English Dub Review: Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie “The Desire to Win”

Overview

Preparations are underway for the school’s athletic festival. Izumi had high hopes to avoid being placed in the highlight event, the boys and girls mixed relay, but unluckily enough, that’s exactly what he’s chosen for. But Shikimori and all of their friends end up on the relay team with him, so he feels like it’ll actually be fun this time…

Our Take

After the cultural festival, it’s the athletic festival, and Izumi’s bad luck strikes again…as well as Hachimitsu’s. She can’t escape, so the gang converges together in the boy’s and girls’ mixed relay race. At least someone’s feeling better already. Preparing for the relay, and of course, both Izumi and Hachimitsu/Hachi are like meek inexperienced teens lagging behind the team. How Hachimitsu managed to store a coat on her upper body, it’s magic, but also, the effort put in.

Even at the athletic festival, Hachi’s mind wondering off did give me a chuckle at least, and she did great with her coolness. With the relay starting and tensions running high, she tries her best only for Izumi’s curse to inflict on her. Despite that, Izumi pushes her for motivation, that’s already commendable.

Overall, I feel like Izumi is experiencing 100 ways to die but thankfully not in a “Final Destination” sort of way as it would’ve changed this show’s tone completely. Sure he’s a weak individual but I kinda sympathize with him after watching this episode. The end result was pretty obvious but it was nice to see the two characters that were struggling to get better and complete their tasks. As for the selection method well it’s pretty much selecting the ones with the worst luck. I Hope they further develop more on the side characters given that we’re now close to the end and curious how they could possibly finish this season.