Episode 12 of Witch Watch, titled “Dogs and Raindrops, Part 2,” delivers a potent mix of action, emotional revelations, and significant developments for the central characters. This episode serves as a climax to the two-part storyline, blending fantasy elements, the strength of friendship, and moments of emotional catharsis.
Unveiling Keigo’s Werewolf Transformation
The episode starts by delving into werewolf lore, revealing that werewolves now transform under any crescent shape, not just a full moon. This twist immediately heightens the stakes for Keigo, who is revealed to be a werewolf himself. The narration explains that werewolves become stronger and more aggressive upon transformation, showcasing Keigo’s struggle with his identity.
Morihito vs. Wolf: A Battle of Friends
The action heats up as Keigo, now in his werewolf form, battles Morihito. The fight sequences are intense, featuring creative uses of magic. Morihito recalls his training and sparring sessions with Koni, applying new attacks against Keigo. Despite Keigo’s unpredictable attacks, Morihito manages to land a decisive blow, drawing on the support of his friends.
The Horrifying Truth: A Familiar Pact
After Morihito defeats the Wolf, a dark turn occurs. The Wolf reveals that he and the cursed witch are bound by a familiar pact: if the Wolf dies, the cursed witch will also die, and vice versa. This revelation creates a dilemma for the protagonists.
Nico and Kanshi’s Strategy
Separated from Morihito, Nico and Kanshi are surrounded by the Wolf’s “dogs.” Nico devises a plan to find the witch targeting them, while Kanshi prepares to attack. They use Nico’s invisibility spell to sneak through the crowd, demonstrating their teamwork and strategy. Despite their injuries and self-doubt, they combine their powers to make a difference.
Confronting the Enchanter
The search for the warlock leads to a tense confrontation. Nico uses her alert spell to sense the enemy, and Koni prepares to attack. They spot a suspicious figure who turns out to be the Enchanter. The Enchanter uses magic to control her shawl, but Nico and Kongi manage to outsmart her.
The Warlock’s Backstory
Once the Warlock is caught, her backstory is revealed. She discovered her witch powers as a teenager and believed they would make her special. Bitter about never getting her chance, she was targeted by a shadowy mastermind who offered to unlock her hidden potential in exchange for a price and her assistance in capturing Nico.
Emotional Catharsis and Friendship
Following the battle, the group reflects and heals. Keigo is freed from his pact when the Enchanter loses her magic. Nico offers her magical medicine to help Keigo recover, highlighting the group’s care for each other. The episode shifts to a lighter tone as the group visits Keigo’s house and meets his mother, sharing a meal and celebrating their victory.
Keigo’s Motives
Keigo’s motives for working with the Warlock were more altruistic than they appeared. He wanted the Warlock’s potion to heal his mother’s legs after she was caught in an accident. Nico, learning that the Warlock lied about having the potion, decides to forgo her personal use of it and restore Keigo’s mother’s legs.
The Enchanter’s Demise
The Enchanter attempts to reveal the name of the one who enlisted her, but she is killed and drained of her magic, freeing Keigo from his contract. Nico had considered offering the Warlock a place among the witches in her hometown, but the Enchanter never gets the chance.
New Beginnings
One of the most significant developments is Keigo moving into the Otogi house with his mother. This marks a new beginning for the household, filled with supernatural chaos and fun. The episode ends on a high note, with everyone excited for the future.
Unanswered Questions
The episode hints at the mastermind behind the recent attacks and the dire prophecy looming over Nico and her friends. Although they have won the battle, the war is far from over, and they must stay strong and support each other as new challenges arise.
Themes and Overall Impression
Episode 12 explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and self-acceptance, showing that even the weakest members of the group can make a difference when they work together. Keigo’s journey from an outsider to a trusted friend is moving, and his decision to join the Odoji house promises more fun and chaos.
A Strong Entry
The episode is a strong entry in the series, blending action, emotion, and humor effectively. The two-part storyline about dogs and raindrops reaches its climax, delivering explosive action sequences, charming fantasy elements, and emotional catharsis. While Nemu Miyao’s role is minimal, the episode highlights the flexibility of the fantasy genre.
What’s Missing
While the episode delivers on many fronts, some reviews note the absence of Nemu Miyao’s active participation in the action. Despite this, the episode’s strengths in character development and plot progression overshadow this minor drawback.
Manga Volume 12: Additional Insights
In Witch Watch, Vol. 12, Miharu and Jekyll’s secret meetings are interrupted by Fran, a student who claims to be a scientist and harbors a secret. Nico, determined to confess her feelings to Morihito, receives help from her friends, but Nemu discovers that Nico accidentally cursed Morihito into the “friend zone” as children.
Volume 12 Synopsis
Miharu and Jekyll’s clandestine meetings behind the gym are compromised when Fran stumbles upon them during one of Jekyll’s power feedings. Fran, introducing herself as a scientist, is soon revealed to have secrets of her own. Meanwhile, Nico is more determined than ever to confess her feelings to Morihito before the impending battle. Her familiars and friends rally to support her, but Nemu uncovers a startling secret: Nico inadvertently cursed Morihito to remain just friends when they were children.
Story Developments
Fran’s introduction adds a layer of intrigue as she disrupts the dynamic between Miharu and Jekyll. Nico’s romantic pursuits take center stage as she grapples with her feelings for Morihito and the looming prophecy. The revelation of the childhood curse introduces a magical barrier to their potential relationship, adding complexity to Nico’s quest for love.
Concluding Thoughts
Witch Watch Episode 12 successfully balances action and emotional depth, providing closure to the “Dogs and Raindrops” storyline while setting the stage for future challenges. The episode reinforces the importance of friendship and self-acceptance, delivering a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion to the first cour. With Keigo joining the Odoji household and the mysteries surrounding the mastermind still unresolved, fans have plenty to anticipate in the upcoming episodes.
