English Dub Review: Chained Soldier “A New Azuma”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Fubuki challenges Himari to a duel.

Our Take:
What a way for Fubuki to cockblock her own daughter.  But that’s what happens when you have a mother who sets high expectations for her own children.  There’s no doubt that the Azuma family is completely nuts, and it’s not just because of their dysfunctional personalities, particularly Homare.  It’s also because they’re not holding back on winning the banquet, including Fubuki.  This is largely evident in this week’s episode, which concludes the Azuma Banquet arc with an intense duel between Himari and Fubuki.  However, thanks to Fubuki’s “Sunset” ability, this fight turns out to be a lot more challenging than Himari and Yuuki realized.  But, in actuality, the duel serves as Fubuki’s attempt to get Himari to prove her full potential to her. Of course, that includes “insulting” her daughter’s commander.
While Fubuki was declared the victor of the banquet, the true winner is actually Himari, who overcomes her self-doubt as second-in-command to unlock her own strength.  More importantly, it made Fubuki more caring in her quest to make her family stronger than before.  However, her demonstration of rewarding Yuuki leaves me puzzled, given the age difference between the two.  I mean, what else should I be expecting from a risque anime like this? Regarding the approach to Himari’s growth and Natalie Rial’s performance, the show’s “Azuma Banquet” arc is a highlight of the second season, showcasing Himari’s personal quest to prove her worth within her strict family.  She’ll likely need all the strength she can muster, especially since the Thunder Gods are preparing their next move.