Hinomaru Sumo Season 1 Episode 3 The Kusanagi Sword

Haruichi Furudate's Hinomaru Sumo (Simuldub) is a sports anime that showcases the trials and tribulations of high-school sumo wrestlers. In season 1 episode 3, titled The Kusanagi Sword, the viewers get a glimpse of the inner workings of the sumo world and the various legends associated with it.

The episode starts with Hinomaru Ushio, the protagonist of the show, and his teammates preparing for an upcoming tournament. As they gear up, Hinomaru reminisces about his past and how his grandfather - a sumo wrestler himself - inspired him to take up the sport. It's evident from this flashback sequence that Hinomaru comes from a family that holds sumo in high regard, and he takes immense pride in representing their legacy.

As they reach the tournament venue, they meet a legendary wrestler named Kusanagi, who's known for his incredible strength and technique. Hinomaru's coach encourages him to observe Kusanagi's technique and learn from it, but Hinomaru remains unimpressed and declares that he'll defeat Kusanagi in the ring.

The tournament begins, and Hinomaru's team progresses through the rounds with ease, winning every match comprehensively. However, as they're about to face Kusanagi's team, Hinomaru is informed that Kusanagi has withdrawn from the competition due to an injury.

Hinomaru is disappointed that he won't get a chance to test his skills against Kusanagi, but his teammates suggest that they visit Kusanagi's stable and learn from the master himself. They arrive at the stable, but find it empty and abandoned, except for an old man sweeping the floor.

It's here that the viewers are introduced to the legend of the Kusanagi sword - a mythical artifact that's said to be a symbol of the sumo world's power and glory. The old man reveals that Kusanagi was the last person to have wielded the sword, and he had entrusted it to the stable's master before disappearing into obscurity.

As the team sifts through the old man's stories, they gather that the Kusanagi sword is more than just a weapon - it represents the sumo spirit, the indomitable will to win, and the courage to never give up. Enthralled by the legend, Hinomaru and his friends decide to embark on a search for the sword, hoping to uncover its mysteries and take on the best wrestlers on the circuit.

The rest of the episode follows the team's journey through the city, as they navigate various obstacles and overcome them with their wit and determination. Along the way, they encounter many interesting characters - including a baker who specializes in making sumo-themed pastries, and a group of street performers who help them decipher a cryptic clue.

As the team finally reaches their destination, they find themselves facing a formidable opponent - a wrestler who's been using an illegally weighted belt to boost his strength. In a thrilling showdown, Hinomaru and his teammate Chihiro use all the skills they've learned so far to overpower the opponent and win the match.

The episode ends on a high note, with the team returning home, exhausted but elated, and resolving to continue their quest for the Kusanagi sword. Hinomaru's coach congratulates them on their triumph, but reminds them that the journey ahead will only get harder from here. However, Hinomaru and his friends remain undaunted, knowing that they have the sumo spirit on their side.

Overall, The Kusanagi Sword is a great episode that showcases the show's unique blend of action, drama, and humor. It's a perfect introduction to the sumo world and its various legends, and sets the stage for some great matches and character development in the episodes ahead.