The ongoing anime series “With You, Our Love Will Make It Through,” known in Japan as Kimi to Koete Koi ni Naru, continues to explore the budding romance between high school student Mari Asaka and the kind-hearted beastfolk transfer student, Tsunagu Hidaka. While the overarching narrative centers on their evolving relationship amidst societal prejudices, Episode 3 takes a slight detour, offering a compelling focus on Mari’s friendships and the personal ambitions of those around her. This installment delves deeper into the lives of Mari’s friends, Ritsuka and Ayano, enriching the series’ world and highlighting the challenges faced by its characters beyond just interspecies romance.
A Shift in Focus: Introducing Ayano’s Aspirations
Episode 3 strategically broadens the narrative scope by bringing Mari’s friends, Ritsuka and Ayano, to the forefront. Viewers get a more intimate look at their dynamics, particularly Ayano’s aspirations and struggles. Ayano harbors a deep desire to become a novelist, a dream that, unfortunately, does not have her parents’ approval. To appease them and continue pursuing her passion, she is under immense pressure to maintain the highest grade average in her class.
This subplot introduces a relatable theme of parental expectations versus personal dreams, resonating with many viewers who have faced similar dilemmas. Ayano’s artistic ambition and the academic hurdles she must overcome add a layer of depth to the high school setting, moving beyond the central romantic tension to explore other facets of adolescent life.
Academic Rivalry and Unexpected Intellect
A significant development in Episode 3 occurs when Tsunagu Hidaka, the beastfolk student, unexpectedly surpasses Ayano in academic performance, securing the top spot in their class. This turn of events throws Ayano’s carefully balanced world into disarray, as her goal of maintaining the highest grades to secure her writing freedom is jeopardized. The episode skillfully uses this academic competition to explore subtle societal undercurrents. While earlier episodes hinted at prejudice against beastfolk based on perceived safety concerns or physical differences, this episode presents a different facet: the unexpected intellectual prowess of a beastfolk. The narrative implies that Tsunagu’s academic success isn’t due to inherent beastfolk superiority in intelligence, but rather his individual diligence and studious nature. This challenges pre-existing biases and adds nuance to the ongoing human-beastfolk coexistence theme.
Mari, ever the empathetic friend, becomes concerned for Ayano as she grapples with this setback. Her efforts to support Ayano further solidify her character as a compassionate and loyal individual, highlighting the importance of friendship in navigating personal challenges.
Tsunagu’s Unique Abilities and Ayano’s Frustration
In a moment of frustration and despair, Ayano discards her precious notebook, containing her literary works. This act symbolizes her emotional turmoil and the weight of her academic pressure. Demonstrating his unique beastfolk abilities, Tsunagu utilizes his heightened sense of smell to track Ayano and locate the discarded notebook. This scene not only showcases Tsunagu’s extraordinary senses but also underscores his growing connection and willingness to help those around him, particularly Mari’s friends. His actions in this episode reinforce his kind-hearted nature, which initially drew Mari to him.
The scene also briefly touches on the underlying prejudice, with some characters questioning Tsunagu’s academic achievement, hinting at the lingering skepticism and stereotypes that beastfolk often face. However, the episode largely focuses on the emotional fallout of Ayano’s situation and how her friends rally around her.
A Step Forward in Romance: Mari’s Bold Move
Despite the episode’s focus on Ayano’s struggles, it culminates in a significant moment for the main romantic storyline. After witnessing Tsunagu’s unwavering kindness and support, Mari gathers her courage and decides to take a proactive step in their relationship. The episode concludes with Mari mustering the nerve to ask Tsunagu out on a date.
This ending serves as a powerful reminder of the central romance, indicating that while the series may explore tangential plots and character developments, the core relationship between Mari and Tsunagu remains paramount. It suggests a deepening of their bond and signals a new phase in their journey to overcome personal and societal hurdles “With You, Our Love Will Make It Through.”
