「訓練 a preparation」 (Kunren)

In the back of my mind, I knew better than to trust a pretty face and already suspected that Gai might be using Inori to get Shuu to join them, but I’m still kind of disappointed with the cold shoulder that Inori’s giving Shuu all of a sudden. The only thing worse than a tease is a tease with a manipulative ulterior motive, regardless of whether she’s simply following orders or not. There’s always the possibility that this is all an act too — a clever plan to use Shuu’s anger to remove his inhibitions and make him useful to Funeral Parlor, and to pair him up with the other person with an unrequited love, Ayase. I wouldn’t put the former past Gai after he’s proven to be extremely calculating in his plans — plus when Shuu even had a lingering suspicion — though the latter should probably only be perceived as a little bit of service for viewers to ship away with (for now anyway).

Regardless of the intent, Ayase fans will surely be happy with the attention she was given this week, as I for one loved the beat-down she gave Shuu for foolishly taking pity on her because she’s in a wheelchair. After all, the only thing better than an attractive girl in a skin-tight Evangelion plug suit is an attractive girl in a skin-tight plug suit who can kick ass (…voiced by Hanazawa Kana no less). Ayase clearly wins in the personality department as well, as her tsundere tendencies easily trump Inori’s emotionless Ayanami Rei-like demeanor. While Shuu will likely fall for Inori since he’s had a crush on her from the very beginning, the inclusion of Ayase and the encouragement she provides put an interesting wedge in that obvious pairing. Given everything that’s happened, I don’t blame Shuu for being jealous of Gai, especially after misunderstanding that he sleeps with her. I would actually be more disappointed in his character if his innocent feelings turned out to be so fleeting that he would suddenly set his eyes on Ayase, who has probably touched the transmitter in more ways than she ever will with him. Inori hasn’t exactly been devoid of emotions either, so until we get a better idea of the thoughts running through her head, it’s far too early to tell what she thinks of Shuu.

Overshadowed by all the focus on Inori and Ayase was the formal introduction to Funeral Parlor and some of their other key members, Tsukishima Argo (Katsu Anri), Oogumo (Takaguchi Kousuke), Kyou (Fujitou Chika), and Shibungi (Koyasu Takehito), the first of whom looks like he’ll be more of a mentor to Shuu than a Void Weapon source like he was here. Kenji was also reintroduced and seems aware that Shuu is carrying a GHQ transmitter, judging from his accusation that their new member is only pretending to be an ally. What’s interesting is that Ayase’s in the dark about it, even when Kenji clearly implied that Gai isn’t. I gather she’s not the only one though, as the other members looked like they were genuinely impressed by Shuu’s Void Genome when he was faced against seemingly insurmountable odds in a mock battle against Ayase’s Steiner. Again, I wouldn’t put it past Gai that he anticipated a potential betrayal from Shuu and still decided to leave the transmitter with him in order to shape Shuu into the determined resistance fighter he wants him to be. The question is, whether Gai anticipated that GHQ would strike first with their Leucocyte orbital satellite weapon before they could steal it. Odds are yes, since the preview confirms that he survived (not like there was any doubt about that).

In addition to hinting at more of Shuu’s past, we finally had some for Gai as well about his current condition and how Inori reminds him of a certain woman, whom I presume was killed by GHQ. The most telling tidbit comes from the credits, which list the two voices heard in Shuu’s flashback as childhood Shuu (Tsuda Minami) and childhood Gai (Watanabe Akeno). This more or less confirms that they knew one another when they were younger and also suggests that Gai may have purposely entrusted the Void Genome to Shuu.

Random Thoughts:

  • The vocals in Sawano Hiroyuki’s (Ao no Exorcist, Gundam Unicorn) soundtrack provide the most flair to the music in this series.
  • Guesses on who had the honors of stripping Shuu while he was unconscious? a.) Inori, b.) Ayase, c.) Tsugumi, d.) Argo
  • Shuu’s chances with Ayase are pretty low if you ask me, as she was clearly unhappy with what she saw down there.
  • Shuu and a lot of viewers were probably thinking it, so I’ll just say it: “That dress, that accuracy, that softness!
  • Gai just had to be shirtless when he opened the door for his escort Inori.
  • The double entendres in this show will be the end of me. A shy boy like Shuu says he’s just a kid who hasn’t seen anything yet and Ayase — in her sleepwear — tells him it’s okay to look at her now? There was even a suggestive head tilt to seal the deal.
  • Poor Shuu. Inori ignores him in the ending sequence this week so he considers using the transmitter.
  • Full-length images: 01, 08, 10, 14, 23, 34.
  •  

    ED Sequence

    ED: 「Departures 〜あなたにおくるアイの歌〜」 (Departures ~Anata ni Okuru Ai no Uta~) by EGOIST

    Preview

    Watch the Preview!: Streaming ▼

    End Card

    342 Comments

    1. I’m really starting to get into this show. I’ve watched a LOT of anime and was trying to predict the plot, but EVERY episode I’m proven wrong. And that is a good thing IMO. This and persona 4 are my top contenders for Best anime of the year.

      evilkaz
      1. What part didn’t you predict? That Shuu would join the undertakers mainly for Inori? Shuu wouldn’t want to join the undertakers but be put in a position where he doesn’t have much of a choice. Shuu trusting a two faced druggie and getting betrayed? When Shuu activates his power he is going to kick ass?

        Now whats next:
        Shuu is going to learn to like being an undertaker. Inori will start showing more emotion because of Shuu. They are going to run into some insane looking base of enemies an tell them all your base are belong to me after activating Shuus powers. Ayase will start to like Shuu. Shuu will still like Inori.

        Shin
        1. Pretty wrong here, my friend.
          1. Ayase is more like a big sister to Shuu and via versa.
          2. And like you said, he will probably like being with a lot of comrades, but he WILL use that transmitter. (Anime rule X+1: when there’s something with great plot-moving property, then it will be used one way or another.) Maybe they will just go with the “Ayase activated the transmitter by mistake” type of event. The possibilities are endless so predicting it is impossible.
          3. Either way, there won’t be any Ultra-Hype-Super enemy base, cause the “enemy” already shown their super weapon with town-destroying options. But there’s always a possibility of Gai becoming the greatest antigonist for some revenge, or to cure/revive “that woman”.
          4. You’re right about the “Inori will start showing more emotion because of Shuu” part, but that’s already obvious… (Anime rule Z-1(Except with the long-run shonens): The main girl will always like the protag regardless of how much of a whiny bastard he is.
          X. Anyway, please don’t say anything about a show

          Lastly some “Random” thought: There’s a high possiblity about -that bastard- Gai direcing Inori to Shuu when she was injured. (Even more, if they had some relation in the past)… And I still don’t like Gai and Inori… But +1for Ayase… Random enough?

          Socordia
        2. Law of when there is a really cute girl they usually fall for the spineless protagonist. Maybe you are right but the constant cleavage shots and whatever leads me to suspect that she is going to be in a fanservice role no matter what. Fanservice girls tend to fall for the guy. The fact that she got embarrassed at seeing Shuu naked means that there isn’t that much of a big sister gap. Just because she is a mentor doesn’t mean it will stay that way.

          I didn’t factor in the transmitter cause it isn’t clear how it will be used yet. We don’t even know what type of device it is. Perhaps it is already being used. Obviously its going to bring about a conflict in which the dudes are like **** ya our planted bug is working, and the Gai is going to be like nuh-uh.

          Shin
    2. I loved this episode,it was a rollercoaster of emotions for Shu,joins funeral parlor for inori-inori cold shoulder plus gai shirtless misunderstanding-shu (more) self pity-Argo tells him he doesn’t know shit-Ayase makes shu happy(the cleavage XD)-Shu goes into mock confident-Shu now part of group.

      ComM3
        1. I wish he better change soon though, it’s almost unbearable to watch him struggle for everyone’s acceptance. The way he tried to convince Inori to ditch Funeral Parlor is just so annoying.

          Serapita
        2. Oh Am I the only one, who doesn’t want him to change him so much? Of course he could not hesitate so much, but I think that he is actually cute now.
          I know, I know, the shounen series need brave, confident protagonist ;(

        3. I think he’s pretty cute now too. I find his indecisiveness and hesitation easy to identify with. He’s not very admirable, but at the very least his naivete makes me empathize with him.

          Chloesong
        4. lol, these next two seasons should be a competition to see who mans up faster: Shuu or Yuki from Mirai Nikki.

          So far:

          Yuki: hooked up with the queen of yanderes, killed a serial killer and a shrine girl, stabbed a terrorist’s eye out

          Shuu: controls badass weapons, and…

          Yeah, looks likes Yuki’s winning by a lot right now XD

          Moeronic
    3. We can consider that there was the fact an order from gai to inori to get close from shu if Gai indeed purposely entrusted the void. But there is a lot of things to be revealed like shu memories from Inori, so it’s pretty difficult to guess. And Yes! “That dress, that accuracy, that softness!“

      Ichigomaru
      1. She did say it was all Gai doing and he should stay away from her…

        Ever wonder that Ayase is just following orders from Gai as well?

        If so, then Shu is getting f^&ked around by everybody. That really pissed me off! My motto is kill than to be killed. Use others rather than be used. Shu should have found a pattern to this from Inori. I think he is just being used by everybody. Whether it is for good intentions or ulterior motives, he is still being used left and right…sad.

        chaos
    4. Ahhh, I’ve been waiting for some more Ayase since she first popped up. I think that the dichotomy between her being physically disabled and yet also one of the most important members in a fight (while in her Endlave) is really interesting, and I hope that the writers do a lot with her character.

        1. It is a pretty big stretch. Shuu is nowhere on the level of Shinji. Shuu is fighting for the cute expressionless doll and doesn’t want to fight cause it seems like a bother. Shinji is dealing with severe PSTD with angels ripping the hell out of him. All he wants to do is have a place in life and be comforted by Asuka.

          You really cant compare this whimsical kid who just goes along with the flow to someone who has a choice and tries to confront his fears even though he is a coward.

          Shin
    5. OMG why do the extraction moments looks so sexual……….
      “Indulge Yourself In Pleasure While I Extract Your Very Essence Forcefully”
      I thought it was imagination too when they sorta emphasized the expressions from
      the other male characters in previous episodes.

      @ Divine I demand you to upload the screenshot of that scene and the ones from previous episodes ^^

      oliviaven
        1. Dr. Gin

          I guess Dr. Pepper didn’t make it in the distant future after the Apocalypse. Maybe Taco Bell is the only fast-food chain to survive the doomsday and is now a high-end restaurant…

          chaos
    6. I really hated the fact she has been leading him on and she sleeps with the leader and he has been played for a fool. He obviously is falling in love with Inori and she crushed him this week.

      Karmafan
      1. Although Inori has been ordered to lead Shu on, I think that she has in fact developed feelings for him. But atm she has to chose Gai since according to her, he pretty much gave Inori her life. I also don’t think Gai and Inori are sleeping together since it was shown that Inori was at Gai’s bedside.

        I think GC is going to be like Garren Lagann
        Shu = Simon
        Gai = Kamina
        Their characters are too similar imo. Also like Garen Lagann, I think Gai will probably die (maybe due to the virus maybe)and Shu has to step in, allowing him to become the courageous brave male lead we are used to see.

        ybaby
        1. TTGL is far more epic. It is like effortless trust and absurd lines which make it great. It is not a one way thing it is mutual respect. Kamina who is a great leader and dreamer but doesn’t have any physical abilities vs Simon who doesn’t have faith in himself but is who always bails out Kamina from his recklessness.

          Now we got this dude who looks like hes banging your girl and playing you for a fool. I think their relationship is more like, Gai is going to be like “rawr look at me im so gar”, and then Shuu is like wow if I be likes you Inori will look at me. Let me follow you and absorb your awesomeness. It is kind of similar to Yoko, I will agree with this part. I am not sure I can see Gai dying off and leaving Shuu to run the undertakers though. Would take a few more episodes to determine what role Shuu will play in the undertakers.

          Shin
      2. Well to be fair (wow I’m actually defending Inori), she practically defied Gai’s orders to save Shu last episode. So that certainly indicates something is going on between them. Now the only thing needed is to make this pairing interesting.

        fragb85
        1. I think it was implied in this episode that Gai actually ordered Inori to “come back for him”. So, it’s still as Gai has planned though I don’t remove the possibility that someday Inori will really fall for Shu

          The Story You Don't Know
        2. if the suggestion that Gai and Shu might know one another from the past is true, then the girl from their past that Gai remembers and (Shu has difficultly recalling) is probably the same girl.?

          Given that Shu has badass tendancies – awoken by touching up inori…. it seems like there is a chunk of Shu’s past that he might have forgotten.

          Though I’m holding off on the concept of a love triangle at this point tho…

          defunkt_bots
        3. Something about this whole “I was only following orders” thing doesn’t seem right though.

          So Gai basically made Inori act attached so Shuu would have a reason to join the undertakers. And now that Shuu is on the verge of joining, they decide to reveal that the reason he joined was just a hoax? Especially when Gai knows that Shuu has a transmitter with him?

          From Shuu’s perspective, the interrogator guy just told him to rat out the guys he has absolutely no relations with and he gets out free. Without Inori there, Shuu has no reason not to betray them. I’m predicting that Gai coerced Inori into saying what she did even though she actually feels something for Shuu because Gai doesn’t want her disobeying him again.

          Moeronic
      3. Being used like that. It just f^&ked up, man. That scene with Shu and Inori on the platform and Inori with Gai bring back all the memories of why I hate women like that…

        https://randomc.net/image/Guilty%20Crown/Guilty%20Crown%20-%2005%20-%20Large%2019.jpg

        https://randomc.net/image/Guilty%20Crown/Guilty%20Crown%20-%2005%20-%20Large%2022.jpg

        Remind me of all my past girlfriends. Maybe it was my personal mistake to date girls like that back then, but still…nobody should ever be used like that. Shu, I feel your pain, bro. Maybe using a 1,000 women thereafter and treating them like sh&% will make you feel better. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I am sure there are great girls out there. Too bad I never met anyone of them. That’s life…

        Shu, if you were real then take my advice, “Live life for yourself and nobody else. Never be second to anybody. Use others rather than be used. You are #1… and GOD and the world is #2. Always remember that!”

        chaos
        1. I agree with you guys of hating Inori on using him. But i hated more his whims for staying there.

          First, they want to him to stay there to help them with the actions against the United Nations. But they won’t explain him on the reasons of their actions and going against the government. Even with all the evil the government has done, they told him they are trying to cure the virus; so he has a good reason wanting to betray the “terrorists”.

          And the last reason for him to stay was to protect Inori but now that he is given a reason that he was used; I would pretty much just bail my way out. I mean who the heck would work for someone without a proper explanation, a horrible working environment and after being told that you were used.

          banzemanga
        2. we all know this actions created the Darth Vader right. insulting the kid underestimating him, never tell him anything. and in the end ? why why ?why anakin ? why u end bein sith lord ??

          i hope shuu turn to be a pshyco. (heartless crueal intelligent violent and powerfull.This is the male lead we need. but this god damn anime characters always end up like a sucker. love friendship kindness ?? god damn who cares this stuff ? we need anti-heroes not some pussy heroes.

          hate anger one way justice carnage and not care whole world.

        3. I don’t hope Shuu goes darkside, but I do hope he doesn’t trust Inori again until she shows him something real, like defying Gai’s direct orders right infront of Shuu(not even sure if that’d be enough). Best thing would be to hear from Ayase(or one of the trustworthy guys) that Gai ordering Inori to lie to Shuu was the real lie and she’s just doing the “that boy makes me feel something I don’t understand, I’ll start lying so he stays away from me” thing. Yes, that is an actual thing.

          Aex
        4. @alex
          Yes! That’s exactly what I think she’s doing. Thank you for putting it into words.

          @Tester
          My antagonist senses are tingling. You definitely have what it takes to be an end-game boss. “hate anger one way justice carnage and not care whole world” would be your boss fight intro phrase.

          Chloesong
      4. It should also be pointed out though, that Inori isn’t sleeping with Gai, that’s only what the other members of Funeral Parlor think. It was a quick scene, but it’s shown that Inori gives Gai a transfusion, which also explains why her visits to his room are on such an abnormally regular schedule.

        I think that while Inori was wrong in being so blunt to Shu about telling him to back off, he has also been a really wavering main character that mainly whines about how he has to do these things, which basically means he doesn’t respect what Inori and Gai are doing. Plus, he insulted Gai to Inori’s face, while it’s very clear she really worships Gai. In my opinion, he really hasn’t done much to win Inori’s respect other than saving her at the last minute in the first episode.

    7. The only thing that bugged me was the fact that he still went along with the mock battle, despite the fact that Inori basically revealed to him that the whole reason for him wanting to be there in the first place was an outright lie. I mean, I’m not saying that he wouldn’t have still gone through with it, but it would have been nice to see the issue addressed (even briefly).

      Still, it was an enjoyable episode. I’ve still yet to see anything from this series that particularly stands out (plot-wise), but it’s definitely provides some entertainment.

      Nyangoro
      1. If I was Shu, I would be think that “despite that I have put all my faith and heart into a person and a purpose that turn out to be a total lie, I honestly didn’t have any where else to go. I can’t go home, I am a criminal now. I can’t pretend like nothing happen. I can’t continue with the group knowing that I am just being used. I really have nowhere to go…”

        Given the circumstances, the scene with Ayase after Inori was what made him go through with the mock exam. The reason is to be better than Gai. Like Ayase said, “if you don’t know where to start, start with winning the mock exam. Then people will slowly begin to accept you and eventually get what you wanted…”

        chaos
    8. I’m not a fan of the two lead characters, but the supporting cast is actually pretty decent. This is slowly getting better. Still though, Shuu’s self-loathing is really pushing it. After this, it’s closer to conceit than it is self-loathing.

      And oh yeah, the soundtrack is goddamn sickening cool like always. I love it.

      Click
      1. Like taking candies from a baby, right?

        This episode made Gai and Inori seem despicable. At least Inori finally came out and told him the truth rather than 22 episodes later. Of course, having Inori walked into a private room with Gai being shirtless was just kicking a guy when he is down and pouring salt on his wounds.

        Something tell me Gai is always one step ahead of Shu…so he can’t really trust anybody. How dod you know if they are being honest or just following in Gai’s plans? The answer is you don’t…

        chaos
    9. I’m really liking Ayase, even more than Inori right now which is rare for me since I usually favour the mains. I still hope for an InorixShu ending, but I can see Ayase playing a good friend/comrade or sisterly role. She’s proud but not in an obnoxious way. I loved the scene where Shu got his ass handed to him. The gun shooting scene was cute. I really liked Inori’s facial expressions (yay for not slapping him) and also Ayase getting annoyed at them.

      Inori and Shu’s talk was a bit shocking where instead of becoming closer and developing their relationship they were pushed even farther apart. I kind of expected something like this to happen though since them playing up her robotic obedience too much, so I doubted it was just bad unrealistic characterization. Guess this becoming this wasn’t just for show and Inori really does have another side/s to her. It was still depressing to see her reject him, though I was all “too soon man too soon” when he went to reach for her hand. And I knew that face was going to end up being a creeper face judging last weeks preview. 😛

      I guess this Inori manipulating Shu now makes it all the more interesting to see how they will turn that relationship around, if they ever do. I feel bad for Shu being dragged into this mess and his only real reason for staying is pretty much gone. It kind of seems too late for him to back out as well. He really can’t trust anyone, but I guess that he’ll start forming real bonds with the rest of the Sougisha members sooner or later since they seem to be really good people.

      That scene with exposed and tank as Gai entering the same room with Inori, god it’s just so pitiful from Shu’s standpoint. Just ;A; . And Gai saying Inori looking like that girl (obviously from the flashbacks), I really hope she doesn’t end up being a “clone” or some kind of artificial being otherwise she really would be Rei clone. Yes a clone of a clone. Other than that being the expected scenario, it’s also sad to think that she’s just a fake, a copy of another being.

      During the test, I couldn’t help but laugh at Argo’s dramatic “SHU?!” and his moaning “Ahh”. Great to know that the guys can moan too bahahaha C: I think I like most of the characters in this series the one’s that have been properly introduced at least, save for Gai. Though I don’t think we’re actually mena to like his character aside from his GAR scenes. Also yay for the new music.

      It’s really insignificant but the eye catch changed back. I thought they’d be doing new ones for ever few episodes but I guess not. Ending credits, Shu looks kind of pissed when he’s looking at the pen. Ending card was also adorable, going to look tanu up on pixiv. :3

      Saya
    10. For some reason I’ve contemplated that the reason Inori seems so familiar to Shuu’s past is because she really is.

      Inori did say Inori gave her a name, perhaps indicating amnesia or some sort of memory loss/impairment. It would further connect Shuu, Gai, and Inori, and maybe play into some interesting twist

      Overall though, I’m enjoying this series

      1. I believe Gai/Shuu/Inori had a past together but for some reason everyone except Gai forgot it. I still believe this Inori is some kind of artificial being since she seems like she’s lacking common sense and human emotion. Especially the part she said Gai ‘gave her a name’… maybe Gai broke Inori out of some kind of research center?

        Serapita
        1. It seem more logically that Gai might be an older-brother figure to Shu in the past and was in love with the girl who must have died in the Apocalypse Virus. Inori could be a clone or a cured version of the girl without her memories. It just seem more logically that she would be her daughter.

          chaos
    11. Ayase reminds me of a certain wheelchair character in The Dark Tower series from Stephen King, both of them are truly lethal and are the perferct example to not underestimate a person for what they look like. Apearences are the most deciving thing in this world.

      haseo0408
    12. Just when I was starting to like Inori, she reveals that she really is just a doll for Gai. I’ll give her another episode to show she might be able to grow a personality, otherwise Shuu better show me something or I’m done with this angst-fest. Ayase is practically this show’s goddess now… why does she have to like super-prick(aka Gai)?!

      I hope Gai died in that explosion. I know he didn’t, but it’d be nice.

      Aex
      1. Gai is not a prick, he is just the typically “all-knowing, don’t seem to care much for anybody” type of a leader. He just seem aloof. As opposed to the typical anime leaders cliche like Goku, Yugi-oh, Luffy, etc who openly cared about his comrades and high-spirited.

        chaos
        1. Yeah… cold, liar, manipulative, obvious hidden agenda, probably wouldn’t care if someone died if they had a replacement… that’s a prick in my book, or anti-hero at the very least. Either way it’s a recipe for Gai screwing over FP at some point for personal goals.

          Aex
    13. Ah~~~~~~ The pain of one-sided love. I’m a Forever Alone so i kind of understand Shu’s feelings T_T. Anyway……. the soundtracks are awesome, especially the scene Shu draw out Argo’s Void

      MinA
    14. I don´t think Inori is as emotionless as she seems, she clearly is developing feelings for Shu (that´s kind of the point of all the series for what has been shown) but it is painful to see Shu been drag into this Hell and having all the reassons to endure desepear like that. Well, a good romance has good twists and those two are a perfect match for each other.

      haseo0408
    15. Despite Shu have plenty of wussing moments I do agree with one thing he said. The fact that I don’t see the appeal of Gai, its like they the writers are trying to make he this Badass Charismatic Commander but I’m not seeing it. And my opinion for Inori still hasn’t changed. Other that she’s hot.

      Overall I enjoyed this episode. The only part that felt contrived is when Ayase slapping Shu. Other than they had some decent chemistry. It helps when you put more interesting characters in the forefront, and Ayase certainly gives better interactions with Shu than Inori did in the last 4 episodes.

      fragb85
      1. Really? I thought the writers were trying to make us distrusting of Gai seeing him as a possible manipulative antagonist, as if we are seeing it from Shu’s point of view. That is, I don’t think we’re actually meant to like him disregarding the action scenes.

        Shio
        1. on the contrary, it is brilliant – we have Evangelion cameos galore – Kozo Fuyutsuki equivalent (the tactics chief of staff megane guy), Shinji (Shu), Asuka (Ayase), Rei (Inori)… Gai as Gendo fits perfectly in, even with his relations to particular persons!

          ewok40k
    16. Inori no… ;____;

      I guess I’m stupid, but I completely believed that it was bad writing/characterization and that Inori meant all those ridiculous words she said to Shu. “I’ll be with you forever.” “I’m yours.” In hindsight, it makes much more sense this way, but still what a crushing rejection. It’s a little hard to keep up with what’s planned by Gai vs what’s not.

      At the gun practice scene, I thought they were really cute together! I don’t think it’s completely one-sided thing, although I really hope Inori isn’t artificial/cloned/etc. The whole “I was nothing before” backstory worries me.
      I can see Divine’s parallels to Eva. I feel a little spoiled by Divine’s careful reading of the credits. I would have never noticed that. But it peaks my curiosity on what happened back then and makes me convinced that little Shu knew little Inori and Gai.

      Argo worrying about the meaning of his Void was funny.

      Chloesong
      1. I like that he’s saying what’s in the credit since fansubs don’t translate those and I can’t read kanji. I would do it myself if I’m able to read those so I’m always thankful to things like this.

        Serapita
      2. Even if she was cloned, she’s her own person now.

        I never understood this “if they are clones, then they are not real characters” prejudice. Persons define themselves by their actions, not by their origin.

        magnuskn
        1. Funny because I like the concept of cloning myself…

          Do you know that sexual reproduction is a form of genetic cloning?

          The son is a clone of his father and the daughter is the clone of the mother. Sometime personality and traits get mix around, but the concept is still what it is…cloning.

          chaos
    17. looks like most of the viewers here (for the several minutes) and according to Ayase, the “entire base” believed in Gai sleeping with Inori a few times a month.

      …though at least more stuff cleared up for Shuu and Ayase (at least they look @ each other in a better light)…
      …o ya, so much fanservice (specifically Ayase’s)…*drools*

      So whats your reaction upon seeing that and the subsequent 2 scenes?
      Me?
      Shocked @ how Inori rejecting her actual feeling her “feelings” for Shuu, and the fact that she is almost confirmed (90% sure) a clone.

      info600
      1. That scene…

        I don’t know what is worse: being rejected, being told that it is all a lie and you’re just being used, or wondering how Gai is pounding Inori’s @ss that night?

        Or the fact that Ayase HAVE to mention that Gai is doing “that” to Inori several days in month?

        O_o

        chaos
      1. The fact that it was just all a rue to have Shu join Funeral Parlor was just sick. Gai will be taking it up his ass before this is all over.

        But for now, let’s have someone be more emo than Sasuke.

        The Moondoggie
    18. Remember, no matter what the situation, when presented with two courses of action, Guilty Crown will always, always choose the most predictable, bland and uninteresting one.

      What really galls me is that the show isn’t bad in an absolute sense. Its a perfectly competently executed “generic anime”…but stuff like that shouldn’t look this good, and shouldn’t be on noitaminA.

      We’ve all watched this show before, multiple times. So why was it made again, and given a clearly ludicrous budget?

      Fencedude
        1. I don’t “hate” it. If I actually did hate it, I’d stop watching it. I’m just disappointed, but its still worth watching for the spectacle, now that I no longer have any faith in the plotline or main characters.

          Several bright spots in the secondary cast though.

          Fencedude
      1. Tottaly agree with you. I just feel like skipping episodes that doesn’t have explosive action sequences all the time. Also, as far as pairings go, I can’t care about any of them. oh…well! Actually, I CAN! AyasexShuu. But that’s impossible since this show is cliched to the core. After a lot of complications Shuu will be with Inori. So I just drop any hope I might have.

        Regarding the story- it grew from complete garbage to midly interesting. Good enough.

        Action: awesome, top notch, the first reason I watch this. The second is the soundtrack. Amazing.

        leokiko
      2. There are not that many “original” stories left to be told. I am totally okay with a new riff on an older story, if that story is competently told. So far, Guilty Crown isn’t disappointing me.

        magnuskn
    19. I think that pen is more of a mini super bomb than a transmitter. Well, that guy who gave him that pen told him to push the buttons(I can’t remember lol) accordingly whenever he is with Gai and punishment shall be given to him wherever they are. Just my thoughts.

      And poor Shu, given how weak his personality is, I wonder how he was able to make it through the night after seing Gai and Inori 😐

      The Story You Don't Know
      1. there are 3 possible outcomes regarding pen
        1, it is a weapon/tracker, and FP didnt notice it = baaad OPSEC
        2, it was a weapon/tracker, was noticed by FP, deactivated, and Shu is being watched
        3, it wasn’t weapon at all, its function being only to make Shu look for the signs of Gai’s evil plans/intentions

        ewok40k
        1. Shu was knouckout when he first enter the undertaker HQ and strip naked…

          I figure Gai figure it out then. So it is a high possibility that the pen Ayase gave back to Shu is a fake ordered by Gai to test Shu’s loyality.

          The real pen was used to see what it is, thus it destroyed a part of the HQ where nobody was there. It just goes to show that Gai is even more manipulative than we can imagined.

          chaos
    20. I kinda wait for Shu to take over GHQ with his void genome and fight with Gai to get Inori+Ayase

      or the other way around, Gai betray everyone and get the void genome from Shu and lead GHQ. While Shu lead the undertaker to fight GHQ without his void genome (Lelouch styleXD)

      raidragon
      1. I feel he’ll become someone like Yukki from Mirai Nikki at the end: An unwilling hero who gained the necessary will and badassery at the end.

        But he’s far from becoming a Lelouch. Lulu was hating the world right off the bat. If it wasn’t for his sister, he would have just destroyed the world instead.

        The Moondoggie
    21. Well, Story, they weren’t “sleeping” so….yeah. XD And nice idea on that being a bomb, but I kinda doubt that a bomb would be inside a pin with ink. =/ After all, it was used to write on his performance sheet.

      Silivious
      1. Well we know crystal clear the they weren’t sleeping together but from Shu’s standpoint, given that he doesn’t have the same privilege we had to see that Inori did not do something else aside from sitting beside Gai, it practically goes down to one thing inside his mind. And that would really feel like crap, seeing the girl you like “sleep” with a guy you hate. Ouch

        The Story You Don't Know
        1. @Hrmmmm That’s Kaji. And I would assume that chaos just somehow forgot that Shinji’s name isn’t Kenji, seeing as I don’t recall a Kenji…unless someone wants to enlighten me?

          zetsubou
        1. asinine response?

          Pffff, it is always funny to me how people can easily come in and judge Shu given his situation. If it was anybody else, then they will all do what Shu did. It is not an opinion, it is a fact of life.

          If you lived the life he has, you would do the same. People just assume if they switch situation with Shu, then that is different. You have a different life in Shu’s situation. Even so, There is not much a person can do to look cool or redeem himself as that point. Shu build his world on Inori. When she reject him, his world was crushed. All he have is broken pieces. The only possible redemption is to go on murdering spreed and paint the wall with the bloods of those who hurt you, but that is not very practical, is it? I know, I been there.

          At least, Shu isn’t crying like a little girl and gluing the broken pieces back together and pretend like nothing as happen just to live in a world of denial.

          chaos
    22. I’m not entirely convinced that Inori said all those because Gai told her to. The fact that she came to save him last episode despite Gai said he didn’t order her to is a big indication. (Or maybe Gai secretly told her to but acted like he didn’t?)

      I think she’s just trying to goad Shuu to do better since he’s been so pathetic in the normal training.

      Serapita
        1. Yeah, consider that Gai is a manipulative bastard who can plan everything in advance (like he did in episode 2 and 4 where he plans everything down to SECONDS – though Shuu didn’t have time to listen to on the episode 4 part…), there’s always a chance he come up with that. Which make me think he would be great as ultimate bad guy of the series.

          Serapita
    23. I don’t really understand why everyone likes Gai so much. He’s no Zero. Alleged charisma only goes so far. If it wasn’t for Shuu (and Inori), several of his plans thus far would have failed.

      Other than that… kind of early to be pulling out a space laser, isn’t it?

      Random
        1. Considering how manipulative Gai is, doesn’t it seem even more unlikely that Shu getting the Void Genom was a mistake/by chance? Perhaps Shu for, whatever reason, was originally the one of the few who could wield the Genom.

          My theory is that little Shu/Gai/Inori had ties to the original researchers of the Virus vaccine and Gai = Void IDer, Inori = ultimate Void weapon, Shu = weapon wielder.

          Chloesong
      1. I think everyone likes him because he delivers the result without fail. Shuu is just a part of his puzzle. Even ff he doesn’t have Shuu, I’m sure he would be able to come up with something else.

        Serapita
    24. The identity of the pen seems much more obvious now that this satellite weapon has been introduced. I would not be surprised if Shuu uses it at some point only to see a beam coming down on him a moment later. As for the rest of the stuff, I am liking this series more and more. I should’ve suspected over the past few episodes that Inori was just going along with everything Gai told her to say to Shuu. He really is turning out to be as manipulative as it was feared. Good news is, it seems much more in line with her character now. Her declarations of happiness and trust seemed out of character before, but now everything makes sense.

      UnknownVoid
      1. So the is PEN is mightier than the sword…

        Especially when it is a GPS for a Giant Cannon that will kills thousands of innocent people and make a big crater. Now fill it with some water and POOL PARTY!

        chaos
    25. I think Inori was told to distance herself from Shu to shoot down the idea that he could run away with her.

      From the flashbacks:
      Gai and Shu have a past.
      Gai have a past with some dead girl that Inori is starting to be more alike.
      Shu has a past with Inori or a girl that Inori has the memories of.

      I think Inori is a clone of the girl that both Gai and Shu knew as children and she has at least partial memories of the dead girl.

      Znail
        1. So, Fencedude…

          Let me get this straight, women so desperately claim to want equal rights to men, but here a girl have advantage over a boy.

          Pffff, can you say “hypocrites”?

          @Moon, LOL! Butt slapping only work out well during sex… in my opinion. I try it in other situations before, but it didn’t turn out well. I got slap, cuss out, or/and punch in the face by the girl’s boyfriend. One girl call the cops on me and try to land me in jail for sexual deviant and aggravated assault. So it may be funny to say, but not so funny to do…my guys friends thought I was hilarious, the cops and the girl didn’t. O_o

          chaos
    26. just like joker in dark knight, i can’t really put my trust in schemers like gai, someone who asks for your complete trust without even showing why and if shu was in any sane form when inori told him that “gai told me to do that”, he’d be long gone from funeral parlor cause i really don’t see inori or ‘i was happy because the doll came for me’ as a reason for staying. GHQ or FP doesn’t matter they’re just sides of the same coin.

      And if it turns out that gai, shu and that other girl from his memories that look like inori are old acquaintances then im gonna sigh really hard and say I told you so to my sister. haha!

      n30nL16ht
        1. point somewhat accepted with this being anime and all, well if we’re going there, that and the free CHEST touch from inori extraction should suffice shu’s loyalties (poor kid:( !)… hehe

          n30nL16ht
      1. If Shu would learn anything in this episode, it would be that everything that he been told was a lie. A total lie. Trust nobody…

        The pen was on the whole time. How to you think the cannon knew where Gai was? Exactly…

        chaos
    27. For some reason, as I was looking through the posts, I can’t help but find it funny that so many – including myself two episodes ago – passed judgment on Inori so quickly as being “The Ayanami Rei” type of character: Reticent and emotionless.

      I’m actually liking that she shows bits of emotion through that expressionless face sometimes. What it tells me is that Inori, being a clone/artificial being/genetically modified/whatever, does show emotion and mostly with Shuu. Considering the possibility that it IS indeed correct that she defied Gai instead of it being an act to get Shuu over, I’m thinking we might get to see more of such displays.

      It’s easy to say Shuu’s wimpy at times, but the 3rd-person POV always gives the viewers a bigger picture, and it seemed rather like him to react in the way he did.

      Owaranai
    28. I for one loved the beat-down she gave Shuu for foolishly taking pity on her because she’s in a wheelchair.

      What’s the appeal of seeing a male character get beat up by a girl. I mean, seriously, I will never understand why this setup is so popular among guys – do you like to be dominated or something?

      Darklord
      1. Not entirely sure of the appeal there (of being dominated) either, though I’m not sure that’s Divine’s main point. It does speak volumes when someone who’s supposedly disabled kicks your ass, especially when they probably don’t want or need pity. Gives Ayase’s character a lot more sass than just being a girl in love with a seemingly manipulative…person.

        Owaranai
        1. If they wanted to show that Ayase can kick ass despite being disabled, there are a lot of better ways to do that (and frankly…they did it already). No need to resort to the cliched way of a tsundere beating up the main character…

          Darklord
        1. foolishly taking pity on her because she’s in a wheelchair”. The beatdown shows that despite Ayase being crippled she knows fully well how to take care of herself. She doesn’t drown in self-pity nor does she want it from people who she might feel are underestimating her capabilities. Even though I know that Shu didn’t mean anything bad by it, his “consideration” isn’t welcomed and can be seen as offensive even more so when it’s someone as proud as Ayase. It’s got nothing to do us liking guys getting beaten up…even though the choreography was pretty nice. (: She could have probably taken it down a notch, but then it might have not had the same amount of impact.

          zetsubou
      2. Actually, that had nothing to do with her being tsundere and everything to do with Shuu being a conceited snot. He deserved that one (unlike the slap later, which was pure, 100% tsundere).

        Fencedude
        1. Wow so being considerate is called “conceited” now?

          New guy joins a group. Leader asks wheelchair girl to train him. Wheelchair girl clearly displays discontent. New guy doesn’t want to cause trouble being the new guy.

          Yea, he sure is an arrogant asshole alright.

          Jack
        2. Right, lets look again.

          “I’d feel awful causing trouble for a girl in a wheelchair

          Add in his body language and tone of voice, he was being “considerate” all right. And she doesn’t goddamn need his “consideration”, like she said herself.

          This was like, one of the few actually well done scenes in the episode. He thoroughly deserved to get his ass handed to him for that.

          This wasn’t funny because “lol girl beating up a boy! LOLOLOL” or because she’s tsundere. Hell, it wasn’t even funny. It was Shuu looking down on Ayase because she’s in a wheelchair, and her disabusing him of the notion.

          Fencedude
        3. Putting aside the fact whether he deserved it or not, I’m just uncomfortable with the whole “girl beats guy up setup”. Because, frankly, in this type of situation, guys cannot possibly win. A guy cannot beat up a girl, even if she deserved it for being a bitch, and still be a likable character. Just imagine the genders reversed – guy in a wheelchair beats up a girl who takes pity on him?

          So…what’s the appeal for you guys…do you like to be reminded of that fact?

          Darklord
        4. If the genders were reversed, and the girl had been just as insultingly condescending as Shuu was, sure.

          Also, your comments are getting pretty damn offensive themselves, and are full of sweeping generalizations of the people you disagree with.

          Fencedude
        5. I’m sorry if I offended you, I’m not trying to make any sweeping generalization on your on anyone else’s character. I’m just addressing the particular issue that you and several other people clearly enjoyed seeing a guy get his ass kicked by a girl, whether he deserved it or not (personally, I thought she went a little overboard, but whatever – he was wrong). For me such scenes leave a bad taste in my mouth, since they seem to suggest that a girl can beat up a guy at any time for any reason and people will love her.

          As for why I don’t think people will react the same way if the genders were reserved – it’s just experience really. Whenever there was a situation where a guy had to beat up a girl, the comments were “mixed” at best, and condemning the guy at worst. But again, I’m not trying to generalize about you – if you are one of the few people who do not care about gender when it comes to physical violence, I apologize.

          (also, I find myself very unmoved by the “but its not ok to hit girls!” argument. For a number of reasons.)

          I’m not sure what you mean here. Do you believe it is OK to hit girls?

          Darklord
        6. I don’t “enjoy” seeing boys being beat up by girls. I’m fairly neutral on the proposition, since its generally used as bad comedy anyway (see the slap this episode for a good example). I enjoyed seeing Ayase toss Shuu around because he goddamn deserved it. And he would have deserved it if Ayase were male, or if Shuu were female.

          Ayase did not beat him up for “no reason”, she explained her reason quite clearly, and I’ve spelled it out even more clearly since some people don’t seem to get it.

          As for that last bit, read my posts and try to figure out what I meant by it. Its not hard.

          Fencedude
        7. What’d you expect him to say? “I don’t need your help!”? Well now you’ll say he was being rude.

          She’s in a wheelchair. This is a fact. Mentioning that someone is in a wheel and implying that it might be difficult to move around/do things is not condescending or insulting. There’s a reason handicapped people get special treatment like the front seats of a bus are reserved, access ramps for wheelchairs and handicapped parking.

          Is she more capable than the average wheelchair bound person? Yea. Did he know that? NO. Why? Because he’s the NEW GUY. Did he have any ill intent? NO. Was she being unreasonable by throwing him down on the ground and smacking his head against the ground? YES. She could’ve simply informed him that his being “considerate” was considered rude to her. But nooooo, let’s kick the new guy’s ass.

          Jack
        1. You seriously think that someone like Shu is capable of intentionally acting condescending don’t you? Being the new guy, how is he supposed to know that she reacts violently to being offered help? Bitch even rolls half way across the room (So she can get a closer look at the penis instead of closing the door if she’s so shocked)to slap Shu when she was clearly in the wrong and didn’t even bother to put some clothe in his room to change into.

          So you don’t offer the guy with a cast on his leg your seat on the bus because you might “offend” him for treating him specially? You don’t keep the door open while a wheelchair bound person behind you is going through the same door because it’s “condescending” to them? Yea! They can go push the button themselves! Or if there’s no button, they can try and push the door with their feet! Why bother being considerate of handicapped people?

          Mesozo
      3. Skip the sarcasms, the idea was about disabled and handicapped people…

        That is why I let the door slam on handicapped people’s faces. Everybody else called me a d&*k for doing that while I walk off pointing my middle finger. Why?

        They don’t want to be pity on or given special treatment because of their condition. They want to be treated like a normal person would have. I used to hold doors for them just to received the “you’re a disease” look on their faces and they walk off.

        My concern now is if disabled people want equal treatment, THEN why the hell do I have to park way in the back of the parking space at Wal-Mart while they get Front row parking slot at the entrance?!

        You disabled hypocrites! Go park in the back like everybody else…

        chaos
        1. I on the other hand is at the different end of the web: I open doors for them or help them across not because I pity them, its because it was the right thing to do. I don’t care if my act piss anyone off by doing what’s right.

          The Moondoggie
        2. You forget to mention that normal people ain’t nice and kind…

          Most people will assume that you have a motive if you treat them kindly for no reasons.

          Past experience:

          I open the door for this cripple guy resembling Jimmy from South Park. I thought I was doing him a favor and the right thing, too. He walked up to me and hit my leg with his crutches and said, “Fuck you!” and walk off. What was I supposed to do? Punch him in the face?! If only I could, damn you society stigma for punching disabled people…damn you.

          It is best to let them be, that is the moral of the lesson. However, slamming doors on hot girls and old people DOESN’T work out so well. In fact, it has the opposite effect than disabled people.

          chaos
        3. Good on you chaos, according to some people, the word “considerate” is synonymous with “condescending” and “arrogant”. Holding a door open for a handicapped person and all you got was a nasty look!? You’re lucky they didn’t shoot you in the back or throw you on the ground smashing your head on pavement.

          How dare Shu be considerate of a handicapped person! They should’ve castrated him when he was unconscious!

          Jack
      4. Okay, this is getting out of hand. I merely liked how independent Ayase proved to be despite being handicapped. That’s it. It had nothing to do with what Shuu did or didn’t do.

        There’s no arguing that she lashed out unprovoked, because Shuu was simply being considerate toward her and didn’t know that she doesn’t like to be treated any differently.

        End of discussion, please.

    29. …Or it could simply just be the real Inori after all, courtesy of Gai’s conspiracies. Speculation, speculation. Funny how this gets everyone into guessing what the heck’s going on with each character. If it’s meant to build up suspense and anticipation, it’s pretty well done IMO.

      Owaranai
    30. I was worried that Inori was in love with, and sleeping with Gai, but it’s nice to see that might not be the case. Shu, was acting a little pathetic this episode, which got me cringing a little when Inori went into Gai’s room. aggh let’s hope things get better.

      MrBrownSound
    31. I still dont trust Gai blindly as all of the FP seem to do. His manipulation of Inori X Shu aside, we still dont know his true motives.
      Speaking of Inori, could she be a clone or other geneticely engineered humanoid? I like her mad l33t gun skillz, though. But even with 2 guns she ain’t Revy…
      But when it comes to personality, Ayase looks better to me. From the unapologetic wheelchair-assisted beatdown she handed to Shu, to her so-badly-hidden-even-clueless-main-character-spots-it crush on Gai.
      The rest of the supporting cast seems to be relatively generic, save Kenji who imho rather than betrayal by Shu was thinking of manipulation of Shu by Gai. I wonder what are his special abilities and why GHQ painted him as a such monster…
      With that kill-sat in his hands Gai would easily blackmail GHQ into pretty much anything, and provided his record of getting the job done, i’m not betting a penny on GHQ preventing him in doing so. Also, it speaks volumes of him that he doesn’t want to destroy this spaceborne WMD but to capture it to either use it for blackmail or plain wanton destruction…

      ewok40k
    32. I think Guilty Crown isn’t as predictable as some are claiming it to be. As proven from the last episode, it’s managing to throw a nice wrench into the gears here and there! I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops.

      I really hope that Shuu doesn’t turn out like Ganta from Deadman Wonderland, where he was being experimented on in his youth with the female protagonist and lost his memories because of that. That’d be really disappointing.

        1. Oh, sorry, it was the 3rd, not the 4th episode.

          It’s the part where Yahiro snitched on Shuu.

          I don’t really buy Inori not having any feelings for Shuu (But it could be another one of the wrenches). Remember that everyone was surprised when she went rambo in episode 4 to save Shuu. What she did this episode (distancing herself from Shuu) could be another one of Gai’s orders.

          So, I don’t really think Guilty Crown very predictable.

        2. It was already hinted multiple times that they were on to him…

          Also the development reminds me of code geass when dude gets arrested and then they bail him out in the next episode. I am going to tell you that I am going to walk into a lions den and all the cards will still fall my way: Code geass does it better.

          Shin
        3. Oh I forgot to mention. The expected development was that authorities were onto him and he had to go to the undertakers cause he cant stay in normal society. If it wasn’t two faced druggie betraying him, it would have just been something else that followed the same lines.

          Shin
    33. Great episode! And damn I was thinking the same thing about Inori, of course she was tricking you shu!! Ah well I don’t care to much for Inori anyway she is so damn boring…I was happy we got to see more of Ayase this time so that was a nice change from Shu/Gai/Inori all the time.

      Now I wonder what Gai’s problem is? Seems like he is in need of blood from Inori? Arggg misunderstandings! WHY!!! Well you probably are right about Shu having a crush on Inori.

    34. Jared Drake
      1. thank you for bringing this pic up – now I am aware Gai was not ambushing enemy forces but about to receive some outside nations support for his little rebellion… grrr want more info on greater geopolitical picture!

        ewok40k
    35. i’m a guy and yea… seeing a girl that you like turn around to give you the cold shoulder than seeing her w another guy… wouldn’t u get all pissed and jealous? yea that was what i felt watchin that scene but we all know what could have possibly happened in the room

      + the scene where he ran into ayase was downright similar to a situation i’ve been in before…

      anyway, that aside, ayase pretty much stole the entire episode… tell me how could one NOT look at her after seeing

      THAT > https://randomc.net/image/Guilty%20Crown/Guilty%20Crown%20-%2005%20-%20Large%2008.jpg

      THAT > https://randomc.net/image/Guilty%20Crown/Guilty%20Crown%20-%2005%20-%20Large%2023.jpg

      and THAT > https://randomc.net/image/Guilty%20Crown/Guilty%20Crown%20-%2005%20-%20Large%2025.jpg

      and yes… i easily fall for girls with long hair, strong willed, confident, gentle, sweet, loving and somewhat intimidating…

      now that sounds familiar… oh yes…. here >> https://randomc.net/image/Bakemonogatari/Bakemonogatari%20-%2005%20-%20Large%2035.jpg

      c2710
    36. Heh, slightly less eye candy this episode. More Ayase!!! Yay!! :p

      I wasn’t really surprised by anything in this one. Even Inari giving the cold shoulder. Honestly, Shuu’s clumsy attempt at connecting with her felt a bit creepy for me. Not sure if it’s just me getting used to the animation or something, but it’s starting to feel like a “normal” anime rather than a glossy animated graphic demonstration.

      x
      1. Rei might’ve been blank, but at least had some sense of self and got some emotions pretty fast after meeting Shinji, plus she felt bad hurting others. Inori is just soulless, “Gai says, I obey. People are getting hurt because of me? Oh… what next, Gai?”

        Aex
    37. funny how Inori is so cold to Shu, yet during the mock battle, she shows a bit of concern from him there… so I guess her change of attitude might still be an act by Gai’s order…

      Gai’s escort act was clearly a NTR move there… at least in the eyes of Shu… poor kid 🙁

      good cliffhanger… although nobody would suspect Gai to be dead at this point 🙂

      and lol at memorize 140+ ways of tactics in 3 days… :3

      jrj
      1. I second that! Remove Gai and replace him with Ayase. Gai’s got nothing going for him except his badass looks. Other than that, I can’t see anything “badass” about him. Like Shu’s opinion of him, Gai’s boring and doesn’t really look cool.

        The Story You Don't Know
    38. Though I have rooted for Inori since ep 1, after she gives Shu the cold shoulder, tells Shu that it was all an act, and she goes inside Gai’s room though I know nothing really happened, I can’t believe I could care a lot less for her. It surprised me how a single episode turned my opinion of Inori completely upside-down. I guess I just hate her kind, that “I only did it because this guy/girl I admire told me to” personality. I’d like Inori to redeem herself but right now maybe I’m leaning towards Shu and Ayase

      The Story You Don't Know
    39. I got a feeling that the girl in the first episode that Shu saw when Inori held up those strings is the girl Gai was talking about this episode. If I didn’t remember wrong, the cross was in the flashback and Inori was like that girl. That girl was probably killed by GHQ’s vaccine. She might be why Shu and Gai knew each other in their childhood.

      Fern
    40. https://randomc.net/image/Guilty%20Crown/Guilty%20Crown%20-%2005%20-%20Large%2022.jpg
      PEDO ALERT!!RAPE!!!NOOO!! Wait. He didn’t sleep with her. What’s with the shirt off. lol. Anyways. I just realised Ayase is hot. Hmmm. Maybe it’s because in this episode I see THIS >>>>> https://randomc.net/image/Guilty%20Crown/Guilty%20Crown%20-%2005%20-%20Large%2023.jpg

      I’m sorry guys. It’s just how I am. Why is Gai so intelligent? Does he have the same power like Shuu too only in terms of strategic intelligence or he’s just damn clever? Coz the past episodes when Shuu looked into Gai’s eyes, it looked like it was glowing or like there’s something in it.

      sixfeetunder
      1. Maybe he was preparing for the blood transfusion or whatever medical thing they are doing inside the room. Glowing eyes maybe because of their exposure to the void in their childhood, this includes Shuu.

        0927123
    41. I didn’t think I’d like Ayase at first. But now I do. A lot.
      I’m wondering why she didn’t let Shuu help her up? For some reason I can’t help but think her ‘policy’ of not letting others help her might be a fib and that she can actually use her legs? Maybe she’ll reveal that epically later on? Or I’m just speculating.
      Either way, great episode! I’m loving how everyone’s characters are developing!

      Kiria
      1. Well, given how cliched this anime is(No, don’t flame me! I don’t hate this anime, I like it! Just pointing things out), she’s probably really crippled and there must be some back story why she doesn’t want other people helping her. Then in the future episodes, there will come a time where she’s in serious trouble then Shu tries to help her then she goes “My policy blah blah” and then Shu will freak out and shout cliched lines like “There are times when you can’t do things alone, that’s why there are people called friends” or “I don’t care if you’ll come to hate me, I can’t let someone special to me die” or something among those lines. And of course, if it’s as cliched as everybody thinks, Ayase will fall for Shu and now he’s going to form a harem!

        The Story You Don't Know
    42. Gai is belieave to be dead so pen will no use for now.
      Next will be attack that sattelize i don’t think Gai come back in time so shu going to lead the attack?.
      He not able use inori cause he can not look in her eye anymore and that will cause he danger or injurie. I think Inori lie to Shu about Gai cause she not want him to involve cause of her (Poor Inori).

      bitnum
    43. Maybe its just me, but if Inori’s job was to manipulate Shu into staying. Wouldn’t telling him the truth be a bit counterproductive. Also given the ” Feeling cold” scene last episode, and Inori secretly going to see the mock battle it seems that she does care about him, so why could shouldering him now.

      xephx
    44. Undertaker rules
      1. You do not question Gai
      2. You do not question Gai
      3. When someone brings up the name of Gai, even in vain, the argument is over.
      4. Your life is meaningless until you respect Gai.
      5. You do not move unless Gai tells you to move.
      6. You fight without worrying about casualties or using cute girls to entice those that stand in your way.
      7. Initiation into the Undertakers will go on as long as it has to.
      8. If this is your first time meeting Gai, you have to fight.

      Shin
    45. I’m not sure Inori is actually acting under Gai’s orders. Remember her asking the robot if Shu would know why she felt cold and Gai getting pissed because Inori disobeyed her orders and rushed to Shu during the hospital attack?
      She probably just wanted to let Shu off easy before he inevitably found out about her “relationship” with Gai.

      einnashe
      1. I think she was just practicing her acting skills with Fyu-Neru before going for Shu.

        But seriously, you have a point. Though who knows, the plot is inconsistent enough to make any logical conclusion seem like a shot in the dark. GC is my favorite show of the season, but it seems like screenwriters have the habit of shooting themselves in the leg a couple of times each episode.

        vladrin
    46. I bet Gai is using the fact that Shuu has the transmitter to set up a trap or purposely distract the Leucocyte. The shift in personality seems too fast and if you watch throughout the episode, there are a lot of places where Inori seems embarrassed, concerned, etc. about Shuu. I think this is being done on purpose to force him to use the transmitter and set up a battle.

      On a second note, Shuu’s bitchness is kinda annoying. Make a decision already. Personally I am amazed he is helping Funeral Parlor. He has no real reason to help them, they appear to have a motive that is anarchist but at the same time destructive to GHQ which retains the facade of good, his mother works for GHQ, and he will be able to go back to school and live a normal life if he screws them over. Obviously GHQ is probably more evil than their martial law / war crimes would tell. I bet they created the apocalypse virus and are proliferating it in order to stay in control. But Shuu doesn’t know this. All he’s seen is that crazy military man kill those civilians, but the thing is that Funeral Parlor is a terrorist organization and does that all the time- although not in such a cold-blooded way.

      All in all, I think Shuu is gonna betray them in the next few episodes- but it’s all part of the plan.

      MMBinNC
      1. You make a very good point.

        Though talking about morals. Many on the forum want Shu to make a decision, which is fine. If Shu doesn’t want to join undertakers, he should turn his back to them. But carrying the transmitter and turning it on can’t be called decision making in this case, rather backstabbing.

        vladrin
    47. Poor Shuu, he never gets a break. Does he? First, he finds out that he’s been manipulated by very person he swore to (and joined a terrorist organization) to protect. Second, he’s paired up with a little hot head. That straight up tell him that she’s only helping him because she’s been ordered to. Then beats the crap out of him when he ‘mistakenly’ takes pity on her.

      Though Ayase does gain some points later, but only after she lets her guard down and talks to Shuu like a equal and not he’s a nuisance. Which hopefully leads Shuu to draw his focus to her and not the doll girl, Inori. Who dropped some major points this week. It doesn’t matter if she was under orders, you don’t manipulate someone like that.

      Here’s to hopping the ‘first girl wins’ troop won’t come into play. Though unfortunately it probably will.

      Snicket
    48. The “women” that Gai was talking about is the childhood friend, that pink haired girl who wore a cross and got affected by the apocalypse virus, and that both gai and shu as well as the girl are childhood friends. They seem to already know about the void genome power even back then as the pink haired girl told Shu when he contracted with it for the first time, “That this is power, blah blah… Take it this time.” This heavily implies that they were already exposed to that power a long time ago and also may mean that the apocalypse virus may just be either failed experiment in creating the void genome or a side effect for creating the void genome or perhaps it was a successful experiment all along. Ayase will serve as a temporary encouragement to Shu after he was NTRed by Inori (whether or not it was true, for him it was) so he may just hooked up with Ayase to only end up with Inori in the end, sighs, this is why I hate it when a show has a cannon pairing, cuz shipping for other pairings is just plain pointless because 99.9% of the time if a series shows a cannon pairing, the main guy and main girl hooks up.

      Izaya_Orihara
      1. I don’t know. The way he phrased it, it seems more likely that Inori is becoming more like a WOMAN he used to know a long time ago. So I suspect this WOMAN is actually much older than Gai.

        suff
    49. This episode was fun, and one of the stronger showings of this show, and my only complaint is that the side characters are much more interesting than the leads. Just make Ayase the lead and give this show part of what it needs: a competent, strong willed, humane character with a personality that didn’t come off the back of a Wheaties *Breakfast of Pornstar’s* cereal box.

      I actually don’t mind Shuu, most of the time, and especially when his conceited personality is beaten into line by Ayase; if there is one thing that he needs to get him out of his stupor it is Ayase’s character not Inori’s current cardboard cut out as all that’s done so far is string him along from one self-loathing scene to another, and his character has hardly changed. But, naturally, this is anime has been wallowing in cliches all the way until some of the glorious parts of this episode, so I won’t expect anything overly thought provoking and we’re going to see the Ice Queen Inori shed her shell, show emotion, and declare her undying love for Shuu as they unite to defeat Gai… and the show will end.

      Vena
    50. WAIT! I don’t understand a few things:

      1. Gai, Shuu and Inori seems to know each other before.
      From where did this speculah came from?

      2. Shuu’s agenda
      Now that he knows everything Inori told him was a damn lie, why hasn’t he left Funeral Parlor? There is nothing in it for him, why take the exam and didn’t run off that same night, getting all friendy with the members too.

      3. 50/50 betrayal
      I cannot see Shuu using the transmitter pen so why does he still keep it around?

      4. The true nature of the Power of Kings
      Shuu was told, if I remember correctly, that he can only extract void weapons from people who are below 17. Yet he was able to extract one from Argo. Was this a lie too?

      The Moondoggie
      1. 1.) I don’t know where the Inori part comes in, but for Shuu and Gai I mentioned it in my post.

        2.) Because Shuu’s considered a convict now. If he leaves, he’ll just be captured by GHQ.

        3.) It’s a plot device. There’s always a chance that he’ll use it and come to regret it.

        4.) Argo is 17 years old, according to the official website.

    51. I actually do think Inori likes Shuu. This was shown last episode when Gai was clearly not happy about Inori being there to save Shuu.

      Perhaps in between ep 4 and 5 Gai coached Inori to break Shuu’s heart. I mean, look at it! The singing to attract Shuu, the rejection, and Gai showing at just at the right time with the right attire (or lack thereof) …

      IT’S JUST AS PLANNED.

      suff
      1. Agreed. It’d probably be easy to convince Inori to go along with it too. There’s some symbolism with the cat’s cradle string–that Shuu needs to be brave enough to pick it up or something.

        kylone
    52. im wondering if shuu’s pen has something to do with the satellite firing? like ayase probably accidentally triggered it, or shuu did it as soon as he got the pen back, which was off camera but we will find out that he triggered it next episode? also looks like shibungi kinda sees that something is up with gai, when he was introducing shuu, the scene right before this shot when he was all sweating and stuff: https://randomc.net/image/Guilty%20Crown/Guilty%20Crown%20-%2005%20-%20Large%2002.jpg

      Zero
    53. Shu has to be one of the most unlikeable characters. He’s weak, second guessing himself, trying to sway others, and we already know he will indeed betray the Undertakers. Besides, what kind of idiot would not see through the facade that scientist dude did, TRUE MORON.

      And no, development in an already pathetic character isn’t gonna be an achievement. It’s just predictable.

      Gup
      1. Like everyone says, episode 5 is still way too early to judge his character development. Yuki from Mirai Nikki was just as helpless and hopeless, letting a girl save his ass ALL THE TIME, but he turned out to be a pretty great badass himself in the final chapters of the manga. What I really hate is that nobody really has a great personality from the main characters! At the very least in Mirai Nikki, Yuno was there to make things VERY INTERESTING when Yuki was still a nobody, and also the supporting casts are pretty great as well. However, there’s no savior in GC to keep things interesting except maybe Ayase.

        The Story You Don't Know
    54. Something just came to my mind.

      It would be funny if they pull a Gundam SEED on this – Gai being a clone of Inori’s father… then the statement Gai made today about a certain woman is actually Inori’s biological mother.

      That would be hilarious.

      suff
      1. Actually I think it might be the other way around. I can honestly imagine the following scenario:

        Gai’s mother died soon after giving birth to Gai. Gai’s father was heartbroken and made a clone of her. Now Gai is suffering the same problem his biological mother had.

        O man I have a sick mind >__<

        suff
    55. lol, the one thing I wanted in this series is perhaps a character that isn’t in his/her teens. Gai is cool and all, but finding out that he’s only 17 kind of leaves a weird taste in my mouth. I’m fine with it, but the series could’ve taken a few notes from Tiger & Bunny that older characters can just be as cool and interesting!

      Yin
      1. Right?! Inori likes Shu a little, she’s just too robotic to recognize it herself. That scene when Shu asked her to run away with him and what happened afterwards was painful to watch though. >< I suppose the symbolism of the cat's cradle is that the illusion fell apart?

        Ps. Thank you Divine for erasing my double posts. 😀

        Chloesong
    56. Inori shoots her glock with right elbow fully locked,
      Her left thumb isn’t touching snug on the trigger guard,
      She pull the trigger with a slap, which will result in bullets hitting low left of the target.

      Glock polymer pistol are not forgiving, 9mm +p, 40 S&W and especially 45acp has heavy recoil.

      dh19440113
        1. Defying gravity or using gravity gun is fantasy, a toddler would be able to tell you that.
          Now suff, can you easily identify incorrect muzzle discipline and error in firearm tactics after watching this episode? I think not unless you are a NRA member or a army veteran.

          dh19440113
        1. Pistol shooting is tougher than shotgun and rifle shooting, because I can’t shoulder the firearm. Accuracy is completely based on arm muscle and both elbow preessing into the pistol. Stance and grip is absolutely essential to hitting the target dead center.

          Unlike a heavy stainless steel 1911, glock are light weight, which mean you pay a heavy recoil penalty and shooter can easily miss a 124 – 230 grain bullet on a 15 yard target, not to mention 25 – 50 yard.

          Rapid fire a pistol always result in a flyer, round off to one side or another. No way you can get a group of 1.5 inch like Inori did.

          dh19440113
        1. What about the limitation of the pistol, a standard glock doesn’t have adjustible sights. Glock is double action firing pin, which means heavier trigger pull compare to single action hammer like 1911 and single/double like usp.
          heavier tigger pull decrease accuracy in rapid fire.

          dh19440113
    57. Hahahahha oh man, I actually laughed pretty hard when it turns out that Divine’s guess was right and that Inori really was pretending by Gai’s orders and have no intimate feelings for Shuu at all. As mean as this may sound. It serves him right. Mainly because of his wimpy escaping irresponsible personality, he needed some good reality checks.

      Of course this also raises the potential of him betraying Funeral Parlor with the pen, which would suck but we can all guess it’ll happen eventually. If not then the whole focus on the pen bit is just pointless for viewers.

      This episode has officially made me like Ayase way more than Inori as well. Go Ayase.

      YanDaMan263
      1. The fact that you call him wimpy or irresponsible shows that this show isn’t for you. For one thing, Shuu had no obligation whatsoever to help Funeral Parlor: he wouldn’t have joined if he didn’t have feelings for Inori. Second you said that he needed some good reality checks. What part of reality are you talking about? He had a life, going to school, has a place he can call home and friends. Which of that is unreal?

        It was Gai and co. who ruined his life and forced/tricked him to be part of the Funeral Parlor. It wasn’t his fault that he gained a power beyond his wildest dreams. He isn’t that type who would wish to become a “hero of justice”.

        Get your facts straight dude. Anyone who despise Shuu for being who he is is just not seeing it right.

        The MoonDoggie
        1. He lives in a distopia yet he believes everything will be alright if he let things run its course despite all that he’s seen, with the murdering of civilians and all.

          He believed that Sugar guy would be his “friend” after saving him only to get betrayed, which we all saw coming, due to his naivete.

          He took someone’s POWER that was meant for Gai and wasnt meant for him. Funeral Parlor could care less about him otherwise.

          YanDaMan263
        2. >He lives in a distopia yet he believes everything will be alright if he let things run its course despite all that he’s seen, with the murdering of civilians and all.

          Yeah and so? If they harbor a virus and refused to get medicated, so what?

          >He believed that Sugar guy would be his “friend” after saving him only to get betrayed, which we all saw coming, due to his naivete.

          Was it his fault? No. Was it Sugar’s? Yes.

          >He took someone’s POWER that was meant for Gai and wasnt meant for him. Funeral Parlor could care less about him otherwise.

          TOOK? Please watch episode 1 again. I said get your freaking facts straight, not make up stories.

          The Moondoggie
    58. At first I though Ayase was kind of bitch but no I’m wrong. I’m looking forward to see her void and still waiting for Arisa Kuhouin(school president) to show up.

      My thoughts about the series:
      – Shu will get a “Harem” 😀

      Jeffrey
    59. Is it possible that Gai’s statement in episode 2 is true? that the void genome was supposed to be for his use and not Shuu’s? perhaps the flashbacks that were seen by shuu in episode 1, were supposed to be Gai’s memories. He was able to see it because of the void genome.

      And why is that I cant help but think that the real antagonist is the head doctor/scientist(which is the boss of shuu’s mom)

      kite
    60. If I were shu, I would pick Ayase. don’t understand the craziness about Ironi.
      Also what is “steiner” ???
      is it the same word as in the hitler parodies when that guy has to drive hitler somewhere such as to interrupt obama’s speech ????

      tendo
    61. wishful thinking:
      i wish there were animes where the “heroine” or “obvious choice” would not “win” (Ironi) and the better or second choice would “win” (Ayase).
      Shuffle is not an example since there was no “obvious choice” from the beginning.
      The only thing that it is a little bit kind of maybe close is Canvas 2.

      tendo
    62. At least I can watch the next ep trailers here. *sigh*. y’know. I got dreaming what would’ve happened if they really did kill off Gai. .. Dammit preview, why you gotta snap me back to reality? y u so mean?

      Your comparison of Ayase + Inori to Asuka + Rei … well asuka’s heavily implied there, but you get the idea. Makes me sigh at just how much influence Eva potentially holds over the medium. Not good, or bad, per say. Just interesting.

      Kumakaori
    63. After rewatching ep 1-4 I really think Inori likes Shu, mostly due to how he tried to save her on episode 1 and her reaction to Shu’s capture on ep 4.

      Furthermore, during Shu’s flashbacks on episode one, there is also a cross, similar to the one on Gai’s bed this episode.

      suff
      1. Inori likes Shu when he fights for funeral parlor and turns the table on their adversary.
        She dislike the Shu that’s unsure and ready to commit desertion. The fact that shu has been outted by his classmate and can no longer be neutral in the conflict doesn’t seem to sink in on him.

        dh19440113
    64. I think what Major Segai meant when he told Shuu that they can get Gai wherever he is, is that they would bombard the coordinate where the pen activated with their Leukocyte orbital bombardment system.

      alabaster
    65. Also, in the scene where Gai tells Inori how she looks more like a certain woman everyday, that probably pertains to the childhood friend of Shu in his flashbacks who got ravaged by the Apocalypse virus. I would have to agree with Gai on that, in fact when I first saw the flashbacks, I thought that it was Inori. Interesting to find out more about the past link between that girl and Shu and Gai.

      alabaster
    66. I thought the “emotionless girl” character was cool like yuki nagato, ruri hoshino, eureka, mai kawasumi, kanade tachibana, and kotomi ichinose. But if inori was like dita from vandread people would still bash on her because now her personality would be perky and energetic something certain other fans dislike.

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