WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Episode 9 of Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood, "Confidential File 668, Ethereal Love," now streaming on Crunchyroll.
The last couple of episodes of Joran have been the series’ most bleak by far. But even with some fan-favorite characters presumably gone for good, things aren’t all terrible. Elena made a surprise return towards the end of the last episode, and Episode 9 introduces audiences to one of Nue’s most charismatic executioners: Rinko.
Initially introduced to Sawa as the granddaughter of the Asakura Temple’s groundskeeper, Rinko reveals herself to be a Nue operative tasked with watching over Sawa and Asahi during their brief sabbatical. With Makoto’s attack on the temple ending that job, Rinko’s latest task is to accompany Sawa back to Tokyo.
Upon learning her true identity and intentions, Sawa lets out some of her frustration and questions Rinko about where she was the night Makoto attacked. Though no concrete answer is given, Rinko seems to express genuine regret over not being able to save Asahi. Seeing this, Sawa forgoes any grudge she might have had and decides to move on from the topic.
With Rinko as her chaperone, Sawa decides to take a detour back to her now abandoned hometown. As the two travel together, it becomes clear that they’re complete opposites. Laid-back, lighthearted and fond of drinking, Rinko is a direct contrast to Sawa’s stoic personality. Despite this, the two get along relatively well and return to Sawa’s village with time to spare.
While observing the derelict remains of her former home, Sawa places an offering on the village’s mass grave. Vowing to get revenge and continue fighting in the memory of her family and Asahi, Sawa finally snaps out of her funk and finds the strength to push forward.
With nothing left holding her back, Sawa makes her way to Tokyo with Rinko. However, their train is soon hijacked by Kuchinawa terrorists, who take the nearby Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs hostage in the hopes of bargaining for the release of one of their members. Sawa tries to act but is stopped by Rinko, who wants to show off her skills as an executioner. The typically aloof Rinko confronts the group alone and proves just how deadly she can be.
While Sawa uses a katana and Elena a whip, Rinko’s fighting style is much more unique. During her confrontation with the three terrorists, Rinko shows off amazing speed and the ability to manipulate thin bands of a flexible metal called "oronium." Highly effective in close-quarters-combat, Rinko’s ability helps her dispose of the Kuchinawa kidnappers with ease. Having handily taken care of the would-be threat, Rinko and Sawa enjoy a peaceful ride back to Tokyo.
Nue’s executioners have been a driving force of Joran and, while each stands out on their own, Rinko is a welcome breath of fresh air. Her aloof attitude makes her a perfect complement to Sawa, and her unique ability makes for some satisfying combat sequences. She’ll likely play a role as the series moves towards Jin’s grand plan, but how she figures into things going forward isn't clear just yet.
