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Mar 22, 2023 8:27 AM
#1

Online
Nov 2011
129007
What's really important for Minato and everyone in this tournament imo is their purpose of being there. I think Minato finally realizes what it means to be on that stage and competiting against his rival Shuu.

This was a dramatic episode and I think it was a great way for the cast to showcase not just their skills but their competitive energy together. Kyoto Animation absolutely captured the beautiful chereography of this episode as usual. 
Mar 22, 2023 8:28 AM
#2

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Nov 2007
31739
one more ep. left.
I Two Syaorans from Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE and TRC!!!
Mar 22, 2023 9:43 AM
#3

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Mar 2020
1457
It wasn't ever really about winning, it's about trusting the process, and the right team wins here. Just like Minato, I didn't want that match to ever end. Just beautiful, wondrous stuff.
Mar 22, 2023 10:31 AM
#4

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Oct 2009
692
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

We get to see - little Minato coming around to kyuudou after his mom's death, and then glimpses of him growing up, with his father always being there for/with him. The way that's done is masterfully elegant. And what seems to be his first interaction with Shuu - who, even then, seems a lot more mature, and yet all patient and kind; and then grows fond of Minato, perhaps fonder than he realises for a long while: the shipper in me is SCREAMING because if there is a way to make a couple perfectly obvious without being overt, it's done perfectly here, sorry not sorry. The team is together, zero blame thrown around, even the apologies are dismissed, and the teasing kept to a very lighthearted minimum, with Kacchan taking the brunt of it for the team sake of dissolving the tension. They're together with Kirisaki as well, I always love it when there's absolutely no bad blood between two schools just because they're opponents - hell, they're kinda close on personal levels. Saionji sensei and Masa-san's interactions (Takigawa-kun!) are simply wonderful: given how little there is time for, it's very concise, very meaningful, very poignant - in more ways than one. Even Eisuke comes around (I love the tsundere type, sorry not sorry), and then even Fuwa's teasing is in good jest, without going overboard. 

And despite all the glimpses into the past, they're very much in the present - with Minato's lack of concern for landing a hit being the peak point. After which, there's a very definite look into the future as well, because there is a future and they're all diving head-first into it. Together. (Hell, little Fujiwara with her crush on Ryouhei is absolutely adorable and for once I'd hope it actually blossoms at some point in that future - there's already more in their moments than most shounen put together could ever deliver for all their forced official pairings.)

Speaking of future. I know there's one more episode left, but can't say this too soon: yes please, we would very much like season three. They're still just first-years, after all, as we're reminded in this very episode.

The only thing I didn't quite understand is how or why they were shooting in such a random order, but I guess that's just technical details I'm unaware of.
Mar 22, 2023 1:26 PM
#5
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Apr 2017
138
You sure than there is one more episode? Sure felt like the end for me!
Mar 22, 2023 1:34 PM
#6

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Jan 2015
524
I never cheered for a sports in anime like this lol. Kyoani surely knows how to make you excited. Would have liked if they actually won, but I guess this works too.
Mar 22, 2023 2:42 PM
#7

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Feb 2014
3959
This is one of those episodes where you immerse yourself in being within the audience, watching a tense, but closely fought battle unfold. Regardless of either team you wanted to win, or even as a neutral, this quarter-final battle between Kazemai and Kirisaki would get anyone on the edge of their seat with how close both teams were.

It was so close that it went into sudden death, where even with the extra layer of pressure and tension, both sides were virtually even with their forms. In the end, Kirisaki was the winners by the narrowest of margins and they went on to win the nationals altogether. =)

Simple watching the match unfold, with the animation and music doing the heavy work, was simply amazing. Even in defeat, Minato is able to look on the positive side of things, being very optimistic in improving his skills, as does the rest of his friends and their coach, Masa. The boys have done a great job overall and I can only hope they can get stronger.

Once again, this was a spectacular episode, where the production values from KyoAni never fails to amaze me with how beautiful their animation looks. I predict that the last episode will be more chill, but either way, I do look forward to seeing how it'll wrap up the second season.
Mar 22, 2023 2:58 PM
#8

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May 2020
736
Tournament is over and Shuu's group had the victory in this. The journey was worth it, a ride full of joy and drama, added with superb animation chereography by the only and one KyoAni. Sound direction in this ep in particular was on point. Still one ep left but I can definitely say this second season didn't disappoint




MAL is the perfect place to shit talk about people's opinions.
Mar 22, 2023 3:03 PM
#9
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Aug 2022
100
AlexPrime said:
You sure than there is one more episode? Sure felt like the end for me!

yup, if u watched the trailer there's still a scene left where they were wearing hats and doing the shouting thing before/while shooting (called yagoe I think), and remember how Masaki treated them food and told them that there's a festival at his shrine and how they needed 5 young shooters?
Mar 22, 2023 3:03 PM
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Mar 2021
7
Since there are 13 episode and as a fan of haikyuu I was pretty sure Kazemai would beat Kirisaki and pass onward BUT winning is not the point and I was completly fine with how things went which was the goal of the entire sequence. Seeing Minato satisfied put me so at ease that loosing was not a problem for me anymore... I love it when a spokon does this
Mar 22, 2023 3:11 PM
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Jun 2022
93
FCKKKK A LOVED THIS EPISODE, ONE OF THE BEST EPISODES I EVER WATCHED BEFORE, the direction, the animation so gorgeous, the soundtrack perfect, everything was excellent, the previous ep i felt it a bit loose, but this one was completely different, just gorgeous, literally i felt inside the anime, kyoani is one of the few anime studios that can do this.

on the other hand, it looks like Kazemai will have to train harder if they wanna win the next year, i hope this incredible anime gets a 3rd season very soon, can't wait. so just i'll wait the last ep, i think it's gonna be a kinda OVA or something like that, bc i don't think there'll be more "action", well the next wednesday we'll have to say goodbye to this masterpiece. :c
Mar 22, 2023 4:04 PM
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Feb 2021
5
Do we know if we have enough content for another season? I haven't read the manga and don't know where this falls in the timeline. I stumbled on season one of this anime a month ago whilst missing those snow white notes and Haikyuu.... this was the perfect middle of those too. then season two's animation has brought it to a whole other level
Mar 22, 2023 5:08 PM

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Jun 2015
25
blaidz said:
Do we know if we have enough content for another season? I haven't read the manga and don't know where this falls in the timeline. I stumbled on season one of this anime a month ago whilst missing those snow white notes and Haikyuu.... this was the perfect middle of those too. then season two's animation has brought it to a whole other level


There is a third volume for the light novel. I think this season only covered the second volume. It was kind of a surprise that they announced a summary film and second season in the first place given how under the radar the show felt, and the first season selling around 2000-3000 discs. But it seems there was enough interest, perhaps from other revenue sources, that warranted a second season. So who knows, since this is a wholly-owned IP from them, it is up to the studio if they want to do more.
Mar 22, 2023 5:29 PM
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Mar 2022
5
shoopie said:
blaidz said:
Do we know if we have enough content for another season? I haven't read the manga and don't know where this falls in the timeline. I stumbled on season one of this anime a month ago whilst missing those snow white notes and Haikyuu.... this was the perfect middle of those too. then season two's animation has brought it to a whole other level


There is a third volume for the light novel. I think this season only covered the second volume. It was kind of a surprise that they announced a summary film and second season in the first place given how under the radar the show felt, and the first season selling around 2000-3000 discs. But it seems there was enough interest, perhaps from other revenue sources, that warranted a second season. So who knows, since this is a wholly-owned IP from them, it is up to the studio if they want to do more.

i think the show is doing well un japan
Mar 22, 2023 5:48 PM

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May 2015
2370
My god KyoAni out did themselves thus episode, what a beautiful episode
Mar 22, 2023 7:00 PM

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Feb 2021
1500
This episode was so beautiful. The sounds are as satisfying as ever.
This felt like a finale and I've been completely fine with it being one but it seems like next episode we're going to a festival where Kazemai will shoot. Excited!
Mar 22, 2023 9:26 PM

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Jul 2016
8609
All that beautiful buildup and focus just to have Kazemai losing in the end. Still a wonderful episode but man does this show handle competitions in a rather odd way.

So... what was the point of Minato losing a fingernail again?
Mar 22, 2023 10:31 PM

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Jun 2015
25
SouthRzVa said:
All that beautiful buildup and focus just to have Kazemai losing in the end. Still a wonderful episode but man does this show handle competitions in a rather odd way.

So... what was the point of Minato losing a fingernail again?
I think that's what makes kyudo as a sport unique, and hence why I don't find this result frustrating. Their opponents, despite being the nationals, are themselves, and the goal is their own growth. I think Minato's bleeding thumb was a way to show how he has grown beyond his initial first season self. he is now in the zone and in control that he doesn't allow that to bother his rhythm.
Mar 22, 2023 11:08 PM
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Apr 2020
18
I just cried TT That was so beautiful even the ending shots there with each character also Nikaido is so cute TT The Father of Shu or even his family is so cute and supportive!! I love how they showed his wish wihdskdh dang I want moar of this anime;-;
Mar 22, 2023 11:20 PM
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Feb 2015
131
only kinoani can make you cry in the first 30 seconds of an episode. beautiful show. was shocked when i updated and saw we have an episode left lmao
Mar 23, 2023 1:48 AM
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Mar 2015
41
That was an amazing episode! I was surprised when they showed everyone of the shots from the 2 teams, Kyoto Animation did an amazing job representing the tension and all the emotions involved on every shot. And also the ripples are a beautiful way to represent the title of this season. Which if I had to translate it for myself it'd be something like: "The connecting shot".
Mar 23, 2023 5:00 AM
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Apr 2017
138
Miuyri said:
AlexPrime said:
You sure than there is one more episode? Sure felt like the end for me!

yup, if u watched the trailer there's still a scene left where they were wearing hats and doing the shouting thing before/while shooting (called yagoe I think), and remember how Masaki treated them food and told them that there's a festival at his shrine and how they needed 5 young shooters?
Thank you ^_^ I wanted to be sure, because the episode felt like an ending. Glad to hear there is one more, the anime is wonderful.
Mar 23, 2023 9:25 AM
Shalltear

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Apr 2018
34409
Eh Minato's group lost, but I'm actually happy for Shuu, he deserves that
Mar 23, 2023 12:37 PM

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Aug 2019
86
"One determined shot".
That's all Shu had wished for. 
Mar 23, 2023 8:36 PM
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Jan 2021
84
My gawd, what another gorgeous episode! I am so very grateful for KyoAni and that they continue to push forward creating such BEAUTIFUL works of fine art.
Mar 23, 2023 8:38 PM
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Jan 2021
84
Willology said:
only kinoani can make you cry in the first 30 seconds of an episode. beautiful show. was shocked when i updated and saw we have an episode left lmao
IKR??!! I warned my son that there will likely be tears from me sometime during the next 30-minutes. 
Mar 23, 2023 8:38 PM

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Feb 2019
1638
i was expecting that ending, but still, it made me want to see 'em win it, but of course they already won against them last time. Minato's team needs to remain the underdogs for a bit longer lol
Mar 24, 2023 7:28 AM
🥊 CHAMPION 🥊

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Apr 2016
23494
Great match and intense!!

I thought it was the last episode!!!!

Well, one more to enjoy!!! kekeke
Mar 29, 2023 4:01 PM

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Jan 2011
804
Another competitive anime where they lose in the end. 
*claps hand* Congratulations! Of course, I'm being sarcastic.

(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
Mar 29, 2023 4:45 PM

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Jul 2015
12283
This is an amazing anime, but it would be 1000x better if it had Cute Giris instead of Cute Boys, because it is easily at it's finest when Giris are on the forefront. But it's like 10-20 seconds per episode.

Apr 4, 2023 9:53 AM
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Nov 2020
1
My comfort anime fr
Jun 27, 2023 4:23 PM

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Aug 2019
2995
That was honestly an incredible match. Both of the teams are insanely good, so I was expecting our team to lose eventually. The guys, however, are pumped and ready for more. 

I’m happy for Shu and his teammates. 

I’m just conflicted since they haven’t resolved Nikaido’s issue with Minato’s sensei. I thought they would’ve talked it out eventually. I’m still waiting for that. 

Overall, I was anxious the whole time, and I’m proud of what the boys have accomplished. 
Jun 7, 12:07 AM
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Feb 2024
5
ISTG this is the most intense anime episode i've ever watched a truer MASTERPIECE

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