Episode 16: Monkey Performance at the Seaside Teahouse Hinata: A Kiss?

Synopsis

While Keitaro is moping over Naru and Seta's situation, Haruka shows him that they're going to work at the Hinata Seaside Teahouse to supplement the rent. The teahouse is in disrepair, but they have Shirai and Haitani, along with Kentaro helping out. As part of tradition, they put on a play, this time, it's "Journey to the West." Keitaro plays Sanzo Genjo, the main character. Naru plays Son-Goku, another main character who's a monkey. Apparently, she doesn't like her role. Everyone else has parts in the play too. Into the play, Sanzo Genjo, Son-Goku and gang get attacked and as Son-Goku retaliates by multiplying himself. But Su overdoes this special effect and it brings down the house, so to speak.

Seta comes and just in the nick of time and offers a cave as a replacement stage. However, he takes part as the evil Bull King, and requires Naru and Keitaro to switch roles so he can capture Naru as Sanzo Genjo. During the final showdown, the Seta defeats Motoko's character and then heads for Keitaro. Although Keitaro is scared (since Seta seems possessed in his character), he gets confidence from knowing that he'll be saving Naru. However, the confrontation ends with a "flash." After the play, Keitaro and Naru seem to have returned to being on good terms with each other.

Screenshots

Notes and Background Info

• The play they're re-enacting is "Journey to the West", a classic from chinese literature (it's also known as "The Monkey King").

Comparison to Manga Version

• The play happens in chapter 37 in book 5.
• Keitaro mopping on top of the roof happened much sooner in the manga; it was when he first found out Naru isn't the girl during the exams.
• The teahouse doesn't crash down in the manga.
• Naru was the one who decided to switch roles with Keitaro because she really wanted to be abducted by the evil Bull King (Seta).
• Haitani and Shirai never appear in this manga version of the play.