Revolutionary Girl Utena: Episode 10

Saonji gives Touga his exchange diary when he leaves the school.  After promising to keep it safe the Student Council president burns it, yet another illustration of Touga's nasty nature.  Nanami accuses Utena of getting her brother hurt. Our heroine admits that she should have been more careful and not let the whole thing happen.  The events have caused Utena to doubt her ability to be a prince (AKA, protect Anthy).  To help her feel better ,Anthy suggests that they bring Touga flowers.  It's also revealed that Anthy has brought home a stray kitten.

Touga tells the Student Council that another duelist will appear. Juri wants to know who it is, but he won't tell her, merely insisting that the stage is set.  While being concerned for her brother, Nanami recalls giving him a kitten for his birthday many years ago. He'd said it was the best gift he'd ever gotten.  It just so happens to be Touga's birthday party when Utena and Anthy bring him the roses.  Touga encourages Nanami's hatred for Utena at the party, the knife driving deeper when Anthy presents Touga with the kitten she'd obtained. 

This is when we learn that Nanami drowned the kitten she'd given Touga because she was jealous of it.  Holy crow is this family messed up! :(  Nanami is revealed as the new duelist.

Nanami continues fighting Utena in the arena even once her rose is cut off until Touga stops her.  She feels guilty over killing the kitten, but her obsession with her brother is a powerful force. I can't help wondering how she'd be affected if she knew how he manipulated everyone around him.  We get the impression that this is all set-up for Touga's duel with Utena in the next episode - his 'softening her up' if you will.

As someone who loves all animals I was appalled by Nanami's actions.  Despite my disgust I was somewhat impressed by the show's determination not to shy away from the truly dark side of affection (or perhaps obsession is more accurate), even in children.  As much as I'm not fond of Nanami, I am definitely far less fond of Touga who cares nothing for others as he pulls the strings in his web.

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