Episode 31 of Ahiru no Sora started at a slow pace but later turned out to be thrilling as we get to see all the characters in this episode. As the episode reached towards the end, I was excited for the last minute of the match (or probably overtime) and it seems like this exciting game is about to end soon. I like how this episode began with the discussion about the importance of energy, which has been significant in the last few episodes and how this energy developed into a passion, wish, and dreams that we saw in different things that our casts care about.
While writing about the article about every episode of Ahiru no Sora, I wonder that each episode has a lot of content to adjust in. Sometimes, things are a little disorganized where something gets a lot of focus but it’s good that the situation is not always the same. In fact, the everything is related to each other and as they evolve with the story, it makes a lot deeper sense. The conversation between Kite and Kojima was enjoyable, that took place in the beginning of the episode. It was more than just about stamina but also indicated that one cannot judge someone’s past, that is proved with Kashiwagi’s past. Kite is known to be the coolest guy compared to everyone else and he is not at the fault, considering his skillsets. But I really like it when Kojima scolded him for lack of energy because of missing practice in the middle school for being narcissistic. Out of all five main characters, I almost forget about Kite’s past and his backstory which is quite odd as I loved his backstory and introduction the most.
Coming back to Kashiwagi, at first it felt odd to see his backstory divided into more than one episode but now when I think about, it was not really bad. I’m glad that we got so many things to learn in past week and also considering the timing of it; I don’t think it would be better if it ended in the previous episode. What we got to see with Kashiwagi in the previous episode was satisfying but after watching his relation with Takahashi, made me want to cheer for him on his free throws. Thanks to the kindness of captain, a guy like him found his passion in basketball. Although, it was brief but still it was nice o see. I found same emotions with Chuck and Nabe. They don’t seem to be competing with anyone and since the beginning they always seem to take less interest in the game. There do not have any emotional backstory, neither they have been through any pain or suffering like others, but still they managed to discover their passion to pursue. And although they are the source of comic relief, it’s god to see things from their point of view. It’s something rare to see and I enjoyed it.
Now lets focus on our main character, it was hard to believe that he actually passed out due to fatigue. I understand that stamina was being focused since the beginning but this was something that none expected to happen I was looking forward to watch him do something extraordinary. But now I think, it’s good that nothing like that happened. It’s annoying to see him taken out of court when the game is at the verge of its end but that didn’t happen then we won’t be able to see the conversation that took place between Yuka and Madoka which honestly was more impactful then Sora claiming to work harder. After watching Yuka say admit that Sora is incapable of doing something that the rest can, shows the extent of the hardships that he has been fighting against so far. Inorder to let everyone know his worth and ability, he has to push all his limits because he is not tall enough. The feelings related to the interaction about Sora needs to work hard did not end there as it continued with Mokichi which was the other great conversation we saw in this episode.
It make sense that Sora is trying hard because of his incapability to play longer in this game and he has started thinking stuff like ‘if only’. He has started to feel he can not make any difference in the team like he wish and he does not have the thing that a great player should have and envies other players. I’m glad that he found Mokichi on the bench to give him the support he needed to push away all those negative thoughts. Mokichi has is the one who has been put in the box. He has good height but he is stuck with one thing and that stops him from showing his skills other than that. And so this was helpful to make Sor feel better. Sora does not have to go through that and he will have many chances to stand out in the team.
Overall, so many things in this episode and Ioved how it focused on passion and chasing dreams. It shows that everyone have has something that they care about. It’s does not have to be a person or a thing but something discovered in this journey makes these players hopeful. I’m anxious that this amazing arc will probably end next week but I’m excited for the next episode.
