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Today’s episode has galvanized me to detail my current theory on what has been happening in Ai Tenchi. Please be aware that this theory is built heavily on the content from previous episodes, so be sure you are up to date on content before reading farther. You were warned. gendo1 Also, please be aware that this is purely speculation on my part. The next two weeks could easily debunk everything I am about to say.
blush1 In
Ai Tenchi, I believe there are two universes in play, here named Universe Alpha and Universe Beta. Universe Alpha is the realm from where the Masaki family originates, as evidenced by Tenchi and company being transported from Washu’s lab in Episodes 3 and 37. Universe Beta is the world of Junai Academy and the feudal era segments, as connected by the cell phone lost in Episode 33 and recovered in Episode 39. To illustrate, here is a diagram of what I believe is the timeline of events so far. 
http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/evilpii/Forum/ai-tenchi-timeline_zps181991ab.png " /> Green lines indicate movement from Universe Alpha to Universe Beta, while red lines indicate movement from Universe Beta to Universe Alpha. The purple line signifies the “dissemination” which happened to Momo, as stated by Washu in Episode 37.
Currently, I think Hana, Hachiko, and Tori are descendants of the “feudal trio” who encountered Tenchi and Momo 1300 years before present. As for Beni, I am not sure. At the moment, I think she may well have been locked in her escape pod for 1300 years and released by Yuki and Rui, or perhaps randomly in the modern era. The crash, as well as the 1300 year sleep, could explain the lost memories. It is entirely possible that the feudal trio and Beni were pulled into the rift and disseminated alongside Momo.
Considering the ending of Episode 49, I doubt the spacetime craziness is over. In fact, I bet the GP and SA are only going to cause more warping of reality and crossing of universes before the next two weeks come to a close. My body is ready.
butts1 I say again that Momo has really grown. She gave quite the moving speech and annihilated Yuki in the process. 
But, the big moment was when she started to
scatter and phase, much like Tenchi did in the opening ofTM!iL1the Galaxy Police Headquarters itself appeared in Earth’s orbitwth2 I’m not saying Negishi is pulling out his old tricks, but he is.aquateencarl1 Notably, these events seem to be happening in reverse.
InTM!iL1, Kain drew GPHQ into a temporal distortion, causing it to momentarily vanish and leaving it a wreck. Soon after, Tenchi is walking down stairs in the Masaki house and starts scattering. Where’s this all going? What will happen to the cast? What is the inevitable fate of our dear heroine Momo? Tune in next week.
butts1 Sorry for the delay. Work has been keeping me quite busy. blush1 Since I have not posted in this thread yet, I will discuss the entirety of Episodes 41-44 as a whole, rather than individual posts for each.Again, those who want plot should be watching this last week’s episodes. Bombs were dropped. War was declared.
Tenchifandom, all hands on deck. We’re heading for the endgame. gendo1 Episodes 41-42 were pure gold. After Goriki
takes an “arrow” to the kneesfyeah1 I loved seen both in full action again, particularly Ayeka. Many forget that she has often stood toe-to-toe with Ryoko, as well as both incarnations of Kagato and other foes in Okuda’s manga. She gets very few action parts, and to see her dominating the battlefield put a smile on my face.soawesome1 Negishi, have you been readingmy mindbutts1 chucklocker wrote:
http://i5.minus.com/i32YrZG0OQBtQ.jpg
" /> The references were strong with this one.
Oh, that is a very good catch, Chuck. But, also I noticed the dialogue mirrored another favorite of mine,
the Punisherblush1 Below, Momo and Tori fall into the excavation, where Momo and Beni get their hands on the 1300-year-old cell phone. Enter space magic!
WANT1 Digging later reveals the next big revelation.Child Momo dropped her Juraian key during the earthquake caused by the rift. Moreover, Sasami acknowledges exactly what it is for anyone who is doubting this fact.tuxedodouche However, when Momo and Beni both touch the sword, the ship below awakes, causing a new earthquake.Indiana Jones. Based Negishi, you know your movies. soawesome1 While all this drama is happening, Mihoshi recognizes Washu’s voice. More on that in a moment.
gendo1 Sadly, the excavation crumbles, and the key is buried once again. At Episode 43, it seems like everyone is back to square-one again.
tenchiahhhhhh While the Student Council girls are occupied with a cooking contest, Tenchi discusses the recent revelations with Ayeka and Sasami, spurring a lot of questions.Notably, Ayeka and Sasami do not seem to recognize Momo or Beni. Considering Momo is certainly Juraian royalty at this point, one would wonder why neither princess would know her. Now, this could be explained by Momo being very low-tier in the line of succession, but I don’t believe this is so. Observe thatToshikacrashes 1300 years ago. Could it be that Momo and Beni are from that era of Jurai’s history, rather than the present? If so, then neither Ayeka nor Sasami may have been born when Momo and Beni were on Jurai. Depending on how the series ends, wouldn’t it be heart-wrenching to have Momo and Beni return to history, live their lives, and then have Ayeka find a reference to them in a Juraian history book? I dare you, Negishi. I double-dog-dare you. gendo1 With the Science Club, Yuki and Rui report to the monolith, who replies that they should take over the school, just as planned. Enter the presidential election, where Yuki throws in her… skill at photoshop. Oh. My.
wth2 However, the greatest revelation of this week has to be Ukan.
She is a Galaxy Police operative who is supervising Mihoshi’s investigation of the spacetime meddling on Earth. Moreover, she emphasizes her disinterest in Momo, Beni, and even the Juraian key. It is the disruption of space that concerns her. Notice that the minute she hears about Washu, both the Galaxy Police (GP) and the Science Academy (SA) mobilize.butts1 Episode 44 opens with the GP and SA having a meeting about the situation. Notably, they discuss Washu’s search for the “great treasure”. Of course, one now has to wonder what this treasure is. They seem to have no interest in Momo, Beni, or the base Juraian trees, which is a divergence from the OVA and manga. Instead, it seems there is some secret on the ship
Toshika. What is it? This ultimately goes back to Episodes 3 and 33, where this all started. Momo and Beni were sailing through the stars together when the rift happened. Were they running? Were they transporting? Why were they there in the first place? Just imagine what lost Juraian relic could be hidden on that ship from 1300 years ago. I don’t think Jurai will stand idly by here either.gendo1 Enter the GP SWAT unit. A special unit dealing with “serious criminals” was last referenced in
TM!iL1with the Operative, dragged back in time with Kain. Could we expect more of the same: active cloaking devices, cyborg weaponry, superhuman speed and stamina? This concept opens up a wider range of what the GP could bring to the table. Then, there is the SA. The Science Academy has always been a background entity. Washu was a professor there in OVA series 1, and OVA series 2 has her reference a lover and child during her time there. OVA series 2 also gave us Dr. Clay, a denounced researcher from the SA. OVA series 3, of course, introduces Airi, a headmistress of the academy and one of Washu’s colleagues.
Universementions the SA briefly in Episodes 4, 8, and 26, concerning Washu’s excommunication and reinstatement. Washu also reference the SA when she boasts to Kiyone she could hack their account books in TM!iL1. TM!iL2references the academy again when Kiyone and Mihoshi infiltrate the main campus and hack the dimension locking system. I apologize that I don’t remember any reference from Tenchi in Tokyoto the SA, but then again, Washu was Ryoko’s partner in crime there. blush1 However,
Ai Tenchipaints the SA a bit more sinisterly. They have an interest in the “alteration” of Earth and the “treasure” of Toshika. What do they want here? Perhaps the SA will be the actual foe before the conclusion of the series. butts1 Nil Admirari wrote:GaianKnight wrote:Well, guess I was wrong about the treasure bit.
mmhmm1 Wait. You’re telling me there are
twokey swords? mmmm1 I don’t remember Tenchi dropping his, and… I’ll go on presumption here, that if it be so, two
Master Keysin this timeline. I know it’s a timeline that Momo ended up in, but is the timeline then a ‘real’ one, and that somehow when Tenchi got vacuumed up into the rift, in a previous episode, that it somehow either got copied, or that we’re looking at Momo and Beni are bigger wigs than we thought they were. Course it also could be a similarly shaped Key, so what do I know, without more episodes, so… BRING EM ON!!
rageblow1 There is precedent of Juraians having different keys to their ship. Ayeka’s comes in the form of her headdress. It’s possible there’s a specific format for ships choosing how their key is presented. Momo’s seems to be a secondary sword to the one Tenchi has, since the hilt is a different color than his, which would be the key to her own ship which had wrecked underground 1,300 years prior to the start of the series.
The sword design of a key is not unique. In the opening and flashbacks of
Manatsu no Eve, a Juraian soldier cut down Yuzuha with a sword shaped very much like Tenchiken, though with a slightly different pommel. 
http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/evilpii/Forum/Capture_zpscd150fc1.png " /> It is curious that Momo’s key is so similar to Tenchi’s, except for the color of the guard, which made me wonder if Momo might be an alternate-universe version of Tenchi himself. However, as this show seems a bit more oriented toward time travel, it might be Momo is one of his ancestors, and the sword a precursor or prototype of his own. Still, this is entirely speculation.
blush1 Also, the concept of “master key” has only been used in OVA series 1, where Tenchi was able to override Ayeka’s command of
Ryu-Oh. OVA series 1 shows three keys: Tenchiken, Ayeka’s tiara, and Sasami’s “pistol”. OVA series 2 and 3 seemed to drop this plot point after a while, as did GXP. Universenotably only seems to show four keys, all used as weapons at some point: Tenchiken, Ayeka’s tiara, and the knights’ staves. There are also the “dark keys” used by Kagato and his two knights, also weapons. None is ever used as a “master key” to control or dominate a tree or other device in Universecontinuity. Interestingly, Ai Tenchiis the first time the keys have been used as a “key to a lock” or a “command totem” since OVA series 1. Now, Katsuhito did use Tenchiken to cut down Haruna’s tree in TM!iL2, and presumably project himself into her realm. This could conceivably be construed as him controlling the tree. GaianKnight wrote:And back to the key bit, I get that it may simply be a different Key than Tenchi’s. I
don’tget yet (obviously as of us all,) why it’s a swordhilt, as unless they give precedent that Momo can use one, ‘as’ a sword, then when it is used, it may come across as a little odd, without some ‘filler background’ that justifies it being used ‘as’ a sword. Also feels odd it’d be a sword, and ‘not’ a Key shaped as something else, like Sasami’s Key is. Just all feels odd to me, and will love to know whothe key is exactly for. For Momo, we need more. For Beni, I get it, won’t argue there. And I suppose we won’t really know, for a good while, so BRING EET ON EPISODES!!! mmhmm1
This seems to be a “chicken or the egg” type argument, which could be applied to Yosho and Tenchi just as well. Was Yosho a warrior and his key made a sword, or was his key a sword and he became a warrior? With Momo, it might be the designer of the key liked the shape and made it that way. It could be equally possible that her parents made it a sword to influence her into becoming stronger. Realistically, the pink-guarded key is simply a command totem at this point, something to awakenToshika. Does the design suggest that either Momo or Beni could use it as a weapon? Oh, certainly, and there is a good bit of precedent for it. However, recall that in Episode 6, as well as the promotional material, Momo is carrying a sword. Considering the direction the series is starting to take, it may happen that Momo will take up the key as a weapon. Only new episodes will show for certain. butts1 Sorry for the delay. Work and Chibi Pa have been keeping me quite busy. blush1 Since I have not posted in this thread yet, I will discuss the entirety of Episodes 36-39 as a whole, rather than individual posts for each.With the central plot really ratcheting up, Episode 36 was a nice moment of solidarity for the cast as a whole. Not only are the Student Council and Science Club sitting down to dinner together, but also the core members of the Masaki household are leading the cooking. Seeing all the personalities mixing and interacting in a safe setting was a good image before what happens the next two weeks. In watching anime, I find this kind of episode usually foreboding. Usually, a very happy image like this one is just like finding a room full of ammo in an FPS. The next room inevitably has a hard boss to fight. This episode of
Ai Tenchiwas just that. gendo1 Episode 37 follows Episode 33, showing Washu recover Tenchi from the rift and prepare to dispatch most of the Masaki household to Junai Academy in some capacity. This effectively shoots down the
dark theoryblush1 I laughed when I saw the “universal reset button”. Where have I seen that trope used before?qt1 However, note that Washu does not know why the reset failed. Again, Washu is not a god here. She is not all knowing, despite her claims to the contrary. What else could be in play? Or, more precisely,whoelse? However, here’s another point of fact.
Washu states that the “original girl was disseminated”. Presumably, this means that like in the Time-and-Space Adventures, Momo was shattered between multiple universes, cropping back up at Junai Academy. Since Momo was a child when this happened, might this explain Momo’s nearly crippling naivety and endless optimism? While her body is that of a teenager, her mind is still that of a child?Episodes 38 and 39 begin preparing for a throwdown between the Student Council and Science Club. The series reveals that
WashuKiyofacepalm1 Meanwhile, Beni stands off to the side, listening. Since her central goal has been the treasure all along, she chooses to get more aid, namely Tenchi and company. Swallowing her fierce pride, she humbles herself, particularly given all her recent actions. I think that is a character-building moment for her, to admit she needs her “teacher’s” help.
Elsewhere, Ukan is pissed that Tenchi has joined with the Science Club, and she incites Hana and Hachiko to action. Those two drag Momo and Tori into an assault on the club’s dig site. Again, at this moment, it seems that Ukan is pulling strings, which makes me wonder what her endgame here is.
Within the excavation, Tenchi and company encounter Mihoshi, who explains her involvement.
She was assigned to investigate the “creator of this world”, presumably this “alternate” world as evidenced by meddling in spacetime. However, she says she just enjoys digging for treasure, and requests that no one tell what she’s doing. Mihoshi, you little sneak.Kiyofacepalm1 Presumably, Washu sent her here separately from Tenchi and the others, as the “exiled one” mentioned above.However, this begs a major question.
Why is Washu bothering with cloak-and-dagger games? Washu sent Tenchi to the feudal era to save Momo and Beni, and later sent most of the household to Junai Academy for the same purpose. If Washu also sent Mihoshi, why keep Tenchi and the others ignorant of her presence? Moreover, since Washu has been behind the Science Club’s actions, why not tell Tenchi so they could join forces early on? Washu can be a little imp, but she has always had a (semi-)rational scheme for her actions. What hasn’t she told us yet?butts1 Then, Yuki produces Tenchi’s cell phone, lost in the feudal era. Dating puts the device at 1300 years old, meaning that this timeline is the future of the feudal era scenes, or at least a possible future from that point in time. One could go into a discussion of
past and future time conesTenchismile Naturally, the wallpaper incited several glaring looks at Tenchi.tenchiahhhhhh GaianKnight wrote:Sheesh, some teacher Tenchi is, if he can’t even get the Kanji corrections right.
I’ve seen many instructors with horrible spelling, even language arts teachers. Mine is decent, I think, even as a mathematician.
blush1 GregTheLion wrote:First and foremost, I like Washu’s little nod to Microsoft windows there.
That visual cue was very nice indeed.Tenchismile Not quite “World Standard”, though.
http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/evilpii/Forum/Smilies/standardsoft_zps1883a862.png " /> susano wrote:After watching episode 39, the creators of the series should have focus a little bit more on the Feudal Japan timeline. The Feudal Japan timeline happens to take place before Yosho’s arrival on Earth. By exploring the timeline a little bit more, the series would make a little more sense.
Exactly what more focus does it require? The feudal era storyline seems to have served its purpose. It explained Momo and Beni’s history, how Tenchi became involved, perhaps even how the Student Council girls did as well. Moreover, it set up the “treasure” and “keys”. Just about all of the necessary backstory has been given. Where does the story fail to make sense?Moreover, how does Yosho factor into any of this? Setting the feudal storyline 1300 years prior to the present ensures that no matter which continuity
Ai Tenchirepresents, Yosho is irrelevant. Ai Tenchiis not Yosho’s story. It is Tenchi’s. susano wrote:The absence of Ryo-Ohki needs to be explain. Ryo-Ohki is a very important character in Ryo-Ohki, Universe, and Tenchi in Tokyo. Episode 39 may give us a vital clue to what had happen to Ryo-Ohki.
While I do acknowledge that Ryo-Ohki’s absence, among other characters’, is unpleasant, I don’t see how she is crucial to the plot here. What purpose would Ryo-Ohki serve here, beyond sitting on Sasami’s shoulder or head? Ryoko and Ayeka have purpose, to search the school grounds and to confront their adversaries. Sasami has purpose, to take care of Tenchi and the other two young women. Mihoshi’s purpose has now just been revealed. Washu’s purpose is obvious. Including Ryo-Ohki would be nice, but shoehorning her into the series would be an insult to her character.susano wrote:Strangely, I notice that the series is getting a little more serious. As the series reaches the end, let’s hope that it reflects how the first three Tenchi series progress. As the first three come near the end, they become a little more serious..
How is this strange? Most anime series I enjoy (Tenchi Universe, Trigun, Outlaw Star, Cowboy Bebop, Evangelion, Excel Saga, etc.) grow more grave and mature-themed near the end, even if they began comedic. This usually happens as characters deepen and mature. I find it more natural than persisting in the same kind for episodes on end, never changing, never growing.Sorry for the delay in my posting on Episode 29. Work and Chiba Pa got in the way. blush1 To say Tenchi is in an awkward situation now is an understatement.
Kiyofacepalm1 Speaking as a teacher, this situation is probably one of the worst to encounter: a male instructor being teased and taunted by the female students in his charge. For those unaware, the penalties for fraternization with students are universally quite severe. Tenchi has sufficient reason to be concerned.butts1 And then, he also has to worry about the rather vicious jealousy he would receive from Ryoko and Ayeka when they found out.
wth2 However, the comedy was quite amusing.
mmhmm1 I was very glad not to be Tenchi.tenchiahhhhhh Notably, Beni’s casual ambling while half-naked was not too dissimilar to Ryoko’s behavior around the house. Coincidence?gendo1 Another nod to larger dealings was the crab plushie on Yuki’s desk. To whom might this refer?qt1 Also, Kumo-kun.
http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p661/evilpii/Forum/Smilies/spider3_zps9d1d3149.png " />
