Honey and Clover II ep.7

August 11, 2006 | 30 Comments

Hashihime and many other people already mentioned it on animesuki forum. But in case you didn't know, Kamiya Hiroshi, the VA who voices Takemoto is now hospitalised due to a car accident that happened back around the 7th this month. I am shocked and upset to hear this and hopes that the actor will pull through. I am not sure what is going to happen to Honey and Clover anime now but if production has not wrapped up yet, I hope they will wait until the actor recovers. I realise that this is not a realistic expectation but I personally don't think other actor can voice Takemoto that well. But right now there's nothing else that we can do but wish the best for the actor. This week's episode seems to mirror this sad news with Kaoru's sad background story and a shocking conclusion at the end of the episode. As a side note, the insert song this week is 「夏陰」- Natsukage (11.4MB, 320kbps MP3) by Suga Shikao. It's from his single, Kiseki/Natsukage/Sanagi.

Kaoru is seen typing at his office late at night when he suddenly remembers a model plane that he used to own. He remarks how the memory of that time was burned into his eyes. The scene then cuts to another flashback to the time when Kaoru's father was still a president at the Morita Technical Research Institute. An employee called Tatsuo tried to direct Morita senior's attention to the last recruitment interview that they have at the company. Morita Senior, however, was not interested in it and jokingly told Tatsuo that anyone who can cook delicious curry is fine by him. Tatsuo was unhappy to hear this and asked the President to be serious just for a moment. Unfortunately for Tatsuo, Morita senior was already talking about his latest creation: a Remote Control Walker. He told Tatsuo that all you have to do is to place any remote control (TV, Air Conditioner, Video, etc) into the slot and the device will then locked the remote control in its place.

When you lose the remote control in your house, all you have to do is scream "Remote control-san, where are you" and the remote control walkers will come on their own to bring the remote to you. Morita senior believed that Tatsuo will be impressed by it and became upset when Tatsuo asked him if it wouldn't be better if he cleans up the room. Upon hearing this Morita senior, whose name turns out to be Tsukasa, told Tatsuo that he's an argumentative boring man and has been like this for a long time. He pointed out how Tatsuo often stops him from doing things that he wants to do. Tatsuo in return told him that is not being argumentative. That's just the minimum rule. Moreover, Tatsuo thought that Tsukasa's way of thinking is weird. When he cuts watermelon, for example, he'll only eat the top part of the cut. Outside the room, a bunch of new employees waiting for the interview are shaking in fear probably because their would be new boss is a weirdo.

The rest of the employee, however, believed that it's a good idea for the new applicants to find out from the beginning what Tsukasa is really like. A few minutes later, a bandaged and bruised Tsukasa and Tatsuo came out of the office to begin the final recruitment interview. Before Tatsuo could ask the applicants any question, however, Tsukasa took over and told the applicants that he'd rather see a demonstration than hear them talk. He asked them to make an airplane using the materials available in this room. The one who can make an airplane which flies the furthest will be employed. The new applicants are shocked to hear this to say the least. Tsukasa then gave them a 3 hours deadline and forced the rest of his employees to participate in the contest. At this point, Shinobu climbed through the window and told his father that he wants to make one too. Because of this, Tsukasa informed the applicants that his kids will join the competition as well.

He also warned them that if they're defeated by elementary school kids, not only they would not get hired, they also have to run 10 times around the courtyard. A narration from adult Kaoru reveals that although this eccentric company that his father had created was small, it was lively. His father manufactured machine parts and sold a lot of these overseas. Kaoru remembers that what happened back then was burned deeply into his eyes. Shinobu's airplane danced lightly on the air, earning Shinobu a proud look from their father's eyes. Back then Kaoru's youthful figure had a look of yearning directed towards his father. In the end, however, his father declared Morita as the winner of the competition and told the applicants that he won't be hiring anyone new this year. Kaoru could only look from afar as the applicants beg for their second chance. Standing next to him was Tatsuo, a profile of a man who can only stand aside holding an airplane that did not fly.

Kaoru then recalls another incident where he took their father to an injured Shinobu after the later fell into a hole at a cement factory. Tsukasa is angry at Shinobu and calls the boy an idiot. Shinobu claimed that he just wanted to get the Loquat down there. Back then Kaoru urged his father to take Shinobu to the hospital. In return his father asked him to go back to the company and tell everyone that they've found Shinobu. After his father left, however, Kaoru noticed a bleeding gash on his right leg. He realised that he forgot to tell his father that he too had been injured when he fell from the stone steps of a temple. Kaoru remembered how his father was so worried about Shinobu and left without him. Feeling left out, Kaoru started to cry but he suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder. The person was none other than Tatsuo. According to Kaoru, Negishi Tatsuo was his father's childhood friend, best friend, and important partner at work.

While carrying Kaoru on his back, Tatsuo laughs a bit after hearing Kaoru's explanation of Shinobu's situation. He thinks Shinobu is similar to Tsukasa when the later was young: greedy and wild. He told Kaoru how at one point, a child from their class had to rest at the hospital. Upon finding out about this, Tsukasa rushed out to eat the child's share of school lunch. And if there was an argument, Tsukasa would come over and make things worse. Tatsuo chuckled and remarked that Tsukasa would do whatever he feels like and still loved by everyone. Tatsuo recalled how during a baseball game where Tsukasa had to be the batter, he did not show any fear. Tatsuo believed that Tsukasa probably held his fear down with his strong heart or he simply didn't fear anything. Tatsuo still doesn't know which one although he's been at Tsukasa's side all of these times. Tatsuo also pointed out that even if Tsukasa became the last batter in a losing team, he would still laugh.

When he's in a pinch, Tsukasa would simply see the chance within. Cut to a shot of Tsukasa hitting a home run during the baseball game. Tatsuo felt that Tsukasa had a lot of things that he himself did not have and therefore, he couldn't help feeling envious at that bright, dizzying eyes that often stopped his breath. However, he always convinced himself that there would be something that only he can do. Tatsuo then stopped walking and looked down at the "Stop" sign that was written on the road. As he gazed into the two branching paths, Tatsuo told himself that he's always wanted to think that there was something. Kaoru notes how back then he didn't realise it yet but Tatsuo was suffering from an incurable disease. Another flashback then shows Tatsuo trying to feed his mother but she mistook him as her husband. After Tatsuo corrected her, she realised that Tatsuo is an adult now and asked him if he'd marry 'Ricchan', the tobacco shop girl that he liked.

His mother's words immediately reminded Tatsuo of Tsukasa who was married and has two kids. Tatsuo was about to tell his mother about the girl in question but he never completed his sentence. Instead he remembered how a doctor once urged him to go to the hospital. However, he refused because he knew that once he got in, he can't come out. Back then he told the doctor that he wanted to work right to the very end. In addition to this, he doesn't know who would look after his mother if he died. In reflection, Tatsuo mentioned Tsukasa's name as if he's talking to the other guy. He admitted that he's always wondered why this world is divided between the "Have" and "Have-nots". Why is it there are those who are loved and those who are not? Who divided this and where did the dividing path occur? Was there ever a divided path to begin with? Were things decided ever since one's birth? If this was true, Tatsuo asked God what was the point of his life?

One night, Tatsuo told Tsukasa that they should put their latest motor patent under the company's name instead of Tsukasa's own name. Tatsuo also suggested that they release more stock to fund their factory's expansion. Tsukasa was too busy with his project and decided to leave matters to Tatsuo. In his mind, Tatsuo asked Tsukasa to show him if he and Tsukasa are the same type of people or not. If they are not, he wanted Tsukasa to smash him into pieces and return him back to the mud. Tatsuo then visited Floyd Electric to tell their President that all of the patents had now been written under the company's name. Preparations for the stocks were also in order. All they have to do is to set a date for the plan. The President of Floyd Electrics believed that it must be painful for Tatsuo to betray his friend and promised to award Tatsuo accordingly. In his mind, Tatsuo asked Tsukasa to show him if his light was real and won't fade no matter what.

A few days later, the President of the Floyd Electric came to Tsukasa's company and made a comment that this is one dirty research centre. He believed they need to call a reform constructor and change the layout of the office to increase efficiency. He then told Tsukasa that he wanted Tsukasa as an vital engineer. While the management of the company will be under Floyd Electric, Tsukasa and his employee can work as usual. Tsukasa became angry to hear this and asked Tatsuo what this guy is talking about. Tatsuo did not answer him until Tsukasa told him that he understands that what Tatsuo is about to say won't be good either. Because of this Tatsuo told Tsukasa that the terms were pretty good. Nothing would change here and Tsukasa can concentrate on his research because of the huge funding. Upon hearing this Tsukasa told himself that as he expected, there's no good news. He congratulated Tatsuo and informed the guy that he will quit the company.

Tsukasa admitted that while he loves money, he hates having to work for others to earn them. Tatsuo asked Tsukasa not to decide promptly and to think a bit more about this. He explained that everyone's salary would be doubled but before he can say anything about Tsukasa's annual salary, Tsukasa cut him off. Tsukasa wanted Tatsuo to take care of everyone because they will now depend on him. He also promised to kill Tatsuo if he betrayed everyone else. Tatsuo's mind, however, was drawn to the time when he was in the baseball field, looking at everyone cheering for Tsukasa. In his mind, he told Tsukasa that he can finally sleep. For some reason, lately he had not been able to do this. As Tatsuo's body collapsed into the floor, he told himself that he would be able to sleep for a long, long time. In the aftermath, Tsukasa asked the now hospitalised Tatsuo if he's dying. Tatsuo admitted that this is the case and apologised to Tsukasa.

To make things worse, Tatsuo found out that according to his contract, all of his assets would go to Floyd Electrics once he died. Tsukasa was angry at Tatsuo and called him "idiot". He also told the guy that he won't ever forgive Tatsuo even after he dies. Tatsuo accepted this even when Tsukasa told him that he won't forgive Tatsuo even if he is reincarnated 100 times. Because of this, he asked his kids not to hold a grudge. Morita immediately agrees but Kaoru refused to do so and asked Tatsuo why he did it. Tsukasa, however, pat Kaoru on the head and claimed all the grudges as his own so he asked his kids to move forward. Eventually, Tsukasa and his kids decided to leave their home and moved to the city. Kaoru got the honour to be the one who turned off all the lights in the house. After they moved into the city, Shinobu and Kaoru stumbled upon a walkman which Shinobu identified as the one their father created. Now, however, it had a Floyd Electric label.

Kaoru was angry and tried to pull the walkman from the display but the product was locked in its place. Shinobu noticed the store employees coming after them so he told Kaoru that they better run. Kaoru, however, couldn't run as fast as Shinobu and while doing so, he remembered how his father told him not to be caught by dark feelings and to run towards the light. Kaoru, however, realised that he can't do it. He can't run as fast as Shinobu because he understands Tatsuo's feeling. Kaoru remembered the time when he was left alone by his father and Tatsuo was there to take him back. Kaoru told himself that the truth is he's envious of his brother and father because unlike them, he doesn't have anything. Despite this, he wants to think that there's something that only he himself can do. Unfortunately for Kaoru, the darkness managed to catch up to him. However, before it can completely envelope him, Shinobu runs back to protect his brother from it.

Shinobu wakes up from his sleep, revealing that the previous scene was just his nigtmare. Kaoru, who's typing next to him tells Shinobu to go to bed if he's sleepy. Kaoru informs his brother that everything is left to him now so Shinobu can leave if he wants to since there's nothing more for him to do. Shinobu, however, refuses to go and wants to stay with his brother. Later on Kaoru's assistant let them know that the car is ready so Kaoru tells Shinobu that they are ready to send those people to Hell. At the same time, Takemoto senses a wind blowing outside the building. Yamada, who's sitting with Shuuji wonders if the exhibitions outside will be okay. Morita, Takemoto, Mayama, Yamada, and Shuuji then deliver a continuous monologue which basically says that they didn't know because it was impossible to notice or predict the things and the days that will happen from now on. The last shot reveals Hagu laying unconscious next to broken shards.

Impression:

I like this episode despite its shift of focus from the regular characters. I think it's not any different from any episode which features the Fujiwara Design and besides, the story contains one of the best character development piece for a supporting character. I'm actually surprised and grateful that Umino Chika went this far to develop Kaoru because I actually like his character. I also don't mind the parallel story that Kaoru has with Tatsuo. While it's easy to despise Tatsuo for what he did in this story, I find myself unable to do so. This episode approached the theme of betrayal with a humanity I've never seen in other series. Instead of making Tatsuo looking like a villain, the series painted him as a sad and confused man who wonders why the world can be so kind on some and unkind to others. In an attempt to find out the answer, he foolishly decided to test his best friend, the same friend on whom he harbours the feeling of envy for a long time.

Tatsuo's betrayal didn't come out of nowhere. It was the result of a slow process of seeing life turning better for others but not himself. And just like Tatsuo, Kaoru's jealousy towards his brother didn't come out of nowhere. It started out with Tsukasa's tendency to give Shinobu preferential treatment. Kaoru probably dismissed the thought when it happened the first and second time. However, as time goes on, it was hard for him not to believe that whether intentional or not, his father did treat Morita better. It's hard to know the extent of Kaoru's jealousy but I believe his knowledge of Tatsuo's betrayal will serve as a brake whenever his jealosy flares up. It also helps that Shinobu clearly loves his brother and I think Kaoru knows this. It was touching to see Shinobu running back to protect Kaoru from the darkness. I can understand now why Morita is willing to do those odd jobs for his brother. After all, he's the only family he has left.

Overall, I'm pleased with this episode even though the anime writers cut out several scenes in order to compressed two manga chapters into one episode. However, I think the end result is far more effective in terms of maintaining the suspense of the story. In the manga, it's revealed immediately what happened to Hagu while in this version, viewers don't actually know what happened to her. I also think this is the part where everyone's path will diverge due to circumstances, which is nicely fitting considering this episode has just talked about the diverging road. It is, however, eerie to think that the airing of this episode coincided with the accident that happened to Kamiya Hiroshi. I'm glad that he has regained his consciousness but at the same time his accident also reinforces the fact that in this life nothing is certain. Everyone can only follow the path that they desire but there are times when life has its own plan and divert the direction of one's path.

Preview

On next week's episode: What will happen to Hagu? And will the Morita Brothers succeed in regain their father's company?

© memento 2003