The third chapter of the Dark Kingdom arc in Naoko Takeuchi's Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon. A string of vanishings on Sendai Hill leads Usagi to Hikawa Shrine, where a gifted young priestess named Rei Hino awakens as the third guardian.
Summary
After several people disappear on Sendai Hill, Usagi and Luna head to the Hikawa Shrine there to look into the mystery. On the grounds they meet Rei Hino, a shrine maiden whose unusual psychic gifts set her apart and who will soon join the guardians as Sailor Mars.
Key Events
In the Dark Kingdom, Queen Beryl scolds Jadeite for two failures while Nephrite brags that he could do far better. Pressed by her generals, Beryl explains that the Legendary Silver Crystal is a limitless source of energy whose bearer could rule the universe, and she grants Jadeite one final chance. At the shrine, the priestess Rei senses approaching evil during her fire meditation, and when a departing tour bus is driven by a disguised Jadeite, it vanishes as she turns to look.
Luna coaxes a sleepy Usagi into a strategy meeting with Ami at the arcade, where a Sailor V game prize turns out to be communicator watches. Following Ami onto a bus, the girls encounter Rei, and a fascinated Usagi trails her up Sendai Hill. Crows attack, prompting Rei to hurl a paper charm before realizing her target is only a frightened girl. Locals gossip about the shrine's tie to the so-called Demon Bus disappearances, yet Luna wonders whether Rei could be the princess they seek.
Riding the bus again, Usagi meets Mamoru Chiba, a sharp local student whose manner unsettles her and reminds her of Tuxedo Mask. Rei, meanwhile, foresees the enemy seizing Usagi and rushes to the bus, only to be forced aboard by Jadeite. Usagi disguises herself as a stewardess with her pen and clings to the vanishing bus, while Luna tumbles into Tuxedo Mask's arms and is left behind. Warped into the Dark Kingdom, Usagi stays in contact through the communicators as Luna sends Sailor Mercury to help. When Mercury's fog freezes uselessly, Sailor Moon traps Jadeite with her Moon Frisbee, the mark of Mars glows on Rei's brow, and Luna hands her a transformation pen. Newly awakened, Sailor Mars burns Jadeite to ash, and the captives are freed, leaving Nephrite seething back in the Dark Kingdom.
Notes
The chapter introduces Rei Hino as Sailor Mars along with Nephrite, Zoisite, the crows Phobos and Deimos, and Mamoru Chiba by name. Hikawa Shrine debuts here, as do the communicators, Ami's Super Computer, and Rei's ofuda charms, plus the Akuryo Taisan and Mercury Aqua Mist techniques. In a note unique to the manga, the skirts of Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury flip during a fall, the only such moment in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rei Hino in Sailor Moon?
Rei Hino debuts in Act 3 as a psychic shrine maiden at Hikawa Shrine who awakens as the third guardian, Sailor Mars, after sensing evil tied to the Demon Bus disappearances on Sendai Hill.
How does Rei Hino become Sailor Mars?
After Usagi is dragged into the Dark Kingdom by the vanishing bus in Act 3, Luna hands Rei a transformation pen once the mark of Mars glows on her brow, letting Rei become Sailor Mars and burn Jadeite to ash.
Who does Usagi meet on the bus in Act 3?
Usagi meets Mamoru Chiba on the bus in Act 3, a sharp local student whose manner unsettles her and reminds her of Tuxedo Mask.
What happens to Jadeite in Act 3?
Jadeite, disguised as a bus driver abducting people to the Dark Kingdom in Act 3, is trapped by Sailor Moon's Moon Frisbee and then burned to ash by the newly awakened Sailor Mars.
What new items debut in Act 3 of Sailor Moon?
Act 3 introduces Hikawa Shrine, the guardians' communicators, Ami's Super Computer, Rei's ofuda charms, and the Akuryo Taisan and Mercury Aqua Mist techniques.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Act 3 Rei - Sailor Mars? The Sailor Moon Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Sailor Moon anime series, manga, and official materials. Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Takeuchi, published by Kodansha, and animated by Toei Animation. All rights to Sailor Moon and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
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- Created byNaoko Takeuchi
- Published byKodansha
- Animated byToei Animation
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