Did someone call up Synergy and tell them that the Internet collective demands more Hina-chan? Someone over there much have some Hayate no Gotoku feeds on their Google homepage.

Hina and Yukiji episode this time around. Most importantly, we get a glimpse into the two sister’s back story, something I know many want to know about. At least from my understanding of the dialog, which was poor at best, Katsura-sensei was apparently stepping down as teacher. Mr. Moe, Nagi, the 3 stooges, and Hina are not too happy either, especially Hina. Cue the sunset-colored (albeit short) flashback, complete with lolilicious (*´Д`) young Hina. Also tossed in for good measure was Maria teasing us with a very brief display of her 133t meido combat skills and/or her ability to call the SP. Be a friend. Save a hamster.

Hinagiku’s awesomeness really is amplified by Itou Shizuka’s voice. I tend to keep tabs on Itou Shizuka’s roles because I have always liked her voice and always thought she was talented. Although she really first impressed me in Starship Operators and again in Pumpkin Scissors, it has been her role her voice as Hina that has separated her from the rest of the crowd. She’s not among the Tanaka Rie’s, Kuwashima Houko’s, or Orikasa Fumiko’s out there, but she’s definitely more appealing than the many other seiyuu out there right now.

Also, the last handful of episodes really seems to have been leveled up in terms of animation quality. For the most part, episode 41 looked damn good in terms of coloring and lighting. It might have been those sunsets and the mood, but they sure looked pretty.

Dual meido damage.

The last half dozen episode of Hayate no Gotoku have been outstanding. This might be the best string of episodes we’ve ever. Going back to the Maria-Hayate date episode, every episode since has been nicely balanced in terms of story, funny, and excitement. You could even go back to episodes 31 through 34, which had some great Sakuya moments (and let’s face it, Sakuya deserves more love too) and the episodes from the cultural festival. With the butler battles pretty much behind us, I really hope that this final season of Hayate no Gotoku continues this trend of awesomeness.

And yes, I am quietly crossing my fingers for more than 52 episodes to be animated. Now if only Viz would speed up their release of the manga… February feels so far away. I may have already read volume 6, but there is a charm about having a hard copy in hand, especially when it’s cold and rainy and you would rather lay in bed.

Must comfort sad Hina.

Requesting wallpaper please…

A Kodak moment.

The softer side of Katsura Hinagiku.

=__=

The angry side of Katsura Hinagiku.

Touching moments…

…are touching.

Brute strength and large muscles get you nowhere in anime.

“Eh!? Ebichu’s camembert has gone off!“

I hope that is not Kanashimi no Mukou e I hear faintly in the background.

Who would win in a fight? Barehanded Maria or Bamboo Blade Hina?

Zangief had no chance in this fight.

Nishizawa Snack Time aired late this episode.