In the second episode of Marriagetoxin, Kinosaki invites Gero to an art gallery on a ship. Gero agrees, but he doesn’t know how this outing will help him be more charming.
The next day, Kinosaki tells Gero the plan: they will practice a date so he can get ready for real romantic situations. Gero has a hard time getting into the gallery as they walk through it. He either stays quiet or says something simple and uninteresting that doesn’t make an impression.
Kinosaki tells him to relax and remember that a date should be fun for both people. Gero thinks that is easier said than done, but things start to get better when they find a rare candy kit. His real excitement about it makes him more open, and for the first time, he can speak naturally and with confidence. After that, the mood of the “date” changes a lot for the better.
Later, Kinosaki points out a shy and strange artist who is drawing a crowd below. Even though he is awkward, the artist’s talent draws people in. This is a lesson for Gero from Kinosaki: his appeal comes from his skills as an assassin. He might find someone who loves him for who he really is if he accepts that.
Kinosaki also says that when Gero saved him, he was very impressed by him. Based on that idea, he comes up with a new plan: Gero should work as a bodyguard and rescue people, which would give him chances to impress people he might want to date.
A painting is stolen from the gallery that night. It’s easy to figure out that Kyouko Himekawa, a well-known thief, is the one who did it. She is caught with her accomplices after getting off the ship.
Himekawa, on the other hand, is not a normal criminal. She has a loyal following because she steals art to give it back to its owners instead of for money. Her supporters hire Gero to save her, and he agrees to do it. The only thing he cares about is whether she likes men who wear glasses, which shows how committed he is to Kinosaki’s plan.
Gero and Kinosaki get back on the ship and almost right away run into security guards. Kinosaki is scared, but Gero easily gets rid of the threat. Kinosaki thinks about leaving, but Gero tells him to stay, saying that he still needs his help.
The captain of the ship, on the other hand, tries to force Himekawa to help. When she says no, he calls Ushio, a person in a diving suit, to torture her. Ushio is shown to be a Water Master, which means she can control water because of a changed bloodline.
Gero fights through a lot of guards to get to Himekawa and set her free. But Ushio stops their escape by flooding the area and trapping him so they can fight one-on-one.
At first, Ushio tries to get Gero to join him by offering him money and warning him that a fight between them would be very expensive. Gero says no, and the fight starts. At first, Ushio’s water-based powers seem too strong, but Gero quickly learns how to deal with them and wins. He breaks Ushio’s helmet with a series of precise strikes that damage their suit and set their glove on fire.
Look at it again
Episode 2 makes Marriagetoxin even more of a great comedy and action show. The fight choreography is smooth and dynamic, and the addition of unique abilities like modified bloodlines makes the battles more interesting and creative.
Kinosaki’s way of matching people up is still a great fit for the series. It makes a natural balance between tension and humor, and it also sets up future story arcs. Gero will probably face stronger and stranger enemies on these missions, which will make the world and the character interactions bigger.
This episode also gives us a small look at Gero’s personality. Ushio is more businesslike and practical than he is kind and honest. A short look at Gero’s past, when he ate alone in a big room, gives the impression that he grew up alone and strict. It seems like the show will slowly look into his past and the things that made him who he is now.
