Anime
Deep Frying Kaze no Stigma 23 (cont. + SPOILER)
Quoting something from the novel, “An infinitely refined, frigid and sharp, well-honed attack with an extraordinary speed… that is the [fighting] style of Kazuma which Ayano admired and aspired to be at par with” This thought ran through Ayano’s mind, and is all the more reason why she was really set on bringing Kazuma back… because this is not her Kazuma. (I believe it’s implied here that Ayano isn’t simply referring to Kazuma and his fighting style per se, but the strength of his character overall… which he lost as he became all berserk).
Ayano’s Divine Flame and Kazuma’s Real Thoughts & Feelings
As Ayano wields her Divine Flame, it made Kazuma snap a little from his daze and got him into thinking “What’s going on?” The question of “Why?” continues to run through his mind… “Why can’t I finish off Ayano? …Why (or How) did Ayano become this strong? …Why should I kill her?” A battle happens in Kazuma’s mind as his mind as he starts to question what he has done “…to kill anyone who gets in my way” “But why?” “I’ve decided… to kill Wernhard and destroy Lapis. It’s for that reason alone.” Kazuma is still filled with doubts in his mind, when Ayano shouts at him, “Wasn’t it you who taught everything [about this]?!”
Ayano’s words penetrated Kazuma’s mind… which once again got him into pondering, about why he longed for power. “For revenge?…For protecting people? What about the people who [I] wasn’t able to save? For what purpose should I use this power which I gained when everything I had was already lost? I have already exacted my revenge. To kill Wernhard will just be some sort of ‘side trip’, just a way to take care of the mess that’s left (the remains?) If that’s the case, then it won’t matter if I kill off Ayano right here, right now.”
And then Kazuma looks at Ayano who’s burning with much anger at that moment. He gazes at her crimson flame and Kazuma is mesmerized…With this, he was reminded of that time she wielded this same flame during that fight with Ryuuya.
Kazuma was enthralled by Ayano’s very own flame, which mirrored the radiance of her soul. For the mere girl known as “Soushu’s daughter”, whom he didn’t regard any respect for nor interest with, to be able to wield such a flame… he was charmed beyond doubt. Kazuma never told anyone, but he secretly named that flame “Kouen” (Crimson Flame), and thought that the name “Prominence” suits Ayano well. (lots of cheesiness, but I love it nonetheless :p)
And now Ayano was again able to wield this divine flame, which is far more refined than her flame that time (now in its “well-honed form”). Kazuma realizes the truth behind Ayano’s words, that it was indeed he who taught her all this (how to fight). He then looks at his wind – turbulent and rough… such a hideous wind indeed. It’s like he didn’t put much thought in its ‘sense of harmony’ that it even inflicts much damage on the surroundings, with a great loss on his part as well (since much of his power is used up). With this, Kazuma resigns to the fact that he can’t possibly win against Ayano with this wind of his. He was prepared for Ayano’s attack, and thought that perhaps he’ll be put into an eternal sleep with her flame.
Ren reprimanding Ayano for Going Too Far
Ayano’s blow was so powerful that Kazuma ends up completely knocked down. Ren reacted the way he should have in the novel, since he gave Ayano some sort of scolding after she just smiled at how she won the fight, despite how serious that final blow was ^^;;;
Ren: Neesama, why did it become like this?!
Ayano: Hehe~ First victory~ *shows the V sign*
Ren: First victory… What if you killed him?!
Ayano: Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s not dead. If he suffered a direct hit from that blow, then there shouldn’t be any remains left of his corpse. (since he’ll be completely scorched ^^;;; )
Ren: But for you to go this far…!
After a short while, Kazuma finally regains consciousness and gets back on his feet. Ayano gets ready to face him as she firmly grabs on to her Enraiha, thinking that Kazuma still hasn’t reverted back to his normal self. Ren sees that Kazuma doesn’t seem to have any more strength left to fight and restrains Ayano from attacking, but it seems that he was mistaken as Kazuma is still able to give Ayano some tripping ^^;;;
The Ayano x Kazuma banter was supposedly longer, as they still exchanged remarks with regards to Ayano not being able to get back on her feet after falling down on her butt.
Kazuma: Getting comfortable aren’t we? How long do you plan on lying down on the floor?
Ayano: Whose fault do you think it is?!
Kazuma: That doesn’t mean you’d need to stay there
Ayano: Argh! I’ve had it with you! (then Ayano gets back on her feet)
Like in the anime, Ayano questions why Kazuma doesn’t have any wounds (but there was no mention of her hoping that he was bruised or what… just a simple question of why he was left unharmed despite the attack given them). Kazuma had a similar reply, that he parried her attack well, but an additional info was mentioned with regards to the truth behind his words. Kazuma made it appear that he easily handled Ayano’s attack, when in fact it took every ounce out of him. It seems that Kazuma really loves teasing Ayano and finds it such a joy looking at her pouty face ^^;;;
Kazuma’s Vow to Protect
The answer that Kazuma sought for the questions plaguing his mind was made clear. It’s because he vowed to protect, so as to not repeat the same tragedy he experienced. Ever since that time he was enamored by that radiant crimson (flame), he vowed to live and protect (Ayano in particular, as well other people he loves)). Tsuoi Rin’s memories will forever be in his heart, but now there’s more than one thing important to him (as was also mentioned in the novel). And well, after the kiss on the neck from Kazuma (and his remark “Be prepared… I am a selfish and greedy person”), the novel still follows it up with some amusing narrative - that Ayano still hasn’t realized that Kazuma already had ‘dibs’ on her (the meaning behind that smutty kiss) :p And it was said that Ayano became the “locked on target” of Kazuma, whom he’ll get by hook or by crook. “Don’t even think about running away”, Kazuma thinks.
It was only after this that Ren asks Ayano with all surprise (and joy) when she was able to wield the Divine Flame, but Ayano of course was clueless about this. Ren notices that Kazuma wasn’t the least bit surprised about this, and reveals that he also saw it during that fight with Ryuuya. Ren and Ayano goes into this discussion as to what name will be given to this flame, but Kazuma reminds them that they have other things to take care of.
(I’ve noticed some changes with regards to what happened to the players and the race for Pandemonium, but I guess I’ll just mention that in my next deep frying since I’m not completely sure if it’ll be revealed in the final episode)
The spoiler for the last episode (novel wise)
Based on the preview, I think there are going to be quite some changes in the supposedly Kazuma x Ayano moment we’ll see in this final episode. Just so people will have an idea as to how it was in the novel, here goes a little spoiler for that ending in volume 5 of the novel. (It’ll be great if they have Kazuma reveal more of his thoughts in the anime, since they were pretty much obscured in the previous episode)
(this is the same spoiler I posted in the KnS forum some months ago)
Before I end this deep frying, let me just say a few last words… I know some people might now be finding both Ayano and Kazuma as shallow because of being attracted to each other due to the strength they possess. Similar to my argument that Ayano didn’t like Kazuma simply for his strong powers, but rather the strength of his overall being and personality, the same goes with Kazuma. I believe that flame of Ayano’s is like the representation of the entirety of her being, some power and depth in her personality which goes beyond the ’surface’. Kazuma saw both this strength, as well as the fact that Ayano is so fun to tease… ^^”’
I can be said that seeing this ‘inner strength’ marked the start of the ‘fatal attraction’ between the two, a love which developed in time (obscured by the anime, sadly…). And once again, no they are not shallow, because attraction will certainly have to start with ’something’ (physical attraction or what, shallow as it might seem). After which is developed through constant interaction with the person, which allows the two people to get to know each other and see the real depth of their character.
Taking the butchering of the anime aside, Ayano has certainly grown much from all her interactions with Kazuma, where she was able to gain all these insights and principles. It’s such a shame that the anime obscured the supposedly obvious development and maturity of her character, which should’ve made people renew their opinion on her. Shame on you, Gonzo… =___= Ayano is supposedly a 3d character in the novel, as we see much of her thoughts and insights on things… but sigh… T__T
Just about each and every bit of the changes they made in the anime affected Ayano the most… so for Ayano haters, I suggest you go read the novel before concluding that you really hate her.
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21 comments for “Deep Frying Kaze no Stigma 23 (cont. + SPOILER)”
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One of the reasons we find them shallow is from the fact that we saw the Kannagis’ kick Kazuma out only because he couldn’t create fire (why would they make him fight in the first place if they knew he hated fire). But when he comes back all powerful and defeats everybody including his father (supposedly the strongest?), his EX-family becomes all loving, give me a break!
Don’t take me wrong, thanks to you Ayano has grown on me, but in no way would she even compare to Tsuo Rin…
It’s been mentioned quite a few times in the novel (and it was implied in the anime) that the reason why Genma drove him out of the clan is for him to find his identity apart from being a Kannagi, to free him from the yoke weigh on him for being born into this family. as a result, the “incompetent Kazuma Kannagi” became the powerful contractor Kazuma Yagami.
and they didn’t just become all loving towards Kazuma when he became strong. Even before Juugo/Soushu already loved Kazuma for who he is, and treated him like his son. I remember Soushu asking Kazuma (I think when he came back to Japan) why he never uttered anything before he left (no goodbyes and all), when Soushu actually offered to shelter him and take care of him instead. so there… I don’t think they’re shallow… it’s more of the missing tidbits and details missing in the anime :3 as for Ayano, she was just a little 12-yr old kid by then… so I believe she still wasn’t aware of ((or didn’t care about) that painful experience of Kazuma.
Again, I’ll reiterate my point regarding Ayano and Tsuoi Rin… I haven’t seen much about Tsuoi Rin to know the entirety of her character, and even if I’ve seen that, I still won’t go about comparing her with Ayano. They’re different individuals, each possessing their own positive and negative traits. It just so happens that we’ve seen Ayano’s negative traits, and perhaps magnified in the anime, as compared to Tsuoi Rin who only had a little screen time where all we’ve seen are her positive characteristics.
But of course, I prefer Ayano, not because she has a better personality than Tsuoi Rin, but because Ayano x Kazuma tandem works for me. On the waff and fluffy side, of course Tsuoi Rin x Kazuma will win. But then on the amusing and entertainment side (+some naughtiness and waff which happens from time to time (adds up to the excitement of watching these two, since u don’t know just when the waff will appear)), Ayano x Kazuma ownz… IMO
Watched episode 34 - but the ending confused the hell out of me … um 2nd season?
I prefer Ayano, personally. I like heroines who have the strength and will to save themselves. I really don’t like Tsuoi Rin for the fact that she placed the burden of her life on Kazuma. No one should be made to feel responsible for your life. If you really love the other person, you will say: Even if I am no longer around, please be happy. Tsuoi Rin said: Please protect me forever. Sorry, I’m just not part of the damsel-in-distress-fanclub ^^. Ayano has proven over and over that although she loves having Kazuma around, she can and will protect herself and at times, be able to help him, too.
@Teno Hikari: it’s open ended, the same way volume 5 ended in the novel… I was thinking the anime is going to wrap it up with a different ending, but it seems that they sticked to the novel counterpart. That is either due to them being open to the possibility of a second season, or they just didn’t want to exert any more effort in improvising the ending (fearing that they’ll simply butcher it? :p)
@Lacus: Yup, I completely agree with you there on Tsuoi Rin. If there’s anything I hate about her, it would be the fact that she made Kazuma suffer so much with guilt due to that farfetched promise she made Kazuma vow to.
As for strength, I was corrected before that Tsuoi Rin can handle herself well (based on how she takes care of that restaurant she had), but of course when it comes to real “strength” and power, Ayano kicks ass. I myself am not a fan of damsel in distresses, which is also all the more reason why I’m leaning towards Ayano. She’s the best partner for Kazuma, who can stand alongside him and fight with him.
Whoops, meant episode 24. But I’m all for KazumaxAyano - maybe see more development between them in the manga or the RPG.
What I loved about episode 24
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Whoops, meant episode 24. But I’m all for KazumaxAyano - maybe see more development between them in the manga or the RPG.
What I loved about episode 24
Show ▼
@usagijen; I sure missed that part where it was implied that the father showed he wanted to free Kazuma by kicking him out and then offer a shelter??? Its probably true since you read the manga but it sure makes no sense to me and it sure seems out of character. I somehow recall though, something about being ashamed and he is not my son sort of things.
@Lacus and usagi; I thought Ayano was born with that strength so I was unimpressed with her strength, even more because Kazuma got his on his own and in such a small time, developed it to surpass everyone we have seen.
I also would not blame Tsuo Rin for asking her partner to protect her, I thought thats what he was supposed to do (to protect Tsuo Rin AND now Ayano). Calling that a burden and far fetched… are you two serious? Kazuma must have been so happy and blessed to get such a noble task, and I really doubt that if she had not asked him to make that promise things would have ended different and he would be guilt free. And again Tsuo Rin saved Kazuma when she met him, that has as much value to me as what Ayano has done so far.
@Teno Hikari: yeah, love that scene! ^-^ There are much more Ayano x Kazuma moments in the novel and in the manga (from what I’ve seen, especially in that nifty little extra chapter :3). In the 4th volume of the Ignition novel, especially ^^
@Fried: with regards to the one who offered him a shelter, I was referring to Soushu, Ayano’s father. Even before he has been kind to Kazuma, and hence he trusts him even when he was suspected of the murder when he came back.
I also would not blame Tsuoi Rin for asking someone to protect her… but saying things like “please protect me forever” is certainly a no-no… “forever” is a farfetched thing. it seems that she blurted it out of the romantic atmosphere (same with Kazuma who vowed to the unrealistic promise) and shows that they didn’t give it much thought… in my opinion.
Looking at it from a fairytale (?)-like perspective, yes indeed Kazuma was so happy that he’s able to become Tsuoi Rin’s knight in shining armor. But realistically speaking, tragic things happen and they just weren’t able to see that possibility. Remember that one day or another, all people are bound to die, and we have to accept that.
Of course Kazuma will still have guilt despite the lack of this “forever” promise, but if only Tsuoi Rin said “Please be happy even without me by your side” (like Lacus also mentioned), then things would’ve changed a lot. Kazuma will still have guilt, but those assuring words of Tsuoi Rin would’ve him see the gleam of hope to live… even without her.
Yes, it can be said that Tsuoi Rin saved Kazuma, since she wholeheartedly embraced him for who he is. That undeniably helped shape Kazuma’s character and we’re thankful that he met her. But nevertheless that’s all in the past now. What’s done is done… she died, and Kazuma has now been filled with more hope to live because now there’s Ayano in his life.
Please… I don’t want yet another Kikyo-Inuyasha-Kagome triangle here. Past is past, and in the present there’s Ayano. Tsuoi Rin x Kazuma before, but Kazuma x Ayano now. All I’m hoping is for people to accept the K x A pairing… (just like Kazuma perhaps… embracing both the past and the present [love] :3 )
can i noe where u purchased e manga??
I think K x A is an awful pairing, but I’ve said enough about that in past comments.
The thing that really ticks me off about the direction of the plot is how Kazuma was treated. In the beginning, Kazuma was the ultimate character. Unlike all those other whiny, half-hearted, dimwitted male leads, Kazuma was picture perfect. He was smart, handsome, witty, confident. Did I mention he was the most powerful man on earth?
And then suddenly they play him off as the “misguided hero” who needs some prissy little princess female-lead to smack some sense into him. Unbelievably disappointing. They knocked Kazuma off the pedestal. They should have left him on it. I honestly wanted to Kazuma to annihilate Ren and Ayano for being a pair of fools. I wanted Genma to go ahead and try to stop Kazuma only to have that haughty blowhard hospitalized once again — permanently.
I’m sick and tired of heroes being painted with character flaws based off of nonsensical moral mumbo-jumbo. There was nothing wrong with what Kazuma was doing, but somehow, they managed to a) paint him as a misguided fool and b) paint him as a weakling, being knocked around by Ayano.
One swipe of even inelegant, mindless brute force wind should have flattened her into a Kannagi pancake. One gasp of air should have blown out that divine flame. Kazuma should remain untouchable as always.
Do you know how I would have written that scene? This is how Kazuma would respond to those idiots Ren and Ayano:
“Whether it is to destroy something or to protect something, those who have power and use power only do so to shape the world they way they want the world to be. It is a selfish whim, no matter how you use it. Do not think you can robe yourself in righteousness, just because you choose to protect things instead of destroying things.
In the end, you are doing it for your satisfaction. You cannot accept the world as it is right now. You are trying to change it. That is why you are pointing Enraiha at me. But who are you to dictate how the world should be? You do not have righteousness. You do not have power either. I would have thought a brat raised in a family where power is law would understand this much. I see you have nothing but childish delusions. At the very least accept your selfishness. And your weakness.
But I am different. I am going to kill Wernhard. I am going to kill him because I want to. For my satisfaction. I have the power to make it happen. I have the power to shape the world the way I want it. That is what I attained power for. To protect the things I want to protect. And to destroy the things I want to destroy. Now step aside.”
At this point … Kazuma snaps his fingers, destroys the Enraiha and snuffs Ayano’s divine flame like a candle. He enters Pandemonium, throws Yukari and Nanase out with a gust of wind to rejoin Ayano and Ren outside, and proceed to have his showdown with Wernhard/Lapis.
That should be how it played out.
Honestly, this Lapis arc is plain silly. Why should Ayano or anyone else bother to stop Kazuma? I meant … she keeps going on and on about using power to “protect” … but the fact of the matter is, everyone (including her) was going to go into Pandemonium and beat the living shit out of Wernhard anyway. What’s the difference? If they had just let Kazuma go about his business, he would have gotten his revenge, calmed down to being nice-guy Kazuma again, eliminated the threat Wernhard posed to Tokyo, and everyone has a happy ending.
What’s wrong with that? Everyone in the cast suddenly had to go on a nonsensical moral crusade to make sure Kazuma used his power to “protect” instead of “destroy”. Well … it’s plainly hypocritical and plainly stupid.
I loved the first arc of KnS. Everything was right back then. And eventually, things just got worse and worse. Now, we end on the lowest note of all. I’m sorely disappointed.
@Abel: (boy was that long @_@)
with regards to Kazuma… actually, he didn’t really become out of character with the way things turned out. Even at the start, Kazuma really wasn’t sure of what he was doing… He couldn’t even find the reason why he chose for power in the first place. These doubts and uncertainties were are all shown in the novel, even during the first part of the series.
But since the audience didn’t have the chance to see that ‘flaw’ in Kazuma’s character right from the start, they were made to believe that he was the ultimate character.
Now with regards to the answer Kazuma found to the doubts that he had, people are entitled to their own opinion so I’m not really going to argue on that. You want him to be a badass hero like he was in the past, but I’m just glad to see how Kazuma became more humane.
I agree that having Kazuma kill off Wernhard would’ve made them reach the goal of getting rid of the enemy posing a threat to the entire city. But then given the state Kazuma was in, I doubt he can stand a chance against Wernhard and that beast Belial. And once again, Kazuma is a misguided soul, even at the start of the series… It was just concealed in that mask of power and invincibility he had. I wouldn’t really mind seeing Kazuma face off with Wernhard and eliminate him, IF he knew what he was doing… IF he was sure of himself, that he was thinking of changing the world with the power he has. But then, it wasn’t so…
at that state Kazuma was in, even if he kills off Wernhard, he will just end up questioning what it is that he has done… because his motives wasn’t clear, even to himself. Weak as Kazuma might have seemed, I just don’t think he went out of character… he was depicted as a cold and darker character in the novel, but he was also shown as a person with much vulnerabilities. And the anime really failed to depict that.
What the hell are you talking about? At the state Kazuma was in, he wasn’t even able to recognize wtf he was doing let alone say a huge goddamn speech about killing and morals. Sure his ultimate character faced was nice, but haveing realistic character flaws isn’t a bad thing.
He got his power because he wanted to prevent such a horrible thing from happening ever again, not so he could do wtf he pleased. Kazuma isn’t a greedy bastard like that, he was content just living normaly with Tsuo Rin.
Also if they let him waltz in and kill Wernhard then he’d just be a lame murderer killing someone because they’re mad at them. Like some physcopath you find in the streets. Furthermore, there is no way he could have realisticly stopped that demon king from summoning by himself in insanity mode.
Kazuma didn’t fall from grace, he was still badass in the end.
Why the Ayano hate? I absolutely love her feisty nature just like Chidori Kaname and Kagome.
There’s no way Tsuo Rin could compare to Ayano since Tsou Rin is DEAD. But seriously, there shouldn’t even be any comparisons because they served the same purpose in Kazuma’s life only Tsuo Rin was his PAST while Ayano is his PRESENT ~ that’s where the difference lies. When Lapis revealed Tsuo Rin’s last thoughts, it was at that moment that made me hate her ~ like, how selfish can she get?
Perverse is the person who prefers her over Ayano, sadly some people like TR because she is thought to be pliable & sweet ~ what fodder that is, men!!! 
@kai_y: w00t! well said! 8D but we can’t blame the people who love sweet people like Tsuoi Rin you know… still, I’ll forever be on the feisty Ayano side! \o/
Whew. Shame on GONZO indeed. I really indeed had fun watching the anime but as you explain the novels in detail…now I am wishing for something more. Maybe there’ll be someone who cann create another version of this? There are 2 versions of Kanon…I just don’t know if its made by the same company.
@Eri: Kaze no Stigma didn’t gain enough fame to merit a remake, I’m afraid… and it just makes me sad. I still can’t help but wonder how much better this anime could’ve been if it fell into the right hands. I wouldn’t mind changes, so long as it’s for the better… just about every changes made by GONZO just happens to be really wrong =/
@ usagijen
if only…
ugh. it’s been a couple of days and i’m not over my KnS obsession. raging.
if it’s not a remake of the anime…a season 2 perhaps? (hoping for something that may not be possible)
@Eri: no news about it so far… and the author is still probably sick to continue on with the novels…
It’s been cut short at 6 volumes. And I fail at giving a summary of what has transpired in volume 6 (which was totally not covered in the anime), as well as the Ignition novels which feature all the fun omake stuff 
@ usagijen
uuwaaaa! i didn’t know that the author is sick! i hope he recovers soon.
wow, you’ve written so much about it that i thought it was all that! if you have the time, please please write about vol 6 and if you have more time, more omake stuff.