Ryuji and Taiga go eat dinner at a family restaurant, and to Ryuji’s surprise they are waited on by Minori, who is more than willing to reveal that she works several other part time jobs as well. Ryuji later asks Taiga why Minori needs so much extra money, but Taiga tells him there’s no particular reason.
During a day off, Ryuji and Taiga run into Minori working at yet another part time job. Ryuji volunteers his and Taiga’s services to the shop owner for the day to help out. Taiga is sent on a delivery while Ryuji and Minori are accidentally locked in the storage room. While they’re stranded together, Ryuji has a bonding experience with Minori and learns that behind her constant smile she has her share of worries and insecurities too. The two then try to climb out the window but the attempt is inadvertently foiled by Taiga who also becomes stranded in the storage room.
Everyone knows baseball isn’t a real sport.
Taiga the Hutt.
There’s no need to fear, Minorin is here!
Minorin, take me with you!
What you talkin bout Ryuji?
Ah Ryuji, you are a glutton for punishment.
I’m still charging my laser!
A worried face is moe too.
Ryuji’s mom is a MILF. Just saying.
Got Japanese snacks?
Product placement at its finest. Try Asobi beer today!
Taiga: !
Service with a ‘smile’.
Ryuji’s got a girlfriend~
You’re supposed to ride the bike Taiga.
Don’t worry. Be happy.
That can’t be good.
Impressions:
Minori is a hyperactive, batty girl but she kind of grew on me. I usually find this archetype unbearable, though I’ll make an exception for Minori. She’s a huge spaz but is so genuine and happy that I really can’t hate her.
I don’t think Minori clicks with Ryuji in quite the same way Taiga does. Ryuji/Minori is just too normal. Call me sadistic, but I like seeing the various ways Ryuji suffers under Taiga’s oppressive rule. Ryuji/Taiga is a twisted relationship but works oh so well. Taiga may not admit it, but she really shows her jealous side whenever Ryuji so much as looks at Minori. Of course the jealousy could also be interpreted as Taiga simply being protective of her sole friend by keeping threats (ie. Ryuji) away.
Anyway, I suppose we’ll learn about Minori’s past and how she became Taiga’s friend in upcoming episodes. Next episode looks to introduce Ami Kawashima. Until next time then.
gretchen on 
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This episode is really funny. Imagine how energetic Minori is. She can do multiple jobs at one day!? O_O Talk about factotumness.
Kairu Ishimarus last blog post…The Denouement of Being an ‘Otaku’
I wish someone would put that decomposing parrot out of its misery.
That forced smile on Taiga was an episode highlight.
And finally, I’m really warming up to Minorin. (Though hopefully not enough to want to waste money on a Minorin figure.)
Diegos last blog post…Saimoe 2008: Dust before the wind
@Kairu: Minori must drink a case of Red Bull every hour to have that much energy.
@Diego: Inko is so ugly that it’s cute. You could always get a Taiga figure instead.