Episode 2: ERROR
Shiro returns and discussions begin on how to handle the Pirates’ declaration of war. Shiro decides that they will enter Pirate territory and initiate talks. Upon meeting Captain Pico, Shiro requests that the declaration of war be rescinded. Captain Pico demands all of their dungeons and Twilight Hill. When they don’t agree, she gives one final offer. She wants Ichi. Refusing to give up Ichi, Shiro accepts the declaration of war and retaliates with his special move, Explosive Fist.
As Shiro and his sons begin to retreat, Captain Pico shouts to Ichi and brings up their past exposing Ichi’s emo-angsty teen past. Pico discloses that she started the Pirates for Ichi and that he should join them. However, Shiro questions her whether she has seen Ichi’s smile. She hasn’t. So Shiro explains while they may have been friends in the past, Ichi is a different person.
Back at Twilight Hill, the Akabane family are bolstering their defenses. Ichi and AAAAA are putting up barrier boosters. Ichi tells AAAAA he’s the weakest link because he doesn’t take things seriously and AAAAA mentions he dislikes NEETs and shut-ins. Ichi quickly logs out.
In the real world, Taichiro (Ichi) hasn’t eaten for three days so he goes to the kitchen to see if there is any food. As Taichiro is browsing the fridge, his younger brother, Asuma (AAAAA) comes out and tells him if he got a job, he wouldn’t be hungry. Despite the comment, Asuma cooks him omurice.
Taichiro’s negative mindset is apparent. Asuma tries to convince Taichiro to go outside and perhaps go shopping. The entire time, Taichiro sees Asuma looking down at him.
Taichiro logs back into the game to find Shiro and May defeating 50 pirate battleships. Shiro and May did not accomplish the task alone. Members of the guild Granada helped the Akabane family. The Granada guild and the Akabane family have a trading relationship that Granada wants to protect. When they return to the house, they find it in shambles.
Granada visits Captain Pico and asks to call off the war. While at it, they made sure to point out the pirates are not a welcomed part of the game. Granada apparently has a plan that they’re not sharing with either Captain Pico or the Akabane family.
As the Akabane family looks at the rubble of their home, the Black Bird appears.
THOUGHTS
I feel sad for Taichiro/Ichi. It is apparent that he has major mental issues. He is always walking on pins and needles and is quick to feel attacked. It is apparent that Asuma/AAAAA despises his older brother, but he still makes an effort to suggest that Taichiro go out and even cooks him dinner. It is troubling that such a broken family doesn’t seek mental health. I wonder if this is a social commentary on the taboo of mental health care. Taichiro would rather live as a hikikomori than get the mental health help he needs.
I am also surprised that the fabled Black Bird makes an appearance so soon in the story. I’m looking forward to what the Akabane family has in store.
Also, what’s up with Granada? Are they playing both sides? It will be interesting to find out.
Filthy Casual for Life 
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