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The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Episode 9: Favorites

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The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Episode 9 – Quick Summary

In The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Episode 9, “Ancient City of Insurrection Part I,” Tatsuya received a request from his Aunt Maya. Yes, a request, and not an order! She wanted his help detaining Gongjin Zhou. Despite Miyuki’s misgivings, Tatsuya accepted. But, as you might expect, Aunt Maya’s request came with unanticipated strings – like the ancient magic users who attacked Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Minami after school. What were they after? Why did they strike in broad daylight? And why were they so shocked Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Minami used modern magic?

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

Favorite Quote from The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Episode 9

The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Episode 9: Minami felt prepared to protect Miyuki

Minami was utterly determined to protect Miyuki. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

I know Tatsuya’s not supposed to have any emotions except for Miyuki. But the guy sure seems to understand how to phrase things in a way that emotionally buoys people. Take my favorite quote, for example.

Tatsuya described the mission that Maya offered him. He explained the nuanced way she requested it; he said she must have a pretty important reason for choosing the method she did. That worried Miyuki, who immediately concluded this would be a dangerous mission.

Tatsuya tried to reassure her, pointing out he wouldn’t do this alone. But he did say that from time to time, he’d have to leave the house. During those times, he said he would count on Minami to protect Miyuki.

Of course, Minami was all over that assignment already. But Tatsuya decided to express his confidence in her. He said that the Yotsuba family already saw her as a guardian (05:38) “But for me, you’re more than that. You’re one of the few magicians that I can trust.”

Minami was already dedicated to protecting Miyuki. Tatsuya’s confidence made her even more determined. He’s pretty subtle with that sort of thing when he wants to be!

Favorite Moment from The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Episode 9

The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Episode 9: Miyuki was not going to let the attacker escape

Miyuki had no intention of letting the attacker escape. And she had the means to prevent it. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Setup: Elevating the Bro-Con Trope

Did you see Miyuki’s reaction to Tatsuya having Kyouko Fujibayashi’s private phone number? She was on the verge of killing him – again! At first, I thought that maybe that schtick had started wearing thin. Then I reconsidered.

That’s how Miyuki is. As powerful as she is, as dedicated as she is to Tatsuya, she’s also deeply insecure. She craves his reassurance. Maybe I’m misreading the situation, but as dangerous as she is, she doesn’t seem to harbor any ill intentions for anyone around her – as long as they don’t threaten Tatsuya (and being attractive to him appears to fall into the ‘threat’ category!). 

She’s in an interesting position. Miyuki is likely to be the next head-of-family. She’s unquestionably powerful. Yet, as we say in previous episodes, she’s also afraid she’ll be married off just to produce offspring. 

All bro-con jokes aside, Miyuki’s a fascinating character. That fascination plays into my favorite moment. 

Do you remember back in season 1, episode 7, when the terrorist group tried to kill Tatsuya? She froze them to the ground so they couldn’t advance on him, and he gave her free reign to handle them. And handle them she did. “If only you hadn’t raised your hands against my brother,” she said (06:57), “you would’ve gotten off with just a bit of pain…”

The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Episode 9: Miyuki vented her anger on a group of terrorists

Miyuki was not amused when a group of terrorists tried to harm her brother. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

I think some of them survived the encounter, but I’m not sure. Niflheim was an impressive display of power, to be sure, but what struck me is her lack of fine control. It was a wide-area spell.

Delivery: Miyuki’s Pin-Point Accuracy

In this episode, two ancient magic magicians attacked Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Minami. That was not the smartest thing they ever did! After coordinating their defense, Tatsuya took down the first attacker using primary physical combat techniques. The second tried to strike Tatsuya from behind. In front of Miyuki.

She stopped the attack with a gesture. Now, this is the same Miyuki who took out an entire company of terrorists. When the second magician tried to escape, Miyuki calmly said (16:24), “I won’t let you escape.”

She was wearing her scary face.

Whatever technique she used slammed the guy to the ground. Tatsuya checked the fallen figure for vital signs. He seemed surprised he found a heartbeat! 

“You’ve upped your game, Miyuki,” he told her (16:45).

The Irregular at Magic High School Season 3 Episode 9: Tatsuya's compliment pleased Miyuki

Seeing Miyuki blush is like seeing Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine blush. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

Seeing her touch the side of her face and thank him with all the cuteness of a young girl in love was an amazing contrast to her show of power. Not only did she, as Tatsuya said, improve her abilities. But she exhibited this dichotomy that I’m surprised works, and it’s one of the things that’s keeping the story interesting to me.

What did you think of Erika’s attempt at match-making in the after-credits scene? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to let me know in the comments!

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