Images: Kinema Citrus
My Happy Marriage Season 2 Episode 3 amped up the action only to mellow it down with one of the most romantic scenes in the anime to date.
It finally happened! After a long wait, we finally got the kiss scene we deserve. Miyo and Kiyoka’s relationship has been the central focus of the anime, and it’s great to finally see real romantic development between the two that isn't relegated to shy flirting, hugging, or handholding. Whose heart didn’t skip a beat during that emotional and beautiful scene? I’m just glad that Miyo and Kiyoka have finally taken the next step together.
Spoiler warning: major plot points ahead
But before we got to the romantic part of the episode, we were treated to a bit of lore dumping and world building, as well as an expertly animated fight scene. Arata Usuba also makes a return as an unexpected visitor in the Kudo house.
Miyo makes full use of her Dreamsight ability
Picking up where episode 2 left off, Miyo is taken back to reality by the arrival of her cousin Arata Usuba, who played a minor antagonistic role in the 1st season of My Happy Marriage. This time resolved to aid in Miyo any way he can, Arata steps in to stop Miyo from risking her life trying to aid a man named Kota, who witnessed a demon attack that left him afflicted with some type of life-threatening condition.
With Arata now supporting Miyo, she once again unleashes her ability in a bid to rescue Kota, who is seemingly transforming into a monster with a horn sprouting out of his head. Miyo easily heals him of his affliction, but a dark hand attempts to bring him further away. Resolved to aid him and remembering Arata’s teachings, Miyo purifies Kota’s mind and brings him back to reality, much to the relief and joy of Kota’s mother.
It’s amazing to see Miyo grow with every episode of My Happy Marriage. You can’t help but wholeheartedly root for her as she goes through breakthrough after breakthrough. With Miyo now in even more control of her ability, it’s exciting to theorise what might come next for her and her powers.
Kiyoka uncovers the mystery behind The Gifted Communion, but there are more questions than answers
Meanwhile, Kiyoka is put into action as villagers scream for help, claiming that a demon has appeared at the abandoned mansion he had visited in episode 2. Once again, a hooded figure makes an appearance, claiming to be part of a faction that the government is investigating. He reveals that the so-called “Gifted Communion” faction is actually aiming to provide powers to people with no supernatural abilities; essentially turning unsuspecting humans into the demons that have been prowling all over Kiyoka’s hometown. The man also reveals the name of their leader: Naoshi Usui, and their goal of creating a new world.
It looks like this faction shares messed-up ideas of power dynamics and equality; the hooded man went into a monologue about how the power imbalance between people with and without supernatural abilities has created an unequal world that needs to be rectified, and it’s clear that the faction is taking extreme and harmful steps to level out the playing field.
Kiyoka is entreated to listen to their twisted philosophies, but is disinterested in the conversation, and gears up to battle. However, the man retreats while summoning a massively scary looking demon and a hoard of other hooded attackers. Fortunately, Tadakiyo also steps in to aid Kiyoka in battle, and the father-son duo make quick work of their enemies.
Whoever said Shoujo anime has bad animation should definitely get on their knees and apologise to the entire animation industry behind this genre, because the fight scene in this episode was nothing short of absolutely breathtaking. Tadakiyo’s movements were agile and precise, and one could viscerally feel the power in Kiyoka’s devastating supernatural attacks. Although the fight scene was short, it was incredibly thrilling to watch. Mad props to the team behind this episode!
The Usuba family reveals more secrets
With danger behind them for now, Kiyoka and Miyo are reunited in an emotionally charged scene highlighted with a heartwarmingly tight embrace. The reunion is cut short however, as Kiyoka notices Arata and asks why he’s there. Arata reveals the purpose of his arrival to the Kudo house: he’s been sent by Prince Takahaito to investigate the suspicious organisation that Kiyoka had encountered before.
Kiyoka reveals that The Gifted Communion organisation is using tainted blood to let demons take over a human body, and that the founder of this movement is Naoshi Usui. Arata recognises the name, revealing that Naoshi Usui is part of the Usuba clan, as a member of one of its branch families.
Naoshi Usui disappeared off of the face of the earth some time ago, and was also once a prospective fiance for Miyo’s mother, Sumi. After Sumi ended up being married away to Miyo’s father, Usui broke away from the Usuba family and vanished. With his identity as the founder of The Gifted Communion revealed, it seems like the root cause of the issue at hand lies with the Usuba family.
Miyo and Kiyoka’s love shines through, Fuyu still gets on my nerves
Once again, Kiyoka proves himself to be the greenest of green flags, with how he expresses his full support and dedication to Miyo, as well as affirming Miyo’s position in his life as someone who is completely irreplaceable. When Kiyoka told Miyo that she has become someone he can’t live without, I was slamming my hand against my table so hard in sheer joy that I might have injured my wrist in the process.
And that kiss! It was tearjerkingly beautiful and tender, and definitely one of the most memorable first kisses in recent Shoujo history. The way the moon illuminated them was incredibly beautiful, and as Miyo puts it, you can’t help but forget to blink. Fuyu on the other hand, the haughty diva she is, didn’t fail to make me bristle while watching this episode.
It felt incredibly satisfying to see Fuyu’s ego get another hit when Arata stepped in to confirm Miyo’s Usuba heritage, and in all honesty, unless she gets a more than satisfactory redemption arc soon, I’m staying a certified Fuyu hater. Although she considerably lightens up at the end of the episode, even giving a half-hearted acknowledgment of Miyo’s capability as Kiyoka’s fiancee, she doesn't have enough redeeming qualities for me to appreciate her character. Fuyu’s too old to act like a tsundere, so even the gifted heirloom hair ribbon doesn’t make me think she’s not all that bad. I’m just glad that Miyo and Kiyoka are finally leaving the Kudo household.
Or I should be, at least, but the episode leaves on a very ominous cliffhanger: a mysterious and foreboding man extends his greetings to Kiyoka, Arata, and Miyo, the latter of whom he calls his daughter.
Wondering about what went down in Sakamoto Days Episode 2? We broke down the episode in a review here. Want to be in the know about the latest palace intrigue in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2? We explored the story here. If you're looking into an analysis of Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3, we've got you covered here!
