r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 13d ago
Rewatch [Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2019 Series Season 3 Episode 12 Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
2019 Series Episode 62 (Season 3 Episode 12)
You Fought Well
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi getting together?
What are your thoughts on the Zodiacs having a final banquet?
What are your thoughts on Akito wearing a female kimono?
What are your thoughts on Akito and Shigure patching up their relationship?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru agreeing to live somewhere else so that Kyo can have a fresh start on life?
What are your thoughts on us getting to see the dying moments of Kyoko from her perspective?
What are your thoughts on the reveal Kyoko told Kyo to protect Tohru or else she'll never forgive him, but Kyo only heard the last bit?
Questions for Those who Have Watched the 2001 Series
How does your favorite episode of the 2001 series compare to your favorite episode of the remake?
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Series information
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Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!
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Ways to watch
Streams – Crunchyroll
Schedule
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 13d ago
Rewatcher, Subbed
There's one zodiac we didn't resolve with the breaking of the curse last episode! Yuki! It conveniently happens as he heads out to see Machi. Machi had something for him, although it actually turns out, for Tohru. She is happy someone like him exists in the world and since Tohru protected him she wants to show her appreciation. Even if he was as weak as a baby deer she thinks that's why he noticed someone like her and spoke to her. At this moment Yuki can feel the God talking to him, thanking him for the promise from so long ago and saying goodbye. As with others, Yuki feels some sadness as the bond goes away and tells her he's lost someone and he feels sad. But you know what will make you feel happy Yuki? Hugging Machi! Which he does. He came here wanting to tell her about the curse (at least I assume that's the case as he said a while back he had to tell her) but that's not relevant at all now. They can be together with no issues whatsoever. And to make it even better, they kiss! Twice! As I'm a big fan of this ship, this was almost as good as Kyo - Tohru for me (Haru - Rin still is #1 though).
At the Soma estate we have all the zodiacs gathering, with the exception of Kureno (continuing to stay away from Akito I assume) and Shigure. Last episode was kinda an odd one for Ritsu, not only was he not going crazy, he was in male clothing. Here he's totally back to the Ritsu we know and (for most of us don't) love from his introductory episode. Akito comes out, dressed like a woman! Of those here Hatori's the only one that knew the truth. Rin getting mad at Haru saying he loves Yuki was fun, as was the head pat. I forgot to say this last episode, but she also was very cute in the post credits sequence.
More flashbacks flesh things out further with Akito and Shigure, including moments from when they were much younger. As I think anyone could have guessed, Shigure got that scar from Akito, as she was afraid he was leaving her. This must have happened just recently, shortly before the curses broke. As I think I talked about in the second episode of this season when we got some big revelations about this pair, I'm not a fan of Shigure - Akito as a couple. Shigure ultimately got what he was scheming for from the very beginning, probably since he was a teenager, for the curse to be broken... so he could be with Akito. Not so much for the others. Given all the crazy stuff that happened between these two (most notably Shigure sleeping with her mom!), and the fact that both of these characters have not been likable throughout much of the series (Akito definitely worse than Shigure, but he often has these weird pervy moments) that leaves me with not rooting for this couple. The one outlier as I'm either rooting hard for the other ships in this show, or am at least fine with it (Uo and Kureno)
So Akito sees all of them and doesn't actually state an apology. Which I think is fitting. Akito saying she's sorry at this point doesn't have any value? It doesn't take back all the horrible things she did. But more importantly, Akito's releasing of the curse is far more important than any stated apology. That is what matters in terms of Akito trying to make up for what she's done.
We've got Kyo and Tohru at the cemetery and Kyo announces that he's going to be going away after graduation, to learn at someone else's Dojo, a friend of Kazuma's. And of course Tohru will be coming with him (she even seems to imagine it for a moment). So after the story has made it so clear that you have to be willing to let go, and release bonds, we are facing a critical one here. Tohru will have to let go of her friends and the other Somas, for whom she's grown so close to over the past year plus.
Concluding the episode reveals what I think most to all of us were expecting, the revelation about Kyoko's final words, and that she wasn't saying that in anger towards Kyo, but rather recognized him, and said he had to keep their old promise or she'd never forgive him. Only that last part came out though. All that anguish from Kyo over a misunderstanding. And she goes into the great beyond to be with Katsuya (whose face we still aren't allowed to see).
Well, the curse has been broken, all of our ships have happened, the truth about the zodiac curse has been revealed as has the circumstances of Kyoko's death. The only thing I can think of that we haven't gotten resolution/a satisfying ending for is Momiji and his sister getting to actually be siblings. Hope we get that in a finale that I have to assume will be epilogue-esque.
Quid's Song of the Day
Limited options left at this point, the best songs of this episode I've already covered but two songs I have not yet include A Lodger which plays when Kagura hugs Kyo and You Are All Animals which plays when Ayame sees Yuki at the Soma estate. Both of these songs have been used since literally the first episode!
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
I like that Yuki's curse breaking was reserved for its own moment. It felt appropriate given he was arguably the main character for large chunks of the series.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 13d ago
Absolutely. While it resulted in a noticeable break between everyone else's curses breaking last episode there's no way he could have been just thrown in with everyone else in a montage. That works for Ritsu, not for Yuki!
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
And tying it in with his romance with Machi is a nice parallel to Kyo's bond breaking adjacent to his romance with Tohru.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 13d ago
There was some nice contrast there, as Kyo didn't realize his curse was breaking while Yuki had that in the moment sequence that we didn't see for the others, and may have happened but they didn't just show to us. I know it means people question why Kyo didn't realize that pre-hug, but the hug scene with him and Tohru was so perfect, I'm glad they didn't do something like this to mess with it. And I guess we can say as the cat Kyo's curse breaking was different.
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u/JimmyCWL 13d ago
It's funny to think Kyo was too focused on hugging Tohru to notice the curse breaking.
Cat: Thank you for-
Kyo: Still hugging Tohru
Cat: I'll see myself out. Bye.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
And the hug scene was like a parallel to when Kureno hugged Tohru and that being thr first indication of the curse breaking.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
It was cool to see all the characters one last time. It almost made me misty eyed a bit seeing everyone.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 13d ago
One last time? We still have one episode to go! Unless its a big time jump and entirely takes place with Kyo and Tohru at that dojo...
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Thoughts on Haru and Shigure eating pizza?
Thoughts on Yuki feeling you can't take for granted that there will be someone who cares enough to search for you?
Thoughts on Machi feeling Tohru made Yuki who he is today and is responsible for him making her happy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi sharing their first kiss?
Thoughts on Rin getting jealous over Haru's love for Yuki?
Thoughts on Shigure buying Akito the kimono?
Thoughts on Shigure giving Akito the chance to leave him?
What are your thoughts on Akito telling Shigure she wants to permeate Shigure's body?
What are your thoughts on Akito deciding to live at the main estate as atonement for her sins?
What are your thoughts on Shigure deciding to live with Akito?
What are your thoughts on Tohru wanting to be by Kyo's side as he wants to find out who the real he is?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru visiting Kyoko's gravesite?
What are your thoughts on Kyoko reuniting with Tohru’s dad, with Tohru’s dad telling his wife she fought well?
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u/Second_Cour 13d ago
I have to be brutally honest. I'm feeling glad that this journey is coming to an end. I'm ready to focus my time on other shows and feel like this show was quite the commitment. ~75 episodes is indeed tough to do daily. I really thought last episode was a good point to end things on, but I was wrong. The Kyoko scene is one of the strongest scenes in any anime I've watched. It blew me away (more on that later).
The start of this ep again reaffirms why Kyo not feeling the bond break himself is bizarre.
Can someone explain to me what the original promise was that Yuki kept? I think my understanding is confusing me - the bonds breaking aren't driven by the Zodiac members, right? Kureno’s broke during a time of Akitos self doubt. The others weren't really driven by themselves. Is the implication that unlike the others Yuki consciously kept the promise to Akito?
I gotta commend my boy Yuki for having some mad game despite no real experience with girls.
I kind of wish they explored everyone bring even more welcoming towards Kyo now that the curse is gone and they no longer have the animosity towards the cat.
I also hoped that Shigure doesn't continue his love for Akito now that the curse is gone. Using the curse logic I guess him loving her now didn't really make sense but I guess he had a love that transcends the curse and he has a personality where he doesn't want to lose something he wants, curse of no curse. While I had that hope as I like Akito and think it's a bad decision, I don't mind the scenario they wrote for his ending. It's interesting and also the most emotionally complex one out of all the other relationships. In an ironic way Shigure is the new Akito with akito now having an unbreakable bond led by him.
The other relationships that were formed were largely pursued despite Akito. His was pursued in spite of Akito.
Fuck the Kyoko monologue at the end was brutal. Probably the best part of the entire series. The first time I've actually felt something. Just wow. You don't need to be overly verbose or poetic to create emotional impact. Kyoko coming to terms with dying and her monologue with the last ditch effort to make sure the center of her world is taken care of is immensely powerful.
I had this scepticism last ep that it should have ended there. I kind of think that they should have taken everyone's reunion and placed all of that in yesterday's ep. Then finished off with the kyo x Tohru stuff and finally the Kyoko monologue. Would have been an insanely impactful ending and what an end! So now I'm just confused how they continue after ending on the scene that I would tip my hat to and proclaim a masterpiece. I really hope that they don't do what I think they might which is do a send off episode showing everyone's life post curse. It's very teenage dramedy and typically lacks impact for me. But hey this episode surprised me so maybe I'll be surprised again.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 13d ago
This has been an hour plus commitment for me per day in terms of watching the episode and doing my write up, not even counting time making comments in the daily threads; part of me is looking forward to moving on. Outside of wrapping up the Erased rewatch I was in which was just one episode a week I've stopped all other anime and totally dedicated it to this on which is not my style (I'm usually juggling at least three at once).
The other part of me will feel a void as this has been something to look forward to every day and this is one of my all time favorite anime. It will be hard to replace this with something as impactful. Although I do plan on reading the manga (after I finish reading Monster, which I'm about 20 chapters away from the end on), so that will extend my Furuba experience a little longer.
I originally put in my write up that they wrapped up everything and I wondered what there would even be in the final episode. Could have stopped here. I did rewrite it as I remembered there is one loose hanging thread, Momiji and his sister. Really hoping for something there next episode. They could have easily fit that in over the last few episodes (or any time going back to when his curse broke), and have concluded with this episode, making that Kyoko sequence the final scene. They also could have moved that up and had the Kyo - Tohru scene be the final scene of the show. So much of the anime I watch don't pace themselves properly and are scrambling at the end; it's very rare for an anime to wrap up where they have this much room, pretty much an entire episode to spare, unless there's something big we're just not thinking of.
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u/JimmyCWL 13d ago
Can someone explain to me what the original promise was that Yuki kept?
Probably to keep the zodiac bond alive.
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u/Second_Cour 13d ago
How did he do that versus others? Why was he singled out as keeping the zodiac bond alive? The bonds were held by Akito, and were also ended by Akito.
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u/JimmyCWL 13d ago
Who says he was the only one? Just the only one shown. Also, consider, who kept the promise to who? There were actually three people in that scene. Yuki, the rat spirit and god.
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u/Second_Cour 13d ago
Literally the script haha.
"You’re the last one. Yes, the last. Thank you for keeping that promise from so long ago. Thank you. The original memory, forgotten by everyone. The original promise. Goodbye."
It was clearly spoken to him, not to the rat, not to the God. Both were facing him. It was clearly said by God.
I'm not sure what your explanation is and you sound equally as confused as me. Maybe the Japanese was clearer?
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u/Second_Cour 13d ago
Really glad that you found it to be impactful. Curious what you'll think about the manga
Yeah the Momiji one is a big one, and one where the bonds breaking have meaningful consequences to his overall life
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u/MishouMai 13d ago
I was expecting this episode to focus more on Yuki and Machi but it's really just a small part with most of the focus being on Akito, Kyo, and Tohru deciding their futures. "God" kind of sucks for thanking the Rat whilst paying dust towards the Cat. And I suppose Akito can be pretty when she tries though she's still pretty far down on the list of attractive Fruits Basket characters as far as I'm concerned. I don't really have a lot to talk about off the top of my head for these last few episodes. They're fine but most of what we've seen is to be expected after episode 9. It feels like the show is somewhat spinning its wheels at this point.
> What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi getting together?
I got spoiled on this last season but the show's been pretty obvious about it either way. It's fine. The Kyo x Tohru stuff is better but that's to be expected since they're the main couple whilst Machi x Yuki aren't.
> What are your thoughts on the Zodiacs having a final banquet?
I said earlier this season that I didn't expect there to be another banquet and that I agreed with another commentator that the banquet Shigure mentioned was probably a metaphor. Jokes on us. I'm glad Kyo got to be invited this time, even if it's the last time they're all together. Finally my boy is included. Probably the best possible time for him to be included now that Akito is working to be a better person.
> What are your thoughts on Akito and Shigure patching up their relationship?
I still don't really get what strained their relationship. Like yeah Shigure slept with Ren after Akito slept with Kureno but we don't even know why they got together or what drove Akito to sleep with Kureno. Sidenote: the wiki says [Potential Fruits Basket spoilers] that Shigure has been obsessed with Akito since she was in the womb, but I really haven't gotten that impression at all. Is the wiki just wrong or can source readers confirm that that was toned down/cut out of the source?
> What are your thoughts on us getting to see the dying moments of Kyoko from her perspective?
> What are your thoughts on the reveal that Kyoko told Kyo to protect Tohru or else she'll never forgive him but he only heard the last bit?
It was pretty obvious that Kyoko wouldn't blame Kyo for her death. I didn't really need it confirmed. Still, seeing her death from her perspective was unexpected and just makes things more tragic. At least she got to be with Tohru's dad in the end. Hopefully Kyo learns the truth but I'm not sure how that'd work. I'm not sure what to exit from the finale tomorrow but I guess we'll see.
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 13d ago
I really haven't gotten that impression at all. Is the wiki just wrong or can source readers confirm that that was toned down/cut out of the source?
episode 1.10 Shigure describes the devotion and affection he felt upon Akito's arrival (conception) and continues to feel. This obsession isn't necessarily romantic love, but the imagery he invokes is comparable to Akito's phrasing in this episode about making Shigure hers as she approaches him after the meeting with the other zodiacs.
episode 3.05 He occasionally wonders whether he should have dreamed of someone else, but he personally never believed the zodiac bond was a Curse to him. Because he always knew that includes his transformation with any other woman and (at some indeterminate time later) he decided "he doesn't want to be Akito's father"... It's especially icky after finishing the show and looking back at episode 3.02 "that's an unwavering truth."
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
To add to this, remember Uo and Hana's reactions seeing Shigure. They thought he was untrustworthy, and Hana is pretty spot on in her assessments.
I really like Shigure, but he's definitely not innocent by any means.
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u/MishouMai 13d ago
Devoted and obsessed are two different things though and that, to me at least, reads more like devotion than obsession.
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 13d ago
If his "plan" was drastically more intricate than I believe, then I would park him in the obsession zone.
I'm sure his retort would be something like, "My plan was so subtle that you didn't even notice. I'm a genius!"
Regardless, I'm ick-ed out by the end result and then back-calculated to more ick.
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u/JimmyCWL 13d ago
but I really haven't gotten that impression at all. Is the wiki just wrong or can source readers confirm that that was toned down/cut out of the source?
They tried to show it. Remember, they showed the scene where Shigure knew that god had been conceived. Did you ever wonder why they only showed his scene out of all the other older zodiacs?
They weren't showing, "that's when I knew god was conceived"
They were showing "that's when I knew the one I loved was conceived"
It took a while for him to understand his feelings but they were there from that moment and remained unchanged until now. Shigure said so himself in previous episodes.
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u/MishouMai 13d ago
I never really gave any thought to why they would show Shigure realizing Akito was conceived, but not the others who were born before her, no.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
I think Shigure to borrow a wrestling terminology worked himself into a shoot. He was told so often to love the God that he really did.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 13d ago
Not a source reader, but if that spoiler tagged part is true... jeez... I already felt this ship was messed up before reading that.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
I still like it, I dunno :P
I like messy people who make each other better. After all, that's what makes Holo and Lawrence's dynamic so captivating.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
My understanding is Akito slept with Kureno to try and get him to not leave her. And Shigure got mad because, well, he wanted to be with her and she wanted to be with him.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
I wouldn't say the show is spinning its wheels because that implies the stuff happening is a bit blasé. I definitely think there's been a lot of well written, interesting scenes. The reality is the conflict was in Akito being batshit insane and with that being resolved, there's really no main conflict at play.
It does feel odd that Ren has basically become a nonfactor.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
I really liked the stuff at the end with Kyoko in her final waning moments. It felt like a way to write off her character while also giving her some closure. She gets to be with her husband again and move on for lack of a better term.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Thoughts on Haru and Shigure eating pizza?
Thoughts on Yuki feeling you can't take for granted that there will be someone who cares enough to search for you?
Thoughts on Machi feeling Tohru made Yuki who he is today and is responsible for him making her happy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi sharing their first kiss?
Thoughts on Rin getting jealous over Haru's love for Yuki?
Thoughts on Shigure buying Akito the kimono?
Thoughts on Shigure giving Akito the chance to leave him?
What are your thoughts on Akito telling Shigure she wants to permeate Shigure's body?
What are your thoughts on Akito deciding to live at the main estate as atonement for her sins?
What are your thoughts on Shigure deciding to live with Akito?
What are your thoughts on Tohru wanting to be by Kyo's side as he wants to find out who the real he is?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru visiting Kyoko's gravesite?
What are your thoughts on Kyoko reuniting with Tohru’s dad, with Tohru’s dad telling his wife she fought well?
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u/MishouMai 13d ago
> Thoughts on Yuki feeling you can't take for granted that there will be someone who cares enough to search for you?
Yuki's right. Even if people do care for you in their own way, you can't assume that they'd go out of their way for you.
> Thoughts on Isuzu getting jealous over Haru's love for Yuki?
Makes sense. Haru has always claimed Yuki as his first love and tends to be devoted to him despite being in a relationship with Rin. I can see why she'd be jealous/a little upset about those things.
> What are your thoughts on Akito deciding to live at the main estate as atonement for her sins?
I'm not sure how staying in the same place she always lived is atonement for anything. Especially since the main estate seems to be a far better place to live at than Shigure's place.
Sorry, Shigure.Feels like leaving the estate would be a better way to atone.1
u/Holofan4life 13d ago
> Thoughts on Yuki feeling you can't take for granted that there will be someone who cares enough to search for you?
Yuki's right. Even if people do care for you in their own way, you can't assume that they'd go out of their way for you.
Not everyone can be treated like a God
> Thoughts on Isuzu getting jealous over Haru's love for Yuki?
Makes sense. Haru has always claimed Yuki as his first love and tends to be devoted to him despite being in a relationship with Rin. I can see why she'd be jealous/a little upset about those things.
I thought this was a fun little gag
> What are your thoughts on Akito deciding to live at the main estate as atonement for her sins?
I'm not sure how staying in the same place she always lived is atonement for anything. Especially since the main estate seems to be a far better place to live at than Shigure's place.
Sorry, Shigure.Feels like leaving the estate would be a better way to atone.Yeah, I'm not sure I like this as a resolution for Akito. I like her and Shigure getting together, but I feel like Akito moving out of the estate fits the overall theme of moving on.
My guess is what with being teased Tohru and Kyo are moving they didn't want to do the same thing with Akito. But I don't see why Akito couldn't just move in with Shigure at the Sohma residence.
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 13d ago
Re-watched, blu ray, dubbed
Nothing shocking or as emotionally charged (for me) as the last episode, but Yuki-Machi are nice, etc. I do have so much invested in the show that Akito's summoning the other zodiacs is a powerful scene.
What are your thoughts on Akito wearing a female kimono? She explains it shows the zodiac are all free to be themselves. The kids (and Ritsu) are flabbergasted but their surprise at the adults' lack of reaction is not shown.
What are your thoughts on us getting to see the dying moments of Kyoko from her perspective? It was bittersweet to see her rejoin Katsuya.
What are your thoughts on the reveal Kyoko told Kyo to protect Tohru or else she'll never forgive him, but Kyo only heard the last bit? Failing to clarify that would be irksome. Instead, the show does the right thing and has her message match Kyo's message at Kyoko's grave that he is fulfilling his childhood promise.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
I like we revisit the cemetery imagery but instead of it being bittersweet it's one full of optimism. Just really good stuff all around.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Thoughts on Haru and Shigure eating pizza?
Thoughts on Yuki feeling you can't take for granted that there will be someone who cares enough to search for you?
Thoughts on Machi feeling Tohru made Yuki who he is today and is responsible for him making her happy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi sharing their first kiss?
Thoughts on Rin getting jealous over Haru's love for Yuki?
Thoughts on Shigure buying Akito the kimono?
Thoughts on Shigure giving Akito the chance to leave him?
What are your thoughts on Akito telling Shigure she wants to permeate Shigure's body?
What are your thoughts on Akito deciding to live at the main estate as atonement for her sins?
What are your thoughts on Shigure deciding to live with Akito?
What are your thoughts on Tohru wanting to be by Kyo's side as he wants to find out who the real he is?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru visiting Kyoko's gravesite?
What are your thoughts on Kyoko reuniting with Tohru’s dad, with Tohru’s dad telling his wife she fought well?
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u/JimmyCWL 13d ago edited 13d ago
What are your thoughts on the reveal Kyoko told Kyo to protect Tohru or else she'll never forgive him, but Kyo only heard the last bit?
It made me think of a character in another series. Shortly before he died, he said, "My judgement is becoming suspect. To avoid misunderstanding, I will be silent now." He indeed kept his silence until he died a few days later.
If you really have something important to say on the verge of death, say the most important bits first, avoid this situation!
What are your thoughts on the Zodiacs having a final banquet?
Akito can't apologize. She knows that those words are meaningless. She can't ask for forgiveness, because what she did was unforgivable.
Besides, if she starts apologizing, she'll be apologizing for the rest of her life, like Ritsu.
Have to face her new life with some spine, after all.
What are your thoughts on Akito wearing a female kimono?
Finally being herself instead of the burdens imposed by the past upon her.
What are your thoughts on Akito and Shigure patching up their relationship?
A sly and nasty fellow looking after a repentant former villainess, they deserve each other.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Akito can't apologize. She knows that those words are meaningless. She can't ask for forgiveness, because what she did was unforgivable.
Besides, if she starts apologizing, she'll be apologizing for the rest of her life, like Ritsu.
Ritsu already thinks they're influencing Akito. Can't let their head get too big :P
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Thoughts on Haru and Shigure eating pizza?
Thoughts on Yuki feeling you can't take for granted that there will be someone who cares enough to search for you?
Thoughts on Machi feeling Tohru made Yuki who he is today and is responsible for him making her happy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi sharing their first kiss?
Thoughts on Rin getting jealous over Haru's love for Yuki?
Thoughts on Shigure buying Akito the kimono?
Thoughts on Shigure giving Akito the chance to leave him?
What are your thoughts on Akito telling Shigure she wants to permeate Shigure's body?
What are your thoughts on Akito deciding to live at the main estate as atonement for her sins?
What are your thoughts on Shigure deciding to live with Akito?
What are your thoughts on Tohru wanting to be by Kyo's side as he wants to find out who the real he is?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru visiting Kyoko's gravesite?
What are your thoughts on Kyoko reuniting with Tohru’s dad, with Tohru’s dad telling his wife she fought well?
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u/AgentOfACROSS 13d ago
First Timer
Nice, we’re following up on the Machi and Yuki stuff. Love those two.
Nice of Machi to give Tohru a present.
Yuki and Machi seem sweet together.
It seems that Yuki’s curse has been broken.
This scene is really beautiful.
Oh hey Ritsu got a line. Still doing the whole apologizing gag.
Wow, Akito looks completely different.
I still feel weird about Akito and Shigure’s relationship but him giving Akito this gift is nice.
Akito still has some anger within her, especially towards Shigure. But I don’t entirely blame her.
Surprising to see Akito decide to stay at the family home.
All of this Kyo is saying about wanting to go to another dojo is very sudden.
I’m glad Tohru is taking it so well though.
I’m glad Tohru tells Kyo he’s wrong about Kyoko hating him. He needed to hear that.
Oh wow we’re flashing back to Kyoko’s death from her perspective. I hadn’t expected that.
It’s really horrifying to watch honestly.
Kyoko’s last words being her finishing a sentence in her head and being misconstrued by Kyo is kind of contrived and ridiculous but I think I can go along with it.
Kyoko being reunited with her husband in the afterlife is kind of sweet even though the audience never really knew him.
Really not sure what this last episode is going to be. It feels like everything’s pretty much wrapped up.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Nice, we’re following up on the Machi and Yuki stuff. Love those two.
Same here
Nice of Machi to give Tohru a present.
Very thoughtful
Yuki and Machi seem sweet together.
No seeming about it
It seems that Yuki’s curse has been broken.
Yay.
I guess the bonds are tied in the bonds you make with others. Or something like that.
This scene is really beautiful.
That it is
Oh hey Ritsu got a line. Still doing the whole apologizing gag.
I don't mind it here since it's quick
Wow, Akito looks completely different.
A massive glow up
I still feel weird about Akito and Shigure’s relationship but him giving Akito this gift is nice.
I like it because they are very flawed people who like would be hopeless without the other.
Akito still has some anger within her, especially towards Shigure. But I don’t entirely blame her.
He still inseminated her mom
Surprising to see Akito decide to stay at the family home.
I think it works because she's taking what she was taught and reframing it. It's similar to what Tohru is doing with her mom's teachings.
All of this Kyo is saying about wanting to go to another dojo is very sudden.
Gotta move on
I’m glad Tohru is taking it so well though.
Her being so supportive is like chicken soup for the soul.
I’m glad Tohru tells Kyo he’s wrong about Kyoko hating him. He needed to hear that.
That he did
Oh wow we’re flashing back to Kyoko’s death from her perspective. I hadn’t expected that.
Me neither
It’s really horrifying to watch honestly.
They don't hold back at all
Kyoko’s last words being her finishing a sentence in her head and being misconstrued by Kyo is kind of contrived and ridiculous but I think I can go along with it.
You can see it as Kyo being so insecure that he was essentially framing it to reflect badly on himself. Trauma maxing, I believe it's called.
Kyoko being reunited with her husband in the afterlife is kind of sweet even though the audience never really knew him.
I like that they framed it into something positive.
Really not sure what this last episode is going to be. It feels like everything’s pretty much wrapped up.
My guess is it'll be a timeskip of some kind.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Questions of the Day
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi getting together?
What are your thoughts on the Zodiacs having a final banquet?
What are your thoughts on Akito wearing a female kimono?
What are your thoughts on Akito and Shigure patching up their relationship?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru agreeing to live somewhere else so that Kyo can have a fresh start on life?
What are your thoughts on us getting to see the dying moments of Kyoko from her perspective?
What are your thoughts on the reveal Kyoko told Kyo to protect Tohru or else she'll never forgive him, but Kyo only heard the last bit?
2
u/AgentOfACROSS 13d ago
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi getting together?
I think that's sweet
What are your thoughts on Akito wearing a female kimono?
It's an interesting look for her
What are your thoughts on Akito and Shigure patching up their relationship?
Good for them
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru agreeing to live somewhere else so that Kyo can have a fresh start on life?
I hope it goes well for them
What are your thoughts on us getting to see the dying moments of Kyoko from her perspective?
It's a really good sequence
1
u/Holofan4life 13d ago
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi getting together?
I think that's sweet
Very much so
What are your thoughts on Akito wearing a female kimono?
It's an interesting look for her
I like Akito becoming her own person
What are your thoughts on Akito and Shigure patching up their relationship?
Good for them
They were made for each other lol
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru agreeing to live somewhere else so that Kyo can have a fresh start on life?
I hope it goes well for them
Kyo out of everyone needed to get out of this environment the most. And he can still visit his master if he wants to.
What are your thoughts on us getting to see the dying moments of Kyoko from her perspective?
It's a really good sequence
I was mistaken when I said it's the first time we've gotten the perspective of someone other than Tohru, Tohru's friends and a Sohma family member. Motoko had an episode or two written from her point of view. But it's still very rare to get a scene where the POV isn't of one of the main characters. And for it to be Kyoko feels particularly special because we've heard Tohru talk about this person since literally episode 1.
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Thoughts on Haru and Shigure eating pizza?
Thoughts on Yuki feeling you can't take for granted that there will be someone who cares enough to search for you?
Thoughts on Machi feeling Tohru made Yuki who he is today and is responsible for him making her happy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi sharing their first kiss?
Thoughts on Rin getting jealous over Haru's love for Yuki?
Thoughts on Shigure buying Akito the kimono?
Thoughts on Shigure giving Akito the chance to leave him?
What are your thoughts on Akito telling Shigure she wants to permeate Shigure's body?
What are your thoughts on Akito deciding to live at the main estate as atonement for her sins?
What are your thoughts on Shigure deciding to live with Akito?
What are your thoughts on Tohru wanting to be by Kyo's side as he wants to find out who the real he is?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru visiting Kyoko's gravesite?
What are your thoughts on Kyoko reuniting with Tohru’s dad, with Tohru’s dad telling his wife she fought well?
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u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch.
For there is an animal in all of us <3
Fruits Basket is a show I’ve heard a lot about. It’s always been something that interests me. It’s a romcom, which is a genre I enjoy, it has a female protagonist, which is kinda a rarity for romcom anime, it has a tsundere, which yes please, and from what I’ve heard it has some supernatural elements which is pretty cool.
Funny enough, I’m hosting this rewatch the same time as I’m hosting the Spice and Wolf rewatch which is another show with supernatural elements.
I have never seen Fruits Basket before, but I have high hopes for it. It seems like the type of show I would enjoy. I would say of the shows on my to watch list, this one is probably in my top 5. And let's just say that list is long and ever expansive. Actually, I love the idea of a male tsundere who turns into an orange cat so much that I named my orange cat after him. That’s without having seen the show.
For the purposes of this rewatch, we will be watching both the original series and the remake. I don’t think both have ever been done like this, and by the end we’ll find out for good reason :P
Regardless, this is my big pet project of 2026 the purpose of which is for me to see what all the hubbub is about. I’m not expecting the show to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but hey, you never know.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way.
All play and no work makes Holofan go crazy.
Why do I have the feeling my life is about to be drastically different in the next six months?
Haru and Shigure eating pizza
Ah, yes. That famous brand Doreno
Yuki on the move
He wants to see Machi 🥹
Yuki says you can't take for granted that there will be someone who cares enough to search for you.
Yuki in front of Machi
They're like in the middle town.
She has something she wants to give him.
A get well present for Tohru.
Her way of saying thank you
"President, just knowing that someone like you exists in the world makes me happy."
Machi is happy Tohru was there to protect him.
She feels Tohru made Yuki who he is today and is responsible for him making her happy.
Yuki caressing her cheek
"Thank you... for finding me."
The bond
Yuki sensing something
He wants to tell Machi something
It seems as if Yuki is the last one with the bond.
And God is talking to him? Alright.
It seems as if the bond is finally broken. It is no more.
Yuki wonders if it's selfish to cry now.
Mayhaps
God looks a lot like Ayame
Yuki finally has his freedom
And then he hugs Machi
This is enough
Machi asking if she can call him by his first name.
And so she does so
AND THEN THEY KISS
LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"As often as you'd like."
Flashback time
A young Akito meeting with Shigure.
Present, Shigure is nowhere to be found.
Hey, it's Ritsu
All the Sohmas are gathered together in the main estate.
Kagura and Kyo
Momiji looking hot as always
Rin getting jealous over Haru's love for Yuki.
This reminds me this is really the first time we've seen all the Sohmas interact with each other.
I love Ayame lol
Akito is ready to see them
Hey, she's dressed femininely
I love Ritsu thinking she's taking after them.
Another flashback
Shigure bought Akito a present
Shigure talks about Akito becoming a new Akito.
So, is the outfit from him? It sure seems that way.
Akito says she's returning to her true self.
Everyone is free
And yet, so much to apologize for.
Another flashback
Akito tells Shigure he scared her most.
Couldn't tie him to her
"Such a traitor."
Shigure is like the one person Akito couldn't figure out.
Shigure says he's giving Akito the chance to run away.
If they come back, they know what to expect.
Akito says she wants to permeate Shigure's body, which is some pretty suggestive terminology.
Akito is being pretty graphic with her description.
Akito feels she's asking for absolution without atonement.
And so she decided she's going to continue living at the main estate.
Shigure seemingly agrees to do the same.
Nothing brings a couple together quite like fucking that person's mother.
Shigure tells Akito he loves her
And then they kiss
Kyo with Tohru
He tells her he plans on leaving the main estate when he graduates.
A normal human being who can live a normal life.
"I can be part of this world with you."
Kyo says he wants to fight, to test himself in another place.
He wants her to come
He is going to a dojo run by someone Master knows.
Who is that?
Kagura?
Kyo with master
Kyo is hopeful to use what he's learned there.
Kyo mentions how selfish it is to take Tohru away from people who love her.
He wants to find out who the real he is.
Tohru agrees with this sentiment.
Tohru mentioning being happy with how happy Master was with Kyo.
Tohru vows to come with Kyo
Aww, Kyo being flustered is so cute.
Tohru then tells Kyo that her mom doesn't hold a grudge against him.
No outro?
Tohru says it would be much harder if she was separated from him.
"I belong with you, by your side."
"Please take me with you."
Kyo grabs ahold of her hands and thanks her.
Aww, they were in front of Tohru's mother's grave this entire time.
Kyo tells Tohru's mother's he is keeping his promise.
Protecting her with his whole life
But wait!
Kyoko seems to be upset about this!
We see Kyoko about to die, assessing the situation.
This is after she got hit by a car.
She hates leaving Tohru alone. After all, what will happen to her?
Leaving is as bad as being left
I dunno about that
Look at Kyoko. Her eyes are so lifeless.
She wishes she loved Tohru so much more.
She is begging someone to protect Tohru
She tells Kyo to go out and find her if Tohru ever gets lost.
"I won't forgive you, ever."
And Kyo runs away
Kyoko prays that her years will be full of people who love her.
To live so that people will say she fought well.
That's how she wants her to grow old.
Kyoko in the water now
Who's that?
It's dad
Weird place to get the milk, but alright.
He extends his hand to her.
"You fought well."
Man...
Overall, this was another fantastic episode. I wouldn't necessarily say it was ten out of ten like some of the other episodes, but it was still quite strong. A definite nine out of ten for sure. The ending sequence with Kyoko reflecting on her final moments was some powerful stuff. Definitely some of the better content involving her. I do wonder why she said she won't forgive you. Was it to Kyo, or maybe to herself for not always being there for Tohru, like maybe she felt she let her down?
I thought the episode was going to be more about Yuki and Machi and their relationship, though thinking about it it's probably for the best it was kept to a five minute sequence. It was straight to the point and I think it was better off for it. Plus, it gave room for the Kyoko stuff which is way stronger anyway.
Besides those two things, it seems like Akito, Kyo, and Tohru are all ready to love on. Tohru gave Kyo her blessing, and with Akito the jury is still out if people will forgive her. Kyo and Tohru's conversation happening at the gravesite of Tohru's mother made me think of the episode where they celebrated the one year anniversary of her mother's passing. They really have come so far since then. And seeing some of the Sohma family interact with each other like Ritsu and Akito was a neat treat as we've never seen them interact with each other before. That to me added to the enjoyment of the episode.
This to me was middle of the road. There's a lot of good stuff here, but it almost suffers from the rest of the show being of such a high quality. It does have me interested in what the last episode could be like. Is the episode really going to be about the past transgressions of Akito, or will we maybe see some of Kyoko and what her life was like before she gave birth to Tohru? Maybe a bit of both? I do think that this was it for Yuki as a character and to a lesser extent a goodbye to both Tohru and Kyo. So to that degree, I thought this episode was an effective farewell to arguably the three most important characters of the show.
Time to head into the final of Fruits Basket Final. Ladies, gentlemen, and others, the pleasure has been all mine.
2
u/Holofan4life 13d ago
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Machi getting together?
You see to love it
What are your thoughts on the Zodiacs having a final banquet?
A farewell to this part of their lives. I like seeing everyone together.
What are your thoughts on Akito wearing a female kimono?
She pulls it off nicely
What are your thoughts on Akito and Shigure patching up their relationship?
I'm actually happy for them. I think they deserve happiness.
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Tohru agreeing to live somewhere else so that Kyo can have a fresh start on life?
Kyo deserves it. He's been through a lot.
What are your thoughts on us getting to see the dying moments of Kyoko from her perspective?
Probably the highlight of the episode
What are your thoughts on the reveal Kyoko told Kyo to protect Tohru or else she'll never forgive him, but Kyo only heard the last bit?
It may seem like a cop out but her telling Kyo otherwise would've been out of character.
1
u/Holofan4life 13d ago
Holofan's Fruits Basket Episode Rankings
1/. Episode 59
2/. Episode 24
3/. Episode 57
4/. Episode 14
5/. Episode 58
6/. Episode 46
7/. Episode 56
8/. Episode 35
9/. Episode 34
10/. Episode 32
11/. Episode 5
12/. Episode 17
13/. Episode 16
14/. Episode 61
15/. Episode 7
16/. Episode 37
17/. Episode 54
18/. Episode 48
19/. Episode 43
20/. Episode 47
21/. Episode 50
22/. Episode 36
23/. Episode 60
24/. Episode 10
25/. Episode 40
26/. Episode 41
27/. Episode 12
28/. Episode 22
29/. Episode 62
30/. Episode 4
31/. Episode 55
32/. Episode 31
33/. Episode 20
34/. Episode 25
35/. Episode 27
36/. Episode 52
37/. Episode 49
38/. Episode 53
39/. Episode 45
40/. Episode 44
41/. Episode 33
42/. Episode 51
43/. Episode 42
44/. Episode 8
45/. Episode 6
46/. Episode 1
47/. Episode 18
48/. Episode 30
49/. Episode 23
50/. Episode 13
51/. Episode 38
52/. Episode 2
53/. Episode 29
54/. Episode 11
55/. Episode 39
56/. Episode 26
57/. Episode 15
58/. Episode 28
59/. Episode 19
60/. Episode 9
61/. Episode 21
62/. Episode 3
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u/Second_Cour 13d ago
I was actually really surprised that this wasn't top tier for you, and you didn't expand much on the Kyoko monologue at the end, as that was the highlight of the series for me
2
u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 13d ago
Crazy coincidence [Furuba final episode]You used two Mayuri comment faces here, I just watched it and Akito looks so much like her next episode...
1
1
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 13d ago
And so, she's going to go with Kyo.
Questions:
- That's nice.
- One last time.
- And so she finally shows her true self to everyone.
- Ok...
- That's nice.
- So, she entrusted Tohru to Kyo.
- And so now we know what she said.
- Damn it feels like it's been forever since then.
4
u/dontoff 13d ago
First Timer (Dub)
Okay, since when was Yuki moving like this? Damn, dude is ballsy. He drops “as often as you’d like” and then goes in for another kiss. I don’t know if you guys caught that in the wide shot after the camera pans out, but he goes back for more, haha.
Shigure making his boundaries as clear as day. Love this from him. He tells her exactly what he wants, admits how selfish and possessive he is, and gives her the opportunity to reject him now. If she comes back to him, she knows what she’s choosing. There’s very little room left to misunderstand where he stands.
And Akito is a fucking freak, man. What the fuck was that description? She wants to get into his cells and bones and fill every corner of him with her scent? She loves this man, that’s for sure.
Man, Tohru is wife material. It’s actually refreshing to see her be so direct about wanting to put her relationship and the person she loves first. I feel like that idea has become almost foreign in so much of society, and that carries over into the media we watch. We get plenty of the opposite in anime, so I like seeing this.
Yeah, very solid episode overall. I got slightly emotional at a few points, especially during Kyoko’s scene. It feels like we’re reaching the end of a very long journey with these characters, and that’s starting to sink in.
I have some broader thoughts about the season that I want to save for my review in tomorrow’s finale discussion. Looking forward to getting into those with you guys.