Using the "mandated by law" beach episode as a flimsy reason to have the entire crew go on vacation together (Ryoko, Shizuma, Azumi, Hitomi, Daisaku, as well as pretty much everyone from the school). It serves as a perfect excuse to put all of the girls in their swimwear (ahh… fan service) and let all of the men flex their bodies for no apparent reason (female fan service). On to the story – while at the beach, the crew decides to go check out a nearby island… a reportedly haunted one. When they arrive, they discover an abandoned boat and an ongoing struggle. The struggle is between Akitaka, Setsura, and Nanase (the team that tried to attack Shizuma from the last disc) and a group of pistol-packing men led by the mysterious blonde women (who has appeared a few times before). Although the team helps the trio easily, once Ryoko and Azumi start arguing they quickly become surrounded. Thank the gods for an appearance by Keiichiro… who thankfully begins to explain all of the other dimension happenings as well as the people pulling the strings.

approaches Akira, he taunts her by flipping up her skirt (gratuitous panty shot) and then taking off while leaving some guards to fight her. Now royally teed off, Ryoko is storming after Akira through the corporate building that he’s holed up in. Now increase the confusion by introducing the VP of the corporation who is planning a takeover but needs the location of the companies’ titles (which for some inexplicable reason is on the backs of Akira and Rumi). After getting Ryoko, Azumi, Shizuma (with his posse), and Nanase wet during a storming of the headquarters, they have to change clothes - into Magical Oyster Lulu outfits. This episode is truly insane and hilarious with the Sentai-themed (Power Ranger style live-action show) battle.

Episode 10 – The Awakening of Love

It’s time for another cliché-based episode with the obligatory school festival episode. This time Ryoko is working a part in the school play with Tetsuya. The lovely Shiori, a childhood friend of Tetsuya, is directing the play. After a few awkward moments where Ryoko tries to be around Tetsuya, only to have his thoughts being elsewhere, Ryoko becomes depressed and decides that there is no chance of a relationship. In her miserable mood, she runs across Shizuma (who never backs down or correctly reads a situation) and ends up in a K-Fight. This is one of the more introspective episodes, and finally allows Ryoko to demonstrate that she is more of a pro-active personality than she has shown in previous episodes.

All in all, Real Bout Highschool is a strong series that I continue to look forward to.

- Tazman

What kind of superhero loses his power with a cup of hot coffee in the crotch? ... That's all I have now. - Reducto (Harvey Birdman)