I'm a firm believer that in the Kinako in Raimon continuity Tsurugi and Kinako were THE team ship. It ticked all the fun boxes. Rivals to lovers, bad boy and good girl, edgy and softy, ultraskilled guy and the gal who could still beat him! The 3rd years especially were super involved. There were bets when they get together: Kinako totally has to confess, Tsurugi is too awkward... but Kinako's so oblivious, he has to make the first move! There might or might not have been stalking. There were speeches prepared!
And then one day Tsurugi and the others of the Keshin Quintet return with some rabbit kid, a bear and the soul of 16th century warlord, and all that history? Gone. Zero memory of one of their most vital members. Zero memory of that one time Tsurugi gave Kinako his umbrella, and the next day she brought him mochi in thanks. Nothing. Nada.
The tragedy!
