Chivalry of a Failed Knight (Episode 8) - Sword Eater III

Ikki goes to Ayase’s former dojo to challenge the man that beat her father and took everything from her. He’s known as the Sword Eater and was one of the top eight fighters in last year’s tournament. What could possibly go wrong?

Chivalry of a Failed Knight (Episode 8) – Sword Eater III

What happened?

Ayase recalls the night that it all went wrong. How her father was challenged by the Sword Eater and eventually defeated. It still brings pain and regret to her heart, but Ikki plans on changing that, not least because of the man that her father is. They arrive at the dojo where Ikki asks to see the Sword Eater.

He finds him in the main training room and challenges him to a duel. The Sword Eater recognises him from the restaurant and laughs in his face, asking why he would fight a nobody like him. Ikki tells him that it wasn’t the time or the place before as he is forbidden from fighting outside of an official martial arts studio or venue.

He asks if the Sword Eater was really going to refuse to stand up for himself. Of course, the fight begins and for the first while Ikki does what Ikki does best. He deflects the attacks while analysing his opponent. Soon, he realises that Sword Eater has an inhuman reaction speed and that is why he was able to defeat Ayase’s father.

The Sword Eater is impressed as no one has even worked out his ability so quickly, but it won’t help Ikki. Ayase is desperate to intervene, but Stella asks some pointed questions about her father’s fight and then points out how much fun Ikki is having. She can’t believe it, he is smiling.

Finally, Ikki attacks head-on using Ayase’s father’s secret technique which he appeared to have worked out for himself from training with Ayase. He wins the duel and Ayase’s dojo. She’s overjoyed but worried that she isn’t good enough. Ikki tells her to believe in herself and that she already knows everything she needs to know. Not long after, her father wakes from his coma.

Chivalry of a Failed Knight Episode 8 Ikki having too much fun

What did you think?

So, this was a very simple episode that absolutely flew by. There was basically no ecchi to talk of, but the fight which took up most of the time was excellent. It was amazing to see both Ikki and the Sword Eater relishing the battle and clearly having way too much fun. I love the way they animate the fights in this series. They’re fast but not too fast that you can’t even see what’s going on and they do a great job of developing the tension. Yes, it may be a little formulaic, but it’s a formula that works.