Featured Matches - ISML 2013 Elimination Period
Division Finals Day 1 — Sunday, 8 September 2013
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Takanashi Tōka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!)
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"Is there anything I can do to help those who are dear to me?" How could it be that, no matter how hard they try, they cannot get things done their way? Nothing seems to be working out for them, and all the good things that they have done lead to negative effects. Shiina Mashiro wanted to help save Sakurasō, to prevent it's loss from destroying the memories and friendships that it represented to her. When it was revealed that she was the cause for its demise, Mashiro ran, believing that if she were not there, none of this would have happened. Time and time again, Takanashi Tōka wanted to find several ways to have her sister accept the things that were happening around her. Becoming her temporary guardian, Tōka tried everything to fix her problem, but to no avail as her sister continued to reject the things around her. Shiina and Tōka may need an extra hand to remind them that they are not alone, and that there are people who will be there to help them out. Who will be able to see their actions through to the end? |
Yuzuriha Inori (Guilty Crown) vs. Chitanda Eru (Hyōka)
"I'm curious about how you plan to proceed to the next round." Yuzuriha Inori was never meant to feel, to think, to act on her own. Whatever she did was always done for orders, all in an emotionless state. Upon meeting various people, Inori encountered emotions she had never felt before and was self-conscious of her well-being. More than anything, Inori wants to learn what it is that she is feeling and what it means to be happy or in love. Born from a traditional family, Chitanda Eru rarely goes outside of her home to learn about a world that's not her own. Bound to be the successor of her family, Eru accepts all of this knowing the restrictions that the title will place her in. That does not mean that she will not continue to observe the various things that are going on around her. Even the tiniest event can unlock the eyes of one hungry for knowledge and reasoning. Curiosity was what brought these two together, but only one of them can advance to the next round. The question then is...who? |
Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online) vs. Yui (Sword Art Online)
“Because I love you…that’s why I’m going to do my best!” For Yui and Asuna to have met how they did and where they were, it must have been fate. Trapped in a digital prison and left to themselves, Asuna and Yui both wandered about the wilderness of Aincrad in solitude. One sunny day, Asuna found Yui in the middle of the forest and their eyes locked. Words could not describe the feelings between the small AI girl and the teenage top-level fencer. Asuna’s heart gradually warmed up to Yui who in return embraced the white-clad fighter as her “mama”. The love that they have for each other is ineffable and beyond comprehension—it is something of a miracle, bound by neither dimension nor time. Though fate may have been cruel in pitting the mother-daughter pair against each other in the Regular Season, it is a cruel twist of irony for these two to face each other once more in the Postseason. Yet out of love and kindness to the other, neither girl will give up and will fight this duel to the best of their abilities, seeking to be crowned victorious in the other’s arms. |
Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Momo Belia Deviluke (To LOVE-Ru)
"I was working in the lab late one night when my eyes beheld an eerie sight." The setting sun lights a lonely hilltop where two small figures stand, waiting for some signal. A nearby street lamp turns on in a flash and both girls wince from the sudden light. The light reveals clues about the two, one has a tail with a heart on the end and I recognise her as a daughter of the Deviluke family, the devilish tail and the family name being her only hints of darkness. The other figure appears to be a normal human, though when she turns to look at me I can see her eyes, one brown and the other blue, and I recognise her as Kobato, who loves to perform the cosplay of a vampiric creature. Both figures would seem to be at home in the darkness, but they are rarely found in such conditions because of their older siblings' prominence in the light. Though demons are stronger creatures of the night, will it be the vampire who comes out on top this time? "He opened the lid, shook his fist, and said, 'Whatever happened to my Transylvania Twist?'" |
Aoyama Nanami (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Nyarlathotep (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san)
"Why stop yourself halfway when you can go even farther than you think you can?" When people like Aoyama Nanami or Nyarlathotep say that they are not giving up on their goals, they mean it. Nanami is the definition of a hard-worker, someone who will literally do anything for the sake of her dream as a voice actor. Juggling school work with multiple part time jobs to pay for her acting classes and going to various audition openings, Nanami does not really have much free time to relax or do other things. But when times are tough for her and her dream career, Nanami isn't hesitant to fall back and try again from a different approach. For Nyaruko, the term "giving up" is not in her dictionary. This large bundle of extraterrestrial energy does not know when to stop; she will continue to push and push until things are finally done her way. But sometimes, Nyaruko needs to calm down, or she may not even see the problems she might drag everyone into for doing the things she wants. Will it be Nanami or Nyaruko who will be able to take her first step towards greatness in ISML? |
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs. Kanzaki H. Aria (Hidan no Aria)
“Do you live to fight? Or do you fight to live?” An endless battlefield. An endless war. Such is the world that these two girls live in; such is the realm that they know best. Kuroyukihime, a.k.a. Black Lotus, is a veteran to the alternate dimension of Accel World and has subdued countless foes to be a queen among warriors. Aria likewise is no stranger to the fight and is renowned worldwide for her abilities as an S-rank Butei. For either fighter, the stakes are high: trivial matters like sympathy, love, and fear have no place on the cold battlefield. Or so they thought, until one day the meaning of their eternal struggling and striving changed. No longer do they fight for themselves or fight alone: allies and friends from the strangest backgrounds and most fantastic of miracles now stand by their side. The fight has brought new meaning and opened up new horizons for the two. They are no longer fighting for themselves—they are fighting for the people around them that they love and strive to protect. As Kuroyukihime dusts her blades and Aria loads her guns, the same familiar thought flashes through their heads. No matter what…I can’t lose. |
Kashiwazaki Sena (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Nibutani Shinka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!)
“I’ve got to live up to my expectations!” What’s it like being the girl? You know, the girl who’s always at the top of her class, the dazzling beauty, the popular student. Sena knows. She’s the daughter of a rich family, a natural blonde, a smart and very attractive girl that every boy idolizes and every girl envies. Shinka knows. She’s the freshman representative, a sweet girl with jaw-dropping looks and a personality adored by all her classmates. Of course, it’s hard being perfect. Sena struggles with her personal life and her loneliness, having ostracized herself from all her female peers. Shinka, on the other hand, suffers from a dark and traumatizing childhood—or rather, middle school period—and tries her best to leave that behind her. For the sakes of their reputations, their social standings, and even their newfound friends, both girls must give their all in everything they do. The two girls face each other with graceful poises and a confident smiles. "A popularity contest?" they think to themselves. "Well, this will be interesting. Not that I’ve ever lost one..." Which girl will be the one to finish that thought with “...until now?” |
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Mikazuki Yozora (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)
"Banishment...This...World!" From realities that were not kind to them when they were young, Takanashi Rikka and Mikazuki Yozora would view the world differently than most. Rikka would go on with her life as the successor of the Wicked Eye, which enabled her to create a realm where she could be herself. While many students found her odd, Rikka did not mind, for they could not understand what was going on in her mind as she was performing various rituals or working on things in a rather unorthodox matter. After feeling betrayed by her best friend, Yozora's idea of friendship became twisted and she believed that one should only rely on oneself and not on others. In her mind, if friends are only created to be destroyed in the harshest way possible, why should she suffer the same fate that she did when she was a child? What these two should understand is that there are people out there who do see them as friends and would like to get to know them better. Can either of them find relief from these outstretched hands? |
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto) vs. Hirasawa Yui (K-ON!)
"Listen to the beat of my soul!" The passion that drives these two characters forward are the same even though they are pursuing something different. In Gokō Ruri's case, this would be finding people to talk to as friends. A majority of the things Ruri does she considers as "experiments," wanting to understand and observe other people's reactions. In truth, Ruri is looking for someone to talk to about shared interests and hobbies, even if it means dressing up in various fashions. Yui's definition of what a Light Music Club meant was slightly different compared to the rest of the group. Upon picking up a guitar, Yui started to enjoy music not just for the music itself but for the process of making an original work with a bunch of close friends. Will it be Ruri's unshakable spirit or Yui's happy-go-lucky nature that will help them move on to the next round? |
Akiyama Mio (K-ON!) vs. Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto)
"I'll show you how strong I really am." Rare are there Cinderella stories such as Aragaki Ayase's ISML career. A girl who was considered a poor contender for two straight years, Ayase, who was supposedly someone incapable of making it this far statistically, has proven all the statisticians wrong. A second season has brought out another side of Ayase that people rarely see: the kindness and concern she has for others behind the words she says and the actions she makes. But if Ayase has gone this far, she might as well put everything on the line for this match. Former Tiara bearer Mio is not someone to look at as an easy target. A mature and hard-working student, Mio would do everything in her power to make others happy and their performances a success, even if it means singing in front of a large crowd, which she is sometimes embarrassed of doing. Her kindness and over-achieving attitude made her a favorite among many all over the world. Now, the two face off in their greatest challenge yet. Does Mio still have what it takes to obtain the tiara, or is it time for Ayase to make her appearance known to all? |
Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?) vs. Nakamura Yuri (Angel Beats!)
"I judge you not based upon what you've experienced in your past, but upon what you are going to do about it in the future." Let's face it: life's not fair, whether it's making a poor decision at the cost of people's lives or having someone you care about die in front of you. Rather than sulk about the things they are unable to stop in the past, Eucliwood Hellscythe and Nakamura Yuri decide to take action in hopes that something will change after all that they have been through. Eucliwood spends a majority of her life searching and attempting to make amends with those whose lives she severely changed. Oftentimes, she relaxes at her house in hopes that nothing dangerous happens or is carried over to Earth after the things that she had done to seize the underworld. Yuri carries out a plan to come close to the authoritative figure who watched over her life and caused such distress to her and others. Gaining support from those who wish to go against this godly figure, Yuri performs several operations to take this being out of their lives so they can live the lives that they so dreamed of. Who will be able to see through her actions after all is said and done? |
Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!) vs. Nagato Yuki (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu)
“Christmas…means much more to me than it will ever mean to you!” For Nagato Yuki, Christmas is a time of birth. Yuki can’t help but feel an affinity for her namesake, for the delicate, soft white flakes that drift down from the December sky. It’s also a time of renewal and acceptance of who she was and has become. No more is she an alien to human thought and emotion; no more can she retreat into her cold and analytical mind. With the help of her friends, Christmas marks the time Yuki takes her first step over the threshold towards her own humanity. For Aisaka Taiga, Christmas is a time of farewells. Taiga chooses to relinquish the past that she held on to so dearly and instead to grasp hold of her promising future. It’s also a time of confession and realization of whom and what she truly loves. Her life, like the broken pieces of a shattered star, slowly begins to reassemble with each toll of the holiday bells. Christmas marks the beginning of a new decision, a new life, the final piece of which lies in a particular locker of a particular senior classroom. With their feelings overflowing for the season of cheer, which girl truly deserves to be an Angel of Christmas? |
Nakano Azusa (K-ON!) vs. Yui-nyan (Angel Beats!)
"Music is a gift we both share; let's treasure it together." So, what made you love music so much? Originally, I played the guitar seriously, always practicing, setting my expectations high, pushing myself as far as I could do, and working hard to do things perfectly. After meeting with my seniors, I realized that music was also something that came from the heart, not something you read off from a score sheet. To express oneself without the use of words from one's soul—that was what I learned from them. At first, I joined the group so that I could play in a band that the person I admired was in. I'd go out on stage and sing at the top of my lungs; it didn't matter much to me what I was doing. Then I learned the hard way that there was more to it that just playing with a band; the responsibilities that I had as a lead singer will not be forgotten anymore. I see that we both have someone that we strive to be and look up to, but this time I have my own song to sing to the crowd... |
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs. Saber (Fate/stay night)
“Your power is meaningless if your heart is in the wrong place!” The power to bend thunder to her will. The power to summon light from her being. If Misaka Mikoto and Saber were to ever clash in reality, no universe would be able to sustain the catastrophic collateral damage. The power to control magnetic fields of immense magnitude. The power to manipulate air and walk on water. No matter how you look at it, these two powerhouses are beyond legendary, gifted with the powers of the gods themselves. As always, with great power comes great responsibility and requires great will to control it. For Mikoto, this will comes in the form of her devotion to her friends and those around her. She will not hesitate to unleash her abilities to protect the weak and innocent. For Saber, this manifests in the form of her honor for her country and for herself. She will not turn her back on the knight’s code for a single moment and is resolved to die a righteous hero. Light clashes against lightning. When the smoke fades, when the tremors cease, only one of these two legends will remain standing. |
Shana (Shakugan no Shana) vs. Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto)
"Do you have what it takes to hold the fire within?" For someone who has been here since the inaugural of ISML and someone who is hungry to make a name for herself in the Postseason, both Shana and Kōsaka Kirino do not plan on losing anytime soon. The fire that burns inside Shana will never extinguish. Coming from another world, Shana was taught only how to carry out a mission. Living on Earth allowed her to be enveloped by things like making friends, hanging out with them, and falling in love with someone. The things that she learned on Earth are what shaped her to be the person that she is today. Nothing will prevent Kirino from swaying from her goals. Kirino was once someone who was able to do anything, but was afraid to do the things she loved most in public. Meeting with a few people like her and reconciling with her brother helped her see things through a different light and realize that she was not alone. With many people who accept her as she is, Kirino has no reason to falter in her steps. Will it be Shana's determination or Kirino's passion that will burn her opponent to a crisp? |
Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!) vs. Suzumiya Haruhi (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu)
“You remind me…of someone I know…” Kanade slowly walks down the hallway to the stage, reminding herself of her opponent. Suzumiya Haruhi. 16. Leader of the SOS Brigade at her school. Wild, fearless, someone who never backs down from a challenge. On the other side of the building, Haruhi races through the hall and stands impatiently by the stage. She thinks about her next matchup, Tachibana Kanade. 16. Student Council President. Quiet, calm, someone who silently works behind the scenes to make everyone around her happy. Both Haruhi and Kanade pause for a moment. Why does this sound so familiar? As the girls face each other in the stadium, Haruhi is suddenly taken aback. She stares at the white-haired girl in front of her. That expression. Those eyes. She had seen them before on someone…someone she knew. Kanade stares back, softly pursing her lips. Was it just her, or did the brown-haired girl have the same aura as someone she knew? The two girls stand there silently, unable to say anything. Finally, Haruhi breaks the silence. “Well…good luck, Yuk-I mean-” She stops, suddenly realizing what she’s saying. Her eyes open wide. “It’s okay.” On the other side, Kanade is smiling. “I wish you good luck too…Yuri.” |
Thanks to blaZofgold, Bastion, and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Division Finals Day 2 — Tuesday, 10 September 2013
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs. Yuzuriha Inori (Guilty Crown)
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"..." It's always the quiet ones, the soft-spoken ones. They wander, observing everything that happens around them. They quietly mind their own business, silently giving it their all. They are oblivious to the norms and ideals of society and choose their own paths to their own worlds. They feel emotion, yet never show it—for their own sake and for the sake of those around them. They continue to live, taking in everything and relinquishing nothing. It's always the quiet ones that have the brightest personalities. Having developed their own ideas in their own time, they are able to cling to their dreams like nothing else. It's always the soft ones that have the bravest wills. Disregarding everything in their path, they choose to sacrifice everything, even themselves, to protect those that they are determined to save. Between Sakurasō's Prodigy and Egoist's Void, which girl's silence will turn into song? |
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs. Aoyama Nanami (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo)
"Are you sure you can stand on your own two feet?" Given how independent they are on the outside, it's hard to see Kuroyukihime and Aoyama Nanami ask for help until someone notices that something is going on. Rather than a sense of pride, these two girls do not wish to have their friends caught up in their stress. As beautiful as Kuroyukihime is, she is the most mysterious one of them all, for no one knows what she truly does outside of school, let alone knows her real name. This is due to her insecurities in relying on others when she made a mistake at the cost of her friendship. Nanami is working so hard both inside and outside of school, yet never shows how stressed out she is to her friends. She strives to be an independent person in hopes of proving to her family she can make it, even if she has to be alone. To relieve the pain that is bundled up inside them, one needs to be patient and a little pushy to know what is truly going on in their hearts. Can either find the courage to seek out others for help? |
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Kashiwazaki Sena (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)
"The friends that I have...are very important to me!" Ignored, ostracized, rejected. Being cast out of normal high school relationships sure is tough. Takanashi Rikka's quirkiness and wild imagination make it difficult for her to communicate on the same level as others. While her classmates may be respectful and try to cope with her ridiculous actions, her lack of friends reveals that they can't quite accept her for who she is. Kashiwazaki Sena suffers from a different issue, albeit with a similar result. Her perfect grades, beautiful build, and amazing popularity with the boys have made her the subject of envy and scorn by all her female classmates. Sena's personality doesn't help the issue, as she assumes an "ojō-sama" air to protect her true feelings. However, both of these girls have found their way into our hearts and have won our respect and admiration. From outcast to idol, which girl will be able to continue on with her path to the top? |
Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs. Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online)
"You look familiar, but I won't lose to you just yet." A small sense of déja vu may strike them as odd at first, but the hesitation can wait as Hasegawa Kobato and Yūki Asuna proceed to the next round. While Kobato comes to the club room to visit her brother, she herself feels that she does not have any friends. This is proven false when many of her classmates, including others of her age, admire her and find her cute. Kobato just needs a bit of self-confidence to open up to others who attempt to hold out a helping hand. A solo gamer most of her life, Asuna's original objective in gaming was beating it at the highest level possible, even if it meant going it alone. Going out in groups on several occasions, Asuna slowly beings to understand what it means to be a team player and help others in need. The bonds she makes with some of them are strong, and she will not allow those bonds to be broken. Can Kobato call out the ancient powers of lore and defeat her opponent, or will Asuna move so swiftly that her opponent will not know she has already lost? |
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto) vs. Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto)
"Remind me again how we got to know each other?" What do a gothic lolita anime otaku and a yandere middle-school idol have in common? Would you have guessed love? No matter how incredible and how ridiculous that may sound, the truth is the truth. If it wasn't for a certain high school boy, these two girls would never have had a reason to meet, a reason to fight. Kuroneko was happy enough with her life, being a legendary gamer and secret dōjin artist. While she may have not had many friends, she was happy enough in her otaku world. Ayase lived on the other side of the spectrum, enjoying the spotlight of being a teen fashion idol. Adored and respected by her peers and friends, she strove to maintain this perfect lifestyle. Then...came love. Now both of these girls have a reason to show off their talents and give it their all. Through love and rejection, which girl will be able to triumph in the end? |
Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!) vs. Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto)
"What is it that you really want?" Strong are the desires that these two characters wish to obtain in their lives. While she may be the student council president, there is something that Tachibana Kanade is searching for outside of good grades or a teacher's gratitude. There is someone that she is looking for, someone to thank in a world that can be considered heaven or hell. Until then, she must act as a council member does, attempting to keep the peace until she finds that person. Kōsaka Kirino's desire to run and to turn it into a career stems from the wish to be closer to someone whom she cares about. An event from her past initiated the push that she finally needed to become serious about what she wanted to do about her future. To ultimately be someone important in this person's life—that has been her dream to this day. Will either of them see that her hard work has finally paid off after all is said and done? |
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs. Nakano Azusa (K-ON!)
"It's time to take my experience to the next level!" The bonds that they have made with others are what shape Misaka Mikoto and Nakano Azusa to be who they are now. Seen mostly as Tokiwadai's ace, Mikoto has a lot of admirers, but there are not many of them with whom she would consider sharing her happiness and struggles. To get along with her will ultimately mean getting caught in crossfire between her and her various enemies, something that she did not want others to experience. Yet when asked, those who are her friends will be more than likely to help her out, even if it means risking their livelihood. Azusa's hard-working and high-achieving attitude is something that she would like her seniors to pick up. What she learns from them is to see things at different perspectives, for life should not be so straightforward. Maybe taking some time to relax and enjoy life is something that Azusa needed. Will it be Mikoto's courage or Azusa's enthusiasm that will help them move on to the next round? |
Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!) vs. Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?)
"There is only so much happiness one can receive." Is being happy a crime? Will I always be left alone like this forever? I only need one friend in my life; it's not like I need any more. Besides, no one else knows me that well anyway. I could see it in their eyes; they would not want to make friends with a person like me who seems angry all the time and unapproachable to others. I just want to be me. Am I cursed to this fate forever? It was my fault that all of this happened. But I do not want him to die, for he is the first person after all that has happened to talk to me like a normal person. More than anything, I want him to show me a future vaster than I can imagine. If you are to get in the way of my happiness, I will show no mercy! |
Thanks to Momento10 and blaZofgold for contributing today's match previews.
Division Finals Day 3 — Thursday, 12 September 2013
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto) vs.
Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?)
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"I am the real ruler of darkness!" Darkness is cute. In the shape of a black cat, it strolls through the streets of Akihabara. Writing compelling online reviews of anime. Drawing stunning dōjinshi. Destroying the competitive field in video games. Dressed up in gothic clothing, this darkness takes each day with dedication and confidence. Cooking and taking care of siblings at home. Designing and crafting computer games at school. Finding love. Temporarily changing from dark to light. Going to the beach. The summer festival. Watching fireworks. Holding hands. Blushing, smitten, like a fallen angel of light and darkness. Darkness is silent. In the form of a necromancer, it sits quietly and observes its surroundings. Eating. Writing down thoughts and ideas on a notepad. Eating some more. Occasionally dealing with the various incidents that happen. Monsters, demons, magical girls. The usual fare. Twisting reality and entering a world of unknown. Fighting alongside friends, protecting them at all costs. Returning back to a familiar and peaceful haunt. Resuming the wonderful and truly delightful task of eating. Without showing a single facial emotion, smiling from within the heart. Whose darkness is the real darkness? |
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs. Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!)
"I'll show you who the heavens truly smile upon!" 104 victories. For two years, the angel known as Tachibana Kanade has not lost a single match in Regular Season since her introduction in ISML. The beautiful white maiden that glistens with the moon, Kanade has dominated every single opponent who stood in her way towards greatness. It almost appeared as though she was going to pull another year of no loses, but someone proved this testament false. In Topaz 1, Misaka Mikoto zapped off the wings of the angel, and Kanade fell to her demise, her first loss in her three years in Regular Season. A girl who proves that nothing is impossible, Mikoto, who came so close to defeating Kanade two years ago at Regular Season, finally got her much needed victory in their rematch at Topaz 1. Now, this is not only for revenge, but also payback. Mikoto and Kanade square off for the race to the Stella Circlet. Does Mikoto have what it takes to prove that she can take down her opponent again, or will Kanade defeat her opponent and walk away as though her loss was a bad dream? |
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs. Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!)
"Burst the Horizon! Banishment this World!" A place to escape reality. No, a completely new reality. These girls have courageously stepped into a new world beyond their wildest dreams. For Kuroyukihime, this accelerated world was the perfect place to fulfill her ambitions and desires. To let her uptight self relax and be at ease, to rediscover her true self. To break ties with a mundane reality and a haunting past. As a Burst Linker, Black Lotus becomes the essence of Kuroyukihime's soul. For Rikka, this ethereal world was the perfect place to seek and find what was lost. To challenge the unbearable past, to demand a brighter future. To find the courage, the strength, the will, and the hope to live life proudly with a raised head and a positive outlook. As a sorceress, the Wicked Eye becomes the essence of Takanashi Rikka's heart. As the girls reach out for their own horizon that they seek, who will be the first to break free from the chains of reality into a world made perfect for them? |
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs. Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online)
"Everyone reaches a slump. The question is how quickly can you get off from it." Even during the happiest and most fun of moments, when bad things happen, things almost seem like they're falling apart, and nothing seems to go right. However, if one were to continue to find ways to fix the situation, there will come a point where all of their effort will be rewarded. Finding out that she was the cause of the destruction of the apartment she is in, Mashiro runs away, thinking that was the correct answer. However, through conversing with her friends, Mashiro sees that running away will not solve anything. So, until the very end, she will find continue to find other methods to prevent the place where all her memories are from destruction. When Yūki Asuna was caught and imprisoned, she didn't wait for someone to rescue her. She tried to find ways to open the lock that sealed her room and looked for ways to have other recognize that she was here. Asuna fought not just for her survival, but also to meet the one she cares about the most. Who will stand tall after these two collide? |
Thanks to blaZofgold and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Division Finals Day 4 — Sunday, 15 September 2013
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!)
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"Our story isn't over yet." Granted, both of these characters seem unreachable as though they live in a dimension different than everyone else. A genius artist who used to paint at an art studio with those just like her now works alone in an empty room with nothing but a paintbrush and an empty canvas to call a friend. Even if she moves and lives in a place with different customs and etiquette, her talent remains unmatched by all. What she does not know is how much her abilities can change the way people see things in life and the way the world works. A girl who "suffers" from eighth grade syndrome speaks and moves in manners that baffle the common student. No one seems to understand what is going on in her mind as they try to decipher her unorthodox ways. She does not mind, for she believes she is better off living in a realm where she can be herself rather than following the ways of man. Yet deep down, both girls try to mingle with others in hopes that one of them knows what they want most: someone to understand them. For Shiina Mashiro and Takanashi Rikka, that is their greatest wish. |
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto) vs. Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!)
"So...we meet again." Topaz Peason was rough going for ISML's white-haired angel. Kanade was disgracefully shot down from the heights of her power by Tokiwadai's Railgun, Misaka Mikoto, in Topaz One. Striving to ascend back to her place in the heavens, whom should Tenshi meet in round seven but the incarnate of darkness, Gokō Ruri, who edged out a win in a fierce and close match. Having swept through the Regular Season undefeated, Kuroneko now sets her eyes on a higher goal: to win the Stella Division Circlet for the first time. Meanwhile, Tachibana Kanade also wants a Diamond Circlet to complement her Sapphire one from last year and to be the first ISML contestant to sweep both Nova and Stella Divisions in her path to glory. Both girls have demonstrated without a doubt their immense popularity, that they are the elite of the elite. However, only one ISML contestant can truly be given the title "Untouchable". Between the angel descended from heaven and the rising black cat of darkness, who will be crowned the winner of the 2013 Stella Division Bracket? |
Thanks to blaZofgold and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
League Finals Day 1 — Sunday, 22 September 2013
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs. Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto)
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"All I want is to be accepted by my friends!" It's hard to be talented. Especially when this talent makes other prodigies cower in shame. Shiina Mashiro has this talent, being a godly painter and an international wonder. Unfortunately, this ridiculous skill in art ostracizes her from general society and even from other artists who can't begin to compare. One by one, people around Mashiro slowly disappear, driven away by her success and her ability. Similarly, being a talent in the limelight and having a secret hobby is equally as painful. Kōsaka Kirino is a middle-school goddess: she's a great athlete, smart, works part-time as a fashion model, and exudes amazing charisma. It would be troublesome if she, for instance, secretly loved to play imōto-based erotic computer games...which she does. Being part of the otaku culture also means being looked down upon by society in general, and Kirino is forced to dance between the two worlds in a clash of self. As they begin to discover their paths forwards, both Mashiro and Kirino are helped by their friends who have both appreciated and accepted them—now, as they prepare to face each other on the stage, who will be able to make those friends proud? |
Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?)
"The darkness is my ally!" Alright. What do a chūnibyō vampire lover and a bona fide necromancer have in common? A lot, actually. They might not have many similarities in terms of abilities or power levels, but they actually have very similar experiences. Hasegawa Kobato, while playing a tough master of darkness, is actually very insecure about herself and who she is. Even though she's surrounded by friends who adore and admire her, she can't seem to find a person who will accept her the way she sees herself. Her chūnibyō self is a more accurate representation of the kind of wild and carefree personality she believes in. Eucliwood Hellscythe, on the other hand, has real abilities but is in fact afraid of them and the damage they can do. This turns into a fear that she will drive away everybody around her, even though she wants to be loved by her friends. Ultimately, she embraces her dark powers as ways she can protect those around her. Which girl will let the darkness guide her way, and which girl will fall prey to the shadows? |
Kashiwazaki Sena (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto)
"Did you choose this path, or was it chosen for you?" Before going to school, a façade is created to play a certain role within the school perimeter. One is the lone wolf, an observer who does not see the benefits of having things called "friends." Her tongue is sharp with honest yet critical remarks; her aura is mysterious, filled with things students cannot comprehend. Any conversation with her is minimal, for it is not as though they will talk to her again. The other is the popular girl who everyone wants to be friends with. She's charming, sweet, and beautiful; students would do anything to get a response from her. She's the center of attention, catching everyone's eyes. No matter how much attention they gather, they feel empty inside. If none of the people around them are going to be their true friends, who will? It is about time they take off their masks and reveal the face behind them, but as long as Gokō Ruri and Kashiwazaki Sena reject the things they want to do, their façade will ultimately become their curse. Can either break the shackles that chain them to the ground? |
Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online) vs. Nakano Azusa (K-ON!)
"I don't plan on turning around after coming so far." Becoming a leader is something that neither Yūki Asuna or Nakano Azusa had in mind. Asuna would rather have someone talk her into their party instead of asking people out herself. But when news comes that players cannot complete the levels by themselves and guilds are seeking strong players, Asuna quickly takes the task. Her strength and fighting style is admired by all, and she becomes a general, helping others train while giving orders for large missions. Azusa would rather have fun with her upperclassmen than become the next club president. But graduation is coming soon; nothing can stay the same forever. Azusa must raise her head high, for she must carve out her own path so that, one day, she can see them again as a new and improved person. Both contestants are willing to put everything on the line, but only one will remain standing after all is said and done. |
Thanks to blaZofgold and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
League Finals Day 2 — Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs. Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto)
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"Isn't it about time you face reality?" It's difficult to fully accept things one does not want to believe at first. Takanashi Rikka created the Ethereal world in response to the conflicts she had with her family. The freedom that she gains from doing whatever she wanted in the world countersued the stress she had build up over the months and the denial of an inconceivable truth. Believing that others would not recognize her pain, Rikka settled on walking her path alone until she found someone who was just like her. Finding out about her friend's secret hobby, something she detests, Aragaki Ayase became confused about how to deal with this situation. A talk with some close people made her realize that she should trust her friends more and the things they say about what they like. Thus Ayase questions if she actually knows her friend more than anyone else does. Which of these two is able to accept whatever comes her way? |
Yuzuriha Inori (Guilty Crown) vs. Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!)
"Let's paint this field red as we dance with our blades." What is it with quiet, docile girls who have the sudden ability to become incredibly ruthless slaughter machines? Meet ISML's personal pair of executioners, Tachibana "Tenshi" Kanade and Yuzuriha "Egoist" Inori. Kanade's signature move is Hand Sonic, a pair of blades that are attached to her hands; this move has 5 total versions. She can also utilize passive abilities like Distortion, Delay, and Angel Wings, which allow her to deflect bullets, create afterimages, and fly. Her ultimate ability is Harmonics, which creates a clone of herself; however, due to certain testing issues, this ability remains in beta development. Inori is a trained assassin and hand-to-hand fighter. As part of the resistance group "Funeral Parlor", her uncanny ability to knock people out by touching them often comes in handy. Her choice weapon is her Void, a huge broadsword that cleaves human flesh and air molecules indiscriminately. When in times of extreme stress, she has also been known to produce large crystal spikes from various parts of her body which she uses to casually impale her enemies. When these girls clash blades, will either of them make it out in one piece? |
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs. Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!)
"You think you can defeat me? Just go ahead and try!" Butterflies and cats roam the area as the Black Lotus and the Palmtop Tiger battle it out to see who will be one step closer to the Tiara. One mistake turned Kuroyukihime into a wanted person in the accelerated world. The choice that she made that day haunts her even when she looks calm and composed to many of her peers. With several people who are willing to follow her even after what she has done, Kuroyukihime stands up and faces the accelerated world once again, this time with a new resolve. Because of her behavior and attitude, many people were afraid of coming in contact with Aisaka Taiga. Her aggressive nature and uncaring lifestyle was feared by teachers and students alike. If one were to try to befriend her, one would realize that Taiga is a loyal companion and would do anything to make her friends happy, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. Can Kuroyukihime end the story of this tiger, or will Taiga ultimately clip off the wings of this butterfly? |
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Aoyama Nanami (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo)
"You don't know until you try!" If you don't succeed, try try again. That's the motto of both Misaka Mikoto and Aoyama Nanami as they strive to move forward in their respective lives. Mikoto is a superstar among her peers: strong, kindhearted, and determined to be her best. Even against unimaginable odds, she will single-handedly take on the challenge for the sake of protecting her friends from possible harm. Her undaunted spirit has pulled her through time and time again. Nanami's story is the same: after running away from home to pursue her dreams, she tries extra hard in everything she does. Whether grades or employment, at Sakurasou or at her voice actor auditions, Nanami will always go the extra mile...or sometimes even two. Her ability to see past her limit and continue on allows her to bounce back from any situation. Fortunately for the girls, ISML voting rounds are a one-shot deal; otherwise, the two might find themselves in a war of attrition where neither side will ever give up. |
Thanks to blaZofgold and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
League Quarterfinals Day 1 — Thursday, 26 September 2013
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?)
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"If you cannot change the world, create a new one." Silence and solitude can only go so far. To become passive and accept things as they are will not change anything, only strengthen the truth that lies forever: they can't do anything on their own. Alone in the darkness or an empty studio, the silence that shrouds them is their friend, a voice they were accustomed to for so long. They wish to break it, but they are fine with it as it is. Only when people enter their lives does their barren world get splashed with colors they have never seen before, a warmth unheard of. Decorated with the joys and memories they made with them, solitude becomes a forgotten friend. Yet, here they stand, alone in the ring, but not alone at all. They know someone is waiting for them, and for that reason, they cannot falter. They charge at each other and strike... |
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto) vs. Nakano Azusa (K-ON!)
"How long are you going to rely on your senpais?" Growing up and moving on is hard, especially when you know you will be left behind. Gokō Ruri is a high school freshman girl whose first and only connection at her high school was her senpai. Thanks to that boy, she was able to join a club and meet more wonderful people who shared similar interests as her. However, seeing that her senpai is graduating, Kuroneko can't help but feel left behind. Azusa has it worse, almost: not one, but four of her senpais are due for graduation, leaving her as the sole member (and president) of the Light Music Club. Coming into the school year as a solitary senior, Azusa suddenly loses all the role models and support that she had depended on for two whole years. The empty clubroom and dusty instruments stir up songs of nostalgia in the guitarist's heart. All alone, with nobody to turn to, which girl will be able to pick herself up and continue to move forward? |
Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto) vs. Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)
"My onii-san is the best brother in the world!" Kyōsuke and Kodaka have it tough: they have to deal with sisters like Kirino and Kobato. Kobato is a middle school genius who also happens to be severely introverted, an outrageous chūnibyō, and have quite an attitude. Of course, when it comes to attitude, nothing compares with the more tsun than dere Kirino, who adds to her personality package a horde of imōto eroge and otaku frenziness. Kyousuke and Kodaka could just simply chastise their siblings for their ridiculous behavior; they could give them the cold shoulder, ignore them until they grow out of their phase, or even act as role models for them to follow. But these interesting high schoolers instead open up their hearts towards their sisters and become the absolutely kindest, gentlest, and warmest individuals in the girls' lives. He's there when she's crying, embracing her and patting her on the head. He's there when she's laughing, laughing alongside and enjoying himself. No wonder these younger sisters fell in love with their older brothers: truly, they define their lives by their prince in shining armor that's always there for them. |
Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online) vs. Kashiwazaki Sena (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)
"You can't rely on your knight all the time." Unlike games, reality doesn't have a log out button and cannot restart to the last save point made. One is to make most of what they have, from living the right school life to escaping a life-threatening situation. While Kashiwazaki Sena seems to be living life as the popular school idol, she only wanted those few who she can consider as true friends. To go out with them normally while disregarding status and popularity was all she really wanted. Yuuki Asuna isn't one who would speak to others first and ask for their help and guidance. Upon meeting a few people and interacting with them, Asuna realize that the only way to get out successfully is if they combine their strength and search for a solution together. Who between the two can prove that she still has something left in her? |
Thanks to blaZofgold and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
League Quarterfinals Day 2 — Sunday, 29 September 2013
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs. Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto)
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"I'm going to take responsibility for this!" There are many kinds of sisters in the world. There's the Mikoto kind of sister—this is the big sister who is awfully inexperienced with being the role model and leader. Still young and somewhat immature, Mikoto doesn't quite realize what being "Onee-sama" really means. From fighting with one sibling about random issues to pleading with another to return a Gekota toy, Mikoto often ends up acting like the younger sister. Yet as both of her imōto can attest, she is truly an onee-chan who cares and loves them dearly. Representing the younger side of sisters is Ayase, the extremely diligent and responsible imōto-chan. Ayase can cook, clean, do laundry, and loves to serve her friends and onii-san. While she may get flustered over trivial matters, Ayase is not naive enough to let these issues get between her and her task as a younger sister. Ultimately, her dedication and kindness earns the respect of her older senpai and covers her somewhat maniacal tendencies. The battle of the sisters has begun—who will win, the immature but strong Onee-sama, or the responsible but obsessive Imōto-chan? |
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs. Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!)
"I will turn my dreams into reality!" On the outside, they are beautiful, unreachable girls; on the inside, they are probably the most fragile ones among all students. Kuroyukihime may be the definition of a beauty from a student's perspective, but not everything about her is as it seems. A dark past clouds Kuroyukihime's mind as she debates whether or not she made the right decision on that fateful day. Her smile and kind gestures may warm many hearts, but it cannot melt away all of her fears and anxieties. Because of how soft-spoken and quiet she is, no one really knows what goes on in Tachibana Kanade's head. While all Kanade wanted to do was help the students move on from their troubled pasts, her actions seem to dictate otherwise. Although she needs to keep the peace of this school, if there are people willing to attack her, Kanade has no choice but to retaliate and fight back. Will either of these girls find relief after all is said and done? |
Aoyama Nanami (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!)
"How are you going to stand up if you don't believe in yourself first?" They want to pursue their wishes, but sometimes nothing goes their way. The pressure is already on for Aoyama Nanami, who is juggling multiple part-time jobs, acting classes, and school life. Nanami may appear to be fine, but if something goes wrong, she may break down completely, as if she will never be successful no matter how many times she strives for it. Nanami dreams of becoming a voice actor and has worked so hard for it, but she tends to disregard her own health if it means going to an audition. Takanashi Rikka is one step closer to finding the existence of the Ethereal Horizon, but many steps back when her sister and society remind her that what she is doing is juvenile. Rikka may seem unorthodox, but acts in such a way to muddle her memories from the pain of her precious someone. Her feelings are shaking, as if wanting answers even when she knows the solution. Can Nanami or Rikka find the means to push forward when everything crashes down on them? |
Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!) vs. Yuzuriha Inori (Guilty Crown)
"I'll keep fighting for what's important to me!" True fighters are born, not trained. They're ready at a moment’s notice to unleash their fury upon the world. Like a snarling tiger ravaging its prey, Aisaka Taiga is both vicious and intimidating—and for good reason. Having lost so much in life, Taiga struggles violently to retain what precious treasures she has left. Despite her piercing eyes and haughty sneer, inwardly Taiga simply wants the peace of heart to smile. For that purpose, she's willing to forsake family and friends to push on towards the world of her dreams. Inori starts from a slightly different perspective, since she began with nothing and must rise from the ashes. Like a silent machine with a program to annihilate, Yuzuriha Inori is the epitome of "quiet but deadly." Her empty heart, however, yearns for new life and even love, for a chance to be free. Every enemy that falls at her feet is just another obstacle that stands in the way between her and her bright future. Between the Palmtop Tiger and the Egoist Singer, with their own ways of fighting to the end, who will stand victorious after it all? |
Thanks to blaZofgold and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
League Semifinals Day 1 — Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?) vs.
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto)
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"Why do you fear change? You won't know unless you try." A necromancer sits in front of a convenience store, quiet and alone. Troubled by her inability to do anything about her past, she silently monitors the things that are going on around her, expressionless. A boy attempts to make her smile, but she shuts him down—not because it was a poor effort, nor because she doesn't want to create any emotions—rather, she is forced not to, for doing so would bring chaos to this world. A female student sits alone in the middle of the classroom without conversing with anyone. She is independent, doing most of the school chores by herself without relying on others for help. Any small talk with her is cut short; talking to them seems like a chore, for they will never understand the kind of person she is even if they attempt to know her well enough. What both characters need to do is to simply crack the shell that surrounds them when dealing with other people, for they may have the ability to change who they currently are. Taking that first step will be a challenge neither Eucliwood Hellscythe nor Gokō Ruri is prepared for... |
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!)
"There's a plate of happiness in front of you, and you're too afraid to reach out to it because...?" Is it okay for them to be this happy? Moving to Japan, Shiina Mashiro probably did not expect much other than giving her a new outlook on a different kind of art form. What she learned from her stay is probably far more valuable than any painting she created; the joys of having fun with people she cares about and experiencing love for the first time. The memories that she made and the friends she created at that school dorm will always be treasured no matter how far apart she is from them. When it came to eight-grade syndrome, Takanashi Rikka was alone with no one to share her delusions with, no one to truly consider a friend. The club she created may appear random at first, but as time moved on, the people who joined her club became those whom Rikka cherishes the most. The things they do may be unorthodox, but it would be one of the few moments when Rikka can truly act like herself and smile. This happiness is something that they want to keep and are unwilling to give up. Who will emerge victorious after all is said and done? |
Nakano Azusa (K-ON!) vs. Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!)
"Nya?" Cats. They're cute, furry, cuddly, soft, and heart-attack-causingly adorable. All of them. Yes, even tigers have their streaks of cuteness. Independent creatures, they like to poke around their world and explore their surroundings, fueled by a curious and inquisitive nature. They love things that move, and are easily distracted by the occasional butterfly. They are very neat, take care of themselves well, and pretend to dislike the company of others. I say pretend, because in actuality nothing contents a cat more than to be able to snuggle into the warm lap of an owner and purr its kitty heart to satisfaction. So what do cats have anything to do with humans? In the case of Azusa and Taiga, a lot. For one, both girls are almost guaranteed to be addressed as being very feline in nature and personality. Azusa models a perfect independent city cat while Taiga demonstrates the ferocity of a jungle jaguar. They both are short, easily influenced by their peers, and are often seen being squished and squeezed by friends. And whatever the case may be, for some strange reasons, both girls display an incredible amount of moe when donning cat ears. |
Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs. Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto)
"You haven't seen the last of my power!" Life would have been much easier had it went the way Hasegawa Kobato and Aragaki Ayase wanted it to me. For Kobato, having fun with her older brother was more than enough to keep her company when their father was away. Kabato is without friends because of her shyness, for she has the attention of many students her age. But in her brother's club, Kobato is able to interact with his club members freely, meaning a little bit of time was all that she needed to understand others more. Ayase wanted to live the standard middle school life where she can hang out with her friends, create small talk, and more. For this reason, first impressions are important to Ayase, as they ultimately dictate how she will forever view them for as many times as she sees them. A good impression would be equivalent to gaining Ayase's faith and trust which will lead to a life filed with unexpected twists and turns. Which of these two would be able to take full control over their lives and this match? |
Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online) vs. Kuroyukihime (Accel World)
"Who says girls can't be gamers?" Sorry to bring in the internet age-old meme, but there are girls out there that can seriously kick some butt in video games. Among those highly gifted and talented individuals are Yūki Asuna and Kuroyukihime. Kuroyukihime is the Student Council Vice President at Umesato Junior High and a secret master of the accelerated game of Brain Burst. One of the Six Kings of Pure Color, Hime stands as one of the founding pillars of the entire Brain Burst universe, renowned for her deadly bladesmanship as Black Lotus. On the subject of blades, no swordswoman is more fit to flourish a foil than Aincratz's Flash, Asuna. The sub-leader of the guild Knights of the Blood, Asuna has demonstrated her ability numerous times, from slaying fearsome lizardmen to casually chopping to pieces oversized mutant fish. If these two renowned warriors ever crossed swords, who knows what could happen? One things for certain - both Asuna and Hime are not at all ashamed to declare themselves as true girl gamers. |
Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto) vs. Kashiwazaki Sena (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)
"There are only two kinds of people in this world." You won't have any girls more enthusiastic about video games than Kōsaka Kirino or Kashiwazaki Sena, but unlike dating simulations and visual novels, real life romance doesn't have a save/load button, nor can they retrace times when there was no conflict. Both Kirino and Sena are not only troubled with how to approach the one the love, but also having that person, and society as a whole, accept them for who they are. Kirino is afraid of admitting that she is an otaku, but if it meant that she can talk to her brother as they would have last time, Kirino would willingly expose her interests. Sena may be a popular girl, but for the one who ultimately treated her as an equal regardless of her status, Sena would do anything for him. Both girls are strong-willed and passionate about what they like and do, a false move can easily break them as they are. Can either of these girls break free from society's grip and create a path meant only for herself? |
Aoyama Nanami (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs. Yuzuriha Inori (Guilty Crown)
"Everything's over once you give up!" Giving up is generally frowned upon as being a unwise decision, one made in weakness of heart and shakiness of will. For some, however, giving up is an irreversible sin that would completely destroy a person's persona and way of living. Nanami and Inori happen to fall into this category, as neither girl would ever give up no matter what the cost or the circumstances. Nanami has quite a boatload of troubles. After running away from home, she has to balance voice acting lessons and part time jobs with the daily homework and assignments of a regular high school girl. With around to support, most people would call it quits; Nanami, however, pushes herself to succeed and carries on her life with unflagging fervor. Inori's condition, while it lacks in this kind of passion, makes up for it in pure intent. Unable to properly articulate and express her emotions, Inori instead follows the trail of data to uncover the truth, no matter how ugly it may be. For her purpose and goals, she would to anything to the point of self-sacrifice, as long as she is able to protect something or someone important to her in the end. With spirits and wills afire, which girl will be the first to let their flame die down? |
Zaraki Kenpachi (BLEACH) vs. Nara Shikamaru (NARUTO)
Leaders in their own right, Zaraki Kenpachi and Naru Shikamaru have their own ways of dealing with any situation in hand. A "think before you act" type of person, Kenpachi's solution to any dispute would be a fight that would most certainly go his way. With an immeasurable, uncontrollable strength and fine swordplay, it's no wonder that many people fear him just by hearing his name. But behind the tough exterior lies a kind heart that will accept anyone who will follow his path and a loyal ally when his companions are in danger. In contrast to the active Kenpachi, Shikamaru would rather be looking at clouds or playing shogi than be in direct combat with others. Shikamaru's strength lies on technical analyses during a battle and figuring out the most efficient way of defeating the opponent without breaking too much of a sweat. As much of a tactician as he is, Shikamaru is a faithful friend who will do anything to make sure no harm befalls on anyone, and if so, there will be consequences. A battle of brawn against brain, can Kenpachi power his way to victory, or will Shikamaru figure out a way to tame him? |
Thanks to Momento10 and blaZofgold for contributing today's match previews.
League Semifinals Day 2 — Thursday, 3 October 2013
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs. Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!)
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"For the last time...let's make the heavens tremble!" The fated rivals clash yet again: the Railgun, Misaka Mikoto, versus the Angel, Tachibana Kanade. Who would've thought that two completely different girls would soon become two colossal pillars of the ISML multiverse? Though younger in age, Mikoto has the seniority in terms of ISML experience, well known for electrifying matches and a tendency to absolutely vaporize her foe. That is, until the heavens opened and dropped a beat...an Angel Beat, to be precise, and along with it came the Student Council President of the Afterlife High School, Kanade. These two ferocious and merciless fighters have continuously struck down opponent after opponent, remaining within one place on the standings of each other for the past few years. When it looked like Tenshi was getting a decisive edge against Biribiri, Tokiwadai's Ace channeled her electromaster skills and exploded with a huge win in this year's Topaz One. Naturally, Kanade made short work of the Shocker the next time they met, evening their score to one-to-one. And now, it's time. For the final time in 2013, Kanade and Mikoto are putting their ISML careers on the line to fight not only for a place in the finals, but to perpetuate this endless rivalry of ISML supernovas. |
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs. Nakano Azusa (K-ON!)
"Art is the reason I am who I am." Art has many different forms, different perspectives, different mediums. It speaks differently to each and every individual, a message personal, profound, and very touching. For Shiina Mashiro, the canvas called out to her. Colors, lines, strokes, shades—the spectrum of hues and textures on the snow white paper. In a world where she often falls behind, unable to keep up, painting is Mashiro's sanctuary and only solace. Through painting, Mashiro is able to express herself in the only way that she can. For Nakano Azusa, the guitar called out to her. The notes, rhythms, phrases and beats—melodies and harmonies blending into one. In the busy and chaotic time of high school, Azusa was able to find a solid ground to stand on with her connection to music. Her playing and performances in the Light Music Club have shaped and changed the way Azusa views her friends and even herself. In art, everything has a certain degree of freedom that allows artists to put forth their very own unique best. Between Sakurasō's Prodigy Painter and Hōkago Tea Time's Guitar Talent, who will be the one to deliver a masterpiece? |
Kashiwazaki Sena (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs. Yuzuriha Inori (Guilty Crown)
"Are you just going to sit back and let all of this happen?" When people look at you, what is the first thing they see? They say that I am a beautiful girl and are envious of my popularity, but it would be nice if they actually came up and talked to me. I don't want them to just stand there and admire me because I am like an idol. All I want is for someone to see me as an equal instead of showering me with all these compliments, for I am not some doll on display. I'm just a tool; I only carry out what my mission tells me to do. I don't think about the consequences of what happens if I screw up, nor am I wary about getting caught by the opposing force. Instead, I let my voice explain what it is that I need, what it is inside me that I want to send to others, an intangible thing that I am unable to describe myself. There must be someone out there who can accept us as we are. Until that day comes, I'm not leaving until I have something to say when I return home... |
Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto) vs. Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online)
"I'm the best wife you'll ever find!" In a small café, two young men have just called a waiter and ordered a drink each. As the waiter walks away, the blue-haired boy leans forwards and strikes up a conversation. "So, Kazuto, I've heard your life's been pretty stable recently, eh?" Kirigaya Kazuto folds his hands together and looks out the window. "Yeah...ever since Asuna moved in to live with me, my life's been...almost too easy." "What do you mean?" "Well, she cooks, cleans, does laundry, supports and encourages me, makes me lunch, all with a dazzling smile on her face." Kazuto's face had a dreamy smile on it. "It's almost surreal." "Haha, I know what you mean. It sounds exactly like the time when Ayase took care of me when I was away from home. She did exactly the same things, all while being the perfect angel she is." Kazuto's face turned serious. "There's only one problem, Kyōsuke." Kyōsuke looked surprised and a little worried. "What is it?" Then his eyes widened and he gave a wry smile. As Kazuto slumped forward in weariness, Kyōsuke put his hand to his head and gently massaged his temples. "My sister," they echoed. |
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs. Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!)
"Fathers are precious, no matter what their circumstances may be." What is a father? To Takanashi Rikka, a father is a treasured memory, an oft-forgotten dream. He is a time long ago, a time that can never be returned to yet is always calling to the present, beckoning her to stray behind. He is a story of a child who walked life peacefully, never making a stand for herself, being delicate and perfectly normal. He is the lightning bolt that strikes the lone willow in the field, scorching it till all the leaves have burned to a crisp, blown away in the wind. To Aisaka Taiga, a father is a malevolent entity, a better-forgotten thought. He is a place far away, yet always close, too close for comfort, gently squeezing, trapping, suffocating, strangling. He is a story of a failure who knows not love, nor respect, nor the basis of human dignity, and runs away from the truth. He is the meadow fox that eludes the sights of men yet comes every so often to steal yet another precious chicken from the yard. While both girls have different relationships with their fathers and different issues with themselves, both Rikka and Taiga know that they just can't let these men go. No matter how hard they try, no matter how much they want to, both girls have realized just how important their fathers truly are in their lives. |
Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs. Kuroyukihime (Accel World)
"The more you push others back, the longer you will take to find what it is that you seek." They might not be able to speak out their thoughts well, but that does not mean they are bad people. Most of the time, Hasegawa Kobato is quite shy and doesn't know what to say when there are many people talking to her, so she finds reprieve by hiding behind her brother. When she does talk, most of her speech relates back to her favorite anime series. Even so, Kobato is a sweet girl who wants to come to terms with those around her age. Kuroyukihime’s inability to trust others stems from the bad blood she had with people in the burst like world. Although she is surrounded by people, none of them are what she would consider as someone she can talk about her problems with. She would do anything to try to make amends for the things she has done as well as pursue what she wants in the accelerated world. Will either of these two find the help she needs if she sticks her hand out? |
Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto) vs. Aoyama Nanami (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo)
"I cannot be stopped yet. There's much more that I want to do." If life turns sour, one should make the most of it, but that's not always easy. From Kirino's perspective, there isn't anyone out there who would not shun her due to her interests in anime, visual novels, etc. Due to societal pressures, Kirino keeps up the image of a well-rounded student who can do just about anything even though she wants to express the otaku inside of her. Keeping quiet is one thing, but searching for people just like her in her area whom she can possibly hang out with is a game she is afraid of playing. Most of the time when Nanami gets letters of rejection from studios, she smiles and moves on with her life, believing there will someday be a company who will accept her for her vocal talent. But when her dorm, the place where major events had ultimately shaped and changed her ways of viewing the world, is on the verge of destruction, Nanami does not know what to do. No matter how strong her will is, she is only a human amidst the uncontrollable things around her. Can Kirino or Nanami find the solution to help her get through troubled times? |
Thanks to blaZofgold and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
League Championship — Sunday, 6 October 2013
Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto) vs. Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!)
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"Today, ISML. Tomorrow, the world." Throughout the endless chains of blood, sweat, and tears known as the Regular Season, two girls remain standing upon the rubble that still remains. From one side, a figure of a girl in black stands within the darkness, a darkness she accepted. No more does she have to fear coming in contact with others. As long as she can open up to them, she can gain numerous comrades, some of which she will treasure over her own life. She walks without doubt, her gaze focused on what is ahead of her. From the other side is a girl in white who is able to sprout blades and wings from her body. She is used to walking her path alone and doesn’t mind if she is treated negatively by her peers. However, a few conversations is all that is needed to clear up the misunderstandings that shroud her enigmatic persona. She walks with full confidence, knowing that she is not alone in this fight. The two stare at each other, not batting a single eyelid. One false move is all it takes to turn the tides to their favor. Darkness. Light. There can only be one winner. The battle for the Heavenly Tiara commences! |
Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?) vs.
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index)
"Let's make a miracle happen." For as long as they can remember, they have been alone. They shoulder all the burdens themselves, believing that only they can solve problems on their own, and not wanting to drag others into their messes. But the wheels of fate may have been spun for Eucliwood Hellscythe as she revives someone whom she cares about and believes should not have died at such an age or fashion. Even so, Eucliwood remains a mystery to all, not uttering a word or revealing too much of her past. She passes her time wondering about the forgiveness of others. Misaka Mikoto may be a Level 5 esper, a Tokiwadai student, and a tough character, but she is also just a middle school student who ends up in the darkness wherever she goes. If there is a problem, Mikoto doesn't hesitate to take them on by herself. When things get personal or are morally wrong in her eyes is when she walks alone, for fear that her friends will get hurt in her problems. While their hearts are closed, there are people willing to extend their hands to them. Will Eucliwood or Mikoto realize this before it's too late? |
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs. Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto)
"I'd like you to hear how I really feel." It's hard to keep emotions bottled up inside. Shiina Mashiro had an even harder time expressing them—her cool and aloof persona worked counter-intuitively with the feelings she had in her heart. People around her couldn't tell when she was happy or sad, angry or embarrassed. Sometimes even she didn't know for sure. However, nothing can change the fluttering in her heart as she struggles to place words and actions to the emotional turmoil as she endures through her personal share of hardships and pain. Aragaki Ayase, on the other hand, is more than capable of showing her true emotions—some would say a little too capable. Even still, Ayase suffers from a similar dilemma and finds it difficult to be honest with her feelings. While outwardly an angel incarnate, perfect in everything she does, she is still inwardly an insecure and somewhat dreamy young girl. It is unfathomable for her to compromise these two sides of her, yet she must if she wants to stay true to her feelings of love. Will either of these girls ever be able to properly speak from their hearts? |
Nakano Azusa (K-ON!) vs. Yūki Asuna (Sword Art Online)
"We bicker, we fight, but at the end of the day, we smile." Life's ups and downs ultimately develop one's character to various levels. Such is the case with Nakano Azusa, who spends more time trying to correct the ways of the Light Music Club than actually practicing a song with the group. Yet Asuza enjoys her upperclassmen's company, learning in depth who they are while trying to adjust to the ways their minds work. However, there will ultimately be a time when she must part ways with them, for they and she will need to move on with their lives. In a virtual game where their lives are literally at stake, Yūki Asuna realizes that working as a team seems to be the only way to survive, but is reluctant to be the first to do so. Throughout her various encounters and conflicts, Asuna learns that befriending others isn't such a bad thing, as they bring precious memories to her life. From going against her guild leader's wishes to falling in love, all these emotions remind her that she is herself, not some person wearing a mask. Who will end the day with a smile when all is said and done? |
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs. Kuroyukihime (Accel World)
"I'm going to live in a world of my choosing!" There are a lot of things in life you can't choose. You can't choose where or when you were born. You can't choose your parents or relatives. You can't choose your younger siblings, much less your older siblings. You can't choose your ethnicity, economic situation, family culture, primary language... You can't choose when your father dies. You can't choose when your sister abandons you. So what can you choose? You can choose who you are. You can choose who you want to be. You can choose the friends you make, the enemies you hate, and the people you spend your time around. You can choose what to fight for, what to cry for, what to believe in. You can choose to run away or face your problems head-on. You can choose to look backwards or forwards. You can choose to die, or live a meaningless existence. Or, you can choose to live a life that only you can live. After all, as one particular high school geek puts it, "Reality is just a crappy game; however, I haven't given up on myself. The world doesn't get to decide whether my life is boring, fun, or ordinary, 'cause that's my decision to make. As long as I have the will, nothing is impossible!" |
Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!) vs. Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)
"I'm going to do my best for all the support I don't deserve." Humans often take things for granted and fail to realize how blessed they are. Even in the midst of trials and tribulations, a thankful eye can spot all the things in life to be grateful for. Aisaka Taiga might not have any parents to call her own, but she has some of the most supportive and reliable friends in the universe. Between Minori, her best friend, Ryūji, her reliable knight, and the rest of her classmates, Taiga is surrounded by people who both love and support her. Hasegawa Kobato is in a similar situation, surrounded by similar people: Maria, her brother Kodaka, and her middle school classmates all adore her and try to make her happy in their own ways. Even if Kobato is quite a rampant chūnibyō, the people around her can see her for what she truly is and admire that part about the little vampire. For both of these girls, the fact that they can be standing here today facing each other is thanks to the support of their friends and the people around them. |
Thanks to Momento10 and blaZofgold for contributing today's match previews.