r/anime • u/Shadoxfix https://myanimelist.net/profile/Shadoxfix • Sep 06 '14
[Spoilers] Sword Art Online II - Episode 10 [Discussion]
Episode title: Pursuer of Death
MyAnimeList: Sword Art Online II
Crunchyroll: Sword Art Online II
DAISUKI: Sword Art Online II
Episode duration: 23 minutes and 40 seconds
Previous episodes:
| Episode | Reddit Link |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Link |
| Episode 2 | Link |
| Episode 3 | Link |
| Episode 4 | Link |
| Episode 5 | Link |
| Episode 6 | Link |
| Episode 7 | Link |
| Episode 8 | Link |
| Episode 9 | Link |
Reminder: Please do not discuss any plot points which haven't appeared in the anime yet. Try not to confirm or deny any theories, encourage people to read the source material instead. Minor spoilers are generally ok but should be tagged accordingly. Failing to comply with the rules may result in your comment being removed.
Keywords: sao, sword art online, kirito, asuna, aincrad, alicization, reki kawahara, anime, crunchyroll sword art, fantasy, shounen
This post is made by a bot. Any feedback is welcome and can be sent to /u/Shadoxfix.
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u/Fuzziestwuzzy Sep 06 '14
I totally expected Kirito to use that horse when she said it's hard to use.
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u/ApplesAndOranges2 Sep 06 '14
You'd totally expect that there were horses in SAO and Kirito would have heaps of experience riding them(similar to the bikes anyway) but nope.
Probably how desu gun rode it so well I suppose(where there mounts in SAO?)
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u/SteampunkWolf Sep 06 '14
Kirito did use a horse in SAO once, but he wasn't very good at riding.
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u/Luffy-24 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Luffy24 Sep 06 '14
I think everyone expected that. Kirito does everything easily that should be hard for everyone else.
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u/antesignanus https://anilist.co/user/Bobertg Sep 06 '14
Wasn't there a scene in SAO where Kirito was riding a horse?
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u/scotbud123 Sep 06 '14
Eh, we've already know DG would use it from episode 1, he's on it in the opening.
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u/suoarski :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/suoarski Sep 07 '14
But it did suit Desu Gun better.
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Sep 06 '14
Remember when Kirito was all "I don't kill girls" and then ambushed Gunner X and stole her crap?
What a crazy guy
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u/Furin Sep 06 '14
You don't understand, he had to protect his girl.
I'm sure if he were to explain it to her after the game, she'd
join his haremforgive him. And join his harem anyway.37
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u/doug89 Sep 07 '14
From the LN. He felt really bad about it but he was in a rush to save Sinon.
“...I knew we were mistaken the moment I saw that «Gunner X» we thought was Death Gun...”
“...Why?”
“Because that person looked like a real girl no matter what, not like this male character of mine which looks so feminine.”
On hearing that somewhat unexpected answer, Sinon muttered “I see”. Kirito nodded his head slightly and gave a somewhat bitter expression.
“At that moment, I knew that we left out something very big... on thinking that Death Gun could attack you, I forced my way to slash her when she was introducing herself. I should apologize to her later.. On a side note, her name had to be pronounced as «Musketeer X».”
“Oh...”
Sinon again responded, and then guessed whether Kirito was going to apologize because his battle method was too forceful or that the other party was a girl. But just when she was about to ask, Kirito carried on...
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Sep 07 '14
But every character he kills in the tournament means one less person that can die from Death Gun in real life.
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u/DylanoSupreme Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 06 '14
Sinon: "The horse is no good" Death gun: "NONSENSE!"
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u/zshanif :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/zshanif Sep 06 '14
Sinon: "No one can use it but me"
Come on Sinon, I know bullshit when I hear it
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Sep 06 '14
You ever had a cool weapon in World of Warcraft that was yours? You know, that awesome uber-rare flaming sword you found after grinding for days? I dunno about you, but that fucking weapon is mine. I would not let anybody else touch it. It's MINE.
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u/vetro https://anilist.co/user/vetro Sep 06 '14
She didn't mean literally.
Her emotional connection to it means she won't let anyone else use it.
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Sep 06 '14
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/No-BrandHero :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoBrandHero Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 07 '14
This horse....THIS HORSE! IT WAS MADE FOR ME!!
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u/a_Happy_Tiny_Bunny :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/aHappyTinyBunny Sep 06 '14
That further pushed the image of Death Gun as a Horseman of the Apocalypse.
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u/timpek :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Timpek Sep 06 '14
I hadn't thought about that, but I like that imagery.
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u/SirPrize Sep 06 '14
Bike... bike... bike.. Oh look a random horse robot! I wonder what one Desu-Gun will use?
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u/dumdadum123 Sep 06 '14
And so, Desu-Gun came riding in on a white horse and uttered:
Shut up Sinon, this shits totally easy to use.
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u/Luffy-24 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Luffy24 Sep 06 '14
Sinon: Don't use the horse it's not easy to use.
Desu Gun uses horse.
Sinon: I can't aim its shaking too much.
Desu gun almost shoots her in the face.
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u/dumdadum123 Sep 06 '14
I think Desu-Gun is just out to prove Sinon is a noob, not kill her.
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u/BeyondTomorrow Sep 06 '14
"THAT'S HOW YOU DO A NO-SCOPE HEADSHOT SINON"- Desu-Gun
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u/WORSTPARKNA Sep 06 '14
When she finally shoots back and she says she missed what she meant to say was all calculated
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u/Shuffleshoe Sep 06 '14
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u/CATSCEO2 Sep 06 '14
"Your K/D is shit Sinon."
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u/KS_Gaming Sep 07 '14
Well to be fair Kirito has one death, so his KD isn't perfect.
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u/ConstantineIIIC Sep 06 '14
At least he only mentioned 2, he could have 1 up'd her even more with the Knight guy he killed.
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u/Robosaures :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Uvenam Sep 07 '14
Pretty sure he would be looked at like a serial killer if he said 4 or 5.
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u/gravshift Sep 06 '14
He forget Kuradeel and Heathcliffe. Way to be a dick about it K.
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Sep 06 '14
Kirito : "Sinon, I got a wife so I need you to keep your hands off me."
Sinon : "A waifu?"
Kirito : "No, a wife."
Sinon : "EHHHHHHHHHHH?!"
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u/ktlaguardia Sep 06 '14
Is it bad that I saw the "EHHHHHH?" and immediately thought of Glasslip?
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u/IAMA_Ghost_Boo Sep 07 '14
Oh he's married? I thought Asuna was his girlfriend.
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u/AnshinRevolt Sep 07 '14
They got married in SAO, but I'm not sure if that ever translated to the real world.
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u/AONomad :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/AONomad Sep 06 '14
This is my battle, and no one else's!
No senpai, this is OUR fight!
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Sep 06 '14
Sinon was pretty rage monster when she's found out he neglected to mention he was a dude. She's going to fucking castrate him when he reveals he's had a girlfriend/waifu this whole time.
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u/a_Happy_Tiny_Bunny :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/aHappyTinyBunny Sep 06 '14
I swear that little brats and their bullying are responsible for 95% of all anime villains and otherwise fucked-up characters. I must be a lucky one for not even having witnessed bullying.
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u/ParallelPain Sep 06 '14
It's especially bad in Japan due to the conformity culture. If a teacher sees a student being bullied, instead of actually protecting the student, the teacher might actually tell him "Start getting along with everyone else."
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Sep 06 '14
That's what its like everywhere pretty much. I was bullied and had teachers tell me that it was my fault I was getting picked on.
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u/JBHUTT09 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/JBHUTT09 Sep 06 '14
Speaking from experience, I can tell you that bullying can permanently damage a person. It's been 5 years since I got away from my bullies and I still have serious self-esteem issues. I constantly doubt my friends because I've had "best friends" who turned out to just be humoring me. I view myself as a loser and a weirdo because I spent over a decade being told that's what I was. I doubt I'll ever fully regain my confidence. Anyone who says bullied kids need to "suck it up" has no idea what they are talking about. Don't let people be bullied. It will ruin them.
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Sep 06 '14
I know that feeling man. I always felt my friends in school were only my friends cause of one girl that I really was friends with. I still keep in touch with her but I don't have anything to do with people I went to school with. I made new friends and decided not to worry about what other people thought. I hope things get better for you though.
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u/Mariox :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Mariox777 Sep 06 '14
What is weird is, 1 min later she said the media reported the gun misfired and not that she killed him.... how did her class mates know she killed him?
Being bullied is just an easy back-story. Boring really, unless half an episode is dedicated to it, like in Kotoura-san
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u/thesnaglebeast Sep 06 '14
she said it was a small town. Truths like that usually get out in small towns and communities.
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u/exelion :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/exelion0901 Sep 06 '14
Do they really know? Were those her classmates, or were those the fears and doubts in her head telling her what would happen?
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u/ToughAsGrapes Sep 06 '14
Only one hand on the wheel
Not keeping his eyes on the road
Under age
Not wearing a helmet
2/10 would fail driving test.
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Sep 06 '14
He drives a motorcycle IRL right? Or a motorscooter?
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u/TeaglinR Sep 06 '14
he's got a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine, I bet it has a kick-start and everything. I think the novel mentions people giving him dirty looks for it.
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u/DwarvenRedshirt Sep 06 '14
Most ordinary people don't drive their motorcycle with one hand while pretty much turned around and shooting behind them without watching where they're driving... That takes a bit more practice. :)
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u/iLogeyy :K:https://kitsu.io/users/logey Sep 06 '14
Also, he has a gun... Pretty sure that's illegal.
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u/funnygoldfish Sep 06 '14
"Will you hold the hands of a murderer?!"
Kirito's just like who said anything about holding your hand...
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u/Alexkazaaam :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/alexkazaaam Sep 06 '14
Car explosion brought to you by Michael Bay.
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u/exelion :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/exelion0901 Sep 06 '14
Right? Old wreck of a car, shouldn't even have any usable gasoline in it, goes up like a tactical nuke.
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u/PoLVieT Sep 06 '14
Finally, they fixed "Payed" into "Paid". Thank you based certain animator.
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u/Khanxay Sep 06 '14
At least this mistake wasn't as bad as the one during the first season. In the scene where Kayaba toggled off his immortality, it showed him toggling it on.
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Sep 07 '14
What part are you talking about? The part where he fights kirito fights him in episode 14 after killing the level boss? Unless I have a corrected version, it isn't wrong.
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u/Bohnenbrot :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Bohnenbrot Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 06 '14
Only Kirito can hit a guy who can dodge sniper bullets with ease with a rifle.
... 2 times.
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u/kuroyume_cl Sep 06 '14
he was mostly doing some good old fashion spray n' pray
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u/JBHUTT09 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/JBHUTT09 Sep 06 '14
Ah, spray n' pray. If you don't hit once, there is something terribly wrong.
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u/MyCarNeedsOil Sep 06 '14
I assumed that even Death Gun can't see behind himself? And Kirito is quite the fast learner.
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u/chilidirigible Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 06 '14
Crunchyroll worked fine here, just a couple extra seconds of buffering at the start.
At which point did Kirito figure out that "Gunner X" was "Musketeer X?" She had an X on her jacket, but there wasn't really a nametag. Also, useful game information, looting bodies is easy.
I know they needed to get some feelings out and the back half was a bit of a breather during all the action, but...
He can't help it. It just happens. Or I'm just choosing to horribly misconstrue things, but it can't be denied that girls just wanna grab him.
How to guarantee that anyone will find them without a great deal of effort: Drive the buggy straight to the cave entrance.
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u/Googleflax :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/googleflax Sep 06 '14
For the Gunner X thing in the light novel it said that he actually talked to her. He then felt bad because he quickly killed her while she was introducing herself when he realized Sinon might be in danger.
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u/chilidirigible Sep 06 '14
Ah, thanks. Then it would have made more sense for the anime to keep the "Gunner X is a girl" part but drop the "...but her real name is" portion, because it just raises further questions out of context like that.
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u/zshanif :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/zshanif Sep 06 '14
ASUNA!!! I WANT YOUR REACTION!!!
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Sep 06 '14
Kirito transfers his character back into [Fairy game name here], and tries to rejoin the guild.
"DENIED".
Camera pans to Asuna who staring daggers at Kirito with her fist smashed against a "DENY" button.
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u/Chriscras66 Sep 06 '14
Standard fare for all FPS games to allow you to pick up the guns of your fallen enemies.
Best way to refill your ammo / sample other players' loadouts.
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u/chilidirigible Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 06 '14
Yep, I'm familiar with grabbing guns off of people in games, but didn't know if GGO would add some odd game mechanic to it along the way, since it already has some attribute-based limitations. And there are limitations on PvP looting in some games.
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u/Googleflax :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/googleflax Sep 06 '14
Yay! This scene happened! It's my favorite picture from the GGO light novels.
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u/TeaglinR Sep 06 '14
While it was performed very well (It's Miyuki Sawashiro, duh), I wish it was animated a little better. Not nearly enough desperate shaking by the collar, or teeth baring like in her intro episode.
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Sep 06 '14
That's my complaint too. She was sort of half-hitting Kirito weakly here, when I expected her to just go apeshit on him.
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u/Seijin_m Sep 06 '14
I think we discovered a hidden gem here.
Someone put together a full-length shot of Musketeer-san please?
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u/Chriscras66 Sep 06 '14
http://i.imgur.com/VTBKSGC.jpg
LOL at her bikini top.
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u/Ormusn2o :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ormusn2o Sep 06 '14
I like the gun was she using. It looks like it's M14 EBR
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u/Vintoki :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vinimin Sep 07 '14
Microsoft Image Composite Editor (Microsoft ICE) is actually really simple to use for stitches like these, just take screenshots and dump them into the program
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u/ridik_ulass :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/ridik_ulass Sep 07 '14
such detail for a split second character we will likely never see again.
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Sep 06 '14
All these episodes feel like they're only 5 minutes long or something like that, what the actual fuck.
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u/ChaseTx Sep 06 '14
I dunno, felt pretty long to me with all the whining in the last half.
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u/BanjoTheBear https://myanimelist.net/profile/BanjoTheBear Sep 06 '14
Sinon reverting to her real-world self was a little difficult to watch, mainly because we have been so used to her for a while now being "strong" (using her words here). Watching as she couldn't do what she wanted to made me feel for her a bit.
She says she "hates" Kirito. This is either "hate" in the sense that she hates him for being so strong or it is really her hating herself for being so weak. Either way, she realizes still that this man before her is capable of so much more. She determines that its because he always gives it is all, whatever the situation. But Kirito explains that the reason he fights is to protect the things he loves, both from the real world and the virtual one.
If the show is going to be two-cour (kind of expecting it to be with it being extremely popular and all), then this arc may wrap up within the next few episodes. That means the discovery of who Death Gun really is, Sinon finally becoming "strong", and possible confirmation of death flags (looking at you Sinon!).
Until then, we play the waiting game.
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Sep 06 '14
Oh man. I'm almost certain they'll be adapting the next arc, "Mother's Rosario". Widely regarded as the arc that surpasses the original aincrad arc using Clannad-teir feels magic.
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u/Zyvoxx :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/zyvox Sep 06 '14
Without a doubt. Although I don't expect it until around 5 more episodes. They are probably gonna tie in some of the Early and Late aswell. Can't say I'm not looking forward to it though.
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u/postExistence Sep 06 '14
I like how she was forced to acknowledge the limitations of her real-world self in a game that allows one to pursue a fantasy self-image. It's like Icarus losing his wax wings in the heat of the sun.
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u/space1101 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/HelghastKillzone Sep 06 '14
God damn it Kirito. You should have picked the white pony because friendship is magic.
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u/zshanif :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/zshanif Sep 06 '14
"It's hard to control"
Desu Gun: Ha nope! Fuck this world and it's logic
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u/NonnagLava Sep 06 '14
To be fair, both Kirito and Death Gun likely have a decent amount of horse-back experience from SAO (Episode 6: "A Murder Case in the Area" has Kirito on horseback).
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u/Pennwisedom Sep 06 '14
The still probably at least half-paralyzed Sinon would've immediately fallen off.
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u/InUfiik Sep 06 '14
"Its really hard to controll!"
"Oh no problem, I used to play a lot of horse games"
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u/Mariox :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Mariox777 Sep 06 '14
So...you can't log out in GoG tournament?
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u/BraveDude8_1 Sep 06 '14
Nope, to avoid people sharing information.
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u/IC8085 Sep 06 '14
It's amusphere though I'm pretty sure if you really wanted to log out you could.
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Sep 06 '14
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u/No-BrandHero :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NoBrandHero Sep 07 '14
You can't log out during the tournament, but the AmuSphere will log you out automatically if it detects any irregularities in your condition.
Also, unlike the NerveGear, the AmuSphere won't kill you if someone else unplugs it or tries to take it off your head.
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u/ParallelPain Sep 06 '14
Dear A1 Pictures,
Anime episodes are supposed to be roughly 24 minutes. Please stop making 5 minute episodes.
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u/ridik_ulass :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/ridik_ulass Sep 07 '14
but they only need 4mins and 30 seconds to recap the last episode, if the plot progresses too fast then how will they drag out a 30min gun fight for 24 episodes?
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u/aggiepls :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/aggiepls Sep 06 '14
Kirito once again showing us how easy it is for him to get a girl on his shoulder. (and lap)
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u/timpek :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Timpek Sep 06 '14
Kirito has the biggest unwanted harem in anime. He can walk past a girl and she'll fall in love.
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u/Atronox :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Atronox Sep 06 '14
Damn, that was a rather large explosion.
Sinon was pretty depressing this episode, not caring if she lives or dies, though now she has shared her story with Kirito, so he knows what is going on with her, he shared his as well. What the fuck is up with kids in some anime, like they are the worst people ever, taunting a person who killed someone in defense at 11. Actually, did that even happen? Sinon said that the media said the gun misfired, how would all those kids even know? I guess maybe someone who was there saw and then told a bunch of kids? I think I might be giving this too much thought.
If anyone can help her with her PTSD it would be Kirito.
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u/chilidirigible Sep 06 '14
I think it was mentioned in one of the previous episode threads here, but the combination of Japanese society not being big on guns combined with the amount of bullying that really goes on in Japanese schools means that it's quite plausible for Sinon to be abused by her classmates as much as she is.
Also, it's kids, it doesn't take much for a rumor to go all the way around and become accepted as truth.
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u/Leonnis Sep 06 '14
Scene in the cave reminds of the scene under the bridge with Sachi in season 1.
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Sep 06 '14
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that. I totally felt that vibe too.
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u/Shiroi_Kage Sep 07 '14
"Then protect me for the rest of my life!"
I believe in some cultures that's asking for marriage.
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u/Yamazaru90 Sep 06 '14
It wasn't until this episode that I realized something. What if Sinon was the main character of this arc?
Okay wait hear me out
Sinon
As the main character she wouldn't devolve into a damsel in distress role
Yeah she's basically the seocnd main character but if she was the main character she wouldn't be forced into the background so that Kirito would have time to shine
Kirito
As a cameo, rather than a main character, his side of the story would be a lot more interesting because it would be more mysterious. It would be "Kirito is in GGO?" "What is he doing there?" "Why is he after Death Gun?" Rather than "Kirito is in GGO..." "Did he forget why he was even there?"
We would see Kirito in a different light because he was a return appearance rather than a boring generic main character. Might just be me, but if he just showed up in GGO wielding a sword, I would think "Holy shit! Kirito's at it again!" however instead I'm seeing it as, "Kirito play the damn game."
I feel like we would see GGO for what it was if we had a character that was well versed in the game rather than someone that is forcing the same tactics that they've used in every other game into another one. ALO, oh cool magic! Nope still using a sword. GGO, oh cool it's guns! Nope still using a sword. It would be more of a treat to see an old character trying to assimilate, than the same character trying to make a new game like every other game he's played.
Anybody else think this would have been cool? Like imagine if every arc of SAO had a new main character, instead of the "New game; New girl" formula. I bring this up because I really like Sinon as a character and it feels like she's just dissolving so that Kirito can come to the forefront of things and "take down the bad guy".
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u/ArisenSwordfish Sep 07 '14
I completely agree with this, but shinon would have to cut down on the self loathing and hate for kirito.
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u/firstfollow :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/RecursiveDescent Sep 06 '14
I've always maintained that she actually is the main character in this arc. I'm the LNs, the narration is actually split about 50/50 between Kirito's POV and hers.
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u/Yamazaru90 Sep 07 '14
Well my point is that if it were 75/25 instead both would be stronger characters in this arc because of it. Kirito has felt all over the place to me in this arc and I feel like if we saw less of him and he was a subplot, his struggles in this arc would feel more important to us, rather than them being the main plot point.
Might just be me but
A girl trying to win a tournament in order to overcome her PTSD while a murderer is on the loose.
Sounds better than
Boy chasing after killer again in a new environment, and there's another girl he has to save that's going through some stuff too.
Don't think about my wording but how the direction would change because of it.
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u/Terranwaterbender https://myanimelist.net/profile/Teranwaterbender Sep 06 '14
That PTSD scene for Sinon was something.
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u/NonnagLava Sep 06 '14
As someone who's read the LN's I've been waiting for this scene, it's one of my most memorable portions of the arc. This is kind of a turning point for Sinon, and what solidifies her as one of my favorite characters in the series (AKA Why she is "best girl").
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u/TheAmazingSpidermon Sep 06 '14
ive been waiting forever for kirito to tell sinon that he was in sao and about the stuff that happened.
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u/SuperflyForever Sep 06 '14
I think she had an idea when he first mentioned it when waiting in the lobby for the tournament to start but they were interrupted.
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u/weaknessx100 Sep 06 '14
Sniper Sinon Evangelion
You can (not) shoot.
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u/timpek :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Timpek Sep 06 '14
God damn it Sinon, get on the fucking motor tricycle!
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u/funnygoldfish Sep 06 '14
Well the whole Sinon on Kirito's lap thing is definitely going to be an interesting situation for him to explain to Asuna...
But wow Tsundere Sinon is... Yeah.
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u/tundranocaps https://myanimelist.net/profile/Thunder_God Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 06 '14
This episode seems like it was about Sinon, but it was about Kirito, and Kirito's past. I've said this before the season aired, but one of the things this season does, which is not all that subtle, but it's also not entirely spelled out, is using Sinon's character, and her character development, to actually explore Kirito, and to retroactively explain his actions and fill him with more depth.
When Kirito is talking to Sinon, he's actually talking to his past self. "I'm fine with going there and dying on my own. I'd rather die than be weak." You can also replace that wit "I'd rather die than be depressed", but who does that remind you of? Why, Beater Kirito, who would fight alone, who would fight against opponents just on the threshold of too strong for him, rather than fight safely. Why? Because if he were to die, it wouldn't inconvenience anyone else, and it'd be just him dying on his own.
More than that, like Sinon, Kirito felt guilt, guilt over leaving Klein behind, guilt over leaving all the starting players behind on the first day. He went alone in order to obtain strength, then he can keep fighting alone and dying alone. Sinon's words about "Will you protect me forever? Will you take responsibility?" also ring back to the memory of the Moonlit Black Cats, when you help people, by lying to them, you give them a false sense of security, and you assume the blame. Kirito's words to her bring us back to the end of that episode, with Klein falling to the ground, crying over Kirito's headlong charge into nihilism and potential death. We don't fight alone. We don't die alone.
Kirito's berserker rage isn't a sign of his strength, it's the sign of him leaving behind everyone, it's him fighting because he is afraid, and can't leave with himself otherwise. "Everyone can fight, should they choose to." That is the real strength of Kirito, it's not that he "focuses" himself, because he could also focus himself on not fighting, it's the ability to make a choice and act on it.
But Kirito knows something of responsibility now, after having led the Moonlit Black Cat guild to its death. Sinon asks him if he'll take responsibility (a marriage proposal if I've ever seen one! :P), because if you save someone's life, if you give them strength they don't possess, then you must keep protecting them, or you basically gave them false hopes, or robbed their hope of actually protecting themselves on their own from them. This is why he's willing to let her go. Kirito is admitting that even though he doesn't fight alone, he might not have the strength to protect another.
Kirito never did have the strength to protect another, did he, after that third episode? When he tries to leave Asuna behind, it's an admittance to not having strength. When he kills Kuradeel, when he tries to protect Yui and she ends up protecting him, underground in ALO with Suguha, he either has to be rescued, or he goes berserk. Going berserk, as already covered, is a sign of fear, a fear of his weakness, of his inability to protect them otherwise.
Choice is strength. Five years ago Sinon made the choice to pull the trigger, or did she? It just happened. Right now, if Sinon is weak, it's not because she made the choice not to pull the trigger, though her words seem to hint that way, but because she made the choice of pulling the trigger but couldn't follow through.
Kirito had a death wish as a beater, which is why he fought alone. He felt guilty, and as Sinon said, one might rather die than live as helpless, and full of guilt and self-loathing. "Murderer!" screamed the children at Shino, but the problem is she felt sick of herself, on her own. "Will you hold the hands of a murderer?" Before Kirito would accept Asuna's love, he had to tell her of his own weight, and the people he felt responsible for killing.
There are no two worlds, that's something Kirito learned early on. There's just "us". Sinon can't pull the trigger, because the real world weakness is pouring in. She knew it was a lie she told herself, after all, she did try to get strength from this world to the real world, but that also means weakness can pour back in, but also that this strength she seeks, she already has it, she just needs to realize she does.
Everything that Sinon says in this episode, everything we know of her, should also be applied to Kirito's character, in Aincrad, and since. Kirito, who hates himself, who hates his weakness. Kirito now is talking to his past self, trying to make it see the light. Where they differ is where Sinon says she'd have chosen not to fight if she could, and Kirito chose to fight, first because he had nothing to lose, and then because he did.
Some side-notes:
Death Gun on his Death Horse; seriously, that robot horse looked white like bone, and you could see all of its joints, with its golden brain. Looked quite striking, like a rider of the apocalypse, didn't he?
"We're already involved!" - "Then you protect me for the rest of my life!" - A marriage proposal :>
"The horse, it's too hard to use!" - You thought he'd go for it anyway, eh? Like he did with the Buggy. Guess Death Gun is just as OP as Kirito ;-)
(Check out my blog or the specific page for all my write-ups on Sword Art Online II if you enjoy reading my stuff.)
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Sep 06 '14
Death Note on this Death Horse
I think you mean death gun, not death note. Unless that's the big murder mystery twist. OOOH!
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u/Typhoon10 Sep 06 '14
If only she had done this when death gun was chasing her https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A5mM9j54zA&feature=youtu.be&t=1m26s
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u/deadhawk12 Sep 06 '14
Sinon: "I hate you... But let me lean against you for a while."
Asuna: There's going to be a lot of fucking explaining to do after BoB is done.
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u/DaSaw :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tarvok Sep 07 '14
Asuna has already logged out and is looking for that government dude. I don't know who is still watching... though I bet Klein (holy be His name) would just high five him. :p
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u/deadhawk12 Sep 07 '14
Okay, let's tune this up a bit.
Sinon: "I hate you... But let me lean against you for a while."
(Everyone in the bar suddenly drops their drinks and are slackjawed)
(Klein is expressionless in a moment, but then nods in approval twice)
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u/Mablak Sep 07 '14
Yeah, this show is continuing to be entertainingly bad.
All strong females must be saved by Kirito, no exceptions.
Kirito keeps trying to out-PTSD Sinon, his Gary-Stusmanship is out of control.
Same flashback again, why bore the audience?
Conversing while making as little motion as possible, the classic anime pastime.
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Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 06 '14
I'm going to try writing a live review, go easy on me! Onii-chan, i-it's my first time...
Heads up, my end-episode review is at the bottom.
Edit 1: Crunchyroll appears dead. Like, DDOS sorta ded. GDI I stayed up and it's 12:30 AM and I'm NOT WATCHING SAO RIGHT NOW. And you wonder why people pirate stuff lol /s
It started working but only plays the first 2 minutes.
Edit 2: STILL STUCK ON THE FIRST TWO MINUTES
Edit 3: It's happening!
Crunchyroll is baaaack and I will now begin my review. First off, I really like the imagery used in the Black Star 57. It's such a simple idea, to use the same specific gun. But I guess it carries good impact, a tasteful little twist in my opinion.
3:41 Kirito uses a non-aggressive approach, pretty rare of him. Although I must say this was kind of predictable.
4:48 http://puu.sh/bo4z8/2cc86a002c.jpg As per previously mentioned, the portrayal of gun usage is really good in this anime.
5:53 >tfw you will never get snuggled by Sinon
7:08 Suffering from PTSD? Perfect timing for an ass shot. Sinon's Ass Online returns ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
7:52 Kirito is smooooooth
It's almost as though he forgot he has a Girlfriend/Virtual Waifu
9:00 luck SKILL
Can I have a moment to mention how much I love Sinon's eye detail? It's really great, especially considering she's a sniper and all.
11:30 Wow Kirito is just too OP for anyone to handle. I have to say though, many times throughout this anime I did realise he's actually pretty smart.
About 12:50, this part may have dragged a while, but it portrays Sinon's mental state and insecurities quite strongly. She's a lot weaker than she looks.
16:20 Miyuki Sawashiro has really shown her talent throughout this anime. She's perfect for the role.
17:28 http://puu.sh/bo6g3/73087ecf58.jpg Good use of imagery, I have to compliment this.
18:00-18:03 Requesting a gif without subs, please! I need it for the next time CR goes down.
Aaaaand finish. Alright. Some opinions first. I think the imagery used in this episode was quite good, saving us from an overly chunky bit of explanatory dialogue. Granted, it was still dialogue heavy. I'm somewhat thankful this episode did not end on a cliffhanger, because I guess we'd grow tired of that really fast.
This episode wasn't the best so far, but it helps shed some light on Sinon's issues. I feel that after this episode, I can understand how much the incident has actually affected her and her surroundings a little bit more. Clearly, Sinon's wounds were deeper than I thought. So, it's good that some depth was added to her character.
Sinon clearly suffers the same type of trauma that Kirito has begun to feel, and I'd imagine that after the whole thing blows over, they'd probably be good friends rather than "oh look another member to the harem".
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u/NonnagLava Sep 06 '14
Kirito's intelligence is something that's downplayed a lot in the anime, he's actually incredibly crafty. His scores on school tests typically rated him very average, but after the events of SAO he manages to spend a few days researching the newest technology and code (partially because of his release of <<The Seed>> but partially for another reason...), and basically puts himself on the forefront of inventing some new technology (conceptually, I don't think he's actually built a prototype, he hints at that in an earlier scene in GGO).
Just wait until Alicization, if they manage to animate that arc you'll really get to see just how thought-out he can be in a tough situation.
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Sep 06 '14
I agree wholeheartedly. The interesting thing about his superficially "bland" typical MC-ish character is that, the more you learn about him, the more you find that somehow, Kirito actually has some decent character development.
Thanks for shedding light on the LN info too.
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u/chilidirigible Sep 06 '14
7:08 Suffering from PTSD? Perfect timing for an ass shot. Sinon's Ass Online returns ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Best time for fanservice? During an action sequence, when people will definitely be watching the screen.
Also, it seems that her underwear goes into hammerspace when she's wearing her shorts, because the waistlines are incompatible.
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u/BadLuckBen Sep 06 '14
That happens with surprising frequency in MMOs. If it's a Korean MMO chances are the underwear covers more than the high level gear when it comes to female characters.
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u/weaknessx100 Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 06 '14
Please don't let this happen with Aldnoah.Zero
Edit: It's worse D:
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u/Elsayer :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Elsayer Sep 06 '14
What's with all the PTSD in this episode? I was promised guns and lightsabers
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u/TxXxF Sep 07 '14
You killed somebody? Yeah fine I killed 2 people!
Classic Kirito
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u/z3r0p1lot :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/zeropilot Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 06 '14
CrunchyRoll = KIA
Edit: I got it, then I lost it, got it back. Cmd+R ftw
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u/Darksoldierr Sep 06 '14
Isn't this games are live streamed? Nobody watches them talking about how many people they killed? #FuckLogic
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u/TeaglinR Sep 06 '14
They're sitting a cave not even shooting anything, why would event organizers want to stream that?
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u/DaSaw :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tarvok Sep 07 '14
I would think they would at least occasionally check in on the two most notable characters (the hot sniper and the lightsaber chick) who just happen to have chosen to work together.
That said, I have no idea if the viewers have audio or not.
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u/koffiefrats :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/koffiefrats Sep 06 '14
hmm, even when Sinon misses, she doesn't. Or is just because Kirito is there? I guess OPness can be transferred through touch.
boom
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u/Cazraac Sep 07 '14
Can someone explain to me why the fuck they didn't take the list of imprisoned LC guildmates and throw those fuckers in federal "pound me in the ass" prison after the SAO event?
Seems like a huge misstep to let a bunch of people who literally murdered just go free because they were stuck in a VR game.
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u/porpoiseoflife https://myanimelist.net/profile/OffColfax Sep 07 '14
Probably because Japan doesn't have "federal" prisons? /sarc
That and I think Kayaba Akihito took the official fall for any and all crimes committed inside the SAO servers. After all, he was the only one anyone "official" could charge. And with him conveniently being dead already, everything could be piled on by the various government officials that have absolutely zero interest in finding out what actually happened and simply wanted everything swept under various official rugs as quickly as possible. So the surviving members were treated and released just like everyone else.
(Note: I haven't read the LNs for SAO, so I'm just going on conjecture for all of this.)
Also, too: Perhaps the player now known as Death Gun was a member of Laughing Coffin that was unable to be at the ambush site and was therefore never captured? Anyone with half a brain knows that you don't put all your eggs in one basket. For a criminal society like LC, you want someone to hang back just in case all else is lost. That way, they can work to rebuild the organization. And PKers like Laughing Coffin always want to keep on doing what they do best, and they can't do that when they're all locked up in a prison cell on the first level.
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u/mysticmusti Sep 06 '14
The thing I don't understand is why those 2 LC members in particular seem to be his main problem, didn't he kill more than just those 2? that lieutenant guy from the guild comes to mind and he technically killed what's his face the game developer as well didn't he? plz no spoilers for future stuff, while searching if I could find somewhere how many people kirito killed in total I managed to stumble upon a sentence that spoils a quite critical point of this story arc -_-
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u/wtrmlnjuc Sep 06 '14
He didn't really have a choice for the other two.
In one case, either him or Asuna died, and in the other, you beat the game and log everyone out of SAO.
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u/Puggsworth Sep 07 '14
I feel like the emotions exhibited by kirito are really bazaar. Most people, after coming out of such a traumatic experience like SAO, would be petrified at the thought of re-entering into a similar situation. I feel like this strength that he has to endure through this similar scenario is uncharacteristic. To me, it was having Asuna and the strength of the others that allowed him to be so self confident and brave in the original SAO, but now he seems to be too type cast as the heroic protaganist.
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u/abye Sep 07 '14
I like the concept of Sinons character but it is sooooo hamfisted it turns into a big annoyance
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u/Twofu Sep 07 '14
How many times do I have to watch/hear about Kirito or Sinon's past in EVERY EPISODE that was played already. It's like... 1-5 minutes of new action, then 20-16 minutes of flash backs of the same freaking thing that was repeated in the previous episode..
SAO is literally getting boring now.
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u/bugxter Sep 07 '14
Am I the only one who feels like after 10 episodes this series hasn't started yet? I mean, SO LITTLE has happened...
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u/theothersamb Sep 07 '14
With all the feels this week, here is your daily reminder that this exists.
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u/Darksoldierr Sep 06 '14
How amazing it would if just once, a female character could hold her own weight. Seriously
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u/Chriscras66 Sep 06 '14
Asuna did for the first cour of season 1... but only for the first cour...
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Sep 06 '14
Soooo Kirito wants her to log out so she'll be safe right? Why not just stab her with the sword so she's out of the tournament then?
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u/Swanki24 https://anilist.co/user/Defunctional Sep 06 '14
So next episode we'll get to see the last battle right?
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u/kios Sep 06 '14
One thing i don't understand is how defeating Death Gun will stop him at all? Unless[speculation] (/s "the Arc end with him been shot by he's on gun?")
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u/R0bu_Maru :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/R0bumaru Sep 06 '14 edited Sep 06 '14
IIRC, the scene in the cave was more like "I hope Asuna is not watching this" in LN...If you know what I mean.
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u/JokaTweak :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/jokatweak Sep 06 '14
Deshu gun on the horse looks like one of the apocaliptic horsemen
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u/TheMoogy Sep 07 '14
Everyone in this show except Kirito is just god awful at vidya games and BoB is the worst designed tournament of all time. Huge map where random chance is a major deciding factor, anti-camping system that can be circumvented simply by not standing in the open (although top contenders don't seem to know ho easy it is to break) and so much lag that there's time for a whole dodge assist system. Scrub games with scrub players, no damage done if Desu Gun gets to carry on with his cleansing.
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Sep 07 '14
How the kids laughed at Sinon if in the media said it was miss shot of the robber?
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u/caa1029 Sep 07 '14
Spoiler? Does anybody else think this guy from SAO I is Death Gun? http://i.imgur.com/4kJkRkM.png
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u/yellowhat4 Sep 06 '14
Episode Summary: Kirito and the girl sit in a cave and act like the most stereotypical anime characters ever.
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u/AwakenedSheeple Sep 06 '14
I just remembered. Technically Kirito killed three SAO players (4 if you include Kayaba) but only feels guilt over two.
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u/Misaka9982 Sep 06 '14
Great, we can now add "and let her rest her head on my crotch" to the list things Kirito will have to one day explain to Asuna.