OVERVIEW (SPOILERS)

The city of Asakusa still burns from the ongoing attack. The citizens are distrustful of their own kin because of the disguises. Benimaru and Konro meet to try and make a plan, but Beni thinks Konro will be able to calm people down. Konro thinks the opposite and finally convinces Beni to act like a leader, which he uses to get everyone to smoke out the imposters…by beating everyone up, with the logic being that real natives will be able to handle a few punches.

Elsewhere, Haran, the White Clad fighting with Arrow, determines that Asakusa is a “power spot” and eats one of the bugs, transforming into a horned Infernal that Arrow calls a “demon” which bears a resemblance to both the one that burned Shinra’s house and the one that caused Konro to carbonize. This triggers something in Shinra, something that makes Arrow notice that he has an Adolla Burst, telling him that his flame should help destroy mankind. Haran still proves to be too tough, but Beni arrives to lend help. Arrow launches an…arrow to shoot him out of the sky, but Shinra flies up and redirects it. This gives Beni the chance to use a technique of Konro’s own, The Crimson Moon, which vaporizes Haran and turns the sky red (though I’m a little confused as to how).

Arrow and Yona escape, along with information that more demons can be born in Asakusa. Aside from that, all the enemies have been defeated and redevelopment of the area goes relatively quickly. Unfortunately, the building Company 8 came to investigate was destroyed in the attack, likely intended to cut off the only lead they had. But Beni and the rest of Company 7 have taken a liking to Shinra and the rest, and so take a mutual sip of Sake to celebrate their new friendship.

OUR TAKE

In some coincidentally good timing, we actually have something close to a Halloween episode this week. Look, we’ve got people in costumes, scary monsters, parties, some mentions of candy…okay, it’s a bit of a stretch. But we did get into a bit more of this show’s spooky side this time, something that was a notable feature of the Soul Eater manga and anime which I enjoyed. That series would sometimes dip into more Tim Burton-y artwork when it came to the creepier plot elements, so it seems like bringing in demons is the time to do the same for Fire Force. It’s a welcome addition and I look forward to doing more of it.

This also brings the Asakusa arc to a triumphant close with another ally for Company 8. I’d say this is the best arc we’ve gotten yet, with an even balance of development for both our main cast and the new characters as more mysteries unfold. Add to that some more stellar fight animation and it’s a clear step above what’s come before. We got a better look at the White Clad’s line up and bit more light shed on their plans, such as being able to summon stronger Infernals and how devoted their members are to the cause. We’ve also learned a great deal about the world through dealing with Asakusa and its people, specifically how the hold of the empire isn’t entirely good (big shock coming from an empire!) Nonetheless, the spirit needed to help people is what is shared between them and Company 8, which shows that as an ideal quality which will likely hold true as the series goes on.

We’re starting on the last ten episodes of this season next week, with a new OP and ED to kick things off along with a new arc. Despite its rather impressive streak of episodes so far, it’s been no secret that this series has had A LOT working against it, with multiple-episode delays, startlingly poor DVD sales, the worst arson in Japan, etc. Even with all of that, I really hope we’re able to get at least another season out of Fire Force. If for nothing else, than to not make me read the manga. I’ve been having a pretty good time with it up to this point and I don’t really expect it that to suddenly change this far (though I’ve been wrong on that before).

Score 9/10