Yeah but definitely the lean anime-wise is Utena-Azul. (Which tbh makes sense as its the more dynamic and interesting ship until they actually get into Kiwi's character more, which they still haven't nearly 25 chapters later).
It doesn't lean that way any more than the manga did. Her connection to Baiser is just as a rival and not special in that regard. Sulfur-Kiwi, Alice-Magenta, Baiser-Michiko, Kiwi-Michiko's GF, etc. Everyone is paired with a counterpart and will have frequent story beats together. Azul's was just first. None are romantic.
Even ignoring Baiser's clear opinions on the issue, Azul wouldn't keep up with all of Baiser's actual tendencies and desires. Azul is fine when "love" is directed to herself but only herself. Baiser's goals are much more complex and far reaching than that. Azul would restrict her. They work best as they are: work rivals. Only Kiwi has fully supported her and actually complements her personality and goals.
Where Utena and Kiwi get played more for gags, while Sayo gets the anime LI development and more interesting things to do. Which, realistically, is what you need to sell a successful love triangle and drive fan engagement So...
Utena and Kiwi's relationship isn't played for gags and has many heartfelt moments throughout the series. Since we've read the manga, we also know the Azul moments in the anime aren't romantic, rather just the start of a friendship. By now it's clear there's been no love triangle in this series. There's no interest in either direction and Utena has stated she's never flirted with or thought of any magical girls in a romantic sense--her villain play is not romantic (remember all of ch. 43). The author's been pretty straightforward.
last edited at Mar 30, 2024 10:43AM
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