Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (Episode 13) – The Best at Being the Worst
Never fear, Hajime is here! Well, unless you’re determined to become his enemy. In that situation, you have plenty to fear! He doesn’t care who or what you are, just don’t get in his way.
What did you watch?
This is episode 13 of Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest. It’s the season finale, but don’t worry a second season has already been announced… That’s right, you’re not reading this incorrectly. There will be more Arifureta and I have distinctly mixed feelings about that. But we’re not here to talk about that. This post is about episode 13, so that is what we shall talk about. Prepare yourself for spoilers, edgy characters and lots of monsters!
What happened?
Hajime raced through the labyrinth to find his former classmates. Once in position, he used his pile driver to bust through from the floor above. The stunned heroes could only watch as Hajime took out all manner of monsters in a quick and easy fashion. Even after Endo revealed that is was the same Hajime that had fallen off the bridge back then, they couldn’t believe him. The biggest shock for Kaori was when Myuu referred to Hajime as papa!
The demon continued to fight back summoning more and more monsters, but it wasn’t enough. Even her strongest magic was no match for Hajime. With nowhere to run, she turned to face Hajime. He asked her about how she was able to control the monsters and when she refused, he guessed and it looked like he was right. With no more use for her, Hajime executed her, much to the shock of the heroes. Once out of the labyrinth, Kaori told Hajime that she was coming with him… much to Yue’s displeasure.
What did you think?
Like the rest of this series, I have mixed emotions. I actually enjoyed most of this episode, but I cannot get my head around the use of 3D CGI for the monsters, especially after recently watching To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts which used standard animation for all the monsters and looked a million times better. The overall story is interesting and this one set up a cool confrontation, but as usual, it was resolved far too easily. Hajime is just pointing his guns in any direction and still taking out the monsters. Shea can just spin around with her hammer and she destroys a horde. They’ve taken a lot of the action out of the action and it takes away part of the fun.
What was your favourite moment?
After the end, we saw Shizuku approach Hajime to give him back the sword he gave her. He said she could keep it and they had a brief discussion before being interrupted by Yue and Kaori getting jealous. That’s not going to get annoying fast, is it!
Anyhow, I thought this scene between Hajime and Shizuku was one of the most genuine moments in the series. Like his discussion with Sensei, Hajime seemed to be more relaxed and sincere. They seemed to have an actual discussion without any ulterior motive or people fawning over each other. I honestly hope that Shizuku ends up with their group, but not because she’s in love with him, but as an equal and a friend. It would definitely make the dynamic that much more interesting than just having them all fawning over Hajime.
What was your least favourite moment?
I have no interest in them fighting over who loves Hajime the most. None whatsoever. And what happened to Yue wanting Hajime to have lots of things he can cherish? Clearly, Kaori is too much of a threat to her. Yue really isn’t an exciting character and other than standing around and looking cute… someone’s else’s words, not mine… what does she actually do? So, seeing Yue and Kaori going head to head to prove who loves Hajime more was a massive eye roll moment for me.
Who was your favourite character?
It’s still Shizuku. She is by far the most interesting character in the show and had she been given more time throughout the rest of the series, I think that would have become much more apparent. She is the only one of the heroes that appear to have any sense. Please don’t make her fall in love with Hajime too, that would just be boring. Is this from Commonplace to World’s Strongest or World’s Most Loved?
Who was your least favourite character?
I just don’t like Yue. She is flat and dull as a character. With her power and experience, I’m amazed that they’ve not figured out something useful for her to do other than protect the others, which seems to be her main role, other than glaring at Kaori, of course. I don’t like Hajime either, but he gets worse when around Yue. Actually, I’d like Shea and Tio to run off with Shizuku and go on adventures. That’s the show I want for season two!
Would you like some more?
So, I guess I will talk about season two then. We are getting a second season and I am quite surprised. Sure, there are those out there that are really enjoying it and I’m delighted for them. There’s nothing like a show you’re really invested in continuing. Personally, I hate to see a story cut short, so that part of me is happy that we will continue and maybe get to see the ending.
The instant announcement of a second season, however, makes me a little cross that this season has been so rushed. There has been little if any real development of the characters other than one episode they’re one way and the next episode they’ve changed completely. Where is the natural progression and growth?
I’m also going to mention the appalling CGI once more because To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts with it’s animated monsters was ten times the show this was and it hasn’t had a second season announced yet. Hell, even Fairy Gone got a second season!
Other posts in the series
- Season One
- Episode 1 – The Monster of the Abyss
- Episode 2 – Pandora’s Box
- Episode 3 – The Golden Vampire Princess
- Episode 4 – Guardian of the Depths
- Episode 5 – The Maverick’s Lair
- Episode 6 – Worthless Rabbit
- Episode 7 – The Great Reisen Labyrinth
- Episode 8 – Reunion with the Past
- Episode 9 – Dragon Slayer
- Episode 10 – The Goddess’ Sword
- Episode 11 – The Monsters’ Day Off
- Episode 12 – A Looming Shadow
- Episode 13 – The Best at Being the Worst
- Season Two
- Episode 14 – Irregular
- Episode 15 – Burning Light
- Episode 16 – Black and White
- Episode 17 – Reunion
- Episode 18 – Memories from the Bottom of the Sea
- Episode 19 – Someone Important
- Episode 20 – A New Vow
- Episode 21 – A Disturbing Darkness
- Episode 22 – Invasion of the Capital
- Episode 23 – God’s Apostle
- Episode 24 – Betrayal
- Episode 25 – A New Journey
- Bonus Posts
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CGI didn’t bother me this episode, I actually really liked the gun CGI to be honest. But Shea’s spin-o-rama attack was a bit silly…
I felt like both Shizuku and Kaori interacted with Hajime on a much more personal and real level, compared to all of Hajime’s harem girls. Although I guess Kaori is also one now, so her personality will probably vanish in the next season and be replaced with some trope.
Agreed Kaori and Shizuku felt like real people and interacting with Hajime made him feel real for a moment too. Unlike his harem, however, that have become one note cardboard cutouts.
The thing about Shizuku feeling real, being more like a dear friend and equal, not fawning over him… that actually made me want to ship her with Hajime *much* more than any of the other girls. It’s like, this felt like a proper, real relationship, albeit one that doesn’t have anything romantic to it as of yet. They’d be good together, without being defined only by each other. And I have heard it said, the best marriages are between best friends. 🙂
Hajime has been at his best when talking to Shizuku and Sensei, so I wouldn’t be completely against the idea as long as I didn’t happen over a single episode. We should see them being friends, working and fighting together with a mutual respect for one another and then without the harem noticing because they’re all fighting between themselves… boom! They’ve lost to Shizuku. Everything has happened too quickly in this series though so I won’t hold out hope for something a nuanced as that.
Yeah, probably not. (…looks ahead in the manga…) …yeah, definitely not.
Haha!