Yu Yu Hakusho's infamous and memorable "Dark Tournament" and "Chapter Black" arcs stand so tall that they often eclipse the "Spirit Detective" arc. The charm and brilliance of Yu Yu Hakusho's first section was overshadowed in favor of the bombasting or disturbing nature of the series' more famous moments. While it could be a better section of the story, some intense moments and characters make it stand out, especially during Genkai's tournament.
Each round of Genkai's competition felt fresh and fun thanks to Togashi's take on shonen storytelling. Direct one-on-one fights filled a smaller portion of the tournament and allowed its participants room to breathe before clashing with the protagonists. A considerable benefit of the contest is Kuwabara entering the limelight, planting seeds for his future character arc, and fleshing out more of the growing ensemble cast.
Loose Power Levels Yield Short-Term Payoff
Togashi has the competitors play arcade games and sing as abstract measures of their spiritual levels. Rigid power measurement systems tend to overcomplicate fights and potential pairings by forcing viewers to view the assigned numbers as law. Instead of establishing a series-spanning assessment of power, the tournament uses the numbers for short-term payoff by playing with the expectations of both its viewers and characters.
Having the other competitors underestimate their competition due to the theoretical numbers they received in a wacky assessment provides insights into their characters. Underestimating Kuwabara and Yusuke backfires in the faces of cocky, seasoned fighters who assume the quip-friendly youths have more bark than bite. While it isn't a hyper-refined measure of powers, it does help with future comparisons of Yusuke and Kuwabara by clarifying their differences.
Yusuke's Stubbornness Paves His Path
In a display of brazen stubbornness, Yusuke runs straight through a trap-laden forest, feeling like the straight path is always the best. While many anime would use this as an opportunity to challenge the protagonist, pushing their limits before the final rounds, this only proves to be a nuisance. The secret monster of the forest, Baldok, is no more than a time sink.
Making Yusuke quickly dispatch a monster that Genkai deemed challenging for the participants, walking away uninjured and annoyed, builds the perception of his power while spotlighting his cocky attitude. Genkai bent her rules so Yusuke could continue to provide entertainment while impressing her during future rounds. Taking his distinct path, even if it is dangerous, separates Yusuke from his peers. He is unapologetically himself, unconcerned about self-preservation and anxious to solve the problem.
Bonding Between the Rounds
The moments between rounds shine bright with witty dialogue and genuine interactions. These moments between Yusuke, Kuwabara and Botan flesh the trio out through awkward and humorous interactions. A brotherly bond between Kuwabara and Yusuke further develops and enhances the rest of the series with their goofy bickering. Combined with the other leads, the series gains a growing feeling of a found family.
Kuwabara's love of women and desire to prove himself as a solid hero comes to the forefront. The work done to develop Kuwabara immediately pays off in the following story threads, as his pursuit to rescue Yukina while making the Toguro brothers pay feels genuine. Botan proves to be a hilarious yet informed member of the group. She offers clarity and information on the ongoing events while ribbing her goofball companions for being thickheaded.
Mysterious Fights in the Darkness
When the tournament finally evolves into one-on-one fights, it handles the first set of battles with a healthy amount of mystery. Most tournaments squeeze numerous conflicts in, highlighting exciting action and powerful presentations of capabilities in an energetic way. However, Yu Yu Hakusho places the first round of fights in a completely dark building, leaving the combatants and viewers wondering about everyone's skills and tricks.
Yusuke's fight in this dark setting proves unique and brilliant. Utilizing his honed reflexes enhanced during tussles with Hiei and Baldok, Yusuke avoids an impressive assault from Kibano. In addition, the limited lighting elevates the tension, as Kibano is more comfortable fighting in a challenging setting. However, Yusuke's luck pays off as he finds the lit cigarette Genkai tossed and uses it as a target after slipping into Kibano's garb. Pulling out the victory because of his luck, wittiness and tenacity helps lay the ground for Yusuke's following successes.
The Final Round Humbles Yusuke
Genkai's tournament has two goals: to determine who she will train and flush out the demon Rando. The tournament's final round pushes Yusuke and Kuwabara through the wringer as they are humbled and abused by powerful foes. Yusuke realizes that his abilities aren't as unique as he thought, while Kuwabara's tough, never-say-die attitude backfires in the face of an unassuming demon.
In the first fight, Yusuke's opponent, Kazemaru, brings a mastery of spirit energy that blows Yusuke out of the water. His ability is more potent than Yusuke's spirit gun power, and Kazemaru can use it more often. This is a humbling battle for Yusuke, as he is outclassed in skill and wins through his uncanny luck and cleverness. Genkai approves of Yusuke's victory, seeing that his luck is part of his skill set.
Rando Is a Sign of the Terrifying Demons Ahead
Kuwabara fights the unassuming Shorin, who has to be Rando, as he is the only competitor other than Yusuke and Kuwabara. The demonic nature of Shiron is immediately evident as he sadistically dismantles Kuwabara in a horrendously violent manner. Yu Yu Hakusho dives into a darker place, highlighting the sounds of breaking bones and tearing one of its lead characters apart. This level is violence prevails through the following arcs, becoming a key feature of future shocking fights.
Both leads find themselves outclassed by Rando's techniques. Yusuke finds his signature ability rivaled by a similar style from a user that transcends his limits. The luck found in previous contests rescues Yusuke as Rando's ability backfires. Clenching a last-minute victory through tenacity and luck paints Yusuke's future fights and is fully brought to light during this altercation.
Yu Yu Hakusho develops many recurring elements and themes during Genkai's tournament. While it lacks the scale and intensity of the Dark Tournament, it is the moment when the series creates its solid foundation. Kuwabara delivers the ideal balance for Yusuke, showing how strong the ensemble cast is to the franchise. Genkai's tournament is Togashi's refreshing take on a standard shonen story device that carries his unique voice.