夜桜さんちの大作戦 第2期

I guess it was inevitable that if Taiyo was going to have to face his older siblings to become a Silver Rank Spy, the "final boss" was going to be Kyoichiro. But his test is deceptively pleasant. Not fighting, Kyoichiro has nothing to really test or teach anyone...just whether they can listen his questions via Morse Thread and survive without getting thrown off by their exposed secrets. Like Usa wearing woolen shorts! One guy being a cross-dresser! Jianshi lady making a love letter out of spy code! Aaaannd they're out! Despite all the episodes of Kyoichiro acting like Taiyo was the scum of the Earth, deep down he IS protective over both Taiyo and Mutusmi and cares about him...and the only way he can show that now is by failing Taiyo and protecting him, especially when he figured out the whole Tsubomi thing. But Taiyo's not going to give up! He has everything he's learned from his siblings! Everything he's gained in his life as a spy! All coming together to challenge Kyoichiro in a brawl of brothers! But even that might not be enough. Next thing you know Tsubomi Yozakura is showing up to give Taiyo a massive power boost, albeit one that leaves him in danger of becoming overwhelmed by cherry blossoms if he can't control it, but it's enough to let him use the Yozakura Families' ancient arts! And with Mutusmi's inspiration words spurring him on, Taiyo charges at Kyoichiro! Could Taiyo full pierce through Kyoichiro's threads? No, but he did enough to be acknowledged by Kyoichiro and earn his Silver License! And Kyoichiro even said he'd be willing to entrust protecting Mutsumi to Taiyo...eventually. Usa got her photo scoop! That's the only reason she was participating, so good for her. Look at the entire family cheering Taiyo's victory on (even if Futaba does not appreciate being spun by Shinzo)! Mutsumi was waiting eagerly by the phone the whole time to hear about Taiyo! They made a giant cake! But Taiyo getting his license comes none too soon...as Momo Yozakura is making his move!

It's nice to see Taiyou finally pass the exam, I really like how all the siblings were a part of bringing Taiyou to this point and Kyouichirou highlights that. I also liked the leniency Kyouichirou showed in respect to Taiyou's efforts, maybe not leniency, but he could have been more ruthless if he wanted to by letting Taiyou fall in the end, if he really didn't approve of his methods.  I do like that he said he'll allow Taiyou to protect Mutsumi in his own way if he works on controlling his power, I think we needed to see this clash of the brothers and there's a certain warmth to how it was handled. I particularly liked that Kyouichirou said that he was protecting Mutsumi AND Taiyou.

Taiyou came such a long way from the first episode to now. I mean seriously, he couldn't even touch Kyouichiruo, but now he is able to hold his own and last against him. His character development is amazing! The silver rank test arc was so good. So happy he passed, it was predictable but it was still a great watch. AND he is able to use his bloom technique when he needs to and somewhat control it. Can't wait to see what he can do when he fully masters it