Shy – Season 2 Episode 8 Recap & Review

A Nice Guy

Episode 8 of Shy Season 2 begins with Stardust confronting Stigma and Quabala. The reporter lady Stigma tormented begs for Stardust’s help. Stigma taunts Stardust, telling him he’ll need to cut the woman’s finger off if Stardust hopes to remove Stigma’s ring on her finger. Stardust easily removes the ring and explains how he discovered this alternative solution.  

After Stardust sends the woman away, Stigma orders Quabala to fight Stardust. Stardust defeats Quabala and walks toward Stigma. Stardust lays several blows on Stigma, pushing him back. Stigma rambles about people’s hearts and Quabala appears behind Stardust. Then, shards pop out of Stardust’s body, as he hears people calling out to him. 

Quabala explains her abilities to Stardust and Stigma attempts to depart with her. Stardust slams Quabala to the ground but receives damage in return. Quabala tells Stardust she possessed him, so if he hurts her he’ll also hurt himself. Moreover, Quabala says the more fear Stardust has the stronger she becomes. 

Although Stigma tries hampering Stardust’s morale, Stardust refuses to back down. Stardust knocks Quabala out and Quabala falls into Stigma’s arms. Stardust performs a new star-themed attack on Stigma and Quabala. He declares he wants to be the nicest guy in the world. Stigma loses a chunk of his face but isn’t down for the count. 

Stigma tells Stardust he’s a dreamer and explains how this black orb Utsuro summoned will assist him in his new plan. He wants everyone to become a part of Amarariruku and one with Stigma’s heart. Stigma tells Stardust he wants everyone to become children and departs the area with Quabala. 

Stardust calls Adam and tells him he wants to report his findings to Teru. Adam and Shrimpy tell Stardust it’s too dangerous to enter the black orb. Then, Tokimaru arrives and tells Stardust he’ll join the black orb and tell the girls. Then, we return to following Utsuro, Ai, and Teru. Ai doesn’t think Utsuro has the will to kill people. 

Utsuro tells Ai she has killed many people before and that it’s foolish that Ai perceives her and other shinobi as pure people. Ai rushes at Utsuro and tries attacking her. She argues this isn’t the little sister she grew up with. Utsuro uses a tactic from their childhood, reminding Ai that Utsuro is Mai. 

Ai and Utsuro discuss Utsuro’s change of heart, with Utsuro telling Ai she’s always been like this. Teru, Ai, and Utsuro fight. Utsuro stabs Teru in the arm with Nihil, Utsuro’s sword. Utsuro warns Ai that she’ll cut off Teru’s arm if Ai moves. They all discuss Utsuro’s heart and Teru notices Utsuro’s shedding tears. 

Utsuro removes Nihil from Teru’s arm and backs away. Ai falls to her knees and we receive a flashback. In it, Ai’s master tells Ai that he sent people after Utsuro. Ai’s not happy with this decision but her master reminds her of their policies for shinobi like Utsuro who lost their way. Utsuro tries attacking Ai and Teru jumps in front of Ai. 

Teru takes the blow and falls into Ai’s arms. Ai asks Utsuro to stop and argues the villagers will accept her. Utsuro summons several katanas of the warriors who tried to assassinate her. She tells Ai that she has no family to return to. Left with no choice, Ai tells Utsuro she won’t be holding back. Ai stabs Utsuro in the chest with Purity, Ai’s sword. 

Utsuro thanks Ai and the two fuse into one being. The episode ends with this fused warrior looking at Teru.

The Episode Review

Unlike previous battles with our heroes and villains, this chapter contained less talk and more action to some extent. This will appeal to the Shy fandom who want to see heroes like Teru, Stardust, and others use their heroic abilities to knock some sense into their adversaries.

Speaking of Stardust, it’s neat that we got to see more of his character. He was sidelined for most of Season 1 since that season centered around Teru’s growth and the subplot surrounding Pepesha and Tzveta. After the thrashing he gave Teru during their training session in Season 1, many wondered what would happen if he encountered someone like Stigma or other Amarariruku members. 

This episode gave fans just that; we’re certain they’ll be satisfied. Unfortunately, it appears Stigma might be all talk and less bark. However, it’s great that this chapter highlighted Stigma’s goals more. While he’s no Makima (Chainsaw Man) or Johan Libert (Monster), he might be holding something significant back, power-wise. We’ll have to wait and see there.

Next to having a baffling yet interesting fusion development occur between Ai and Utsuro, this was an entertaining episode of Shy Season 2.