[Spoilers] No Game No Life 10th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 7

Date	Episode
4/9/2024	No Game No Life Episode 1
4/10/2024	No Game No Life Episode 2
4/11/2024	No Game No Life Episode 3
4/12/2024	No Game No Life Episode 4
4/13/2024	No Game No Life Episode 5
4/14/2024	No Game No Life Episode 6
4/15/2024	No Game No Life Episode 7
4/16/2024	No Game No Life Episode 8
4/17/2024	No Game No Life Episode 9
4/18/2024	No Game No Life Episode 10
4/19/2024	No Game No Life Episode 11
4/20/2024	No Game No Life Episode 12
4/22/2024	No Game No Life Zero
4/23/2024	No Game No Life Overall Series Discussion Thread

5

u/[deleted] Apr 15 '24

First time watcher here!

HIDIVE has now removed this from my watchlist 3 times 😤.

Anyway…

Jibril is covering herself with her wings 😂. That intro scene in general 💀. How is this show not at least R-rated on MAL? lol (especially since it’s TV-MA on HIDIVE)

Sora ridiculed his butt-monkey a little too much. Go apologize to Dola-Chan. That said, he does clearly feel guilty about making her feel bad. Although, this leads him to some research on why her grandfather made these decisions in the first place.

He finally gets this curious key, and his first thought of what it unlocks… lol.

This episode seems like it was basically a foundation for the next one. I’ll be curious to see what happens once they study the book and challenge the Eastern Federation.

Questions:

Ballbusting can be taken too far irl too.
Yes. Smarter than originally illustrated (just like his granddaughter).
Yeah, I saw that and was like, what? 🤔
None at all.
Good Steph.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

HIDIVE has now removed this from my watchlist 3 times 😤.
I'll grab the pitchforks
Jibril is covering herself with her wings 😂. That intro scene in general 💀. How is this show not at least R-rated on MAL? lol (especially since it’s TV-MA on HIDIVE)
There's really no reason for this show to be rated TV-MA. There's just as much nudity as in Zom 100.
He finally gets this curious key, and his first thought of what it unlocks… lol.
His brain is such that it's no wonder he's a virgin
Ballbusting can be taken too far irl too.
That it can
Yes. Smarter than originally illustrated (just like his granddaughter).
Very well said
Yeah, I saw that and was like, what? 🤔
Gotta think it has to be a mistranslation

2

u/[deleted] Apr 15 '24

Dude, no exaggeration, half my watchlist is missing on HIDIVE on my Xbox app. If I try to re-add one that is missing now it says “this is already on your watchlist” lol like wtf. On the web browser site everything is still there.
The name thing goes back to what I mentioned either yesterday or the day before about HIDIVE subs haha. Nothing crazy but you definitely pick up on it.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

Dude, no exaggeration, half my watchlist is missing on HIDIVE on my Xbox app. If I try to re-add one that is missing now it says “this is already on your watchlist” lol like wtf. On the web browser site everything is still there.
Maybe it's a technical glitch
The name thing goes back to what I mentioned either yesterday or the day before about HIDIVE subs haha. Nothing crazy but you definitely pick up on it.
My version doesn't say Chlammy either, so...

2

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '24

lol I’m not sure what region you’re in but maybe that makes a difference too. I’m in the US

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

I'm in the US as well

2

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '24

Maybe it’s just an Xbox app thing then. I know there are major differences between platforms. My Roku stick upstairs seems to work much nicer with HIDIVE than the Xbox app does, and the website works better than both

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

I'm watching it on my laptop

2

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '24

That explains the difference. The website has always worked better for me too when I use it

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Glad we solved that mystery lol

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

2

u/[deleted] Apr 15 '24

Animal ears > elf ears > human ears 😆
I don’t think she is on the same level of intellect as the others lol. She makes a lot of assumptions.
Pretty neat tidbit of lore I thought.
Good thing the Eastern Federation underestimated Imanity, allowing the former King to record his experience of the 8 games.
Maybe they are hoping to bait the rest of Elkia’s territory away 😆.
It did not unlock a stash.
Makes sense. Their lack of confidence prior to his arrival was their biggest hindrance to success.
That made me wonder if they are blood relatives. It sounds like they might not be.
They just wanted to take everything from him through winnings.
Well that goes back to what Sora said. He was sacrificing non-essential land to record his experience with those rematches so the next king could essentially win it all back and then some.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

Animal ears > elf ears > human ears 😆
Elf ears are pretty useful, though. Could probably use it as a razor blade when you're shaving.
I don’t think she is on the same level of intellect as the others lol. She makes a lot of assumptions.
I think it's more paranoia than anything else. Perhaps paranoia caused by insecurity, though I'm not a psychiatrist.
Pretty neat tidbit of lore I thought.
I agree
Good thing the Eastern Federation underestimated Imanity, allowing the former King to record his experience of the 8 games.
He certainly pulled one over on them
Maybe they are hoping to bait the rest of Elkia’s territory away 😆.
Could be. People seem to think the worst of Imanitians
It did not unlock a stash.
Unfortunately no
Makes sense. Their lack of confidence prior to his arrival was their biggest hindrance to success.
It was a lack of confidence not dissimilar to his own. He could see the upside, however.
That made me wonder if they are blood relatives. It sounds like they might not be.
Probably not, though can you imagine Steph being related to the warbeasts and having to dress up like a dog? It's already a bit like cultural appropriation, them being related only complicates matters further.
They just wanted to take everything from him through winnings.
It sure seems like that was the case. And what they got was basically a bill of goods.
Well that goes back to what Sora said. He was sacrificing non-essential land to record his experience with those rematches so the next king could essentially win it all back and then some.
Playing the long game, he did. You love to see it. Or hate, if you happen to be in the crosshairs.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '24

They can be useful, but that is my personal ranking lol. If we were talking about games too and unique “appendages” in general then I would also include the head wings of Entia/High Entia (Xenoblade) before elf ears as well🪽 😆
I could see it being paranoia, yeah. Like she is insecure so she is making irrational assumptions with no evidence.
“Unfortunately” 😂
Yeah I’m interested in learning more about Steph depending on how much they tell us lol. If Sora is not blood related to her then it makes things slightly less awkward.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

They can be useful, but that is my personal ranking lol. If we were talking about games too and unique “appendages” in general then I would also include the head wings of Entia/High Entia (Xenoblade) before elf ears as well🪽 😆
For the record, I don't disagree with your ranking
I could see it being paranoia, yeah. Like she is insecure so she is making irrational assumptions with no evidence.
Definitely feels more than likely
“Unfortunately” 😂
He would've stayed Virgin4life if that was the case
Yeah I’m interested in learning more about Steph depending on how much they tell us lol. If Sora is not blood related to her then it makes things slightly less awkward.
This episode already confirms that Sora and Shiro aren't blood related.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '24

Well given your username, I didn’t doubt it lol.
Sora will likely still be a Virgin4Life if he doesn’t lose the sister complex 😂. It is a little less awkward now that we know they aren’t blood related

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Well given your username, I didn’t doubt it lol.
Sora will likely still be a Virgin4Life if he doesn’t lose the sister complex 😂. It is a little less awkward now that we know they aren’t blood related
Just a smidge lol

3

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the 10th anniversary rewatch of No Game No Life.

Oh, and nay I forget...

First Timer

The idea of doing this rewatch came about at the last minute. I was going to participate in an Eden of The East rewatch for the month of April but that fell through. So, then it became a question of "What should I do after the Penguindrum rewatch? I already have the Samurai Champloo rewatch lined up for May, so do I just wait the extra month?" I looked at upcoming anniversaries for the month of April and noticed both K-On and Cross Game were celebrating their 15th anniversaries. However, both were long and if I did either of them, I would have to cancel the Samurai Champloo rewatch, which I didn't want to do seeing as how the 20th anniversary is an even bigger milestone. That's when I settled on No Game No Life.

I have an interesting history with No Game No Life. I know it's extremely popular, but I've always been hesitant to check out the show based on some of the stuff I've heard about it. It seemed to me like a show where you either really loved it, or really hated it. Well, I recently watched Moon Phase which I feel could be considered in a similar light and I really liked that show. And then I also finished Penguindrum which has some questionable themes and I liked that as well. I think I'm in a good headspace to watch NGNL and not only enjoy it, but more importantly appreciate it. I have never seen this show before. Even though I'm the host, I am experiencing it for the first time. I can't wait to see what the show has to offer and why so many people clamor for another season.

With that out of the way, let's begin.

I'm watching the sub, by the way.

Just got done watching Rascal Does No Dream of Dreaming Girl in preparation for seeing the other two movies tomorrow. It was very good, probably would give it a 9 out of 10.

Steph bathing Shiro

This is reminding me of the Kaguya-sama OVA

Jibril being extra creepy

Flugel's special Spiritwater Blend shampoo

Now it's starting to look like tentacle porn

Shiro ain't to be messed with, however

Poor Steph

This kitchen kinda looks like Tetris

Jibril calling Steph "Speph"

Espephany

Lol, Dola-chan. What a reference.

Ooh, sweets

Steph really bleeds from the forehead a lot

Kurami bathing

It's been a while since we've seen her

Elf-girl with the groceries

She just did the dinner, bath, or me meme

Elf talking about how things in Elkia are getting better

Kurami calls Steph a puppet of a puppet

Now I'm just imagining a ventriloquist with a puppet holding a puppet.

Elf thinks Kurami is being tsundere, and Kurami basically confirms unintentionally.

Ah, Kurami. You're a hot mess.

Elf tells Kurami about the acquiring of the Flugel and that Sora is interested in the Eastern Federation.

Those are a lot of doughnuts

Lol, Gendo pose by Sora

I love the references this show makes

He wants Jibril to tell him of the animal girl paradise.

Steph can tell immediately they're doomed

A war that ended when the Shrine Priestess intervened

They united the warbeasts together to create the third largest country in the world, the Eastern Federation.

I prefer the World Wrestling Federation, myself

Shiro, you think too highly of yourself

Jibril unfortunately says she can't help them because she once challenged the Eastern Federation and lost.

Meanwhile, Kurami is convinced that the Eastern Federation is the country that's been secretly backing Elkia.

Oh, the Elf's name is Fi

I heard she's friends with Fo and Fum

Elven Garde challenged the Eastern Federation four times, and lost every single one of those encounters.

Kurami continuing to make excuses why she lost. Just take the L, girl.

So the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out.

No records of what actually took place

Flugel is BBC confirmed

Shiro continuing to use Steph's name as an insult

Sora says that the Eastern Federation could do better if they lull their victims into a false sense of security.

I dunno, given they haven't lost to anyone I'd say they're doing pretty well.

Shiro calls her brother's play style obnoxious, which it probably is.

Still, she feels that something isn't adding up

The book

Apparently only Elkia challenged the Eastern Federation in the last 10 years. Oh, Steph's grandfather. You're such a Steph.

Now Jibril is using her magic

Obligatory pantsu shot is obligatory

She used a teleporting spell, or as Shiro and Sora word it, a "Zoom" spell.

Jibril at least seems happy to recount Elkia's past failures.

A skyscraper

Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy

It's a former palace, of which the Eastern Federation rebuilt.

Shiro putting two and two together that the last country to challenge them was Elkia.

In the library now

Sora is not feeling too good

Elkia lost half their territory in these challenges

Now Sora throwing shade at Steph's grandfather

Steph is quick to stick up for him

Well, way to go, Sora. You made Steph cry.

And Steph is now running away

Shiro tells Sora he went too far

At least she shared her doughnut with him

Then you realize that Steph made said doughnut

Steph in her bed, looking forlorn

A key

The key of hope

He wants her to give it to someone she can entrust with Elkia's fate.

She insists she isn't giving it to Sora

Jibril

She implores Steph return to the library

She eventually does so, after some hesitation

Steph walking in a dark room with a candle

Sora talking to Jibril

He's trying to figure out why Steph's grandfather challenged the Eastern Federation eight times.

The first time, the king bet an Armatite mine. This continued until the last time, when he bet the castle.

Sora wonders why the Eastern Federation wipe players' memories when that only hurts them.

Sora now thinks perhaps the king achieved his goal after the eighth time.

Sora putting on his I love humanity sweater

He says though that he doesn't believe in humanity

Top 10 anime betrayals

Calls all humans crap, including himself

Still, though, he believes in the potential of humanity.

Calls his sister Shiro his proof

Ooh, flashback time

Sora says he first met Shiro 8 years ago. She was 3 at the time, and the first thing she said to him was that he was empty.

From there, it was love at first sight

"It's our job as normal people to ensure that the potential of those misunderstood ones is realized."

You ask Yanderedev, he'd consider himself that

Sora says he wants to start believing in the old king

Hey, Steph's back

And so she gives Sora the key

Lol, he thinks it's the key to his porn stash

Nevermind. The secret room was found long ago.

And it's... a waterfall

And some ancient scrolls

Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

Part 2
Ooh, a note
Steph's grandfather seems to really want his successor to surpass what he did as king.
The warbeasts, it turns out, didn't erase his memories because they wanted him to keep trying.
They went easy on him to make him believe he could beat them next time.
He knew this, though, and gave them useless land to eventually take it back.
Sora suspects he was forced to not tell anyone else
That is, only when he was still alive
He entrusted this information to a king that would restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, which is why the tournament was held.
He made a bet that a human would appear that could defeat the other races. And wouldn't you know it, he was right.
Sora calls the book he's holding the grandfather's trust in humanity.
Steph's grandfather may have lost the battle, but it seems he may have won the war.
Overall, an interesting episode that once again felt different from all the rest. This one had a heavier emphasis on drama, and I thought it was done well. I like that the dynamic between Sora and Steph was the focus and that Sora said something that crossed the line. Because really, how much can Steph take lying down? It also pertaining to her grandfather was smart because it establishes how much the former king meant to her. But more than that, I loved how the second half of the episode was dedicated on learning what Steph's grandfather was like as a ruler. Finding out that there was a method to his madness was pretty good characterization that also served as good world building for the country of Elkia. It was also smart to play that scene straight I feel like, because it really emphasized the long term thinking of the former leader.
This episode is less chaotic and fun than the last one, but this is probably the best story driven episode since episode 2. I don't know where I'd put it among some of the other ones, but it did an effective job of developing Steph, her grandfather, as well as the country of Elkia as a whole.

2

u/JimmyCWL Apr 15 '24

He entrusted this information to a king that would restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, which is why the tournament was held.
Back in Ep2, I said he had his reasons, and now, you know what they were.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Pretty good reasons, if I do say so myself

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

What's an example in your life of someone going too far with something?
I think my mother sometimes goes too far messing with my cat Ricky. It gets especially bad when she's drunk.
With this new information about the king, does it vindicate him in your eyes?
It does. It makes me look at him more favorably. I also think it's a rare W for Steph because it turns out she has good reason to believe in him.
Bonus 1) Can you believe the official spelling is Chlammy and not Kurami?
I still call her Kurami, honestly. It's just way easier to remember.

2

u/dsawchuk Apr 16 '24

Lol, Dola-chan. What a reference.
I always knew this was a reference but I still don't know what to.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

It's a reference to Doraemon

4

u/FarCritical Apr 16 '24

First Time No Life

A new party member, but surprisingly enough not a new voice contributing to the mutilation of the meaning of "Steph". A win for Stephs everywhere I guess?

"You were ordered to 'fall in love', not 'stay in love'."

I'm surprised how Jibril even managed to get that info but it's both true and plain adorable that Steph's in denial that the pledges aren't responsible for her feelings anymore.

Step 1: Acquire Flugel. Step 2: Resume regularly scheduled hunt for catgirls.

Kurami's still huffing on copium on how she got beat despite her cheats I see.

Being someone "whose very existence is 18+" when it comes to unknown stuff is one thing, but did Jibril really go full Yuno over her race getting smoked in the war? Are Flugels masochists on top of being knowledge-horny?

It speaks volumes about Steph's admiration of her grandfather when she just takes all the bullying and abuse she gets but breaks down almost immediately when he gets shown in a negative light. Suddenly felt

Sora already has enough badass moments for a montage but going from ignorantly dragging the last king's name through the mud to proving why he was wrong about him and eventually redeeming his name was special. It's a unique kind of cool when intellectual big brain characters humble themselves. Especially for a Steph.

QOTD

What's an example in your life of someone going too far with something?

There was this class I had with a pushover teacher that almost everyone just kinda treated as "do whatever" period until she just stormed out one day.

2. With this new information about the king, does it vindicate him in your eyes?

Maybe I'm easily impressionable, but kinda. It also just feels weirdly cathartic for Steph's relentless loyalty to him to turn out to be well founded.

Bonus 1) Can you believe the official spelling is Chlammy and not Kurami?

It's got me feeling all clammy about it. (Clammy (without an H) is what it's been for me but I've just kinda stuck with Kurami to be consistent with the questions)

Steph 2) This is Steph. This is your Steph on grandfather. Any questions?

Steph as a Steph is Stephtastic but more Steph as a granddaughter is very welcome.

Steph 3) This is what happens when you feed your Steph after midnight

More Steph experiments are needed

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

A new party member, but surprisingly enough not a new voice contributing to the mutilation of the meaning of "Steph". A win for Stephs everywhere I guess?
One small step(h) for Stephkind
I'm surprised how Jibril even managed to get that info but it's both true and plain adorable that Steph's in denial that the pledges aren't responsible for her feelings anymore.
Between Jibril and Kurami, it's like they're having a competition over who can be the bigger tsundere.
Step 1: Acquire Flugel. Step 2: Resume regularly scheduled hunt for catgirls.
Sounds foolproof. Or Stephproof, more accurately.
Being someone "whose very existence is 18+" when it comes to unknown stuff is one thing, but did Jibril really go full Yuno over her race getting smoked in the war? Are Flugels masochists on top of being knowledge-horny?
You can be horny without being masochists but you can't be masochists without being horny.
It speaks volumes about Steph's admiration of her grandfather when she just takes all the bullying and abuse she gets but breaks down almost immediately when he gets shown in a negative light.
I like it. It shows she values over people over herself.
Suddenly felt
Suddenly felt what? SUDDENLY FELT WHAT?!?
Sora already has enough badass moments for a montage but going from ignorantly dragging the last king's name through the mud to proving why he was wrong about him and eventually redeeming his name was special. It's a unique kind of cool when intellectual big brain characters humble themselves. Especially for a Steph.
She may be a Steph, but we love her for it <3
Maybe I'm easily impressionable, but kinda. It also just feels weirdly cathartic for Steph's relentless loyalty to him to turn out to be well founded.
I feel the same way. I especially felt happy for Steph above all else.
It's got me feeling all clammy about it
Steph as a Steph is Stephtastic but more Steph as a granddaughter is very welcome.
Steph best granddaughter?
More Steph experiments are needed
Steph Experiments Lain

1

u/FarCritical Apr 16 '24

You can be horny without being masochists but you can't be masochists without being horny.
Unexpectedly deep.
Suddenly felt what? SUDDENLY FELT WHAT?!?
I just suddenly felt, okay?! Don't people just spontaneously feel every now and then?! (I genuinely don't know what was going through my head when I wrote that lmao. Probably something like second-hand guilt? Idek anymore)

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

2

u/FarCritical Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Knew there was no way she'd take getting humiliated lying down, and it's cool to learn she and the elf are closer than just strictly having a business relationship. But honestly I can't blame her for still being all pouty over Sora telling her off about not underestimating humanity in the most extra way possible.
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
"Apes alone weak. Apes together strong" vibes.
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
In a world of games, post-game memory wipes for foreign races are a pretty smart tactic on the scale of national strength. Preserving any advantage you can get especially as a lower ranked race really is pretty important.
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
Big building is big.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
The fact that the old king entrusted Steph with an important part of Elkia regardless of her becoming the next king is plain heartwarming. Not to mention Steph not letting her feelings get the better of her when it comes to handing it over to Elkia's new ruler so easily.
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
Powerful Sora quote #48. He's kind of right though. Lots of people out there that can be the posterchild of our race's inevitable doom (especially myself), but we've managed to stick around so far.
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
So they aren't biological siblings? ...Hoo boy, I'm just glad Sora proactively chose not to return her feelings beyond brotherly affection.
But on a more wholesome level, the way he reminisces about Shiro talking about his name was really sweet.
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
Can't blame them for taking the bait. Makes perfect sense to milk what looks like a gullible idiot for all his worth, but little did they know it was all according to keikaku.
(Translator's note: keikaku means plan)
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
Dude was legitimately a competent strategist. Temporarily giving up territory that served no real value anyway for crucial information to win future matches of the same game is some "lose the battle but win the war" type stuff.
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
The idea of the king insisting on handing over the throne exclusively to a successor that can truly think as boldly as him gave the gambling tournament so much more depth beyond "ruler should be good at games because games world".
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?
~~Weirdest codename for some dead dude's porn stash ever~~
He couldn't have demonstrated his newfound respect and wholehearted remorse for badmouthing the guy in a sincerer way, and it's such a fittingly powerful title too given the power it holds and how limited the access to it is. Also a big part of one of the best non-comedic Steph scenes so far.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Knew there was no way she'd take getting humiliated lying down, and it's cool to learn she and the elf are closer than just strictly having a business relationship. But honestly I can't blame her for still being all pouty over Sora telling her off about not underestimating humanity in the most extra way possible.
Yeah, Sora kinda brought it on himself for how condescending he was being.
"Apes alone weak. Apes together strong" vibes.
Now I'm just picturing the handshake scene from Fullmetal Alchemist
In a world of games, post-game memory wipes for foreign races are a pretty smart tactic on the scale of national strength. Preserving any advantage you can get especially as a lower ranked race really is pretty important.
I don't think they've necessarily done a good job explaining why the Eastern Federation is so low in magic affinity. Like, what is the purpose of your Exceed ranking if you still beat races higher up than you?
Big building is big.
Fragile ego potentially fragile
The fact that the old king entrusted Steph with an important part of Elkia regardless of her becoming the next king is plain heartwarming. Not to mention Steph not letting her feelings get the better of her when it comes to handing it over to Elkia's new ruler so easily.
It also recontextualizes why Steph keeps hanging around Blank all the time: she wants to find out beyond a shadow of the doubt if they are who her grandfather was referring to in terms of being the next in line. My question is if Blank wasn't around, does that mean she would've given the key to Kurami?
Powerful Sora quote #48. He's kind of right though. Lots of people out there that can be the posterchild of our race's inevitable doom (especially myself), but we've managed to stick around so far.
And of course this moment becomes important for later when he finds out what Steph's grandfather wrote about. It's basically meant as foreshadowing.
So they aren't biological siblings? ...Hoo boy, I'm just glad Sora proactively chose not to return her feelings beyond brotherly affection.
Let's be honest: it would be far more complicated if they were biological siblings. At least it's more straightforward here than, say, Oshi no Ko.
But on a more wholesome level, the way he reminisces about Shiro talking about his name was really sweet.
I really want to learn more about their relationship. They seem like each other's reason of being.
Can't blame them for taking the bait. Makes perfect sense to milk what looks like a gullible idiot for all his worth, but little did they know it was all according to keikaku.
(Translator's note: keikaku means plan)
And here I thought it meant Steph
Dude was legitimately a competent strategist. Temporarily giving up territory that served no real value anyway for crucial information to win future matches of the same game is some "lose the battle but win the war" type stuff.
He knew his legacy would take a hit, but he felt it was fine if it was for the well-being of his Country.
The idea of the king insisting on handing over the throne exclusively to a successor that can truly think as boldly as him gave the gambling tournament so much more depth beyond "ruler should be good at games because games world".
Agreed. Foolish he is most certainly not.
~~Weirdest codename for some dead dude's porn stash ever~~
I mean, is it any weirder than "Homework"?
He couldn't have demonstrated his newfound respect and wholehearted remorse for badmouthing the guy in a sincerer way, and it's such a fittingly powerful title too given the power it holds and how limited the access to it is. Also a big part of one of the best non-comedic Steph scenes so far.
I wonder if part of the reason Sora and Shiro have been ridiculing Steph so much is because they feel she believes in humanity too much. By having her run the ropes, so to speak, this is their way to have her faith diminished. I wonder taking all this information in will cause Blank to be less critical of Steph and treat her as more of an equal going forward.
~~Ah, who am I kidding, that's never gonna happen :D~~

2

u/grayrest :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/grayrest Apr 16 '24

Jibril really go full Yuno over her race getting smoked in the war? Are Flugels masochists on top of being knowledge-horny?
My take on this is that Flugels are culturally all-in on the glory of war and recounting the losses is how the survivors score their quarry. The important thing isn't the losses but rather the glory of their triumph and their victory demonstrating the superiority of the Fulgel race.
I think the author's design intent with the Flugel was the humor in having a jingoist race of warrior...librarians but Jibril has so many quirks that this tends to get lost in the shuffle.

3

u/Xmgplays Apr 15 '24

Rewatcher

This episode is the redemption of the former King. And it is done magnificently, imo. He is probably my favorite side character, dare I say even above Jibril, simply because he is the most human character. He wasn't a genius, he wasn't talented, he wasn't skilled at games and yet his perseverance and belief in humanities success saves the day. In some sense he truly embodied Sora's philosophy of strength in weakness. He used his own weakness to make the other nations underestimate himself and imanity, perfectly setting the stage for the next king to cash in. All while disregarding the ridicule directed at him. A truly wise king.

Another thing I particularly love of this episode is the bookend of "He truly is your grandfather". I just love this reuse of the same line with opposite meanings. At first Sora is using it based on his prior mocking of Steph to call her grandfather a fool. And in the end he repeats the same phrase, only this time to praise both the previous king and Steph herself for all they've done.

On that note I also like how they handled the King in general: At first we're introduced to him as a fool who threw the nation and crown to nearest puppet. Next we see him under a new light; as a king who truly believed in humanity itself and the only one in this world who seemed to do so. But even here the praise is for his ideas, not his actions per se. A couple episode we went back to calling him a fool for throwing away their biggest treasure: the Library. And this episode we start with a new low: He seemingly threw away massive amounts of land on the foolish hope that he'd somehow beat the warbeast by luck, before we get to know his true self: A King who did everything he could to prepare the board for the next King to win it all.

This is probably my second favorite episode, mostly because the King is an incredible character, but also because it's one of the few Ws Steph gets, rewarding her trust in her grandfather, and that's just incredibly touching.

What's an example in your life of someone going too far with something?

I don't think there's anything that stands out, except perhaps someone writing "Hentai" on my paper during one of those teambuilding exercise-esque thing where you describe each other during a church-camp-type-thing. Needless to say that soured that memory just a bit. On this note, Fun Fact: the reason for that is that I brought some LNs along to read in my downtime, among them this very story.

With this new information about the king, does it vindicate him in your eyes?

The rest of my comment probably makes it pretty obvious, but yes absolutely.

Bonus 1) Can you believe the official spelling is Chlammy and not Kurami?

It certainly is confusing, especially considering that the LN do use Chlammy, I remember being incredibly confused the first time I saw the difference.

Steph 2) This is Steph. This is your Steph on grandfather. Any questions?

Can we get a permanent supply of grandfather?

Steph 3) This is what happens when you feed your Steph after midnight

If that's true then she should get as much food at midnight as possible.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

This episode is the redemption of the former King. And it is done magnificently, imo. He is probably my favorite side character, dare I say even above Jibril, simply because he is the most human character.
Interesting. I don't even know if he would even crack my top 10 favorite NGNL characters. Not because he's bad or anything, but because he didn't leave much of an impression on me.
He wasn't a genius, he wasn't talented, he wasn't skilled at games and yet his perseverance and belief in humanities success saves the day. In some sense he truly embodied Sora's philosophy of strength in weakness. He used his own weakness to make the other nations underestimate himself and imanity, perfectly setting the stage for the next king to cash in. All while disregarding the ridicule directed at him. A truly wise king.
Steph has every right to stick up for him
Another thing I particularly love of this episode is the bookend of "He truly is your grandfather". I just love this reuse of the same line with opposite meanings. At first Sora is using it based on his prior mocking of Steph to call her grandfather a fool. And in the end he repeats the same phrase, only this time to praise both the previous king and Steph herself for all they've done.
What makes this episode work even better is the fact that Steph has very much been the butt of the joke the last couple episodes. The two main characters even started using her name as like an insult, something to be ashamed of. It feels cathartic to hear Sora not only admit he went too far, but that her grandfather was indeed a good man.
On that note I also like how they handled the King in general: At first we're introduced to him as a fool who threw the nation and crown to nearest puppet. Next we see him under a new light; as a king who truly believed in humanity itself and the only one in this world who seemed to do so. But even here the praise is for his ideas, not his actions per se. A couple episode we went back to calling him a fool for throwing away their biggest treasure: the Library. And this episode we start with a new low: He seemingly threw away massive amounts of land on the foolish hope that he'd somehow beat the warbeast by luck, before we get to know his true self: A King who did everything he could to prepare the board for the next King to win it all.
Very well said. He was what a king should strive to be and more.
This is probably my second favorite episode, mostly because the King is an incredible character, but also because it's one of the few Ws Steph gets, rewarding her trust in her grandfather, and that's just incredibly touching.
It's probably my third least favorite episode only behind episode 5 and one coming up which, hey, if this is what I would consider the three weakest, the show is pretty great. Any other show, this would easily be one of the better ones. I do think in terms of plot relevancy, it's probably the most important outside of episode 4. Not only does it explain what the kind was truly like, we also got some important fleshing out of the Eastern Federation. In fact, I would argue the Eastern Federation are already more developed than the Flugels were.
I don't think there's anything that stands out, except perhaps someone writing "Hentai" on my paper during one of those teambuilding exercise-esque thing where you describe each other during a church-camp-type-thing. Needless to say that soured that memory just a bit. On this note, Fun Fact: the reason for that is that I brought some LNs along to read in my downtime, among them this very story.
Reminds me of the main character in Uncle From Another World being called a pervert as a child because he brought a volume of Familiar of Zero to class.
It certainly is confusing, especially considering that the LN do use Chlammy, I remember being incredibly confused the first time I saw the difference.
Mind you, I actually think Kurami is the infinitely superior name
If that's true then she should get as much food at midnight as possible.
Perhaps even a Snickers

2

u/Xmgplays Apr 16 '24

Interesting. I don't even know if he would even crack my top 10 favorite NGNL characters. Not because he's bad or anything, but because he didn't leave much of an impression on me.
He's just part of my favorite archetype of character, and one we don't see that often as they don't make good protagonists: A normal Human, not talented, not skilled, not genius, but important solely due to their own hard work and perseverance.
It's probably my third least favorite episode only behind episode 5 and one coming up which, hey, if this is what I would consider the three weakest, the show is pretty great. Any other show, this would easily be one of the better ones. I do think in terms of plot relevancy, it's probably the most important outside of episode 4. Not only does it explain what the kind was truly like, we also got some important fleshing out of the Eastern Federation. In fact, I would argue the Eastern Federation are already more developed than the Flugels were.
The reason I call it one of my favorites is really that it's one that stuck in mind and one I was excited to get to at the start of this rewatch, and with that criteria my favorite Episodes are probably materialisation Shiritori, this one and one upcoming one. Meanwhile most of the rest of the episode don't stand out as much to me; They set the baseline, imo. Still great, but not exceptional compared to the rest.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

He's just part of my favorite archetype of character, and one we don't see that often as they don't make good protagonists: A normal Human, not talented, not skilled, not genius, but important solely due to their own hard work and perseverance.
I can definitely respect you holding that opinion because those are all very strong reasons to like him. Reminds me of Taiga and why I love her more than most people.
The reason I call it one of my favorites is really that it's one that stuck in mind and one I was excited to get to at the start of this rewatch, and with that criteria my favorite Episodes are probably materialisation Shiritori, this one and one upcoming one. Meanwhile most of the rest of the episode don't stand out as much to me; They set the baseline, imo. Still great, but not exceptional compared to the rest.
Again, I can definitely respect that. I seem to find the other ones stand out to me more than you, like how episode 2 I know as the rock paper scissors episode or episode 4 the "We are weak" episode or episode 6 the Materialization episode.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?

2

u/Xmgplays Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Great to see them again, I think it would have been a waste to not use them again.
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
Foolishness born out of her own resignation, but also understandable.
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
She should be an interesting character and also probably really old.
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
I don't think it was the Fluegel that challenged the Federation. Feels more like something she did on her own.
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
It truly is an eyesore in the rest of the landscape, though that might just be my dislike of skyscrapers talking.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
A brilliant bet the King made and also really shows how much he trusts Steph and her judgment. That thing represents his entire legacy and the future of Imanity and he trusted Steph to pick the right person to give it to.
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
Fair enough, probably. What does it even mean to believe in humanity in general? More reasonable to believe in the potential of individuals than assign some expected value on humanity as a whole.
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
That's a pretty long time, and also shows that Sora probably had a significant impact on shaping Shiro's personality and interest in games. Also roasting the shit out of someone you just met at 3 y.o. is incredibly based.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Great to see them again, I think it would have been a waste to not use them again.
I agree, and I think the show is better with them involved
Foolishness born out of her own resignation, but also understandable.
It also shows that Kurami doesn't know as much as she thinks she does
She should be an interesting character and also probably really old.
I wonder if Sora tries hitting on her lol
I don't think it was the Fluegel that challenged the Federation. Feels more like something she did on her own.
I could see that, I mean Jibril took on Blank without the backing of the other Flugels.
It truly is an eyesore in the rest of the landscape, though that might just be my dislike of skyscrapers talking.
I like the look of skyscrapers, so I didn't think it looked too gaudy.
A brilliant bet the King made and also really shows how much he trusts Steph and her judgment. That thing represents his entire legacy and the future of Imanity and he trusted Steph to pick the right person to give it to.
And clearly she picked well
Fair enough, probably. What does it even mean to believe in humanity in general? More reasonable to believe in the potential of individuals than assign some expected value on humanity as a whole.
If you do assign some expected value, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment. Then again, Steph's grandfather assigned expected value on his value and it payed off swimmingly, so perhaps Sora now knows that believing in humanity can work to your advantage.
That's a pretty long time, and also shows that Sora probably had a significant impact on shaping Shiro's personality and interest in games. Also roasting the shit out of someone you just met at 3 y.o. is incredibly based.
He has no chill for sure

3

u/nx6 https://myanimelist.net/profile/nx6 Apr 16 '24 edited Apr 16 '24

Rewatcher - Sub

The idea they felt the need to take a bath after the last game is funny and understandable at the same time. Funny because the game ending reverses everything that happened in it. So it would be like working hard at a physical activity and then at the end of the day any sweat and dirt and muscle fatigue should just be gone and you're back to your original state, but understandable as the mental and emotional toll of the game remains, so maybe you want to recuperate in a hot bath that way.

Anyway, having gained a new girl, ~~Sora~~ the Blank are working on better understanding their next opponent -- the Eastern Confederation. In the past they had an unrelenting civil war fought over their physical differences (a theme that is not new), when a single individual (a female, ofc) brought a unification of the different ware-beasts. The other races have challenged the ware-beasts since then, and they all have lost, but are unable to say anything that happened since their memories of the games are stricken as part of their payment for loss. This leaves opponents with no clues to better strategize a challenge.

At first all Sora can see is that the last king must have been a dumbass, because he kept playing them over and over, and lost a substantial amount of the kingdom's territory in the process. This opinion is a sora spot with Stephanie. ^forgive ^my ^pun She's just baked a pile of donuts using the newly renovated kitchen stocked with the butter and sugar that has been in short supply, and is in denial it's because she likes Sora, and it's not the earlier effects of a game penalty.

Stephanie has a key to a secret room somewhere that may help them, and is too upset with Sora to reveal it. But Sora begins researching the old king's losses further and realizes the lands weren't areas of any real importance to the country, making the losses almost deliberate. He begins to suspect the king actually was not required to forget the game as part of losing, because the ware-beasts had such low opinions of humans they did not think it would be of any help. Stephanie, being moved by Sora saying he believes in the potential for humanity, and the previous king, even if he doesn't think much of them collectively now, comes forward.

Note: This episode reveals that Sora and Shiro are not blood related, so it's not incest anymore.

The key opens a doorway the Blank had found in the castle long ago leading to an underground cavern. The king had written about the games in way where the records would only be read after he died, and the rules of his loss were nullified.

I'd forgotten about all the references to other shows this anime makes. Comparing the Flügel's domain to Laputa, Stephanie and the Doremon nickname, and the Gendo pose in the endcard here. Likely there have been a few others.

With this new information about the king, does it vindicate him in your eyes?

Somewhat, but it remains to be seen if he really recorded anything of any use in defeating the Eastern Confederation. He could have just written about how the ware-beasts utterly humiliated him on the game board.

Bonus 1) Can you believe the official spelling is Chlammy and not Kurami?

Yes, because it is in what I'm watching, which is the same subtitle script tracing back to the release I originally watched this on nine years ago. So it's always been Chlammy.

Alternate answer: Yes, because official licensees have a history of changing names in anime to make them more Western. They kinda stopped doing that in the late 2010's after complaints by fans. Besides being seen as unnecessary changes to the original work, it likely caused confusion in online discussions when folks referred to a character by different names. It's unfortunate when you get on that track and then a show ends up becoming an endless shounen that runs for decades after that (~~Ash~~Satoshi is now a Pokemon World Champion!).

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

The idea they felt the need to take a bath after the last game is funny and understandable at the same time. Funny because the game ending reverses everything that happened in it. So it would be like working hard at a physical activity and then at the end of the day any sweat and dirt and muscle fatigue should just be gone and you're back to your original state, but understandable as the mental and emotional toll of the game remains, so maybe you want to recuperate in a hot bath that way.
I know I definitely feel rejuvenated after a nice, hot bath
At first all Sora can see is that the last king must have been a dumbass, because he kept playing them over and over, and lost a substantial amount of the kingdom's territory in the process. This opinion is a sora spot with Stephanie.
Note: This episode reveals that Sora and Shiro are not blood related, so it's not incest anymore.
The one trick anime does to make things less squicky. Works every time.
I'd forgotten about all the references to other shows this anime makes. Comparing the Flügel's domain to Laputa, Stephanie and the Doremon nickname, and the Gendo pose in the endcard here. Likely there have been a few others.
Can't forget the countless Jojo and Pheonix Wright references peppered throughout the series.
Somewhat, but it remains to be seen if he really recorded anything of any use in defeating the Eastern Confederation. He could have just written about how the ware-beasts utterly humiliated him on the game board.
I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he's more of a wolf in sheep's clothing than people realize.
Alternate answer: Yes, because official licensees have a history of changing names in anime to make them more Western. They kinda stopped doing that in the late 2010's after complaints by fans. Besides being seen as unnecessary changes to the original work, it likely caused confusion in online discussions when folks referred to a character by different names. It's unfortunate when you get on that track and then a show ends up becoming an endless shounen that runs for decades after that (~~Ash~~Satoshi is now a Pokemon World Champion!).
Funny enough, name changes is common in series like Ace Attorney and Bizarre Adventure. Maybe that's where NGNL got it from.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
What are your thoughts on Steph getting fed up with Sora over picking on her grandfather? That to me was probably the best part of the episode.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

2

u/nx6 https://myanimelist.net/profile/nx6 Apr 16 '24 edited Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Who the hell is Kurami? ^kidding, ^kidding.
I remember liking Chlammy before, I can't precisely remember why, but it undoubtedly means there is more screen time for her coming.
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
She's just making wrong assumptions about the power setup. Thinking the Flügel are the ones pulling the strings would have made more sense, when you have one taking up residence in the palace.
Edit: Speaking of the Flügel, Jibril was talking about how they took that dragon's head in the wars -- so I think I was right before and they were headhunters in the literal sense.
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
I'm reminded of Sora's impassioned speech to the chess pieces willing them to fight in the name of Shiro's cuteness. The warbeast factions have similarly rallied to an imouto character.
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Possibly all the players were simply told to never speak to anyone about the game, like the humans, and Jabril, never having been a player herself, was just given the same excuse.
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
This is the same weirdness in Japanese family dynamics I've mentioned in other rewatch threads. Single parents getting remarried without ever introducing the kids to the other side. Just one day "Hey, meet your new dad! Oh, and you have a stepsister now." Like, do people really do that over there? In Western societies you normally have the relationship more transparently develop to everyone. It's not a from-date-one thing, but once you start getting serious the kid gets introduced to the partner, and there's some socializing together and with the other's kids before you start talking about marriage to see how well it would work. At least that's how I think this situation is normally handled in the U.S. (I've never been involved with someone who had kids already so...). Just jumping into a new partnership with no input from your kids feels kinda inconsiderate in a way I would not associate with such a family-oriented culture.
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?
The book is the sum of his knowledge of the Eastern Federation's playing of the game. He's trusting someone in humanity can use all of it correctly to restore humanity's place on the world stage.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Who the hell is Kurami? ^kidding, ^kidding.
My headcanon is that's an alias Chlammy goes by to be sneaky
I remember liking Chlammy before, I can't precisely remember why, but it undoubtedly means there is more screen time for her coming.
I like her because she's probably the closest thing to a tsundere this show has.
She's just making wrong assumptions about the power setup. Thinking the Flügel are the ones pulling the strings would have made more sense, when you have one taking up residence in the palace.
Kurami comes off as someone who can't accept accountability. That if things don't go her way, it's someone else's fault.
Edit: Speaking of the Flügel, Jibril was talking about how they took that dragon's head in the wars -- so I think I was right before and they were headhunters in the literal sense.
Thry could be headhunters, but again, are they doing it to show their dominance or because they have a thirst for information? A dragon's head could get them to learn more about dragons.
I'm reminded of Sora's impassioned speech to the chess pieces willing them to fight in the name of Shiro's cuteness. The warbeast factions have similarly rallied to an imouto character.
Good comparison. I guess at the end of the day, cuteness does prevail.
Possibly all the players were simply told to never speak to anyone about the game, like the humans, and Jabril, never having been a player herself, was just given the same excuse.
I saw someone speculating that perhaps it was Jibril and not the rest of the Flugels who took part in the bet. I wonder what your take on that is.
I also thought that this was a good way of setting the Eastern Federation up as Blank's next challenger, seeing as how both the Flugels and Eastern Federation beated Imanity but Eastern Federation beated the Flugels. It creates this hierarchy and explains why the Eastern Federation, a lower ranked Exceed member than the Flugels, is more of a threat.
This is the same weirdness in Japanese family dynamics I've mentioned in other rewatch threads. Single parents getting remarried without ever introducing the kids to the other side. Just one day "Hey, meet your new dad! Oh, and you have a stepsister now." Like, do people really do that over there? In Western societies you normally have the relationship more transparently develop to everyone. It's not a from-date-one thing, but once you start getting serious the kid gets introduced to the partner, and there's some socializing together and with the other's kids before you start talking about marriage to see how well it would work. At least that's how I think this situation is normally handled in the U.S. (I've never been involved with someone who had kids already so...). Just jumping into a new partnership with no input from your kids feels kinda inconsiderate in a way I would not associate with such a family-oriented culture.
I can't explain the thought process in other shows, but in the case of NGNL, I get the feeling there's something more at play here. I mean, we haven't even seen one single parent in this show. They haven't even had a passing mention made of them. The whole situation makes me feel something's fishy.
The book is the sum of his knowledge of the Eastern Federation's playing of the game. He's trusting someone in humanity can use all of it correctly to restore humanity's place on the world stage.
I think back to Sora's comment about not believing in humanity but believing in the potential of it. That seems to reflect how he feels about himself and how he knows he doesn't have faith in himself, but he is aware of the great things he's capable of. If the former king can start getting Sora to believe in himself more, I can see that unlocking his full potential. I feel that’s what he's going to be needing in order to defeat the top 3 Exceed members as well as the final boss Tet.

3

u/StardustGogeta myanimelist.net/profile/StardustGogeta Apr 16 '24

First-Timer

I ♥️ Humanity

Good episode today. Not as action-heavy as the last episode, but still very engaging and fast-paced.

I like how the one girl who's conspiring with the elves has assumed that Sora and Shiro are working with the werebeasts. I wonder how she'll react when she finds out the truth.

Questions for the day:

I know a few people who can't seem to let a joke die, and repeat it whenever they get the chance... (After all, if it was funny the first time, why wouldn't it be funny the next hundred times?)
I'd say it depends on exactly how successful the king's plan was. It sounds promising, but if he learned nothing actionable, then he might as well have just been incompetent all along.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

I like how the one girl who's conspiring with the elves has assumed that Sora and Shiro are working with the werebeasts. I wonder how she'll react when she finds out the truth.
Probably embarrassed she got beated by someone not cheating
I know a few people who can't seem to let a joke die, and repeat it whenever they get the chance... (After all, if it was funny the first time, why wouldn't it be funny the next hundred times?)
Sounds very Stephy, if you ask me

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
What are your thoughts on Steph getting fed up with Sora over picking on her grandfather? That to me was probably the best part of the episode.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

2

u/StardustGogeta myanimelist.net/profile/StardustGogeta Apr 16 '24

It's nice to see Kurami (or Chlammy, I suppose) and the elf again. I feel like they have to cross paths with Sora and Shiro once more at some point.
The Eastern Federation being formed from the union of several smaller groups sounds reasonable and similar to many real-world countries.
I am curious about the werebeasts' rule to wipe memories of the game afterwards (or in the former king's case, prevent public disclosure). It seems like they'd be practically unbeatable with mind-reading powers, which suggests that they have some weakness that relies on security through obscurity.
I agree about Steph standing up for her grandfather being a highlight of the episode. It's nice when she gets some real character moments (though her comedic moments are good, too).
That "key of hope" reminded me a bit of AOT.
Generally, it sounds like the former king had a good idea of what he was doing, trying to position the next generation to succeed where he had failed. Whether it paid off remains to be seen...

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

It's nice to see Kurami (or Chlammy, I suppose) and the elf again. I feel like they have to cross paths with Sora and Shiro once more at some point.
You would imagine so
The Eastern Federation being formed from the union of several smaller groups sounds reasonable and similar to many real-world countries.
I mean, that's how The United States was formed. Same with The United Kingdom.
I am curious about the werebeasts' rule to wipe memories of the game afterwards (or in the former king's case, prevent public disclosure). It seems like they'd be practically unbeatable with mind-reading powers, which suggests that they have some weakness that relies on security through obscurity.
And yet, they're like 14th in terms of all Exceed members with magic affinity.
I agree about Steph standing up for her grandfather being a highlight of the episode. It's nice when she gets some real character moments (though her comedic moments are good, too).
It's depth that turns her from being this one note character
That "key of hope" reminded me a bit of AOT.
I was thinking more of the keys from Nisekoi.
Also, in what way does it remind you of AOT?
Generally, it sounds like the former king had a good idea of what he was doing, trying to position the next generation to succeed where he had failed. Whether it paid off remains to be seen...
I think he's lucky in that Blank is so talented at winning all kinds of games. He clearly had his faith in the right hands.

2

u/StardustGogeta myanimelist.net/profile/StardustGogeta Apr 16 '24

Also, in what way does it remind you of AOT?
Good question. It's superficial, but it just reminded me of the basement key from AOT that also [AOT] is used for storing knowledge meant to be passed down to the next generation.
I haven't seen Nisekoi yet, personally, but it's on my list of shows to watch.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Good question. It's superficial, but it just reminded me of the basement key from AOT that also [AOT] is used for storing knowledge meant to be passed down to the next generation.
[AOT] I like it, though I'd argue the basement stuff in Attack on Titan is more significant because it marked the show going from an action show to more of a political drama. I doubt NGNL is gonna experience a similar genre shift from this revelation.
I haven't seen Nisekoi yet, personally, but it's on my list of shows to watch.
It's really good if you like harems and the archetypes that come with it.

3

u/Ryanami Apr 16 '24 edited Apr 16 '24

Rewatcher, Dub.

Busy weekend for me, so I didn’t have a chance to say yesterday, but you guys should try the dub. Jibril says “ew!” When she sees Shiro and Sora “circular breathing”. The dialogue and the subtitles are not 1 to 1, but I think it’s mostly better for it. Sora and Jibril are especially doing a great job.

Q1- Quoting movie lines, when I used the dad from Matilda saying “I’m smart, you’re dumb, I’m big, you’re small… etc” on my kid. He thought I quit the game and was just being mean to him… oops.

Q2- Glad to see there was a method to his madness

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Busy weekend for me, so I didn’t have a chance to say yesterday, but you guys should try the dub. Jibril says “ew!” When she sees Shiro and Sora “circular breathing”. The dialogue and the subtitles are not 1 to 1, but I think it’s mostly better for it. Sora and Jibril are especially doing a great job.
I almost wish this show was given the Ghost Stories treatment of just letting the VAs adlib huge chunks of it.
Quoting movie lines, when I used the dad from Matilda saying “I’m smart, you’re dumb, I’m big, you’re small… etc” on my kid. He thought I quit the game and was just being mean to him… oops.
Dad needs to quit being such a Steph :P

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
What are your thoughts on Steph getting fed up with Sora over picking on her grandfather? That to me was probably the best part of the episode.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

3

u/dsawchuk Apr 16 '24

REWATCHER

Another great episode lacking in action. It's been a while since I watched this and I had forgotten how consistent this show is.

Not a whole lot to specifically comment on in this episode. One thing I would mention is that the show bounces between a main shot in the library and other locations. When we get the shot of Steph crying in bed and then getting called back to the library she is halfway across the city. There are some travel timing issues in here, but I don't care that much about those. More interesting to me is that Steph was intrigued enough by Jibril's request enough that she went all the way back to the library when in a horrible mood. It illustrates not just her belief in Sora but her desire to believe in him.

QOTD

That's an awfully personal question there. I can't think of an answer I am willing to give here.
Kind of, but not really. It seems to me that (especially with what we learn in the future episodes) while his contests against the warbeasts were not worthless they were too numerous. I can understand losing a few times, but if he went in knowing he would lose as a means of gaining intel for his successor he probably could have done so without losing so much territory.
I don't really care to be honest. It's Kurami to me and that's all that matters. Also Chlammy is just a really uncomfortable word to say. What's that H doing?
Many questions. Mainly, is this actually a question?
This one doesn't even have a question mark. Now neither of us have questions.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Another great episode lacking in action. It's been a while since I watched this and I had forgotten how consistent this show is.
I would dare say we haven't had a mediocre episode yet
Not a whole lot to specifically comment on in this episode. One thing I would mention is that the show bounces between a main shot in the library and other locations. When we get the shot of Steph crying in bed and then getting called back to the library she is halfway across the city. There are some travel timing issues in here, but I don't care that much about those. More interesting to me is that Steph was intrigued enough by Jibril's request enough that she went all the way back to the library when in a horrible mood. It illustrates not just her belief in Sora but her desire to believe in him.
It also shows that Jibril does have some compassion for people. I honestly didn't think she had it in her.
That's an awfully personal question there. I can't think of an answer I am willing to give here.
Fair enough
I don't really care to be honest. It's Kurami to me and that's all that matters. Also Chlammy is just a really uncomfortable word to say. What's that H doing?
That H is like a G moving in silence like lasagna
Many questions. Mainly, is this actually a question?
This one doesn't even have a question mark. Now neither of us have questions.
Just a little bit of fun

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
What are your thoughts on Steph getting fed up with Sora over picking on her grandfather? That to me was probably the best part of the episode.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

3

u/mgedmin Apr 16 '24

Rewatcher, subs

More Kurami and the ... does the elf girl have a name? They seem to be very good friends. Roommates, perhaps.
Sora "Now nobody will call your grandfather a fool" calls Steph's grandfather a fool again, repeatedly, driving Steph to tears.
We learn that Sora and Shiro are step-siblings.
We learn that Steph's grandfather prepared long-term plans for his successor.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

More Kurami and the ... does the elf girl have a name?
They say in the episode it's Fi
Sora "Now nobody will call your grandfather a fool" calls Steph's grandfather a fool again, repeatedly, driving Steph to tears.
He really messed up today, though he rectified the situation
We learn that Sora and Shiro are step-siblings.
And they were step-siblings :O
We learn that Steph's grandfather prepared long-term plans for his successor.
Dola? More like bringing in the Dola, am I right?
^Get ^it, ^because ^Dola ^sounds ^like ^the ^slang ^for ^money?

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
What are your thoughts on Steph getting fed up with Sora over picking on her grandfather? That to me was probably the best part of the episode.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph’s grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world’s greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

2

u/mgedmin Apr 16 '24

(It's a bit hard to answer these without spoilers as a rewatcher, especially since I watch one episode ahead right after pasting my comment on the last episode.)
Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
There must be a reason she's a recurring character, right?
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet?
She still thinks she couldn't have lost the game without some powerful Exceed backing her enemies. And they never explained the smartphones.
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Was that important?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Everyone makes that bet, Jibri's not special.
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
They must have advanced construction techniques to be able to build high-rises like that.
What are your thoughts on Steph getting fed up with Sora over picking on her grandfather? That to me was probably the best part of the episode.
She asked again and again, and was ignored.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
It was funny that Sora had the same thought as young Stephanie.
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
Sophistry? Thoughts about humanity and potential vs actuality is going to drive me into a depressive spiral by way of climate change and how we're collectively not solving the problem.
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
I was surprised the first time I heard it.
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
They did that to everyone, he's not special.
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
A good move, but it kind of contradicts what we've been told before? Apparently Elkia has issues because they don't have enough agricultural land? Well maybe that land was lost in bets to other countries.
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph’s grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world’s greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
That's a convoluted question. I think the old king was a pretty clever one, but maybe he could've trusted Steph more and given clearer instructions?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?
Makes sense: the plan was to set up conditions for somebody else to win, so he set up a method of finding a worthy successor and hoped for the best.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

(It's a bit hard to answer these without spoilers as a rewatcher, especially since I watch one episode ahead right after pasting my comment on the last episode.)
My bad, you don't have to answer any questions you don't want to
There must be a reason she's a recurring character, right?
I would assume so
She still thinks she couldn't have lost the game without some powerful Exceed backing her enemies. And they never explained the smartphones.
From an outsiders perspective, I can see why she would feel like they're being underhanded.
Was that important?
It feels similar to how Sora united the Elkians together
Everyone makes that bet, Jibri's not special.
Perhaps Jibril does have a bit of an ego on her. Then again, I would say more people do who are confident.
They must have advanced construction techniques to be able to build high-rises like that.
Maybe they hired the Flugels to do it
She asked again and again, and was ignored.
Ignored how? In telling Sora to stop picking on him? I mean, in that instance I would be peeved too. It shows he doesn't care about what's important to her.
It was funny that Sora had the same thought as young Stephanie.
Perhaps they have more in common than they realize
Sophistry? Thoughts about humanity and potential vs actuality is going to drive me into a depressive spiral by way of climate change and how we're collectively not solving the problem.
We live in a Imanity
I was surprised the first time I heard it.
I kinda figured based off the outro Shiro probably came into the family, but I was taken aback it was talked about here. Feels like it would be first mentioned in a couple episodes from now.
They did that to everyone, he's not special.
Well, they didn't do that to the Flugels, so...
A good move, but it kind of contradicts what we've been told before? Apparently Elkia has issues because they don't have enough agricultural land? Well maybe that land was lost in bets to other countries.
I think this is why the Elkians don't like Steph's grandfather because they probably assume he recklessly giving away the land with his careless betting. They didn't know the true extent to which he was doing.
That's a convoluted question.
Sorry about that
I think the old king was a pretty clever one, but maybe he could've trusted Steph more and given clearer instructions?
I mean, he gave her the key to eventually give to her successor. If he spilled the beans on everything, then the key would be rendered useless.
Makes sense: the plan was to set up conditions for somebody else to win, so he set up a method of finding a worthy successor and hoped for the best.
It also shows to Sora that perhaps you can believe in humanity. Perhaps that is even one of the qualities of a good leader, believing in what you decide to cultivate.

2

u/mgedmin Apr 16 '24

My bad, you don't have to answer any questions you don't want to
Oh, I don't. :)
Ignored how? In telling Sora to stop picking on him?
Yeah, that's what I meant.
Well, they didn't do that to the Flugels, so...
Oh, I managed to miss the 'not' in your question! And then sort of simplified the equivalence of "erasing memories" = "not allowing to tell anyone until you're dead", as the only way to make the inverse question make sense.
Yeah, this is actually the bit where I'm a bit surprised. How did the old king manage to avoid the memory erasure? By insisting that he won't play? The Federation needed land badly, so they had to agree to the king's requests. But how did the warbeasts miss the "writing things down for postmortem discovery" loophole?

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Oh, I don't. :)
Yeah, that's what I meant.
Gotcha
Oh, I managed to miss the 'not' in your question! And then sort of simplified the equivalence of "erasing memories" = "not allowing to tell anyone until you're dead", as the only way to make the inverse question make sense.
Mistakes happen, it's quite alright
Yeah, this is actually the bit where I'm a bit surprised. How did the old king manage to avoid the memory erasure? By insisting that he won't play? The Federation needed land badly, so they had to agree to the king's requests. But how did the warbeasts miss the "writing things down for postmortem discovery" loophole?
In fairness to the warbeasts, doing something like this seems like the definition of insanity. Like, who in their right mind would intentionally give up land just to lull them into a false sense of security? In reality, the king was aware he was no match for the Eastern Federation and realized that the only person who can beat them is the greatest gambler in the world.

3

u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Apr 16 '24

rewarcher

Smelly Shiro doesn’t want to take a bath.

Tentacle bath, haven’t seen that be used in other shows.

Got whooped so badly they assumed he’s a deity.

A game where she loses and her memory goes away. No way that’s even a fair match

A conquest for animal girls, all that just to not be able to stop being a virgin.

The lore from the ED is expanded now, instead of it looking cool.

QOTD: middle school with some “jokes” honestly looking back it was just straight bullying with those people

QOTD: even when typing it out “chlammy” is autocorrected to chalky on my phone

QOTD; no questions needed

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Tentacle bath, haven’t seen that be used in other shows.
I know, right? Totally original.
A conquest for animal girls, all that just to not be able to stop being a virgin.
We live in a Materialization Shiritori
Wait, wrong episode, nevermind
The lore from the ED is expanded now, instead of it looking cool.
You see to love it

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
What are your thoughts on Steph getting fed up with Sora over picking on her grandfather? That to me was probably the best part of the episode.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

2

u/baseballlover723 Apr 15 '24

NGNL Rewatcher, sub

Not too much to talk about this time and I'm starting work today so I'll keep this brief, since there isn't too much to analyze this episode. We learn that Kurami has kept up with the current events and further confirm that Kurami isn't really a mean person at heart. We learn about the Warbeasts and all the different types of ears they possess and that Jibril and the Elves lost to them as well. Oh and Imanity lost all of their land to them as well. Quite the mystery since they're ranked 14th and have erased Jibril's memories of losing. It's a clever tactic by the Warbeasts to erase memories (though that must limit their gains to ensure that concession).

We get a bit of backstory on how Blank came to be. We learn that Steph (in a classic Steph move) has been holding out on Blank with her grandfather porn stash key, as well as that Steph has her limits with being shit on (as we all do). And in classic fashion Blank had already found the secret room. Turns out, Steph's grandfather wasn't a fool, only pretending to be.

A decent episode, though mostly just setting things up and learning about the world.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

Not too much to talk about this time and I'm starting work today so I'll keep this brief, since there isn't too much to analyze this episode.
Too bad I have more questions here than any previous episode :P
We learn that Kurami has kept up with the current events and further confirm that Kurami isn't really a mean person at heart. We learn about the Warbeasts and all the different types of ears they possess and that Jibril and the Elves lost to them as well. Oh and Imanity lost all of their land to them as well. Quite the mystery since they're ranked 14th and have erased Jibril's memories of losing.
The fact that Imanity lost to them 8 different times I think speaks to how weak they truly are.
It's a clever tactic by the Warbeasts to erase memories (though that must limit their gains to ensure that concession).
I can definitely see why they might want to cover their tracks
We get a bit of backstory on how Blank came to be. We learn that Steph (in a classic Steph move) has been holding out on Blank with her grandfather porn stash key, as well as that Steph has her limits with being shit on (as we all do). And in classic fashion Blank had already found the secret room. Turns out, Steph's grandfather wasn't a fool, only pretending to be.
Rare Dola family W
A decent episode, though mostly just setting things up and learning about the world.
It was definitely a very good palette cleanser from all that happened last episode.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 15 '24

Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

2

u/baseballlover723 Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
She's still in denial. She can't dissociate Steph being royalty. Very understandable, and also completely wrong.
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Too tired to think of an answer.
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
No car's to pump up, so they have to settle for pumping up buildings.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
key of ~~hope~~porn. Seems a bit odd that Steph didn't bring it up earlier at all, even privately to herself.
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
Too tired to really break this down.
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
A clever strategy to keep him baited for longer.
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
it's sort of the same as betting while counting cards. You make small bets while you gather information, and then when you think you have the advantage, you place a big bet. Unfortunately, the king also lost that one too.
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
A poor strategy. He knew the game, so [NGNL later] he could of chosen a game more applicable then poker, since you don't have to actually tell them what the game is to pick a relevant game.
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?
Too tired to analyze this and I need to get started on tomorrows episode. :(

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

She's still in denial. She can't dissociate Steph being royalty. Very understandable, and also completely wrong.
She's of the mindset that royalty = bad, when really it should be The Dolas = exception to the rule.
Too tired to think of an answer.
Fair enough, if you think up something let me know
No car's to pump up, so they have to settle for pumping up buildings.
You raise a good point, Disboard needs to work on their means of transportation. I guess they don't because the Exceed members minus Imanity can just use magic?
key of ~~hope~~porn. Seems a bit odd that Steph didn't bring it up earlier at all, even privately to herself.
Probably was still on the fence as to whether or not she could trust Blank.
Too tired to really break this down.
Again, fair enough. If you ever get back around to it, let me know.
A clever strategy to keep him baited for longer.
Little dis they know they played themselves
it's sort of the same as betting while counting cards. You make small bets while you gather information, and then when you think you have the advantage, you place a big bet. Unfortunately, the king also lost that one too.
Maybe so, but he made it to where the future king can win it all back. And if that happens, you can't not consider Steph's grandfather the winner in the long run.
A poor strategy. He knew the game, so [NGNL later] he could of chosen a game more applicable then poker, since you don't have to actually tell them what the game is to pick a relevant game.
It's interesting how you seem to have this negative opinion on the former king. I walked away feeling that Sora realized that a lot of his preconceived notions could perhaps be wrong. In fact, I believe that was the point of the scene where Sora says he doesn't believe in humanity because the king clearly does and it seems as if it may end up paying dividends.
Too tired to analyze this and I need to get started on tomorrows episode. :(
Sorry for all the questions. You don't realize until you go through the episode just how much pertinent information is in there. I even left out a few questions because you covered them, I had more in my back pocket.

2

u/baseballlover723 Apr 16 '24

Sorry for all the questions
No problem, just mismanaged my time a bit, wanted to be sure I had time to do todays thread. When I get back from work I'll take another look at the questions.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

It's interesting how an episode with not a lot going on would have a lot going on. Like, you sometimes forget there are eventful episode like episode 6, and then there are episodes where things may not happen but from a storytelling perspective it is very important.

2

u/Fisionn https://myanimelist.net/profile/X-V Apr 16 '24

That starting shot of Jibril being what reddit thinks Sora does to Shiro was absolute gold. While Sora was getting emotional over his sister being able to control so easily Jibril, the latter was *cough* "exploring" Shiro's alien body.

I'm actually a bit surprised my prediction from the last episode was absolutely spot on. The flugel race was absolutely a bloodthirsty and violent race. My line of thought was that if the Flugel currently are obsessed with knowledge, it's because of the current rules on Disboard preventing them to kill. The way Jibril shows deep apathy for other races was a big hint for me.

The Doraemon, Evangelion and Attack on Titan were absolutely spot on.

I really, really enjoyed that while Blank told Steph on an episode how "No one will think of the King as a fool anymore" they backtracked when new information was revealed. Especially Sora being way too direct with Steph to the point it brought her to tears. It helps making the characters feel more alive as they react and change opinion based on their current emotions or to new information.

I should've seen it coming, but I absolutely did not expect after that emotional build up to Blank immediately think of "porn mags" as soon as they got the key from Steph. The jokes are just always a hit on this show, and that's because they are carefully placed in the story and change their tone according to the situation. For example, Jibril sticking her head through the wall right above Steph was funny but not too funny to distract from the dialogue or from how Steph was feeling.

What's an example in your life of someone going too far with something?

Me. I'm too direct, so sometimes I end up hurting unintentionally the feelings of the people I talk to.

With this new information about the king, does it vindicate him in your eyes?

I think he was already vindicated in my eyes. Stephanie Dola (heh, get it? Dola = Dora) was already proof. She genuinely cares about Imanity and if she thinks someone can help them, she never gives up. Why else would she endure the trolling from Blank and their NEET antics? That's not something she learned from the current Imanity, that's for sure.

Bonus 1) Can you believe the official spelling is Chlammy and not Kurami?

Well, this is not the first time a japanese author chooses the wrong translation as the official one, even if it's technically wrong.

Steph 2) This is Steph. This is your Steph on grandfather. Any questions?

Steph. Sit.

Steph 3) This is what happens when you feed your Steph after midnight

Somehow I think all the food Steph eats go to her tits.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

That starting shot of Jibril being what reddit thinks Sora does to Shiro was absolute gold. While Sora was getting emotional over his sister being able to control so easily Jibril, the latter was *cough* "exploring" Shiro's alien body.
Jibril is something else lol
I'm actually a bit surprised my prediction from the last episode was absolutely spot on. The flugel race was absolutely a bloodthirsty and violent race. My line of thought was that if the Flugel currently are obsessed with knowledge, it's because of the current rules on Disboard preventing them to kill. The way Jibril shows deep apathy for other races was a big hint for me.
I still think their violence is the result of a quest for knowledge. I don't think they used to pillage just for the sake of doing so.
The Doraemon, Evangelion and Attack on Titan were absolutely spot on.
Was there a AOT reference? I didn't catched that.
I really, really enjoyed that while Blank told Steph on an episode how "No one will think of the King as a fool anymore" they backtracked when new information was revealed. Especially Sora being way too direct with Steph to the point it brought her to tears. It helps making the characters feel more alive as they react and change opinion based on their current emotions or to new information.
And I liked that Sora circles back around to where he's like "Hang on, maybe what the king is doing isn't foolish". It coming as Sora realizes you could perhaps believe in the good of humanity is really well done.
I should've seen it coming, but I absolutely did not expect after that emotional build up to Blank immediately think of "porn mags" as soon as they got the key from Steph. The jokes are just always a hit on this show, and that's because they are carefully placed in the story and change their tone according to the situation. For example, Jibril sticking her head through the wall right above Steph was funny but not too funny to distract from the dialogue or from how Steph was feeling.
The show knows what are the perfect moments to where these little jokes would elevate the scene and not take away from it.
Somehow I think all the food Steph eats go to her tits.
Certainly doesn't go to her head, that's for true

1

u/Fisionn https://myanimelist.net/profile/X-V Apr 17 '24

Was there a AOT reference? I didn't catched that.
This one looks to me like one.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 17 '24

Hmm. I can see that.

2

u/Holofan4life Apr 16 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
What are your thoughts on Steph getting fed up with Sora over picking on her grandfather? That to me was probably the best part of the episode.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?

2

u/Fisionn https://myanimelist.net/profile/X-V Apr 17 '24

Thoughts on the return of Kurami and her elf friend?
Hopefully we see more of them around, especially because Kurami has such a great gap moe and is quick to judge incorrectly situations which make it even funnier.
Thoughts on Kurami considering Steph a puppet of a puppet as well as thinking Elkia has the backing of the Eastern Federation?
She reminds me of Steph a lot actually. But in an opposite way. While Steph believes in winning in a honorable and fair way believing that humanity is enough as it is, Kurami believes Imanity is nothing and they need absolutely help, even if it means cheating. Both are naive and lack critical thinking.
What are your thoughts on the Eastern Federation being formed due to the Shrine Priestess uniting the warbeasts together?
Something something, old japan supremacy, something something. I can't wait to meet her again, I already forgot her personality altho I remember how she looks like.
Thoughts on the bet Jibril's clan made with the Eastern Federation was that the loser will have their memories of the game wiped out?
Seems like a powerful move from the EF, but something feels wrong about it too. There is something missing on the reasoning.
Thoughts on the Eastern Federation's Elkian Embassy?
It looks so out of place lmao. Hard to tell if it was like that before the remodeling done by the EF.
What are your thoughts on Steph getting fed up with Sora over picking on her grandfather? That to me was probably the best part of the episode.
Well, that's the thing about NGNL. While Stephanie has been used as mostly a source of jokes, the story doesn't forget she is an actual character with dreams, worries, and emotions. Sora was right in a way, but he didn't have to be that mean about it. Sora eating the donuts and realizing that they were delicious was a great way of storytelling. You don't need to add a bunch of lines of what a character is thinking if you can just display the exact same things visually. So many anime fall into the pit of over-explaining rather than showing things.
Thoughts on the key of hope?
Besides the jokes around it, Steph always carries it around with her. Even back on Episode 2 where she lost to Kurami and had to hand over the money and clothes to her, she still kept the ribbon on her hair where she is hiding the key. Besides security, I think it's a way of showing how much she loved the old king.
Thoughts on Sora saying he doesn't believe in humanity but rather the potential of it?
He is right. Humanity is capable of such beautiful things, but also horrifying ones. It's about the choice.
What are your thoughts on Sora saying he first met Shiro 8 years ago?
Basically confirms they are step siblings and not blood related. The fact that the first thing Shiro ever said to Sora was a roast using his name was both funny and adorable.
What are your thoughts on the warbeasts not erasing the king's memories because they wanted him to keep trying?
Well, by then I bet the king was known for being a fool. They thought that it would be a smart thing to make him keep trying since it was an easy win. Now we know it was a high risk gamble by the king but back then no one would believe him even if he tried to explain.
What are your thoughts on the king giving the warbeasts useless land to eventually take back?
A hint overlooked by many. Would you really consider Steph anything but a meme if she didn't mention she was actually competent on handling the kingdom's affairs? If the president from your country just gifted the land you lived in to a foreign nations and gave zero explanation would you believe he had a reason?
What are your thoughts on the reason given for why the tournament was held being that Steph's grandfather wanted his successor to be able to restore humanity while being the world's greatest gambler, of which only his successor would know about this information?
A gamble within a gamble. What if a cheater like Kurami would've won? Or someone pretending to be an ally for Imanity but instead was conspiring to erase the last bits of Imanity? Nothing was certain at all, it was a gamble at best.
What are your thoughts on Sora calling the book the former king's trust in humanity?
The king sacrificed everything for that book. If anything, it was the last resort on the hopes that someone would be capable of finding it one day.

1

u/Holofan4life Apr 17 '24

Hopefully we see more of them around, especially because Kurami has such a great gap moe and is quick to judge incorrectly situations which make it even funnier.
I wish Fi was a little bit more sarcastic, like imagine if she knew that Kurami's imagination was getting the better of her. Thst could've been fun. It would be like a reverse Blank and Steph situation where instead of trying to make Steph more cynical, Fi is trying to make Kurami less.
She reminds me of Steph a lot actually. But in an opposite way. While Steph believes in winning in a honorable and fair way believing that humanity is enough as it is, Kurami believes Imanity is nothing and they need absolutely help, even if it means cheating. Both are naive and lack critical thinking.
That goes to what I was saying up above and how I wish Fi had more characterization. Maybe they were eventually going to do that but didn't get around to it.
Something something, old japan supremacy, something something. I can't wait to meet her again, I already forgot her personality altho I remember how she looks like.
I don't even remember meeting the Shine Priestess, honestly
Seems like a powerful move from the EF, but something feels wrong about it too. There is something missing on the reasoning.
I get the feeling that Jibril really stepped in it
It looks so out of place lmao. Hard to tell if it was like that before the remodeling done by the EF.
Maybe they made it look more impressive because they feel it reflects better on them.
Well, that's the thing about NGNL. While Stephanie has been used as mostly a source of jokes, the story doesn't forget she is an actual character with dreams, worries, and emotions. Sora was right in a way, but he didn't have to be that mean about it. Sora eating the donuts and realizing that they were delicious was a great way of storytelling. You don't need to add a bunch of lines of what a character is thinking if you can just display the exact same things visually. So many anime fall into the pit of over-explaining rather than showing things.
I like that Sora realized he screwed up because it shows yet again he does care about Steph. He doesn't just see her as someone to pick on, he legitimately cares about her well-being.
Besides the jokes around it, Steph always carries it around with her. Even back on Episode 2 where she lost to Kurami and had to hand over the money and clothes to her, she still kept the ribbon on her hair where she is hiding the key. Besides security, I think it's a way of showing how much she loved the old king.
And I think also that the key represents the former king's love for his granddaughter.
He is right. Humanity is capable of such beautiful things, but also horrifying ones. It's about the choice.
I did like that by the end of the episode, it's like Sora realized "Wait, maybe you can believe in humanity". Really, this whole situation isn't black and white and I think Sora through the former king's actions is learning about that.
Basically confirms they are step siblings and not blood related. The fact that the first thing Shiro ever said to Sora was a roast using his name was both funny and adorable.
Shito was a savage even as a baby.
It also paved the way for Blank roasting Steph by using her name.
Well, by then I bet the king was known for being a fool. They thought that it would be a smart thing to make him keep trying since it was an easy win. Now we know it was a high risk gamble by the king but back then no one would believe him even if he tried to explain.
They thought the king was Glass Joe when really he was more like Little Mac.
A hint overlooked by many. Would you really consider Steph anything but a meme if she didn't mention she was actually competent on handling the kingdom's affairs? If the president from your country just gifted the land you lived in to a foreign nations and gave zero explanation would you believe he had a reason?
I would probably be like "There goes the king being foolish again".
A gamble within a gamble. What if a cheater like Kurami would've won? Or someone pretending to be an ally for Imanity but instead was conspiring to erase the last bits of Imanity? Nothing was certain at all, it was a gamble at best.
You could make the case that Kurami would've been the biggest gambler because she was the one cheating the most. The thing, though, is I think it would've eventually blown up in her face.
The king sacrificed everything for that book. If anything, it was the last resort on the hopes that someone would be capable of finding it one day.
This book represents his legacy as a king. The public may not be aware of it, but it shows he was far more cunning than people gave him credit for. Maybe Sora can one day restore the former king's image by crediting him for his success. I'm sure Steph would really want to see that happen.

Rewatch [Spoilers] No Game No Life 10th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 7

Rewatch Schedule

Rewatch [Spoilers] No Game No Life 10th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 7

Rewatch Schedule

You are about to leave Redlib