In the exclusive chat group of the haters, these guys eagerly awaited 8 PM while happily discussing things.
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"I have to say, this episode is probably just the protagonist trying all sorts of ways to save Mayuri, right?"
"This cliché plotline means this anime is pretty much done for!"
"That annoying guy is finally going to fall from his pedestal!"
"Let's see if he can still be so arrogant after this!"
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They all just waiting for the next joke to unfold.
Soon enough, it was 8 PM.
The haters immediately pressed play!
As the screen lit up, these haters, expecting a laugh, were hit with a shock right from the start.
Okabe Rintaro, no, more accurately, the protagonist known as Okabe Rintaro, appeared on screen, with his monologue following.
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"Since then, I've jumped through time countless times to save Mayuri."
"But no matter what I did, Mayuri… still died."
"Even without the attacks from the others, it felt as though fate itself had killed her—like the whole world was conspiring to take her life!"
"No matter what I do, no matter what method I use, she will die."
"It's like fate itself, isn't it?"
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Yes, this…
What was expected to be a series of attempts to save Mayuri was instead condensed into just two minutes.
There weren't many words spoken, but through the combination of monologue and visuals, the audience could feel the crushing weight of… despair!!
Yes, despair!
If it were anyone else, they would have cracked under this endless torment by now, right?!
But Okabe Rintaro didn't give up, nor did he accept fate!
Instead, he began making new attempts.
Through this new attempt, he learned why he and his friends were being targeted.
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"1. You knew things you shouldn't have."
"2. You created a time machine."
"3. You wanted to make it public."
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This result was just as expected by the audience.
And this time, the timeline didn't surprise anyone—it ended with Mayuri's death.
Once again, Okabe Rintaro leaped three hours back to the timeline before Mayuri's death.
This time, he seemed like he was ready to give up.
He didn't look for Mayuri or try anything new.
But then, an unexpected person appeared.
Kurisu Makise! And with her help, things took a turn.
Instead of going back three hours, they traveled five hours back, to a time before Mayuri had left.
Kurisu also showed him how to gain her trust.
At this point, another key character appeared before Okabe Rintaro and Kurisu, Suzuha Amane!
The same girl who helped Okabe return three hours in the past during the "first" time.
Through her explanation, a flood of technical terms came up, confusing the audience.
But in her explanation, the audience started to understand how they might save Mayuri.
They learned that the world they were in was connected to a different world.
But before Suzuha could explain how to reach that world, she was interrupted by Kurisu.
It seemed the girl's identity was even more important.
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"I'm from 2036... I'm a time traveler, John Titor."
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And with that, episode 14 came to a close.
As the episode ended, the hater group, as expected, should have been flooding with criticism.
But instead, it fell into an eerie silence.
This left the haters who hadn't yet watched the episode curious.
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"Episode 14's over? Where did everyone go?"
"How was it? Did it start going in that cliché direction?"
"Someone tell me what happened in this episode so I can start dissing it online!"
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After a brief silence, messages began pouring in.
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"I don't even know what to say."
"Did anyone understand the last part? I have no idea what they were trying to say!"
"Though I don't fully get it, it seems like they're saying that, no matter how things change, the world these characters are in is tied to the same fate? And that the end of that path is Mayuri's death?"
"Oh, so that's what it means? Is there any scientific basis for this?"
"Sure, looking for science in an anime is a bit silly, but I think this theory is pretty reasonable, at least the anime's logic is convincing enough."
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These discussions were a surprise for the haters, leaving them speechless.
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"What are you all doing? Didn't you hate this anime? Why are you suddenly discussing the plot like fans now?"
"Sure, discuss the plot if you want, but can someone tell me what's wrong with this episode?"
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Another short silence followed.
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"Sorry, but I actually think this anime might be a bit interesting now."
"Maybe… I'm kind of looking forward to how the story develops from here."
"You might not believe it, but from the beginning, I firmly believed the creator's work wouldn't be this simple. At first, it was just to infiltrate the enemy camp!"
"Now, it's clear that this work is far from simple. I don't even need to stay in here anymore."
"..."
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Such comments kept appearing, and many members left the group, causing those who hadn't watched episode 14 or those who had just joined to criticize to feel completely baffled.
What happened? Just a short time ago, everything seemed normal, and now, these people are suddenly leaving the group?
The answer was clear—and there was only one reason—episode 14!
So, should they check it out?
The remaining haters in the group fell into deep thought.
Honestly, episode 14 may seem like it still hasn't brought the story to the main plot,
but when you think carefully, it's filled with hidden details!
The opening monologue directly disproved the haters' earlier assumptions.
What followed was a story about how to save Mayuri.
Yes, it's about saving her.
But it wasn't what they expected—going back three hours to save her.
No, it was something far beyond their imagination.
Even though the details weren't fully explained yet, the rest of the story—from traveling five hours back in time to the sudden appearance of another time traveler—told the audience one thing:
This story wasn't as simple as they thought.
And the next jump back in time explained why the main characters were attacked before 8 PM.
It also showed a side of Okabe Rintaro's state, who had been jumping through time so many times.
The next jump only magnified this point!
Okabe, seemingly ready to give up, wandering aimlessly on the street, made the audience realize something:
The story was far from over, and it wasn't going to follow the predictable path!
These details, especially in the opening, slapped the haters in the face.
What followed was completely beyond what they had imagined.
The professional explanations and references felt like being crushed under the weight of an academic's imagination.
Looking at it, this single episode has already debunked many of their previous arguments.
If they continued to stubbornly hold onto their opinions, they'd be completely shameless, wouldn't they?
At this point, slipping into the "enemy" camp and pretending to be a supporter of Steins;Gate, joining in to mock the haters, was much more satisfying than being the one getting slammed against the wall.
After this episode aired, many fans expected a new round of battle with the haters, but to their surprise... the haters' fighting spirit had completely disappeared compared to the previous week!
Although some were still a bit confused, the fans couldn't help but feel a little victorious.
They quickly began discussing the latest episode.
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"I can only say, every time this story is directed by sen, it brings me so much surprise!"
"After watching the first 11 episodes, I was disappointed, but when sensei said the real story starts from episode 12, I decided to keep watching, and it turns out sensei wasn't lying!!"
"Episode 14 really took the story to a whole new level!"
"So why was the episode so short? I wasn't ready for it to end!!"
"Damn it! Now we have to wait a whole week again!!"
"By the way, after tomorrow, it'll be April, right? Time is flying!"
"Ugh, school starts soon, and I still haven't finished my homework!!"
"Wait, when April comes, the final volume of Your Lie In April will be out, right?"
"I've already counted the days... just seven more days!!"
"My wallet is already starving for it!"
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Regarding the change in public sentiment online, Akifumi Mugiho wasn't surprised.
After all, the further Steins;Gate progressed, the more amazing it became.
Especially when the foreshadowing that had been building up was finally revealed—it felt as satisfying as suddenly being able to relieve constipation after days of discomfort.
That kind of feeling was incomparable!
Episode 14 took the story to a new height? No, no, the real high points of this anime haven't even started yet!
If there was one thing imperfect about this work, it would be the ending, which will have a "happy ending." Though the journey had its painful moments, if the ending is good, the pain from earlier won't linger for long.
On the last day of spring break, with no surprises, time passed, and the day of the new school year arrived, on Day 41... the first day of high school.
After the opening ceremony, the group returned to the classroom.
"It feels like we've already made it to our third year of high school. Time sure flies," Akifumi sighed.
Kato's eyes flickered for a moment, but then returned to calm.
"Time really does pass quickly. By the way, Akifumi, which university are you planning to go to? Todai (University of Tokyo)?"
"Well, Todai..." Akifumi sighed again, his expression helpless.
"It's the best university, but somehow it doesn't feel like the right place for me."
After all, there's no major there related to the career he's pursuing.
'What about not going to university?' Akifumi never once thought about that.
A degree might seem irrelevant, but when the time comes to use it, it can become crucial.
"I see," Kato nodded thoughtfully, then said seriously, "As for me, I'm aiming for Todai."
"Huh? Kato, have you already decided on your future?" Akifumi thought back to the conversation he had with Kato before.
Back then, Kato had been so lost, and now she was speaking with such confidence—it was a world of difference! No wonder he thought so highly of her.
"No," Kato shook her head. "I just feel that if I can get into Todai, my future will have many options, right?"
"That's true," Akifumi agreed.
"But Kato, with your current grades, it's going to be tough, isn't it?"
Kato wasn't great at math and science, but her grades in language and literature were generally very good.
Kato nodded. "That's why I'll be attending after-school tutoring from now on."
"Doesn't tutoring sound tiring?"
"If a bit of extra effort can get me into Todai, I think there should be quite a few people willing to do it," Kato said, with determination in her eyes.
"Well, that's debatable." Akifumi smiled and shook his head.
"But if you're determined, then go for it. At least you won't lose anything by trying."
"Mhm." Kato nodded, her eyes shining with the joy of finally finding a direction for her future.
For most students, the first week of school always feels like it drags on forever.
But no matter how slow time seems to pass, it always comes to an end.
When the school bell rang on Friday, it meant the long-awaited weekend was almost here!
And for the fans of Warrior of Love and Hope, tomorrow was even more significant!
The finale of Your Lie In April would finally be in their hands!
Just thinking about it got the fans excited, though a little nervous as well.
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"Damn it! The finale of Your Lie In April is tomorrow, but why am I so nervous right now?!"
"Calm down, this time the sensei didn't give us any gifts, so maybe we can still look forward to it a little!"
"Well, Madoka didn't get any gifts either..."
"The first work is always special! Your Lie In April isn't the first work, so it's fine!"
"Is it really okay?"
"...I've seen so many analyses online, and it feels like the ending is right in front of us, but please don't say such negative things!"
"Isn't that just the truth?"
"Only 4 of us can see the truth!"
"No matter what, I'm not buying Your Lie In April tomorrow!"
"I hope you keep your word!"
"I hope more fans won't buy it!"
"Well, I'm not bothered by the knives or not—just as long as the story continues to be amazing, I'm satisfied!"
"Me too! As long as the plot remains exciting, I'll accept whatever ending it gives us!"
"Hope you guys cry."
"Hope you still have that high spirit when the knives cut deep!"
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As fans wondered what Your Lie In April's ending would truly be like, April 6th arrived just as expected!
Despite many fans claiming online that they wouldn't buy Your Lie In April on the release day, choosing to wait until the ending is confirmed, the bookstores were packed with more fans than during the spring break of March!
There was no doubt—Your Lie In April's finale was too tempting!
No one could resist the urge to know the ending the moment it was released!
Even though some had said they'd resist the temptation, when the day came, their bodies honestly led them to the front of the bookstore, queuing up to buy the book.
As the clock approached 9 PM, the bookstores opened one by one.
Excited fans rushed in to grab their copies, shouting:
"Give me three copies of the final four volumes of Your Lie In April!"
The first group of buyers had big smiles on their faces, but the fans at the very end of the line looked like they had just eaten a bitter pill.