Nagi no Asukara Episode 12 Discussion

Naxrrhid said:
I have never hated a character more than how much I now hate Manaka.

By extension, take that hate and divide it by zero, you now have the hate I have for Mari Okada.

The only thing keeping my watching this every Thursday is to see the extent (of shit) to which an anime can fall and if Kaname will go Mankoto mode and make it somewhat less shit.

This is going to be one insane NTR trainwreck chinese cartoon.

Time skip when? Fatalpulse doujin of Manaka when? I need to stop now before a falcon punch is upon me and my monitor. Good day all.

Episode Naxcore: 0 out of 5

dokidokidoing said:
Gah... this episode left me speechless.

First, I want to talk about Kaname. I think him running off to see Chisaki after Tsumugu carried her to the see was a major turning point in his character. I really like that this episode expanded on his flaws and insecurities (hereby resulting in the disintegration of his mature façade) without making him seem like a complete jerk. I can't help but feel that Kaname has started resenting Tsumugu in spite of himself, especially after Chisaki declared in episode 9 that she hated Tsumugu. Chisaki, I think, is Kaname's weak spot, the one person he can't bring himself to be objective or mature about, though he certainly tries to. So, even though he knows Tsumugu is a generally nice person, he can't help but hold a slight grudge against the other boy- one he considered a good friend till then, but not part of his inner circle- for spending time with Chisaki. same could be said with regard to his feelings regarding Hikari and Chisaki- albeit to a lesser extent, since the three of them are best friends. I don't think he expected Chisaki to confess so soon, and despite telling Chisaki- and himself- that he shouldn't expect anything, he can't help but be bothered by her attempt. I think his insecurities are somewhat similar to the ones Chisaki had earlier in the season- the chief difference (for now) being that guilt seems to have played a bigger role in developing Chisaki's insecurities than it did with Kaname. The question he posed in the classroom was brutal, and a little cruel. I'm not justifying his actions, but I can understand where he's coming from. I think it was partly due to petty jealousy and resentment, and partly due to the fact that and partly due to the fact that he's genuinely scared that they'll all hibernate with doubts and regrets plaguing them- possibly seeing each other for the last time. For all his flaws, I think he genuinely cares for his friends, and I don't think it's coincidence that he (and not the other kids) was the one to consistently point out that they had little time left. I see that moment as a temporary hardening of the heart- maybe he thought that such a brutal manner was the only way in which the other three would take the topic seriously and face the truth. Nevertheless, it backfired, and I really felt sorry for poor Kaname in the end- he is trying to do good, but that backfired horribly. I really hope the four kids reconcile soon, because Kaname's tone at the end was heartbreakingly hopeless.

Next, Tsumugu. I like the development he got in this episode. I predicted that he had parent issues the moment his grandfather said he'd run away from home- and I was right, if his uneasiness round his mother was any indication. One wonders what caused it... I hope the series expands on that soon. It could also indicate stubbornness on Tsumugu's part, since he brought the girls along with him just so that he could say no to his mother. It's probable that she's trying to make amends for whatever happened in the past, but he isn't quite ready to forgive her yet. The scene with him and Chisaki was very sweet, and I'm glad to see that their friendship has been repaired. (I'm not really an fan of Tsumugu/Chisaki as a couple, but I really like the idea of the two of them being friends. Well, we'll see how things pan out.)

Chisaki's confession was a tender moment, and really speaks volumes about how much she and Hikari have progressed. It's nice to see Chisaki actually be open and honest about her feelings and admit that she loved Hikari because she admired the way he loved Manaka. It's a glorified kind of love, but it's really heartening to her realise that and take it in stride. Hikari's reaction was surprisingly calm- a testament to his development. I don't think he'll let go of his feelings for Manaka, but he's certainly aware, and I think that should ease any awkward feelings in their relationship, at least- on Chisaki's part, at least. I think, at this point, he realises there's nothing he can do but let Manaka figure things out on her own, or seek help from someone more suitable than him. It's a realisation on his part- that he can't always expect Manaka to depend on him.

Speaking of Manaka, I really felt sorry for the poor girl this episode. Kaname's behaviour and Hikari's subsequent confession was like a bombshell to her, just when she'd shown some signs of acceptance regarding the hibernation in the previous episode. She's back to where she was, floundering as to whether she should return Hikari's affections or continue liking Tsumugu. I think part of the reason why she reacted so badly was because it was so unexpected- she didn't feel the need to consider her emotional conflicts and could enjoy her life normally for a short period of time. Yes, it's rather escapist in nature, but it's also realistic; this isn't the sort of thing a 13/14 year old girl (especially one who's been sheltered by her childhood friends till recently) can figure out on her own quickly. I don't think Manaka's ready to make that large leap yet; her character development is slower than the other kids (which I believe is reasonable considering her background and the nature of her problems). What she needs now is a constant guiding presence- someone who offers advice and helps her become more decisive and independent.

samspot8r8s said:
I just really would love a time skip

Tyrel said:
Man, Manaka's going to drive me up a wall with her annoyance.