Sometimes, the only thing that can clear your head is going back and find solace in the wisdom of a mentor. And that's exactly what our Yasaka Mao did in this episode. Loosing the imagination to come up with moves to defeat Sei and Reiji's Star Build Strike, Mao decided to seek his Sensei, Chinan, and learn the technique that has inspired him to join the Shingyo school. Here, we are shown more of Mao's background and the depth of relationship between a master and his apprentice.
Typical Sensei look - bald, white whiskered, old man, Master Chinan
Very much like this famous other guy from DBZ, Master Roshi!
One thing I learned in this episode is that it's great to have a MENTOR. They don't exactly have to be family or friend - just someone, preferably and typically older, who understands you and can teach you their ways, share their wisdom and advise you on creating decisions in your life. A mentor can give you their perspective in life - in your life - without you feeling like you have been judged to hell.
Master Chinan and Mao
Master Chinan's Gundam
A teacher back in college almost always reminded us to have a mentor - whether you end up being a bum or a highly successful individual. With complicated things arising in one's life, a deeply grounded person could be a great ally to rally it with. Mao is lucky to have one at his age. Like how Sei is good to go with Old Man Ral (being that Dad Takeshi is away).
Mentorship aside, this episode definitely made its mark! I was teary-eyed. The face-off between Gundam X Maoh and Star Build Strike brought me goosebumps - much like how I felt with Star Build Strike vs. Wing Fenice. (They really brought out Fellini in that last one. Not to mention, Fellini used to be somewhat a mentor to Reiji a while back). Although, this fight did seem rushed (I'm referencing comments from blogs here), it still did a pretty good job to get my heart racing. At least, they're keeping this series interesting! It's kinda ridiculous how they won (knuckle vs sword?), reminds me of that baseball episode with Luang Dallara. Darn, Luang-san lost to the Renato brothers! I really don't like those two. But what is a good anime series without bad guys, right?
Dream on. Sei. Dream on.
The result of upgraded solar system
One of the results of activating the RG system
Death of the X Maoh
At the very least, Mao got a constant fan - Misaki!
It's already February, the end of the GunplaxGundam.Info New Year campaign is at its end. But what really excites me is BACK-ON's full release of the new opening theme, WIMP, featuring Lil' Fang of Faky this coming MARCH!
I don't know what's wrong with the YouTube video title, but the episode is entitled World-Level Ability.
Winning a place for the World Tournament, Sei and Reiji get an extra prize from PPSE: a sunny holiday at the beach!
Yeah, guys love beaches! ^_^
Yes, if I was there I'd be creeped out, too
Rinko definitely took the limelight here. Sorry, Kousaka.
Guess who was there to greet them at the inn they're going to stay at?
Yep, Mao and Reiji hit it off immediately upon eyesight.
Well, there's some kind of problem for the inn's owners, as land grabbers threat its existence. One of the goons was, well, Old Man Ral knew him. As did Mao. Who would've guessed? Goon Leader used to be a World Tournament champion a few years back! And they knew him as "Blazing Tatsu"! There was a commotion where Reiji almost got killed by the goons forcefully entering the premises. He was a bit clueless at first, but the simpleton that he is, reduced it to a bad guy/good guy situation.
Clueless Reiji
Old Man Ral and fans
So Sei, being the bright kid that he is, suggested to fight Blazing Tatsu in a Gunpla match where if they win, the goons will stop bugging them - otherwise the goons will take the inn without payment. Mao joined in to fight alongside Sei and Reiji for some pogi points for the inn owner's lovely daughter. Trusting Mao, the daughter approves of the match.
In their world, every other place has a Plavsky Build System. O technology.
Our little boys uniting for a purpose!
Lo, and behold! Blazing Tatsu's reason for being in the World Tournament!
With an Apsaras III coupled with Blazing Tatsu's bad ass-ness, it seemed like a lost cause. Sei's MKII with Reiji's piloting was no match, as the Apsaras is a formidable foe with an I-field to boot. This I-field alters surrounding plavsky particles, rendering all shots to its body to nada. It truly is something for world-level! Awesomeness. right?!
But hell no! Bad guys don't win in these kind of series! It was almost off time for our little boys, but with Mao's persistence and his absolutely amazing updated Gundam X Mao, battle ended with the Apsaras in pieces!
Mao was able to use his Hyper Satellite Canon without the Moon's super microwave system.
Blazing Tatsu learned too late that he was facing a Shingyo apprentice - it brought Chinan Sensei's face to memory. Yes, like this.
And with the bad guys apprehended, our boys saves the day (to the relief of the inn's owner and her daughter)!
Here's Mao saying goodbye and feeling all butterflies with all the praise and thanks he's been receiving from his beloved.
As Mao leaves, Reiji is overflowing with confidence and Sei is increasingly inspired.
This was quite the episode! The noob that I am, I didn't know that mobile suits like the Apsaras III existed! Seems like this is gonna be a hell of a learning stage for me. It's amazing how PPSE has overcome the urban setting with every other place like the inn and Sei's school having a Build System. Gunpla sure is popular!
Just some questions, though. It's already episode 7 and there's still nothing about Sei Iori's dad? And Reiji's existence is still a mystery!
Sei keeps making new friends as another character is introduced in this episode!
Yasaka Mao looks to be a rival builder just as Yuuki is a rival pilot to Reiji.
Ain't seen such enthusiasm just introducing yourself, though. O_O
He does this number when he meets Iori Sei.
I think so, too!
Also, some nice words from Mr. Ral on Gunpla Building.
Reiji, people don't just build Gunpla for battles. Some, like my HG Gouf, are built in order to cherish the anime world and faithfully replicate it. Others are used to reproduce anime scenes in diorama form, or to build mobile suit's details according to your own interpretation. There are so many ways to enjoy gunpla.
To which, Sei second with a,
"With Gunpla, we can expand our imagination of the Gundam world."
Now, isn't that wonderful? It's a nice introduction to the new generation of gunpla enthusiasts. I have yet to do such, as I have only been building out of the box. tee hee.
So, Sei and Mao meet and show each other their gunplas. It's fun how they can battle with just their imagination! Oh, I am such a noob! ^_^
This sexy back is Maos Gundam X
And let's not forget this rivalry!
Yuuki Tatsuya is dreamy...
Not to mention this guy!
He believes a Victory Gundam is the best to get chicks.
