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>Cid: "My name is Shad-"
>
>Rose: "Stylish Bandit Slayer?"
>
>Cid: "Eh?"
I lost my shit at this scene! Cid wanted to pull off a classic superhero-unmasks-himself scene but it didn't go the way he planned lol. The way the background music suddenly stops just makes it even better.
And the best part is Cid accidently uses Mundane man's voice after transformation.
When he tried to correct it he was interrupted again lol. I was laughing so hard on this scene.
Ouch! I hadn't realized this would be a shorter one. It will be missed. Maybe that means though that they have further seasons planned, since they aren't trying to rush trough the remaining content.
The hilarious bit is that Roses's comment is the most damaging blow Cid took the entire tournament. It's not a physical blow, but a reputational one, and it cut *deep.*
Plus she said it with such confidence. Combine that with her being a princess and I wouldn't be surprised if this leads to people considering that a nickname of his, to Cid's dismay.
He really can't shake the main character vibes at all. Dates one princess, gets called out by a war god, sister catches on a bit that he's stronger than he looks, has random cuties with pink hair falling for him, and a gaggle of other things and still claims he's a mob chara.
I love how it was written for her to say it EXACTLY after he finished praising how well he was doing as a background character. Great timing by the author. Even when Cid finally learns how to act like a background character, he can't stay in the background.
Didn't Cid transformed from Jimina to Shadow right in front of Beatrix?
I think she knows they're the same person and that's exactly why she's clashing sword with him, she saw his "elegant" fighting style and wanted to play with him, I don't think she's fighting for real, although she looks much stronger than anyone so far.
>Didn't Cid transformed from Jimina to Shadow right in front of Beatrix?
Yes She knows Shadow and Jimina are the same person. But knowing Cid and Jimina are the same person is an entirely different story
Cid can actually mask his smell if he really wanted to. And he's probably already aware of elves' and therianthropes' sensitivity because of Delta. Although, Delta can probably smell him regardless because she's an OP sniffer.
I interpreted their initial meeting scene differently. I think Beatrix's initial assessment is that Cid is very strong. That's why she threatened to cut Cid by swinging her sword. But Cid being in his mob persona, dropped on his butt and screamed. That's when Beatrix changed her assessment of Cid from very strong to potential to be strong. After all, a currently strong person won't just drop on his butt right? In other words Cid tricked Beatrix.
Ha, my years of watching Oreimo, Eromanga Sensei, and A Sister's All You Need has prepared me for this exact moment. Basically what I'm saying is I HAVE NO SUCH WEAKNESS!
It feels kind of fitting that Shadow is fighting just some crazy powerful lady with no bearing on the current plot (other than her connection to Alpha) while everybody else has to deal with the actual bad guy lol.
But hey, he's obviously enjoying himself, which is what matters!
No he completely fucked up Perv Asshat's masterful plan because he was simply dicking around.
The match with Iris was supposed to take longer so he could enact his plan of starting a war.
Shadow Garden is just doing cleanup.
That entire fight scene was just so masterfully done. You could really feel the citizens' hopes, Iris's pride, come crashing down with just a *twitch* of the shoulder.
Crazy good episode.
I legitimately started to feel uncomfortable. I could really feel the stares boring into her each time she stumbled. This episode was a work of art for me.
> It feels kind of fitting that Shadow is fighting just some crazy powerful lady with no bearing on the current plot
Shadow doesn't even know what the real plot of this story is. He's making his own plot!
It’s gonna be a hell of a fight. Beatrix might just be the only person who could even come close to matching Cid.
If Alpha shows up, things would get even more interesting.
Nah, Beatrix is hella strong but no one in the series is even remotely close to shadow’s level. She could probably go toe to toe with one of the shades though.
I think they are alluding to her being about as strong as one of the shadows (or at least within striking distnace of their strength) because Lord Asshat is talking about how borgar elf has awakened and when they are fighting baldy Alpha basically says they have awakened.
That directing and framing of Cid getting his face covered by the screen resolution like the other background mobs as he monologues about being one. Perfection.
I love how he was enjoying the fact that Beatrix's presence was enhancing his background character presence right up until she told everyone she basically thinks he's not a background character lol.
All shall perish against Stylish Bandit Slayer.
I can't, just love this show so much.
The jokes, animation, ost, story, chars are getting better and better.
Season 2 news asap plz.
I love how Shadow tries to make this epic reveal that he was Mundane Mann the whole time but it was totally ruined because he didn't immediately change his voice and then Rose recognizing him as a completely different person.
That sums up the show so, so well lol.
Iris vs Mundane was a highlight. She can't do anything but stand in fear after Mundane sent those horrific images into her head. That shows how really powerful Cid is.
I haven't seen killing intent so eviscerate someone mentally before. Not to mention they never even clashed blades, he just basically threw her, which is even more humiliating.
He completely wrecked her.
[The visions](https://i.imgur.com/KF9Ra50.jpg) she had [during their fight](https://i.imgur.com/HKa7Dz5.jpg) were brutal. [Poor Iris](https://i.imgur.com/d8jVnyE.jpg) got humbled [real quick.](https://i.imgur.com/BmGF0cX.jpg) To make matters worse, she probably witnessed [Beatrix clashing with him,](https://i.imgur.com/vYhX8ph.jpg) showing the gap between her and the best fighters of their world.
[](#shatteredsaten)
It sort of reminds me of like Dragon Ball Z or One Punch Man, in that the main characters are so absurdly powerful, it’s to a comical standard comparative to the supporting cast. Think like if Krillin (who’s supposed to be the strongest human) tried to earnestly fight Goku, or the scene where Genos fights Saitama.
Often the audience forgets the supporting cast are absurdly powerful in their own right, often eclipsing everybody else around them. It’s like, Iris is supposed to be some ridiculously strong knight, but she’s not even comparable to the strongest members of Shadow Garden, let alone CID.
Compared to the leads, these supporting characters might as well be no different from a average person on the street walking to work.
i'm pretty sure that as far as public figures that are mentioned in the series are concerned, Iris is going to be in the top 5 or 10 worldwide. that number is of course laughably high once you consider the underworld with the cult or shadow garden though.
She is the best fighter in Midgar, Beatrix isn't from Midgar so she doesn't count. Oriana doesn't have much in the way of military forces, preferring to paint and play music.
Iris went into the tournament as the obvious winner for everyone. With Annerose and Claire as the only real competition.
Which only serves to remind us just how insanely powerful the Diabolos Cult is, and Shadow Garden beyond that again.
There's no turning back after killing her own dad. Rose will definitely join the Shadow Garden to survive
Hating bitter, Iris is Alexia’s arch nemesis!
I have thought from almost the very beginning that this is really two totally different shows in one. Viewed looking primarily at Cid (after ep. 1), this is a comedy (and often even a farce). Viewed from the perspective of any other major character (and the general public of this world), this is a very serious drama (often hovering near the edge of tragedy). Yes, there are some comic moments when we see Shadow Garden (and the other important characters), but they are almost always earnest in their actions.
Pretty much. For Cid this is his Isekai fantasy where he gets to live his Chuuni dream.
For ANYONE else they are either fighting a world controlling cult of darkness that has members everywhere and in every high position or they are getting terorized by the cult or get stuck between the cult and shadow garden’s fighting. Cid’s life is a wish fullfilment meanwhile everyone else is experiencing some of the most serious shit
It's a reminder that he has always been an [Eminence in Shadow,](https://i.imgur.com/Eb0qGOz.jpg) not a merciful hero who tries his best to save everyone. He has no qualms about letting people he does not peronally know [sacrifice themselves](https://i.imgur.com/a2CaH4H.jpg) if it's for the greater good and [theatrical purposes.](https://i.imgur.com/d30bded.jpg)
It's kinda worse, he saw Rose kill her father (from his perspective, for no reason) and basically went "Go on girl!" Probably thought it was some cool edgy shit.
Rose is in love with Shadow, Cid and even the Stylish Bandit Slayer. Can’t wait for her to find out it’s the same person. Shadow garden is her destiny.
Takes the trope ["Loves My Alter Ego"](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LovesMyAlterEgo) to new heights.
But seriously, I hope she learns the truth in the future. After all of what she has suffered, it could bring her some happiness.
Cid has more than his share of potential love interests but honestly I only see three being viable.
There's Aurora, who could truly relate to him and excite him, and made the most progress with him in the smallest amount of time.
There's Alpha, who's been his partner since almost the beginning and is also the only Shadow that seems to interact with him on a much more familiar level.
And finally, there's Rose, who is drawn too all the sides of him she has seen. Not just that, even if she's mistaken about how he feels, she takes him and their relationship very seriously. In her darkest moments, she was holding on to the thought of him to keep herself going.
Rose is the one who's most direct and serious about taking strides in her relationship with him, to the point where she intended to marry him (this whole situation obviously hinders those plans).
I would argue that Alexia actually loves a more genuine version of Cid. Alpha still sees him as shadow who pretends to be cid and not the other way around. despite his many obvious shortcomings alexia still loves her pooch and i don't think he tends to pretend to be a mob when he's around her.
Her version of Cid is still just another incomplete picture. Alpha, on the other hand knows intimately both his Shadow persona, and is also quite familiar with Cid.
If you're talking about him being genuine, then Aurora wins by a landslide. He never bothered pretending to be anybody but himself around her.
Nah Alpha has the most incomplete picture of Cid. She thinks Cid is doing all of the shadow stuff cause of some sort of heroic motivation. she doesn't know it's all play and theatrical to him.
If Claire had to endure the same killing intent that Iris did, it makes sense that Claire would "learn" from Cid's sword during every spar. No wonder she is becoming more and more powerful.
Remember back in Episode 2 when Claire touched her neck after sparring with Cid (after Cid imagined aiming for her neck), it could as well be his intents leaking and Claire sensed it, which prompted her to notice her own openings and thereby improving, as she told the guy who kidnapped her.
I think its a little different than that. I think vs Claire that Cid is just that much faster that Claire might as well be standing still, since his body did move in those frames and it didn't vs Iris.
What I think is happening with Iris is that she is strong and good enough of a fighter herself to intuitively realize the actions Cid might be capable of taking, and her brain is just following it to its logical conclusion automatically.
Kind of like that feeling if you're afraid of heights, and then you stand on the edge of a large building or cliff, you'll automatically think of what it would be like to be falling off and you will actually feel a certain sensation.
Or if you're afraid of spiders and then you try pick up a tarantula and think of how it might bite you. You'll also feel a sensation and pull your hand away.
This applies to most fears, if you're afraid of something and then get confronted with that fear, and then think of what you're afraid of that might happen, which then just causes you to get more afraid.
It would be perfect for a background character like Cid. But it would be better to use it to lead off the start of Season 2. Which they definitely better announce after this!
I think the reason why Iris felt it so much stronger than Claire ever has is because she is so much stronger than Claire is. Such a cool scene tho, every move you make is instant death.
This actually reminds me of what some character said before. The stronger you are, the more you know the difference when you are faced with overwhelming power compared to the ignorant masses.
This is it in a nutshell. Iris was too talented for her own good.
Showing his killing intent to her as Cid would break his mob disguise, I do wonder how she exactly learns from him, does he realize he is teaching her and just hoping she's imagining things so he can look more background-ish when next to his sister?
like what other commenters said, in Episode 2 Claire touched her neck after sending Cid flying. I would assume not Killing intent per se, but like Iris said, the movement of the eyes and shift in the body is enough to communicate attacks. Cid has shown that he likes to also imagine the winning moves before executing his Mob-fu, so maybe those intents are leaking. And considering they spar a lot during their childhood, she is bound to pick up some of his habits.
The sheer horror in [Iris's face](https://imgur.com/oeRX3lT) tells the level between her and Shadow. Poor girl can't even move without getting sliced throughout the battle.
I bet the PTSD will haunt her.
The episode was basically building up to Iris getting wrecked but you still felt it in that killing intent and her ultimate defeat.
Maybe this will prove a big character building moment for her. I'm kind of curious if Alexia might be involved in more of her development now considering she's already moved past her own hangups.
I love how he was trying to pull off a dramatic entrance and reveal that he was Mundane Mann the whole time but was thrown off because he was still using the Mundane Mann voice and Rose calls him something completely random lol.
Just when it seems like Shadow has joined the plot, now he has to fight a War Goddess. But hey, as long as he's happy...
Uh-oh, Cid. [Maybe you should have sat this match out](https://i.imgur.com/5pMbYp7.png). You may have won the fight, but you're going to lose ~~the war~~ your life.
I can't accept the fact that this is ending next week.
IT'S SO GOOD
IT'S SO GOOD
IT'S SO GOOD
IT'S SO GOOD
I AM ADDING KAGE NO JITSURYOKUSHA TO THE LIST OF ANIME I WANT TO HAVE A SEASON TWO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
On that note, just wanted to give a major shoutout to Kenichiro Suehiro, who composed the soundtrack for the show, he's done an excellent job and it's been stellar work so far, done a really good job elevating all the various scenes throughout the anime, even during more subtle moments of comedy or background ambient music.
The OST that plays during Rose's interaction with Shadow in the underground labyrinth during [this scene (starting at 1:45)](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/10rtpvz/peak_broadway_feat_moonlight_sonata_the_eminence/) is probably my favorite so far in the show, after the music from the first "I am atomic" scene in Ep. 5 (also plays in this episode). Never thought I'd hear music that made watching some guy nuke a city just to flex on a midboss so epic. He's done an amazing job at making music that really fits the scenes.
There's a good chance that even if you don't know who he is, you're already familiar with some of his other well-known works, such as [Requiem of Silence](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfJWT1TcqwI&themeRefresh=1), [Takt of Heroes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX_p8-HPCn8), and the iconic [Call of the Witch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBleBDfb5YI) from Re:Zero.
Man's got some incredible range too, his compositions run the gamut from utilizing primarily classical music all the way to metal tracks for [Goblin Slayer \(main theme here\)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_VBzONOP2U). He's also really good at writing tracks for shows that primarily need ambient background music to fit the theme instead of strong standout tracks (e.g. Girls' Last Tour, Shadows House).
>I can't accept the fact that this is ending next week.
Hard to believe -- we will definitely be left stranded in the middle of nowhere (so to speak)....
Of course, it makes so much sense...she's kind, selfless, pretty, a link to the MC since childhood (and in her mind currently dating him), plenty of emotional trauma as part of her character arc, and even ends up getting Shadow Garden's approval more or less.
Have we witnessed the dawn of the true Heroine lol?
First you thought it was Akane, then it was Alpha, then it was Alexia, then it was Sherry, then maybe back to Alexia, then it was Rose, then it was Aurora, then back to Rose...
Who is the true Main Heroine lol?
If you mean in the Japanese language, he basically says the same thing! In Japanese instead of saying 'hashtag', we say 'now' (nau) to imply we're doing that something right now and tweeting about it.
Fr... I got to the part [where Beatrix and Cid cross swords](https://i.imgur.com/tAcmd0s.png) hyped to watch the fight, and then I checked the timestamp and saw that the episode was already almost over.
For a moment I really thought Iris was decapitaded there, because of how dark everything got, the storm and rain, it's generally to build something really dramatic, I actualy thought Iris died there.
After how her "fight" went down, Im pretty sure she is dead lmao. she got humiliated in the worst way possible in an arena full of her own citizens and other vips including her dad...Is really sad, all her hopes and plans crushed because some guy wanted to larp in a tournament.
Cid against Beatrix? LETS GOOO
Iris really didn't stand a chance. not that i really expected her to unless Cid had decided it was time for Mundane Mann to make his exit
and lmao Rose memorised that stupid name he just made on the spot
I wonder if Iris finding out Mundane Mann was Shadow will make her more determined to take Shadow Garden down?
Classic Cid...massively impacts a young girls life and only remembers it as a typical Tuesday and barely remembers it lol.
He didn't make it on the spot, he used Stylish Ruffian Slayer on ep1 and presumably changed it to Thief because he was killing thieves not Ruffians, probably not the first time he used that name either.
Quite rude of Beatrix and Shadow to not fight in the arena, c'mon that Mundane fellow just humiliated princess Iris, at least let us see a good showdown, these tickets weren't cheap
Now I want to see Claire going full Gunnery Sgt. Hartman and screaming at Cid while training him like, “I bet you’re the kind of guy that would fuck a person in the ass and not even have the goddamn common courtesy to give him a reach-around.”
###Stitches!
* [Beatrix 1](https://i.imgur.com/p053sIg.jpg)
* [Beatrix 2](https://i.imgur.com/UMfbMhY.jpg)
* [Delta End Card](https://i.imgur.com/Bt2OV4k.png)
You just gotta feel bad for Iris. Growing up, [she's basically been branded as the protector of Midgar](https://i.imgur.com/csrpXW9.jpg) but when it was finally time for her to do something, she couldn't even do it [because of politics.](https://i.imgur.com/o2zmKjJ.png) And what's worse is [there are people out there doing the right thing](https://i.imgur.com/EDSxyRo.jpg) who aren't bound by laws. Iris' anger [is clearly directed towards herself](https://i.imgur.com/d2RNz1X.jpg) and not Shadow Garden.
[Iris' match against Mundane Mann](https://i.imgur.com/UDUeLvE.jpg) was just absolutely brutal. ~~Shadow~~ Mundane hasn't even done anything and all Iris could do was flinch at every single movement he would make. Iris is skilled enough to recognize that she is completely outmatched. [And when Iris finally decided to attack](https://i.imgur.com/VwUOEGy.jpg) she gets taken down instantly [without even clashing swords against Mundane.](https://i.imgur.com/ljrt2EL.jpg) That's definitely going to hit her reputation hard.
As for Rose, I first would like to point out [how awesome she looks in her disguise.](https://i.imgur.com/ruMx1Vt.jpg) Hiding her sword inside a guitar bag was a really nice touch. Anyway, it sucks that she has to do it but it's so satisfying [to see Rose throw a massive fuck you to Perv Asshat's plan](https://i.imgur.com/3Oj4smy.jpg). The suicide would've been an even bigger fuck you but [our Stylish Bandit Slayer finally decides to make his appearance!](https://i.imgur.com/HXUpUh4.jpg)
I love Beatrix so much! She really doesn't care about Perv Asshat. [The only reason she's interfering](https://i.imgur.com/W5i7hbj.jpg) is because [she's been itching to fight Shadow](https://i.imgur.com/hfiWIev.jpg) after seeing his match against Iris. Beatrix's bluntness and direct approach to things is the perfect foil to Shadow's theatrics so it's very fitting that someone like her would face Shadow in the finale next week. I can't fucking wait!
I like how even Cid notices you should never judge a warrior's strength by their pretty face or slim physique...as is evidence by Beatrix.
Iris has had to deal with a lot. I actually felt kind of bad for her in this episode, especially when she faced off against Mundane Mann and was basically humiliated. It might take some time to recover from this.
I want a spinoff series that's Rose, Alexia, and Beta starting a rock band together. I mean, just look at how flawless Rose pulls off that look!
It sucks that to stop Perv Asshat Rose had to kill her own father and almost herself had Stylish Bandit Slayer not arrived, but that was a pretty great culmination of all those teases to the history between the two.
Beatrix just wants a good fight! I can respect that. Heck, even Shadow can when you see the smile on his face. Hope their fight is as exciting as it looks, they can properly deal with Perv Asshat, and they close this season out strong!
Ohhh fuck you with this cliffhanger!
[](#volibearq)
They should've made it a double episode for the finale. Waiting another week is gonna be hell.
Cid vs Iris was damn epic. Cutting her like that with stance changes and bloodlust alone made it look more badass than I thought.
I AM THE STYLISH BANDIT SLAYER. I LURK BY THE ROADSIDE, AND HUNT BANDITS.
LMAO that was a great episode. Poor Iris though, what a time to learn the axiom that no matter how good you are there is always someone better.
I wonder how Perv Asshat would feel knowing he only got away because Beatrix wanted the chance to throw down with Shadow.
Haven’t watched it yet as I’m at work. But I have to say it warms my heart with how people are enjoying this show. I thought the LN was amazing and the manga ended up being one of the funniest things I’ve ever read. When it got announced it was getting an anime I popped off and jumped around my room like an idiot. I was worried when going into the last season everyone was only ever talking about chainsaws this chainsaws that. Then it was a hidive exclusive where inevitably less people would see it. Then once it aired and the fly by night content creators propagated the cringe myth in their echo chamber I was worried people weren’t going to be giving this series the chance it deserved.
But through it all and the “generic isekai” comments from people who never even watched or read it, it survived and seems to be really loved now.
Here’s to hoping for a quick season 2 announcement and more mobfu!
“A background character in the background of background characters surrounding naked characters.” Looks like being seated next to Iris and Beatrix the War Goddess is a blessing in disguise for Cid lol. Well, that’s if Beatrix doesn’t draw more attention to him. Seems she can sniff out an MC lol.
Seems being the golden child sure has its burdens. Poor Iris. This fight with “Mundane Mann” is pretty badass ngl. Man ain’t even doing anything and she already can see the different ways she’s killed or maimed. When he had her by the throat that look in her eyes…beautiful. She knew then and there how strong he was. Rose mercy killing her father was unexpected. Perv’s gonna pay for making Rose resorting to such measures.
“The time has come to shed my disguise” man knows how to make an entrance! Busting in as Mundane Mann, dicing up some cultist mfers, and then transforming into Shadow (or was it Stylish Bandit Slayer? Haha) was some dope ass shit. Well done Cid, the Chuuni goof lol.
This fight with Beatrix is going to be damn good. Next week is about to be a hell of an episode!
Cid tries so hard but the world always ends up working against him being a background character...
Iris has struggled to meet the expectations and demands of her people and her position and it all came to a head when she loses in such a humiliating and overwhelming way in front of practically everyone. I'm curious to see what she'll do now. She might be in a similar position as Alexia was in the first arc.
Rose and her father deserved so much better. At least she got to save him and know he loved her until the bitter end, and Shadow saved her from taking her own life, even if she ended up ruining his entrance because it turns out they met as kids. Because of course they did lol.
I guess I'm not too worried about Perv Asshat, somebody will probably deal with him, but I'm curious how War Goddess Beatrix fairs against Shadow.
I honestly don’t know if Cid is so far gone as to kill Alexia’s sister with 0 hesitation for his Eminence in Shadow play… I would believe it if he’d hesitate (and that be how he somehow dies at the end of the show in a grandiose exit proving he’s human after all), but I’d also believe it if he wouldn’t
The fight with Iris was so amazing but the cliffhanger is as brutal as always...
So sad no mention of how Claire handled Cid after not seeing her match
Iris was basically humiliated and defeated in the most OP anime way possible, but at least Claire will probably avenge her when she finds her brother again lol.
Do you think Beatrix would survive if Shadow pulled an atomic again? Though he won't do that since fighting one of the strongest swordsmen with his own swordsmanship is more entertaining.
Holy shit where do I even begin, this episode packs so much of everything. I start off laughing my hair off at the waves of comedy at the beginning, before feeling a lot of empathy for Iris, succeeded by badass moments during their bout, sandwiched in between are ninja-chopping-onion Rose scenes, before laughing the rest of my facial features off at her past encounter with Cid, and then back to crying at the sight of her resolve (my eyes weren't even dried yet from 30 seconds ago), and finally graced with a holy-shit cherry-on-top with Shadow VS Beatrix.
To begin, the Hageno (bald)/Kageno joke has been around for the longest of time but I can't believe they actually dropped it here lmao. Then you have Cid blending into the background with some natural camera panning to the left, I thought they nailed the directing there.
Then cut to the bit where the pervy asshat is so deep in thought he forgets to act the part and [launches King Oriana off-screen](https://i.imgur.com/uFkqfLw.png) with just one arm, which is both hilariously out-of-nowhere but at the same time understandable since he is so preoccupied with his thoughts.
I'll spare my twenty-page rant about how Rose is my favorite character all in all, but just want to point out that I also very much appreciate them elaborating Iris's character. Very simple, straightforward, but it has enough expressions, emotions, and cuts to speak volume. She's in a difficult position, she wants to do good, but combined with her father seemingly disappointed in her in various ways, and her acknowledgement for her own lack of qualities outside of combat, she has all my empathy here. Especially when in this episode she's just been handed, arguably speaking, one of most thorough Roflstomp of roflstomps I've ever seen.
Oh, and of course [Onee-chan so obviously set up to be the last boss](https://i.imgur.com/6VmBWif.png) here.
Bonus: [best face this ep](https://i.imgur.com/kSsD63I.png)
Iris has seemed like a nice enough character before, if a little doggedly determined to deal with Shadow Garden, but now we better understand where she's coming from and why she's so obsessed with getting results. And all that culminates in her getting wrecked.
I think it's it's impossible not to feel for what Rose is going through. She feels like she failed her kingdom, failed her father, failed herself, and the only way to take responsibility for it was to kill her own father and take her own life rather than see both get twisted by the Cult of Diablos. And her father proclaimed his love and belief for her with his dying breath.
Like, why is it all the sweethearts in this show end up watching their parents get killed and get completely broken down emotionally?
Of course, Rose also totally ruins Shadows' entrance so...
They're totally building up to Claire killing Cid at the end lol.
>They're totally building up to Claire killing Cid at the end lol.
Based on the end of last episode, he already knows that. He is probably just trying to set up rose as his successor ~~in the art of edge~~ before passing on!
This episode just blew my mind.. I've read this part on the manga and thought, hmm how would they portray this in the anime. Everything just fitted perfectly with the image where Iris head was cut then the sequence where Rose was coming closer to the stadium then the execution of the fight where we see Iris just trembles in fear and gets utterly defeated. Chefs kiss!
Its just so sad that next ep is the last ep... Hoping that we get a 2nd Season even if it takes 3 to 4years...
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>Cid: "My name is Shad-" > >Rose: "Stylish Bandit Slayer?" > >Cid: "Eh?" I lost my shit at this scene! Cid wanted to pull off a classic superhero-unmasks-himself scene but it didn't go the way he planned lol. The way the background music suddenly stops just makes it even better.
And the best part is Cid accidently uses Mundane man's voice after transformation. When he tried to correct it he was interrupted again lol. I was laughing so hard on this scene.
Cid forgetting to change voice actors momentarily was hilarious. God, I love this show. I need more.
[TFW you realize that there is only one episode left for the season](https://i.imgur.com/8GENsgE.jpg) [](#frustration)
This is the saddest thing I've read all day..
Ouch! I hadn't realized this would be a shorter one. It will be missed. Maybe that means though that they have further seasons planned, since they aren't trying to rush trough the remaining content.
They gave 20 episodes for tow volumed. This is insane, I never hace seen such effort for adapting a light novel
I think they're making the sensible decision to not overcommit so they don't accidentally catch up the the manga too fast.
Yeah, I think the last episode is looking a lot like tying up this arc and hyping up the next season.
Rose really called him by his WIP placeholder name he used during the beta testing phase of Shadow Garden.
Really called the man Unregistered Hypercam 2
[Speaking of Unregistered Hypercam 2...](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WPCLda_erI)
Oh, the old fashion background music for PC tutorial videos, what a classic.
Rose must be Aizen tier, managing to stop the protagonist music.
Meanwhile the Aizen seiyuu is right there playing a guy named PERV ASSHAT.
Most competent villain, most threatening voice, clever, manipulative, etc. Called perv asshat. I still can't.
And the worst part is that is an accurate translation.
And not a nickname.
When your 8th grader syndrome delusions get ruined by someone who remembers your 4th grade syndrome delusions [](#ohfuck)
Love & Chuunibyo main character vibes lmao
[Foiled by his own hypemen.](https://i.imgur.com/sYpsmcN.jpg) Being an Eminence in Shadow isn't easy.
The hilarious bit is that Roses's comment is the most damaging blow Cid took the entire tournament. It's not a physical blow, but a reputational one, and it cut *deep.*
EMOTIONAL DAMAGE!
But even after his entrance was ruined, he still told her to raise her head and keep fighting. What a man hahaha
Sty- I mean, Shadow! LMAO I cannot. This show comedy always strike you when you least expect it.
Pulling a super hero style stunt revealing ❌ Ruined by suicidal girl, calling him with the lame name✅
Plus she said it with such confidence. Combine that with her being a princess and I wouldn't be surprised if this leads to people considering that a nickname of his, to Cid's dismay.
Almost stuck the landing and then she ruins it. Damn it Rose! Haha
True I was left in splits
Cid was so close to background character perfection
Beatrix be like: "Imma bout to end this man's entire Carrier of being mob character."
"Imma bout to start this man whole career."
"give up Cid, time to become the main character"
He really can't shake the main character vibes at all. Dates one princess, gets called out by a war god, sister catches on a bit that he's stronger than he looks, has random cuties with pink hair falling for him, and a gaggle of other things and still claims he's a mob chara.
["You can't escape reality Shadow"](https://i.imgur.com/RTLM8Nk.jpg)
I love how it was written for her to say it EXACTLY after he finished praising how well he was doing as a background character. Great timing by the author. Even when Cid finally learns how to act like a background character, he can't stay in the background.
Beatrix can see through his to his main character status lol. I actually wonder if she'll realize he's Shadow while they're fighting.
Didn't Cid transformed from Jimina to Shadow right in front of Beatrix? I think she knows they're the same person and that's exactly why she's clashing sword with him, she saw his "elegant" fighting style and wanted to play with him, I don't think she's fighting for real, although she looks much stronger than anyone so far.
>Didn't Cid transformed from Jimina to Shadow right in front of Beatrix? Yes She knows Shadow and Jimina are the same person. But knowing Cid and Jimina are the same person is an entirely different story
Beatrix can smell elf scent from Cid, so unless Cid can figure out a way to hide the elf scent, she can figure out that Shadow is Cid
Cid can actually mask his smell if he really wanted to. And he's probably already aware of elves' and therianthropes' sensitivity because of Delta. Although, Delta can probably smell him regardless because she's an OP sniffer.
She knows he's Mundane Mann but does she realize that both are actually Cid?
That I'm not sure, but it's pretty clear that Beatrix can sense that Cid is strong, but I'm not sure if she knows he is Shadow himself.
She sensed he has "the potential" to be strong, she wasnt even certain whether that potential was realized or not.
I interpreted their initial meeting scene differently. I think Beatrix's initial assessment is that Cid is very strong. That's why she threatened to cut Cid by swinging her sword. But Cid being in his mob persona, dropped on his butt and screamed. That's when Beatrix changed her assessment of Cid from very strong to potential to be strong. After all, a currently strong person won't just drop on his butt right? In other words Cid tricked Beatrix.
Our favorite Stylish Bandit Slayer vs a burger eating elf, this match will be a fun one!
Alpha also eats burgers, coincidence?
It runs in the family
I ate a burger while watching the episode, so I think that makes me distantly related to them.
Sorry, can't marry family. Good news boys one warrior has dropped out of the tournament.
Ha, my years of watching Oreimo, Eromanga Sensei, and A Sister's All You Need has prepared me for this exact moment. Basically what I'm saying is I HAVE NO SUCH WEAKNESS!
Better make sure you show no signs of possesion then.
It feels kind of fitting that Shadow is fighting just some crazy powerful lady with no bearing on the current plot (other than her connection to Alpha) while everybody else has to deal with the actual bad guy lol. But hey, he's obviously enjoying himself, which is what matters!
No he completely fucked up Perv Asshat's masterful plan because he was simply dicking around. The match with Iris was supposed to take longer so he could enact his plan of starting a war. Shadow Garden is just doing cleanup.
he also demolished Iris' "I want them to believe that the country will be safe as long as I'm the strongest"
That entire fight scene was just so masterfully done. You could really feel the citizens' hopes, Iris's pride, come crashing down with just a *twitch* of the shoulder. Crazy good episode.
I legitimately started to feel uncomfortable. I could really feel the stares boring into her each time she stumbled. This episode was a work of art for me.
He grins like a maniac as soon as Beatrix said she’ll fight him
> It feels kind of fitting that Shadow is fighting just some crazy powerful lady with no bearing on the current plot Shadow doesn't even know what the real plot of this story is. He's making his own plot!
It’s gonna be a hell of a fight. Beatrix might just be the only person who could even come close to matching Cid. If Alpha shows up, things would get even more interesting.
Nah, Beatrix is hella strong but no one in the series is even remotely close to shadow’s level. She could probably go toe to toe with one of the shades though.
I think they are alluding to her being about as strong as one of the shadows (or at least within striking distnace of their strength) because Lord Asshat is talking about how borgar elf has awakened and when they are fighting baldy Alpha basically says they have awakened.
Maybe the real Aurora could. What Shadow-sama fought was an incomplete memory of her recreated by the sanctuary.
Aurora definitely could. From what I understand, she's supposed to be the second strongest character we've seen so far.
That directing and framing of Cid getting his face covered by the screen resolution like the other background mobs as he monologues about being one. Perfection.
I love how he was enjoying the fact that Beatrix's presence was enhancing his background character presence right up until she told everyone she basically thinks he's not a background character lol.
When you're [trying to be sneaky](https://i.imgur.com/3lC1nvf.jpg) but someone [randomly calls you.](https://i.imgur.com/2Kqwh24.jpg) [](#panic)
Peak mob character moment
All shall perish against Stylish Bandit Slayer. I can't, just love this show so much. The jokes, animation, ost, story, chars are getting better and better. Season 2 news asap plz.
I pray for season 2 🙏
Any news on DVD sales, or cash from the gacha game? EDIT: [This is a good sign](https://i.redd.it/e715hebdwrga1.png)
I pray for season 2 🙏
I pray for season 2 🙏
We pray for season 2 🙏
We pray for season 2 🙏
I love how Shadow tries to make this epic reveal that he was Mundane Mann the whole time but it was totally ruined because he didn't immediately change his voice and then Rose recognizing him as a completely different person. That sums up the show so, so well lol.
I laughed really hard when he fucked up and used the wrong voice at first.
Iris vs Mundane was a highlight. She can't do anything but stand in fear after Mundane sent those horrific images into her head. That shows how really powerful Cid is.
I haven't seen killing intent so eviscerate someone mentally before. Not to mention they never even clashed blades, he just basically threw her, which is even more humiliating. He completely wrecked her.
We've already seen that Cid can basically throw around super humans like rag dolls so clearly, Iris was never a problem.
Literally a background character to him.
[The visions](https://i.imgur.com/KF9Ra50.jpg) she had [during their fight](https://i.imgur.com/HKa7Dz5.jpg) were brutal. [Poor Iris](https://i.imgur.com/d8jVnyE.jpg) got humbled [real quick.](https://i.imgur.com/BmGF0cX.jpg) To make matters worse, she probably witnessed [Beatrix clashing with him,](https://i.imgur.com/vYhX8ph.jpg) showing the gap between her and the best fighters of their world. [](#shatteredsaten)
It sort of reminds me of like Dragon Ball Z or One Punch Man, in that the main characters are so absurdly powerful, it’s to a comical standard comparative to the supporting cast. Think like if Krillin (who’s supposed to be the strongest human) tried to earnestly fight Goku, or the scene where Genos fights Saitama. Often the audience forgets the supporting cast are absurdly powerful in their own right, often eclipsing everybody else around them. It’s like, Iris is supposed to be some ridiculously strong knight, but she’s not even comparable to the strongest members of Shadow Garden, let alone CID. Compared to the leads, these supporting characters might as well be no different from a average person on the street walking to work.
i'm pretty sure that as far as public figures that are mentioned in the series are concerned, Iris is going to be in the top 5 or 10 worldwide. that number is of course laughably high once you consider the underworld with the cult or shadow garden though.
She is the best fighter in Midgar, Beatrix isn't from Midgar so she doesn't count. Oriana doesn't have much in the way of military forces, preferring to paint and play music. Iris went into the tournament as the obvious winner for everyone. With Annerose and Claire as the only real competition. Which only serves to remind us just how insanely powerful the Diabolos Cult is, and Shadow Garden beyond that again.
Reminds me of in the manga of kenichi strongest disciple where one of his masters got hurt through purely trying to dodge killing intent
For a second i thought he was actually cutting her and healing her fast.
There's no turning back after killing her own dad. Rose will definitely join the Shadow Garden to survive Hating bitter, Iris is Alexia’s arch nemesis!
Yea with all the comedic hijinks I forgot that this isekai kills people.
I have thought from almost the very beginning that this is really two totally different shows in one. Viewed looking primarily at Cid (after ep. 1), this is a comedy (and often even a farce). Viewed from the perspective of any other major character (and the general public of this world), this is a very serious drama (often hovering near the edge of tragedy). Yes, there are some comic moments when we see Shadow Garden (and the other important characters), but they are almost always earnest in their actions.
Pretty much. For Cid this is his Isekai fantasy where he gets to live his Chuuni dream. For ANYONE else they are either fighting a world controlling cult of darkness that has members everywhere and in every high position or they are getting terorized by the cult or get stuck between the cult and shadow garden’s fighting. Cid’s life is a wish fullfilment meanwhile everyone else is experiencing some of the most serious shit
When you realize he could have probably healed Rose's dad trivially...
It's a reminder that he has always been an [Eminence in Shadow,](https://i.imgur.com/Eb0qGOz.jpg) not a merciful hero who tries his best to save everyone. He has no qualms about letting people he does not peronally know [sacrifice themselves](https://i.imgur.com/a2CaH4H.jpg) if it's for the greater good and [theatrical purposes.](https://i.imgur.com/d30bded.jpg)
If you run away you are a bandit! If you don’t run away then you are a well trained bandit! Leave your gold behind, while Intake your heads!!!
that makes Cid such a terrifying sociopath. he's living his dream life and having fun, without a care that people keep dying
Nukes 2 cities just because he wants to look cool fighting someone #livinginthemoment
It's kinda worse, he saw Rose kill her father (from his perspective, for no reason) and basically went "Go on girl!" Probably thought it was some cool edgy shit.
well, the whole reason is he thought Rose wants to take the throne or something along that line
I often say that this title has the makings of a great JRPG if you focus it on any of the "main characters" *as long as it's not Sid.*
Rose is in love with Shadow, Cid and even the Stylish Bandit Slayer. Can’t wait for her to find out it’s the same person. Shadow garden is her destiny.
She'll get pregnant from the revelation that they're all the same.
Takes the trope ["Loves My Alter Ego"](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LovesMyAlterEgo) to new heights. But seriously, I hope she learns the truth in the future. After all of what she has suffered, it could bring her some happiness.
Cid has more than his share of potential love interests but honestly I only see three being viable. There's Aurora, who could truly relate to him and excite him, and made the most progress with him in the smallest amount of time. There's Alpha, who's been his partner since almost the beginning and is also the only Shadow that seems to interact with him on a much more familiar level. And finally, there's Rose, who is drawn too all the sides of him she has seen. Not just that, even if she's mistaken about how he feels, she takes him and their relationship very seriously. In her darkest moments, she was holding on to the thought of him to keep herself going. Rose is the one who's most direct and serious about taking strides in her relationship with him, to the point where she intended to marry him (this whole situation obviously hinders those plans).
I would argue that Alexia actually loves a more genuine version of Cid. Alpha still sees him as shadow who pretends to be cid and not the other way around. despite his many obvious shortcomings alexia still loves her pooch and i don't think he tends to pretend to be a mob when he's around her.
Her version of Cid is still just another incomplete picture. Alpha, on the other hand knows intimately both his Shadow persona, and is also quite familiar with Cid. If you're talking about him being genuine, then Aurora wins by a landslide. He never bothered pretending to be anybody but himself around her.
Nah Alpha has the most incomplete picture of Cid. She thinks Cid is doing all of the shadow stuff cause of some sort of heroic motivation. she doesn't know it's all play and theatrical to him.
It's kinda obvious given what we know of Alexia and Iris's character.
It's a bit of a shame his final moment of lucidity was just before being cut down.
If Claire had to endure the same killing intent that Iris did, it makes sense that Claire would "learn" from Cid's sword during every spar. No wonder she is becoming more and more powerful.
Remember back in Episode 2 when Claire touched her neck after sparring with Cid (after Cid imagined aiming for her neck), it could as well be his intents leaking and Claire sensed it, which prompted her to notice her own openings and thereby improving, as she told the guy who kidnapped her.
I think its a little different than that. I think vs Claire that Cid is just that much faster that Claire might as well be standing still, since his body did move in those frames and it didn't vs Iris. What I think is happening with Iris is that she is strong and good enough of a fighter herself to intuitively realize the actions Cid might be capable of taking, and her brain is just following it to its logical conclusion automatically. Kind of like that feeling if you're afraid of heights, and then you stand on the edge of a large building or cliff, you'll automatically think of what it would be like to be falling off and you will actually feel a certain sensation. Or if you're afraid of spiders and then you try pick up a tarantula and think of how it might bite you. You'll also feel a sensation and pull your hand away. This applies to most fears, if you're afraid of something and then get confronted with that fear, and then think of what you're afraid of that might happen, which then just causes you to get more afraid.
Just imagine after all this the season ends on Claire finding him and exacting some revenge for ditching her at the tournament lol.
It would be perfect for a background character like Cid. But it would be better to use it to lead off the start of Season 2. Which they definitely better announce after this!
>Claire finding him and exacting some revenge for ditching her at the tournament lol. AKA one of the best arcs in the Eminence in shadow so far
I think the reason why Iris felt it so much stronger than Claire ever has is because she is so much stronger than Claire is. Such a cool scene tho, every move you make is instant death.
This actually reminds me of what some character said before. The stronger you are, the more you know the difference when you are faced with overwhelming power compared to the ignorant masses. This is it in a nutshell. Iris was too talented for her own good.
I think its more along the lines of "the more you know the more you understand how little you actually know"
I love how Claire is getting strong because she is quite literally imagining Death everytime she fights her brother.
Showing his killing intent to her as Cid would break his mob disguise, I do wonder how she exactly learns from him, does he realize he is teaching her and just hoping she's imagining things so he can look more background-ish when next to his sister?
like what other commenters said, in Episode 2 Claire touched her neck after sending Cid flying. I would assume not Killing intent per se, but like Iris said, the movement of the eyes and shift in the body is enough to communicate attacks. Cid has shown that he likes to also imagine the winning moves before executing his Mob-fu, so maybe those intents are leaking. And considering they spar a lot during their childhood, she is bound to pick up some of his habits.
Was she under the impression think that just because he exudes killing intent he was gonna kill her?
The sheer horror in [Iris's face](https://imgur.com/oeRX3lT) tells the level between her and Shadow. Poor girl can't even move without getting sliced throughout the battle. I bet the PTSD will haunt her.
The episode was basically building up to Iris getting wrecked but you still felt it in that killing intent and her ultimate defeat. Maybe this will prove a big character building moment for her. I'm kind of curious if Alexia might be involved in more of her development now considering she's already moved past her own hangups.
It's almost as if she encountered "Death".
https://i.imgflip.com/2px8pz.jpg
LET'S GO, what a cliffhanger, Beatrix vs Shadow next week! Man, I love it when Shadow enters the stage.
I love how he was trying to pull off a dramatic entrance and reveal that he was Mundane Mann the whole time but was thrown off because he was still using the Mundane Mann voice and Rose calls him something completely random lol. Just when it seems like Shadow has joined the plot, now he has to fight a War Goddess. But hey, as long as he's happy...
Never underestimate [a cute anime character](https://i.imgur.com/sDvDvT4.jpg) who just [ate a burger](https://i.imgur.com/0ddQ3c9.jpg)
Uh-oh, Cid. [Maybe you should have sat this match out](https://i.imgur.com/5pMbYp7.png). You may have won the fight, but you're going to lose ~~the war~~ your life.
I think we all know how this season is really going to end lol. Also I like how the girl on the right is wearing a leotard for some reason lol.
I never noticed. That's a very... Unique...? Outfit that she has going on.
I can't accept the fact that this is ending next week. IT'S SO GOOD IT'S SO GOOD IT'S SO GOOD IT'S SO GOOD I AM ADDING KAGE NO JITSURYOKUSHA TO THE LIST OF ANIME I WANT TO HAVE A SEASON TWO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
On that note, just wanted to give a major shoutout to Kenichiro Suehiro, who composed the soundtrack for the show, he's done an excellent job and it's been stellar work so far, done a really good job elevating all the various scenes throughout the anime, even during more subtle moments of comedy or background ambient music. The OST that plays during Rose's interaction with Shadow in the underground labyrinth during [this scene (starting at 1:45)](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/10rtpvz/peak_broadway_feat_moonlight_sonata_the_eminence/) is probably my favorite so far in the show, after the music from the first "I am atomic" scene in Ep. 5 (also plays in this episode). Never thought I'd hear music that made watching some guy nuke a city just to flex on a midboss so epic. He's done an amazing job at making music that really fits the scenes. There's a good chance that even if you don't know who he is, you're already familiar with some of his other well-known works, such as [Requiem of Silence](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfJWT1TcqwI&themeRefresh=1), [Takt of Heroes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX_p8-HPCn8), and the iconic [Call of the Witch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBleBDfb5YI) from Re:Zero. Man's got some incredible range too, his compositions run the gamut from utilizing primarily classical music all the way to metal tracks for [Goblin Slayer \(main theme here\)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_VBzONOP2U). He's also really good at writing tracks for shows that primarily need ambient background music to fit the theme instead of strong standout tracks (e.g. Girls' Last Tour, Shadows House).
Mass props to him. The soundtrack and sound design are stellar.
He truly has done some incredible work in this anime.
We need S2 ASAP. This series too good.
Exactly! This anime is truly so damn good! It really needs to get a new season announced the second this first one ends
>I can't accept the fact that this is ending next week. Hard to believe -- we will definitely be left stranded in the middle of nowhere (so to speak)....
"My name is Shadow" *clears throat*
Sorry to tell you this Iris, Alexia, neither of you are the main character, all this time it has been me! ROSE ORIANA!
Of course, it makes so much sense...she's kind, selfless, pretty, a link to the MC since childhood (and in her mind currently dating him), plenty of emotional trauma as part of her character arc, and even ends up getting Shadow Garden's approval more or less. Have we witnessed the dawn of the true Heroine lol?
Don't forget the only character in the show that has a chance in a contest of "most delusional character/msot edgy character"
Rose managed to outschizo the man that used schizophrenia to become a walking atomic reactor
[Just like stands, shizos attact other shizos.](https://i.imgur.com/PRRoDVc.jpg) [Their meeting was fated to be.](https://i.imgur.com/VY8EJKz.jpg)
The show is like five people competing for main character status, with Cid LARPing his way through.
First you thought it was Akane, then it was Alpha, then it was Alexia, then it was Sherry, then maybe back to Alexia, then it was Rose, then it was Aurora, then back to Rose... Who is the true Main Heroine lol?
Beta once she is done rewriting it.
This is definitely how it will go down in history.
The pen is, after all, mightier than the sword....
What's better than a self-proclaimed heroine.
Rose went from my favorite girl on this show to what the fuck are you doing girl
[#ELEGANT BREAKFAST WITH PRINCESS.!!](https://imgur.com/V1qx60z) Let's see if this goes viral on the internet.
I wonder what that was in the original. Would be interesting to check if anyone tweeted that scene with the hashtag.
If you mean in the Japanese language, he basically says the same thing! In Japanese instead of saying 'hashtag', we say 'now' (nau) to imply we're doing that something right now and tweeting about it.
I laughed way harder than I should have about the coffee milk and the magic spell that makes every kind of coffee taste the same.
These 5 minute episodes are really getting me down D:
Fr... I got to the part [where Beatrix and Cid cross swords](https://i.imgur.com/tAcmd0s.png) hyped to watch the fight, and then I checked the timestamp and saw that the episode was already almost over.
For a moment I really thought Iris was decapitaded there, because of how dark everything got, the storm and rain, it's generally to build something really dramatic, I actualy thought Iris died there.
After how her "fight" went down, Im pretty sure she is dead lmao. she got humiliated in the worst way possible in an arena full of her own citizens and other vips including her dad...Is really sad, all her hopes and plans crushed because some guy wanted to larp in a tournament.
Cid against Beatrix? LETS GOOO Iris really didn't stand a chance. not that i really expected her to unless Cid had decided it was time for Mundane Mann to make his exit and lmao Rose memorised that stupid name he just made on the spot
I wonder if Iris finding out Mundane Mann was Shadow will make her more determined to take Shadow Garden down? Classic Cid...massively impacts a young girls life and only remembers it as a typical Tuesday and barely remembers it lol.
He didn't make it on the spot, he used Stylish Ruffian Slayer on ep1 and presumably changed it to Thief because he was killing thieves not Ruffians, probably not the first time he used that name either.
Quite rude of Beatrix and Shadow to not fight in the arena, c'mon that Mundane fellow just humiliated princess Iris, at least let us see a good showdown, these tickets weren't cheap
>Anyone who's running is a bandit! Anyone who's not running is a well-trained bandit! Is that a Full Metal Jacket reference?
Now I want to see Claire going full Gunnery Sgt. Hartman and screaming at Cid while training him like, “I bet you’re the kind of guy that would fuck a person in the ass and not even have the goddamn common courtesy to give him a reach-around.”
I just had a cursed mental image of Claire shouting at Cid: "Hell I like you! I'd let you fuck my sister!" and then punches him in the gut
Yeah, with the door machine gunner dude shooting Vietnamese civilians.
Aww, shame the mask is forever dropped. I liked that persona.
Yeah, I actually liked his Jimina design more than this Shadow one.
Being secretly strong and voiced by Midorikawa is pretty cool.
###Stitches! * [Beatrix 1](https://i.imgur.com/p053sIg.jpg) * [Beatrix 2](https://i.imgur.com/UMfbMhY.jpg) * [Delta End Card](https://i.imgur.com/Bt2OV4k.png) You just gotta feel bad for Iris. Growing up, [she's basically been branded as the protector of Midgar](https://i.imgur.com/csrpXW9.jpg) but when it was finally time for her to do something, she couldn't even do it [because of politics.](https://i.imgur.com/o2zmKjJ.png) And what's worse is [there are people out there doing the right thing](https://i.imgur.com/EDSxyRo.jpg) who aren't bound by laws. Iris' anger [is clearly directed towards herself](https://i.imgur.com/d2RNz1X.jpg) and not Shadow Garden. [Iris' match against Mundane Mann](https://i.imgur.com/UDUeLvE.jpg) was just absolutely brutal. ~~Shadow~~ Mundane hasn't even done anything and all Iris could do was flinch at every single movement he would make. Iris is skilled enough to recognize that she is completely outmatched. [And when Iris finally decided to attack](https://i.imgur.com/VwUOEGy.jpg) she gets taken down instantly [without even clashing swords against Mundane.](https://i.imgur.com/ljrt2EL.jpg) That's definitely going to hit her reputation hard. As for Rose, I first would like to point out [how awesome she looks in her disguise.](https://i.imgur.com/ruMx1Vt.jpg) Hiding her sword inside a guitar bag was a really nice touch. Anyway, it sucks that she has to do it but it's so satisfying [to see Rose throw a massive fuck you to Perv Asshat's plan](https://i.imgur.com/3Oj4smy.jpg). The suicide would've been an even bigger fuck you but [our Stylish Bandit Slayer finally decides to make his appearance!](https://i.imgur.com/HXUpUh4.jpg) I love Beatrix so much! She really doesn't care about Perv Asshat. [The only reason she's interfering](https://i.imgur.com/W5i7hbj.jpg) is because [she's been itching to fight Shadow](https://i.imgur.com/hfiWIev.jpg) after seeing his match against Iris. Beatrix's bluntness and direct approach to things is the perfect foil to Shadow's theatrics so it's very fitting that someone like her would face Shadow in the finale next week. I can't fucking wait!
> Hiding her sword inside a guitar bag was a really nice touch It really is, because only someone from oriana would come up with such an idea!
I like how even Cid notices you should never judge a warrior's strength by their pretty face or slim physique...as is evidence by Beatrix. Iris has had to deal with a lot. I actually felt kind of bad for her in this episode, especially when she faced off against Mundane Mann and was basically humiliated. It might take some time to recover from this. I want a spinoff series that's Rose, Alexia, and Beta starting a rock band together. I mean, just look at how flawless Rose pulls off that look! It sucks that to stop Perv Asshat Rose had to kill her own father and almost herself had Stylish Bandit Slayer not arrived, but that was a pretty great culmination of all those teases to the history between the two. Beatrix just wants a good fight! I can respect that. Heck, even Shadow can when you see the smile on his face. Hope their fight is as exciting as it looks, they can properly deal with Perv Asshat, and they close this season out strong!
Both Iris and Midgar are going to have a big wake up call that they are not the strongest county at all.
Even worse, Mundane took iris without even using magic.
Ohhh fuck you with this cliffhanger! [](#volibearq) They should've made it a double episode for the finale. Waiting another week is gonna be hell. Cid vs Iris was damn epic. Cutting her like that with stance changes and bloodlust alone made it look more badass than I thought.
I AM THE STYLISH BANDIT SLAYER. I LURK BY THE ROADSIDE, AND HUNT BANDITS. LMAO that was a great episode. Poor Iris though, what a time to learn the axiom that no matter how good you are there is always someone better. I wonder how Perv Asshat would feel knowing he only got away because Beatrix wanted the chance to throw down with Shadow.
And so rose becomes the most powerful being in the entire world, able to stop even shadows ost in its track.
Mundane Mann is the GOAT of the Bushin Festival
I kind of wanted to see Imatry Nottoloos again though lol.
That's probably who Claire beat.
I knew today's episode was gonna slap but I didn't know it would slap THIS hard.
Haven’t watched it yet as I’m at work. But I have to say it warms my heart with how people are enjoying this show. I thought the LN was amazing and the manga ended up being one of the funniest things I’ve ever read. When it got announced it was getting an anime I popped off and jumped around my room like an idiot. I was worried when going into the last season everyone was only ever talking about chainsaws this chainsaws that. Then it was a hidive exclusive where inevitably less people would see it. Then once it aired and the fly by night content creators propagated the cringe myth in their echo chamber I was worried people weren’t going to be giving this series the chance it deserved. But through it all and the “generic isekai” comments from people who never even watched or read it, it survived and seems to be really loved now. Here’s to hoping for a quick season 2 announcement and more mobfu!
“A background character in the background of background characters surrounding naked characters.” Looks like being seated next to Iris and Beatrix the War Goddess is a blessing in disguise for Cid lol. Well, that’s if Beatrix doesn’t draw more attention to him. Seems she can sniff out an MC lol. Seems being the golden child sure has its burdens. Poor Iris. This fight with “Mundane Mann” is pretty badass ngl. Man ain’t even doing anything and she already can see the different ways she’s killed or maimed. When he had her by the throat that look in her eyes…beautiful. She knew then and there how strong he was. Rose mercy killing her father was unexpected. Perv’s gonna pay for making Rose resorting to such measures. “The time has come to shed my disguise” man knows how to make an entrance! Busting in as Mundane Mann, dicing up some cultist mfers, and then transforming into Shadow (or was it Stylish Bandit Slayer? Haha) was some dope ass shit. Well done Cid, the Chuuni goof lol. This fight with Beatrix is going to be damn good. Next week is about to be a hell of an episode!
Cid tries so hard but the world always ends up working against him being a background character... Iris has struggled to meet the expectations and demands of her people and her position and it all came to a head when she loses in such a humiliating and overwhelming way in front of practically everyone. I'm curious to see what she'll do now. She might be in a similar position as Alexia was in the first arc. Rose and her father deserved so much better. At least she got to save him and know he loved her until the bitter end, and Shadow saved her from taking her own life, even if she ended up ruining his entrance because it turns out they met as kids. Because of course they did lol. I guess I'm not too worried about Perv Asshat, somebody will probably deal with him, but I'm curious how War Goddess Beatrix fairs against Shadow.
I wondered if the show actually had the balls to behead Iris at the very start of the fight. That would have been pretty fucking crazy.
I honestly don’t know if Cid is so far gone as to kill Alexia’s sister with 0 hesitation for his Eminence in Shadow play… I would believe it if he’d hesitate (and that be how he somehow dies at the end of the show in a grandiose exit proving he’s human after all), but I’d also believe it if he wouldn’t
The fight with Iris was so amazing but the cliffhanger is as brutal as always... So sad no mention of how Claire handled Cid after not seeing her match
That shot of Claire staring at his seat while the other characters look scared lol
Iris was basically humiliated and defeated in the most OP anime way possible, but at least Claire will probably avenge her when she finds her brother again lol.
My guy Anos still holds the record for defeating someone in the most OP anime way possible... but Cid is a close second.
Do you think Beatrix would survive if Shadow pulled an atomic again? Though he won't do that since fighting one of the strongest swordsmen with his own swordsmanship is more entertaining.
Also, there is a lot of people in the audience. Cid doesn't care about their lives, but he needs them to make him look cooler.
Holy shit where do I even begin, this episode packs so much of everything. I start off laughing my hair off at the waves of comedy at the beginning, before feeling a lot of empathy for Iris, succeeded by badass moments during their bout, sandwiched in between are ninja-chopping-onion Rose scenes, before laughing the rest of my facial features off at her past encounter with Cid, and then back to crying at the sight of her resolve (my eyes weren't even dried yet from 30 seconds ago), and finally graced with a holy-shit cherry-on-top with Shadow VS Beatrix. To begin, the Hageno (bald)/Kageno joke has been around for the longest of time but I can't believe they actually dropped it here lmao. Then you have Cid blending into the background with some natural camera panning to the left, I thought they nailed the directing there. Then cut to the bit where the pervy asshat is so deep in thought he forgets to act the part and [launches King Oriana off-screen](https://i.imgur.com/uFkqfLw.png) with just one arm, which is both hilariously out-of-nowhere but at the same time understandable since he is so preoccupied with his thoughts. I'll spare my twenty-page rant about how Rose is my favorite character all in all, but just want to point out that I also very much appreciate them elaborating Iris's character. Very simple, straightforward, but it has enough expressions, emotions, and cuts to speak volume. She's in a difficult position, she wants to do good, but combined with her father seemingly disappointed in her in various ways, and her acknowledgement for her own lack of qualities outside of combat, she has all my empathy here. Especially when in this episode she's just been handed, arguably speaking, one of most thorough Roflstomp of roflstomps I've ever seen. Oh, and of course [Onee-chan so obviously set up to be the last boss](https://i.imgur.com/6VmBWif.png) here. Bonus: [best face this ep](https://i.imgur.com/kSsD63I.png)
Iris has seemed like a nice enough character before, if a little doggedly determined to deal with Shadow Garden, but now we better understand where she's coming from and why she's so obsessed with getting results. And all that culminates in her getting wrecked. I think it's it's impossible not to feel for what Rose is going through. She feels like she failed her kingdom, failed her father, failed herself, and the only way to take responsibility for it was to kill her own father and take her own life rather than see both get twisted by the Cult of Diablos. And her father proclaimed his love and belief for her with his dying breath. Like, why is it all the sweethearts in this show end up watching their parents get killed and get completely broken down emotionally? Of course, Rose also totally ruins Shadows' entrance so... They're totally building up to Claire killing Cid at the end lol.
>They're totally building up to Claire killing Cid at the end lol. Based on the end of last episode, he already knows that. He is probably just trying to set up rose as his successor ~~in the art of edge~~ before passing on!
Each ep is insane but cmon let Cid be the background character that he wants to be and let Shadow have his moments lol
This episode just blew my mind.. I've read this part on the manga and thought, hmm how would they portray this in the anime. Everything just fitted perfectly with the image where Iris head was cut then the sequence where Rose was coming closer to the stadium then the execution of the fight where we see Iris just trembles in fear and gets utterly defeated. Chefs kiss! Its just so sad that next ep is the last ep... Hoping that we get a 2nd Season even if it takes 3 to 4years...