Don't forget to use the spoiler title

One of the best episodes yet. I thought they did a very good job of Teoro's death scene, had me getting a little teary-eyed even. You see all of his friends with him in that scene, and it's not until later that you find out that indeed everyone died. And if that wasn't enough, this episode also introduces us to Touka and Orikakan.

don't touka and orikakan get like 3 minute cameos?

I thought that whole scene with Sopoku and Teoro and the cherry blossoms was very well done and brings out one of the advantages of an animated adaptation. Touka's face just looks funny to me, though, and her voice sounds a bit funny but I can see where they are coming with that. Looking forward to the next episode with more Touka goodness.

Why they calling Hakuoro Rakushain? Just who is this Rakushain? PM me if you're afraid of spoiling other people

nooooooo oji-sannnnnnnnn

T.T

Is Touka meant to be an interesting character? She's loosing marks in my books for what she's done so far (that is, if she's the one responsible for the destruction of you know where.

In simpler terms, as far as I can tell, no, she isn't responsible. Her character wouldn't allow for it.

Hmm, Teoro's death scene was touching and all, but I thought it felt a bit awkward to see him suddenly bleed profusely while before he looked perfectly healthy. As if he was able to hold back his own blood the whole time or something...

And I was expecting a bit more of Touka's first appearance, but I guess we'll be seeing much more of her in the next episode. :) I did like how Karura blocked Touko's charge towards Hakuro, though her 「ちょうど退屈してたところですの」 could have used a bit more flair imo.

All in all not a bad episode, but it lacks the 'umpf' I expected this episode to have. The CG scenes look rather awkward and the battles all look pretty much the same to me, there's no real excitement there. I hope Touko will be showing us some better fights next episode. I also wonder whether the animators and voice actress of Touka will manage to catch her 'cute' side as well (people who have played the game should know what I mean ;)).