Key findings

• The clash between Akane and Kana comes to a head in Tokyo Blade, with Aqua’s surprise support playing a crucial role in the stage play.
• Kana’s past struggles and hidden talents come to light, allowing her to finally break free and shine on stage with Aqua’s help.
• Aqua’s determination and personal feud take center stage as the show becomes a battle of emotions and inner conflict.

The following contains spoilers for Oshi no Ko season 2 episode 8, “Trigger,” now streaming on HiDive.

The drama between Akane and Kana continues as the battle between the Shinjuku and Shibuya factions rages on. Tokyo Blade Stage play. Akane fails to get Kana to put aside her reservations and act the way she wants, but Aqua has his own plan to make Kana shine. After that, it’s soon Aqua’s turn to show off his skills, although to do so he’ll have to take a different path than any other actor he’s met.

The latest episode of Oshi no Ko delves further into the psychology of the various Tokyo Blade cast, with Kana and Aqua taking center stage. While the psychological exploration is very interesting, the way it blends with the incredibly striking imagery of the stage play is incredibly artful, making this episode one that no fan should miss.

Blade vs Touki

A battle of fire and ice

“Kurokawa is on a roll and if this continues, she will devour us.”

As the stage play continues, the battle between Shinjuku and Shibuya rages on. As the fighting continues around them, Kana secretly admires Akane’s impressive performance and hides her regret deep in her heart. Backstage, Himekawa asks Kana if she should have put more energy into her acting, but Kana gives him the same excuse: it was more important to keep the play together. Kana notices Himekawa reading his script, and he explains that he plans to improvise to avoid being exposed by Aqua and Akane. Kana initially objects, but eventually gives in to Himekawa’s fighting spirit.

The battle continues, and as the fighting begins to dissipate, the play focuses on the fight between Blade and Touki. Aqua notices that Himekawa’s performance is full of energy and emotion, so he responds with a performance that is the exact opposite, letting the contrast highlight his performance against the veteran actor. As their fight continues, Tsurugi interrupts and tries to escape her fight with Princess Saya. When Princess Saya tries to hit Tsurugi from behind, Blade calls out to Tsurugi and begins the improvisation.

The real Kana Arima

Loosen the shackles of the soul

“Aqua, it’s your fault! You always drive me crazy!”

Blade blocks Saya’s attack and knocks Tsurugi back, sending her flying into Aqua. Before Kana can tell Aqua what to do, he starts an impromptu little conversation with Tsurugi that both fits her role and moves the story forward. When Kana realizes that Aqua is just as good at supporting others as she is at supporting them, she realizes that he is subtly giving her the opportunity to let go for the first time in years. Even though she doesn’t say a word outside of her roles, Aqua gives Kana that feeling of support, allowing her to abandon her role as supporter and take center stage.

Kana remembers her past and how her mother, who wanted to be an actress herself, eventually placed her hopes and dreams in Kana. Thanks to Kana’s success, her mother was able to be a part of the entertainment world she always dreamed of, and Kana was happy to see her mother happy. However, as her popularity waned, Kana’s mother desperately tried to maintain her success, at the expense of her relationship with her daughter and husband. Kana, desperate to stay in the entertainment world, chose to work from the sidelines to allow others to have their moment, believing that this would keep her position. For the first time, however, Aqua offers her the same, and after some quiet encouragement, Kana decides to let go once and for all.

Aqua’s Determination

His own acting style

Kana’s performance completely impresses the audience. Her charisma and energy effortlessly draw attention. Kaburagi is amazed that her skills have not diminished over the years, while Akane is overjoyed to see the Kana-chan she has always admired again.

I don’t need anything else. For me, action is synonymous with revenge!

The scene continues, with Tsurugi in the center, knocking the sword out of Touki’s hand. But before Blade can deliver the final blow, Princess Saya protects Touki with her body. As she slowly bleeds to death, Blade tells Touki to pick up his sword and fight. Touki is unwilling, as he failed to protect his master, but Blade goads him, asking if there isn’t another reason why he should fight.

Aqua recalls his training with Principal Gotanda, where he reveals that he knew Ai was his real mother. Gotanda recommends that Aqua go to therapy, but Aqua reiterates that he only cares about getting revenge for Ai. With no other choice, Gotanda tells Aqua that he can only give a truly emotional performance when he stops enjoying acting, as this is what triggers his panic attacks.