Usui, the balding student with a bad comb-over, begins the episode by narrating his life up until now along with a glimpse of his scrapbook. Ever since he was born he had a problem of never being noticed, but he hoped to turn his luck around in high school by becoming the class representative of Itoshiki’s class…

While walking outside, he bumps into someone that doesn’t notice him. He is then hit by a truck whose driver remains oblivious to his existence. Itoshiki walks by and bumps into Kafuka and Chiri-chan. He starts discussing the lives of inconspicuous people that live in the shadows as outcasts; Such as Mr. Curie who was overshadowed by his wife Madame Curie, and subsequently forgotten. Chiri-chan agrees with his argument, further discouraging Usui, as they remain oblivious of his presence. As Itoshiki further emphasizes his claim with more examples, he sends himself into a fit of despair at how society can allow great achievements to be overshadowed and forgotten. Usui is still forgotten as the group walks away to continue the conversation elsewhere.

At the pool, the group observes Kaere (a.k.a. lawsuit girl) who is enjoying the attention of the guys there before she is overtaken by the bustier, bouncier Chie-sensei. Itoshiki finds a 1,000 yen bill and rushes to the police station in an attempt to overcome being an outcast. Kafuka then turns in a briefcase full of money, completely overshadowing his good deed. Back outside, Kafuka consoles Itoshiki by explaining all the wonderful things that are only possible because of shadows. The group finally notices Usui’s existence but no one seems to know who he is. Kafuka denies the fact that someone could be so inconspicuous and instead claims that he is a fairy that she can only see occasionally.

Part 2. Summer break is over and the new semester is in full swing. Chie-sensei drags the truant Itoshiki into the class with a chain leash. Chiri-chan criticizes his childish behavior; Itoshiki responds by starting class with criticism drills. As he talks about the many examples of how critical society is, he throws himself into a state of despair again. A drill instructor from the fire department makes his presence known to the class. He basically just goes around to all the students and insults them to their face. As always, Usui is ignored and does not get any criticism. It is only when the wind blows his combover away does the class pay attention to him because of his bald head.

Kafuka persuades Chie-sensei to criticize Usui. Chie-sensei insults him by calling him bald, but he feels good about it because it was said by someone beautiful. He asks for more criticism and he gladly receives it. The wind blows Usui’s hair back into place and he disappears yet again.

This episode is a vast improvement over episode 7. Near the end of the episode, the Psycho spoof was pretty funny as Itoshiki is murdered in the shower by a plethora of movie icons with Kafuka finishing the job. As the final four episodes get subbed, I hope they can maintain the quality of episode 8.

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