Ep 8. Erwachsenenzauber

The episode titled "Erwachsenenzauber" is the eighth episode of the popular Japanese anime series, Magic Kaito, season 1. The episode is set in the backdrop of Tokyo city, where Kaito Kuroba, a high school student, moonlights as the phantom thief, "Kaitou Kid". The episode begins with Kaito intercepting the German ambassador's car while the latter is returning from a charity event. Kaito, dressed as Kaitou Kid, manages to steal the ambassador's precious gift, a wine bottle, in front of a large crowd gathered there.

Soon after that, Sonoko Suzuki, Kaito's classmate, introduces the new transfer student, Saguru Hakuba, to Kaito and Aoko Nakamori. Saguru, who had previously encountered Kaitou Kid in London, believes that Kaito is the real Kaitou Kid. Kaito tries to dismiss Saguru's claim, but the latter challenges Kaito to a competition to prove his innocence. The competition involves hacking into a secure terminal and cracking a code. With the help of his gadgets, Kaito finds the solution to the code while Saguru struggles to make sense of it. However, Saguru is still unconvinced of Kaito's innocence and begins tailing him as Kaitou Kid.

Meanwhile, an elderly magician, Harry Barrel, has arrived in Tokyo to perform a show at a local theater. Harry Barrel is known for his signature trick, "Erwachsenenzauber," which is German for "adult magic." The trick involves transforming a young woman into a mature woman by simply covering her with a cloak and reciting an incantation. Harry Barrel had previously been involved in a scandal, where it was revealed that Harry's wife, who was his assistant for the trick, had fled with their baby soon after the trick's performance. This had led to Harry's reputation being severely tarnished.

On the day of the show, Kaito and Aoko attend Harry's performance, along with Saguru and Sonoko. Harry performs the "Erwachsenenzauber" trick, and the audience is mind-blown by the transformation of a young woman into a mature woman. However, as the show concludes, Kaito notices something suspicious about the woman who was used in the "Erwachsenenzauber" trick. He realizes that the woman was not the same as the one who was on stage before the trick, and that a switch had been made.

Kaito and Aoko decide to investigate the matter and sneak into Harry's dressing room. There they find Harry, along with the woman who had assisted in the "Erwachsenenzauber" trick. Harry reveals that the woman who had fled with his baby was his daughter, and that he had been using the "Erwachsenenzauber" trick to search for her. He had been switching the young performers with his daughter for the show's finale, hoping to recognize her from the transformed version. However, this had led to the young performers being traumatized and quitting the show.

Kaito and Aoko convince Harry that his daughter would never want him to find her in such a manner and that he should stop the search. In the end, Harry agrees and cancels his last performance, apologizing to the audience. Saguru, who is present at the show, realizes that Kaito is not Kaitou Kid after witnessing his noble intentions. The episode ends with Kaito and Aoko watching Harry's performance on television, relieved that Harry has found peace.

Overall, the episode "Erwachsenenzauber" is an exciting installment in the Magic Kaito series, with a well-crafted storyline that highlights the importance of family and relationships. The episode's moral message is subtle yet effective, leaving the viewers with a heart-warming experience. With its skillful writing, enchanting animation, and captivating characters, Magic Kaito continues to be a favorite among anime enthusiasts.