Ya Boy Kongming “Kongming Freestylin” Review
Ya Boy Kongming “Kongming Freestylin” is the sixth episode of the Paripi Koumei anime. Following Kabetaijin’s decision to go to the BB Lounge at the end of episode 5. Kabetaijin observes a rap battle at the BB Lounge, and considers leaving until he hears Eiko sing a song that reminds of the time he first discovered rap, where he overcame his social anxiety by joining a small rapping group. Over time, Kabetaijin grew more skilled as rapping came more naturally to him, culminating in him becoming a championship rapper. Kongming then appears on stage and catches Kabetaijin trying to leave, and once again issues a challenge to him. Kabetaijin is goaded into accepting and two get into a heated rap battle that Sekitoba comes to witness. During the battle, Kabetaijin’s passion for rap is revived and he uses his skills to completely overwhelm Kongming, who admits defeat. Sekitoba leaves satisfied to see his rival return to rapping. Afterwards, Kongming asks Kabetaijin about his wish, but he replies that his wish of coming back to rap has already been granted. However, he decides to join Kongming’s band anyways. Unbeknownst to everyone, Kongming had manipulated the entire situation, using a spy to figure out Kabetaijin’s favourite song and sneaking a stomach medicine into Kabetaijin’s drink. He then recites one of his stratagems, where the best way to get the enemy to move to you is to entice them with something beneficial to them.
Kabe’s Strength
I already loved Kabetaijin from his appearance last episode but damn if he’s not one of my favourites in the entire show now. Hearing about the reasons why he got sick and the reason why he gave up rap wasn’t surprising but the reason why he started it was. I assumed his awkwardness came from stage fright but he apparently was always really bad at talking to people and that got him isolated pretty drastically, finding out that rap was his voice essentially and that he’d willingly given it up made sense but also made his tragic consequences even worse. Thankfully, as assumed this episode ends with a happy ending. What I can’t wait to see now is the Eiko and Kabetaijin collaboration.
