This episode begins what can be considered the only real story arc, and touches upon the main issue of the series – the inherent folly in using adolescent children as killing machines. Not because they aren’t any good at it, but because they are still emotionally fragile and unstable, which can be problematic to say the least.
Anyways, we are introduced to a new gunslinger, Elsa, who refuses to associate with the others, and serves her partner with a single-mindedness that borders on obsession (which is probably caused by the “mind reconditioning” that was done to her). Her partner is a real asshole though, as he doesn’t really take care of her. In a way, even the ice-cold Jean is a better partner, since he at least ensures that Rico is in top condition, like a hunter maintaining his weapons.
This is put into sharp contrast with Jose and Henrietta’s relationship, as Jose treats her like his own daughter, and refuses to have any more mind conditioning/brainwashing performed on her. When Jose and Jean team up for a mission, Elsa finally realizes how crappy her life is, compared to Henrietta’s.
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Ender – who has written 219 posts on Sea Slugs! Anime Blog.
One of the original founders, and the first to attempt a coups d'état.
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