Ep 10. Kuwabara: Awakening

As a Yu Yu Hakusho fan, it's all too common for fans to want to binge-watch the show. With Yōko Kurama and Hiei as favorites, it can be easy to overlook a character like Kazuma Kuwabara. However, the season 3 episode 10 of Yu Yu Hakusho is all about Kuwabara, and it's worth every bit of your time.

The episode begins with Yusuke and his friends heading towards the final battle with Team Toguro. They have one last chance to form a team of five to defeat the opponents, and with Kurama, Hiei, and Yusuke included, they need two more players. Kuwabara, who was away from the team, is contacted and brought back to offer his help. In the beginning, it's apparent that he is still bruised and battered from a previous fight, but he accepts the responsibility for the sake of his friends.

At the end of season two, Koenma had given Keiko and Botan a mission to find something called "The Orbs Of Baast," and it led them to an ancient underground temple. While Keiko and Botan are exploring the temple, they discover a weapon called the Meikai Shitouken, which is a sword that holds incredible power. Koenma, aware of its importance, immediately contacts Yusuke and tells him to retrieve the weapon, which could tip the scales in their favor for the final battle.

The weapon is locked away in a chamber that can only be opened by solving a puzzle. The puzzle is made up of four separate rooms that are all connected. Each room is a separate puzzle to be solved, and there are hidden traps within them. Yusuke and his team arrive at the temple, but it's up to Kuwabara to help them overcome the puzzles and get to the weapon.

Kuwabara is hesitant to help at first, still feeling the effects of his previous battle, but with encouragement from his friends, he agrees. Yusuke and the others enter the first puzzle room, which is a dark room filled with water. The door to the next room is behind a wall of water, but they quickly figure out that they need to use their spirit energy to illuminate the room and find the exit. Kuwabara leads the group with strength and determination, proving that he is still a valuable member of the team.

The second puzzle room appears to be straightforward, but it's not. The group must cross a bridge of sliding tiles, which begin to disappear as they make their way across. Kuwabara realizes that the tiles with small rocks on top of them are safe to stand on, and the group uses this information to navigate the path. The third room is a straight path with an invisible force trying to push them back, which Kuwabara figures out is a wind trap.

The fourth room is the final puzzle room, and it's the most difficult. The room is filled with darkness, obstacles, and deadly traps. Kuwabara is the first to enter, but as he moves forward, he is attacked by a series of deadly traps. Yusuke follows behind, and the group uses their combined spirit energy to overcome the obstacles. Kuwabara stands firm and fights off the traps while the others find the exit.

After the group solves the puzzle and retrieves the Meikai Shitouken, they're ambushed by a powerful enemy. The enemy is brutally strong, and they realize that they cannot win through their usual brute force. Kuwabara steps up, remembering his training with Genkai. He awakens his spiritual powers, and with a flash of blue light, he creates a massive barrier that repels the enemy's attack and saves the team.

The episode ends with Kuwabara rejoining the team, his faith in himself and his friends restored. The group continues their journey towards the final battle, but with Kuwabara rediscovered his strength and courage, the outlook is more positive.

In conclusion, the Yu Yu Hakusho season 3 episode 10, Kuwabara: Awakening is a powerful tale of redemption and courage. Kuwabara may not have the same flashy powers as his teammates, but his heart and his loyalty make him an essential member of the team. This episode was a reminder of that, and a great example of why Kuwabara is a fan favorite.