Hello everyone,
Today, finally, I managed to watch the 8th and 9th episode of Hidan no Aria and I was literally shocked. The change in pace is quite evident, probably influenced by the fact the series is nearing the end, as well as the change in quality during the fighting scenes.
Personally I found incredibly well drawed the battle between our heroes (Shirayuki, Aria and Kin-chan) against Joan of Arc with all the fire/ice effects! And yes, it seems that all the protagonist of this story are descendants of some famous past person in the world.
We also know the real Shirayuki's name and ancestor that is "Himiko" that from my little searches it seems to be an historical shaman queen of the ancient japan from which she likely inherited the powers she use. (I loved how she break the Joan's sword in the final hit)
The whole series has gone really a step up in quality in the 8th episode and to be honest I'm a little sad that Joan's role for now is finished as she is a promising character that would have been quite good to add to the main cast. (And likely it won't return in this season as the last arc is incoming...)
We also had, in the 9th episode, the return of Riko, returned with a more friendly personality and attitude making her a lot more likable, especially after she said that she didn't kill anyone.
There is plenty of comedy in this last ninth episode, I found the pen scene with Riko during the test really hilarious, I just can't stop laughing if I think at the face of the teacher after watching Kinji with his hands in Riko's shirt. (damn, I'm jealous!)
Now that Riko is back the story will likely enter its final stages that will likely focus on the brother of the protagonist past and the origins of the Hysteria mode as shown in the preview...
...that by the way continue to tease us with scenes revolving Aria in some fanservice situation just to end up to being a normal scene in the next episode. (or even another person (Riko) like in the 9th episode preview in the 8th episode)
Let's hope the quality will be high till the rest of the run as this series is starting to take a place in my heart!
See you soon,
feal87
P.S. Need more Shirayuki!!! >_<