「開幕！インターハイ予選」
"Raising the Curtain! Inter-High Qualifiers"

I’d have to check the archives carefully, but this may be the first ever case of an indirect kiss using an alien mask.  Smart thinking, Nana!

「新生江ノ高サッカー部」
"Enoshima Soccer Club Reborn"

I’m sort of hoping that the medical profession in Japan isn’t using Area no Kishi as a reference, because some of the stuff that happens to human bodies in this series seems a little hinky to me.

「サッカー部分裂」 (Sekkaabu Bunretsu)
"The Division of the Soccer Club"

I sort of get the idea I’m siding with the wrong group (and this isn’t even Shakugan no Shana) but I was pretty much in agreement with the FC boys this episode.

「小さな魔女」 (Chiisana Majo)
"Little Witch"

I had pretty well convinced myself that Area no Kishi wasn’t going to have the depth I thought it would going in, but there were signs this week that I may have given up too soon.

「強化合宿は大騒ぎ!?」 "Panic at the Training Camp!?"

Yes, this is an excellent idea – scare the crap out of the kid who had the heart transplant.

「決着」 (Kecchaku)
"Conclusion"

Those who have lost, shall regain again…

「王様の帰還」
"The Return of the King"

It’s pretty clear that neither the mangaka or the director of this adaptation was too worried about unrealistically building up Araki Ryuuichi, but the shaft of light from the heavens as he walked (floated?) onto the pitch may just have been a bit much…

「激突! FC対SC!!」 (Gekitotsu ! FC tai SC !!)
"Clash! FC vs SC!!"

Whatever miracle diet “King” Araki was on, he needs to patent it, because he’ll never have to work a day in his life. Seriously? Two weeks and what, 50 pounds? This kid should be in bed hooked up to an IV, not playing soccer.

「江ノ島高校フットボールクラブ！？」 (Enoshima Koukou Futtobooru Kurabu!?)
"Enoshima High School's Soccer Club!?"

A full-on time skip and a lot of hamburgers later, Area no Kishi has really reshuffled the deck.

「ラストパス」 (Rasuto Pasu)
"Last Pass"

Three episode rule or not, I’m still not sure where I stand with Area no Kishi even after four.