Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu

Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu commences with Koyomi Araragi, the show's protagonist, continuing his journey to avenge the life lost to Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade, a vampire also known as the 'Queen of Cold Blood'. Having been aided by Meme Oshino, an expert in the supernatural realm, Koyomi is able to successfully thwart the vampire hunters Dramaturgy (a master of speed and illusions), Episode (possesses supernatural agility and stealth), and Guillotinecutter, (able to transform her body into multiple, deadly, and sharp objects), each a formidable force to be reckoned with. Throughout the battle, it is Koyomi's determination to defeat these hunters that drives his movements. However, his efforts are often complicated by the various obstacles that arise. Despite his initial advantage, Koyomi finds himself facing unexpected challenges in combat. Nonetheless, Oshino's guidance provides him the necessary insight and expertise with which he counters each vampire hunter. With Koyomi's victories comes a renewed sense of purpose, motivating him to complete his goal of defeating Kiss-shot, the source of all trouble. To reclaim his lost human form, Koyomi sets his sights on acquiring all that is left of Kiss-shot: her body parts. He tracks down and retrieves each severed limb, gradually piecing together the body parts. This pursuit is no easy task, given that the parts have been taken by other parties and hidden in various locations. Upon retrieving her body parts, Koyomi confronts the truth. Kiss-shot, who had previously shown no remorse or empathy towards those that had stood in her way, reveals that her cold demeanor stemmed from her own loss and suffering. As Koyomi comes to understand this, so too does Oshino. Together they realize that their quest has taken a toll on Kiss-shot, transforming her from a fearsome predator into a more pitiful and tragic character. Their discussion is interrupted by Kiss-shot's body, now entirely intact, rising once again. However, a new development emerges as her eyes, now fully restored, turn towards Araragi. A spark of recognition takes hold as their eyes connect. Kiss-shot seems to be remembering her past interactions with Koyomi, recalling the time when she was 'human', the time she lost to his 'humanity', and the countless years spent fighting in vain. Her recollections also evoke memories of the countless people she has encountered. In these fleeting moments of recollection, the audience is introduced to the world in which Koyomi resides, one filled with supernatural beings and human-like entities such as Oshino and Kiss-shot. These flashbacks serve to underscore an important truth: even creatures perceived as monsters have lives and stories. Each character's actions, be it their cruelty or their kindness, can have profound consequences on the worlds around them, echoing throughout time. Upon gaining a fleeting glimmer of insight, Kiss-shot finally breaks free from the cold facade that had shrouded her, showing a glimmer of her true heart. A poignant scene unfolds in which Koyomi is left contemplating the full weight of what it truly means to defeat a 'monster'. Is it merely to vanquish the external foe or also to consider the complexities and depths of the opponent's very existence? The conclusion sets the stage for Koyomi's next actions. Having gained these realizations, he begins questioning his past decisions. Should he continue his quest to defeat Kiss-shot, even when he has come to understand and connect with her humanity? His decision reflects a change that marks the passage from vengeance to self-discovery, an internal change that would be a significant step forward in Koyomi's character development. As the curtain closes on this installment, anticipation for the next episode reaches a fever pitch, hinting at the deeper complexities that await.