Natsume Yuujinchou 10: The Yaoi Fangirls Are Going To Go CRAZY.

I actually think that this show is gaining on Code Geass in the amount of FABULOUSness present.

Summary:

While hanging out with his friends, an umbrella only Natsume can see drops in front of him, which turns out to be the tool of a Youkai. The Youkai tries to take over Natsume’s body, but Natsume easily beats it, and though the Youkai continues his attempts, he’s stopped by a voice coming from a gourd he carries. Nyanko-sensei recognizes the coice which the Youkai calls Asagi. He explains that in an illusionary city within the Isozuki forest, there is said to be a beautiful Koto player named Asagi. The umbrella Youkai explains that Asagi fell ill and is unable to play the koto anymore – before once again trying to take Natsume’s body, and once again failing. Natsume feels slightly guilty, but doesn’t wish to get carelessly involved with Youkai to such an extent. The next morning Natsume wakes up with blue hair. Throughout the day, other strangely feminine manifestations occur within him, until in the middle of class the umbrella Youkai appears and explains he placed Asagi in Natsume while he was sleeping. Later, on the school roof, Asagi apologizes to Natsume from within him, and on the way back to his home, Nyanko-sensei reveals that the only way to get Asagi out of Natsume without harming her is to grant Asagi’s wish. The umbrella Youkai appears and tells Natsume that there’s no avoiding this, so they should hurry up and do so (Natsume decides to christen him Bullseye, since the Youkai refuses to give his name).

The two head to the forest to start gathering raw pieces to create a special koto for Asagi to play. During this time, Natsume questions Asagi about her and Bullseye’s relationship. Asagi explains that Bullseye was an umbrella holder and a skilled bodyguard for those who came to hear her play in Isozuki Forest for the god, Mibu, but when she became unable to play, she left the forest out of shame. That night, Natsume has a dream that his body is crumbling to dust; when he wakes up, Bullseye explains that the crumbling sickness took hold during one of Asagi’s performances. Bullseye implores Natsume to help them until the full moon the next night, when the path to Isozuki will open for a short time. Through another dream, we learn that Bullseye’s real name is Akagane.

The next day, the Natsume and Akagane search for the final piece needed for the koto. A shadowy presence appears and informs Natsume of the location of the piece, saying in exhange he will devour Natsume’s guts, but before Natsume can confront the Youkai, it disappears. While Akagane creates the koto, Natsume talks with Asagi , empathising with her situation and feelings, realising how much she wants to play the koto just once more. Natsume wakes up after dozing to see that Akagane’s completed the koto, and they rush to find Isozuki before they run out of time. But the Youkai from earlier attacks them, and while defending Natsume, kagane lose the koto. Natsume jumps off a small cliff after it in desperation and blacks out during his fall.

Natsume wakes up to see Akagane above them, who wishes to get Asagi to Isozuki Forest ASAP so she can play for Mibu. But Asagi steps in here, and tells Akagane that she wishes to play one last time for her kind and precious friend. She does so, and her wish finally granted, leaves Natsume’s body. The next morning, Natsume and Akgane part ways, with Asagi in a deep sleep within the gourd after playing the koto. Natsume returns home with the koto as a parting gift, but is unable to play as he did that night, as the sound was not of his fingers, but Asagi’s heart.

Next Time:

I actually have no idea what the next episode’s about.

Like, AT ALL.

Thoughts:

Hilarious and heart-warming is a funny thing to be able to pull of, but Natsume Yuujinchou continues to do it with style. It wasn’t as much the things that were in the episode than the things which weren’t in the episode that moved me. The fact that Akagane’s love for Asagi (if you think it’s anything else, you’re not very smart) wasn’t overstated or openly mentioned made it seem like something innocent and beyond words. But by far the best technique used in the episode was the soundless playing of Asagi’ koto. It completely leaves the sound of the music to the viewer’s imagination and interpretation. It was simply beautiful, there’s not another way to describe it. I don’t normally care about seiyuu’s beyond if they are able to give the character an emotional and realistic voice, but I have to say credit to Asagi’s seiyuu. Her voice was gentle, delicate and soft, perfectly fitting of the kind but frail character in the show.

I have no idea why Natsume was questioning how long he would be able to remain at his current home, the foster family have more than welcomed him and I think that at this point he should learn that he doesn’t have to be as defensive (or, for lack of a better word, emo) around them.

Knocked the fuk OUT.

Generous LOLWUTS were also present, but by far the best part was NATSUME GENDERBEND.

I’d hit it.