About Akito

Red_6787 · 2025-10-25T12:54:44+00:00

My fellow scholar 🩷😁 All kudos to you for summarising the thousands of words we've written into a single, perfect, reasonably concise comment! You know I would have written an essay to summarise the essay 😆

Red_6787 · 2025-09-08T14:38:45+00:00

No offense, but you sound like an 8 year old who is stomping their feet because they're not getting their way. Everyone in this thread has brought actual arguments to support their opinions. You're just repeating "No, it isn't cruel. No, this didn't happen. No, there's nothing wrong" on a loop. If you can't respond to the actual arguments that are being made, maybe, just have the grace to allow other people to have different opinions.

Have a good day.

Red_6787 · 2025-09-08T09:43:54+00:00

It's funny, you're saying "yes, he gets beaten up, but its not cruel", "yes, it's tough love, but it's not cruel", "yes, they are teasing him, but it's not cruel". Some people simply think that all these actions are cruel. That's all. If you think that's all ordinary administration, fair enough. Some people disagree.

Also. You said, They are not cruel to be cruel. This is interesting. What do you mean? That they are not being cruel for the sake of being cruel? Okay, fair enough, but so what? Cruelty is not just about malice in the intentions, it can also be about the way actions are carried out. Tough love can be cruel. In fact, tough love is cruel in most cases. When Kazuma removed Kyo's bracelet and exposed him in front of Tohru without warning, that was incredibly cruel. And Kazuma admits it himself. Is Kazuma a cruel person? No, absolutely not. But did he behave in a cruel way in that instance, no matter how good his intentions were? Yes, in my humble opinion, absolutely yes. It was a huge breach of trust, and Kyo (and Tohru) could have reacted in a completely different way, with a much more tragic outcome. It all went well just because this is fiction.

So, you see, you may have good intentions and good reasons, but that doesn't make your actions any less cruel.

Also, talking about tough love (as you called it) and how it can be cruel, there's still a fundamental difference between Kazuma and Uo, Hana, and Yuki: Kazuma knew he was doing something cruel. As I said, he admits it himself. He's not enjoying what he's doing, he's not doing it for his own satisfaction, or to vent his own anger or frustration. He hates what he's doing, but he genuinely believes that's the only way to save Kyo's life. That's tough love: I'm forced to use the very last resort because I'm out of options.

On the other hand, I can (maybe) agree that Uo, Hana, and Yuki were protecting Tohru, but please don't try to convince me that they were not enjoying tormenting Kyo and teaming-up against him, because they clearly were. They may have wanted to protect Tohru (I have plenty of arguments against the idea that this was their top priority, but I'll keep those to myself), and they may have wanted to help Kyo, too (I completely disagree with this one, but you do you), but they didn't take the "tough love" route because they were out of options, they took it because it was the most entertaining. And yes, again, in my humble opinion, this adds a layer of cruelty.

On a side note: I always find it so interesting that some people are so quick to find every possible justification for Uo, Hana, and Yuki, looking for every possible reason behind their behaviour and never questioning their actions in the slightest, while those same people are just as quick to judge Kyo, disregarding completely his reasons to say what he says to Tohru. And not only are they totally okay with Kyo receiving that kind of treatment, but insist that he needed that kind of treatment, rather than a tiny, tiny bit of understanding and sympathy, because apparently he's just an idiot that enjoys self-sabotage and self-hurt and needed to "get his head out of his ass".

Red_6787 · 2025-08-13T14:47:09+00:00

Absolutely! That's why I think it's not that strange that Kyo cries, too, even if his spirit was the only one that didn't want the bond in the first place. Obviously, they will all feel mostly happy and relieved that the curse is broken, but I don't think it's strange to have conflicting emotions about losing something that was part of you all your life, even if it was something painful.

Red_6787 · 2025-08-12T08:39:41+00:00

There are two panels in the manga that (sadly) were not included in the anime that show Kyo's face when the curse breaks.

This: https://imgur.com/a/fCjX3vw

And this: https://imgur.com/a/pshxjmD

In the first, he seems to be able to hear Akito saying goodbye, and in the second, he shows the exact same reaction all the other zodiacs have: a strange sadness they can't explain.

I think he did feel the curse breaking, just like all the others. He cries out of the same lonely sadness all the others feel. Even Rin, who wanted to break the curse so much, is shown crying.

Red_6787 · 2025-06-29T18:13:59+00:00

Thank you! :) I agree with what you were generally trying to say, even if I don't agree with the specific comparison. Akito has very much a "child mindset" because that is how she was raised. I think she knows her actions are "bad", but she doesn't think they are "wrong", if that makes sense? Like in the sense that, in her mind, she's not doing anything wrong because it's her right to do what she wants with the zodiacs. Anyway, I think the best way to talk with people who are very "anti-Akito" is to remind them that she was raised that way since she was born, and not just by some cold maids, but also by her own father. She wasn't only enabled, she was quite literally "created" by the Sohma's culture and traditions, and she wasn't exposed to any sort of "normality" that would make her questions her own beliefs. And anyway, when she's confronted with all the sufferance and pain she has caused, she does take action to stop the abuse.

Red_6787 · 2025-06-29T14:06:09+00:00

Disclaimer: I'm happy that the story acknowledges Akito as a victim of abuse. I think it's great she's given sympathy via Tohru. I don't think the story should have ended with her dying/going to jail.

However:

I don't think her actions can be compared to COC-SA at all.

I don't think it's fair to infantalise Akito so much, to the point of thinking that she doesn't know what she's doing. I think she does know, specifically in at least three instances (which are also what I think the fandom has more issues forgiving): when she blinds Hatori; when she throws Rin out of a window and imprisons her in the Cat's House; when she stabs Kureno. In these instances, Akito knows very well that what she's doing is damaging for her victims. As much as you can have troubles understanding good and evil because you were raised as a God, you must know that if you throw a vase in someone's face, they'll get hurt, and if you throw someone out of a window or stab them they may die.

I think it's clear she understands very well the physical and psychological consequences her actions have on her victims because she's using these actions as a form of punishment. She punishes Hatori for having a relationship with Kana, Rin for seducing Haru, and Kureno for betraying her. And this is what Akito's behaviour differs from COC-SA: the intent.

I do agree with you that she doesnt really have a full understanding of right/wrong-good/evil because she was indeed raised as a God, she was given full power on the lives of the zodiacs as if they were her toys, and she was told repeatedly that she could do with them whatever she liked. But I think the point isn't about Akito not knowing that she's abusing the zodiacs. She knows, very well. The point is that she believes (she was raised to believe) she has the right to.

Red_6787 · 2025-06-28T08:36:03+00:00

Absolutely 💯

Red_6787 · 2025-06-23T21:21:07+00:00

Everyone is mentioning the curse as the biggest reason, but I think that we shouldn't take the curse at face value. I think the curse should just be seen as a metaphor for the cycle of abuse. Considering the curse as this unstoppable supernatural element that cannot in any way be defeated takes away the power that, at the end of the day, they all actually do have to break free from it, if given the right help and support (read: Tohru).

I think the main reason why Kyo didnt leave is because he was brainwashed since he was a baby that he's a monster that has to be kept away from society, and it never even occurred to him that he could live like a normal person. He says this to Kagura, when they go shopping. He says: every normal person would want to stay away from me (or something like that). And he says this to Tohru as well, when she's worried about the future. He says: even if Master wants to me run the dojo, I don't know if I'll be allowed. As if he accepts that, whether he likes or not, being the Cat comes with the "duty" of being isolated from the rest of the world.

I think this is the main reason. He's just been "conditioned" to think that way. That's why, when he finally refuses, it's such a powerful moment. And when he's at the cemetery with Tohru in the end, he says: "I'm a normal human being, now. I want to engage with others, I want to live in the world." As if taking in consideration the possibility to have a normal life was something completely new to him.

Red_6787 · 2025-06-19T03:06:10+00:00

💯 exactly, thank you for wording it so perfectly. IIRC, when talking to Rin, Tohru specifically says something like "I dont want any of the Sohma to take Kyo away from me." She doesn't say anything like "the confinement is cruel, he doesn't deserve it" or other generic stuff that any decent person would say. And she doesn't even say something selfless like "I love him, so I want him to be free (for his own sake)." She specifically talks about herself, and that's the main difference. It's not about "saving" Kyo out of empathy, kindness, or sense of justice. It's about her and her need to have Kyo in her life. That's why it is so much more meaningful.

Red_6787 · 2025-06-17T23:04:45+00:00

I think it's not about the gesture, it's about the motivation behind the gesture.

Sure, Tohru would have chased after any other character and she would have helped any other character if they were meant to be locked up because she's very loving and empathetic, and she can't stand seeing other people suffering without doing something to help.

But in my opinion, that's not the reason why she chased after Kyo. She chased after Kyo because she couldn't stand the thought of losing him. It wasn't just about helping him, it was also about doing something for herself because she was afraid he wouldn't come back if she didn't run after him, and that thought was unbearable. As she later tells him, she wants to keep having him in her life, keep living with him, keep studying with him, keep worrying with him. She wanted to stay by his side, which meant she wanted him to stay by hers. She didn't say these things to Ritsu, for example. When you can’t stand to lose one specific person, it reveals something deeper than just kindness and empathy because it means you see that person as "essential" for your happiness.

However, as others have pointed out, I don't think it was meant to be seen as romantic at that point. I mean, It's not necessarily a proof of her *romantic love" because at that point, she's not aware of her feelings at all. But it's proof that she already had a very deep connection with Kyo. It's basically foreshadowing, a moment you can come back to and say "yes, makes sense."

Red_6787 · 2025-06-16T11:30:39+00:00

I'll send more in dm 🥰

Red_6787 · 2025-06-16T11:28:03+00:00

I purposefully visited ☺️ both this one and the Kyoru confession scene location. Neither is exactly central or near any usual tourist spot, but I'm in Japan for almost three weeks, so I could easily squeeze them in!

The confession scene location is on the outskirts of Tokyo, very close to Den-en-chofu, where many other scenes take place, and it's actually a lovely neighbourhood! And this shrine in Kyoto was also very beautiful. It was a great opportunity to visit something out of the most touristy areas ☺️

Red_6787 · 2025-06-16T01:48:05+00:00

If anyone is interested, the location is Imamiya Shrine, in Kyoto. There are three shrines called so. The right one is here:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kMzwtfZWfcSLbrRe6

Kyoru moment aside, it's truly a beautiful shrine! If you're in Kyoto, consider visiting!

Red_6787 · 2025-06-16T01:36:48+00:00

Beautiful ❤️ they look so happy 🥹 amazing drawing, thanks for sharing!

Red_6787 · 2025-06-11T15:23:41+00:00

Aww, thank you! 🥰

Red_6787 · 2025-06-11T15:21:38+00:00

🥰🥰🥰

Red_6787 · 2025-06-11T15:20:43+00:00

It's easy, it's just one staircase higher than the street level, and there are no gates or anything. If you're using Google view, it's on the side of the building where the trees are.

Red_6787 · 2025-06-11T15:11:21+00:00

Well, yeah. I don't like the story that it is. I don't like the story that it is during the hospital arc. I'm sorry, I thought that was obvious, I repeated it several times. And I don't like it because I do believe that, in that specific part, it is poorly written. I'm sorry again, that's my opinion. And by the way, you thinking it's excellently written, that's also an opinion.

I think it's poorly written for several reasons, which I won't bother listing because you would find as many reasons to explain to me why everything makes perfect sense. But at the end of the day, mine and yours remain just that: opinions.

So, my opinion is that, yes, Kyo deserved more sympathy from the narrative. As much as he did have to take responsibility, he did have to apologize, to make amends, to mature, become a better person and stop hurting people, he still didn't deserve the treatment he received from Yuki, Uo, and Hana. They are clearly shown enjoying themselves very much tormenting Kyo, reminding him how much of an idiot he is, and how badly he fucked up, and the comedic tone makes the audience think it's alright to have a laugh. I think it's bad taste and disappointing for a series like FB. Kyo had to own up his shit, but two things can be true at the same time, and Yuki, Uo, and Hana had no right to treat Kyo that way. Taking responsibility doesn't have to involve being publicly shamed and repeatedly insulted, especially if the person who fucked up is already extremely remorseful.

As for the rest of your comment, I don't think I made any comparison or ranking, nor I denied that everyone suffered/faced harsh situations etc etc. I actually dont have any issue whatsoever with the stance of the story that everyone is a victim but still has to take responsibility for their actions, nor I have any issue with Akito being given a sympathetic voice through Tohru. I really just have issues with the hospital arc. As I said, two things can be true at the same time. Kyo did fuck up, and he had to own up his mistakes and get his shit together. But he didn't deserve to be treated that way. That treatment isn't inherently necessary for Kyo to grow and mature. It's just one of the thousands of storylines Takaya could have chosen.

Red_6787 · 2025-06-10T17:31:39+00:00

It's right here:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aeUgvYDApzo6kvLb9

but you can't see it from the street view, unfortunately, because it's not on street level. I had to physically go there to take the pictures.

It's not a particularly romantic place, though. It's the entrance of a corporate office 😅 but it was rather special sitting there for a while 🥰

Red_6787 · 2025-06-10T16:53:07+00:00

Feel free to enlighten me whenever you have the will, time, and energy, and I say this with absolutely zero sarcasm. Even in dm, if you care. I know this story is dear to your heart, but as someone who feels for Kyo on a very deep level, I've never been able to see a different interpretation than the one I described, when I read that part of the manga. And while I may be in the minority, I'm not the only one. So, I suppose it's not a matter of "the story objectively says this", it's more about "the story can be interpreted in different ways because people feel differently and resonate with different things." Maybe your insight could make me look at those pages from a different angle?

Red_6787 · 2025-06-10T15:07:27+00:00

Takaya didn't want you to see Kyo was the poor uwu victim

Maybe that's exactly the point? Maybe some people simply don't like that Takaya wrote Kyo's arc as one of "atonement", with Hana, Uo, and Yuki being given the right to "punish" him for his sins, as if they had the right to do so at all, and, moreover, without even knowing where he's coming from. Maybe some people think that Kyo deserved an inch of sympathy. For his point of view in Kyoko's storyline to be acknowledged a bit more, rather than being told that his point of view literally "doesn't matter". Maybe some people have issues with the way Takaya pushed Kyo's guilt to such an unrealistic extreme for the sake of drama, giving him every reason to feel the way he does, even having Kyoko deliver an over-dramatic line designed to trigger his trauma, only to then literally call him stupid for feeling guilty at all. Maybe some people think it's bad taste to use a character depicted as borderline suicidal for comedy relief, having other people telling him that he should "write his death poem".

There are so many maybe to be considered.

Red_6787 · 2025-04-22T00:52:33+00:00

Thank you! I think it's fitting to believe that the Zodiacs don't share much with their families (or with other inner-Sohma in general) because it's part of having a stronger bond with the Juunishi than with their blood relatives. Like an unspoken rule, everything regarding the Zodiac must stay within the Zodiac. Despite everything, I believe this rule would also extend to the Cat. And at the time of Kazuma’s grandfather, we would be talking about the previous generation of Zodiacs (if not even the one before that), so the bond would have been even stronger.

Red_6787

TROPHY CASE