Ep 23. Sentiments for the Remaining Flower

Noir season 1 episode 23, "Sentiments for the Remaining Flower," follows the assassin duo Mireille and Kirika as they continue their search for the truth behind their pasts and the shady organization known as Les Soldats. The episode begins with the pair on a train, with Mireille expressing her concerns about Les Soldats and Kirika's past and questioning if they will ever be able to find the answers they are looking for.

Their mission takes them to a small village in France, where they are tasked with assassinating a man named Caluna, who is said to be the leader of a group of criminals known as the Francaise 79. However, upon arrival, they discover that Caluna is actually a woman, and that she is not the ruthless criminal mastermind they were led to believe.

As they try to unravel the true motives of those who hired them, Mireille and Kirika find themselves drawn to Caluna, who seems to have a tragic past of her own. Along the way, they also encounter a young girl named Lilia, who becomes caught up in their dangerous game of cat and mouse.

As the episode unfolds, Mireille and Kirika are forced to confront their own inner demons as they navigate a complex web of lies and half-truths in order to uncover the truth. Along the way, they also come to realize the value of the connections they have forged with each other, and with the people they meet on their journey.

The episode is notable for its poignant exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and the human cost of violence. It also features some of the most visually striking and emotionally resonant scenes of the series, including an extended sequence in which Mireille and Kirika attend a community festival and confront the dark shadows of their pasts amid the dancing and revelry.

Overall, "Sentiments for the Remaining Flower" is a standout episode of an already exceptional series. It showcases the strengths of Noir's storytelling, characters, and animation, and provides a satisfying payoff for the long journey of self-discovery that Mireille and Kirika have been on since the series began. Whether you're a fan of action, drama, or just great storytelling, this episode is not to be missed.