Honey and Clover II ep.9

August 26, 2006 | 22 Comments

I'm sorry for the late entry but I had difficulty looking for a raw copy of this episode. When I went to look for the episode, the provider that I normally use to find this series did not have a copy. Because of this I decided to go with the only provider who had it. But getting raw from this provider is almost impossible since there's always disconnection every few minutes. Thankfully my normal provider eventually comes up with a copy albeit a lot later than ususal. Anyway, moving on to the actual episode, the insert song of the week is 「風なぎ」- Kazenagi by Suga Shikao. It comes from his 8th album, Time. By the end of this episode, I get the impression that the writers can easily wrap this series up in 3 more episodes. Because of this, I think the rumour that this series will end in episode 12 is probably true after all. Anyway, I'll be back later on with summary but I need to get some sleep first.

The episode begins with Morita saying that Kaoru has disappeared when this year's first snow fell on the city. Morita feels that he should have noticed it earlier before things turn this way. A flashback then reveals the conversation that Morita had with Kaoru before the later disappeared. Back then he asked Kaoru to go with him to a warmer place, where they can eat good food and gaze at the ocean. Kaoru refused but he understood Morita's feeling. He could tell from Morita's face that his brother feels relieved now. Kaoru was aware that Morita was hesitant to help him with the revenge. One where they disobeyed their father's instructions to "go to the direction of light". Kaoru believed that Morita saw 'the light' but he himself couldn't see it so he wondered from which direction it shines. He also told Morita that no matter what, he can't become the "Have" and wondered how things could be if he were more like Morita.

Morita decides to ask Shiroyama if he was wrong but Shiroyama simply tells him that for cruel revenge isn't suited to a person with the power of imagination. Moreover, Shiroyama thinks Kaoru is actually kind. He is the type who will take on damages that he gives to others. Morita tells Shiroyama that if something happens to Kaoru, he...but Shiroyama tells Morita not to worry because as he said before, Kaoru has the power of imagination. Morita is surprised to hear this as Shiroyama continues to say that Kaoru has a good brain and memory. A flashback shows that at one point, Kaoru actually remembered that he ate Natto-mochi with everyone else at Shiroyama's house. That explains why his colleagues looked like they had smelled some nasty gas. Shiroyama believes that right about now inside Kaoru's mind, he's thinking of everyone from Matsuda-san, who endured a lot of troubles in Chicago, all of Kaoru's staff members, and above all, the person that Kaoru adores the most, Morita. Because of this, Shiroyama believes Kaoru won't harm himself.

Back in the hospital, Shuuji apologises to Takemoto and Yamada and asks them to leave for now. When Yamada asks Shuuji if Hagu's condition is not good, Shuuji tells the two that Hagu refused to drink pain-killer even though she's in pain. Because if she drinks it, she won't know if she feels pain in her hand, and therefore, won't be able to tell if her nerve is connected or not. If it's not then she wants the doctor to re-operate her hand soon. This is why she needs to know now. As soon as Shuuji completed his story, Hagu calls out for him. Shuuji opens the curtain and sees Hagu crying, telling him that the pain is coming to her hand. Hagu is relieved to know this but she then loses her consciousness. Later on Takemoto finds out that Hagu hasn't been sleeping either all of these times. She wants to know the circumstances around her condition and has even asked the doctor to give accurate explanation to her.

If by any chance the nerve is not connected, it'll be a race against time to save the nervous system so the sooner they can re-operate her hand, the better it will be. Because of this, Hagu is willing to bear the pain of her other injury in order to feel sensation on her right hand. She refused painkillers, stabilisers and instead of sleeping, choose to stare in the darkness. As Yamada and Takemoto walk home together, Takemoto mentions how he and Yamada feel overwhelmed by the knowledge that Hagu has that kind of strength and will. He then remembers how Shuuji also said that from now on, the rehabilitation process begins. He believes that Hagu won't give up until everything moves again. But even if they continue the rehab, there might be a chance that she won't regain sensation on her fingertip and there's no guarantee that she can draw with a brush like before. Having said that, unless they try hard, they will certainly lose out to her condition.

The next day, Nomiya sees Yamada looking for a cellphone. When he asks for the reason, Yamada ends up telling Nomiya about Hagu's condition. Yamada wants to help Hagu in anyway so she thought it's a good idea to get a mobile phone. Having said that, the truth is she really doesn't know what she can do to help Hagu or if there is something that she can give to her. Upon hearing this, Nomiya tells her that everyone probably thinks that way too, feeling that they are far away from her because they think they have nothing to give. But because of this, she'll feel lonely. Nomiya believes that Hagu is probably in severe pain right now and the rehabilitation begins from here on. Because of this, he asks Yamada not to stay behind since she is Hagu's friend after all. Yamada thanks Nomiya for the advice before leaving Fujiwara Design. After Yamada left, Nomiya realises that Miwako and Yamazaki have been listening to his words.

Nomiya is horrified to know that they heard the "You're her friend, right?" part of his speech. After all, he said those sweet and sour words in halfway-serious tone even though he's already over 30 years old. He's sure that they'll laugh at him throughout his whole life now. Much to his surprise, Miwako and Yamazaki cry and give him the thumbs up. Later on Miwako tells Nomiya that "You're her friend" is such a powerful word that makes her want to cry just from hearing it. Yamazaki then laments about the fact that after a certain age, things become more difficult and everyone becomes estranged from each other. Upon hearing this, Miwako quickly assures Yamazaki that this won't happened to them because she's here. Yamazaki starts to blush when he hears this but his hope is quickly dashed when Miwako tells him that he and she will remain as friends throughout life. Yamazaki then passed out while Miwako dances around with Leader.

Inside her house, Yamada is seen sewing a cape for Hagu. She realises that even though Hagu is here now, one day she will be far away from her. The next day, Yamada comes to the hospital to give the cape to Hagu. She thinks the cape is a bit fluffy but hopefully will keep Hagu's back and shoulder warm after she wakes up. Moreover, because it is made out of feather, it should be light. Hagu immediately notices that there are feathers in Yamada's hair and shirt so she tells her friend about it. Because of this Yamada admits that the cape was actually made from an old down (jacket) belonging to her father. When she cut the jacket open with scissors, the feather burst into the room. As a result, it took her 2 hours to clean everything up. As Yamada turns around, Hagu points out that there are more feathers on her back but she thinks Yamada should not take them off because it makes her look like an angel. Hagu then cries and thanks Yamada for her effort.

At the same time, Hagu's doctor, Satsuki-sensei, tells Shuuji that she'll be back at 2PM tomorrow. She realises that Hagu must be highly shocked right now after she was unable to feel the harsh texture of a material in yesterday's physical check-up. Satsuki-sensei thinks that Hagu's upper body is the most problematic one. Because of this she asks Shuuji to massage the problematic part of the body, particularly her shoulder and upper arm, according to the demonstration that she gave the day before. She advises him to just do it gently since the purpose is to make Hagu relax. In addition to this, she thinks they should continue being positive and patient in this regard. Meanwhile across town, Takemoto is standing in front of a flower shop, lamenting the expensive price of the flowers. Since one flower costs 300 Yen, then it means he can only get 3 with 1000 Yen. He doesn't even know how much it'd cost him to buy a flower bouquet.

All of a sudden, however, Yamada appears behind him, asking if he's getting it for Hagu. Takemoto tells Yamada that he thinks flowers will be nice and yet...Yamada smiles after she hears this and asks Takemoto if he wants to go a good place with her. They end up going to an area where there are many wild flowers. Yamada points out that if it's flowers that Takemoto wants, there are many here so he can get as much as he wants. She's sure Hagu will be delighted to see them. True enough, Hagu is happy to receive flowers from her friends. However, when she can't feel the texture of the flowers, she can't stop herself from crying. Later on Shuuji tells the two that rehabilitation has just started. There have been many people who started with the same condition as Hagu but they eventually regained their sense. Despite this, Yamada can't help herself from being a bit upset. Because of this Shuuji tells her that they should not give up or become impatient.

Shuuji believes that if the people in the vicinity are trembling, then the person who is 'drowning' would not have anything to grasp onto. First of all, however, each one of them must firmly solidify their footing. He then reminds Yamada that she has to work at the liquour store on Wednesday. He also advises Takemoto to focus all of his energy on his upcoming graduation. Shuuji is grateful that they've been coming to the hospital everyday but he thinks they'll regret it if they neglect their own life. Before Takemoto leave the hospital, however, he asks Shuuji if the guy who came last night was actually Hagu's father. Shuuji smiles faintly and confirms Takemoto's guess. Takemoto thinks to himself that he finally understands the spectacle that he and Yamada saw last night after seeing Shuuji's facial expression. Unfortunately for Hagu, the circumstances of the place where she should be able to return to (her home) has changed.

Takemoto understands that there is no bad person in this situation. Everyone simply tries to live his/her own life. However, he asks God why everything has to happen all at once? He believes that Hagu probably won't be able to withstand this. Cut to a shot of Hagu raising her left arm up to her mouth. Takemoto mentions how that night there are red bruises on Hagu's left arm. Due to the stress, Hagu has been biting her own hand. Not long after this, however, the bruises also appear on Shuuji's right arm. When Takemoto recalls what Shuuji said about the 'drowning person', he realises that Shuuji has been trying to stay calm. For the sake of Hagu, Shuuji probably tries not to tremble in any way. In the midst of these situations, Takemoto received a fax from Shin-san, the leader of the temple construction group. He informs Takemoto that they've started a new project in Morioka and Takemoto is invited to join them starting from middle of April.

Takemoto realises that the day of seperation is drawing closer and wonders if it's okay for him to leave when Hagu is still in this condition. However, if he doesn't go he doesn't know what he will do for employment. On the other hand, he will be able to help Hagu in her rehabilitation. Takemoto believes that he can get part-time jobs such as cleaning a building, road repair, and late night shift at combini while helping Hagu. He, however, is not sure if he can live in Tokyo simply by relying on income from part-time jobs. At the moment, he can afford his living expenses due to his parents' support as well as occasional part-time job. However, once he graduates, he'd have to earn a living on his own. At first Takemoto thinks that he should be okay if he can get many part-time jobs. However, he realises that if he works on many jobs then he won't be able to care for Hagu. More importantly, he's not sure what he will do after Hagu gets well.

Takemoto wonders what will happen to his existence if he can't find a job or hold one by the time he passed 30 years old? Especially after he receives a lot of money from his parents to go to an expensive college of arts. Will he end up being a burden to Hagu? Takemoto then remembers that Mayama once said that he's been saving in case something happens to the woman that he loves. That way he can tell her to take a rest and not worry about anything else. Takemoto tells himself that he now understands the meaning of Mayama's words. A man who can't even buy a small flower can't possibly save the girl that he likes on his own. Takemoto also realises that although he said that he wants to help Hagu, the truth is he just doesn't want to be seperated from her. While Takemoto lies on the floor of his apartment feeling useless, Shuuji tries to comfort Hagu. And while Morita sits alone in his apartment, Kaoru is walking in the middle of heavy snow.

Impression:

I really don't understand this 'changed circumstances' in Hagu's house that made it impossible for her to go back there. Did her father married another woman, have a new set of family and therefore don't want Hagu in it? Are her parents poor and therefore can't afford to take care another child in addition to the rest that are still living home? At times I wish Umino Chika had given us more background story on Hagu because I still don't understand why Hagu has been living with her grandmother and then Shuuji instead with her parents. On the other hand, I like the focus that the episode places on Hagu and Yamada's friendship in this episode. After seeing her bullied and excluded in the past, it's nice to know that Hagu finally finds a friend who really cares for her. I also live daily with the knowledge that humans can easily hurt other humans so it never ceases to amaze me when someone actually comes along and offers nothing but their friendship.

It is rather unfortunate that Hagu and Yamada will go on their seperate way soon. In fact, the whole episode basically drives down the point that seperation is inevitable. Morita and Mayama are now away from the rest of their friends. And Takemoto is finally being offered a job by Shin-san. It was interesting to see Takemoto's thought process and find it to be similar to my own. That probably explains why I can relate to his character a lot more. At the same time it also upsets me a little bit because it's a reminder that I often choose rationally instead of following what I really want to do. I'm sure there is a part of Takemoto that likes the idea of working for the temple construction group. However, it's not that difficult to guess that his heart currently gravitates more towards staying with Hagu. In the end, however, his rational mind wins, leading him to realise that he can't possibly live in Tokyo and have many part-time jobs while taking care of Hagu.

Moving on to other characters, I want to know if Morita already suspected all along that his brother is slightly envious of him. It makes me wonder how someone in his position replies when a person tells him this kind of revelation. Interestingly enough, Kaoru never realises that other people like Shiroyama actually do see him as one of those who have the power of imagination. It goes to show that even if a person can't see his/her own talent, it doesn't mean that it's not there. However, I suspect Kaoru is one of those people who tends to be more critical of himself so until he feels that he's achieved something, he won't believe what others say about him. Overall, this was a rather depressing episode. The only comic relief here is the Fujiwara Design group, who actually kind of makes fun of the 'friendship' theme in this episode. Their little talk also made me realise that this is one of the rare series where the characters are in their late 20s and early 30s.

Preview

On next week's episode: A certain someone comes to visit Hagu.

© memento 2003