, as Kojiro’s explosive encouragement for her not to lose in the practice match adds to her previous loss by the hands of justice.

Everyone is pumped and ready for battle.

Kenzo has a bit of trouble getting his five girls together, encountering problems such as nausia, panic attacks, unconsciousness, and perhaps the diabeetis. This must be very beneficial for our friends, as they happen to be lacking one of the five girls necessary for competition. Who will be the fifth?

Anyway, here is episode five:

Download Episode 5