Sailor Moon is learning that life can be just as sweet as rice cakes – especially when it comes to relationships. Lately, the episodes have been getting longer and more enjoyable. There’s so much happening now, thanks to the addition of B-plots.

In the latest episode, we witness not one, but three relationships blossoming. Rei explores her family ties with her Grandpa, her romantic connection with Yuuichirou, and her friendship with Usagi. And let’s not forget about the brewing rivalry between Tuxedo Mask and Zoisite.

Sailor Moon has always been about friendship, romance, family, and superhero adventures. In the past, the show focused on one aspect at a time, leaving viewers with lackluster episodes if they weren’t invested in that particular storyline. But now, Sailor Moon understands that it can be all those things at once, making it even better.

But enough about that. Let’s dive into the juicy recaps!

The Recaps

Episode 29 – Survival of the Shippiest

A normal day turns into a rainy adventure for Makoto as she slips and falls in a puddle. Luckily, Motoki comes to her rescue with a sparkly umbrella that brings flowers and dries her uniform. Makoto, who has a crush on Motoki, offers to be his maid for the weekend. Motoki agrees and gives her his home address.

While they make plans for dinner, Reika appears and has a cryptic conversation with Motoki before he meets up with Mamoru. The two men discuss relationships, and Motoki reveals that Reika has a chance to study abroad in Africa. Although he wants her to stay, Motoki respects her dreams.

The next day, Makoto goes all out, cleaning Motoki’s apartment and finding a photo of Reika, confirming that she is his girlfriend. Disheartened, Makoto is comforted by Usagi, who sympathizes but also reminds her that she called dibs on both Motoki and Tuxedo Mask.

The girls decide to settle the matter at the arcade, but Motoki is absent, and another employee is taking his place. Mamoru shows up and annoys both Usagi and Makoto. He reveals that if Reika goes abroad, Makoto might have a chance with Motoki. Motivated by this information, Makoto runs off to convince Reika to leave the country.

Meanwhile, Usagi and Makoto go to Motoki’s apartment to cook dinner. However, Reika calls, wanting to tell Motoki her decision in person. While Motoki steps out, Zoisite attacks, and Motoki tries to fight back. Zoisite extracts the Rainbow Crystal, turning Reika into a monster.

Sailor Moon and Sailor Jupiter arrive to save the day, with Tuxedo Mask joining in. The battle is intense, but with the help of Ami and Rei, they manage to heal Reika and turn her back into a human.

In the end, Motoki and Reika bid farewell as she decides to study abroad. They promise to keep in touch and make it work long-distance.

Episode 30 – The Family That Prays Together Stays Together

The episode begins with Zoisite attacking Rei’s shrine, targeting her Grandpa. However, Grandpa fights back using his priest powers, resulting in a fall from the roof. Rei rushes to his side, followed by a hobo named Yuuichirou. Yuuichirou asks to become Grandpa’s apprentice, and surprisingly, Grandpa agrees.

Grandpa’s encounter with the Rainbow Crystal affects his mood, and Rei seeks advice from the other Moonies. Usagi brushes it off as old man behavior, leading to an argument between her and Rei. Feeling frustrated, Rei pushes Usagi to the ground.

Ami and Makoto leave, unable to handle the tension. Yuuichirou finds Rei and tries to reassure her. From the trees, Usagi mistakes their conversation for a romantic moment and interferes, causing Rei to declare their friendship over.

Upset, Usagi seeks solace from Luna but finds her more interested in eating rice cakes. Determined to mend their relationship, Usagi takes the rice cakes to Rei as a peace offering.

At the shrine, Zoisite returns and attacks Grandpa again, extracting the Rainbow Crystal and turning him into a monster. Sailor Moon arrives to distract the monster, allowing Rei to perform an exorcism and turn him back into a human.

After the battle, Rei shares the rice cakes with everyone and kisses Yuuichirou on the cheek, surprising everyone. Ami and Makoto arrive to witness the chaos and play the role of peacekeepers.

This, That, and the Other

• The voice acting for Makoto was exceptional in this week’s episode, perfectly capturing her enthusiasm when interacting with Motoki.
• The facial expressions in Episode 29 were some of the best of the season, adding to the humor and enjoyment of the episode.
• Rei’s powers make sense now that we know her grandpa is a reincarnated Rainbow Monster. Imagine if Ami and Ryo’s children inherited similar powers. A spin-off series like that would be incredible!
• Teddy’s age is a mystery, but his nervous reaction to romance suggests he might be in high school. Regardless, his chemistry with Rei was adorable.
• Zoisite is on a roll with 4 wins and 1 loss in the Crystal count. With only one crystal left, it’s time for an infiltration mission – Moon’s Eleven, anyone?

The Sensei Next Door (Moon Prism Digest Edition)

Here are two fun facts before we say goodbye:

• In Japan, sharing an umbrella is considered a romantic gesture, which explains Makoto’s reaction.
• Grandpa’s Rainbow Monster form resembles an oni, a traditional Japanese demon, as a representation of his powers as a Shinto priest.

Now, let’s continue enjoying the magical world of Sailor Moon. Remember to visit Fecomic for more exciting manga and anime content!