Toaru Majutsu no Index Episode 23

"Friend" (風斬氷華(トモダチ)) is the twenty-third episode of the Toaru Majutsu no Index anime series. It was first broadcast on March 12, 2009, and was directed Tachibana Hideki, storyboarded by Yonetani Yoshitomo, and the script written by Akahoshi Masanao.

In the midst of the chaos and battle in the underground mall, Kazakiri Hyouka somehow wanders off in their presence, and is slammed by the golem of Sherry Cromwell, the magician who has invaded Academy City. After the large arm of the golem was swung upon her she discovers something strange from Hyouka. Touma later hears from Komoe a secret regarding Hyouka. Later, Touma rushes towards Hyouka, who is confused by his presence, Touma states that there are still lots of things to do with Index, and that he came here to help a friend in need. Touma says that there is still hope in the world, and Hyouka's illusions will not be destroyed easily. Touma enlists the help of Anti-Skill and manage to fight off Sherry and her golem. Touma dives under the golem as the Anti-Skill continues their barrage on it, as so he could confront Sherry herself. However, despite the successful blow on Sherry, she still has some tricks up her sleeve and manage to escape. Meanwhile, Mikoto and Index managed to escape the underground.

Adapted From

 * Toaru Majutsu no Index Light Novel Volume 06

Major events

 * Anti-Skill, along with Touma's help, manages to slow down Sherry Cromwell's assault.

Characters

 * Kazakiri Hyouka
 * Kamijou Touma
 * Sherry Cromwell
 * Yomikawa Aiho
 * Index
 * Misaka Mikoto
 * Sphynx

New Characters

 * No new characters were introduced in this episode.

Abilities

 * Imagine Breaker - Level 0, Kamijou Touma.
 * Ellis Golem - Pratical Kabbalah, Sherry Cromwell.
 * Long distance golem control
 * Index Librorum Prohibitorum - Index.

New Abilities

 * Golem reformation spell - Sherry Cromwell.
 * Spell Intercept - Index.

Locations

 * Academy City
 * School District 7 Underground Shopping Center

New Locations
No notable locations were introduced in this episode.

Trivia

 * This episode marks the first time Touma punches a female antagonist.
 * This episode marks the first time Index is seen being angry at Sphynx.
 * The Imaginary Number District, also known as the City of Shimmers is glimpsed for the first time in a flashback.
 * The insert song, jellyfish, is played during Index's confrontation with the golem.

Referbacks

 * Scenes from the previous episode as well as back in episode 21 are used for separate flashbacks.
 * Index references Touma destroying her Walking Church back in episode 1.

Cultural References

 * Sherry's magic array is a hexadecagram, made by the arrangement of four perfect squares, contained within two circles, then a hexadecagon, and finally another circle. It seems to be a derivative of the Seal of Solomon, purportedly used by Solomon to command demons and genies.
 * Sherry references Archangel Michael, Raphael, Archangel Gabriel, and Uriel in her spell.
 * A "Rawson" store is seen at the moment Sphynx runs away from Index, and is a reference to the Lawson chain of stores.

Animation Trivia

 * The first magic array Sherry creates is twice her height, and the scene where she begins writing it does not show or imply that she did anything notable to cover her lack in size in order for her to write down the magic array.
 * Several animation of the Anti-Skill firing at the golem is reused in the same scene.
 * In a blink and you'll miss it scene, one can see Index holding Sphynx so tightly to the point of pain.

Unanswered Questions

 * What are the conditions needed for Sherry to choose a target to kill?
 * How long did Hyouka exist in the City of Shimmers?
 * How does one enter and exit the City of Shimmers?

Quotes

 * Touma: "God, don't be silly. Quit crying over something stupid like this."―Said to Hyouka as he holds Ellis down.
 * Sherry: "Rejoice, monster. This world is rather interesting after all... since there's always some idiot like him... "―To Hyouka after Touma protects her.
 * Touma: "Let me show you now, that in this world you reside in, there's still hope! And I'll show you, that your illusion won't break down because of small things like this!"―To Hyouka.
 * Sherry: "Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel. The four head angels that symbolize the four skies! Direct the right power in the right direction, and guide it to the right position!"―Sherry's golem reformation spell.
 * Touma: "You shut up and take a nap!"―To Sherry Cromwell before she got punched in the face.
 * Index: "Touma will come back no matter what happens."―To Mikoto after she asked a question on why she isn't worried about Touma.
 * Touma: "You're not a monster!"―To Hyouka.
 * Hyouka: "I will use my power to protect those I cherish."
 * Hyouka: "I am the spring force in a clockwork. I breathe life into this clockwork of a society,"