[Sh Ranger]

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

So even if the (initial) end solution is giving someone death if it's what they want, the right thing is still not exempt and should still be tried upon here. And her speech (to instruct Aguilera) before delivering the blow to save anyone regardless of which power would mean this treatment is not strictly for Aguilera (for the shippers though..).

That seems to be the message this episode is trying to give, but I think that contradicts Kamen Rider Ryuki's message, that using any means to save someone is wrong and can cause more harm than good. It should also be consensual, not forcing salvation on someone who doesn't want it. Showing Aguilera another way of life was a valid attempt to give her a change of heart, but she ultimately stuck with her decision to face death with pride, so at that point, I think she deserved for her wish to be granted.

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Originally Posted by KamenRanger1997

You and I have very different definitions of glorious.

What's so glorious about nagging a hero into killing her? If she wants to die in battle and escape Gif's shadow, she should try to kill Akaishi. What's the point in fighting someone that Gif wants dead anyway?

The best thing for her is redemption through fighting Gif, not a needless suicide. Seeing Hana hang out with Sakura is way more satisfying than Sakura killing Aguilera. Even if Hana ends up not doing much, I'll still be happier about it than the alternative.

Not to mention what it would do to Sakura. Does she really seem like the type of character who should become a murderer? Even if she has the resolve to do it now, this is definitely the type of thing she'd regret later on.

I'm just really not into the idea that death, glorious or otherwise, is somehow better than redemption

Of course our definitions are different. Glory is subjective, so the only definition that applies to an individual is the one determined by that individual. That's fine. For Aguilera, we could see that she was genuinely happy in the moment before Sakura severed her devil.

Furthermore, Sakura was cruel enough to break her promise even after she requested a condition in exchange for that promised death, just like Olteca and Ikki (albeit due to memory loss so he can be absolved) did, making this the second time Aguilera was given a false promise. Aguilera shouldn't affiliate with someone who consciously breaks a promise.

A glorious death in battle is not the same as suicide, which doesn't have the feeling of bravery and strength of will attached to it. Even harakiri, which is similarly romanticized in Bushido culture, is generally performed in repentance as a way of regaining lost honor. Glory doesn't have to be heroic or serve a greater purpose, it can be selfish as well.

Part of being a Kamen Rider is the willingness to do unpleasant things for the sake of justice and carry the burden of those sins. Ikki and Daiji have already killed three Giftex collectively, so Sakura killing one would be a bigger deal to them than it'd be to her.