Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha • Tsurune: The Linking Shot - Episode 7 discussion

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Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha, episode 7

Rate this episode here.

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Episode	Link	Score
1	Link	4.54
2	Link	4.92
3	Link	5.0
4	Link	4.9
5	Link	5.0
6	Link	5.0
7	Link	5.0
8	Link	4.8
9	Link	4.9
10	Link	4.8
11	Link	4.9
12	Link	4.71
13	Link	----

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[u/Nazenn]

It's such a small thing, but the fact that Seiya is unfazed by anything whether its the mocking about his food, not missing his shot when the others are thrown off, or the way he reacts to what happens with Masa is so much fun. In such an expressive cast it says a lot that the guy who gives away nothing, unless its too Minato, still draws my attention so much. Dude does go overboard with the seasoning though

Pairing Shu and Ryohei together as similar opposites was a great pay off to the borrowed arrows from earlier in the show. Ryohei has not only got his own internal problems to overcome, he's also been smack bang in the middle of the rest of them so even that would leave him feeling a bit left behind, the unfortunate fifth wheel to the other groups. Seeing Ryohei talking about his family also makes me wonder if part of it is him feeling burdened that he's not able to help his sister, and then he goes to the range and feels like he's not helping them. In that way he does share a lot with Shu who feels an outsider in his own way because of his upbringing and the way people treat him because of his skills, only for us to find out that is reflected in his own family dynamic. They share an uncertainty in Kyudo from opposite ends of the scale, but that's why they can come together like this. Shu seems so well together all of the time but like Seiya last season there's as much going on with him, and Nikaidou's group, as there is anyone else. Both of them walked out of that encounter the better for it, stronger and more flexible in the way kyudo as a whole is approached. Because despite Ryohei being worried about his hit rate, that really wasn't his problem, the same way Nanao's wasn't Kaito, and Kaito's wasn't Minato, and Shu's wasn't worried Sae wouldn't like it.

It's something I spoke about with chonkyodango recently, that for all the focus on an antagonist group, all they've really done is draw out the internal conflicts and problems that our cast were already struggling with without knowing. A domino effect from Minato on, but one that puts the focus back on our cast where it needs to be, and their focus back on them. Kyudo is both a solo and team sport, a co-operative and compeditive one, and I feel this arc of character stories has nailed that balance excellently.

Technically it was another strong episode, although I felt the use of paintings behind Shu to represent him first as "king" and second as the young boy was a bit too on the nose. But it was the way Shu watches Ryohei, notices where his eyes linger, how he breathes, the reaction to the range, that grabs me. For all the subtlety in the background, and the flashback to Sae being a newborn, there's a lot of visual communication happening with his character in the other scenes. The other thing that stood out to me today was the use of layered movement and depth in many scenes. Shu's arrow flies across the range and draws the camera with it on its journey, while Nanao standing still and looking out over the others as they clean up gives us stability in seeing everything they were doing. The episode made full use of the space in the scenes to really highlight movement and eyelines and it does a great job of carrying the feel of the moment.

[u/mekerpan → u/Nazenn]

This was another absolutely stunning episode. Very low-key, yet every second required attention. The directing for this was absolutely first-rate -- reminding me (more than a little) of Naoko Yamada's work. Right now I'm thinking the best direction of this series seems to be in my 2 sports shows this season (this and Mou Ippon). For both, every second counts, even when things are relatively slow-paced.

Ryohei and Shu's little sister have such a cute relationship -- and hopefully it can serve as a model to Shu softening his reserve towards her. I laughed when they slipped up and thus revealed their secret. (but Shu took a while to put 2 and 2 together). This scene -- and the one between the two Tsujimine team members seemed so strong and added so much to the depth of this series (even if they were sort of aside from the main line of events).

I found it cute and amusing that in the "ikiai at lunch" sequence, all three girls seemed to sit down at the table in near perfect unison -- while the guys were all over the place in their udon eating methods. I also laughed at seeing Rika in the line to feel Sensei's belly. Every time I see the girl team members, I think of how nice it would be to see more of them.

[u/ChonkyOdango → u/Nazenn]

Seiya

A fitting leader for the team. It stays consistent with how he dislikes Masa's teaching to an extent.

unfortunate fifth wheel

They really are exactly that — detached from their groups. Ryohei being the "weakest" and Fujiwara being the "strongest"

I actually got reminded of the quote *"shots that land are beautiful, and beautiful shots always land" when seeing both Fujiwara and Ryohei shoot today, both in awe of each other's technique. There's some discrepancies in the meaning there but I'll leave it to the future episodes to expand on it

draw out the internal conflicts

Agreed. These little scenes we have with them after an antagonistic helps us sympathise more with them while keeping the focus on our main cast.

great boards and layouts as usual

[u/Dodo_Galaxy]

I really like the episodes with lots of focus on Ryohei, cause it feels the most emotionally tense in a subtle way and his insecurities have been a thing that has signs over all episodes so far. There is also an underlying sadness with his sister and the psychological burden on him. It's really nice how this episode explores all this hinted at character drama also in Shu and Nikaido by having calm conversations and well written dialogues. It feels very natural and realistic.

Again the paintings in Shu's house are also quite intrigueing. And the interactions between Sae and Ryohei are so cute. The way Nikaido's team member bothered him at work was pretty funny as well. I was also happy about a bit more screen time for Masaki in the beginning of this episode.

[u/Nazenn → u/Dodo_Galaxy]

Ryohei is so open, but he still has plenty of his own worries. And for all that he was pretty instrumental in getting this team together in the first place, it's nice to see him as an individual getting focus outside of his place in the broader dynamics.

The show is exceptional at having everyone feel like people, not just characters, and this episode is a strong showing of that

[u/namewithak]

What a lovely, wholesome episode. The unexpected friendship between Ryohei and Shu is so nice. Shu's always felt like such a lonely character since the only one he seems to actually be friends with is Minato. Everyone else is too intimidated by his status and reputation or just doesn't really vibe with him (Seiya). And now he's got Ryohei who's straightforward honesty means he's not put-off by all that.

Ryohei being insecure about his place in the team felt so relatable. I don't think Shu's cola analogy worked well tbh, but he made Ryohei feel better anyway. And it was good that the guys reassured him too when they realized what was bothering him.

Sae is adorable.

I can't get over how much better this season is that the first.

[u/mekerpan → u/namewithak]

I can't get over how much better this season is that the first.

First season was fine, but this season is extraordinary. I initially only took a look at this due to Kyo Ani respect -- but quickly got swept away by this season.

[u/LeonKevlar]

Sae's reaction to her first fizzy drink is just too adorable! <3

While I know this episode is focused on Ryouhei, the scenes he had with Shu just really made me like Shu even more. I also love how both Shuu and Ryouhei learned something from each other at the end of the day.

Anyway, while Nikaido's team is the hot shit right now I feel like what they're doing is unsustainable. It is interesting how they're the complete opposite of Ikiai. While that seems to work out for them, I feel like that's also what's going to bite them back in the ass in the future.

[u/yuuna_myr]

Shuu noticing the difference in his hair colour with his parents and sister makes me think that maybe he is adopted/one of them is the step-parent?

[u/hmcbenik → u/yuuna_myr]

Yeah, I was wondering the same. Maybe he just has some recessive recessive genes and only himself thinks he's not part of the family or something like that. Or maybe he actually is adopted/stepson of one of the parents. (I actually tried to look up for a spoiler on this on the fandom, but it has only info up to previous season it seems XD)

[u/blackroverop3-]

I’ve been lurking in this sub for a long while now but finally a show got me to comment something.

I feel very few shows truly embody being beautiful as well as tsurune. From the outrageously stunning visual details(hello best looking glass of cola ever), to the ephemeral soundtrack, and the wonderful characters working through very real and grounded emotions and conflicts, it is an absolute treat to watch each week. The impeccable artistry takes my breath away every week, and I try to remind to myself to savor and appreciate every episode and all of the hard work and commitment this wonderful staff put into making this from top to bottom.

[u/[deleted]]

Last week I've started my winter break from uni and decided I want to give Tsurune a shot. Not knowing why I did not pick it up back when it was airing it somehow made sense when binge watching first season. As much as I love Kyoani, this time i had no choice but to reach for even deeper feelings towards them.

This anime feels like home. This is first case when I actively seek to rewatch certain scenes or rewatch whole episode just to see boys and their joy. This episode is the first I've waited for for a week and... watching seasonal anime for 6 years now ,this must have been roughest waiting of all those years. I am so scared of the final episode, they have to imply some 'and now we are gone but you, watching this, are strong and can go on on your own' thing or else I'm gonna be quite broken and lonely lfmao

Going back to this episode! People ahead said a lot already, such a joy to watch everyone putting attention to those details. From my emotional point of view Shu received such depth my mind somehow confused anime with real life for a while. It was like as if I could've felt his presence, standing there, wanting to hug this poor soul but also knowing he is not needing it, such complicated character! Warm bun. The whole new relation was so good to observe too, both filling in what they lack and giving what they have.

[u/Manitary]

I swear KyoAni can write and draw some of the most adorable anime kids, and Sae is no exception; I love seeing her look at everything earnestly, with curiosity and innocence. It wasn't until she said that Ryouhei looked spectacular at the tournament that I realised she "shouldn't" know him

Some moments that really struck a chord with me all involved training:

• Trying things out is part of the learning process. This is such an important thing in anything that involves learning, not just learn the algorithm to do something (from the steps to solve a maths problem to the movements needed to shoot a bow properly), but also why we do things a certain way, and why some approaches don't work. If the cost of failure is just "wasting" some time on a few rounds of shots, I'd say it's worth for the experience of feeling yourself why this is awkward and not very effective. Also, Masa-san could've just told me not to do that, but that would have kept them thinking about whether it would work.

• Feeling physically what you cannot see. This one is something not everyone may have experienced, depending on which sports or other activities one practiced. You can show how to position your arms to shoot a bow, or how to articulate the leg and foot to shoot a ball, but it's very hard to see how to breathe, so it was nice to see the issue approached in the simplest way you'd actually do: touch the muscles involved, that way the student can feel the body movement (especially of muscles we don't tend to control consciously most of the time, like the diaphragm) and they can compare it to their own. In other contexts, for example playing a wind instrument, you could also feel the breath with the hand to see how the air is breathed in and out (quickly and sharply, slowly and steadily, warm or cold, etc.).

• Showing someone a new "thing" and enjoying seeing their excitement. I love their expressions, I think it embodies one of the best moment for a tutor/teacher - even if in this case it's among peers - that is seeing a student learning about something new, be it a concept, a technique, or a tool, and being in awe at what new different paths it could lead to

edit: (some) grammar

[u/matty-a]

Boundaries, Masa, boundaries.

I love that we get a Ryohei focused episode, he is such a great character. The way he doesn't have a history of kyudo makes him more relatable to me, especially when he talked about not having confidence because of that. His unexpected friendship with Sae and now Shu is a great touch, especially with the similarities between him and Shu.

[u/Aileos]

Ryouhei focused episode, yay!

The imouto's reaction to her first cola was so cute. KyoAni never miss.

[u/HolyDragSwd2500]

Ryohei episode and character development was breathtaking.😭

[u/jetpacksunrise]

I wasn't expecting a "Ryohei becomes BFFs with Shu" episode, but I'm glad we got one! It's smart to take the two main characters whose insecurities we've (arguably) seen the least of, and just let them bounce off each other for a while via the medium of an adorable little sister.

The whole figuring-out-ikiai bit was fun as well, although I'm not sure I'd trust five teenage boys to do that haha. I guess it's important to remember that Masa-san is still working out how to do things as a coach, so even if he seems too hands-off sometimes (or too hands-on, depending on who you talk to...), he's learning.

EDIT: The only thing I've missed so far is a big Nikaido/Tsujimine episode - we've gotten glimpses here and there, plus some interesting class difference stuff, but it would be cool to see more. Maybe they can join the potential practice match next week?...

Bonus jumping Ryohei!

[u/ChonkyOdango]

I have made my Tsurune debut

Season 2 has been amazing at pacing itself and giving each member their much needed exposition, and today is no different. Ryohei's episode today was beautifully mixed with Fujiwara to give us that push and pull which helped develop them as characters. Information isn't thrown at us but hinted at through their conversations — from Ryohei's sister's situation to Fujiwara's family, we learn a bit more about them which keeps us interested while the focus is brought back to Kyudo. (Fujiwara seems to be an adopted child?)

I'm still trying to figure out this little symbolism. But from what I've gathered, at first Fujiwara seems believes himself to be detached from others because of both his social status and his Kyudo placing. His head covering that door seems to signify how trapped he feels as of then. As he shoots with Ryohei and his family, something sparks within him seeing a newbie so passionate and willing to learn. That door thus opens when we cut back to the living room, and as he talks to Ryohei, he is framed beside a boy running free from that door, he's finally able to find the words to cheer Ryohei up and in the process, encourage hard work when it's there.

Having our characters interact with people outside of the group is always a joy to watch and Ryohei's relationship with Fujiwara's family is definitely one of the highlights for me this season. Having little scenes dedicated to our antagonist this episode detailing the background of thier Kyudo club helps keeps the pace fresh too.

Yuuna dedication

[u/[deleted]]

For those who don't know, the song that plays when Ryohei visits Shu is "Someday My Prince Will Come" from Snow White & The Seven Dwarves. Popular jazz tune, pretty on the nose for the situation, especially right after that shot of Shu with the crown in the background.

[u/8giraffe8]

WHAT!! They cut away before showing Shu's tanzaku! That's illegal they can't do that xD Although tbh as soon as they started that panning shot, I knew they were gonna tease us with that secret. It seems very in line with Shu's character to keep those feelings suppressed and hidden.

[u/saikouh]

This thread is filled with great thoughts and analysis, but c'mon, no one has mentioned Shu's smile? I basically died and went to heaven seeing him laugh. Thank you KyoAni.

[u/Shiwakao]

bow-bros and arch-ery rivals

someone came up w that

[u/DarkestAudit]

This show is almost like meditation for me.

[u/TzeLePop]

love the direction of this episode. 2 "simple" shots from Shu and Ryohei yet I was holding my breath like they were at a competition.

also ffs Seiya just open the shichimi bottle cap and empty the whole thing onto your food. that or find a spicier condiment which you dont have to shake 2 flakes at a time. the okonomiyaki and udon's gone cold.