It is very different than what I initially expected but, especially after episode 2, I do like this series. I expected to see a comedy about a guy trying to become a ninja or stuff like that when I first heard the title. Now, while we probably will still get some of that, I found a lot more in this series. So Shinobi no Ittoki has potential and I really hope that it does not waste it.
So welcome back to another one of my “first impressions” articles. Today we are talking about Shinobi no Ittoki. I am actually glad that I waited to see the second episode before commenting on this series. I just completed that episode and it really helped me shape my views on the series. So let’s get started.
What do I think of Shinobi no Ittoki so far?
As I said earlier, Shinobi no Ittoki has potential. This becomes very apparent when seeing Ittoki’s reaction to his mother’s situation in the second episode. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me establish a bit of background for the series.
Shinobi no Ittoki is basically the Iga/Koga ninja rivalry/war reimagined in the modern day. The ninjas wear modern suits with optical camouflage rather than using supernatural abilities or stuff like that. In the center of all this clan drama is Ittoki, an average high-schooler who has no idea that he comes from a long line of ninjas. One day, some stuff I won’t spoil happens and he is basically given the choice “become a ninja or die”.
Unfair right? Being told to give up on whatever you dreamed of and leave your old life to become a ninja. Ittoki thought the same thing but then he heard about his mother. and realizes that he cannot leave her alone. It is a very small thing but, it helps give his character some more depth. This scene and the post-credits scene really sold episode 2 to me. It was this episode that convinced me that this series has potential.
A quick note on animations, Shinobi no Ittoki has really good animations. The fights look really good, and the art direction is really well handled. I dig the character design too. As for the OSTs, the BGM is quite alright and so is the opening theme. What stood out to me though, was the ending theme. I really like that song, I’ll go and add it to my Spotify playlist after this.
Hearing Tsuda Kenjiro’s manly voice always makes me happy!
Conclusion
A week ago, I would’ve chalked Shinobi no Ittoki as a simple comedy but it looks to be more than that and I am all for it. I really hope the series goes on like this and doesn’t lean into the comedy territory more than necessary. Let me know what you guys thought in the comments though. I look forward to seeing more of this series. With that said, I will take my leave here. Gonna go play some FFIV. See ya!!
