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Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 16 – Quick Summary
In Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 16, “Norn and Aisha,” Ruijerd had faithfully delivered Aisha and Norn to the home of Rudy and Sylphiette. The good news? Aisha is overjoyed to be rejoined to Aisha. Norn? Not so much. In fact, Norn expresses a strong desire to live in the dorms rather than with Rudy, Sylphiette, and Aisha. What will Rudy decide to do? Will he listen to Sylphiette’s advice? And why do Ruijerd and Badigadi seem to have such bad blood between them?
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Favorite Quote from Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 16
Aisha tried to take control of the situation. Which was great, as far as it went. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Let me just get this out of the way: Aisha is awesome. She’s strong, she’s independent, and she’s a take-charge kind of girl. And she’s not in the least bit afraid to speak her mind.
Rudy was trying to figure out how to best care for Aisha and Norn. It took considerable effort, but he eventually convinced Aisha to take the entrance exam to see if she qualified. Norn, though, didn’t want to do it – at all.
When asked why she felt that way, Norn said that she didn’t think she’d do very well. Rudy did something that I’ve done a million times: he tried to be reassuring and completely blew it. He made it sound as if he would bribe the administration to get Norn in. He tried to explain himself. Aisha tried to defend him. Finally, overwhelmed, Norn agreed to take the test and left the room.
She left, despite Aisha telling her they weren’t done.
Now alone with Rudy, Aisha sat down, sighed, and said (10:08), “Ugh. I can’t stand kids who won’t listen.”
Given where she’s been, I can completely understand Aisha tried to assert control. Because goodness knows, she’s been through a lot! I love that the series reflects that.
Favorite Moment from Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 16
Rudy found yet another proof that he could rely on Sylphy. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Setup: Is It Just Me, or Is there Too Much Happy Right Now?
I mentioned something like this in my review of the last episode, but Rudy’s mature, in charge, stable, has a solid circle of friends, and is married to a very loving Sylphiette. The viewer in me is sitting here saying, “Good for him! Great redemption arc! He’s learned and he’s applying the lessons!”
At the same time, the writer part of me is chuckling in glee at what has to be an impending narrative nuclear explosion. Because let’s face it: no self-respecting main character (MC) is going to experience such joy and bliss for very long. And given how much joy and bliss is in his life right now, I’m guessing something on the order of the Mana event that sent him and Eris to the Demon Continent might be coming.
To be clear: I’m an anime-only viewer. I have no idea what’s coming. But my writer’s sense is positively radiating anticipation.
When Norn showing greater trust in Ruijerd is one of Rudy’s biggest problems, you know the narrative is about to seriously blow up the status quo. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
This is another occasion where picking a favorite moment is tough. There were so many cool little moment to choose from that I’m going with something that resonated me because of a parallel it drew with episode 4 from the first season.
Rudy felt worried over Aisha and Norn’s predicaments. Aisha wanted to work full time as their maid; Rudy knew Norn didn’t care for him. He knew she and Aisha would argue constantly. So, Rudy did three things that, like his attempts to comfort Norn in my favorite quote, felt very, very (painfully) familiar to me.
Delivery: Rudy Relies on Sylphiette
First, he tried to come to a decision, which proved elusive. Second, he agonized over his inability to make a decision. He second guessed himself until he wasn’t sure which options seemed like the best. Finally, he did what he should have done to start with. He consulted with his wife.
That last part isn’t the painful part. The painful part was number two. Just want to make sure that’s clear!
Rudy explained the situation to her, ending with a reference to Aisha, saying (10:59), “Don’t you think it’s our job to send her to school and broaden her horizons?”
Sound familiar? Isn’t that just what Paul had done to Rudy back in Episode 4? Rudy’s trying to do the right thing by Norn. I could see the Rudy of season 1 getting angry at Norn for how she spoke to him. Now, he’s trying to do the responsible thing. That’s cool!
Rudy explained the situation as best he could. Fortunately, with Sylphy, that was more than enough. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Now, Sylphy played her part, too. She told him she was more worried about Norn. “She seems anxious without Paul or Ruijerd, for one thing. We need to take good care of her.”
Talking to Sylphiette was such a relief that Rudy thought (11:34), “She’s almost like Mister Fitz. Oh, wait. I guess she is Mister Fitz.”
Rudy and Sylphy have both come a long way. They’re trying to help Aisha and Norn the best way they know how. And all the while, the writer part of my brain is wondering who the narrative is going to crush or snuff out or otherwise inconvenience. And with this show? I could see any number of possibilities!
What did you think of Ruijerd’s and Rudy’s conversation about Eris? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 16: Other Posts
Other Anime Sites
- Reddit: Mushoku Tensei Season 2 – Episode 16 Discussion
- The Otaku Author: Mushoku Tensei II: Jobless Reincarnation (Episode 16) – Norn and Aisha
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 13: My Dream Home
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 14: Wedding Reception
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 15: Afar
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 16: Norn and Aisha
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 17: My Older Brother’s Feelings
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 18: Turning Point 3
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 19: Desert Journey
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 20: Into the Labyrinth
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 21: Magic Circle to the Sixth Stratum
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 22: Parents
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 23: Let’s Go Home
- Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Part 2 Episode 24: Succession
I love the instant about-face in Linia and Pursena’s attitude towards Norn. “We should put her in her place.” “That’s my little sister.” “I LIKE THAT SHE HAS SPIRIT!” And the warning, which he has very good reason to give now, that they not do anything behind his back either. They know not to make him angry, but a little reminder of their well-founded fear of him can work wonders, LOL.
As for Eris, we, the audience, know that Eris loves Rudy. She didn’t do a very good job parting ways, but the level on which Rudy was hurt was phenomenal and disproportionate. I don’t know that they’ll cross paths again anytime soon – though I am certain they will, eventually – but I’m glad Ruijerd, who commands Rudy’s respect, told him to at least hear Eris out when they do. If he listens to her, instead of going “you hurt me, go away,” then he’ll soon find that all the pain he felt was conjured up only by himself.
I really like how Rudy’s their pack leader, but he hasn’t abused that position. In this case, like you said, he just reminded them of what’s what. They can’t go around extoring intimate apparel!
Ruijerd is just cool. I felt disappointed when he left. Eris acted without nuance, though her heart was in the right place. Rudy was in an emotional and mental place where he couldn’t imagine she did what she did for the reason she didn’t make clear. Their was a purely human misunderstanding, and for me, that’s what made it so effective.
Very glad Ruijerd gave their friendship hope for a future!