I mean clearly, the main parent story that aired and lasted for a consecutive 2-cour between Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 to really rush the manga (because of its chapters which are filled with short panels), it was, and still is to this day, in my opinion, a triumph to Wit Studio and the staff under then-debut director Yousuke Hatta's dedication, in terms of capturing mangaka Sousuka Toka's childlike storytelling that has everyone captivated and cheering on the underdog of one of the most underappreciated, to a master juggernaut of a show back in its day. And now, there is a new Ousama Ranking anime, and you should rejoice...right? However, it's just not in the same wavelength as you would expect, but I reassure you, it's the same Ousama Ranking that you like and/or love from the main series.
The new anime, dubbed Ousama Ranking: Yuuki no Takarabako a.k.a Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage, it's not Season 2, but the adaptation of the culmination of the manga's side stories. Basically what that means that this show is a direct canon to the main series and provides kind of a "behind-the-scenes" look on how and why do the characters in this show think and do the way they did in the main series. In a TL;DR sense, it allures and showcases the same expectations from the main series that does not feel like its presence has shrunk ever since the year's gap between the parent story and this "spin-off filler" series. And it is to my eyes, a great addition that's akin to a cake's in-between icing that adds more flavour and substance to an otherwise great show to begin with. As an example, for one, getting to understand what's on the characters' minds and psyche of the things they do at the moment of the main story's worldbuilding and development, it just simply oozes fascination, more than just questions and answers to an already subtle plot.
That said, Wit Studio under director Yousuke Hatta comes back to wield the side story anime, and it's still pretty much Ousama Ranking under the shell, with all of the fascinating artwork and choices of animation that impresses the same way, just like its main cousin. And while Aimer's ED is just plain beautiful to listen to, PEOPLE 1's OP is just fine, not on the levels of Season 1's OP maestros of King Gnu and Vaundy, but decently good.
If you like Ousama Ranking to begin with, I don't see why this show isn't as good as the main series already is. It's additional fuel for entertainment, and this IS good entertainment while we wait for the eventual Season 2 (if there will be any once the manga has caught up to the anime and progressed further).
Good stuff all around.
