Summary: This episode starts out as the two detectives examine a newspaper headline with Shion’s picture pasted on the front page. They start to worry if this will encourage the murderer to attack Shion again. After opening credits play, there is indeed a blond guy (who looks suspiciously like the stalker) sitting in a fancy high-rise building smirking at Shion’s picture.

Cut to Shion’s house where her dad tells reporters that Shion won’t be accepting any interviews and to leave them alone. However, this doesn’t stop the reporters are they try to barge inside the Shougi Association. Histani and Shion are inside the association as Saori comes over and congratulates Shion on winning her first match. Ayumi passes by and Shion proceeds to stare at him with a strange look. Soon enough, Hani comes out of the elevator and offer his congratulations while inviting her to dinner. Shion thanks him and Hani notes that “it’s more touching than being said out loud.”

Later that night, Shion arrives back at her house and cleared up her dinner plans with her parents. They proceed to tell her what happened to her REAL parents 8 years ago but to their surprise she already knows as she clutches her necklace and starts to tear up before putting on a brave smile. When Shion is in her room later, she proceeds to write a letter thanking her foster parents and tells them about her recurring nightmare. She acknowledges that she knows what happened and it’s okay because she has shougi, everyone’s kindness, and she knows that her (foster) parents are there for her. She says that she can keep on fighting.

The next day, the detectives notice the videotape of the stalker and proceed to go to Shion’s house. Shion’s mom wakes Shion up only to find Shion sitting on the floor with her shougi board. Shion’s mom notices a bloodstain on Shion’s bead as Shion proceeds to hand over a piece of paper before fainting.

In the hospital, they conclude that Shion just needs rest because the shock of her first period plus all the stress is not good but nothing’s life-threatening so far. Her dad blames himself for leaving Shion alone during her nightmares. The detective replies in response that he shouldn’t say that and it’s easy to tell how much love Shion has gotten in these past 8 years compared to when she was found all alone that night. Shion’s mom shows the detctive the paper which has the symbol for the shougi king written on it. Apparently, this was the symbol that was imprinted on Shion’s deceased dad’s head. Only the witnesses knew about it. The detective wants to question Shion directly about the murder in due time.

Next off, the general manager (?) of the shougi association meets with a reporter. They comment on how Shion’s article has spread like the wildfires in California. The manager guy comments on how he couldn’t care less about shougi as long as it continues to make big headlines. Back to the shougi association, Hisatani and Saori chat for a bit before deciding to have a practice match. Even though Shion is “not feeling well”, Saori says that she’ll have to be careful if Shion makes it to the final when Hisatani mentions that Shion has beaten her sensei. Hani pops in the room soon enough and when a photographer comes drags Saori into the picture (with a really suspicious grin from the photographer). After MORE people enquire about Shion’s wherabouts, Hisatani finally gets dragged into the picture too.

Back at the hospital, Shion’s dad brings the shougi board and plays the pieces with Shion’s playing style. He remarks that this was the style that lost to Ayumi but it’s good shougi nevertheless. Most likely, those two will never forget that match he concludes. Shion’s mom asks him what he’s doing with the pieces and he wants Shion to hear the sound of the pieces and wake up. Later that night, the detective visits and when he starts moving the shougi pieces around Shion dreams that she’s losing to Ayumi. Shion proceeds to wake up finally.

After Shion is pronounced fine, Shion’s dad asks if Shion can go to her match tommorow. After the doctor asks how much does shougi mean, the detective asks Shion if she recognizes the stalker man in the photo. Shion nods and the stalker is soon arrested with his photo collection being found. The next morning, Shion’s mom finds Shion and her dad ready to sneak out of the hospital. Even though Shion’s in a state where she can barely walk, she still insists that she’ll go and that this is her decision. Her mom hugs her and comments that Shion is truly a strong person.

Finally, the match between Ayumi and Shion starts. Ayumi is frustrated with Shion’s calm demeanor and tries to retaliates with a strong move. To his surprise, he sees that Shion is starting to tear up and he wonders if Shion recognizes him from 6 months ago…

Impressions: Yes, yes, yes I know that I’m late :(. I had a root canal yesterday and at night I went to a Halloween party so I came home too late to blog. I’m sorry :(.

Okay anyways, this was an amazing episode nevertheless. What made me fall in love with the manga actually was Shion’s well-developed character and her strong determination as well as her fearlessness is extremely admirable and amazing. There’s also plently left for her to develop on so I wonder what type of girl (or woman) she will be by the end of the series. Props to her. Going to play shougi after you’ve been in the hospital for days AND after you’ve just had your first period and probably have like 10,000x PMS symptoms…That’s just wow for me.

On another note, how the hell did the stalker get arrested ALREADY? It seemed as if a lot of the events got moved around this episode so did the stalker get arrested like right after I stopped reading or is this anime-original? I’m pretty lost for words at the moment except for the obvious question of “Is the murder mystery over now?”

Besides shifting the events around, is it just me or are they trying to portray Ayumi in more of rival and antagonistic manner? During the dream scene in the manga, Shion was happy that she was playing Ayumi (who was dressed as a guy at that time) but they may be saving that for later…

Lastly, I’m more suspicious than ever on Saori’s feelings for Hani. I’m starting to believe this is a one-sided love at least and judging from that nasty look on the photographer’s face I may not be the only one. I’m thinking he may publish a scandal article later or something? I’m not sure, this is just speculation. Anyways, I enjoyed the episode and now I’ve gotta work my ass off because I’ve been partying and the like too much these past two days.

Tags: Shion no Ou

Category: Episode Synopsis

I believe myself~