Ep 1. Bearing a Posthumous Name

Bearing a Posthumous Name, the first episode of Noragami season 2, picks up where the first season left off. Yato is still struggling to gain recognition as a god, but his loyal and adorable Regalia, Yukine, is growing more and more powerful as he learns to wield his abilities. Meanwhile, the goddess Bishamon is dealing with the aftermath of her clash with Yato and the revelation that one of her Regalia has been corrupted.

The episode begins with a flashback to Bishamon's past, showing us how she first met her current Regalia, Kazuma, and how she came to have such a large and powerful band of spirits under her command. We also see hints of the tragedy that haunts her and the guilt she feels for the deaths of so many of her Regalia.

Back in the present, Bishamon is faced with the shocking realization that one of her Regalia has been betraying her. She discovers that one of her spirit servants, Aiha, has been communicating with a demon, a forbidden act that puts all of Bishamon's Regalia at risk. Bishamon is furious and hurt, feeling betrayed by someone she had considered family. The episode does an excellent job of showing the complex relationships between Bishamon and her Regalia, highlighting the tension between loyalty and personal freedom that exists in their dynamic.

Meanwhile, Yato and Yukine are still working as delivery gods, but their lack of clientele has left them struggling to make ends meet. Yato is desperate to find new followers, but his unusual methods border on the ridiculous. He takes on odd jobs and even tries to advertise his services by writing his number on bathroom walls, but nothing seems to be working. Yukine is growing increasingly frustrated with Yato's antics and the fact that he still doesn't understand the seriousness of their situation. However, their relationship is still as entertaining and heartwarming as ever, and their interactions provide some much-needed comic relief in the darker moments of the episode.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Yato and Bishamon's stories are connected in ways that neither of them fully understands. Bishamon's troubles escalate when she discovers that one of her corrupted Regalia has been hunting down and killing other spirits. She is determined to bring the rogue Regalia to justice, but her attempts to do so are thwarted at every turn. Meanwhile, Yato is visited by the god of fortune, Ebisu, who offers him a job that could provide the income and recognition he so desperately craves.

Overall, Bearing a Posthumous Name sets the stage for an exciting and emotional second season of Noragami. The episode does an excellent job of introducing new plot threads while still paying homage to the original story. The animation is stunning, and the writing is top-notch. The characters are complex, and their relationships are nuanced and fascinating. This episode is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone interested in well-crafted anime with rich mythology and compelling characters.