anime episode summaries

Poor Azuma!Hattori Surpise!! Transformation with the Secret Sauce!

At the TV Station, the showdown between Mokoyama Tsuyoshi and Azuma Kazuma commences. When the two are introduced, Mokoyama is all flashy and stuff and his St. Pierre employees are cheer him on. Mokoyama is determined to defeat his Ken-chan’s apprentice. The host introduces the three judges, bigwigs from the baking world, and she names the rules. Each of the contestants start with ten points each. Deductions are made from there on. The one who gets the most points wins.

Mokoyama’s kouign amann.
Mokoyama starts first and he takes the lid off his platter, revealing three pieces of round, glittery bread. One judge says it looks like a kouign amann. In the stands, Kawachi and Tsukino lecture about kouign amann (it’s made of sugar and butter, it came from France, yada-yada…). The judges take a bite and they’re taken away by the bread’s rich, sweet taste. One judge notes that it’s not regular kouign amann. Mokoyama mentions that his bread has a secret, that being unsweetened custard pudding is used as filling alongside the supersweet bread. He calls his creation kouign pudding amann. The judges are impressed and each award him a perfect score of ten, thus earning a total of thirty points. Kawachi and Tsukino are worried and Mokoyama gloats at Azuma, telling him to go home. Kawachi thinks of the fatal flaw the manager said earlier.

It’s Azuma’s turn and he reveals three pieces of bread, each having a different shape but all have the same fried texture. The judges wonder if they all taste the same and Azuma just prods them to eat his bread in order to find out.
Azuma’s Japan #57.As soon as the judges bite into Azuma’s bread, they are electrified. The judges feel as if they’re transported into a stage and they become kabuki actors and they declare "kabukiage da" or "it is kabukiage" (kabukiage is a rice cracker). Mokoyama is surprised by the judges’ reactions. Azuma calls his entry Kabukiage bread, Japan #57. He also tells of how he made it using leftover bread, dipped in a special sauce, and then fried. The judges are amazed that such leftover bread could taste so good. Even the audience clamor for a taste. However, before the judges give their scores, Mokoyama steps up, emphasizing the fact that Azuma used old bread, saying that it’s rude to Pantasia’s customers. The manager explains that this image is the flaw in Azuma’s bread. Azuma insists that Pantasia’s bread tastes good, no matter how old it is, and that it’s such a waste to throw good bread away since everybody worked so hard for it. Kawachi confronts the manager, asking him why he didn’t stop Azuma since he knew of this flaw, but the manager points out that since Azuma didn’t want to waste anybody’s bread, the manager didn’t have the heart to refuse him. Of the three pieces of bread Azuma presented, one is Kawachi’s flavor, another is Tsukino’s flavor, and the last one is the manager’s flavor. Everything seems hopeless but suddenly, somebody from the audience speaks out loud.

(more…)

A Date with a Prince?! Megu is a Princess?!

Miki and Megu are hanging out at Megu’s house. Genzo arrives, wearing a yukata, saying it’s his 16th birthday. He asks Megu to throw a party for him. He even brought a cake with 16 candles. He hands Megu and Miki presents, asking the two to give him the gifts later. Miki and Megu play along with Genzo’s crazy antics. Genzo opens the gifts, finds toy cars inside, and plays with them. Then, Genzo becomes serious and says that since he’s an adult now, he asks Megu to marry him. Megu’s dad pops out from the trapdoor at the floor and yells and Genzo but Yoriko-san (the maid) drags him back.

Miki pops Genzo’s bubble by saying men can’t get married at 16, they have to wait until they’re 18. Genzo tries to hide his surprise but fails. Miki then mentions that Megu’s birthday is coming the day after tomorrow and, unlike Genzo, she’s at the right age to be married, according to law. Genzo throws a tantrum, saying he’ll break the law or something. Megu’s dad pops out again, saying that they’ll throw a party, but to Genzo’s chagrin, he says they’ll invite boys 18 and over only.

Who wouldn’t wipe their hands
after kissing that?It’s the night of Megu’s party and the men start coming. Megu panics about what to do. She thinks her old tricks won’t work since her guests are all adults. Megu feigns a broken leg so that nobody would ask her to dance but Yoriko-san catches on to her, saying bandages won’t look good with a dress.

Megu has a humongous cake in the ballroom. She arrives, spots Miki, but as she runs towards her best friend, her male guests stop her, asking her out and stuff. A blond man rescues her from her overly adoring fans and the two start speaking in French. He reaches out to Megu’s hand and Megu thought he was going to shake it but he leans down to kiss it instead. He ends up kissing Genzo’s hand (he’s still wearing a yukata by the way). The blond man wipes his mouth with a hanky. Genzo washes his hand with wine and wipes it with a towel. Genzo challenges him to fight but he gets dragged out by one of the security guards.

And you call yourself a man?Megu retire to her room with Miki and Yoriko. Miki and Yoriko are gushing about the foreigner but Megu seems unmoved. Megu’s mom arrives, declaring that that man is Pierre-sama, Ororia’s crown prince (where’s that?). Miki and Yoriko resolve to marry Megu to Pierre-sama but Megu tells them to cut her some slack. Megu’s mom says it’s not possible since the prince already asked Megu out on a date. Outside, Genzo wants to go in but the guard won’t let him, saying Megu has a date tomorrow. Genzo looks devastated.

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Saitama Area Ultimate Weapon

Eat my dust puddles, Takumi!Sakamoto is trying out Nobuhiko’s shiny red car. Wataru is impressed with Sakamoto’s time. According to Nobuhiko, the reason why the 86 has the advantage in a downhill match is because of its light weight. Nobuhiko’s ultimate weapon, the Cappucino, is a "K" car whose light weight can match that of the 86. Wataru calls Sakamoto crazy since he slides the car sideways on the corner (the car’s wheels turn easily). Wataru says Sakamoto is as crazy as Takumi and with these factors, Wataru and Nobuhiko are certain of Project D’s defeat. (more…)

Koyuki? Sing? Whaaaaaat???Face

Beck performs on stage, with Saku and Koyuki, of course. Koyuki is nervous but Maho-chan cheers him on. Taira-kun is not pleased because the crowd is stuck to the walls. After the show, Koyuki is disappointed because his sucky guitar playing brought the whole band down. Maho notices the pick she gave Koyuki tied around his neck. Beck has a new song, a ballad, but Chiba’s voice is too punk for it. Koyuki volunteers to sing the song. When asked, Ryuusuke says the song has a tentative title, "Face," and that it’s about Maho. The rest are impressed with Koyuki’s voice. Taira changes his mind about Koyuki joining Beck and declares that their band will make it big someday.
Caught in the act.There’s a funny segment in which Chiba worries about being kicked out because Beck has a new vocalist but Ryuusuke assures Chiba that they’ll keep him because he keeps the audience hyped up.

At the music room in school, Koyuki and Saku are practicing DyBre’s latest song when Hyodo and gang enters. Koyuki and Saku leave. Hyodo recognizes the song. At Saitou-san’s place, Koyuki invites Saitou-san to Beck’s live set but Saitou refuses because he only likes the old British rock bands. Koyuki bribes him with Momoko-sensei and Saitou-san changes his mind.

On his way to Beck’s practice, Koyuki runs into Rikiya. Rikiya destroys the pick Maho gave Koyuki. Koyuki protests and Rikiya punches him. Chiba and Maho arrive at the scene. Chiba fights with Rikiya and wins. Apparently, Chiba was also bullied when he was young that’s why he took up karate. Maho calls the rest on her phone and the other band members arrive. Rikiya recognizes Ryuusuke from Serial Mama. Koyuki laments about Eddie’s pick but Maho promises to give him another one when Eddie comes to Japan. Beck practices for their live set. There is news about DyBre on the papers.

Go Chiba-kun!
Beck practicing.

Kyoko’s Confession

Ryousuke giving Takumi
last minute instructions.Keisuke and Kyoko return to the starting point. Keisuke explains how he wins. Takumi and Nobuhiko prepare for their match. Nobuhiko knows he can’t keep up with Takumi but he chooses to be the chaser so that he can observe Takumi’s techniques from behind. Before starting, Ryousuke tells Takumi to let the opponent keep up with him until the first hairpin. After that, he can go all the way. The race starts. Wataru came with his Levin to watch.

Kyoko approaches Keisuke and they thank each other and then they talk about the battle and car stuff. Back at the match, Nobuhiko is amazed by Takumi’s cornering. Kyoko asks Keisuke if he’s seeing anybody and as soon as he says no, Kyoko thanks him and runs off. Kenta is eavesdropping while eating onigiri.

Back at the match, although Nobuhiko is impressed, he wonders why he’s able to keep up with Takumi. Takumi is holding back, just as Ryousuke’s instructed. However, after the first hair pin, Takumi is soon out of the opponent’s sight and he wins the match (duh!).

Hardly an even match.After the race, Wataru and Nobuhiko discuss Takumi (Wataru gloats that he lasted 5 rounds with Takumi; Nobuhiko retorts that Wataru’s match wasn’t purely downhill). Nobuhiko suspects Takumi purposely allowed him to catch up at the beginning of the match. Because he was able to observe his opponent, Nobuhiko thinks he figured out a way to defeat Takumi. While they’re talking, Takumi is doing the time trial. Nobuhiko says their match is only a prelude to the Saitama Showdown and that they’ll defeat Project D then (dream on!).

Back at Akina, Kenji tells Iketani and Itsuki about Project D’s victory. The trio decide to watch during Project D’s next battle at Saitama. Elsewhere, Kyoko is happy that she was able to talk to Keisuke and that he was single (go, Kyoko!).

While Keisuke is practicing, Kenta and 2 other guys are talking about how popular Keisuke is. The mechanic guy tells them that Keisuke broke up with his previous girlfriend when he bought his FD and joined the Red Suns and that he’s not interested in girls since he thinks they’re trouble. Keisuke isn’t like Ryousuke who can balance several things at the same time. Kyoko (wearing a short miniskirt and a tight shirt!) shows up with her black FD (she drove all the way to Akagi!) and Kenta is certain that she came to see Keisuke. Keisuke returns and he talks to Kyoko.
Keisuke, you insensitive prick!The three are eavesdropping. Kyoko confesses that she likes Keisuke and that she came because she just wants to see him. Keisuke tells the tearful Kyoko not to come anymore because she’ll just be in his way (that bastard! making a girl cry! how low!).

On his way home, surpassing Takumi is the only thing on Keisuke’s mind and that he can’t afford to fool around with girls. Elsewhere, Takumi is also practicing with his water cup technique. Kyoko is devastated but she understands Keisuke’s reasons (aaaaw!).

Elsewhere (Saitama?), Wataru introduces Nobuhiko to his cousin Sakamoto (apparently, he’s the guy they’re pitting against Takumi next), a rally driver. They discuss Nobuhiko’s plan on how to defeat the 86. Nobuhiko asks Sakamoto if he’s driven an FR before. He shows them his "ultimate weapon," a red car that we don’t know what model yet since all they’re showing are the wheels.

Farewell My Friend! But I Still Believe in You!

After swallowing the 2nd (yellow) pill, Chouji uses his Partial Multi-Size Technique, allowing him to stretch out his body parts so he can crush the Jiroubou from afar. He smashes the enemy with his hand but the enemy then uses Chouji’s outstretched arm to pick him up and throw him. Afterwards, Chouji uses his Ultra Multi-Size Technique which makes him as big as a mountain and he drops on top of the enemy.

Jiroubou reaches Cursed Seal Level II (he changed appearance, too) and uses Rising Palm to lift Chouji up and throw him away. Chouji feels pain from the side-effects of his special pills and he can’t stand up. Chouji gets beaten around and he recalls his childhood in which he’s playing ninja with some kids and his team looses in hide-and-seek because of him. The enemy absorbs Chouji’s chakra and he throws him around. He then eats Chouji’s chips and tells him he’s a pathetic loser that nobody wants. Chouji then recalls his childhood again where nobody would want to team up with him because he’s too slow. His dad tells him that someday, Chouji will find a friend who will accept him for what he is. The enemy tells Chouji that he’ll come after Shikamaru and the others after he’s done with him.

Yatta!Shikamaru and the rest make marks on the tree barks they pass by so that Chouji will be able to follow them. They resolve to get Sasuke before Chouji catches up. Jiroubou’s teammates wonder why he’s late. Chouji thinks of swallowing the remaining red pill but he knows that it’ll kill him. Shikamaru recalls the day he and Chouji became friends. As Jiroubou prepares to kill him with his Crushing Palm, Chouji swallows the last pill and dodges. Chouji grows butterfly wings and stops Jiroubou’s Rock Slam. Chouji declares that he’s 100x more stronger than before. He punches the enemy for 1) eating his snack, 2) calling him fat and useless, and 3) insulting Shikamaru. Chouji gathers all his remaining chakra into his arm and gives the enemy one last powerful punch. Jiroubou dies but Chouji drops to the ground, too.

Chouji walks for a while and sees the marks his team left. Chouji is touched and cries because he realizes he has friends but the pain he feels makes it impossible for him to go on any further. Chouji drops against a tree and Shikamaru gets a bad premonition.

Night Before LIVE

Saku in his element.Koyuki and Saku are excited about DyBre’s new album. During homeroom period, Koyuki’s class is deciding on the representatives for the swimming intramurals. Hyodo and gang nominates Koyuki in almost all the events (50m butterfly, 200m medley, 100m backstroke) while insulting Saitou-san as well. Koyuki doesn’t mind though. Koyuki and Saku watch another Beck set. Ryuusuke does some mad DJ scratching techniques with Lucille. Saku also praises Chiba’s charm and Taira’s funky bass work. However, he mentions that the current drummer, Toudou-san (Ryuusuke’s bandmate from Serial Mama), is the one holding Beck down. Over dinner, the band worries about their financial situation.

During the intrams, Hyodo and gang are surprised Koyuki is winning in swimming and that their class is cheering him on. Saitou-san is coaching him furiously (wearing spandex trunks, of course). Hyodo’s lackeys (I guess some of them are from the other sections), who are apparently competing, too, resolve to defeat him in the other matches. Koyuki wants to give up because of fatigue but Maho-chan shows up wearing a bikini, offering to help him stretch. While stretching, Maho tells Koyuki that Toudou-san is quitting and that Beck may disband without a drummer. To motivate Koyuki, Maho promises that she’ll do anything Koyuki wants if he wins. Maho-chan cheers him on and although Koyuki bumps his head into the gutter, he wins anyway. Hyodo looks pissed. After the intrams, Koyuki finds Saitou-san teaching Momoko-sensei how to swim.

Koyuki and Saku see Toudou-san leaving Ryuusuke’s place. Ryuusuke sees Saku reading a drumming magazine. They ask Saku to play drums (and he’s good!). Ryuusuke and Taira discuss about letting Koyuki and Saku join Beck. Taira doesn’t mind Saku joining but he thinks Koyuki isn’t good enough yet. Ryuusuke says chemistry is the most important aspect of a band, even more than technique. Chiba tells Koyuki and Saku that Beck’s going to have another live set soon. Beck practices some more.

More screenshots:

Beck’s last set with Toudou-san
Maho helping Koyuki stretch.

I love Ryuusuke’s shirts.
Koyuki and Taira practicing.