Anime Hajime Impressions: World Trigger – Episodes 9 to 16

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Episode 9 – The Organization Known as Border

Episode Synopsis

Although the commanding officer of Border orders Yuuichi Jin to eliminate Yuma Kuga and capture his Black Trigger, Yuuichi flatly refuses. Since Yuuichi is a member of the Tamakoma Branch, he is under its sole authority.

Accordingly, the Tamakoma Branch director also orders Yuuichi to secure the Black Trigger. However, he allows Yuuichi the freedom to do so as he sees fit, thus allowing Yuma to live.

Also at this meeting is Osamu Mikumo, who cannot believe the amount of leeway Yuuichi and the Tamakoma Branch have. Seeing they can’t take the Black Trigger through Yuuichi, Border’s leaders inquire of Osamu all he knows about Yuma. And the moment Osamu mentions the name Kuga, three of the most senior members tense up.

It appears Yuma’s father, Yugo, was a founding member of Border, which seemingly contradicts Yuma’s own account of his dad.

Following the meeting, the Border faction at odds with Tamakoma Branch discusses obtaining the Black Trigger for their own goals. Meanwhile, Osamu and Yuuichi meet up with Yuma and Chika Amatori. Suspecting Border will make a move for the Black Trigger, Yuuchi asks Yuma if he might consider joining Border proper.

Episode Impressions

This was an exposition-heavy episode. While that might sound like an issue, having these every now and then isn’t so bad, especially in a lengthy series like World Trigger. We now have a more in-depth understanding of how Border works and the politics of the organization.

It would appear as though behind-the-scenes shenanigans are on the horizon. I didn’t mention it in the summary, but the anti-Tamakoma faction is waiting for the return of Border’s top teams. Once that happens, only then will Border make a move against Yuma – and, by extension, Yuuichi.

Perhaps I am overhyping his abilities, but I am curious to know what Yuuichi can do. To make a guess, I will have my answer in the next one or two episodes. Any longer (without a good reason), and I may start to grow bored.

Episode 10 – Tamakoma Branch

Episode Synopsis

Yuuichi Jin invites Yuma Kuga, Osamu Mikumo, and Chika Amatori to tour the Tamakoma Branch base.The trio, who expect a well-oil operation, is not ready for what they see. Tamakoma is exceedingly laid-back, a stark contrast to the seemingly impenetrable Border HQ.

Osamu, Yuma, and Chika familiarize themselves with the Tamakoma staff and prepare to spend the night. Later, the Branch’s director, Takumi Rindo, requests an audience with Osamu and Yuma to determine the latter’s purpose in coming to this world.

Yuma says that his father instructed him to, after his death, come to Japan and seek out Soichi Mogami. Takumi explains that Soichi was a founding member of Border, who had, unfortunately, passed away several years ago. Additionally, the Black Trigger Soichi had wielded now belongs to Yuuichi.

Takumi extends Yuuichi’s offer for Yuma to join Tamakoma, but Yuma declines.

Wondering what is going through his friend’s head, Osamu asks Replica what Yuma was like in the other world and the fate of Yugo Kuga.

Episode Impressions

So, World Trigger has started doing this thing where it spends a lot of time building foundation followed by quick, last-minute spurts of development.

For example, we got a thorough introduction to the Tamakoma base (I assume there is a lot more left to reveal). This wasn’t a bad thing to get; I am confident a lot of fun will come out of this group. But this series is turning into a slow burn.

I can’t help being concerned that the 73-episode runtime is more stretched out than full of substance.

Episode 11 – Each one’s determination

Episode Synopsis

Three years ago, Yuma Kuga and his father, Yugo, fought in one of the Trion Wars in the fortress nation of Karwaria. Yuma proves himself to be a skilled fighter, but he pales in comparison to his dad.

One day, an unknown enemy enters the battlefield. Yugo warns his son not to fight and stay behind. However, Yuma sees the fight turn against Karwaria’s forces, so he decides to ignore his father’s instructions. As a consequence, Yuma has a run-in with the mysterious enemy and “dies.”

But before Yuma can fully pass on, Yugo uses his Trion energy to give his son a new body. Sadly, this comes at the cost of Yugo’s life. Along with his father’s death, Yuma inherited Yugo’s Black Trigger and its Side Effect, Detect Lies.

The war eventually concludes with a Karwaria victory. With nothing to fight for anymore, Yuma decides to follow his father’s advice and head to Japan and find Soichi Mogami. But since Soich is also dead, Yuma is back where he started.

Having heard this story, Osamu Mikumo wonders what he can do to help. But before deciding, he learns that Chika Amatori has chosen to join Border in the hopes of finding her older brother and best friend, both of whom Neighbors had abducted. Knowing there is no way to change Chika’s mind, Osamu chooses to form a Border team. But realizing he can do nothing on their own, Osamu goes to convince Yuma to accompany them.

Having nothing better to do, Yuma agrees under the sole condition that Osamu will be the team’s leader.

With everything settled, Osamu, Yuma, and Chika become the newest members of Tamakoma.

 Episode Impressions

Again, this backstory is fascinating. At least now it seems this series is on the verge of picking up again.

Following this episode, there isn’t a whole lot for me to discuss. Naturally, I am excited to see where this new Osamu team goes. However, I am also getting the feeling it will still be some time before they have the chance to do anything of note.

Anyway, looking ahead, it would appear we are about to meet the rest of the A-Rank members of the Tamakoma branch.

Episode 12 – A-Rank Agents of Tamakoma

Episode Synopsis

Training begins at the Tamakoma Branch, so Osamu Mikumo, Yuma Kuga, and Chika Amatori prepare themselves for life as top Border agents (in training). Although they are aiming for A-Rank, they must start from the bottom. Thus, both Yuma and Chika have to first obtain their C-Rank designation.

To help them grow stronger, Tamakoma assigns three of its best agents to train its new recruits:

• Kyosuke Karasuma with Osamu
• Kirie Konami with Yuma
• Reiji Kizaki with Chika

Although annoyed they need to “babysit” the newbies, Kyosuke, Kirie, and Reiji soon realize their new teammates are not average rookies.

Meanwhile, back at Border HQ, the organization’s most prominent teams have returned from their mission beyond the gate. Thus, the operation to steal Yuma’s Black Trigger is ready to commence.

Episode Impressions

This episode set in motion much promise. The formations of a well-rounded team began to take root. Nevertheless, there was one word that stuck out like a sore thumb – tournament.

I mean, why the hell not? Of course, there would be a tournament. Would this really be a shonen anime without one?

And to make sure there is no misunderstanding, I do not find the prospects of a tournament exciting. World Trigger might prove me wrong and deliver something enjoyable. Still, just the thought of having to go through another tournament arc is exhausting. 

Episode 13 – Border’s Top Teams

Episode Synopsis

Osamu Mikumo, Yuma Kuga, and Chika Amatori have settled into their new lives as members of the Tamakoma Branch. However, though Yuma and Chika have been demonstrating their prowess, Osamu has been struggling to keep up.

Meanwhile, Border’s top squads, Fuyushima, Kazama, and Tachikawa, have returned from their mission beyond the gate. Given the seriousness of a Neighbor possessing a Black Trigger, the three aces decide to attack Tamakoma Branch right away.

While en-route to their target, the Border assault team runs into a waiting Yuuichi Jin. Neither side is willing to budge, but Yuuichi, despite his immense skill, appears to be significantly outnumbered. Fortunately, the Arashiyama Squad arrives and joins Yuuichi’s side, thus evening out the odds.

Episode Impressions

In the grand scheme of things, we are still in the very early stages of World Trigger. That said, this series has maintained a somewhat troubling trend.

This show knows how to leave you wanting more; episodes tend to conclude on a cliffhanger. Therefore, you continue with the story hoping for a payoff. So far, World Trigger‘s delivery hasn’t been the best.

While I am enjoying this series, I won’t be going into episode 14 expecting it to knock my socks off. I do hope I am wrong, though.

Episode 14 – No.1 Attacker, Kei Tachikawa

Episode Synopsis

The battle between the Tamakoma Branch and Border’s top squads begins.

Although Border hasn’t made any ground against Tamakoma, they haven’t lost any either. It is clear to Kei Tachikawa, the leader of the Tachikawa Squad and Border’s number one Attacker, that his long-time rival, Yuuichi Jin, is manipulating the battlefield. To Tachikawa, Yuuichi is deliberately holding back to lessen the tension with Border HQ.

Other members of Tachikawa’s team soon come to the same conclusion. Seeing they are wasting their time fighting Yuuichi, some of the least experienced combatants suggest going around and attacking Tamakoma base directly.

Hearing this, Yuuichi knows the fight can no longer go his way unless he gets serious. Thus, he unleashes his infamous Black Trigger, Fujin.

Episode Impressions

I was wrong, though.

This was more like it. Here was the first action sequence in World Trigger I found to be incredibly engrossing. We got a sense of what Border’s best can do, and now, we might even get to see even cooler stuff with Fujin.

Additionally, although I didn’t talk about it in the Episode Summary, Osamu and Yuma learned how the different Border Triggers worked. This was a neat bit of lore and a nice companion segment to the main action.

Episode 15 – Black Trigger, Fujin

Episode Synopsis

As soon as Yuuichi Jin brings out his Black Trigger, Fujin, the battle drastically shifts in his favor. Within moments, Yuuichi knocks several of his opponents out of the fight and severely hinders his rival, Kei Tachikawa.

Meanwhile, Yuuichi’s allies, the Arashiyama Squad, are holding their own well enough. However, they are slowly losing a war of attrition and cannot hold on indefinitely.

The Arashiyama Squad finds themselves pinned down. Although the terrain works to their defensive advantage, defeat is imminent unless they make a move.

Episode Impressions

So far, this fight has been like a chess battle – with guns. The actual sword clashing and bullet exchanging is neat and all, but I am really enjoying the strategy and gamesmanship of the combatants.

Granted, this is also just an elaborate laser-tag match; thus, there is hardly anything on the line. I wonder what this series will be like when fighters can lose something more than their pride.

Episode 16 – The Future Moves Forward

Episode Synopsis

Both Yuuichi Jin and the Arashiyama Squad pull off the impossible and soundly defeat Border’s top agents. The Border high command is on the verge of total escalation and open hostilities. But before things get out of hand, Yuuichi appears with a surprising – and unwelcomed visit – to headquarters.

Hoping to stop the fighting, Yuuichi presents an offer – Border will allow Yuma Kuga to join in exchange for Yuuichi’s Black Trigger, Fujin. Although the Border’s supreme commander despises Neighbors, Yuuichi’s deal is far too good to pass up.

Thus, Yuma becomes the first Neighbor to join Border’s ranks.

With the crisis passed, Yuma and the other new recruits of Tamakoma prepare for what might come next. And before they know it, several months pass and the Border enrollment tournament is about to begin.

Episode Impressions

This batch of eight episodes was a lot of fun; I am now far more invested in this series than ever.

Remember how I said this show had started a bad habit of not delivering on its cliffhangers? Well, I am less confident that will stay a persistent trend.

I am tempted to continue World Trigger right away, but I think I will take a breather until next week.

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