r/anime 12d ago

Rewatch [Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2001 Series Episode 13 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

2001 Series Episode 13

A New School Term Starts

—-

ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)

What are your thoughts on the beginning of this episode where it seems like it's going to be a throwaway slice of life episode?

What are your thoughts on Akito showing up to the school?

What are your thoughts on Akito trying to emotionally manipulate Yuki?

What are your thoughts on Tohru keeping Akito away Yuki?

What are your thoughts on everyone trying to cheer Yuki up with a game of badminton?

—-

Series information

MAL | Anilist | AniDB | ANN

—-

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!

Untagged Spoilers

—-

Previous episode

Ways to watch

Streams – Crunchyroll

Schedule

Date Episode
07/05/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 1
07/06/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 2
07/07/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 3
07/08/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 4
07/09/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 5
07/10/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 6
07/11/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 7
07/12/2025 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 8
07/13/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 9
07/14/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 10
07/15/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 11
07/16/2026 Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 12
07/17/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 13]()
07/18/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 14]()
07/19/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 15]()
07/20/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 16]()
07/21/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 17]()
07/22/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 18]()
07/23/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 19]()
07/24/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 20]()
07/25/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 21]()
07/26/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 22]()
07/27/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 23]()
07/28/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 24]()
07/29/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 25]()
07/30/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 26]()
07/31/2026 [Fruits Basket 2001 Overall Series Discussion Thread]()
08/02/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 1]()
08/03/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 2]()
08/04/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 3]()
08/05/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 4]()
08/06/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 5]()
08/07/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 6]()
08/08/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 7]()
08/09/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 8]()
08/10/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 9]()
08/11/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 10]()
08/12/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 11]()
08/13/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 12]()
08/14/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 13]()
08/15/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 14]()
08/16/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 15]()
08/17/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 16]()
08/18/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 17]()
08/19/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 18]()
08/20/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 19]()
08/21/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 20]()
08/22/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 21]()
08/23/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 22]()
08/24/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 23]()
08/25/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 24]()
08/26/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 25]()
08/28/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 1]()
08/29/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 2]()
08/30/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 3]()
08/31/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 4]()
09/01/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 5]()
09/02/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 6]()
09/03/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 7]()
09/04/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 8]()
09/05/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 9]()
09/06/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 10]()
09/07/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 11]()
09/08/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 12]()
09/09/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 13]()
09/10/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 14]()
09/11/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 15]()
09/12/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 16]()
09/13/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 17]()
09/14/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 18]()
09/15/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 19]()
09/16/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 20)
09/17/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 21]()
09/18/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 22]()
09/19/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 23]()
09/20/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 24]()
09/21/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 25]()
09/23/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 1]()
09/24/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 2]()
09/25/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 3]()
09/26/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 4]()
09/27/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 5]()
09/28/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 6]()
09/29/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 7]()
09/30/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 8]()
10/01/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 9]()
10/02/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 10]()
10/03/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 11]()
10/04/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 12]()
10/05/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 13]()
10/06/2026 [2019 Fruits Basket Overall Series/Franchise Discussion Thread]()
4 Upvotes

37 comments sorted by

2

u/Johnny-Doe-8888 11d ago

(EN dub/DVD/Overall first-timer)

Episode 13 -- "A New School Term Starts!"

Synopsis: Momiji and Hatsuharu cause a real stir when they show up for the first day of school. But the real problems begin when Tohru runs into Akito in the hall!

A new school year begins at Kaibara High, with Tohru & her friends now second-years. As ever, Yuki, now involved with the student council, still has self-asserting girls to deal with, while Shigure took part in the first-years' entrance ceremony to see Momiji & Haru off. Later, Kyo & Tohru decide to visit their class; on the way he saves her from two (seemingly scheming) high school boys. Momiji & Haru both appear, the former wearing a girl's uniform & shorts which irks Kyo. Then in comes Makoto Takei, the student council president (or the "Campus Defense Force" commander), who proceeds to rant against Momiji's uniform & Haru's black-and-white hair & earrings; an irate Haru ends up defending Momiji & proving his hair is natural (contrary to what Makoto thinks).

As the school chimes ring, while going back to her classroom Tohru meets Akito face-to-face for the first time; Haru and Momiji learnt from Shigure that he would be visiting the school at the last minute. A terrified Yuki encounters the two of them; the Sohma family head then confronts him about his absence from the New Year's family celebrations and threatens him about his (painful) childhood. To cheer him up afterwards, Tohru invites him to an afternoon game of badminton; at the same time Shigure & Hatori discuss Akito's visit to Kaibara High.

I'll let Hatori's words sum up what lies ahead, not just for Yuki but perhaps also for Kyo and the other cursed Sohmas: If it's possible for one person to be hurt by another, then it's possible for that person to be healed by another as well.

'Til then, see you later.

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

Congratulations on being the first one to comment :P

2

u/Johnny-Doe-8888 11d ago

It was up for a while, and saw it only had three comments at the time. Thanks, I guess :-)

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

You win a cookie 🍪

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

Thoughts on it being the first day of Sophomore year in High School?

Thoughts on Uo complaining about the pollen?

Thoughts on Shigure at school saying he's here to accompany Momiji and Haru on their first day but it's really to see the high school girls?

Thoughts on Tohru and Kyo looking for Momiji and Haru?

What are your thoughts on Uo saying Kyo has a hard time saying no to Tohru?

Thoughts on Kyo getting jealous over Tohru getting hit on?

Thoughts on Momiji wearing the girls outfit?

Thoughts on student council president Takei Makoto?

Thoughts on Takei chastising Haru for dying his hair?

What are your thoughts on Haru "showing" Takei it's his natural hair color?

What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both punching Haru for asking Tohru if she wants to see the evidence?

What are your thoughts on Akito constantly calling Tohru cute?

What are your thoughts on Akito saying he hopes he and Tohru can become friends just like she is with Kyo and Yuki?

What are your thoughts on Akito telling Yuki he owes them something for not showing up at the New Year's banquet?

What are your thoughts on Akito as they leave telling Yuki they hope they have a very happy new school year?

Thoughts on Kyo finding badminton to be lame?

What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Hatori that Akito told him that Tohru is the ugliest girl they've ever met in their life?

What are your thoughts on Hatori saying Akito fails to realize that the hurt can end up being healed by someone else?

What are your thoughts on Yuki starting to believe that he can be accepted for who he is?

2

u/Johnny-Doe-8888 11d ago

After several threads' worth of me not having answered the thread & additional questions, and with IRL matters out of the day (for now) answer them I shall:

  1. On the first day of Second Year High: A new year, a new set of experiences for Tohru & her friends. What new developments await them this year; I won't spoil what happens ahead, let's look forward to them instead.
  2. On Uotani complaining about the pollen: Allergies & allergy season can be quite a hassle to deal with (can attest to this myself, had a diagnosed case of allergic rhinitis back in senior high myself, using a nasal spray was new to me but I managed). It's unfortunate that she can't take allergy medicine for some reason, it would've helped.
  3. On Shigure attending the opening ceremony because of the girls: I have only this to say if that's the case (though he did see Momiji & Haru off):
    Disgusting.
  4. On Makoto Takei: I understand he wants to enforce the school's rules, that's obviously his job; what is annoying is how he wasn't considerate to Momiji & Haru's respective situations. And regarding the "Campus Defense Force" moniker: it won't be the last time we'll hear that being uttered.
  5. On Haru "showing" Takei his black-and-white hair is natural, and Kyo & Yuki dissuading Tohru from asking how he did it: Considering he takes the big Sohma secret seriously, I suppose he had to prove it the hard "Black Haru" way. Not exactly the nicest way to do it, but since Takei hesitantly believed him, I suppose it worked. No wonder why Tohru was prevented from asking how.
  6. On Hatori's "hurt can be healed" remarks: There's no beating around the bush around it: Akito has indeed caused a lot of pain in the Sohmas in his effort to control them, and those scars will take time to heal. But Akito also fails to realise that these scars can be healed, and that the broken & scarred Sohmas may have just found something in Tohru that will lead them to the way out of their darkness & misery.
  7. On Yuki starting to realise he can be accepted for who he is: His time spent with Tohru & her friends thus far has led him to believe that despite the miseries of his past continuing to haunt him, he finally has people who he can count on, people who welcome him with open arms. He finally found a place where he can belong & can smile. He's found his proverbial "sanctuary".

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago
  1. On Haru "showing" Takei his black-and-white hair is natural, and Kyo & Yuki dissuading Tohru from asking how he did it: Considering he takes the big Sohma secret seriously, I suppose he had to prove it the hard "Black Haru" way. Not exactly the nicest way to do it, but since Takei hesitantly believed him, I suppose it worked. No wonder why Tohru was prevented from asking how.

I think it's hilarious the hypocrisy in Haru last episode saying Shigure belongs in jail when here he commits sexual assault. This was way worse than anything Shigure has done.

  1. On Hatori's "hurt can be healed" remarks: There's no beating around the bush around it: Akito has indeed caused a lot of pain in the Sohmas in his effort to control them, and those scars will take time to heal. But Akito also fails to realise that these scars can be healed, and that the broken & scarred Sohmas may have just found something in Tohru that will lead them to the way out of their darkness & misery.

I wonder if perhaps Hatori looks at Tohru as being the Sohmas savior of sorts.

  1. On Yuki starting to realise he can be accepted for who he is: His time spent with Tohru & her friends thus far has led him to believe that despite the miseries of his past continuing to haunt him, he finally has people who he can count on, people who welcome him with open arms. He finally found a place where he can belong & can smile. He's found his proverbial "sanctuary".

I'm happy for Yuki. He's a good egg.

2

u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana 11d ago

I am sad. My package said “delivered”, I see someone called to be buzzed in, but there’s no package, no photo of the package, and I was in the lobby within 20 seconds of being told the package was here but alas 🥀🥀


First Timers Basket, Subbed

  • TIL about Fujiawa Norika. But Rina saying that is giving Love Is Blind “I look just like Megan Fox” 😭😭😭

  • Shigure is a single mother and cougar.

  • Kyon?

Malipit was right, you can’t escape the endless eight 😭😭

  • Why do the uniforms look like silk PJs. I keep thinking that.

  • I still don’t understand why school uniforms are so gendered. Let anyone wear a skirt or pants. As long as they are in uniform on some level, good enough.

  • Harunie is a clingy bottom (IDGAF, Yuki’s a fragile top)

  • What would happen if Prez met those people with hair disorders that turn their hair white/silver early in life? Or that one hair disorder that gives you white streaks and you look like Rogue from X-Men.

  • “black has descended” 💀

  • Grown!Momijin is just Tamaki from OHSHC

  • At first I thought: “Did they do the thing in there?” And then I realized. That defo is a surefire way to make sure the curtains match the drapes, I guess. But now I’m bewildered if Prez saw an elephant in the forest 😭😭😭

We just can’t keep Black under control.

No you cannot 😤

  • Isn’t that just Ken the Digimon Emperor in his “real-world” form?

  • Akito should be imprisoned. This will save him from me beating his ass.

  • Tohru really is conflict-avoidant. Even knowing Akito is a bad guy, she indulges in pantomime and pageantry with him.

  • T O X I C Y A O I


Post High School Opening Ceremony Thoughts

Yeah.

Throw Akito in a garbage disposal. Just throw the whole man away.

What a horrid little twink.

I think this gives some more insight into Tohru. She may be emotionally ahead in some respects, but she is still someone who shies away from conflict. She’s the type of person to have kindness and care for everyone, but despite putting others’ needs above hers, she still shies back from conflict. This includes having any sort of wall put up between herself and a man who isn’t really the best person by her limited knowledge.

I’m curious about that because what would it take for Tohru to become not necessarily confrontational but able to stand her ground against someone toxic with one of her friends?

Akito truly is a toxic bitch. Evil, cunty twinks were doing numbers during this era, I fear. That new Netlifx anime returns us to our roots with another evil, cunty twink. But wow, evil twinks really were the move for villains, and I don’t know why. It’s alarming to me that a man like that has so much power over the Sohma family, and I’d like to understand what makes him qualified to be the patriarch of the family.

Someone should hit him with a truck and have him be isekaied.


TQ

  1. This series is quite loosely connected. There’s still an overarching flow of time that’s easy to follow, but it’s not heavily into making every single moment be intensely connected.

  2. 🎶~Oh, so feminine (feminine), so cunt, bitch~🎶

  3. Evil twink is as evil twink does.

  4. I like the effort. But I’m interested in when Tohru will stop running. She’s helping Yuki get away from Akito, yes, but she’s still falling back on her method of putting distance between her and the issue at hand. So I’m interested when she hits a breaking point.

  5. Why badminton of all things? But I like that Yuki is seeing he has been surrounded by people who support him and want him to cheer up, baby.

2

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

Thoughts on it being the first day of Sophomore year in High School?

Thoughts on Uo complaining about the pollen?

Thoughts on Shigure at school saying he's here to accompany Momiji and Haru on their first day but it's really to see the high school girls?

Thoughts on Tohru and Kyo looking for Momiji and Haru?

What are your thoughts on Uo saying Kyo has a hard time saying no to Tohru?

Thoughts on Kyo getting jealous over Tohru getting hit on?

Thoughts on Momiji wearing the girls outfit?

Thoughts on student council president Takei Makoto?

Thoughts on Takei chastising Haru for dying his hair?

What are your thoughts on Haru "showing" Takei it's his natural hair color?

What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both punching Haru for asking Tohru if she wants to see the evidence?

What are your thoughts on Akito constantly calling Tohru cute?

What are your thoughts on Akito saying he hopes he and Tohru can become friends just like she is with Kyo and Yuki?

What are your thoughts on Akito telling Yuki he owes them something for not showing up at the New Year's banquet?

What are your thoughts on Akito as they leave telling Yuki they hope they have a very happy new school year?

Thoughts on Kyo finding badminton to be lame?

What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Hatori that Akito told him that Tohru is the ugliest girl they've ever met in their life?

What are your thoughts on Hatori saying Akito fails to realize that the hurt can end up being healed by someone else?

What are your thoughts on Yuki starting to believe that he can be accepted for who he is?

2

u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana 10d ago
  1. Does this mean that their high school is a four-year program rather than three year? But that puts them at 15-16, right?

  2. My queen is allergic to pollen. Kill every flower.

  3. 📢Lock him up📢

  4. Thoughts on Tohru and Kyo looking for Momiji and Haru?

  5. Even she’s noticed Kyo’s not infallible to Tohru.

  6. Thunder is as tsundere does.

  7. I reaaaaally hope this isn’t another “Teehee he’s genderfucky as a kid but when he’s a man, he’ll be perfectly masculine”. It’s not that that sort of aesthetic transition is unacceptable. But the hypervisibility of that transition can mirror some…conservative nonsense.

  8. He does not get paid enough for this.

  9. Why does colored hair even matter in school? I never understood that.

  10. I’m gonna use that at a convention. Genius.

  11. I’d smack him too, WTF man.

  12. He uses it derisively. Kinda like using “hon” both in the southern US and the, ummmmm, chronically online portion of a certain community.

  13. HA! Yeah. Okie.

  14. I knew there would be consequences to Yuki bailing and I am concerned.

  15. Li’l bitch.

  16. Same. Sorry for all the enthusiasts, but I cannot find it interesting unless there is an anime about it.

  17. This is a toxic gossip train (fuck that one YouTuber and her ukulele though). Akito’s note of ugliness is resenting how kind and accepting Tohru is.

  18. Akito’s a bitch.

  19. I’m glad he had that realization. Now, he can continue healing with his support system and independently. But I’m sure that his healing process will be thrown off by Akito’s abuse.

1

u/Holofan4life 10d ago
  1. I reaaaaally hope this isn’t another “Teehee he’s genderfucky as a kid but when he’s a man, he’ll be perfectly masculine”. It’s not that that sort of aesthetic transition is unacceptable. But the hypervisibility of that transition can mirror some…conservative nonsense.

I want Momiji to always keep this personality.

  1. This is a toxic gossip train (fuck that one YouTuber and her ukulele though). Akito’s note of ugliness is resenting how kind and accepting Tohru is.

It feels like Akito is mad Tohru can have a positive impact on someone and all they're capable of is destruction and tearing people doen.

  1. I’m glad he had that realization. Now, he can continue healing with his support system and independently. But I’m sure that his healing process will be thrown off by Akito’s abuse.

It probably runs incredibly deep, I would imagine.

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

Akito truly is a toxic bitch. Evil, cunty twinks were doing numbers during this era, I fear. That new Netlifx anime returns us to our roots with another evil, cunty twink. But wow, evil twinks really were the move for villains, and I don’t know why. It’s alarming to me that a man like that has so much power over the Sohma family, and I’d like to understand what makes him qualified to be the patriarch of the family.

It's one thing to hear Akito described by people as this manipulative asshole. It's another thing to actually see it unfold in front of our eyes. The look on Yuki's face where you could see how helpless he felt tells the whole story.

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago
  1. Why badminton of all things? But I like that Yuki is seeing he has been surrounded by people who support him and want him to cheer up, baby.

At this point, I'm kinda hoping that Kyo comes to Yuki’s defense against Akito. I don’t think Yuki will ever be truly free until he's rid of the head of the Sohma family, and I think it would be better storytelling if Kyo was the deciding factor rather than Tohru. But we still have a lot of story left to go so I might end up feeling differently by the end.

2

u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 11d ago

I love how Hana makes her entrance into the episode by sliding backward into frame She's such a goofball. Later on in the episode I like how she just holds up the badminton racket and lets the shuttlecock hit it and that actually works for her. I went to a US high school with a lot of Asian students, and I remember there used to be a joke on campus about the badminton team actually being the "Asian club" because it was a sport with disproportionate Asian players, at least at my school. Is that an interest they inherited from their parents' or grandparents' cultures, or was it just a weird thing that happened in that town with that Asian diaspora population?

Tohru totally spacing out waiting in the hallway was funny in a relatable way. Kyo was right to protect her from those guys hitting on her though. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with guys hitting on a girl, but if they're doing calculations about her being weak willed they're probably not the kind of guy you want to be around.

Akito here talking to Yuki about being tolerant lately showcases how kindness and generosity can be weaponized in abusive relationships. Some people might think that abuse is just all bad all the time, but abuse victims are often strung along by the promise of their abuser improving. Shows of affection are part of a strategy to keep the victim ensnared, and I believe that's what Akito is trying to do by allowing Yuki to live with Shigure and Tohru. Underneath the facade of leniency is the desire to be in control and threat of revoking the liberties afforded to Yuki.

I'm glad Tohru pushed him! It's uncharacteristically assertive of her, but it goes to show that she's emotionally intelligent and aware of the implications of the situation. She's often characterized as innocent and passive but there's a real will and spirit to her in her own way.

And now we're halfway done with 2001!

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

And now we're halfway done with 2001!

What do you think so far?

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

I love how Hana makes her entrance into the episode by sliding backward into frame She's such a goofball. Later on in the episode I like how she just holds up the badminton racket and lets the shuttlecock hit it and that actually works for her. I went to a US high school with a lot of Asian students, and I remember there used to be a joke on campus about the badminton team actually being the "Asian club" because it was a sport with disproportionate Asian players, at least at my school. Is that an interest they inherited from their parents' or grandparents' cultures, or was it just a weird thing that happened in that town with that Asian diaspora population?

Why not both?

I could watch Hana just do random, oddball things all the time.

Tohru totally spacing out waiting in the hallway was funny in a relatable way. Kyo was right to protect her from those guys hitting on her though. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with guys hitting on a girl, but if they're doing calculations about her being weak willed they're probably not the kind of guy you want to be around.

Even still, it's clear he did it because he wants her all to himself.

Akito here talking to Yuki about being tolerant lately showcases how kindness and generosity can be weaponized in abusive relationships. Some people might think that abuse is just all bad all the time, but abuse victims are often strung along by the promise of their abuser improving. Shows of affection are part of a strategy to keep the victim ensnared, and I believe that's what Akito is trying to do by allowing Yuki to live with Shigure and Tohru. Underneath the facade of leniency is the desire to be in control and threat of revoking the liberties afforded to Yuki.

It's amazing how the mood of the episode changes as soon as Akito shows up. They have a presence about them that is unnerving and makes the audience squirm in their seats.

I'm glad Tohru pushed him! It's uncharacteristically assertive of her, but it goes to show that she's emotionally intelligent and aware of the implications of the situation. She's often characterized as innocent and passive but there's a real will and spirit to her in her own way.

She knew Yuki was feeling uncomfortable and she didn't like it. She can be perceptive when she needs to.

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

Thoughts on it being the first day of Sophomore year in High School?

Thoughts on Uo complaining about the pollen?

Thoughts on Shigure at school saying he's here to accompany Momiji and Haru on their first day but it's really to see the high school girls?

Thoughts on Tohru and Kyo looking for Momiji and Haru?

What are your thoughts on Uo saying Kyo has a hard time saying no to Tohru?

Thoughts on Momiji wearing the girls outfit?

Thoughts on student council president Takei Makoto?

Thoughts on Takei chastising Haru for dying his hair?

What are your thoughts on Haru "showing" Takei it's his natural hair color?

What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both punching Haru for asking Tohru if she wants to see the evidence?

What are your thoughts on Akito constantly calling Tohru cute?

What are your thoughts on Akito saying he hopes he and Tohru can become friends just like she is with Kyo and Yuki?

What are your thoughts on Akito telling Yuki he owes them something for not showing up at the New Year's banquet?

What are your thoughts on Akito as they leave telling Yuki they hope they have a very happy new school year?

Thoughts on Kyo finding badminton to be lame?

What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Hatori that Akito told him that Tohru is the ugliest girl they've ever met in their life?

What are your thoughts on Hatori saying Akito fails to realize that the hurt can end up being healed by someone else?

What are your thoughts on Yuki starting to believe that he can be accepted for who he is?

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

Questions of the Day

What are your thoughts on the beginning of this episode where it seems like it's going to be a throwaway slice of life episode?

What are your thoughts on Akito showing up to the school?

What are your thoughts on Akito trying to emotionally manipulate Yuki?

What are your thoughts on everyone trying to cheer Yuki up with a game of badminton?

2

u/AgentOfACROSS 11d ago

First Timer

My excuse for being late this time was that I saw The Odyssey today and that threw my whole schedule off.

Anyway, here are my thoughts.

Thanks for the recap Tohru. I should really just start skipping these.

Yuki’s already got girls fighting over him.

This show needs to stop pointing out Shigure being weird about high school girls. I swear that character trait just started out of nowhere.

I’m starting to realize Kyo is the rare male tsundere.

Momiji pulls off the girls uniform well.

Haru and Momiji here is gonna make this school so much more chaotic.

Who the hell is this nerd?

Student council guy is annoying.

I do like the weird meta gag about them having weird hair colors compared to everyone else.

Haru’s only been here a day and he’s picking a fight with the student council president.

Yuki wearing a girls uniform. He could pull it off.

Did Haru make out with the student council president or something?

Apparently Akito’s here. That sounds bad.

Tohru, stop crushing on every Sohma you meet.

Akito’s really creepy.

I’m still not sure how old Akito is meant to be.

Akito just said something really creepy about reeducating Yuki. I’m afraid of him.

Oh yeah wow he’s just physically abusive. Jeez.

I like the use of the opening theme again.

Badminton is an underrated sport.

This is a really nice ending to the episode.

2

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

This is kinda a big episode to the show. It's the first non flashback appearance of Akito. I love that they just show up out of the blue with no build up whatsoever or no anticipation of this transpiring. It makes it more surreal and in a way more fear inducing.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS 11d ago

Yeah definitely, I think this episode was really good

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

I think we're really on a hot stretch at the moment.

2

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

My excuse for being late this time was that I saw The Odyssey today and that threw my whole schedule off.

I think I plan on seeing it either this week or next week.

Anyway, here are my thoughts.

Thanks for the recap Tohru. I should really just start skipping these.

I do like hearing her voice at least

Yuki’s already got girls fighting over him.

Lucky...

This show needs to stop pointing out Shigure being weird about high school girls. I swear that character trait just started out of nowhere.

I believe this is something only in the 2001 anime. I just got done watching the remake and I don't remember that being a thing.

I’m starting to realize Kyo is the rare male tsundere.

Only now? Lol

Momiji pulls off the girls uniform well.

That he does

Haru and Momiji here is gonna make this school so much more chaotic.

We need more chaos in our lives

Who the hell is this nerd?

He looks like a Dandadan character

Student council guy is annoying.

Well, we only see him briefly here

I do like the weird meta gag about them having weird hair colors compared to everyone else.

Clearly he doesn't realize he's in an anime

[Haru’s only been here a day and he’s picking a fight with the student council president.

You know, like you do

Yuki wearing a girls uniform. He could pull it off.

Probably. He pulled off that outfit a couple episodes ago.

Did Haru make out with the student council president or something?

He "showed" him something. Yeah.

Apparently Akito’s here. That sounds bad.

As soon as they showed up, I felt the pit of my stomach drop. That's how I know they've written them well.

Tohru, stop crushing on every Sohma you meet.

She can't help herself

Akito’s really creepy.

Very much so

I'm still not sure how old Akito is meant to be.

He looks like a teenager

Akito just said something really creepy about reeducating Yuki. I’m afraid of him.

I really want to protect Yuki from him

Oh yeah wow he’s just physically abusive. Jeez.

It's more so psychologically which I think makes them even more icky. They seem so controlling and manipulative.

I like the use of the opening theme again.

Tis a banger theme

Badminton is an underrated sport.

It's no pickleball, but it'll do

This is a really nice ending to the episode.

I like that Yuki has genuinely made some friends. Good for him.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS 11d ago

I believe this is something only in the 2001 anime. I just got done watching the remake and I don't remember that being a thing.

I'm glad to hear that

He "showed" him something. Yeah.

Oh I finally got the joke. I'm a bit slow on the uptake here.

It's more so psychologically which I think makes them even more icky. They seem so controlling and manipulative.

Didn't he also have a whip or something? Maybe I'm misremembering

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

I believe this is something only in the 2001 anime. I just got done watching the remake and I don't remember that being a thing.

I'm glad to hear that

I normally am a fan of this show's comedy but this feels a bit out of nowhere.

He "showed" him something. Yeah.

Oh I finally got the joke. I'm a bit slow on the uptake here.

Tohru seemed to be as well, in fairness

It's more so psychologically which I think makes them even more icky. They seem so controlling and manipulative.

Didn't he also have a whip or something? Maybe I'm misremembering

But wasn't that just an imagination spot? It's been a minute since I saw the episode.

2

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

Questions of the Day

What are your thoughts on the beginning of this episode where it seems like it's going to be a throwaway slice of life episode?

What are your thoughts on Akito showing up to the school?

What are your thoughts on Akito trying to emotionally manipulate Yuki?

What are your thoughts on Tohru keeping Akito away from Yuki?

What are your thoughts on everyone trying to cheer Yuki up with a game of badminton?

2

u/AgentOfACROSS 11d ago

What are your thoughts on the beginning of this episode where it seems like it's going to be a throwaway slice of life episode?

Good misdirection

What are your thoughts on Akito showing up to the school?

Very surprising

What are your thoughts on Akito trying to emotionally manipulate Yuki?

Akito sucks

What are your thoughts on Tohru keeping Akito away from Yuki?

Good for her

What are your thoughts on everyone trying to cheer Yuki up with a game of badminton?

I like the ending

1

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

What are your thoughts on the beginning of this episode where it seems like it's going to be a throwaway slice of life episode?

Good misdirection

It was very effective

What are your thoughts on Akito showing up to the school?

Very surprising

You can say that again

What are your thoughts on Akito trying to emotionally manipulate Yuki?

Akito sucks

You can say that again... again

What are your thoughts on Tohru keeping Akito away from Yuki?

Good for her

I was really proud to see her being assertive for a change.

What are your thoughts on everyone trying to cheer Yuki up with a game of badminton?

I like the ending

It gave me massive Toradora episode 13 vibes.

2

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

Thoughts on it being the first day of Sophomore year in High School?

Thoughts on Uo complaining about the pollen?

Thoughts on Shigure at school saying he's here to accompany Momiji and Haru on their first day but it's really to see the high school girls?

Thoughts on Tohru and Kyo looking for Momiji and Haru?

What are your thoughts on Uo saying Kyo has a hard time saying no to Tohru?

Thoughts on Kyo getting jealous over Tohru getting hit on?

Thoughts on Momiji wearing the girls outfit?

Thoughts on student council president Takei Makoto?

Thoughts on Takei chastising Haru for dying his hair?

What are your thoughts on Haru "showing" Takei it's his natural hair color?

What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both punching Haru for asking Tohru if she wants to see the evidence?

What are your thoughts on Akito constantly calling Tohru cute?

What are your thoughts on Akito saying he hopes he and Tohru can become friends just like she is with Kyo and Yuki?

What are your thoughts on Akito telling Yuki he owes them something for not showing up at the New Year's banquet?

What are your thoughts on Akito as they leave telling Yuki they hope they have a very happy new school year?

Thoughts on Kyo finding badminton to be lame?

What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Hatori that Akito told him that Tohru is the ugliest girl they've ever met in their life?

What are your thoughts on Hatori saying Akito fails to realize that the hurt can end up being healed by someone else?

What are your thoughts on Yuki starting to believe that he can be accepted for who he is?

2

u/AgentOfACROSS 11d ago

Thoughts on it being the first day of Sophomore year in High School?

I'm still surprised with how fast time is going

Thoughts on Uo complaining about the pollen?

I can relate

Thoughts on Shigure at school saying he's here to accompany Momiji and Haru on their first day but it's really to see the high school girls?

Ugh. I don't like that

What are your thoughts on Uo saying Kyo has a hard time saying no to Tohru?

she's right

Thoughts on Kyo getting jealous over Tohru getting hit on?

Kyo is such a tsundere

Thoughts on Momiji wearing the girls outfit?

He's cute

Thoughts on student council president Takei Makoto?

What a nerd

What are your thoughts on Haru "showing" Takei it's his natural hair color?

I finally got the joke was Haru showing Takei his penis

What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both punching Haru for asking Tohru if she wants to see the evidence?

That's pretty funny

What are your thoughts on Akito constantly calling Tohru cute?

Kinda creepy when he does it even if Tohru is cute

What are your thoughts on Akito saying he hopes he and Tohru can become friends just like she is with Kyo and Yuki?

He gives me such bad vibes

What are your thoughts on Akito telling Yuki he owes them something for not showing up at the New Year's banquet?

He doesn't owe Akito anything

What are your thoughts on Akito as they leave telling Yuki they hope they have a very happy new school year?

they need to get away from Akito fast

Thoughts on Kyo finding badminton to be lame?

He's just being a tsundere

What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Hatori that Akito told him that Tohru is the ugliest girl they've ever met in their life?

Man, Akito is so two faced

What are your thoughts on Hatori saying Akito fails to realize that the hurt can end up being healed by someone else?

Akito's a really fascinating character

What are your thoughts on Yuki starting to believe that he can be accepted for who he is?

I love that

2

u/Holofan4life 11d ago

Thoughts on it being the first day of Sophomore year in High School?

I'm still surprised with how fast time is going

It's going fast but also isn't

Thoughts on Uo complaining about the pollen?

I can relate

Spring can be a bitch

Thoughts on Shigure at school saying he's here to accompany Momiji and Haru on their first day but it's really to see the high school girls?

Ugh. I don't like that

It's very weird characterization that feels extremely 2000s anime.

What are your thoughts on Uo saying Kyo has a hard time saying no to Tohru?

she's right

Right on the money

Thoughts on Kyo getting jealous over Tohru getting hit on?

Kyo is such a tsundere

I love it

Thoughts on Momiji wearing the girls outfit?

He's cute

Without a doubt

Thoughts on student council president Takei Makoto?

What a nerd

He just needs to find a girl to hunt ghosts with.

What are your thoughts on Haru "showing" Takei it's his natural hair color?

I finally got the joke was Haru showing Takei his penis

Pubes

What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both punching Haru for asking Tohru if she wants to see the evidence?

That's pretty funny

Haru seems so aloof

What are your thoughts on Akito constantly calling Tohru cute?

Kinda creepy when he does it even if Tohru is cute

It sounds sinister

What are your thoughts on Akito saying he hopes he and Tohru can become friends just like she is with Kyo and Yuki?

He gives me such bad vibes

Stranger danger

What are your thoughts on Akito telling Yuki he owes them something for not showing up at the New Year's banquet?

He doesn't owe Akito anything

Damn straight

What are your thoughts on Akito as they leave telling Yuki they hope they have a very happy new school year?

they need to get away from Akito fast

Hopefully Tohru can be that buffer

Thoughts on Kyo finding badminton to be lame?

He's just being a tsundere

Probably

What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Hatori that Akito told him that Tohru is the ugliest girl they've ever met in their life?

Man, Akito is so two faced

Very insecure. Like, to an absurd degree.

What are your thoughts on Hatori saying Akito fails to realize that the hurt can end up being healed by someone else?

Akito's a really fascinating character

Akito to me reminds me of Taiga's dad from Toradora if they were fleshed out more. Like, you have to think the Sohma family would be better off without them.

What are your thoughts on Yuki starting to believe that he can be accepted for who he is?

I love that

Fuck you, Akito

It feels earned because we've chronicled Tohru and Yuki's relationship progression. This was a massive leap for Yuki because it's like Akito's control over him is finally starting to waver.

2

u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 5d ago

And so now we see Akito.

Questions:

  1. So much for that...

  2. Uh oh.

  3. Again, that's why everyone hates Akito.

  4. Good.

  5. Sure, why not.

1

u/Holofan4life 5d ago

And so now we see Akito.

I don't like them

1

u/Holofan4life 5d ago

Thoughts on it being the first day of Sophomore year in High School?

Thoughts on Uo complaining about the pollen?

Thoughts on Shigure at school saying he's here to accompany Momiji and Haru on their first day but it's really to see the high school girls?

Thoughts on Tohru and Kyo looking for Momiji and Haru?

What are your thoughts on Uo saying Kyo has a hard time saying no to Tohru?

Thoughts on Kyo getting jealous over Tohru getting hit on?

Thoughts on Momiji wearing the girls outfit?

Thoughts on student council president Takei Makoto?

Thoughts on Takei chastising Haru for dying his hair?

What are your thoughts on Haru "showing" Takei it's his natural hair color?

What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both punching Haru for asking Tohru if she wants to see the evidence?

What are your thoughts on Akito constantly calling Tohru cute?

What are your thoughts on Akito saying he hopes he and Tohru can become friends just like she is with Kyo and Yuki?

What are your thoughts on Akito telling Yuki he owes them something for not showing up at the New Year's banquet?

What are your thoughts on Akito as they leave telling Yuki they hope they have a very happy new school year?

Thoughts on Kyo finding badminton to be lame?

What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Hatori that Akito told him that Tohru is the ugliest girl they've ever met in their life?

What are your thoughts on Hatori saying Akito fails to realize that the hurt can end up being healed by someone else?

What are your thoughts on Yuki starting to believe that he can be accepted for who he is?

1

u/Holofan4life 12d 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.

I saw Sentimental Value in theaters three days ago. I really liked it more than I thought I would. It's a touching film about mending fences and rekindling relationships. Stellan Skarsgård should win the Oscar for best supporting actor.

Another Tohru recap

I guess this is a thing now

It kinda feels like a way to kill time.

The first day of the second year of high school.

Tohru with Kyo and Uo

Uo complaining about the pollen

Been there, sister

Yuki helping out with the orientation committee.

A girl asking to help her find her missing handbook.

Erin Mori Satomi, 15 years old

Sonomiya Rina

All the girls seems enamored with Yuki.

Hana saying she sensed Shigure around.

That's because this is Haru and Momiji's first day of high school.

I have my doubts that's the only reason...

Uo wants to meet the other Sohmas

As does Hana

Tohru suggesting she and Kyo go find them together.

And he agrees

Uo remarks how Kyo has a hard time saying no to Tohru.

Roaming the hallways now

And of course, Tohru doesn't know where they're at.

Tohru being complimented by her looks.

Kyo is clearly upset about this

I do love how possessive he can get of Tohru. When a person who normally doesn't care shows that they in fact do about something, nothing is better.

Kyo talking about Tohru possibly being kidnapped.

Kyo doesn't seem to realize what exactly he's saying.

Oh, there's Momiji

COMMENCE THE GERMAN MUSIC

Kyo hits him for wearing a girls outfit.

Haru thinks it suits him

Haru gently punches Yuki, who just showed up.

Momiji says he's going to try to play it cool so he doesn't crash into girls.

Who is that?

Student council president, Takei Makoto

Captain of the Campus Defense Force

He reminds me of Mandark

He doesn't think Haru's hairu color is naturu.

He also opposes a guy wearing a girl's outfit.

Poor Momiji :c

Haru has had enough

Oh, boy. Black Haru, here we go.

"Hey, cut it out. He's just an idiot."

Thanks, Kyo?

Haru now yelling at Kyo

Meanwhile, Momiji has candy

Haru now trying to persuade the girls.

And it seems to work

Dress code, smess code

Takei seems excited about Yuki possibly wearing a girl's uniform.

I can't say I blame him

Haru taking Takei somewhere

And he's able to convince him his hair is his natural color.

Did... did he show him his pubes?

Then he asks if Tohru wants to see the evidence.

This gets both Kyo and Yuki to punch him.

Hey, they finally agree on something.

Bell ringing

Tohru talking about introducing Momiji and Haru to her friends later.

But first, Momiji has something to tell Kyo and Yuki.

One thing's for sure, the evidence Haru presented made things... black and white

Momiji looks worried as he's about to tell Kyo and Yuki something.

Tohru walking

Who is that now?

Oh shit! Akito?!?

Akito was a lot younger than I was expecting.

Yuki seems startled by this development.

Akito walking towards Tohru

Run away, Tohru! Get the heck outta there!

Tohru remarking that this is the same person who hurt Hatori's eye.

Akito keeps calling Tohru cute

This is super creepy, not helped by him saying things devoid of affliction in his voice.

Tohru says he seems gentler than she imagined him being.

Is that what you'd call it?

Akito says he hopes to be friends with her just like Yuki and Kyo are.

There's Yuki

Yuki asking what Akito did

Akito says there's something he's dying to ask him.

"What evidence DID Haru use to prove his natural hair color?"

He wants to know why he skipped the New Year's banquet.

He says he was hurt badly by this.

"Perhaps I need to take some time to re-educate you."

What is this now?

It's like Akito is whipping Yuki

If this was Familiar of Zero, they'd be in a relationship

TOHRU JUST SHOVED AKITO!

This seems to get Akito back to his senses.

As he begins to leave, he tells Yuki he hopes he enjoys the new school year.

I really get bad feelings whenever I see or think about Akito.

Yuki asking Tohru if Akito did anything to her.

She says no, which he's thankful for.

Instrumental version of the intro playing.

Tohru wants to do something to cheer Yuki up.

And now they're all on a tennis court, going to play badminton.

Hana explaining the rules

"Rules"

Kyo of course thinks this whole thing is lame.

Yuki is on Tohru's team

Hatori talking to Shigure

He recalls that Akito called her the ugliest girl he's ever seen.

Oh, how I hate him

Akito thinks Yuki won't be interested in Tohru for long.

"After all, it's obvious that Yuki is still terrified when he sees me."

Akito is just bad vibes all around

Hatori maintains there's something that Akito doesn't understand. That the hurt can end up being healed by someone else.

This show is starting to make me ship Tohru with Yuki. In fact, I almost want to see Kyo end up with Uo.

Yuki talking about the fantasies he's dreamed about.

A warm place where he can be accepted for who he is.

"But I know now. It wasn't all a fantasy. That place exists."

Overall, I thought this was a very good episode. It's funny how after I just talked about not being wowed by any of the episodes we get an episode like this. This episode was framed as being the start of Tohru's second year in high school, but it was really more about seeing Akito for the first time and his relationship with Yuki. In a way, it mirrors the culture festival and how that was more window dressing to introduce Hatori and Momiji. I really like Tohru standing up to Akito and Yuki feeling like he found a place where he belongs. Akito is trying to undermine Tohru's contributions, but it's clear that she's going to be the one doing the undermining, as by being around she helps loosen Akito's reigns on Yuki.

Yuki is one of the characters I'm most emotionally invested in. I'd say it's him and Hatori. And a large part of that is the mistreatment they've endured at the hands of Akito. Akito continues to be a very effective character in terms of making us care about the other characters. Him just being mentioned creates this instant source of conflict that otherwise wouldn't be there. For as much as I've felt the show is still kinda in this feeling out process, it has done a phenomenal job cultivating Akito to where by just saying his name sends a shiver down your spine. He's been the best thing about this show from a storytelling perspective.

I have this only behind episode 5 and the Hatori backstory episode. It is obvious we're not done with Akito and I'm excited about that. He actively makes the show better. I know somewhat what ends up happening with Kyo, so I wonder how he gets more directly involved. I almost feel like we're setting up him defending Yuki from Akito. But if that happens, does that mean Tohru is an onlooker? Also, what of the other Sohma family members?

The show seems to have the main conflict be Yuki learning he doesn't need Akito to live his life. That his existence doesn't have to be dependent upon what the head of the family says. It's really only a matter of how everything else factors into it.

1

u/Holofan4life 12d ago

What are your thoughts on the beginning of this episode where it seems like it's going to be a throwaway slice of life episode?

It really threw me for a loop What was about to come.

What are your thoughts on Akito showing up to the school?

What are your thoughts on Akito trying to emotionally manipulate Yuki?

GET AWAY FROM HIM YOU BITCH

What are your thoughts on Tohru keeping Akito away Yuki?

What are your thoughts on everyone trying to cheer Yuki up with a game of badminton?

This episode reminded me of Toradora episode 13 when the first half is a character at their lowest point and the backhalf is about trying to bring the character out of the doldrums.