I’ve got some exciting news for you, my fellow anime enthusiasts! The highly anticipated season finale of Noragami Aragoto is just around the corner. But before we delve into the thrilling details of episode 12, let me start by apologizing for a little mix-up. It seems I miscalculated the episode count, but don’t fret! It only means we’ll have one more week of pure Noragami goodness. Now, let’s jump right into the unexpected Christmas gift of more Noragami!

Last week, we left off on an intense battle between Bishamon and Izanami, as Bishamon risks everything to save Yato. At first, it seems like Bishamon might have the upper hand, but things quickly take a turn for the worse. Izanami manages to separate Bishamon from her loyal companion, Kazuma, leaving both Bishamon and Yato in mortal danger. However, there is a glimmer of hope. A ritual called Soul Call can summon them out of the dangerous underworld, and luckily, there’s a human nearby who can perform this ritual – Hiyori. With her spiritual connection to the gods, Hiyori conjures an unscathed Bishamon and her comrades. But Yato remains unresponsive, and our heroes soon realize the problem – Yato has been hiding his true name.

Yato’s use of a pseudonym is deeply rooted in his emotional journey. His name was likely given to him by Father, and it carries painful memories of his difficult past. Yato yearns for a fresh start and a chance to establish a new identity. As everyone grapples with the mystery of Yato’s name, another crisis unfolds. A heavenly tribunal appears on the horizon, seeking to execute Ebisu as a traitor. Unwilling to hear Ebisu’s side of the story, they launch an attack on him and Bishamon. Amidst the chaos, Hiyori contemplates her connection with Yato. She realizes that even without knowing his official name, she knows him deeply and passionately. In a moment of revelation, she screams the alternate reading of Yato’s name – Yaboku. And miraculously, Yato appears on top of her.

But the danger is far from over. The heavenly tribunal resorts to launching powerful magical weapons that leave massive craters in their wake. In a heroic act, Yato saves everyone by splitting one of the bombs in half with his trusted weapon, Yukine. Yet, there is still uncertainty surrounding Ebisu’s fate. Did he survive the attack? The next episode preview hints at the distress that may await our beloved characters.

Like previous arcs in Noragami Aragoto, tragedy looms over our heroes. The potential death of Ebisu is thematically fitting, as he represents Yato’s desire for personal freedom and self-definition. Yato’s emotional journey is far from over, and this incident will undoubtedly shape his future encounters with Father. It becomes clear that Father may have framed Ebisu to take credit for his own sinister deeds as “the sorcerer.” While Ebisu did dabble in dark forces, his intentions were benevolent, and he ultimately ended up hurting only himself. Tragedy seems to always find its way into the world of Noragami. However, I can’t help but anticipate a possible comeback for Ebisu in the near future. Meanwhile, the gods’ community remains ignorant of the lurking threat that Father poses. What does Father truly want, and why is he such a menace?

In summary, episode 12 of Noragami Aragoto delivers the goods once again. It would have been even better if they had foreshadowed Yato’s hidden name earlier, but that’s a minor quibble. This episode also sets the stage for future conflicts, as Yukine wrestles with feelings of hurt and inadequacy due to Yato’s secrets. Yukine’s journey will undoubtedly involve learning how to foster honesty and trust in their relationship. After all, Yato needs someone who truly understands and looks out for him.

Now, let’s touch upon the intriguing characters of Nora and Izanami. Is Nora trapped in the underworld? It’s unlikely, as Izanami still remains lonely and in need of companionship. In a way, she is a magnified reflection of Nora – both are miserable and isolated individuals seeking distraction from their pain. They are blind to the needs and desires of those around them, ultimately causing destruction. Despite their toxic nature, they evoke more pity than outright dislike.

Finally, we can’t forget to appreciate the stunning visuals showcased in this episode. Thunder god Takemikazuchi impresses us all with his shinki, a majestic lightning dragon. It may not match the sheer power of Kazuma, but it undoubtedly looks awe-inspiring. Hopefully, future seasons of Noragami will introduce us to more fascinating figures from Japanese mythology. The world of Noragami continues to be a captivating canvas for storytelling.

So there you have it, my friends! Another thrilling episode of Noragami Aragoto that deserves an A-grade. If you haven’t already, make sure to catch all the action on Funimation. Stay tuned for more updates on our beloved anime!

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