Mai-HiME Episode 6: The Passionate Age of 17 (^^;)

Discussion thread for Mai HiME Episode 6: The Passionate Age of 17 (^^

Mai-HiME Episode VI: The Passionate Age of 17 (^^; ) takes us to a new location in the Fuka Shrine. We see Midori in a weird Dr. Eggman cosplay (LOVE THOSE SOCKS!) snooping around the shrine until she gets interrupted by the naughty red head and her date. The next day, Tate and Shiho have a little chit chat about helping our Old Man Jin, Shiho's grandfather, at the shrine. Shiho says they'll need more help and guess who he happens to ask next? No seriously, just guess! IT'S SO OBVIOUS! Meanwhile at Linden Baum, Midori tells Mai that she found a better job. A real job. Mai is suspicious that this supposed 17 year old is seeking a career already. Mai shouldn't be surprised about this, after all, Japanese students are quite ambitious!

By the way, I LOVE how Yukari Tamura (best known as "Yukarin" and voicing Nanoha Takamachi from Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha) says "juunanasai!" It's okay, Midori. We believe you. :'3 Not.

After their conversation, Akane is seen quivering at the sight of Miyu Greer. Midori offers to help while Mai heads over to talk to Tate and Shiho about the wedding preparations at the shrine. Takumi and Mikoto are also present. Mai of course agrees to this because her weekend is free and Takumi needed a job anyway. Then out of nowhere, Midori pokes Mai's bare thigh and offers her fine services as well. Mai firmly informs Midori that she has taken the weekend shift because she plans to quit, there's no way Midori can just take off and leave Akane by herself at Linden Baum. Midori plays dumb throughout the entire scene, hoping Mai would somehow believe she was mistaken. It's so funny to watch her troll Mai intentionally.

We arrive at the shrine where Shiho's grandfather has a load of stuff for Mai and friends to take out and set up. This could take all day! Quick cut to Linden Baum where Midori clearly bailed because Akane is having trouble keeping up with all the customer orders. DAMN YOU, MIDORI! LOL!!! Speaking of which, Midori shows up at the shrine again, again missing her chance to enter the closed off room because of Mai and Shiho's presence. Inside, Mai discovers another room that happens to be sealed off. Shiho tells her not to open it because of an old legend. Midori immediately takes interest and enters the room the second Mai and friends finished removing the boxes. During her investigation, she finds a box filled with old cult books including "Edo Murasaki" by Korekiyo Torii and "Hamachidori" by Udagawa. You can't help but admire Midori's love of learning. During Midori's jackpot, Mai and Shiho have a little midnight chat together. One of the topics Shiho brings up is Tate, who she admits to be in love with. She pleads for Mai to not steal him away from her. Mai is shocked by this sudden news, but is happy to support Shiho in her quest for love. So at this point in the series, the trust between Mai and Shiho is good. Keep this in mind.

And how about that sister complex, eh Takumi-chan?! :'3


It's wedding day at the shrine and Mashiro doesn't seem a bit worried about the seal being broken, though it seems inevitable by the way Nagi is talking. Looking pretty as a miko, Mai runs into Reito, Shizuru and the goddess that is Yohko. I don't think it was made clear why the wedding is "student council business" as Shizuru stated, but whatever. After Reito's obvious attempt at flattery (even Mai pointed this out), Mai catches Midori in the act; trying to open the seal inside the storage room. The girls struggle and accidentally break the seal, unleashing a Rock Orphan. Mai tries to avoid it most of the time until Mikoto and Natsuki finally arrive. Because of Mai's refusal to summon Kagutsuchi, the Rock Orphan gets the better of our trio...that is until SHE arrives to reveal herself as a HiME! The HiME of Wind - Midori Sugiura! Not only does she make a badass introduction, she even reveals her CHILD named Gakutenou. A chariot rhino thing. After an awesome display of power and agility, Midori defeats the Rock Orphan on her own. The episode ends with Mai's class getting a substitute teacher while Mr. Sawada is hospitalized. What's with the faces Mai, Tate and Chie?! YOU HAVE MIDORI F*CKING SUIGIURA AS YOUR NEW TEACHER! HAHA!

Granted, Midori debuted before this episode, but I've always seen this as her proper debut episode. She got to reveal herself as not only a HiME, but as a character. She is ambitious, strong, has a wicked sense of humor and does the best damn Sailor Moon tribute in the business. This episode is part of Mai-HiME's "Monster of the week" line up, but it's just so good in all areas.


+ A proper debut for Midori Sugiura
+ Yukarin's voice acting. It's untouchable.
+ Funny
+ Shiho is actually tolerable here. Thank Sakura Nogawa's portrayal.
+ Little tributes to Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon

Episode 6, I can't remember much about my reaction when I first saw the episode, but I remember being impressed when it was revealed about Midori being a HiME :) Episode 6 was just one of those episodes when something awesome happened, but in the big picture, there was nothing really exciting to remember xP