REVIEW: ‘SHY’ Episode 16 – “Cloud in the Dark”

With the slumber party over, Teru (Shino Shimoji), Iko (Nao Tôyama), and Ai (Kotori Koiwai) look to enjoy a relaxing day. Unfortunately, they won’t get the chance as Stigma’s agent, Utsuro (Hitomi Ueda), unleashes an attack on Tokyo that will demand the attention of all the heroes in SHY Episode 16, “Cloud in the Dark.”

The episode opens with the trio of girls getting to know each other better while spending time at a nearby river. Teru shows her Shy costume to Ai, and the shinobi princess presents her ninja suit to the others. This moment is followed by Ai introducing Teru and Iko to a game she used to play in her village with skipping stones.

This opening sequence does a great job of expanding on Ai as a character. We learn about who she is as a person while also learning about her larger world as a shinobi. Through the game they play, we learn that “the heart” of things is central to her training. As the episode shows her skipping a stone across the river so hard it embeds in a nearby tree, Ai explains that this is only possible because she spoke to the heart of the stone. This acceptance of nature as a living thing instead of a collection of objects to be used projects a peaceful and unselfish aura on the character.

Also, the design of Ai’s costume works excellently with the character. The elegant hairstyle, combined with the lovely white and pink trim of her uniform, feels reflective of her kind and gentle personality. But like the wearer herself, the nature of the uniform shouldn’t be overlooked. She is a shinobi, and violence is an aspect of who she is.

During this sequence, SHY Episode 16 also sees Ai take a moment to talk to Tokimaru (Izumi Kitta). The faithful retainer watches over his princess quietly until she approaches to check in on him. The small exchange between the two reinforces all the kind energy viewers see in Ai, while further building up Tokimaru’s character as well.

The character feels more accepting of Ai’s choice in this scene as he doesn’t bring up her potential return to the village. This helps make his claims of concern feel more genuine. He seems to want what is best for her and perhaps trusts that she knows what that is. Despite his young age, he seems to have already learned that protecting her will be easier if they aren’t actively at odds.

With the girls still enjoying their day off, SHY Episode 16 cuts away from them to join Century (Wataru Hatano, Bubble), Stardust (Shin’ichirô Miki, Undead Murder Farce), and Pepesha (Mamiko Noto, Insomniacs After School)as they meet up to discuss recent events. While the three mull over the end goals of Amarariruku, the real purpose of this moment is to build up the interplay between the three heroes.

While the audience has only seen Century once before, it is quickly established that the trio are old friends. So much so that Century seems to have no problem plucking Stardust’s cigarette and Pepesha’s vodka from them and scolding them for their bad habits. The casual way Century interacts with his comrades at this moment and the way they willingly accept his intentions speaks to the familiarity they have with each other.

Jumping again, the narrative takes a detour to Tokyo, where we find Utsuro and two other Amarariruku agents atop a towering structure. After a brief exchange, Utsuro unsheathes her sword and uses it to encase a large portion of Tokyo in a black dome. We briefly see that within the dome, ordinary people are harshly affected by the event, apparently turning into some form of zombie-like creature. Needless to say, Unilord (Kikuko Inoue, Do It Yourself!!) is soon calling in the heroes to her base to discuss their options.

The basic plan quickly falls into place. One team, led by Century, will remain outside the dome to act as standbys to aid civilians or be on hand in case of any external problems. Meanwhile, another team, led by Teru, will infiltrate the dome to stop the villains and rescue the citizens trapped inside. Over Teru’s concerns about herself as a team leader, Unilord insists that she is the best choice due to her familiarity with the region and her experience fighting Amarariruku’s agents.

The remainder of SHY Episode 16 sees Teru struggle over who to select for her team. Her biggest aid in this endeavor is Lady Black (Sayumi Suzushiro, Bocchi the Rock). When Teru confides her concerns about her shortcomings to her fellow hero, Lady Black points out that if she has weaknesses, she should pick heroes that compliment them. By covering her weaknesses with others’ strengths, the team will round itself out. This observation points Teru in the right direction as she continues to overcome her initial fright at her new responsibility and prepare for their mission.

With a bit more encouragement, Teru finally settles on her infiltration team. Choosing Pepesha, Lady Black, and Ming Ming LI (Ayumu Murase, Ragna Crimson) for her team, and Unilord inviting Ai along as she suspects her blade Purity may help the team enter the dome, the team is set.

SHY Episode 16 balances character exploration with narrative well. As the cast continues to get fleshed out, the narrative is set to see its next big beat play out. All that remains is to see if the series can deliver a solid payoff.

SHY Episode 16 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.