Recap: Taichi heads up the regrouping effort and brings back Aoki and Yui. Unfortunately, Iori isn’t having as much luck with resident cynic Inaba, but a visit from a total bastard might change her actions completely.

After the pits of despair that was last episode, the small light that shone in the end bursts out into full bloom. Showing the full devotion of their friendship, Taichi quickly patches things up with Iori and Aoki. It was really heartwarming to see the two guys man up and realize that it’s hard to admit you’re wrong when you have a conviction. Sometimes it’s only after looking over your thoughts that you can recognize the error of your ways and ask for forgiveness. It reminded me of some of my big fights among friends, where everyone remembers how much friendship matters, and how even if hurting things are said, nothing is unforgivable.

To an extent, I can understand the argument of no true altruism. I personally believe that the sacrifices people do for others shouldn’t be trivialized in such a way. The most common argument I’ve always heard is that even if one wishes to help others, they want to because it will make them feel happy. I personally think that’s a bogus argument that doesn’t properly weigh the price of one’s sacrifice, especially in life threatening situations. Still, I’m glad they made up.

The following scene with Yui was absolute gold. I liked the reasoning, that if desires are being unleashed, then ones greater desires shoudl be able to cancel them. Now that Yui knows what it’s like to harm, she will have the will to not want to harm again. I also loved the joke plan to lift Yui’s spirits. I really find myself rooting for Aoki in his pursuit of Yui’s affections. He’s not afraid to joke when its appropriate and be serious when it’s necessary. I’m really pulling for the guy, and hopefully this school retreat gives them an opportunity to bond.

However, there is no conflict if everyone is in accord. Unfortunately, Inaba is still holding herself at a distance, sure that her cynical mindset and upset emotions can only damage the group further. Heartseed makes a more interesting appearance this week, not as a direct instigator but more of the role of an extortionist. His threats towards Inaba are only that, but knowing his power I can only see Inaba succumbing to his will and finally breaking out of her shell.

Her unrequited feelings for Taichi are obviously the linchpin that will cause the greatest friction. I’ve been talking for a while about how supporting Iori in order to push her pushing her feelings under was going to bite her in the end. It looks like we’re going to find out just how bad that’s going to be.