Reincarnation no Kaben Ep.02 - Those blood-shot eyes in Haito! I think Itsuki is right...

Episode 2 of Reincarnation no Kaben delivers a few interesting revelations about the overarching plot while providing more backstory for Haito and confirming her as the series' main heroine. Why? Being the only person that Touya confides in about his secondary power kind of seals the deal.

Haito's backstory follows a classic trope. She was adopted by a sword master and wanted to make him proud, but she lacked talent. After awakening her power as Musashi and accidentally injuring him, she was sent away (by other members of the group), vowing not to return until she is ready to impress him.

Sleeping wearing only a t-shirt? You'll catch a cold Haito. Wear something more!

Child Haito was ultra cute too. Her effort trying to learn the sword was cute, shame it turned out like that.

I can already smell the "I just wanted you to be my daughter" revelation coming from her father later in the series, regardless of her abilities. I do not think he adopted her purely to find a successor, but misunderstandings are a common trope used to force characters to seek more power.

Itsuki's scene was the most striking to me, and I honestly think he is right: it is pathetic to pin all of one's expectations on a power granted by a mysterious entity, relying on the awakened achievements of a reincarnated self rather than achieving something on one's own.

I understand the appeal of an underdog narrative, but this feels pathetic. The sentiment of, "I can't do anything, but now I'm cool because I rely on someone else's achievements to feel good," is frustrating. Perhaps I am just old and jaded, but it feels like a situation that someone at that age should have outgrown.

Also, what is talent if not the accumulation of effort? If you are not good at something, find something else to which you are willing to dedicate hours to improve. These characters are still teenagers; they have plenty of time to find their path in life. Do I feel like an old man right now?

The gap when she transforms into Musashi is striking and I honestly prefer Haito more than she's just a normal girl.

Yuri hug scene between Haito and Einstein! Where should I sign to get a full episode just of this over and over? Pretty please?

Rant aside, the action is still good and the animation is marvelous. They introduced a few new characters, like Einstein (the girl with long hair), and while I do not know them well yet, they seem like an interesting bunch. I am also liking Haito as a heroine more and more, even if I am sometimes taken aback by the personality she adopts when using Musashi's power. That is part of her character, though, and it does make sense.

I am still unsure about Touya as a protagonist. The previous episode suggested he might become some sort of black agent hiding his power and using it for a darker objective, but after revealing that to Haito, things have definitely lowered in intensity.