Petals of Reincarnation Episode 2 Review: Sick Cameos With Clean Execution

Credit: BENTEN Film

While the first episode roughly introduced us to the power system of Petals of Reincarnation, I must say, I was not prepared for it to hit this hard right in the next episode. Well, where do I even begin? There was a lot to take in in today’s episode!

The episode kicked off quite casually, however. As Touya wakes up the next morning after the events in Episode 1, Neumann assigns him his first mission with Haito. The goal was to help him gain experience as a newbie Returner. But you know what? That’s not even important right now. Cause what came right after was simply phenomenal!

Newton, Einstein & Other Greats Join the Main Cast

Sure, the inclusion of Sinners like John Wayne Gacy, Edward Gein was cool and all, but who came to defeat them? Einstein and Newton in the flesh! Along with them, there were also other Greats like H. Driesch, Hiroshi Funasaka, and P. Nightingale, who showed up in Episode 2.

Now, if you ask me, each of their cameo was absolutely wild. While I knew from the trailer that some of them were to be introduced, the way their cameos were executed was simply awesome. I mean, a little questionable, of course, but still passes the vibe-check.

But, guess what’s most unique about these legendary figures as shown in the anime? It is their uncanny appearances! Newton doesn’t even have a human head, which is replaced by an apple! Einstein is turned into a bishoujo character. And Nightingale is a hot nurse!

So far, everything was going well. But then an issue arises! Not with the episode, but for our boy, Touya. Apparently, Einstein doesn’t approve of Touya as a part of the Greats yet. His powers are too evil to be a part of them, as Einstein claims. Newton, on the other hand, has no objections to it. Finally, Haito convinces Ein to accept Touya as one of the Greats.

The Way Kitazuka Shames Touya’s Selfish Decisions

Touya Senji as seen in a still from Petals of Reincarnation Episode 2 | Credits: BENTEN Film

Following the grand meet-up, Touya returns to his apartment with Haito. But someone was already waiting for him in his room! Since it could be a secret assassination sent by the Sinners, the two approached cautiously toward Touya’s room.

But, it turns out that it was a friend of Touya’s elder brother, Itsuki Kitazuka! In the previous episode, we already noticed Touya’s piercing hatred of his elder brother, Seiya. Thus, Kitazuka’s presence also didn’t quite sit well with him this time around.

However, one good thing came out of this interaction. We got to learn a little bit about Haito’s past. Like, how she was adopted as a kid, and is a successor of Musashi’s blood. That’s precisely why she possesses great sword skills. But did it help her at all?

Kitazuka decapitates Haito within seconds. He even despised Touya for relying on the power of the Branch of Reincarnation. He claims that this power further proves how useless you are as a person if there weren’t any heroic figures in your bloodline. Well, he isn’t wrong, though!

Petals of Reincarnation Episode 2: Final Verdict

Touya and Haito from Petals of Reincarnation Episode 2 | Credits: BENTEN Film

Episode 2 leaves us with more questions, as expected. Like, what is Kitazuka’s real objective, and is he one of the Sinners? Will Touya be able to defeat Haito fairly and squarely, as he promises? Since it was such a packed episode, with many characters introduced and the stakes rising, I must give enough credit that it truly deserves.

Furthermore, I can’t help but sing praises of its opening theme song. Even the art style and animation throughout the episode are unique compared to regular anime standards. Also, Episode 2’s direction felt very streamlined, and despite the amount of information, it never felt overwhelming. So, overall, I’d have to rate it highly.

Petals of Reincarnation is currently streaming on HIDIVE.