TV Review | Tsurune Season 2 (Episode 9: Bending Will)

“Tsurune delivers a beautiful training episode while also diving into Nikaido’s emotional past. The animation is truly even more impressive this season!”

Last week’s episode of Tsurune brought the Kazemai team at Kirisaki high school for a dual training. Today’s episode continues the training program sending them at a beach training camp with suprise visitors.

BEACH TRAINING CAMP

If a beach training camp rings a bell, it is because Nikaido secured one for his Tsujimine team. And as you can guess, this week the Kazemai team has to share the training grounds with their other rivals. As Minato and his friends see other teams training, they can learn from them too. After all, they are still trying to find their ikiai. They are still not there yet.

Having them train with one team after another shows different dynamics between the characters. But it also further expands their bonds. This is going to make the Nationals even more compelling. Moreover, training means they have moments when they can relax. And these moments show the Tsujimine team on a different light. I do love the interactions they have with the Kazemai team.

NIKAIDO’S PAST

On top of that, this episode dives into Nikaido’s past. We learn how he started kyudo and why he is practicing the shamen form instead of the usual shooting form. It is heavy in revelations. These flashbacks are actually quite emotional. Nikaido is on a quest for revenge. And, he is after Shu and Minato. All of that because their first trainer refused to take as a student Nikaido’s uncle. But, this kind of things never end well. It is only pain. I am intrigued to see where this storyline is going.

NEW SCENERY

Furthermore, this beach training camp allows us to see a whole new scenery. And just like I have said before, the team at Kyoto Animation has levelled things up this season. Season 1 already had a wonderful animation. However, season 2 is on a different level. I am just in awe at these visuals. The new places we visit are beautiful! But, what really blew my mind was the night scene at the beach. It is beyond impressive.

VERDICT

Tsurune delivers a beautiful training episode while also diving into Nikaido’s emotional past. The animation is truly even more impressive this season!