Ep 12. The Fighting Puppet

The show Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino is an anime series which follows the story of a young girl named Henrietta, who is a "cyborg" with enhanced physical capabilities, and her fellow "cyborg" girls as they work as assassins for a secret government agency in Italy. In season 1 episode 12, entitled "The Fighting Puppet," Henrietta and her handler Jose are tasked with assassinating a wealthy businessman who is involved in illegal arms dealing. However, things quickly become complicated when they encounter the businessman's bodyguard, a skilled fighter who possesses the ability to manipulate marionettes with deadly accuracy.

As Henrietta and Jose begin their mission, they quickly discover that the businessman is heavily guarded and surrounded by loyal followers. After some reconnaissance, they identify the bodyguard as the biggest obstacle and begin tailing him in order to gain more information about his combat techniques. While stalking him, Henrietta discovers that the bodyguard is not only skilled in traditional hand-to-hand combat, but also in the art of puppetry, which he employs during fights for added advantage.

Meanwhile, the other girls of the agency are assigned various tasks in support of Henrietta and Jose's mission. One of the girls, Rico, is sent to divert the attention of the businessman's guards by posing as a wealthy socialite, while other girls provide eyes in the sky by surveying the area via drones. Despite having limited time and resources, the team works diligently to gather as much information as possible, while also preparing for a possible confrontation with the bodyguard.

Finally, the day of the assassination arrives and Henrietta and Jose make their way to the businessman's estate. However, despite their careful planning, they find themselves at a disadvantage as the bodyguard proves to be a formidable opponent. Using his marionettes, he is able to control the flow of the battle, leaving Henrietta and Jose vulnerable to his attacks. However, Henrietta is able to keep a cool head and remembers the combat techniques she studied while stalking her opponent.

Using her enhanced strength and agility, Henrietta manages to neutralize the bodyguard's marionettes and engage him in a close-quarters battle. Despite his best efforts, the bodyguard is unable to match Henrietta's physical capabilities and ultimately meets his demise. In the end, Henrietta and Jose successfully complete their mission and return to the agency headquarters, but not without facing some emotional and physical scars.

Overall, season 1 episode 12 of Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino offers a thrilling and action-packed story filled with captivating characters and complex combat maneuvers. The episode showcases the agency's ability to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious, underlining the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of danger.