Katana Maidens ~ Toki no Miko Episode 4 [REVIEW]

By: ThunderheavyarmThis week, Kanami and Hiyori are on the run once again, their hideout known to the enemy. Hiyori suggests that they split up once again, citing that Kanami has never had to kill anyone. Kanami tries to protest, but Hiyori quickly draws her sword to clash her blade and calling her slow. As Kanami stands dejected holding her sword, she’s attacked by the two students from Osafune; Kohagure Ellen and Kaoru. Kanami is no match for the pair, as Ellen uses martial arts mixed with her special ability that makes her temporarily invulnerable while Kaoru swings her massive blade.Hiyori returns, hearing the battle and the pair work together to force Ellen into wasting her ability and holding her at sword point for a short while. The battle turns however, as the two receive S equipment, but Kanami and Hiryori run away. However, in a short scene it’s pointed out by the command center that no one authorized the launch of the equipment. Further, it’s revealed that there are others in rebelling against Origami. Finding a short respite once again, Kanami points out that Hiryori’s sword feels heavy, full of the strong will Hiyori has. While she won’t kill anyone, Kanami resolves that she will help Hiyori to kill Origami only. Hiyori, in a brief moment of connection explains more to an incident 20 years ago call the Great Disaster of Sagami Bay. Because of the events that happened there, it lead to Hiyori’s mother slowly dying. Kanami points out that the burden she bears is heavy, so she’ll carry half of it with her.Unfortunately, with the failure of another capture attempt, the elite guard is finally dispatched to capture the girls. Sending only three of her guard, as the fourth will apparently cause unnecessary casualties. Setting up a camp near the base of the mountains the girls are hiding in, along with a small military unit as support, the hunt begins.The series feels like it’s progressing well. With enemies not having anything that I would consider giving a massive advantage. Their defeated through practical means, which while there is an obvious magical element to the world, doesn’t cause it to divert far from our own. That said, it’d be nice if there was an internal monologue to show how they figure the weakness in their move.Still curious as to when the series is going to get to the part where there’s a larger conspiracy than anyone has realized. Hopefully within the next few episodes of this manhunt with the elite guard is my guess. The one complaint is that the series isn’t transitioning very well between it’s classic animation and it’s computer generated images very well. It’s fairly obvious when it happens, even if the special aura isn’t around the character. I know there won’t be any animation improvements midway through the series, or I don’t anticipate it happening. But if there is a second season, I hope that they get the transition better.