C³ – CubexCursedxCurious Episode 9: Another Doll and a Polite Enemy

Quick Summary

In C3 episode 9, “The Returnee Seems Somehow Strange,” Fear found her festival dance practice interrupted by Kuroe Ningyouhara — who turned out to be a magical doll also boarding with Haruaki Yachi and Konoha Muramasa. Fear gradually warmed up to her because Kuroe herself had been cursed, but was now living curse free. This being CubexCursedxCurious, though, there’s always a catch: A new enemy, Alice Bivorio Basskreigh, has followed Kuroe home. And guess who she switches her sights to? If you guessed Fear, you’re right! Can Fear and her friends fend off the new (if very polite) attacker? Will Kuroe help — or hurt — their cause?

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

Like the original OP as much as I do? You can buy it from CD Japan:

Endless StoryYukari Tamura

3 Favorite Moments

Fear was delighted to learn that Kuroe was living proof of life after curse. Capture from the Funimation stream.

Moment 1

Fear was slow to warm up to Kuroe, which is understandable given that the doll initially mistook Fear for an intruder and tried to use her magical hair to tie up our hero. But over dinner, Fear worked up the courage to ask Kuroe about her travels — especially if she travelled alone without the need to be near Haruaki. Fear was delighted at the confirmation, because it proved her suspicion: that Kuroe’s curse had already been lifted (5:02). Haruaki pretended to be hurt that Fear didn’t trust him, but she explained that coming face to face with Kuroe made the possibility more real to her. The show maintains its focus on Fear’s journey, and I like that!

Kirika was touched that Haruaki saw her as simply Kirika — a young woman and not as simply an attribute of her curse. Capture from the Funimation stream.

Moment 2

Haruaki had to agree to run errands for Kirika Ueno (the reason is a long story about Kuroe, her hair styling salon, Fear’s inability to hand out enough fliers, and Kirika’s connections on student council). As they passed Fear and Kana Miyama practicing for the school festival’s dance, Haruaki casually asked if Kirika would like to participate, since she was so athletic (13:58). She paused and then reminded him that there was no way she’d be able to wear the dance outfits — because she’s forced to wear the cursed outfit we learned about back in episode 5. He apologized, saying he’d forgotten, and that pleased her to no end. She’d lived so long with the idea that her cursed under garments defined her, and yet Haruaki had forgotten all about them. He saw her simply as Kirika. In that moment, Kirika experienced a moment of human friendship, and she liked it.

There’s a lot going on in this screen cap! Konoha demonstrating the beauty equivalent of strategic weapons, Fear understanding that the gauntlet has been thrown down, and Haruaki not believing his good fortune. Capture from the Funimation stream.

Moment 3

I’d like to express my appreciation to the school directory, Gabriel Sekaibashi, and Zenon Honjou, a woman who knows what she likes, for their exception taste. During Kuroe’s grand re-opening of her hair saloon, Zenon brought a little something to help attract attention and draw in customers. And by “little,” I mean too little for Konoha. And by “too little,” I specifically mean a Chinese dress that is a few sizes too small (19:22). Special mention goes to Konoha herself for still trying it on, undoubtedly to show off for Haruaki — and to show Fear what competition looked like. I’ll just say if I were a betting man, I’d bet on Konoha.

Thoughts

The show switched opening songs this episode. I preferred the original OP, but the new one isn’t bad. The artist is Eri Kitamura, and the song is called Shirushi. You can find it on CD Japan if you’d like to purchase it:

Shirushi [Regular Edition]Eri Kitamura

Since I prefer the first OP, I’ll leave its link above my favorite moments!

This series isn’t afraid to showcase strong women, is it? The previous villain was the complex, tortured, chain-smoking — and powerful! — Peavy Barroy. This episode introduces us to a new female villain (as least, I’m guessing she’s the villain) named Alice. She’s carting around a cello case that I really don’t think holds a musical instrument. Her practiced politeness just means she’s a villain with self control — probably one of the more dangerous kinds! I get the sense that she’s more powerful even than Peavy.

You may have noticed that I chose a favorite moment that’s atypical from the ones I usually pick: Konoha looking sexy in a too-small Chinese dress. Have I suddenly gone full “guy”? Am I throwing propriety to the wind? Have I petitioned for membership on the Lewd Side?

I think it’s important for the sake of completeness to note that Konoha is also adept with the maid uniform attack. Capture from the Funimation stream.

Well, yes and no.

Yes, it’s true I’m a guy, and I’ve always appreciated good fan service. I mean, some of the shows I like to watch over and over include Highschool of the Dead, Highschool DxD, and I Couldn’t Become a Hero, so I Reluctantly Decided to Get a Job. These shows have two things in common, and the first thing is obvious based solely on reputation: They have a ton of quality fan service. So, yes, I’m indulging my guy side with that favorite moment.

But also no, and I offer this as my defense: The second thing these series have in common with C³ – CubexCursedxCurious:, which is powerful women. In the case of these four shows, the women are more powerful than most of the men!

Just look at how Kirika brushed aside that creep who tried to molest her in this episode! He only survived the experience because she decided not to rip him apart.

Strength and sexiness make a powerful combination. Saeko Busujima is as deadly swinging a sword as she is beautiful wearing just an apron. Akeno Himejima is as adept at hurling lightning at her enemies as she is seducing Issei Hyoudou (or would be if Rias Gremory would let her!). Seara August, mild mannered manager by day, was also powerful witch who slapped demons around with ease — and enjoyed looking fantastic in her work uniform.

This discussion wouldn’t work if Konoha weren’t also incredibly powerful. Capture from the Funimation stream.

Konoha, not to be outdone, showed her power against Peavy’s lethal strength. And in this episode, she wanted to use her beauty to make an impression on Haruaki. It’s pretty clear her ploy worked!

When the character is in charge of the fan service — when it’s under their personal control — then it can be a positive thing!

So, no, I haven’t joined the Lewd Side. I just appreciate mighty and beautiful women. It’s a great combination, and I enjoy a series that understand that!

What were your favorite moments? Did you prefer Konoha in the maid uniform or the Chinese dress? Let me know in the comments!

C³ – CubexCursedxCurious Episode 9: Another Doll and a Polite Enemy

Quick Summary

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