Ep 9. Hire and Wind

In episode 9 of Sekirei season 1, titled "Hire and Wind," we see Minato and his Sekirei team getting ready to participate in the third round of the Sekirei Plan. As the participants gather, Minato and his team meet other Ashikabi and their Sekirei, including a group of twins named Haihane and Kusano.

During the opening ceremony, a mysterious figure named Kakizaki is introduced as the announcer for the match. He explains that the third round will take place in a forest and that the objective is to capture the other team's Jinki, a powerful artifact that can grant wishes.

As the teams enter the forest, they quickly discover that the terrain is filled with dangerous traps and obstacles. Minato and his Sekirei soon come face to face with Haihane, who challenges them to a battle. Kusano, who seems to have a unique ability to control plants, uses her powers to trap Minato's team in vines, but they manage to break free and engage in combat.

Meanwhile, another team led by a man named Mikogami also enters the forest. Mikogami is revealed to be a wealthy businessman who has been funding the Sekirei Plan and has a personal interest in Minato and his team. He sends his Sekirei, the wind-based Homura, to take out Minato's team.

The two teams cross paths and a fierce battle breaks out. Homura uses her wind powers to create powerful tornadoes, making it difficult for Minato's team to move around. However, with the help of his Sekirei, Minato manages to overcome Homura's attacks and eventually defeat her.

As the battle comes to a close, it is revealed that Kakizaki has been watching the entire time and is pleased with the results. He announces that the teams have passed the third round and that they will move on to the fourth round of the Sekirei Plan.

Overall, "Hire and Wind" is an action-packed episode that introduces new characters and sets the stage for what is to come in the rest of the season. The battle scenes are well-choreographed and the animation is top-notch, making it an exciting watch for fans of the series.