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Real Bout High School Vol. 4

The final disc of Real Bout High School comes around, and it’s time to start explaining all of these ominous periphery characters and explain the background of Keiichiro. The presentation on this disc does show a modest drop from previous discs, as the usual animation phenomenon of the “B-team” becomes involved – the edges aren’t as sharp, some colors are muted, and from frame-to-frame there is some color bleeding. It’s not a drastic effect, but it is noticeable.

Episode 11: A Maiden’s Way

The obligatory recap episode, this episode features a variety of battle sequence recaps up to this point. The episode begins by displaying the state of mind of Ryoko by having her unable to complete her “kata” against straw striking dummies – her sensei takes her aside and helps her analyze the growth that she’s achieved, especially since she’s started working with him. The second half shifts the episode to the perspective of Shizuma, especially his hard to grasp relationship with Ryoko. The background of Keiichiro is finally discussed as Ryoko’s sensei admits that he was a former student before he traveled the path of chaos, however, his fighting style since has drifted significantly from the Hiten-style that Ryoko has learned. In order for Ryoko to completely master the Hiten-style of combat, she must be willing to kill, something that she cannot do. The end result of the introspective look at the series is that her sensei believes that it is best for Ryoko to leave the dojo and find her own path, as her techniques have suffered with her state of mind.

Episode 12: Final Battle in the Arena

The next to last episode starts with Ryoko shirking most of her duties to her clubs (the drama club and kendo club) and avoiding her friends while she remains torn in her mind. After a workout in the forest, Ryoko rediscovers her calm and focus, and returns to practice for the school play. Meanwhile, the action is intercut with the movements of Setsura, Akitataka, and Nanase (from episode 2 and a few later appearances) who have been battling Mafia members in the city 

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streets – the sheer numbers of Mafia members suggests that something big is going to happen with Gates (the former opponent of Keiichiro who is a Mafioso leader). All of this action is leading into the large school festival with the highlight of the school play featuring Ryoko and Tetsuya. The play is progressing nicely until a beam of energy invades the school gym and Gates appears; as a demon none the less. Compounding the problem is the fact that all of the Mafia members around the city have also taken this time to convert their forms from human to demonic.

Episode 13: A Battle Against Fate

With the abundance of opponents, all of the K-fighters are cutting loose trying to stem the amount of damage to the school and injuries to bystanders. A final battle against Gates is starting with Ryoko, Shizuma, and Keiichiro aligning against the demon. To say more would give away too much… so I’ll stop here.

The final disc of Real Bout High School allowed for closure of the series, however, the final discs’ tone was much different that those previous discs, especially with the final demonic element. Some will find this displeasing; others will find it either intriguing or the obvious conclusion with the previous blend of mysticism with combat. Keep your eyes out for this disc, or the box set of the series due out in late June/early July (which is cheaper to pick up than the individual discs).

- Tazman

(July 6, 2003)

Related Links:

Anime: Real Bout High School Vol 2. (DVD)

Anime: Real Bout High School Vol 3. (DVD)

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