English Dub Review: Chained Soldier “The Azuma Banquet”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
A contest will decide the next head of the Azuma family.

Our Take:
If you thought Ren was worth being frightened about, you clearly haven’t met the commander of the 9th Squad, who happens to be Himari’s mother.  Fubuki Azuma isn’t like the other mothers who are kindhearted and generous, but rather a perfectionist who’s forcing Himari to compete in a competition that decides the next heir.  Unsurprisingly, there’s bound to be a lot of family drama during this contest, especially when Fubuki and the other Azuma members look down on Himari.  More importantly, this episode sets the stage for Himari’s most personal battle this season, as she strives to use her hatred towards her family to win the banquet.  That quest begins with her and Yuuki surviving the first round against Homare and her Python ability.
To no one’s surprise, Homare is a complete and utter jerk who made Himari’s life a living hell when they were kids.  That alone gives Himari more than a reason to overcome her trauma and give Homare exactly what she deserves: a good old-fashioned beatdown.  It’s far from a perfect representation of that said trauma, but “The Azuma Banquet” still satisfies with Himari slugging the hell out of Homare.  But that was just the beginning of what’s to come in this dangerous family competition.  I’m not just talking about the formidable Fubuki who’ll test Himari’s gradual strength, but also Ren’s incoming act of revenge against Yuuki for humiliating her.  It’s worth noting that she brought this upon herself.