it’s Inuyasha all over again- sigh.. I feel for Ayano like I feel for Kagome. And I agree, the only way is to go forward, one cannot get the same measure of love from another, it’s either more and less but it is love too.

I think it is actually Kazuma who has had a much bigger effect on Ayano than the opposite. We never saw that dark, vengeful Kazuma who Kirika describes until this episode that is. Even in the beginning of the series he was sarcastic, calm and collected and able to think things through with a clear head. His personality has not really changed much throughout the show, so I do not think Ayano really had that big of an effect on him.

Now look at Ayano in the beginning of the series - she was bratty and immature and extremely spoiled and always rushed head first into her fights with the mentality - “fight first, ask questions later”. Now she is much more mature and calm and actually thinks during her battles. It’s all because finally someone appeared who not only challenged her but completely overpowered her and gradually he became a mentor to her both physically(in battle) and mentally. Remember the speech he gave her in episode 4 about death and all and later how he allowed her to participate even though he could finish the fight on his own.

So now, I think Ayano who has been changed so much because of Kazuma is going to reciprocate that help she obtained and bring him back to his senses. I think she can do it only because she matured throughout the series and grew to understand him. The old Ayano would probably rush head-on and try to fight Kazuma and lose miserably, while the new Ayano has a chance.

I’m sorry if I misunderstood you, but you almost make it sound like Kazuma was some sort of heartless jerk in the beginning of the show and Ayano has changed him for the better, while I think it is actually the opposite. Kazuma saved Ayano’s life many times in the past and now it’s her turn to save him from himself.

Oh, and also on the issue of Inuyasha and unrequited love, I agree that there is a huge similarity with Kazuma’s case, but give the guys a break. I mean, both of them lost someone very important and precious to them in the past - someone whom they loved from all their hearts and when they see that person back to life again, of course they are going to be confused and overflown with emotions. I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t blame Kazuma and feel sorry for Ayano, I mean they are not even in an official relationship yet. Of course Kazuma is going to feel more towards Rin, and if Ayano truly loves him she should get over her disappointment and save him selflessly. Maybe then he will be able to realize his feelings for her as well.

In this ep it suggests that the moment that kazuma’s eyes turn orange suggests that he like using something equal to the contractor’s blue eye, in which this time he doesn’t need any time to cast it. In the ep it also the purple lighting spark just before izumi chants her spell is probably a spell casted by kudo to lead her to him which was blocked by izumi’s protective barrier before it was destoryed.

This episode really does make me feel for Ayano. Like you, I hope that she will be the one who is able to snap Kazuma out of his “berserk” mode in the coming episodes - That certainly would create a chance for them to bring their relationship to a deeper level. Hopefully, after this whole event with the fake Tsuo Rin, Kazuma will finally be able to move on. He should then embrace the present, or more specifically, Ayano ^^.

Thanks Briar for the episode summary.

Well, the series has always been leading towards AyanoxKazuma (and typical of this, there is always an arc where the protagonist faces his past, perhaps going berserk in the process, and later be rescued by the other lead character).

I believe that this series will eventually end up with said pairing (even though many are rooting for a reunion between Kazuma and Tsuo Rin) or perhaps keeping the relationship between Ayano and Kazuma as status quo (ie very good partners, crushes or maybe even best friends). Tsuo Rin, sadly, belongs to the past, and Kazuma is set to conquer that past (with the help of Ayano and maybe even Ren to some extent, I think).

Yes, I do agree with Darklord that it’s now Ayano’s turn to save Kazuma from himself after being rescued by Kazuma multiple times, and that the new Ayano will have a better chance of fighting and winning Kazuma, as compared to her immature, hot-headed, younger self. I guess it will be sooner or later that Ayano and Kazuma exchange blows, and I am really looking forward to that. If this does come through, it will definitely bring their relationship to a higher level.

I’m actually quite afraid of the berserker Kazuma as he is now. Kazuma used to be the more calculative and rational character (as compared to Ayano, who always charged into situations without thinking). His behaviour now is very unpredictable (except for the fact that he is going after Vernhart and Lapis), attacking even his allies in the course of his pursuit for the enemy. I actually felt sorry for Katherine, irritating as she is, being attacked and knocked out by her crush.

I wonder what will happen to Kazuma after he is stopped/rescued from himself, so to speak. He did cause a lot of problems/casualties. Will he feel guilt over harming innocent people? (Will Ayano be there for him or do anything to relieve him of his pain?) Just a thought.

*By the way, I’m still curious over his red/orange glowing eyes, especially when they suddenly flash (like when Kazuma sees Nanase). Can anyone enlighten me? Was this in the novel/manga?

I agree that it was Ayano who changed because of Kazuma and not the other way or around. But… I think that Ayano did have some effect on Kazuma. Ayano and Kazuma spent a lot of time together and they got to know each other. As you can see in a lot of the episodes that Kazuma had a lot fun and laughed fun being with Ayano. It’s kind of sad that to Kazuma, she doesn’t mean a anything. Can’t wait for more episodes to come out! Hopefully, Ayano will be able to win his heart against Tsou Rin.

I dont know about u guys but i think this anime is the kind of anime that wont leave you with any pair like Ayano X Kazuma or Rin X Kazuma..its probably going to end with ayano and kazuma playing around and fighting hehe..thats what i think