"It's summer vacation! Time to play and laze around in the sun! But instead of playing, Mako-chan is working hard doing some intense physical training at a temple near the mountains. I wonder what's that about? What's going on Mako-chan? You don't have to keep your worries to yourself, you know? Don't you forget, we're here for you!”
— Usagi Tsukino
(CWi Episode: "People Who Need People")
Makoto runs away to the mountains to train with a monk after a disastrous battle against a Daimon leaves her insecure about her own capabilities. The Inner girls learn of her struggle and go out to join her while unintentionally providing the key to achieving greater strength.
Tropes in this episode include:
- Actually a Good Idea: To counter Rei's suggestion about going to the old, lonely temple to stay with Makoto, Usagi points out that by staying at the hotel, they can avoid getting in the way of her training and can still be close by to support her when the time is right. Rei admits that she has a good point and but changes her mind after discovering Usagi's true motivations.
- Answer Cut: Rei notices that Chibi-usa didn't come with them; Usagi explains that she simply told her to stay behind to which her daughter agreed to. It then shows Chibi-usa upset over her mother ditching her after wanting to go to the bathroom.
- As You Know: Usagi quickly informs Luna that Mamoru took a job at a summer hotel.
- Attack Reflector: Daroma manages to return Sparkling Wide Pressure which knocks out the Inner Guardians.
- Bait-and-Switch: While hanging out at the hotel's pool area, some guys make some flattering compliments which seem to be directed at the Inners in their swimsuits. To their annoyance, they turn their attention to some hotter girls which turns out to be Haruka and Michiru themselves.
- Beat: When the cats come in the temple asking if the Inner girls will join Makoto with her training, there's a good moment of silence before Usagi decides to go to the hotel.
- Beyond the Impossible: Angry over Usagi abandoning her, Chibi-usa throws her bag on the ground hoping that God would pass her fury onto Usagi. God answers her prayer by making a luggage bag fall on Usagi's head.
- Blatant Lies:
- Usagi tricked her friends into going along with the mountain trip by wanting to support Makoto's endeavor and to study harder. In truth, she just wanted to go to the hotel to spend time with Mamoru.
- She also does some Bad "Bad Acting" when she does meet Mamoru at the hotel.
- Childish Pillow Fight: Thanks to Usagi throwing a pillow at Rei out of anger, Rei returns the favor which soon escalates into a pillow fight between them and their other friends.
- Fashion-Victim Villain: In-Universe, the Cloverway dub has Uranus insult Eugeal’s tacky pants.
- Flashback Cut: Makoto's first scene has her flashing back to when the Iron Lady Daimon, Irondar, managed to beat her in combat.
- Foreshadowing: The three Talismans are given visual forms as the Professor explains what they look like to Eudial. The red jewel in particular was already shown alongside it's holder.
- Improvised Training: Makoto goes to the mountain area to do physical training alongside a wise and dedicated monk.
- Jabba Table Manners: Usagi pigs out on a box of bento while she and her friends are riding a train. Makoto does the same at the end of the episode on the train ride back.
- Meditating Under a Waterfall: Makoto and Kakusui do this during their training. Though Makoto is unable to go through with it because of how cold the water is.
- My Greatest Failure: Makoto is upset over losing to Irondar and is insistent on getting stronger to get over her funk.
- My Significance Sense Is Tingling: While sunbathing at the pool, Michiru picks up a change in wind and how something important is about to happen that she and Haruka must attend to.
- Not So Above It All:
- Despite his tough and wise personality, Kakusui admits that he has his own moments of self-doubts and is just as human as Makoto is.
- To the disappointment of the cats, Ami reveals that she too brought her own swimsuit in the event that she would partake in summertime leisure at the hotel.
- The Reveal: Professor Tomoe reveals to Eudial, and the audience, over what the Talismans look like. A mirror, a sword, and a round jewel.
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: Dissatisfied with the temple's miniscule breakfast, Usagi rallies her friends to go to the hotel for real food.
- Skewed Priorities: A group of boys seem like they’re about to hit on the girls at the hotel, only to decide to check out the food court instead.
- Stealthy Teleportation: Eudial managed to get the jump on Kakusui without him or Makoto noticing her getting close to both of them via mini-van.
- Warrior Monk: Makoto's trainer is a Buddhist monk named Kakusui Yakushiji. He's spent four years training in the mountains and is quite the formidable fighter.
- You Are Not Alone: Sailor Moon and the others insist to Jupiter that she doesn't have to fight alone.
