Mushoku Tensei II: Jobless Reincarnation (Episode 7) – The Kidnapping and Confinement of Beast Girls
Juliette’s training is going well. So well, in fact, that Rudeus wants to show her the Roxy figurine… He soon learns that it was broken by the two beast girls in his class after they defeat Zanoba. Someone is going to pay!
Mushoku Tensei II: Jobless Reincarnation (Episode 7) – The Kidnapping and Confinement of Beast Girls
What did you watch?
After the last episode, I saw the title for this one and instantly thought that it would be a chance for Rudeus to show us he’s not a complete scumbag. I was picturing something similar to when Eris was kidnapped and Rudeus saved the day, just this time it would be the beast girls from his class that would be kidnapped. Oh, how I was wrong! Anyhow, let’s dive in. It can’t be worse than the last episode… can it?
What happened?
After seeing Fitz’s daily routine and how similar it was to Rudeus, we got to see Zanoba and Juliette training under his watch. Zanoba was doing pretty much as could be expected, but Juliette was starting to get it. She was able to use rock magic. Not much, but it was a start. A start that showed potential and just how wrong the beliefs in this world were about magic and magic potential. She was almost ready to see what the pinnacle of her training would produce.
However, Zanoba broke down in tears when Rudeus asked him to get the Roxy figurine. Had something happened to it? Rudeus’ anger started to flare. When Zaoba finally brought out a box of broken pieces, Rudeus almost lost it. Juliette went from hiding behind Zanoba to somewhere far safer – a long way from Zanoba. Rudeus learnt that Zanoba had fought the beast girls, Rinia and Pursena and lost. Their prize was the destruction of the Roxy figurine.
Rudeus was not happy, but he now knew where to place his anger. He found Rinia and Pursena and challenged them to a fight. They laughed him off, but some choice words fired Rinia up. However, they knew nothing of his experience with the Doldia and Ghislaine. Even without his demon eye, he could see what they were up to and countered quickly. Having defeated them, he tied them up and took them to his room… Oh, dear. Rudeus, what are you going to do?
What did you think?
What is going on? I mentioned a few episodes back about how tough Rudeus had it when he was at school and that this time around it could go one of two ways – more of the same or the shoe on the other foot. Well, it looks like Rudeus has chosen the second option. Sure, Rinia and Pursena may have had it coming with the way they behave, but that doesn’t really excuse kidnapping them, groping them, and leaving them tied up all day without access to food or a bathroom. This was not the episode I was expecting, but I probably shouldn’t be surprised. Damn, I miss the adventuring side of the show.
What was your favourite moment?
So, the best moment was the fight. At that point, it was Rudeus standing up to Rinia and Pursena for Zanoba. Sure, he wanted to get them back for breaking the Roxy figurine, but that’s just a part of it. I liked how he could see what they were planning and was easily able to counter that. It makes sense that they would then concede to him based on the way animals create hierarchies in the wild. Rudeus is the dominant member of the group and those that lose either submit or leave. That all makes sense and I dare say it would have gone that way without the groping, peeing themselves, and painting their faces. That was going too far and that makes me think this arc is going to continue to get dark. Hopefully, Rudeus sees what he’s doing before he goes too far… like two episodes ago…
Who was the most impactful character?
Once more I find myself surprised by Fitz’s actions. Rudeus telling her about how he had two beast girls tied up in his bedroom should not have been the opening line to her helping him ensure they don’t seek revenge. Of course, if he understood beast culture, and since he can speak the language and lived with them for a while, I see no reason why he wouldn’t, then this would never have happened. So, Fitz joining in with “magic” paint was odd.
Was there any conflict?
The main conflict I’m feeling right now is with Rudeus and this arc. I’m watching it and it’s oddly compelling, but I’m not enjoying the way he’s acting and how it’s making light of some fairly serious topics. Sure, Rudeus has always been a character that you don’t necessarily look up to, but he has had some redeeming moments and he’s not all bad. If anything, the first season spent a lot of time explaining why he behaved the way he did and it was very well done. This season feels like he’s going rogue and there’s no explanation.
What have you learnt?
Having a character do a bad thing or interact with bad people isn’t a bad thing. It certainly shouldn’t make the series fall apart. We’ve seen it work in the first season and even in the first part of this season. The difference between then and now was context. We saw the events that led to his actions and understood what his limitations were. My guess is that we are now watching him taking a darker path. I don’t think he’s over his past life or even what happened to him in this one and that’s leading him to make some bad choices. The real moment of truth will be if he learns from these moments and takes steps to correct his actions or if will he go further. It’s still interesting, but it’s my least favourite arc so far.
Other posts in the series
- Season One
- Part 1
- Episode 1 – Jobless Reincarnation
- Episode 2 – Master
- Episode 3 – A Friend
- Episode 4 – Emergency Family Meeting
- Episode 5 – A Young Lady and Violence
- Episode 6 – A Day Off in Roa
- Episode 7 – What Lies Beyond Effort
- Episode 8 – Turning Point 1
- Episode 9 – A Chance Encounter
- Episode 10 – The Value of a Life and the First Job
- Episode 11 – Children and Warriors
- Part 2
- Episode 12 – The Woman with the Demon Eyes
- Episode 13 – Missed Connections
- Episode 14 – No Such Thing As a Free Lunch
- Episode 15 – Slow Life in the Doldia Village
- Episode 16 – Family Squabble
- Episode 17 – Reunion
- Episode 18 – Separate Journeys
- Episode 19 – Route Selection
- Episode 20 – The Birth of My Little Sister, the Maid
- Episode 21 – Turning Point 2
- Episode 22 – Dreams and Reality
- Episode 23 – Wake Up and Take a Step
- OVA
- Part 1
- Season Two
- Part 1
- Episode 0 – Guardian Fitz
- Episode 1 – The Brokenhearted Mage
- Episode 2 – The Forest in the Dead of Night
- Episode 3 – Abrupt Approach
- Episode 4 – Letter of Invitation
- Episode 5 – Ranoa University of Magic
- Episode 6 – I Don’t Want to Die
- Episode 7 – The Kidnapping and Confinement of Beast Girls
- Episode 8 – The Fiancé of Despair
- Episode 9 – The White Mask
- Episode 10 – These Feelings
- Episode 11 – To You
- Part 1
You might also like…
