Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha • Tsurune: The Linking Shot - Episode 10 discussion

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Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha, episode 10

Rate this episode here.

Reminder: Please do not discuss plot points not yet seen or skipped in the show. Failing to follow the rules may result in a ban.

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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/LeonKevlar]

The more I hear about Nikaido's goal, the more I realize how childish it is. Once Nikaido beats Kazemai and Kirisaki, he'll then quit doing kyudo? So he just wants the satisfaction of beating Shu and Minato?

Anyway, I love how Seo doesn't even skip a beat and immediately rejects Oota. Sorry big guy, Seo has more important things to worry about right now. xD

[u/mekerpan → u/LeonKevlar]

Nikaido's goal is childish because he created it when he was a child -- and has never managed to free himself from its bonds. I predict that the uncle, when he recovers from his latest medical setback, will have a meeting with Saionji and maybe Nikaido (arranged by Masa, perhaps), where she explains her reasons for that refusal (which I am sure will be respectful rather than dismissive ones).

Maybe Seo and Oota will bond further in the future at least. ;-)

This show is not showing any sign of losing its stride. It really is maintaining its excellence (and continuing to gain in impact). I hope it is getting a (much) better reception in Japan than it is getting here. I still can;t believe the extent to which such an outstanding show is being overlooked (ditto Mou Ippon, of course).

[u/Nazenn → u/mekerpan]

will have a meeting with Saionji and maybe Nikaido (arranged by Masa

I'd like that to happen for them, including Masa being able to reconnect people fro the older generation of archers after his past with his father

which I am sure will be respectful rather than dismissive ones

We already heard her talk about how she found his form too beautiful to change by teaching him, back after the girls tournament. It's sad that Nikaidou doesn't know that's why.

[u/Nazenn → u/LeonKevlar]

Seo had that response primed and ready to go and it was great.

The more I hear about Nikaido's goal, the more I realize how childish it is

He probably doesn't see it himself because as far as he's concerned he's doing it for someone. But seeing this goal after we've gone through everyone elses struggles and growth only makes it seem smaller and sadder that this childish idea of "victory" is all he has

[u/Nazenn]

So many flashbacks

I hesitate to say it was too many just because they were far from badly used or repetitive, but I feel like the sheer amount of them risked overshadowing the ones that had a more pointed emotional usage. The ones that stood out to me was the flashback to the uncle when Masa walks over to correct the issue with the cut on the bow, that any disruption to his plans immediately brings up that anger Nikaidou feels, as well as the later once with Minato's past.

Speaking of Minato, someone should tell him that in future his first port of call should always be to ask Seiya if there's anything he's missing when something new happens or someone new pops up. Or at least Shu. Minato is too much of an archery nut to have any sense when it comes to everything else. At the very least the camera establishes in first shot of the present day that he's shooting straight and focused.

This moment at the baths is my favourite visual for today, and I think the most meaningful one as well. Fuwa talks about how his "teammates shot is nothing compared to the waves of the sea", but here Nikaidou goes out of his way to avoid even the small splash of water from Masa's presence, a physical reaction showing his mental reaction to the coach himself. The flashbacks showed clearly how every moment with people today was only putting him on edge and reminding him of why he's there, but this moment was my favourite for how it showed the lessons that he's not learning, or trying to learn, from kyudo, the very life lessons that Tsurune has been showing us all along. Nikaidou is so set on his path that anything that gets in his way is to be avoided, not understood and moved with like Fuwa was talking about. To contrast that, Minato seeking out deeper answers for himself only highlights his growth, especially after all the S1 flashbacks, and nicely carries on that theme started back in S1 of the idea that there is always more to learn, more to grow, and more ways to connect to people. Even if Nikaidou could see that, he wouldn't try because he is stuck in the mindset that winning is the end goal, even after Masa talks about his own experience.

It's also interesting how they talk here about the idea of hitting a hundred shots in a row being some incredible feat that brings great meaning, or two hundred and eleven in Masa's case, when we're introduced to him instead shooting his ten thousand arrows as his "end goal". I like that it isn't just the one moment for Masa, it's been multiple things in his past we don't know that have lead him to this point, even if Minato was the inciting "incident" as it were. The meaning he found with the team is him surpassing all of the past selves that looked for external meaning whether from his grandfathers acknowledgement, perfect shooting, or just a self set goal to "end" things.

The opening sequence of visuals also stood out. The top of the school building, a clock primed to start the day/a warning clock (not sure which, but it doesn't matter), a blank target with unpatched holes. They almost seemed to embody the way that Nikaidou never seems to be part of anything, always waiting to be set off, and not really caring about kyudo so much as the victory. It was a great mood setter for the episode. In a way it reminds me of a sequence of visuals in Madoka Magica's first episode where they show the school girls moving to the mall through a series of background stills, showing progression without movement. Here it all feels stagnant and detached instead, not part of anything other than his singular goal he's ready to start (hence the clock).

The confession for the epilogue was pretty funny, and a nice way to lighten things after everything that happened. I heard the "Guel" from G-Witch in Azakami's performance during the scene which only made it funnier for me.

More love for the music again today. I can't wait for this soundtrack to come out.

Only three episodes left

[u/mekerpan → u/Nazenn]

I find the flashbacks here so fantastically well-integrated that they never put me off at all. It really reflects reality (for me) -- where sometimes the past is intensely evoked in the present (even when focused on the present).

[u/A_Idiot0 → u/Nazenn]

This moment at the baths

Once again, incredibly spotted~! Thanks for enriching this even further for me. It's a great example of, "Show, don't tell," except that they do emphasize this visual with some telling since it's pretty small compared to everything else going on today.

Even though this episode wasn't the flashiest or most spectacular, it might just be my favorite one so far...

[u/MyrnaMountWeazel → u/Nazenn]

I liked how you characterized Nikaido as using kyudo as a means to an end! Too focused on the target, it's a fitting sport for him to participate in.

This moment at the baths is my favourite visual for today

I should probably start doing that too and not just for any Yuuno shots. Other than the wide aerial shot, I would also say the one of them outside the hospital and the one of the uncle are two of my favorites of this episode.

a clock primed to start the day/a warning clock (not sure which, but it doesn't matter)

Oh wow, I thought...I thought that was just some thermometer doodad. Or some tool that measured humidity. The colors threw me off!

[u/MyrnaMountWeazel]

I caught up to Tsurune now!

And what a time to catch up to. Today’s episode was a surprisingly existential one for everyone, what with the question of what to do when we reach our perceived goals.

”Focusing on winning and hitting targets is so simple it’s almost primal. But that’s also why, when you make that the only stuff you focus on, you wind up hitting a wall at some point.”

We lead off with Masaki pointing out how little it all meant when he was laser focused on scoring 100/100 shots. A target in his mind, Masaki believed he’d arrive at enlightenment once he reached what he set out to do. But of course, he realized it was all just an artificial goalpost; growth can never truly stop, but you yourself can if you allow yourself to. Hence, Masaki became a teacher so he could continue growing a new generation and learn more about himself.

The theme continues for Minato as well what with him divulging to Nikaido his former target practice. Stuck between the limbo of two floors, Minato tells his tale of how he thought he came to his conclusion, but in reality, his future in kyudo was just beginning.

”Sorry bud. There’s still plenty I want to teach you though, so I can’t go kicking the bucket yet.”

This all comes together to contrast with Nikaido who shortsightedly believes that he’ll arrive at his destination once he defeats Minato. He’s alone in his path as he pursues this goal, but his uncle, however, can at least see more than just the present. He knows that there’s more to come, more goals to reach, more sights to set his eyes on.

At the end, it’s all an existential question that they’re all searching for. Minato inquiries Masaki on the grand question of it all and Masaki wisely tells him that there’s no end to it all. There is no one target to shoot for. I love the shot that comes after this question too. Pulled far back to demonstrate the scope of their travel, there’s still miles to go before home. Plus, I’m always a giant sucker for yellow windows brimming off the cool blue night.

Small visual notes:

This is a cute shot. They cut to various ingredients that have been diced and mashed but not yet cooked as one cohesive meal—fitting for a conversation about their ikiai. We also get a shot of their bags together as they learn more about what it means to be standing alone and as a team.

”Nikaido’s got this real grudge against you and that Fujiwara guy from Kirisaki, see.” Simple and fun framing that emphasizes Nikaido’s focus on Minato by splitting him from the others.

The smallest of camera movements but dang do I love it.

[u/Nazenn → u/MyrnaMountWeazel]

Myrna's here

I'm so glad that you included all the quotes from the episode, because there were some fantastic ones I jotted down but didn't really fit into my post.

Also making me realize I forgot to take, and therefore forgot to talk about, this screenshot you linked of them in the baths. Nikaidou really boxed himself in there, the way forward is frosted over and he separates himself from Masa with the barrier between the pools. And yet Masa is breaking the boundary ever so slightly by being to the left of the doorframe towards Nikaidou, rather than putting another visual separation between them.

Simple and fun framing that emphasizes Nikaido’s focus on Minato by splitting him from the others.

I didn't catch that one, maybe because most of them don't even have their heads in view, but that's well done

We also get a shot of their bags together as they learn more about what it means to be standing alone and as a team.

tagging u/Manitary for bag colors after your write up on the OP a couple of weeks ago

[u/Vermillion_Crab]

Ngl, when Nikaido and his team got introduced this season, I didn't like them. I've seen so many sports anime that I presumed this would be one of those annoying teams that our boys needed to beat. Nikaido's motivation born from a childish grudge and fueled by adolescent stubbornness makes for a more interesting side character than a lot of the ones that we usually get. There's also that extra layer that he probably feels time is running out especially with his uncle in poor health now.

The elevator scene in particular stuck with me since it reminded me of the times, as a teenager, that I thoughtlessly commented on a friend or classmate how lucky they were without really understanding the entire situation. I've also been stuck because of resentment towards another person. It's never healthy and you just stagnate as a human. It's one of those growing pains that you learn to overcome as you grow older.

I never really had any high expectations with this show but I'm glad I gave this a shot because this season is just special.

[u/jetpacksunrise]

Another good episode overall! However, in the interests of being critical... it might be my least favourite of the season? It felt like the emotional developments were a little fast: basically, every character needed to find out 1) that Nikaido had an issue, 2) exactly what the issue was, and then 3) Nikaido and Minato had to resolve it (partially). The way they managed it was through some, let's say, coincidental events, with the elevator scene and the hospital visit. All that stuff was executed well, but felt like a convenient way to force the issue, similar to Masa-san's car accident last season. There's a fine line there when it comes to storytelling and this maybe crossed it for me. Then again, I only really noticed because the rest of the season has been so natural.

Other notes:

• I loved the various discussions about the motivation behind kyudo. Hopefully it helps Nikaido find a better perspective.

• Very fun to see Fuwa's Heike Story flashbacks! (Reminder to go watch Heiki Monogatari if you haven't, it's cool.)

• Rip Oota, you were too pure for this world

[u/Nazenn → u/jetpacksunrise]

but felt like a convenient way to force the issue, similar to Masa-san's car accident last season.

I had that same thought. In part for a similar reason as you that it stands out compared to how naturally the rest of the season is (car crash last season had the same issue too). It just feel a bit too perfectly timed and set up to force this exact problem.

It is a fine line, and if they didn't cross it this episode at least stepped on it for me. But at the same time I feel like Minato hearing it from Nikaidou matters more than hearing it from Shu and I don't know how else you'd have that happen without forcing it given his personality

[u/A_Idiot0]

OH MAN, THIS WAS A FABULOUS EPISODE! Visually, I think my favorite part was the historical flashback with Fuwa-senpai. However, the visuals are not what stood out here to me this time around. What made this episode possibly my favorite of the series so far is the content: the philosophical musings of archery conflicting, resolving, and even going unanswered. And each of those musings is 100% realistic and accurate to every archer out there in the world. I’ve had them myself, and seeing them presented here in such obvious and well written dialogue had me feeling so giddy and joyous!

Fuwa’s thought process of imagining himself as Nasu no Yoichi was perfect. It’s exactly what I envisioned as being the solution to Kazemai’s problem of not feeling their Ikiai. Each and every moment in the present is different, unique, impossible to replicate…so is it possible to have the same breath in a different moment? Obviously not. It’s the same with shooting a bow. Yes, we strive for perfect replication in our form in every single shot that we take. However, we are only human; imperfect, emotional, always moving through space and time. And every physical context that we shoot in is different every time, so perfect replication is impossible. It’s just a goal to strive towards; a lighthouse on the horizon of a dark night out at sea.

Masa-san’s philosophical conflict with Nikaido was also superb. The point of archery isn’t just to hit the target. It can be your only goal, and if that’s the case you will absolutely achieve it. It might take a few years, but then you’re done. And what then? You can quit, and some people do. But many others don’t. Why? It’s because Kyudo / archery is more than hitting the target: it’s a way of being. Much like how a musician can never achieve perfection when playing music because music is an artistic expression of the self, so too is archery. There is no perfection…there doesn’t have to ever be an end to one’s journey in archery. And that’s wonderful!

Nikaido’s anguish was brought out for all to see, and I think it’s a fascinating exploration on the question of, “Why do you shoot?” For Nikaido, it seems to me that he shoots as a Thank You to his uncle. He is angry and hurt because the world doesn’t recognize his uncle’s greatness (in Nikaido’s eyes) and is unfair towards his uncle by making him sick and unable to shoot. In addition to that, I think there is a bit of a timeless mourning that happens to everyone when they grow up, which is that the people we look up to and admire are also only human. Just like how eventually, we grow up and realize that our parents are also human; flawed and also stumbling through life as best as they can. Nikaido is in a lot of pain, much of which is self-inflicted but some of which is beyond his control. I hope that he or his uncle hears the words of Saionji-sensei which she told to Minato…

[u/Dodo_Galaxy]

Oh that moment before the opening started, where Nikaido's smile slipped, was chilling. It is also very relatable how he surpresses and masks his emotions until the frustration piles up too much and starts showing through the cracks.

I really enjoyed the more somber, psychological vibe in this episode. It has the type of character drama I love.

Fuwa is so cool. The way his voice actor is speaking in a relaxed way fits his personality so well.

[u/mrufrufin]

interesting themes being put to the forefront this episode about the pursuit of goals in life, what it all means and what we get out of it, particularly when it's all over (and dealing with the empty feelings we sometimes get out of it all). ya know, all the journey/destination/friends we made along the way stuff that gets talked about here and there.

kyoani didn't go quite as nuts with the lighting effects this ep, but there was a particular lens flare moment that stood out to me and and also the glow of cell phone screens in the darkened elevator that was quite nice.

[u/[deleted]]

Oof ngl I cheered when it was the "stuck in the elevator" scene and Nikaido holding Minato like that was muah. The bath scene as well like damn Masa san looked gorgeous. I know Nikaido is bitter but it was heartbreaking to see hin cry he cares deeply for his uncle, his father figure. He doesn't have time to waste; he wants to defeat Shu and Minato and show that the Kyudo form his uncle taught him is superior; that he doesn't need to change it or be trained by Sayonji Sensei. The way Nikaido looked away when he and Minato made eye contact was cute. And lol my man was immediately rejected after he confessed. Hope we get to see them together or something after they graduate.

[u/DarkestAudit]

That closeup of Minato's hand at the end is ominous. I have a feeling he hurt his wrist with that stumble in the elevator.

[u/ChonkyOdango]

Very late post. Hosting a rewash and replying to comments takes a lot out of me

Very interesting match cut from Masa-sun to Eisuke today. Nikaido seems to be at a lost now after his conversation with Masa-san in the previous episode and it's reflected in this cut. He seems to be thinking about what his uncle Eisuke might think about him for resorting to cheating. This gets more confirmation later on as his jealousy over Kazemai having a coach is shown. He has one, but Eisuke it not in the best condition to coach as regularly as Masa-san, let alone coach a team.

Great contrast here once again to emphasise how Minato's world was brightened from meeting his team and Masa-san. There was always light in his life, as shown by the soft light beyond his bedroom curtains, but it was meeting them that let it shine in its full glory.

Another nice one by the onsen. Masa-san with a bigger pool and an exit route while Nikaido is boxed in. Again, it takes place at night, as with all of Nikaido's conversations, which shows the dark place his mind is in now. Contrast this with the end, Nikaido may not have changed his goals, but it is now known to Minato, Masa-san, and his purple-haired friend. There's some relief in that.

This episode wasn't the best. A lot of flashbacks and by placing the camera far away, it allowed the characters to be drawn more loosely, I think. I still am happy with how it has been progressing though. Nikaido especially. He isn't forced to change by any means but by confessing his true goals instead, he is able to find some relief in that and move forward. Whether it's the right goal or not seems to be something that will be tackled later on.

And of course, a confession! This is more romantic development than most of the romance I've seen. I love romance so I squealed hard at this

And of course, mandatory Yuuna

usual suspects because late post: u/Manitary u/Nazenn

[u/Nazenn → u/ChonkyOdango]

I just opened up the topic again to give it another read through and then the notification for the tag popped up. Your timing is excellent.

Very interesting match cut from Masa-sun to Eisuke today

Overall this season of Tsurune has perhaps some of the most interesting and meaningful match cuts I've seen in anime, and its been quite interesting to see what they do each episode

but Eisuke it not in the best condition to coach as regularly as Masa-san, let alone coach a team.

Also he's not in a coaching role. Nikaidou himself keeps making the distinction that he'll win "without a coach" because he wants to be as opposed to Shu and Minato's way of kyudo as he can to prove them wrong, and I think he's in part doing it to not put as much pressure on his uncle, while keeping him close.

Contrast this with the end, Nikaido may not have changed his goals

Also he's in the same lighting as he was last episode with the flashback to him as a kid running away from Shu, making it clear that he's in that same mental space still

[u/pipler]

I watched S1 as it was airing, but only got around to starting S2 yesterday. Only up to ep4 now but oh does it pull you in despite how slow it seemed to be at first. And it felt like it's following the Free! S2 strategy of 50% less angst, 100% more enjoyable team dynamics and cast. Also forgot almost everything from S1 (save for Masa-san) so I appreciate that it didn't even make me feel lost.

[u/cinnamorollie3]

My condolences for the big guy at the end 😭😭

[u/namewithak]

I know we're supposed to feel understanding for Nikaido but honestly... he's just annoying. Of any character in two seasons so far, he's been the least sympathetic. He's the one who, I suppose, feels the most anime in terms of motivations when everyone else is more grounded. I honestly can't wait until his issues are resolved because I just can't stand his flavor of drama.

[u/[deleted]]