“Aharen-san wa Hakarenai” Season 2 Episode 9, titled “It’s a Battle, Huh?”, sees Aharen and her friends navigating the complexities of their final year of high school. The episode, which aired on June 2nd, 2025, dives into themes of friendship, pursuing dreams, and the anxieties that come with approaching graduation. While the central duo of Aharen and Raido take a slight backseat, the spotlight shines on the supporting cast, offering a mix of humor and heartwarming moments.
A New Face in the Faculty
The episode starts with the introduction of a new teacher, Henzan-sensei, who becomes the homeroom teacher for Aharen and Raido’s class as they enter their third year. Henzan-sensei, like Toubaru-sensei before her, is quickly established as an “abnormal” character. She is easily flustered and prone to overthinking, especially when it comes to understanding the dynamic between Aharen and Raido.
Henzan-sensei’s defining trait is her susceptibility to “yuri-esteem,” which manifests as nosebleeds when she perceives strong yuri (girls’ love) vibes. Her attempts to understand the interactions between students, particularly the close bond between Aharen and other female characters, lead to comedic misunderstandings and highlight her inexperience as a teacher. This segment uses humor to explore the theme of understanding and accepting different kinds of relationships, even if they fall outside of conventional norms. One reviewer humorously noted that the anime was wishing viewers a happy pride month.
Mitsuki’s Crossroads: Karate or Cosmetology?
The second half of the episode focuses on Mitsuki Oshiro, Aharen’s close friend and a skilled martial artist. Mitsuki is grappling with a difficult decision about her future. While she excels in karate and faces pressure to pursue an athletic scholarship, her true passion lies in cosmetology. She dreams of attending beauty school overseas and becoming a hairstylist.
This internal conflict is personified by the appearance of Aragaki, one of Mitsuki’s karate rivals, played by Iori Noguchi. Aragaki embodies the traditional sports anime trope of the intense rival, pushing Mitsuki to reaffirm her commitment to karate. However, Mitsuki stands firm in her decision, explaining that she can still love karate as a hobby even if it is not her career path. She expresses her desire to pursue her dream of becoming a hairstylist and even reveals her long-held wish to style Aharen’s hair for her wedding one day.
This segment explores the theme of pursuing one’s dreams, even when they conflict with expectations or established talents. It celebrates the idea that hobbies and passions can coexist with career aspirations and that it’s okay to deviate from a single-minded pursuit of a goal. It encourages viewers to embrace their multifaceted interests and to define success on their own terms.
Humor and Heart: Balancing the Scales
Episode 9 utilizes a blend of humor and heartfelt moments to deliver its message. Henzan-sensei’s antics provide comedic relief, while Mitsuki’s struggle adds emotional depth. While some reviews note that the episode is less focused on the main characters, Aharen and Raido, it uses the supporting cast to explore relatable themes of self-discovery and the anxieties associated with planning for the future.
The episode also touches on the importance of friendship and support. Mitsuki’s friends, including Aharen, encourage her to follow her dreams and offer her reassurance. This highlights the value of having a strong support system when navigating life’s challenges and the importance of being true to oneself.
Reception and Review
The reception to “Aharen-san wa Hakarenai” Season 2 Episode 9 has been mixed. Some viewers appreciated the focus on the side characters and the exploration of their individual struggles. Others felt that the episode lacked the comedic spark and the central dynamic between Aharen and Raido that made the series popular.
One reviewer noted that while the episode was enjoyable, it didn’t reach the highs of previous episodes due to its emphasis on side characters. They suggested that the series would benefit from better spacing out the side character-focused segments and pairing them with scenes involving Aharen and Raido.
Another reviewer expressed disappointment with the second season overall, finding the humor to be random and awkward and the characters to be emotionless. They felt that the series relied too heavily on the “deadpan” concept, making the cast feel boring and the interactions lifeless.
Despite the mixed reviews, Episode 9 is generally considered a sweet and wholesome installment that explores relatable themes of friendship, dreams, and self-discovery. It may not be the strongest episode of the season, but it offers a glimpse into the lives of the supporting characters and provides a heartwarming message about pursuing one’s passions.
Looking Ahead
With only a few episodes left in the season, it remains to be seen how “Aharen-san wa Hakarenai” will conclude. Some viewers speculate that the series will end with the characters’ graduation, while others hope for another season to further explore their relationships and individual journeys.
Regardless of what the future holds, “Aharen-san wa Hakarenai” has captured the hearts of many viewers with its unique blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters. Episode 9 serves as a reminder that even when faced with difficult decisions and uncertain futures, the support of friends and the courage to pursue one’s dreams can make all the difference.
