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ファイト／ステイナイト 
February 16, 2007 | 
42 Comments
I have to admit that I'm still not used to the idea of Yuuichi and Ayu but I really like the mystery that surrounds Ayu's character. I am also impressed with the animation and I think the quality of the background painting have improved a lot in the past few episodes. I think it started during Shiori's arc and continues up to now. I guess this is because the animators have been saving their budget for the last few episodes. Anyway, with only 4 more episodes to go, I am starting to wonder if this will indeed end with Ayu and Yuuichi as a pair. Especially after what happened at the end of this episode. On the other hand, it could be argued that the writers simply want to focus on Nayuki first before returning the story back to Ayu during the last 2 episodes.
After the supposedly steamy kiss, "Boku" err, Ayu apologises that she tripped her legs and lands her lips on Yuuichi's lips. Yuuichi, however, scolds Ayu, telling her not to apologise. Despite this "Boku" feels guilty for disregarding Yuuichi's feeling. All of a sudden, Yuuichi declares that he loves Ayu and asks Ayu if she loves him as well. Seeing chance, Ayu leaps at it and tells the guy that she's always love him. Much to her happiness, Yuuichi feels the same way since he's been waiting for 7 years. The two hug and Ayu suggests that the two meet again after school just like they used to be. Later on that night, Yuuichi and Ayu return home together and end up looking like two shifty dogs. Yuuichi only makes thing more obvious by pretending to be excited that Nayuki is helping Akiko with dinner. Nayuki wonders if they managed to find Ayu's missing items but Yuuichi admits that they haven't found the items that Ayu is looking for.
In order to break off the uncomfortable mood, Akiko tells the two to change clothes. When Nayuki suggests that they take a bath, Yuuichi tells Ayu that she can go first. Ayu, however, refuses because she wants to help out in the kitchen. Nayuki assures her not to worry since she wants to do this with her mother. Because of this, Ayu apologises and goes to the bathroom as requested. Inside the bathroom, Ayu traces the part of her lips, trying to re-imagine the kiss. She becomes embarrassed when she realises what she's been doing. Inside his room, Yuuichi is busy reading Men's Non-No like any self-respecting Metrosexual. When Piroshiki approaches him for some cuddle, heartless Yuuichi shoves the poor cat away using his leg. A flashback then shows Chibi Ayu pouting because Chibi Yuuichi was late as usual. His excuse was that he had to sort out his luggage. Ayu, who understood that this means Yuuichi would leave soon, ended up looking sad.
Yuuichi tried to cheer her up by saying that they still have today and tomorrow to play together. Because of this, the two went to the forest again so Ayu can climb up the tree again. She then marvelled at the surrounding, saying that it looks like an entirely different scenery. She then pulled out the doll and asked for 2 more wish from Yuuichi. So she asked him again if he would grant her wish if he can do it. Yuuichi confirmed this and the two drived viewers insane by saying "Hontou ni, hontou da" over and over again. Eventually, Ayu lifted the doll and proceed to make her wish. However, what she said was inaudible. In the present time, Yuuichi wakes up in the morning and is shocked to see Nayuki already sitting at the breakfast table. As it turns out the practice for the next tournament will begin so Nayuki bids goodbye to Yuuichi and tells him that they'll meet later in the class. Despite this, Yuuichi's face suggests that he's weirded out about this.
Much to his surprise, Ayu also wakes up early because she wants to go to her school. The two part ways in the city so Yuuichi warns her not to accept Taiyaki from strangers. XD After an uneventful time at school, Yuuichi fulfills his promise to meet Ayu in the city. Yuuichi is, of course, late as usual, claiming that he was on cleaning duty. Wow, this part really feels like a dating sim, where you choose which answers you get to say to the girl: "I was on cleaning duty" or "I was checking out this new girl". Guess which one is the correct answer? Anyway, Yuuichi asks Ayu where she'd like to go so she tells him that she wants to go to "that place". Yuuichi doesn't seem to know what Ayu meant by this, disappointing Ayu a little bit. Despite this, she plays along when Yuuichi suggests that they go to shopping district to find her missing item. Yuuichi asks for her hand so they can walk hand in hand. In response, Ayu decides to play her "I'm shy" card.
Yuuichi points out that she wasn't shy about kissing and yet she's shy about holding hands. Despite this Yuuichi decides to stop teasing her and proceeds to walk towards the mall. Ayu suddenly changes her mind and tells him that she's okay with holding hands and grabs Yuuichi's hand when he least expects it. Cue in blushing...and I just realised that Ayu is wearing shorts in Winter. Fast forward a few hours later, the two come up empty. Ayu thinks maybe the item was not meant to be found. She thinks maybe the thing that she's looking for is not important for her to be happy so she doesn't mind that she can't find it now. And if it turns out that she needs it then she would just look for it later. Later on that night, Yuuichi asks her why Ayu tends to use "Boku" and her answer is that she's always used "Boku" since a long time ago. Yuuichi, however, reminds Ayu that's she's a girl and there are other Ichininshou for a girl.
Unfortunately for Yuuichi, Ayu doesn't understand what Ichininshou means so he explains to her that it's how someone refers to oneself. In the case of girls, he suggests something like Watashi, Atashi, or other ways. Ayu, however, claims that she feels that "Boku" is far more apt for her. Despite this, Yuuichi insists that Ayu practice using other Ichininshou. And his suggestion is....guess this: Ore. XD Please excuse me while I cough violently after I heard Ayu saying "Ore, Tsukimiya Ayu". Yuuichi's reaction, on the other hand, is more along the lines of a big laughter. He then suggests that she tries using Atashi but Ayu insists that she's fine with Boku. He tells her that right now it's probably okay for her to use that but she might get in trouble later....such as when she's applying for job. Yuuichi then visualises Ayu getting dragged out of an interview after she said "Uguu...boku, Ayu!". XD I do wonder how strict Japan really is about Ichininshou.
Ayu is horrified after getting flashes of that visual and therefore agrees to use "Atashi" just once. However, after she said it, Yuuichi thinks it's not as interesting. Ayu is annoyed about this and wonders if Yuuichi is making fun of her but Yuuichi denies the accusation. That night after taking shower, Yuuichi overhears Ayu saying something along the lines of "as I though it's a bit too big". Yuuichi can't help but being interested to know what they're talking about so he opens the room and finds Ayu dressed up in his high school female uniform. When Ayu asks the now embarassed Yuuichi what he thinks, he instead asks her if she's transferring school. Nayuki quickly corrects silly Yuuichi by informing him that it's just her uniform. She also thinks it fits Ayu nicely. Yuuichi quickly points out that the uniform does not fit Ayu. Hmm, is he insulting Ayu for being too small or Nayuki for being too big? Either way, I suspect he gets no pie from either girl.
Nayuki quickly scolds Yuuichi and asks him not to say such thing after Ayu goes "Uguu" because she's upset. Ayu, however, quickly laughs again after seeing Yuuichi's expression and tells him that his school sounds fun since the uniform is cute. That night while Yuuichi is reading his fashion magazine again, he hears a knock on his window. He's surprised when he sees Ayu looking frozen so he lets her into his room. When he asks her what is it that she wants, she claims that she just wants to talk to him but she's afraid of awakening Nayuki with her footsteps. Yuuichi informs her that Nayuki usually don't wake up even if she hears footsteps. Later on, the two decide to go out into the balcony and the two talk about many things they encountered ever since they moved to their new school. This reminds Yuuichi that he wants to see Ayu's school. Because of this Ayu invites him to come and look for it together after the two of them finish school.
The next day, Yuuichi is surprised to see Akiko leaving the house as well because she has a job. This reminds Yuuichi that he doesn't actually know Akiko's job. Before he can asks her about this, Akiko tells him that it seems he doesn't remember what happened in 7 years ago. Yuuichi confirms this and wonders if something happened. Akiko tells him that it was nothing in particular but she mentions about a tree which got cut down. That evening, Yuuichi meets Ayu again in the city. While munching some Taiyaki, Ayu wonders what he'd do if she tells him that he was her first love. In response, Yuuichi tells her that he'd bail out as soon as possible. He then blushes and gives explanation that it's because first love tend to be fruitless efforts. Upon seeing Yuuichi's red face, Ayu makes fun of him before asking him about his first love. Yuuichi is not sure if it was first love but he had a crush on an older girl. Cue a quick flashback featuring a girl.
However, he doesn't really remember her anymore except that something sad happened. Ayu seems disturbed upon hearing this so Yuuichi decides to ask her if she's happy now. Ayu confirms this but at the same time she's also uncertain at times. She's afraid this happiness and fear that the reality in front of her is just a dream. In order to cheer her up, Yuuichi points out that she's different than she was 7 years ago. And even when winter ends and spring arrives, he'd still be in this city and be next to her. Ayu starts to cry on her Taiyaki after hearing this, prompting Yuuichi to remind her that the Taiyaki will be salty now. Ayu doesn't mind since it's a nostalgic taste. Later on, the two head to the school but when the two get into the forest, however, Yuuichi wonders if there really is a school in this place. Ayu, however, certain that there is a school and she just met her friends today. Eventually they reach the area where there used to be a large tree.
This time around, however, the tree is gone, replaced by a large stump. Yuuichi suddenly remembers what Akiko said about the tree being cut down. Ayu herself is in a state of shock and opens her backpack to prove that there was a school today. However, her backpack turns out to be empty. Ayu is confused about this and decides to run away. When Yuuichi finds her, Ayu is seen busy digging a hole with her bare hand. Ayu explains that she's looking for her missing item so Yuuichi decides to help her with this. Despite their combined attempts, they can't find the item. Yuuichi suggests that they go back tomorrow and look for it again. Much to his shock, Ayu apologises to him and tells him that she may not be able to meet him again. She points out that they've finally met after seven years and apologises again. When Yuuichi turns around, Ayu has disappeared and the only thing left was the jacket that he placed on her body.
Preview
Impression:
So it seems the large tree got cut down 7 years ago and something happened to Ayu. If I may speculate, I think she was on that tree when it got cut down. I admit the theory is silly because I don't know how the contractor didn't notice her presence. But it's possible that they probably noticed her and asked her to come down. However, due to her attachment to the tree, she refused to let go and an accident happened. Well, I hope I didn't just came up with a silly theory because I actually like the idea. It sounds sentimental and childish but also quite romantic at the same time. It reminds me of that song by Nakashima Mika, Sakurairo Mau Koro. In the video, a guy had a fond childhood memory with a girl in relation to a sakura tree. However, one day the girl has to move out so the only thing that is left behind for him was that Sakura tree. As a result, when a bunch of developer tries to destroy the tree, he tries to stop them.
What I don't understand is the part where Yuuichi gets a sudden flashback to an older woman whom he supposedly had a crush on. Is this Mai or someone entirely different? At any rate, I think the series is shaping up for an interesting ending. Anyway, there wasn't that many comic scenes in this episode but I was amused with the entire discussion about how female should addresses themselves in Japan. I am sorry for not explaining it earlier but if you didn't know, in Japan females tend to address themselves using either Watashi or Atashi. It's rare to hear a girl using Boku let alone Ore, both of which are masculine language. Although I've heard that they tend to give leeways to foreigners because they think we don't know better. :P As a side note, for some reason I was thinking of this weird icecream taste when I saw Piroshiki standing next to an ice cream tube. Hmm, Cat-meat ice cream. :P And oh, props to Men's Kanon-No.
I think that scene of her in the bathtub there is the first (and only) time that she doesn't look like a kid... and it's a pity that doesn't last.
And gee... this is looking a little awkward. Time to wait for the translation to see how it flows.
Is Nayuki's ending really possible?
That line of Shiori's is ringing in my ears:
"It's called 'miracle' because it doesn't exist"...
Even if it's a false hope, I'll still wish for a Canvas 2 type turnabout.
I think that scene of her in the bathtub there is the first (and only) time that she doesn't look like a kid... and it's a pity that doesn't last.
Yeah, she's clearly suffering from Hagu complex. Judging from some of the dialogues in this episode, it's obvious that she doesn't know much about the world of adults. And I can't really blame her since I kind of guess her condition by now.
Is Nayuki's ending really possible?
That line of Shiori's is ringing in my ears:
"It's called 'miracle' because it doesn't exist"...
LOL, poor Nayuki fans. At any rate, Ayu's fans should not count their blessing yet after the end of this episode.
At least Hagu's complex didn't last through ALL of Second Season... and there were times in first season that she actually looked close to her age. Ayu, on the other hand, never seems to lose the Complex unless she's got that headband out of her hair and isn't wearing that childish outfit.
Nayuki's probably out, given the episode count's at 20... not impossible, but unlikely, especially as Ayu was the one who he kissed.
Shiori's line is presented in Kanon as an irony; it's the exact _opposite_ of what Kanon says about miracles. Its purpose in the context of Shiori's story is simply to establish the continuation of her sickness and the inevitability of her death, at that point, as an aspect of her attitude towards life. She doesn't really want to survive, so a miraculous recovery is, for her, impossible. It becomes possible the moment she starts to desire it. 'Miracles don't happen' isn't what Kanon says at all - those words are put in Shiori's mouth specifically so that the game/ anime can demonstrate how baseless they are.
I've been saying for weeks that this was how Kanon was going to play out - another one or two Ayu episodes, then Nayuki's story slotted into the lull created by her absence before she returns for the big conclusion. It's the logical structure for the anime to take given the nature of Nayuki's story in the game. Nayuki's story requires Yuuichi to be burdened with a certain degree of solitude, and Ayu's brief absence is the only period in which that solitude could be achieved.
By the same token, a Nayuki ending isn't going to happen because Ayu's story isn't complete, and for it to be complete Ayu needs to return. Nayuki's story isn't going to end Kanon, nor could it. It simply lacks the capacity to tie together the disparate story threads and loose ends - it doesn't answer most, if not all, of the questions the series poses at its beginning.
It's not a matter of personal preference (and for the record, I would much prefer ShiorixYuuichi to AyuxYuuichi) - it's a matter of common sense. Ayu's ending provides the most dramatic conclusion to the series and the most complete - and besides that, the series has been building up to it as the central Kanon mystery right from episode 1.
Kind of hard to tell, even in RL... the person you thought that u gonna end up with, even after kisses... at later stage (some time later), you'll end up knowing that the person that you really going to be with, is the person that support you all the way at your side.
So, up to now even with the few remaining episodes... the ending for us is pretty much mystery... it might really be Ayu x Yuuichi or mysteriously be Nayuki x Yuuichi...
All i would say, everyone for now would just go with HOPE that their x x x is right =)
Very interesting captions. XD
And on the issue about the pairings, at least Yuuichi isn't a hetare like freaking Takayuki.
@Maimai
The ending's only a mystery if you haven't played Key's original Kanon or, to a lesser extent, watched the Toei adaptation. If you have, you'll have noticed that KyoAni have followed the original script to the letter and will also notice that, unless they choose to rewrite Nayuki and Ayu's stories completely, only Ayu's story can really bring closure to the anime as it has currently been presented.
@Tim
lol Tim u dont really need to take it seriously, its a little something called fan-boyism. Its just part of the anime culture. They are only enjoying and hoping their favorite character gets the best outcome even tho a lot of them are aware of the impossibilties. Dont need to try to convinced them why, it be cruel if we dont even give them, in a small sense, hope and imagination.
@Nightingale
"u dont really need to take it seriously"
Majoring in English tends to do that to you. T_T Point taken - I will resist the urge in the future to be a know-it-all. :p
The older woman U1 talking bout is most likely, the "real" sawatari makoto, which was explained back in ep8....
The older woman U1 talking bout is most likely, the "real" sawatari makoto, which was explained back in ep8....
Ah I see. Thank you for reminding me of her. I can't believe they go out of their way to include her. Is there any relation between her and Ayu's story though? Or is this just a one-off mention?
@ Nightingale
As much as I'd like a Nayuki ending, at this point I don't see it happening. I could fanboy all I want, but logically speaking I don't see it. With Canvas 2, there were at least hints at what happened. Here, suddenly brining Yuuichi and Nayuki together in a couple episodes would be awkward.
I'm surprised how so many people are surprised that an Ayu may happen... it's been obvious since the beginning of the series. I haven't played the game, but watched the first series, so an Ayu ending was what I had always expected, even if I didn't really want one.
@ Garten
I think they probably trying to highlight U1's assertion of "first love nvr turn out so well", but that assertion actually works the other way around for those who already knew the story. Well, if i say more it be spoiler =P
@ deftoned
lol u mistaken me, im not a Nayuki fanboy. I'm only trying to give the real Nayuki fanboys some breathing space, as they apparently had enough disappointment, rather than telling them "its hopeless." I mean, anime is about appreciation, if fanboy losing interests in an anime they like just because we experienced veterans proved their fantasies to be impossibles, it wont be the same enjoy-anime mood anymore. Just something i hope that can keep the Kanonites' love + spirits up, not only to their favorite characters, but the story as a whole as well. =)
This isn't being analytical at all, but is Kanon running 24 or 26 episodes?
This isn't being analytical at all, but is Kanon running 24 or 26 episodes?
Kanon is supposed to have 24 aired episodes. Having said that, I just checked Shoboi's Calendar and it shows that episode 23 is titled "Finale". Now, normally I would assume that with that kind of title, that episode would be the last episode. However, Shoboi's Calendar usually puts 「終」 - Owari (End) sign in the note area. Since I don't see that on episode 23, I assume episode 24 is the last episode.
http://www.designchronicle.com/memento/images/kanon/20/kanon2004.jpg
at least its not a dragon XD
...no Garten...you're wrong...
...Ayu wasn't in the tree when it got cut down...
...she was next to it...and the falling tree fell on her...
Your comments on the pictures continuosly make laugh.
Am I the only one who doesn't care if Yuuichi ends with Ayu or Nayuki? I personally prefer Shiori.
"This isn't being analytical at all, but is Kanon running 24 or 26 episodes?"
There's rumour that the episode will actually be 23 episode. Episode 24 will actually be an OVA.
I heard that 23 is important to plot, thats why there's written finale and there's 3 slots after so it's 26 eps actually.
http://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/910/time
And check out Skane's post.
http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=826970&postcount=25
No...there are only 4 eps left,
the DVDs which in schedule are 8*3=24.
...um...Garten...
...did someone actually believe my line about the tree falling on Ayu...that's just what I wanted to happen...
...*tongue firmly in cheek*...
Lol, Garten, don't tell me you forgot that Yuuichi had a crush on Makoto... Not the fox, but that older that he talked about during Makoto- fox's arc.
The image that was flashed for a split second seems to be the same one that was shown last week when Ayu asked him is he ever lost someone when he couldn't do anything about it.
Makoto > Mai > Shiori > That image
...did someone actually believe my line about the tree falling on Ayu...that's just what I wanted to happen...
I did. I feel stupid now *bashes head against a wall*
But it sounds plausible....orz. I'll take that spoiler tag away now.
Lol, Garten, don't tell me you forgot that Yuuichi had a crush on Makoto... Not the fox, but that older that he talked about during Makoto- fox's arc.
Yeah, I completely forgot about it. I guess it's because we've had so much other plotline prior to this one and I thought nothing was going to happen out of that old Makoto plot.
ROFL the cutters cutting down the tree with Ayu on it comment made my day.
Garten, for Ayu and the tree, see all the flashbacks from the early episodes. That should make it clear.
Garten, your image tags are comedy gold as always. :D And it looks like we finally have confirmation on the 'Ayu is a Spirit/Ghost/Thing' hypothesis! I'm still waiting for the coma theory to be borne out, but I have high hopes for it.
Personally, I think that Ayu simply fell off the tree, or that a branch suddenly broke beneath her. At the A-Suki forum it was suggested that the tree was cut down after--and maybe because of--the accident, and I agree that seems plausible.
It really makes me sad and feel sorry for Ayu having you all hated her so much T^T.I really don't know why most of you hate her so much...
>>It really makes me sad and feel sorry for Ayu having you all hated her so much T^T.I really don't know why most of you hate her so much...
I don't know that many of us hate her. But I think most of us know or have heard that Ayu's Route/Ending is the 'Main Route' for the game and Kanon (2002). Fans of the other girls are probably starved for a different, non-Ayu ending. I can certainly understand that.
>>It really makes me sad and feel sorry for Ayu having you all hated her so much T^T.I really don't know why most of you hate her so much...
Ayu is my second-favorite Kanon female lead, and if it wasn't for Nayuki, she should certainly be the first. It is just that in the eroge Ayu's route was the most popular, and the first Kanon (2002 version) was following Ayu's route as well; I want to see Nayuki's ending as a change.
On another note, the preview for next episode should give all Nayuki fans hope for increased Nayuki screentime. From the English subtitle (~rondo without you~) to the Nayuki preview caps (Nayuki waking Yuuichi up, Nayuki eating breakfast with Yuuichi) there is reason to believe that Nayuki's arc isn't over, even though the ending may not be her own.
Her 'sou da yo, ne? watashitachi wa kazoku nan da yo, ne?' makes me hope for a sudden love confession while the competition is knocked out.
Er...not to offend AyuxYuuichi fans, but it really looks father-daughter-ish when they walk together. I find it awfully weird.
What's Ayu's purpose in this series?
What's going to happen next is anyone's guess now, can't wait for the next ep ^_^
Kyoto impresses me again with the snow and the lighting here, it really looks real. Ayu's personally my favorite girl, but I have a thing for girls who use boku. ;)
"What's Ayu's purpose in this series?"
Not going into spoilers, she is the key that holds the entire story together. Without Ayu Yuuichi would not have had a lot of things happen with the other girls.
what is "moe" exactly? I keep seeing this word used commonly
"what is "moe" exactly? I keep seeing this word used commonly."
It's thought to literally mean "to burn for" but Wikipedia has a better explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moe_%28slang%29
i knew this part was coming up, but yuuichi's change of attitude got me by surprise...... it was too "sudden" for me XD
"I heard that 23 is important to plot, thats why there's written finale and there's 3 slots after so it's 26 eps actually.
http://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/910/time
And check out Skane's post.
http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=826970&postcount=25"
終 is put on the 26th ep airing on the 29th of march here
http://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/910/time,
and note that Lucky*Star starts airing in April, this probably means there are 26 eps in total
but this reminds me of Air, didn't they do a recap, then 2 more eps for the Summer arc
What I don't understand is why a bunch of contractors would cut down one single large tree and then not build anything. Sure, the contractor thing is still a theory, but its confusing XD. Maybe lightning struck it?
Yo Garten! Yuuichi's first love pic of the older women, might not be the "real" sawatari makoto. Because that on the first episode it showed that same exact picture. So it could be related to Ayu's story somehow...
This screenshot:
http://www.designchronicle.com/memento/images/kanon/20/kanon2023LG.jpg
Here is a shot of the "other" side of that pic:
http://www.designchronicle.com/memento/images/kanon/01/kanon0104LG.jpg
Yuiichi did say "there was an older woman I had a crush on... and..." (then cue to that screenshot)... the two may be separate people, not actually the same person...
- T
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