If you are expected another of those stupid one-hit-and-she’s-out scenes, think again.
Just looking at the title, you can see that it’s very much focused on Ayano. And let’s just say that Ayano totally surprised me this episode. I mean, totally. Just wait until all ye Ayano-haters have a glimpse of this week’s Ayano.
In a nutshell, this week has Ayano trying to stop Kazuma by whatever means possible… in this case, an all-out brawl. Can this girl, who has always been impulsive and dependent on Kazuma, actually do the impossible and beat Kazuma? Or just simply, beat some sense into him?
Going by the traditional shounen route, Ayano would get hurt by Kazuma and then Kazuma will suddenly realize that he has hurt her and lose the will to be evil. I’ll be frank when I say that I actually sort of expected that to happen. But what actually happened is… a lot less “traditional
Loading ...
46 Comments
woooww!! thank you so much! this is sooo great, i was suppose to study for my exam! for tomorrow! but found this awesome blog and got stucked! yay ep 23!! i am so looking forward to download it and have it!!! yay more Ayanoxkazuma!!! yay
yeah neck?!! neck? ok, even the cheek but neck???
Oh I loved this episode..specially because ive always been an Ayano X Kazuma fan!!!!…..ne ways I cant believe theres only one more episode left i thought this would be a 26 episodes series since it said it in a web site…oh well this is by far my favorite episode i just loved the fighting and the kiss in the neck thanks very much!!!!
Good Grief….I just lost all my respect for Kazuma. Losing to such a pathetic girl….
i HATED this episode. How can he lose to that stupid slut? she’s just a Girl for fuck sake, One annoying , retarded ugly whore who happens to become the main character; suddenly after 22 episodes!
watch this only if you’re a girl or have some inferiority issues. Fuck this, I dropped this show.
Boooooooooooooooooooooooo
Ok… there are some weird comments. Somehow I don’t like the word “slut”. -.-
Anyway, maybe Ayano was afraid of Kazumas obviously lack of strengh because now she could defeat and might kill him? Whatever… I’m not Ayano and I don’t want to be her. But if she gets Kazuma… I’ll think about it. *ggg*
I think the fact she felt fear when fighting Kazuma showed that Kazuma was fighting with intense emotion making it easier to tell what he was going to do. Normally Kazuma shows very little emotion and you can’t get that classical “fighting spirit” from him. When Kazuma kissed Ayano on the neck I laughed so hard because the reaction was perfect. Also gasoline I don’t even know where to begin to explain your post. Your a fucking tool if you believe the fact that she is female should make her automatically inferior. You don’t have to like the character but lets leave the derogatory female comments to yourself.
Damn, I am so pissed I cannot even think straight!
Why, or why, did he have to lose? I would have preferred it 1000 times if the fight got resolved in a shounen fashion with Kazuma realizing his mistake in the middle of the battle and graciously conceding, but NO! He had to lose! Now my whole impression of him is ruined – looks like Ayano had the power to defeat him all along, and just kept it for the right moment. This has become yet another show, where the girl is in control.
What made Kaze no Stigma unique for me is that it had a really powerful and cool male protagonist, who was also supportive and kind even though he did not show it in his usual demeanor, but at the right moments he did show it. Also unique was the fact that for the first time in anime I’ve ever seen the guy have the upper hand in a relationship. Usually in those sort of shows the girl beats the guy up every time the guy even looks at another girl or does anything stupid(coughInuyashacough). Kazuma was always able to dodge all those punches of fury from Ayano without looking like a chauvinistic bastard. And yet, in the end, the girl has the power again.
What happened with all the powerful ass-kicking male lead characters from the past like Vash, Alucard, Gutts and Spike. Has anime entered a realm of female domination? Anime nowadays is full of weak, pathetic male lead characters. Kazuma was one of the few remaining bastions of power and manliness and now all of that is gone.
I understand that Ayano had to have her moment but why did it have to be the climax of the show? And why did it have to be against Kazuma of all people instead of against the enemy? This show was supposed to be about Kazuma dealing with his past and finding his new path in life independent of the Kannagi family and of Rin. Now we barely know anything about his past, despite the fact that he and Rin were in love.
They could have handled the final episodes so much better by having Kazuma fight against Wernhard and having a longer, harder battle and having Ayano fight against Rin. This way Ayano would prove her worth and have her moment and help Kazuma overcome his past, but Kazuma would have also kept his dignity.
I have very little hope for the final episode, since it will probably be resolved in two quick easy match-ups like the ones I suggested above, but that won’t be the climax of the show. I don’t think Kazuma can come out on top again even if he totally obliterates his enemies in the end. I’ll always know he was defeated by Ayano.
Anyway, thank you producers, for ruining the show for me. Hey, I realize I am pretty selfish and that a lot of other people will have liked that turn of events, but can’t a guy wish finally for a powerful male character who he can identify with and make him proud to be a man.
BTW, thanks Briar for the wonderful summary. I’m sorry for this angry rant, I’m just pissed at the producers, not at you!
actually i do agree with darwin. the losing part kills the show a bit for me. and i really do feel a little put off by ayano and her stubborness and basically, jus irritaing behaviour. i guess its good that she is maturing, to become much less irritating, but that does not quantify the fact that she gets kazuma. i feel that he deserves someone better, but i guess thats jus my personal opninon.
Looking for the final episode T_T
Thank you for the summary ^^ I don’t understand Japanese very well.
The next is The Protecter of Wind?? right??
Wow, I didn’t expect this episode to come out as so controversial
Basically, I guess the complaints will come from those people who love the chauvinistic, uber-powerful side of Kazuma, who only does whatever he pleases because noone can touch him. I’ll call it the “I-wanna-be-a-badass” faction. They are crestfallen, because he lost. And even more, he lost to a girl! *lol*
Sorry guys, time to wake up. Kazuma has never been what you obviously projected him to be. If that really “kills” the show for you, you’ve been deluding yourself, and you have been watching the show for the wrong reasons. It has been clear to see how things developed, and this episode is no inexplicable turnaround shock, but rather the logical consequence of the character development of Kazuma and Ayano.
Personally, I liked the ep alot. Boo only for the “Look, Pandemonium” cop-out from Ren just when the situation got interesting. But since we’ll obviously get a better finish in ep24 (see the preview), I’m all fine with it.
Excellent ep!
hahahaa all you losers who dont like ayano!how are you feeling now??i dont really care.lol especially at kazuma fangirl if she reads this. YOU WERE ALL WRONG!! HAHA I KNEW IT FROM THE START!you like tsuo rina and hate ayano.that u dont like ayano means your character is crap.and youre weak and boring and soo patheitc. i dont give a damn about your comments. ayano is the coolest and the best.and shes a strong girl and you are not and are jealous of an anime character.how pathetic. RIP tsuo rin i like her shes nice but ayano is much much better,like the police woman said!! Go ayano.and you said as if kazuma would say he loves or somethin like that! haha he already said it. ok not in her face but in the next ep he will! ^^ and at gasoline:you ugly bitch.im sure in real life nobody likes you. and you get kicked from people like ayano.youre eitherway a fu..in nerd, the worst slut in the world, or youre gay!! youre just jealous of an ANIME character haha i cant believe it.what a looser. ayano is strong and cool and people like you can go kill theirselves looool.
hahahaa all you losers who dont like ayano!how are you feeling now??i dont really care.lol especially at kazuma fangirl if she reads this. YOU WERE ALL WRONG!! HAHA I KNEW IT FROM THE START!you like tsuo rina and hate ayano.that u dont like ayano means your character is crap.and youre weak and boring and soo patheitc. i dont give a damn about your comments. ayano is the coolest and the best.and shes a strong girl and you are not and are jealous of an anime character.how pathetic. RIP tsuo rin i like her shes nice but ayano is much much better,like the police woman said!! Go ayano.and you said as if kazuma would say he loves or somethin like that! haha he already said it. ok not in her face but in the next ep he will! ^^ and at gasoline:you ugly bitch.im sure in real life nobody likes you. and you get kicked from people like ayano.youre eitherway a fu..in nerd, the worst slut in the world, or youre gay!! youre just jealous of an ANIME character haha i cant believe it.what a looser. ayano is strong and cool and people like you can go kill theirselves looool.if u cant bear my comment than go die!!!
Hahaha the people who complained that Kazuma lost crack me up. No offense. It’s just that, what good will it do if we never see Kazuma in his losing figure? Can you say, Mary Sue? He was in the wrong, so naturally, someone had to go straighten him up. Stop being childish. He needed a spanking. It’s more realistic and interesting that way. It was a good move for the writers since we were able to see some major character development.
I am so proud of Ayano. I was actually expecting that she’ll get blown away with one shot and pull the pity party attack to snap Kazuma out of his senses. That would’ve been too stereotypical (strangely I didn’t mind that x.x), but they completely strayed off from that, and I’m glad they did cuz the turn of events was even better. Seriously, this episode just made my day. I’ve never been this addicted over two anime characters since Mai and Naru LOL So glad to know that Impz has been blogging this ^.^/*
If you ask me, I preferred the hickey waaayyyy more than the lips to lips. That’s what separates Kazuma from the others. He’s such a darn lecher lol
I don’t care if anyone says this show sucks in the end because Ayano somewhat won over Kazuma. That’s yer way of appreciating things.
Anyway, what Ayano ment is this:
Kazuma, in his usual positive self, is not showing all his powerfulness to whoever he is fighting with. “A brainy eagle hides his claws.” says a Japanese proverb. Similarly, the power of usual Kazuma is so overwhelming, that you can’t even imagine the limit. So it’s almost stupid to feel fright. But the “negative” power of Kazuma is a sign of weakness and corruption, because it’s brutal and has lost all sense of purity. He uses his power so randomly that it’s possible to see how strong he really is. That’s what Ayano ment.
And also, Kazuma’s kiss on Ayano’s neck:
Let me just ask: Why do people think that a kiss on the mouth is the best kiss?
Firstly, Kazuma and Ayano’s relationship hasn’t developed into a romantic one yet, meaning not like the one of Kazuma and Tsoi Rin. We all know that Kazuma is faithful to the person he has come to love, by seeing him going senseless because of his past w/Tsoi Rin. He can’t suddenly turn all of his affections towards Ayano and kiss her on the mouth with a mouth that has kissed Tsoi Rin.
Secondly, kiss on the neck shows playfulness that cannot be expressed in a common kiss on the mouth, and would definitely suit the KazumaxAyano pair better. (eg. a kiss on her nosetip in past episode) I personally thought it was more affectionate than a normal kiss! (#>_
I don’t care if anyone says this show sucks in the end because Ayano somewhat won over Kazuma. That’s yer way of appreciating things.
Anyway, what Ayano ment is this:
Kazuma, in his usual positive self, is not showing all his powerfulness to whoever he is fighting with. “A brainy eagle hides his claws.” says a Japanese proverb. Similarly, the power of usual Kazuma is so overwhelming, that you can’t even imagine the limit. So it’s almost stupid to feel fright. But the “negative” power of Kazuma is a sign of weakness and corruption, because it’s brutal and has lost all sense of purity. He uses his power so randomly that it’s possible to see how strong he really is. That’s what Ayano ment.
And also, Kazuma’s kiss on Ayano’s neck:
Let me just ask: Why do people think that a kiss on the mouth is the best kiss?
Firstly, Kazuma and Ayano’s relationship hasn’t developed into a romantic one yet, meaning not like the one of Kazuma and Tsoi Rin. We all know that Kazuma is faithful to the person he has come to love, by seeing him going senseless because of his past w/Tsoi Rin. He can’t suddenly turn all of his affections towards Ayano and kiss her on the mouth with a mouth that has kissed Tsoi Rin.
Secondly, kiss on the neck shows playfulness that cannot be expressed in a common kiss on the mouth, and would definitely suit the KazumaxAyano pair better. (eg. a kiss on her nosetip in past episode) I personally thought it was more affectionate than a normal kiss!
Thirdly, they were not alone. Ren was watching.
I agree with Ricaryx, I don’t understand why so many people are upset that Kazuma lost. umm….people he was in his crazy “I hate the world” mode. Don’t you think he will be a lot stronger when he is sane and capable of keeping his head during a fight? And did anyone notice that when he returned to normal and Ayano blasted him with her flame he came out unscratched? He is obviously a lot stronger when he is the normal Kazuma. I’m not entirely sure who is stronger between Kazuma and Ayano. When Ayano becomes really passionate she kicks some serious a$$ but Kazuma ,in the long run, is probably the stronger of the two. I thought the episode was GREAT and I’m happy about the way they got Kazuma to return to normal. Its way better than the traditional girl gets hurt and guy realizes his mistake. Best episode so far! Thanks for the blog ^.^
Meh…what are you guys so upset about.
Kazuma did not really lose the way I see it. Not in my book at least. He simply realized he was wrong and stopped fighting. He is still by far the strongest character in the show. I’m sure in a serious fight i.e. contractor mode and such he can still kick Ayano’s butt (not that he needs to).
And besides…it was him who taught Ayano how to think during a fight and prepared her emotionally. If it was Ayano from the beginning of the show she would not stand a chance. Even Ayano said it herself: “I will return back everything you have taught me”. So, in a way, he lost to himself, or to his student. He must be really proud of her.
I’m glad the old calm, collected, sarcastic Kazuma is back. I did not really like Dark Kazuma. As for the kiss, I’m also a little disappointed that it wasn’t on the mouth, but when I think about it, it would be too unrealistic. They are not quite there yet. Kazuma needs to put his past behind first and then he can move forward with Ayano.
The only thing that bugs me is that we only have one more episode to go, which I think is not enough to resolve the fight with Wernhard and Truo Rin and wrap up the series well. I would have preferred it if there were three more episodes, so that they could cover the rest of Kazuma’s past, the battles and the resolution of the story. Besides, Wernhard does not seem badass enough to be the final boss. I wanted to see Kazuma pushed to his limit(not Dark Kazuma, but the contractor one) and barely win and I do not think this can happen but…who knows.
I’m looking forward to the last episode of a great show.
I agree with the people who think this was a good episode. Your reason for why this episode was bad was pathetic…and I seriously hope you people will never find any girlfriends cuz i would feel very very sorry for them. This episode, although I admit that for some reason, Ayano beating Kazuma a bit weird and not great (although I cannot at the moment think of a better way to do this scene so I’ll say this was the best way), your comments on Kazuma losing is very lame…If you didnt like this episode, at least state your reasons and put GOOD reasons, no reasons like ‘She’s a girl’. Eg darwin stated his reasons and admitted that it was selfish but as he put in proper proofs for his opinion, he is more respectable than some of you.
P.S, Im a guy and like most guys, I do respect my female counterparts.
agree with what darklord said. Kazuma didn’t lose at all. Even her most powerful attack he just deflected. It’s not like she beat the crap out of him. She also doesn’t even know how to use her most powerful attack, so it’s not like she’s now on the same level he was at. Kazuma even said the wind he had then was weak. Ayano said the wind was not the real him and weak. It’s not reflection on Kazuma that he lost. I liked seeing bad ass Kazuma, but he’s been pretty bad ass throughout the show. Being all insane and evil doesn’t mean he
He still has the upper hand in the relationship in general I think. I also don’t even like Ayano (or Ren for that matter, both are seriously annoying), but I don’t see why people are upset about this episode.
love the eps. and I have always been in the Ayano x Kazuma camp. And as much a bad ass he was in his evil mode, I prefer the calm and collected Kazuma more.
And Ayano, with her endearing expressions (the twitching brow, the one closed eye) after the fight, is soo adorable ! And Kazuma just melts me with him tripping Ayano,that hickey and that statement about him very selfish and has strong desires. *wink wink* Now, if only Inuyasha would learn a few from Kazuma…
I had no idea that anyone would react so badly to Kazuma “losing” to Ayano.
But first, Ayano’s bit about realizing he’s not as strong as he normally is because she’s afraid of him. Others have touched on this, but the way I saw it, she realized that normally she’s not afraid of him, despite his ridiculous power, because he’s always so calm and precise that there’s no point – he’ll find a way to win no matter what. But she’s afraid of him because he’s precisely not calm and precise, which means he’s missing the qualities which make him virtually unbeatable – overwhelming power is one thing, but it’s just not the same without Kazuma’s discipline.
As for Kazuma “losing” to Ayano I’m not sure how you could say that undermines Kazuma as a strong character and thus ruins the show. Kazuma ended up “losing” because he realized was wrong – Ayano reminded him that true strength comes from the desire to protect others. Everything after that is something of a gag – Ayano smacks Kazuma with her uber-powerful Crimson Flames right when he’s having his internal monologue about what she said about why he sought out the contractor’s power – it’s basically a sucker punch from Ayano, which fits in with the comedy element of their relationship.
Well I have to admit I didn’t like Ayano from the start so I didn’t really like when she could “defeat” Kazuma, who’s supposed to be really strong since well, he’s a contractor. But after reading the comments here, I guess this episode wasn’t as bad as I thought initially.
And yes, I’m also all “wha…?” with Ayano’s reasoning of why she felt Kazuma was weaker when I was watching this ep.
@ TifaGainsboroug
You’re as pathetic as those people you’re bashing -_-. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions. Killing ourselves just coz we don’t like Ayano? Lol. If you didn’t really care about our comments like what you claimed to, why even bother replying?
Ahem. I appeal to one and all to be reasonable and not name call anyone. Let’s all discuss things amicably. I don’t want to get smack by Impz!
@ Eternally Asuka: Good luck for your exams! Although I think I’m a bit late.
@ melody: Sadly, the preview says that it’s the final episode next week. I’ll be sorry to see the show end.
@ Eric: Fortunately, Ayano is less pathetic than ever in this episode.
To be frank, my review may have been a bit off, seeing as how Kazuma didn’t exactly lose. I think he simply stopped fighting; anyway he didn’t have a scratch on him. That’s why I like that scene; like I say in my post, Kazuma retained that atmosphere of power and Ayano kept her win. Kazuma did not grow weaker but Ayano grew stronger without putting Kazuma down. It’s a win-win situation.
@ Gasoline: Well. Ayano may be stupid, a girl, annoying, occasionally retarded and perhaps even ugly by someone’s standard other than mine… but she definitely isn’t a slut or a whore, seeing as how both words mean a promiscuous woman who sleeps around… a fact that we know doesn’t describe Ayano at all.
Of course, you are entitled to your view, and me to mine.
@ Nightseer: I don’t think she can keep Kazuma even if she goes all out. Kazuma isn’t that easily killed, and I think Ayano will lose all respect for him if he does get killed by her.
I find it ironic that before, everyone is talking about how Tsui Rin loves Kazuma even when he is weak. But now that Ayano has “defeated” (so to speak) Kazuma a portion of the audience feel that Kazuma has somehow been degraded. It’s not as if he has never lost to Ayano before, although I admit those were entirely different circumstances.
@ LeaderzOrz: Thanks for explaining the fear vs fighting vs power thing! And let’s all take a deep breath and discuss this amicably.
@ Darwin: I can understand your reasoning, although I don’t agree. But we all have our opinions!
Regarding girls in control… I have rarely see an anime with true femininism at its core. The animes you mentioned, with the girl having the upper hand by beating the guy, well… that’s not feminism. That’s a stereotypical and rather derogative view of females, IMO. I have always hated the fact that females are portrayed to be jealous, crazy, violent, and utterly unreasonable bitches in a lot of animes. The way they beat up the guy for comical effect isn’t even funny after a while; it’s just typical shounen chauvinism, like having the long suffering man tolerate the crazy girl. And that girl is always in need of rescuing, preferably by the hero. Seriously. Personally I find them more masculine-empowering than feminine, because the females are irritating.
About the only anime with a crazy female beating up the man but actually being able to take care of herself is Chidori from Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid. Which is why I like that season much more than the first and the second.
I do agree with you that what makes Kazuma unique is his ability to avoid everything crazy Ayano threw at him. He isn’t about to suffer in silence like so many shounen heroes. However, the fact that he “lost” (but not really, because seriously, he didn’t lose, he stopped fighting) to Ayano does not make him weak. It made Ayano strong.
I think perhaps you have not watched the anime? Please watch it; my review may not have done it justice. I seriously don’t think that Kazuma has lost any of his masculinity or his power or his personality; he has in fact gained a measure of thoughtfulness and playfulness.
I guess the producers can’t really please anyone.
I spent most of the past 22 episodes getting pissed off with the producers distorting Ayano’s character into a shounen heroine, so I’m extremely glad they decided to stop the fooling around and let her end with a bang.
But anyway. Thanks for your thanks! It really does mean a lot.
@ arndas: She was irritating… but this episode she isn’t. This episode’s Ayano, IMO, is worthy of Kazuma. But that’s my personal opinion as well.
@ Datiche: I don’t have the episode at hand, but I do believe the next episode is called something like “The Things the Wind Protects”. Or it might be something like “The Protector of Wind”, as you mentions.
Sorry, not much help there. BTW, the RAW of the final episode would probably only be out sometime Wednesday or Thursday.
@ Mentar: Yep, controversial! I think it’s the only time a post of mine spawned 20++ posts without me having replied anything.
I do agree with you with Ren. He spoilt that awesome vibe going on! 
@ TifaGainsborough: Again, I hope everyone will take a deep breath and just ignore whatever you don’t want to see, or discuss the matter in a reasonable manner. Please don’t call anyone names; we all have our opinions, and it’s ok that they are different. Just present that difference in as nice a manner as possible, ok?
I do agree with you regarding Ayano, though. I like her. Except when the producers does something remarkably stupid with her character, of course.
@ Ricaryx: Wouldn’t that be Gary Stuart?
I agree with you, though. It just doesn’t have the same impact if they have gone the traditional shounen route, because who can suffer a know-it-all jerk? Even if he is an extremely handsome jerk.
I’ve got to say. I agree with everything you say. Especially with regards to Ghost Hunt.
We are common fans! 
Even the hickey. Now that you have mentioned it, the way it happens does make more sense with regards to his character.
@ peaceB: Thanks for explaining what Ayano meant! I thought that was what she said… but to me it made very little sense. Well actually it made sense in a convoluted way, but well… it’s not my kind of sense, you know? Anyway. I’m babbling. Ignore me.
I like your explanation on Kazuma’s kiss. It is too soon for him to kiss her on the mouth, and like Ricaryx says, he’s a lecher (in the good, fun sense of the word). It is indeed too soon for Kazuma x Ayano to progress into that.
Although… LOL regarding Ren. I doubt Kazuma really cared if Ren saw it or not, seeing has how he doesn’t have any qualms doing neck licking in front of him, or nose licking in front of Ayano’s friends, or cheek licking in front of total ramen selling strangers. LOL
@ Lillium: *raises hand* I noticed that Kazuma came out unscratched from Ayano’s blast! *g*
Seriously, I agree with you, I think Kazuma is a lot stronger as his normal self than the evil self. I love the episode too, and it’s controversy makes for good discussion.
And you’re welcome!
@ Darklord: Where were you when I wrote that blog? I could have used your very clear writing and thinking. That was what I was thinking, but I didn’t seem to have translated it clearly enough onto my post.
I totally agree with you, especially with regards to Kazuma being proud of Ayano.
It’s not so much that Dark Kazuma was weaker than Usual Kazuma; I personally think that a little of Dark Kazuma’s inability to defeat Ayano stems from his unwillingness to hurt her. Of course, the other, bigger portion is Ayano’s own improved skills, and I don’t dispute that at all.
All I can say is that the producers really have struck a perfect balance of the “power play” between Ayano and Kazuma this time. In my humble opinion.
@ Som1: Ahem. I definitely agree that “she’s a girl” instead a very good reason, although I wouldn’t use the word “pathetic”.
It is a reason after all, even if we don’t necessarily agree with it. It’s sad that you don’t like Ayano beating Kazuma, though. I guess to each their own!
@ Anne: Again, you said what is in my brain! Kazuma is still stronger than Ayano, no question. And that’s clearly shown in the anime, IMO. Also, I think Kazuma as he normally is is a jerk. But it’s a known fact that some females like jerks. I must be one of them.
@ Danie: I like Ayano’s faces too! Which is why I picked them out to do screenshots. And like you, I totally enjoyed the scene when Kazuma tripped her; it totally dissolve the potential tension between them.
Don’t kill me for saying this, but IMO Kazuma is a lot better looking than Inuyasha.
@ Major1138: Love your inverted commas over “losing”. See! Others agree with me that he didn’t exactly lose! Still, I don’t think Ayano sucker punch him. He, after all, had the time to say “Wait!”, which has quite some syllables in Japanese.
Or maybe I just like the idea that Ayano “beat” Kazuma (even though she didn’t even scratch him) of her own strength.
@ Haibara: It isn’t bad at all!
Now I’m worried that my post actually caused some misunderstanding in readers. 
Kazuma is still very strong even when he got “defeated”.
Yep, everyone’s entitled to their opinions, so let’s all be amicable and ignore derogative comments and take note of discussionable ones.
Well maybe sucker punch is a bit too much – but the gist of the idea is that she’s about to clobber him with her Crimson Flame and knock him back to his senses, but *he’s already back to his senses* – he says even says “Wait!” but it’s too late – she clobbers him anyways.
Thanks Briar for the fantastic episode. It is really funny to read peoples comments about Kazuma being defeated by Ayano. Come on it is a light, short novel with too much stuff and information for it to be really deep. If he lost well so what. Ayano has lost and been saved by him several times. It was more than obvious that she should defeat and save him for a change. I bet they will defeat the bad guy together and series will have a pink ending. It is just a typical light novel ending. I don’t think that showing a bit of weakness, i.e. Kazuma being defeated, as something controversial, on the contrary it shows that he is human, that suffers and that is not perfect. Even the fact that he was controlled by his emotions shows that. So Ayano defeating him just proves that he is made out of flesh and that magical power is just a tool. Plus everyone knows (even Ayano) that Kazuma is stronger than her and could defeat her in just a second.
Anyways, people is just a show don’t get so worked up by fictitious characters, there are things more important than this. Relax, chill!!
Thanks Briar for the summary!
lame… i bet if kazuma went ahead and attacked pandemonium first, he’d have owned Burnheart by now. Only makes sense, after all the hype of the evil kazuma, to totally annihilate pandemonium. But now he’s back to normal and he’s gonna have a hard time defeating Burnheart. What is also lame is that Kazuma is presumably weaker when evil, which doesn’t make ANY sense
really disappointed with this episode, with Evil Kazuma all of of sudden losing 5000 powerlevels and now hes even weaker when he’s normal (lookit the preview.
@Briar
Well actually, I didn’t really say that I didnt like it (If I did, well maybe I should express myself better), I guess I was quite surprised by it cuz truthfully, I did not see it coming…Also, well maybe pathetic was a bit harsh but saying that Ayano is a slut and such is really uncalled for if you know where im getting at…
Gah, my comment didn’t show up, ah well I think I remember it mostly…
As for Kazuma ‘losing’ I agree, with the idea that he didn’t lose so much as he stopped because Ayano’s words got through to him.
And for those who are irritated that Ayano appeared so strong against Kazuma in this episode whereas before she has seemed weak. It shouldn’t really have come as a surprise to you guys about Ayano. After all hasn’t Kazuma been working with her to get stronger? Doesn’t she herself say she will throw back all he has taught her?
I was really happy with Ayano for finally finding that strength within herself that Kazuma knew was there all along.
And it wasn’t really as if Kazuma ‘lost’ so much as it was that Ayano’s words got through to him and he stopped.
And Briar I kind of like the fact he kissed her on the lips. There’s something way more intimate about kissing someone there. If hubby wants to shut me up he’ll kiss me on the lips, if he wants to make me weak at the knees he’ll kiss me on my neck ^-^
Gah sorry I meant to say I like the fact he kissed her on the neck!
I think my brain is broken today.
I agree with that it was a bit strange for ayano to be so strong in this ep and for kazuma to be weak in berserk mode, if he was so weak in berserk mode why did he even have to go into that… I would have preferred with kazuma returning to normal without ayano winning.
Talk about a lame excuse for Kazuma to lose against Ayano -_-, seriously, if you guys didnt know, they made up that reason saying Kazuma (as evil self) is weaker than Ayano’s crimson flames. Hell do you REMEMBER Ryuya? She couldnt beat him w/o Kazuma, and she frikin used her crimson flames. I dont know why the hell they changed it, but the main reason why Kazuma lost was BECAUSE HE LOST HIS WILL TO FIGHT!!! The biggest impact besides Ayano’s ranting was REN!!! He hurt Ren quite bad, when Ren together with Ayano stopped Kazuma, so with Ren hurt, and with Ayano’s ranting like Do you realize what you have done and what you have become, stuff like that which basically causes Kazuma to lose his will to fight and thus Ayano beat him when he put down his guard. I am not a hater of Ayano btw, but IMO, it sucks that they changed that Kazuma (his evil cool self, i think is just as cool as his usual self) is a lot weaker than Ayano, terrible episode indeed, and its the friking 2nd to the last ONE!!!! OK, then what about Lapis and Vernheart? The hell they settle it in the last ep. that’s not enough.
Just like Shingetsutan Tsukihime for me where they ruin a perfectly good and awesome male and female lead (in the game) Arcueid and Shiki, both frikin strong beings lol (hell i beat with a match up between Kazuma&Ayano VS. Shiki&Arcueid, there’s no comparison, hell with Shiki seeing death itself that’s quite a heavy disadvantage. lol IMHO), which I think the anime producers should play the game or read the manga/novel since they ruined Tsukihime sooo bad, it is pathetic.
Getting way too off-topic, basically I am comparing how terrible the anime producers do to perfectly good shows, I for one am quite disapointed at this show now. Let me make this clear, I dont hate Ayano, but I hate how this show is turning for the worst, and I mean really, come on what the hell was the point of ep.22? It was soo dam boring, they made Ayano look stupid (ok we get it you bigoted producers) and also shows that dam perver whats-his-name, ok whats up with that? We all know too well he’s just a character meant for getting slaughtered.
This episode I expected it to go as the novels went, and well frankly cover the rest, and not focus entirely on Ayano stopping Kazuma, I mean come on, I who read the novels and from discussing with others who do, know that Kazuma lost due to the usual cliche of lacking the will to fight and after getting sucker-punched. Yes, I am glad that Ayano is actually getting better and mature, but I hated the fact that they completely degraded Kazuma’s current evil self (just as one the comments from tryolegend) what was the point of Kazuma being evil self when he was that weak???!
Do you guys know or realize that that evil Kazuma obliterated “The Stars of Sagacity” or “Armagest” Organization”??? That self he was may not have any emotions besides the intent to kill, and he certainly isn’t one to lose quite easily, and to Ayano too, it was really quite disappointing for me. Since does that mean, Ayano herself can take everyone on? The producers just made the evil Kazume who was a legend on itself about the Death Reaper who would kill anyone on his way, makes him just feeble. I myself would been a lot fine with the usual shounen route about losing their will to battle, rather than losing completely.
I know that people justified as above that Kazuma didnt really “lose” since he was fine in the end and that he stopped fighting, but we all know too well that they are implying that evil or dark Kazuma was sooo pathetic that Ayano can actually brag that she wont even use her full power on him since he was soooo dam weak.
So i just dont get this logic, so the dark Kazuma who sliced Vernheart’s boss, Erwin Leszaar, to bits and completely destroyed the organization that was responsible to Rin’s death. An organization btw that even both the Shousho and Genma are quite afraid of, since they are quite a powerful contemporary organization, was no match whatsoever to dark Kazuma who even they labeled as their hated sworn enemy. So by this logic, Ayano who completely dominated dark Kazuma, can by herself take out Pandemonium and all the organization? Well hey, great job GONZO, I had actually thought they did a decent adaptation of KnS, and just like it’s other horrible adaptations, they ruined this show, I am not even expecting anything about the last episode. I wonder how the hell they’ll do it, ah just a regular beat all the enemy after wasting so much building up tension and focus on Kazuma, that his goals and enemies are just left for one episode, that’s GONZO for ya!
SAD, REALLY REALLY SAD, AFTER MY EXPECTATIONS OF KAZE NO STIGMA, I HATE TO SAY THIS, JUST LIKE HOW BLEACH DOES THEIR DAM FILLERS, THIS SHOW JUST WENT DOWN.
THE KICK-ASS MALE LEAD KAZUMA, WHO WAS THE ONLY REASON WHY I BOTHERED WATCHING THIS SHOW, HAS JUST WENT DOWN THE DRAIN. I LOVED HOW THIS SHOW KEPT KAZUMA’S SUPERIORITY AND NOW THEY JUST CRASH IT ALL DOWN, JUST AS NANAYA SAID, GONZO WHO IS KNOWN FOR BOTH GOOD AND QUITE HORRIBLE ADAPTATIONS, HAS ONCE AGAIN INFURIATES ME.
>.
This episode was nice in some aspects, was probably the best way to get the “good” ending, and Ayano make it cool.
But i dislike it too, because now the anime is the same that the rest, the “good” guys will win, doing “good” things and getting a “good” ending. Well, i really dont have any hope of see a “bad” (or evil) ending, i mean i’m a “evil” guy that only thinks in kill Burnheart, beat the crap out of seeds to get his whereabouts, and when find it:
– I keep waiting to the “bad” guy make his move (not killing in the moment i find).
– I wait till Ayano and Ren come (not rush in the building).
– I wait till Ren talks (if dont mind, why listen?).
– I wait till Ayano talks (if dont mind, why listen?).
– I fight with Ayano (you can fly, remember).
And all this from a guy that only thinks in kill, come on, Burheart must have died 2-3 days before. The Kirika speech of Kazuma wait till the last moment to kill Burnheart is a patetic excuse to justify that the “good” guys can bring back the “good” Kazuma to get the “good” ending.
Ok, another show more to the big group of anime with typical and “good” ending.
I hope some day can see a anime with a BAD lead protagonist, not a “good” bad ass (usually only a bit of bad ass and a lot of asshole).
@Briar, indeed he is.. And i like ‘naughty’ guys more too. It’s just that I really pity Kagome (huhu)
@nanaya, that was a cool information (the shinigami Kazuma obliterating the organisation). Now i understand why many are pissed-off with that scene. It just doesn’t make sense. Maybe losing the will is better (and X’s explanation that because he has hurt Ren)
but just my humble-st opinion, sometimes when you transfer material from a novel into a script, it just cannot be helped. Some materials will be lost because books can be very clear as it can apply many writing techniques to deliver the story. But you can’t do that to a script, i think. It is limited. I used to hate LOTR movies because they butchered Faramir’s character, but now i have come to accept the limitations that movies offer (it’s an interpretation anyway) and just stick to the books. And so now i’m interested and really looking forward in reading the KnS novels.
I don’t see it as “dark” Kazuma being so pathetic or weak that Ayano can beat him without using her full strength. She’s obviously just talking big when she says she won’t use her full strength on him – she’s only been able to use the Crimson Flame once before, and that was when she was fighting enemies that would kill her. And even after she manages to knock Kazuma over, she’s surprised that he’s not hurt at all.
And while “dark” Kazuma is still ridiculously strong (he did lay a beatdown on Burnheart’s boss), the whole point is that true strength comes from the desire to protect others – it’s the whole reason Kazuma got his contractor powers in the first place.
Posted by: Major1138
“And while “dark” Kazuma is still ridiculously strong (he did lay a beatdown on Burnheart’s boss), the whole point is that true strength comes from the desire to protect others – it’s the whole reason Kazuma got his contractor powers in the first place.”
Yeah, I think that was the point of the producers, but somehow I keep on remembering Naruto while saying the “desire to protect”. hehe. Maybe it’s just me. But I don’t find Ayano annoying, and for me she deserves to have Kazuma. If you love someone you deserve to have them.
Anyway, I really love the part where Kazuma said
“Be prepared, I am selfish and I have strong desires” – that was sweet.
@Briar: from your question about who has now converted to AyanoXKazuma.
Actually I have come to even dislike Ayano, just like the good reasoning from the comments above, what in the hell kind of explanation did they just pull off about Ayano being afraid of Kazuma? OMG That wasn’t intricate at all, it is plain half-witted. Well I can appreciate the oh so sudden approach, they just made that explanation beyond stupidity.
It also makes me wonder, who else can beat the evil Kazuma? Ren perhaps could probably do it? His father, Genma can probably kill him off quite easily? WTH, the evil Kazuma who stands far more intimidating than the normal one, who in fact made him quite infamous, has just been beaten down to a level, for shame. Their reasoning about him being weak is such a half-backed notion, it’s shameful. Just like others who watched this show, mainly because of Kazuma, since others would just hate it for something like Ayano being a Shana rip-off. I for one, dont care since the male lead is what made me watch this show, and now it’s ruined. Shame on you GONZO.
GAY, IT’S SO DAM GAY. THE KAZUMA WHO I FRIKIN WORSHIP AS ONE OF THE BEST KICK ASS MALE LEAD (OTHERS: LELOUC, KIRA/LIGHT, KIRA YAMATO (IN GSD), ORPHEN, ALUCARD) HAS JUST WENT DOWN A PEG, A WHOLE PEG!!!!
DAM YOU AYANO, I HOPE HE JUST FOOLS AROUND WITH YOU AND DUMPED YOU. KNOWING KAZUMA’S CASE, HE WOULD PROBABLY BE BETTER WITH A NORMAL GIRL, WHY NOT JUST TARGET YUKARI? SHE’S PRETTY HOT!
SCREW THIS SHOW, I MEAN REN DIDNT EVEN DO ANYTHING AT ALL, AFTER ALL HIS BIG TALK ABOUT SAVING HIS BROTHER ALL HE DID WAS WATCH FROM THE SIDELINES, WTF WAS EP.22 ABOUT?!
AND WORST AYANO JUST COMPLETELY DOMINATED THE DARK KAZUMA, WTF KINDA REASONING DID THEY DO ABOUT HER BEING SCARED, IT’S LAME ASS.
IMO i like the Kazuma&Ayano Pairing, i think it’s way cuuutee!! I cnt wait for the nxt one to come out, the last episode *Uuuwaaaaaaa* ^__^. Basically i think that kissing on the lips is too early at that stage, so he licks the neck, since Kazuma is kinda a lecher then 50% love and 50% lust ne? And his little speech about him being selfish and has high desires, well it was aimed at ayano, he basically gets wat he wants and dat’s her. =)) Like i sed this is just my opinion. REN is Cuuutee I like his reaction -The blush- wen ayano got licked xDDD man dat was funny, and I love ayano’s slow reaction about crimson flame. So slow-like me ¬¬”. Anyway dang does anyone know when exactly the last ep. comes out? ^^.
I really like ayano. She reminds me of myself. Naive. But anywho I like her kinda bratty, it makes me hate her but like her in another way. It makes up her character and what role she’s playing in the anime. Especially when she gets angry at Katherine Mcdonaled (Omdz Mcdonald’s you know xDDDD) over Kazuma. -Jealousy- That was cute ^_^!
Oh yeah, and people who hates this anime, just shut up!!!!. What’s the point of complaining on here eh? If youu dun like this then watch suiinkk else, simple!! CHARRR~ no need to critisize about it and make a big deal. ¬¬ im not saying don’t make opinions, just dont fuss over it for goddamned sake!!
Yeah basially that’s it ^^.
First, forgive me that I don’t answer everyone one by one. I’m supposed to be at work, anyway.
According to the posts I’ve read, the biggest problem with this episode (for some people anyway) is that Kazuma lost to Ayano. It is illogical, as Dark Kazuma is supposed to be very strong; strong enough to oblierate an entire society.
Now. Personally I have thought of the following reasons that Kazuma lost to Ayano:
1) Kazuma is waken by Ayano’s words, and simply stop fighting.
2) Kazuma lost the will to fight as a result.
3) Ayano has grown stronger, and so isn’t flattened at the very first blow.
4) Kazuma underestimated his opponent, because let’s face it: Ayano has not appeared to be very strong in front of her.
5) And most importantly, IMO; Kazuma did not, at the very beginning, used his full strength in the fight. Because in the end I’m very certain that he does not want to hurt Ayano. Because of that, he subconsciously controlled his strength.
6) On the other hand, Ayano goes full out, because she knows that she couldn’t really kill Kazuma.
7) Dark Kazuma, IMO, is not as strong as Usual Kazuma because Usual Kazuma will do anything to protect someone. Dark Kazuma doesn’t care enough, or is too consume by fury and vengeance to do much else (vengenace is not as strong a motivation as the need to protect, I believe is what the producers are getting at), and so does not have the emotional power to back up the physical power. In a real fight, Dark Kazuma will be as strong as Usual Kazuma. But in an emotionally driven fight like with Ayano, Dark Kazuma will not be fueled by vengeance and anger because he does not feel anger and vengeance for her. So in such a case Usual Kazuma will of course be stronger.
Ayano never expected to hurt Kazuma, you know. When she is saying “I wouldn’t use my full strength”, it’s just a characterization on her usual brash behaviour.
So on the question on who can beat Kazuma. My answer is no one.
1) Genma cannot beat him, because Kazuma does not really have any warm feelings to him, and so will use his full strength. He would also not underestimate him, because he knows very well Genma’s strength.
2) Ren cannot beat him, because much as he doesn’t want to hurt him, Ren does not yet have the physical strength and control to fight him. Not to mention Ren himself would probably not use his full strength either, unlike Ayano who trusts very much in Kazuma’s god-like power. It’s a matter of different character between him and Ayano.
3) Soushu may beat him, or may not beat him, although I’m more inclined towards not able to beat him. Both sides will use their true strength, and although we have yet to see how strong Soushu is, I truly think that Kazuma is stronger than him. However, Soushu has better emotional control, so it may balance out.
4) IMO, Ayano is the one who stands the greatest chance of beating Kazuma, not just because of power, but because of her personality.
Okay Honestly..I don’t know what’s so great about the soo called miko-hime Ayano. From the start of Kaze no Stigma, like most of the people the only thing that made me watch the show was because of Kazuma. It made me even intruiged to find out about him and Tsu Rin. But now….I really don’t give a damn anymore. What a horrible way to end a show. Gonzo should know that since they’re making a show much like shakugan no shana, you should try to make the series as good or even better. Everyone was comparing Kaze no Stigma to Shakugan no Shana but I thought that maybe it was just another bad opinion about a show. If GONZO actually stucked to the KazumaXTsui Rin story I’d actually love this show. Or if they want the protoganist to have a tragic loose like most shounen based show they should’ve made it into a story like Black Cat. Although I hated that Saya (the main heroine) died and Train changed .etc… In the end the only person that Train kept in his heart was Saya even in the end. So even though in the end (although not confirmed yet) Train and Saya didnt end up together, I still loved the show.
First because Train remained true to Saya.
Second because Saya isn’t an annoying b!(@# unlike Ayano
Third because Saya and Train make a good couple.
Anyways back to topic..
For all those Ayano X Kazuma Fans Don’t Get Me Wrong Here, Ayano is a good fighter (even though she didnt deserve to defeat Kazuma) I do give her credit for being a strong fighter and for being able to summon the God of Fire or something but in the end I HATE Ayano being paired up with Kazuma.
Alone as an individual if she went with another guy or something I’d be fine with that. But if she was JUST A PARTNER to Kazuma then I would like Ayano.
And the MOST IMPORTANT FACT HERE is that KAZUMA AND AYANO ARE RELATED!
NOT JUST CLAN RELATED BUT BY blood as well!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean for crying out loud they’re COUSINS!!! EWwWww Them ending up together is just plain sick and wrong. They’re already familly in the first place.
mabe for those who really love actions and stuff this anime wud probably in their POV.
however this isn’t entirely that bad, well for me that is. I don’t mind the action however i am not interested to watch the whole episode of ayano and kazuma kicking each other butts when there is more important thing to deal with like Pandemonium, Lapis and the Bravenheart ( which ever way his is spelled)
i support Ayano with Kazuma..becos at least in some way ayano’s character really suits kazuma’s. Yea everyone will probably say “eewww incest” but actually a cousin marrying a cousin is seem to be ok and not really that incest compare to sis and bro type ..
and yea i agree, finally ren gets to show his male dominant…and not being the damsel in distress always getting saved by the big brother. Hmm and actually ayano’s fighting skills seem to improved.. at least there is nothing ripped from her clothes. Compare to the earlier episode her clothes is always ripped and ended up showing of stuff >.>”
Ayano’s portrayal on KnS is more on comedic side to me and also adding a lil bit of lovey dovey scenes as the anime goes..sadly to say its ending..
if there is a second season, best the author goes change ayano from being weak to strong and also more about her discovering how to really be a confidant fire mage and not rely on kazuma everytime there is a big incident
I have a question: Is Kazuma’s everyday power(the one he uses most of the time) different from his contractor power(when he calls on the Wind Spirit) or are they the same power? I guess it’s like a power-up mode he has to go through to use ALL the wind strength he has.
The only person that can probably beat Kazuma is another contractor
(either Fire, Earth, or Water) but I’m not sure if the novels or manga ever mention anything like that.
Kazuma is weaker in his Black Wind form. even he himself says “what a feeble wind”.
Of course Ayano beat him when he’s weaker, and she’s using her most powerful attack. He still didn’t take any damage even so, and got back up.
She still doesn’t stand a chance versus contractor Kazuma, but this wasn’t him. Besides I think it was a very good climax. Development from both characters, and Kazuma quickly reassures us he is still in control with the neck kiss