[DreadBringer]

Finally catching up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

KAMEN RIDER HIBIKI VOLUME 7 - “EXHALING ONI”

Like, this thing is not without its pleasures. It’s fun to see Asumu succeed in his exams, even if I’m not sure this was a show that was going to see this kid study hard and fail to get into Jounan.

The conversation Asumu has with Hinaka is very cute, with her both encouraging him to reach for the dream of being like Hibiki, while also chiding him for assuming that just anyone could be like Hibiki.

So much of the Asumu/Hibiki stuff in this one is Hibiki training and Asumu trying to reach him, and… I mean, this is what I’m referring to when I struggle to talk about this first part of the story.

Well that sums it up, Asumu finally suceeding to get into Sakurako's place, and also together with his friends. It's likely feels like, revelation to Asumu that Hibiki trains to become an Oni (ah yes, the intended term for the fighters here is Oni, not Kamen Rider), but obviously, to become well-trained like that is not easy. "not sure"? This is something that happens a lot if trying to apply for something, if they're good then encouraging, but obviously they should warn you about the hardness of something you try to chase, lest you aren't prepared, it's better that way. I mean, here we see more how Hibiki trains, like walking on hands, or just drumming hard. I̶t̶'̶s̶ ̶n̶o̶t̶ ̶a̶s̶ ̶h̶i̶g̶h̶ ̶l̶e̶v̶e̶l̶ ̶a̶s̶ ̶Y̶u̶s̶u̶k̶e̶'̶s̶.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

The big deal in this one isn’t even about Asumu or Hibiki, though. It’s the debut of Ibuki as an Oni, and the debut of his assistant, Akira.

Hm yeah, giving seat to a pregnant woman is obeying the rule in the train that give priority to pregnant woman first. Yeah probably, Asumu has hesitation problems... and not talking about Asumu, unfortunately, back to character flaws, this can unfairly irritate viewers (despite that they want flawed characters), they want a character that makes decisions and takes action, even if it's the wrong action. These kind are less likely to take decisive action and are more likely to be pulled along by the current of events, which doesn't make for a compelling character to them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

And, hey, Ibuki! Love that suit. Love it. I think I prefer it to Hibiki’s? I’m a fan of the pipes coming around the shoulders and torso, and up into the collar. I love his Trumpet Gun or whatever. I like his jazzy Henshin music. He’s a fun looking character, and I like the differences between his fighting style (ranged, quick) and Hibiki’s (close, powerful). It’s real interesting the way the musical styles and instruments get spun out into approaches to combat. Can’t wait to see more of Ibuki in action!

It's real interesting for musical styles to be utilized like that, so that's why don't underestimate musical stuff like Hibiki with the drums. "Anything can be a weapon, if the man or woman who holds it has the nerve and will to make it so." — Robert Jordan. It's about creativity, how you can gain advantage, using any resources you have. Hibiki's drumming equals smacking the opponent endless times with hard club. You aren't thinking far if you think, only things made as weapons can be used for combat like swords, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamen Rider Die

Agree to disagree, I guess. I think Asumu's struggles, and the way he overcomes them, are heroic. It's everyday heroism, when we find some inner strength to be a better version of ourselves, to live up to the hopes of ourselves and others.

And, not to get ahead, but 7 is all about how something as personal as Asumu getting into his choice of high school makes so many people happy, and has an impact beyond Asumu's life. We All Succeed Or Fail Together is a pretty common theme in Kamen Rider stories.

Hmm.. fair enough. I do want for you to elaborate more, and I guess "live up to the hopes of others" can count, though the real impact of it still awaits, this one's still the first step.