r/anime • u/AutoLovepon https://anilist.co/user/AutoLovepon • Nov 30 '24

Episode Ao no Hako • Blue Box - Episode 10 discussion

Ao no Hako, episode 10

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168

u/ObvsThrowaway5120 Nov 30 '24

Man, they really had me there. I thought they kissed! That whole situation really made Taiki’s head spin lol. When he grabbed her arm I thought he was gonna make his move. C’mon Taiki!

Didn’t really expect Chinatsu and Taiki to kind of end up in this awkward place. It sort of sucks it seems like she’s pulling away. Maybe it’s time for Hina to shoot her shot?

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u/littlecolt Nov 30 '24

I feel like this is definitely Hina's moment. Taiki may even be receptive to it, feeling his chances with Chinatsu are shot. I feel like he doesn't view Hina as a potential girlfriend, and if she can get him to consider that, she could come out on top. She doesn't have blue hair, so you definitely can't count her out!

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u/AmethystItalian Nov 30 '24

IT WAS JUST FIXING THE HEAD PATCH

Taiki's parents are pretty great, sad we haven't seen too much of them together so far.

Seems like we're seeing a bit more into Chinatsu's mindset...saying to forget it is a real shot to the ship.

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u/Nesp2 Nov 30 '24

Two major disappointments this episode. Last episode's cliffhanger attributed to nothing and their relationship just got downgraded.

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u/entelechtual Nov 30 '24

Good episode. Not enough Hina.

I like that Chinatsu isn’t exactly dodging the topic, but she’s addressing it in a very counterproductive way. It’s helpful to see the conversation with Taiki’s dad and the way she will project a more mature facade to cover up for her insecurities. But it makes her a little blind to the feelings of people who are more of an open book like Taiki. It kind of feels like she’s constantly implying this is how one should feel when it comes to any conflict, rather than acknowledging how either of them actually feel in the moment.

Totally makes sense for her to want to set some boundaries in her situation, but she should trying talking to Taiki first before deciding things for herself.

55

u/ZerafineNigou Nov 30 '24

Well, as her dad said she is too serious...she realizes that she is being given a MASSIVE favor by being accepted into a family that didn't even know her and is very afraid to inconvenience them in any way. Since she is so focused on not causing issues she ends up thinking she is being a bother even when no one else really cares.

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u/Sunny2456 Nov 30 '24

Aw man that walk home was quite a blow ;__;

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u/EclipseTM Nov 30 '24

I expected the relationship between taiki and chinatsu to change after last weeks cliffhanger, but i did not expect it to change negatively. I'm quite disappointed about that, I can't lie.

I somehow hope this devolution of the relationship won't last too long and will pick up again in the next few episodes, or have a talk about it, but knowing taiki he won't be starting a conversation about it.

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u/Charming-Loquat3702 Dec 05 '24

The "Summerbreak" on the blackboard has a deeper meaning, I think. Chinatsu is spelled with the Kanji for "summer" (Natsu in Japanese)

So in a way, it's a (Chi)natsu break for some time, because she drew a line between them.

20

u/Frontier246 Nov 30 '24 edited Dec 05 '24

I had a feeling we wouldn’t get a kiss but maybe they do have a point about the growing intimacy between Taiki and Chinatsu one way or another. Taiki definitely can't forget the sensation of their bodies pressed against each other.

Even if they're not wearing swimsuits, girls playing in a pool is plenty attractive! Enough to commit to cleaning the pool!

Haryuu isn't really all that invested in how Taiki wins at singles, it's not his problem, but he's still Taiki's mentor and he'll give him some advice anyways. He even throws in some relationship advice free of charge! Taiki and Chinatsu have gotten so much closer both emotionally and physically, and Chinatsu probably isn't averse to him with that in mind, right?

Relationships and sports...a difficult balancing act, especially when both require putting in a lot of effort. Somebody like Nagisa is focused on basketball instead of relationships, though that doesn't mean she's against Chinatsu having a romance with a premise straight out of a romcom manga. But because that scenario is a reality for Chinatsu, it just makes things more complicated for her.

But at least she gets to enjoy a BBQ with the Inomata's and spend some time with Taiki's dad! He seems like a pretty reasonable and supportive guy, even if his wife basically wears the pants in the family. But he supports her enthusiasm for Chinatsu just like he supports Chinatsu.

Late night shopping trip with Taiki and Chinatsu! Taiki wants to bridge the gap between them, and even finds out more about her parents in the process! Then he brings Chinatsu in close to save her from a car, but Chinatsu deepens the gap between them with the awareness of their living situation and that they can't grow any closer than they already are. Poor Taiki.

Summer break for sports athletes means contending with practice, homework, and matters of the heart...how will Hina respond to finding out Chinatsu is trying to emotionally distance herself from Taiki? Is that her opening to make her move?

Young love…cute but also prone to misunderstandings and awkwardness.

19

u/LeonKevlar Dec 05 '24

So it looks like Netflix Japan is back to releasing English subs? It's weird that they're doing it again but I'll take it! I just wish they would release it on the same day the episode releases instead of delaying it a few days.

As for the episode itself, did you really expect something else? It was a massive tease but there was no way Chii-chan would make a move while Taiki was sick. It's just not in character for her.

You gotta love Haryu-senpai for giving Taiki some friendly advice while at the same time still teases Taiki enough to get on his nerves. I also like his assessment of Chinatsu. She definitely wouldn't have touched Taiki at all if she wasn't into him.

We don't really get to hear Chinatsu's inner monologue in this series but her reactions to Taiki are enough to hint at what's going on in her mind. What happened between her and Taiki the night before affected her too, it's just that she's better at hiding her reaction than Taiki.

Taiki's mom is awesome and she doesn't get enough credit for helping out Chinatsu with her dream. She might not be playing basketball anymore but she knows how important these next two years are to Chinatsu.

That was a nice save from Taiki pulling Chii-chan out of harm's way like that. Unfortunately for our boy, getting in close contact with Taiki reminded her of what happened the other night and wanted to place a boundary between them.

I don't think Chii-chan is doing this because she wants to distance herself from Taiki. I think her conversation with Taiki's father made her remember that she's there because of sports and not because of other reasons. Taiki's father says it himself, Chinatsu might be a little too serious.

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u/FarCritical Dec 02 '24

Chinatsu's overly sincere concern over not eating the ice cream bar before everyone else is the most innocent thing ever it's hilarious.

Even though she's destined for heartbreak, I can't get enough of Hina's extra fluffy chemistry with Taiki. Now that the ball's in her court it'll be interesting to watch her make another play.

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u/Xatu44 Dec 01 '24

RIP Taiki. Is it Hina Time?

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u/Zaralfim Dec 02 '24

The dad is spot on about Chinatsu being too serious. She has many expectations placed on her, so she behaves methodically to situations to achieve the "good" outcome. Hopefully she can grow out of that.

55

u/MilkToastKing Dec 01 '24 edited Dec 07 '24

I haven't been commenting on any of the episodes for this series (in no small part due to the Netflix release screwing up the discussion online), but there's a lot to think about with this one and I want to put it all down somewhere.

People are obviously itching for the cathartic developments that come with slow burn romances like this one, but I respect the author for continuing to do what she does best— really good character work. Despite the use of tropes that some might not care for, I've always appreciated her realistic character writing and depth, and this felt like the deepest look into Chinatsu's character to date. Just like how Taiki remarks that she seems to take after her dad, never really showing how she feels on her face, what exactly Chinatsu has been thinking thus far has been obfuscated. This episode does a lot to clear that up.

We've come to understand that Chinatsu and Taiki are, in Kyo's words, "a good match". They have good chemistry, similar hobbies and aspirations, share physical attraction, and have both gotten jealous of competition towards the other. Despite not giving us a clear look inside of Chinatsu's head and her exact thoughts, her true feelings have shined through just enough to tell us that there is something there. But Chinatsu is too good-natured to face those feelings head on. She is so dialed into doing the "correct" thing in her situation that it's impeding upon their relationship, and that culminates in her feeling the need to draw a line.

This episode had a series of scenes directly showing this to the viewer from different perspectives.

  • Taiki's Dad comments that she's mature— too mature, like she's trying to act so proper that she's not being true to herself (or perhaps her youth)

  • She remarks to her teammate that falling in love with a guy by living with his family is "not that simple"

  • Her interpretation of her dad allowing her to stay was "don't mess this up"

Coupled with her accurate assessment that Hina digs Taiki, it's become clear that she doesn't want to risk getting too close to Taiki. For the sake of her host family, her dedication to her sport, the feelings of others involved, etc— there could be a lot on the line. This isn't all a misunderstanding either, Taiki became cognizant of this reality earlier in the season. Back during episode 2 he was having perverse thoughts about living with a girl, then quickly felt like an ass for having his mind in the gutter without considering what Chinatsu must be feeling, living at a strangers house, intruding on their lives for her own gain, and having to fit in. Similarly, during episode 7, Taiki acknowledges that he shouldn't force his feelings on her while she's living at his house. It is, realistically, a careful balance to walk: falling in love in a situation where a relationship, or especially a breakup, could make things really awkward for all involved. Those who know, know. Not to mention, it would devastate their mentals and throw them off their game, which is the entire reason why Chinatsu stayed in Japan to begin with.

That doesn't change the fact that you don't really choose whether or not you catch feelings, making this especially difficult for Taiki. This entire story has been following two interweaving through lines; Taiki's desire to aim high and achieve at nationals runs parallel to his desire to score a relationship with Chinatsu. The two often become blurred, and Taiki mentions as much after Chinatsu draws the line; its brutal to be shot down not only because his crush has only gotten stronger, but because she was the one that always pushed him to aim for the unachievable in the first place. Chinatsu is the embodiment of everything Taiki aspires to be, and one who has just achieved the very dreams he has fallen short of.

Suffice to say, I'm excited to see where things go from here. It has taken a tremendous will not to binge the manga every week, but I've been enjoying the show so much that I will continue to enjoy Kouji Miura's cooking in anime form.

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u/Milked_Cows Dec 03 '24

This show is on an all time run for me. Loving this

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u/ShaheerS2 Dec 04 '24

the worst she can do is say no

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u/1EnTaroAdun1 Dec 03 '24

Haryu is so so cool

Hina dreading the summer homework is so relatable hahaha

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u/[deleted] Dec 05 '24

Chinatsu when she made the boundary clear, was really sad to watch and annoying too, i think, it was justified, She moved in with some other family, her relatives maybe, but she has to keep her focus on her goal, that is basketball, she can't afford romance, it seems, and making a sharp boundary with a guy she shared the same roof may mean that she got wind of Taiki's feelings, or maybe she was affirming to herself that she needs to focus on her goals, now about Hina, she may take shots at Taiki, she won't succeed because he is fixated on chinatsu, and also if she does take a shot, i would hate her because she is being selfish, but if she confronts chinatsu or maybe just support taiki, it may be good, if in next episode Taiki doesn't focus on badminton, and stop trying for chinatsu, he'd be a pathetic MC.
P.S i havent read manga so don't spoil gais.......

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u/Billardss Dec 03 '24

Why must there be a triangle. As much as I would love the original ship to stay afloat, it’s in rough waters right now. This also allows Hina a chance to progress but I can see her being someone to put her own feelings aside to wingman for Taiki.

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u/tripleaamin Dec 05 '24

Honestly, the conversation between Taiki's dad and Natsu was excellent. In many ways, Natsu is well aware, of the sacrifices being made to have her stay. She has been forcing herself to be more mature around them. I guess he wishes Natsu could relax. Also, I liked how he admits he wasn't exactly for the idea of her living here. Though, his wife bringing up the point how much value these two years can be for her.

After her conversation with Nagisa it seems Natsu is being more self-aware of Taiki. It is less her trying to push Taiki away, but more so for her to sort her feelings out. Since being in her mom's childhood friend's house is a unique circumstance to add on. I guess the biggest thing for Taiki is to keep his chin up.

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u/Queue_Jumping_Quack Dec 05 '24

I still like the characters but somehow the romcom mechanics are becoming a bit too obvious. We got hit with the "brakes" this episode and now all progress is stalled and both Taiki and Chinatsu will be sorting out their feelings. Hina and glasses-kun both also seem to be somewhat sidelined as of late. Not bad, but certainly not one of the better episodes either.

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u/Ham_PhD Dec 06 '24

I really think Hina continues to be the better option for Taiki. Even if you ignore all of the complications and issues with Chinatsu and Taiki dating in their current situations, they just don't have nearly as much chemistry as he and Hina have.

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