Ep 36. Miu vs. Renka! The Triangle that Calls up a Storm

Miu vs. Renka! The Triangle that Calls up a Storm is the 36th episode of season 1 of the popular anime series Kenichi. In this action-packed episode, the audience is introduced to Renka, an old friend of Miu, who is already a regular character in the show. Renka has come to visit Miu at the Ryozanpaku Dojo, where Miu is living, and studying under her Honorable Grandfather. However, Renka also brings with her a chaotic and turbulent energy that creates a rift between the two friends, and soon involves other familiar characters in the story.

The episode begins with a relatively peaceful day at the dojo, where Miu is honing her martial arts skills and trying to focus on her training. However, her tranquility is soon interrupted by the arrival of her old friend Renka, who she hasn't seen for a long time. The two girls hug and catch up on old times, but it becomes apparent that Renka is not in a stable state of mind. Her agitated demeanor is at odds with Miu's calm personality, and it becomes obvious that there is some past hurt between the two friends.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Renka has come to challenge Miu to a fight. The reason for this sudden proposition is a mystery, but Miu is willing to accept the challenge, mostly because of her friend's unstable behavior. Right off the bat, Renka shows her impressive martial arts skills, and it becomes evident that this is going to be a tough fight for Miu. The two girls exchange blows, with Renka's agility and speed contrasting with Miu's more strength-based combat style.

Things take a turn for the worse when Renka reveals that the origin of her troubled behavior is a love triangle. It turns out that she has a crush on Miu's childhood friend Kenichi, who is also a trainee at the dojo. Miu had always hoped that Kenichi and Renka would hit it off, but they never did, and this has caused Renka to harbor grudges against Miu. The two girls' emotional state spills over into their fight, and it becomes a highly emotional battle between friends and rivals.

The highlight of the episode is the climactic fight scene, where Miu and Renka's emotions reach their boiling point. The two girls throw caution to the wind and unleash their most powerful techniques, creating a mini-storm that wrecks havoc all around them. The show's animation is top-notch in this scene, with the lightning flashes, wind gusts, and debris adding to the intensity of the fight. It becomes clear that this is not just a physical battle but a test of wills between two close friends.

The episode ends on a somewhat bittersweet note, with Miu and Renka reconvening after the fight. They don't resolve their differences entirely, but they seem to have made peace for the time being. Kenichi and the other trainees at the dojo also have a brief appearance, with Kenichi providing some comic relief as usual. The episode sets the stage for future storylines, with Renka's character development being an ongoing thread throughout the show.

In conclusion, Miu vs. Renka! The Triangle that Calls up a Storm is an excellent episode of Kenichi, showcasing the show's signature blend of action, drama, and comedy. It's a must-watch for fans of the series and an excellent entry point for those who are new to the show. The portrayal of the intense emotional bond between Miu and Renka is particularly noteworthy, adding depth to their characters and making them more relatable. Overall, a highly recommended episode in an already impressive series.