Action Heroine Cheer Fruits Episode 9: Lingering Shadow

Thought this episode was going to be a Part 2 of Genki but instead someone else got the spotlight. Let’s find out who it was.

Roko signing an autograph.

We got a flashback of Misaki losing at the finals due to spraining her ankle from the looks of it and how Roko tried consoling her. She then invited her to dominate the Doubles Division but Misaki said she’s reached her limit as a tennis player, choosing instead to be the team manager/supporter. Roko didn’t like seeing her girlfriend holding herself back but she respected her wishes.

Misaki and Roko having had an argument.

During a meeting for the upcoming “fireworks surprise” episode Mikan brought up wanting to add an extra layer to the episode besides the fireworks finish. She (and then the others) wanted Misaki to join the cast as the “Sixth Ranger” essentially. Misaki refused, much to Roko’s dismay. Having had enough of seeing her beloved hold herself back she got into an argument with her that could be summed up as “Stop making excuses and running away from opportunities that you’re more than capable of pulling off.” Misaki took offense to Roko accusing her of being a coward and ran off. Roko too felt she went a bit too far. In a way Roko was pushing her own dream of sharing the spotlight with the one she loves.

Roko hesitating for a second.

The day of the big show had arrived. While Misaki and Roko were still a bit on edge they did their best to move onward.

Medica Red vs Deep Purple.

I’m not going to go into full detail on the Hina-Nectar episode but I will say it’s really cool seeing how far our heroines had come. For a while they were putting on one heck of a show.

Misaki getting a call about a rain delay.

Suddenly what the girls tried hard to prevent from happening with the numerous teru-teru bozu happened after all as it began raining. The fireworks crew called Misaki to tell her they’d have to postpone them for 10 minutes.

Roko tripping in a puddle.

Our heroines were told to improvise for the time being. It wasn’t easy because unlike shounen anime that can get away with prolonged fight scenes that wasn’t the case here. Roko was about to go for a big move when she tripped in a puddle. Things were looking pretty bad.

Pinky and the Silver-White Warrior, Platinum.

Misaki made her official debut on the show as the space-time traveling, Silver-White Warrior, Platinum! So rather than the “Sixth Ranger” she’s more of the “ally who prefers being a lone wolf for a while before eventually befriending the heroes”. Cool.

Hatsuri living the dream.

Hatsuri, being the professional performer that she was, successfully found a way to connect Platinum’s role in the Hina-Nectar story, fill up the remaining 3 minutes AND live the dream at the same time. Incredible!

The grand finale.

In the end the day was saved and the audience went home happy.

Roko and Misaki making up.

Good stuff. See you next time.